Pirates Notes: Nick Evans, Clint Hurdle

Here's the latest notes on the Pirates, who signed Nick Evans last night:

• Pirates sign Nick Evans to Minors deal " By Gosh, It's Langosch
  "Drafted by the Mets in the fifth round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Evans was removed from New York’s 40-man roster earlier this offseason. He was with the Mets for parts of the last four seasons, though regular playing time always proved a challenge for Evans to get. After batting .306 in 20 games with New York in 2010, Evans hit .256 with 10 doubles, four homers and 25 RBIs in 59 Major League games this season."
• Pirates Sign Nick Evans - Bucs Dugout
  "...But I could see Evans getting a fair amount of playing time, particularly if the Pirates can't find a deal they like on a first baseman this winter. It's a minor-league deal, so there's no harm in it either way."
• Indians Were Pursuing Evans - @AdamRubinESPN
  "Cleveland #Indians were the other team that most actively pursued Nick Evans before he signed with #Pirates. #mets"

• Evans signs with Pirates - New York Daily News
  "Frequently shuffling between the major and minors, Evans --who always impressed the organization and much of the fan base with his character and work ethic -- did not see many sustained opportunities with the Mets."
• Saying Goodbye To Nick Evans - Amazin' Avenue
  Never a great ballplayer, Nick Evans won the hearts and minds of a core group of Mets fans.
• Clint Hurdle's Managerial Tendencies Revisited, Part Two - Bucs Dugout
  "On the whole, I think the data shows that Hurdle adjusted his tactics to the personnel he had, rather than making moves according to pre-determined formulas. I also think the Pirates probably benefited from his moves, although it’s not possible to quantify that. If nothing else, his maneuvering at least left me with the impression that he was doing everything he could to win games, which often didn't seem to be the case with John Russell."