Pirates claim Dean Anna off waivers, fill 40 man roster

The Pirates announced that they claimed Dean Anna off waivers from the New York Yankees and optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis. The Pirates have now filled their 40 man roster.

Anna was on the Yankees' Opening Day roster and spent 12 games with the team. He batted .136 (3-for-22) before being optioned to Triple-A Wilkes Barre.

Last May, John Kochurov of the Hardball Times described Anna as the "most underrated player in all of professional baseball."

Anna is a lot like Mark DeRosa, another ultra-versatile player who put up high on-base percentages but didn't get a real major league opportunity until his mid-20s. Like DeRosa, Anna could end up with a long career in the big leagues, assuming someone gives him a chance.

Anna was drafted in the 26th round of the 2008 draft and batted .280/.380/.419 in 1975 minor league at bats. He has played everywhere on the field except catcher and center field.

The Yankees designated him for assignment on July 3rd to make room for Zelous Wheeler.