On Monday night it was reported the Houston Astros were in "serious discussions" with starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong. Those discussions are apparently progressing into Tuesday. In Pittsburgh, the newly acquired Jung-ho Kang is getting a head start before the Pirates begin camp.
According to Mark Berman of FOX 26 Sports, Vogelsong arrived in Houston last night, but he wouldn't comment about his current situation with the Astros. The fact that it was reported the right-hander was in serious discussions with the Astros before he arrived in Houston means he could be undergoing a pre-signing physical. After all, Evan Gattis was in Houston last week for a physical before the trade between the Astros and Braves was official.
It's been known the Astros were looking for another starter this offseason to provide depth in the back-end of the rotation. With Scott Feldman, Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh and Brett Oberholtzer likely in the first four spots heading into spring training, the team needs to either add depth at the No. 5 spot (which, as of today, would be up for competition between Dan Straily and Brad Peacock) or an ace at the top of the rotation. While it's still an option for them to pay free-agent starter James Shields, it looks like Vogelsong is their guy if everything goes as planned.
If Vogelsong is indeed closer to signing, he'll join relievers Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek, catcher/outfielder Evan Gattis, infielder Jed Lowrie, pitcher Dan Straily and third baseman Luis Valbuena as the team's offseason acquisitions.
As for other offseason moves, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Korean shortstop Jung-ho Kang last week to a four-year, $11 million deal. Kang said he was exited to contribute to the Pirates' organization, and he wasn't kidding. The 27-year-old is training in Arizona with his former teammates of the Nexen Heroes working out at the Texas Rangers' Spring Training facility to get a head start before he joins the Pirates, according to Tom Singer of MLB.com.
Kang is expected to head over to the Pittsburgh Pirates' Spring Training facility in Bradenton, Florida on February 10, which is two weeks before position players are required to report. It's unclear how the Pirates plan to use Kang since their infield is set with Neil Walker at second base, Jordy Mercer at shortstop and Josh Harrison at third base. Kang expressed his confidence about winning the Opening Day job at shortstop, but right now he's excited to join the MLB and take his career to the next level.
"Right now, being here, it still feels unreal," he said through an interpreter, via Singer. "Once I get to Florida, I will realize I'm really part of the team and I'm looking forward to playing with my new teammates."
Kang had a career year in the KBO this past season and slashed .356/.459/.739 with 40 home runs and 117 RBIs in 117 games.
UPDATE: ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports the Astros and Vogelsong are "hopeful for a deal" and are "working through some final steps. Also, Berman says outfielder Colby Rasmus is in Houston for a physical, but no deal yet.
