The Pirates are one of five teams trying to sign Japanese relief pitcher Yasuhiko Yabuta. Yabuta, 34, a right-hander, had a 2.73 earned run average in 58 appearances for the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2007, then declared for free agency. The Pirates last winter signed Japanese reliever Masumi Kuwata. He pitched in 19 games for them. Kuwata seemed to enjoy his stint with the Pirates, which could help them in their bid to sign Yabuta.