Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the Pirates are moving "closer" to deals for Nate McLouth and Wilson Betemit. Both moves would make sense to some degree. McLouth could take over in left field and would at least have a chance to get his career back on track where it first took off. Betemit would offer a viable alternative at third base if Pedro Alvarez doesn't shape up, and he could also handle first base if Derrek Lee departs.