Pirates Moves: Steve Pearce, Aaron Thompson Sign With Twins; Kris Johnson Signs With Bucs

Here's a roundup of some minor moves involving the Pirates on Thursday.

First, the Twins signed former Bucs Steve Pearce and Aaron Thompson. Pearce is the more noteworthy of the two - he put up big minor-league numbers in 2007 and, to the chagrin of some fans, never got much playing time with the Pirates. In the Bucs' defense, though, he was often hurt, and he didn't hit particularly well in the opportunities he did receive. 

Thompson is a junkballer who picked up a few big-league appearances when the Pirates were in a tailspin at the end of the 2011 season. He's never had a terribly impressive statistical profile, even in the minors, and the Pirates aren't likely to miss him.

Also, the Pirates signed Kris Johnson, a pitcher from the Red Sox organization, presumably to a minor-league contract. He's 27 and his numbers in the minors have recently been horrible - he allows far too many walks, and he somehow managed to allow seven homers in 20.2 innings at Class AAA Pawtucket last year. The Pirates must like his stuff.

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