Dejan Kovacevic thinks the Pirates have acquired catcher Mike McKenry from the Red Sox. McKenry, 26, is hitting .274/.369/.421 for Class AAA Pawtucket, and he hit .265/.328/.424 last year for Class AAA Colorado Springs, which is a great place for hitters. He's supposed to be strong defensively, so there's that, and he's probably slightly more likely to hit than Dusty Brown or Wyatt Toregas. All things considered, he's probably a modest upgrade. I'd still probably rather see Eric Fryer, but this at least is a step in the right direction.
This isn't confirmed yet, and what the Pirates are giving up isn't yet clear, although I assume it's insignificant.
UPDATE: It's confirmed. The Bucs will give up cash or a PTBNL. They have designated Toregas for assignment. There had to have been high fives all around the McKenry household tonight. "Hey! I'm a major-league starting catcher!"
Also, the Pirates have signed sixth-round pick Dan Gamache, a third baseman from Auburn, for $125,000. He should be strong defensively and I bet he'll demonstrate good plate discipline in the low minors, but he isn't a big power hitter. I'm guessing he'll start at State College. It's nice to see an early-round pick get under contract so quickly.