The Hanshin Tigers, in Japan, are apparently looking to acquire the Pirates' Jeff Clement for next season. Clement is currently with the big club, but he almost certainly wouldn't go into Spring Training next season with the assurance that he'll have a job on a major-league roster. He's also 29, just the age when a lot of minor-league sluggers start to realize that MLB stardom is unlikely. Heading to Japan might be a good way for him to collect a few years' worth of hefty salaries before he retires.
↵Incidentally, Hanshin is also interested in Mauro Gomez, a first baseman who I called for the Pirates to consider acquiring earlier this season, back in the dark ages of April and May when it didn't look like they could hit at all. Gomez had a great season in the International League, posting 24 homers and a .960 OPS, and also posted a .790 OPS in 67 big-league at bats.
↵Via MLB Trade Rumors.
↵For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout.