The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced they have agreed to terms with closer Matt Capps on a two-year contract. The announcement was made by Neal Huntington, the Pirates' Senior Vice President and General Manager. Capps led the club in appearances (76) and tied for 14th among National League relievers in that department in 2007 while compiling 18 saves and a 2.28 ERA after moving into the closer?s role on June 1. He converted 18 of his 20 save opportunities from that point, which was the fifth-best ratio (90%) in the majors in that time. Matt appeared in a club rookie record 85 games while leading all major league rookies in appearances during his first full season in the big leagues in 2006. In addition to posting a 9-1 record and 3.79 ERA, he also allowed the second-fewest walks (12) among all pitchers in the majors (minimum 80.0 innings). ?We are pleased to reach agreement on a mutually beneficial contract with Matt Capps,? said Huntington. ?This contract provides the club cost certainty, gives Matt some financial protection, and will allow the Pirates to avoid the arbitration process following this season.? The 24-year-old pitcher was selected by the Pirates in the seventh round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. Capps has also agreed to make a sizable annual donation to Pirates Charities as part of his agreement with the ballclub. Established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2006, Pirates Charities is the club?s official philanthropic arm that is committed to strengthening the community through the three core areas of youth health, fitness, and education.