Clint Barmes, Pirates Nearing Deal

UPDATE 3:40PM EST: Jon Heyman is hearing the deal should come in around $11 million for two years.

The Pittsburgh Pirates look like they're taking the lead in discussions for Clint Barmes, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Heyman. Rosenthal suggested the Giants and Brewers might still be involved, but Heyman quickly added that his sources (presumably) confirm that the Pirates are the team likely to close the deal.

Barmes, a mainstay middle-infielder for the Rockies for much of the past decade, he was traded to the Astros almost exactly one year ago to the Houston Astros for Felipe Paulino. Now 33, Barmes has been a career .252 / .302 / .401 hitter, which sounds worse when considering the majority was spent in Denver.

Stephen Goff points out that this would reunite Barmes with Clint Hurdle, his manager when he was with the Rockies.

Pirates Close to Deal.. @SI_JonHeyman
"#pirates close to deal for barmes. (@Ken_Rosenthal suggested they are the leader today)."

Clint Barmes Rumors: Pirates in the Lead - Ken Rosenthal
"Sources: #Pirates appear leader for Barmes. #Giants, #Brewers also have been involved. Two-year deal likely."

Barmes Could Reunite with Clint Hurdle - @Stephen_Goff
"If Clint Barmes and the Pirates reach an agreement on a deal, he'll reunite with skipper Clint Hurdle, who was Barmes manager in Colorado."