Stinson signs with Pirates

Former Orioles reliever Josh Stinson has signed a minor league deal with the Pirates that includes an invitation to spring training. Stinson became a minor league free agent earlier this month after going 5-5 with a 5.48 ERA in 22 games (13 starts) at Triple-A Norfolk. Stinson made the Orioles' opening day roster after allowing two unearned runs and striking out 13 in nine exhibition innings. However, he surrendered nine runs and 16 hits in 13 innings over eight appearances for a 6.23 ERA and didn't pitch for them after June 13. The Orioles outrighted Stinson to Norfolk on May 1 after he cleared waivers. They selected his contract on June 9 and outrighted him again two weeks later. Brad Brach pretty much replaced Stinson in the bullpen, giving the Orioles a right-hander who could work multiple innings backing up a starter. In case you missed it last night, closer Zach Britton was a runner-up to the Royals' Greg Holland for the inaugural Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year award. Interesting, since Holland isn't the best reliever on his own team. That honor goes to Wade Davis. But I digress ... The Yankees' Dellin Betances also was a runner-up to Holland, who posted a 1.44 ERA and 46 saves in 48 opportunities for the Royals. Britton was 3-2 with a 1.65 ERA and 37 saves in 41 opportunities. The Braves' Craig Kimbrel won the first Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year award. The panel consisted of Rivera, Hoffman, Dennis Eckersley, Rollie Fingers, Rich Gossage, Bruce Sutter, Lee Smith, John Franco and Billy Wagner. The nine voters ranked the top three AL and NL relievers based solely on regular season performance using a 5-3-1 weighted point system. These awards have replaced the Delivery Man of the Year Award, which was presented to one winner in all of Major League Baseball from 2005-13.