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Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports says that the Pittsburgh Pirates are showing interest in free agent starting pitcher Jeff Francis. Francis signed a one year deal for $2mm with the Kansas City Royals last off season, and it seems like it will take more than that to sign him this season.
The Pirates were interested in Francis one year ago, and they have also shown an interest in Aaron Cook this off season. So it seems like they are going to try to invest in one of those options. Pitching has always been a problem with the Bucs, but they found some success last year and want it to continue.
It seems like the Seattle Mariners will be the competition for Francis, as it has been reported that they are in on him and free agent lefty Jamie Moyer, who is coming off Tommy John surgery. The Mariners have a solid staff currently, but could use an upgrade in some areas there.