Pirates sign outfielder Felix Pie

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed outfielder Felix Pie to a minor league deal, reports Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun:

Former #Orioles OFer Felix Pie, 27, has signed minor lg deal & has spring invite w #Pirates. Hit .285 w Atlanta's AAA in 2012, source says

— Dan Connolly (@danconnollysun) November 19, 2012

Pie’s new deal with the Pirates includes an invitation to major league spring training.

Pie was a long-time top prospect in the Chicago Cubs’ minor league system. Unfortunately for Pie and the Cubs, his success on the farm never translated at the major league level as he only hit .223/.284/.331.

The Cubs traded Pie to the Baltimore Orioles in January of 2009 in exchange for minor leaguer Hank Williamson and left-hander Garrett Olson. Pie saw more regular playing time with the Orioles, but continued to struggle with injuries and inconsistent play. He did better in Baltimore, showing flashes of the talent many had come to expect, but still only hit .259/.303/.391 over parts of three seasons.

He was signed by the Cleveland Indians last December but was eventually released and picked up by the Atlanta Braves. The 27-year-old hit .285/.338/.459 with 26 doubles, seven triples and six home runs over 333 at-bats for the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate last season.