The Pirates and outfielder Nate McLouth aren't even close to agreeing on a multi-year contract extension. "Unfortunately, there are times when the differences just seem large enough that it's not going to get done without a hearing," general manager Neal Huntington said Thursday night. "I think both sides recognize that it's in our best interests to do something without a hearing. But if we need to go there, they've stated they're ready to go and, obviously, we are ready to go, too, if we have to." McLouth's camp asked for $3.8 million in a deal, but Pittsburgh only offered $2.75 million. The Pirates have not gone to an arbitration hearing since 2004.