Friday, 08 February 2013 23:27

Written by Bill Brink

ATHENS, Ga. — Francisco Liriano officially became a Pirate late Friday night.

The terms of his new deal, according to a source:

• One-year contract for 2013 with $1 million guaranteed
• Liriano can earn up to $3.75 million more in 2013 depending on how much time he spends on the disabled list because of his broken right humerus
• $8 million club option for 2014
• Option could also vest at $5 million, $6 million or $8 million for 2014 depending on DL time in 2013
• If Liriano’s 2014 option vests for $5 or $6 million, he can make up the difference based on the number of games he starts in ‘14

The deal allows Liriano to earn the full $12.75 million over two years that he originally agreed to, but prevents the Pirates from owing millions of dollars to a pitcher who spent a good portion of the year on the DL.

In all likelihood, Liriano will spend some time on the DL at the start of 2013, so he probably will not reach the full value of the contract.

The Pirates outrighted Vin Mazzaro, who had already cleared waivers, to Class AAA Indianapolis to make room for Liriano. Neal Huntington has said he thinks Mazzaro can play a role in the bullpen, but his spotty performance and lack of minor league options may have convinced the Pirates that he was their best chance at sneaking someone through waivers and retaining them.