Pirates rumors: Pittsburgh hopes to re-sign Jason Grilli

The Pittsburgh Pirates are trying to re-sign right-hander Jason Grilli as their setup man for 2013, but they are facing competition from other teams who are interested in him as a closer, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:

Grilli has been fantastic for the Pirates since signing with them in July of 2011. Prior to signing with Pittsburgh, he had been released by the Philadelphia Phillies and was sporting a career ERA of 4.74 with 6.6 strikeouts and 4.1 walks per nine innings.

Grille has experience a transformation of sorts with the Pirates, as the 36-year-old has posted an ERA of 2.76 with a whopping 12.5 strikeouts and 3.6 walks per nine innings over the past two seasons. Last season he posted an ERA of 2.91 with two saves over 64 appearances spanning 58 2/3 innings.

Pittsburgh is hoping to retain Grilli to act as a setup man for closer Joel Hanrahan.