The Pirates are preparing to approach outfielder Nate McLouth, catcher Ryan Doumit, and starter Paul Maholmn regarding contract extensions, according to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The offers could come by the end of the season along with a deal for first-round pick Pedro Alvarez, who the team claims they will not overpay. "If we complied with a demand to grossly exceed the well-established market for drafted players, we would severely harm the Pirates' ability to build the championship-caliber club our fans so richly deserve," Team President Frank Coonelly said Tuesday.