The National Post is reporting that the Bucs have signed former Gold Glove winner Doug Mientkiewicz to a minor league deal, with an invitation to spring training.

Mientkiewicz, while known for his leather, has been no slouch at the plate the last couple of years either. The 33-year old batted .271 and posted an OBP of .349 in 166 plate appearances with the Yankees last season, after batting .283/.359 in 314 appearances with Kansas City in 2006.

It is a bit perplexing as to why the Bucs would bother with Mientkiewicz considering they already have a log-jam at 1B with LaRoche, Nady, Gomez, and Pearce. Mientkiewicz has made a handful of starts at 2B and 3B over his career, and it is possible the Pirates could ask him to endure more of a utility role, but even then it doesn’t seem as though he’ll fit in the team’s plans barring injuries or an upcoming trade.

Maybe Neal’s got a LaRoche deal up his sleeve, or maybe he’s just looking for more crap to throw against the wall. Just have to wait and see.

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