The Pirates got all extension-happy last offseason, but according to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, don't look for it to happen again this winter:Do not expect any multiyear extensions this offseason. Unlike last year, when the Pirates went long term with Paul Maholm, Nate McLouth and Ryan Doumit, management has no plan to try that with anyone this winter. That includes Zach Duke, who can become a free agent after the 2011 season.
After being a disappointment for three years running, the 26-year-old Duke took a step forward in 2009, posting a 4.06 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 32 starts, his best totals since his fantastic showing as a rookie (1.81 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 14 starts) in 2005. It looked like Delwyn Young would be the starter at second base going in to 2010, but fortunately for the young southpaw, he'll have Akinori Iwamura to pick up his frequent worm-killers.
