Chacon

BRADENTON, Fla. — Shawn Chacon, whose status was uncertain at the end of last season, says he's happy to be back with the Pittsburgh Pirates and competing for one open spot in the starting rotation.

Chacon, acquired by the Pirates from the New York Yankees for Craig Wilson at the non-waiver trading deadline in July, went 3-2 with 5.58 ERA in nine starts while also battling a sore left knee.

All but guaranteed a raise in last season's $3.6 million salary as a player eligible for salary arbitration, Chacon knew that the low-revenue Pirates might look in another direction. But he wanted to return and got his wish when the team decided to tender him a contract by the Dec. 12 deadline.

Chacon agreed to a one-year contract worth $3,825,000 in January. The contract, however, is non-guaranteed and the Pirates would be responsible for paying only one-fourth of his salary — $956,200 — if they release him by March 30.

"I wanted to come back to Pittsburgh," Chacon said. "I really enjoyed myself the last two months of last season. The team played well and a lot of young guys really improved. It was a lot of fun. I just felt I fit in better with a young team like the Pirates than a veteran team like the Yankees."

Chacon struggled with the Yankees last season and was demoted from the starting rotation to long relief as he went 5-3 with a 7.00 ERA in 17 games, including 11 starts.

While most players wouldn't be happy leaving the Yankees, who began last season with a $194 million payroll, to the Pirates, who have a $46 million payroll, Chacon said he had no complaints.

"It's a different world," Chacon said. "In New York, they can pay a long reliever $3 million or $4 million. In Pittsburgh, if you're making that kind of money, then you better be a productive player. There is just such a big difference in markets."