Here's a story on the many young Pirates playing in winter leagues. Brad Eldred (who's really being worked hard this year), Chris Duffy and Rajai Davis are playing in Mexico; Ryan Doumit and Nate McLouth already stopped playing in the Dominican due to what sounds like minor problems; Ronny Paulino and Jose Bautista are still in the Dominican; Mike Restovich and Yurendell DeCaster are killing the ball in Venezuela; and Ian Snell is also pitching in Venezuela.
Some thoughts on this:
-Ryan Doumit is an injury-prone catcher who just played one of only two full seasons he's had in his pro career. Why risk having him get injured in winter ball?
-There aren't any quotes in the article about Davis; I wonder if he'll be included on the 40-man roster when it comes out?
-By the way, the 40-man will be set soon.
-Isn't DeCaster supposed to be a minor-league free agent? Does anyone know if the Pirates still control him?
-It's strange that Snell allegedly refused an Arizona Fall League assignment but he's willing to pitch winter ball.