The Pirates yesterday signed free-agent reliever Javier Lopez to a one-year, $775,000 contract, thus raising the number of left-handed relievers on their 40-man roster ... from zero to one.

"Yeah, I did notice that," Lopez said with a laugh from his Colorado home. "But, you know, I'm a guy who's looking for an opportunity, a chance to prove myself, and that's one reason I think Pittsburgh will be a good fit for me."

That might wind up being mutual.

For one, Lopez, 32, comes with minimal risk to the team: In addition to his salary, he can earn as much as $550,000 in performance bonuses based on appearances. The bonuses begin to trigger at 35 appearances and max out at 70. Still, the highest possible payout would be below the industry norm.

For another, Lopez is not far removed from being one of the American League's more reliable lefties.

His career ERA over seven seasons is 4.62, highlighted by a 3.30 mark in his final four seasons with the Boston Red Sox. He pitched for their World Series championship team in 2007 and, the next year, his 2.43 ERA in 70 appearances was fifth-lowest in Major League Baseball among lefties with a minimum 50 innings.

This past season, though, Lopez was wild early and had a 9.26 ERA in 14 appearances before Boston waived and demoted him in May. He spent the rest of the season with Class AAA Pawtucket and straightened out -- 3.18 ERA in 38 appearances -- but was blocked out of the Red Sox's bullpen by flamethrowing youngster Daniel Bard, then left behind during September callups.

"Being in Boston, it was a great experience, but it's a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately kind of place," Lopez said. "I got off to a rough start and, when you're in a division with the Yankees and Rays ... hey, I can't blame them. They had a guy in Bard who was throwing 100, and I was the guy who had his roster spot."

Lopez dismissed his struggle earlier this year, in part, to a five-run outing April 30 at Tampa Bay -- "When you don't accrue many innings as a lefty specialist, that takes a long time to work that ERA back down," he said -- but he also was scored upon in his next three appearances before being demoted.

It was Lopez's work within the perennially powerful AL East -- including a 2.28 career ERA against the New York Yankees -- that largely influenced the Pirates' decision to pursue him at major league terms following a minor league season.

"That's a tough division to pitch in," Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said. "We also like that Javier can get hitters out from both sides of the plate, a lot like Damaso Marte did here under John Russell, where he might come in to get the lefty out but can stay in to get righties, as well."

The latter has been a necessity under Russell, who prefers his left-handers durable and versatile in the mold of John Grabow.

"We definitely feel Javier can get hitters out from both sides," Huntington said. "He has a good pitch mix, and he's shown he can do it."

Lopez throws from a sidearm slot, has a below-average fastball, as well as a sinker and changeup, the latter the key for most lefties in retiring right-handed batters. His career numbers are fairly ordinary in this regard: Right-handed batters have a .294 average off him, compared to .247 for left-handed batters.

"I look forward to that type of role," Lopez said. "That was yet another reason why Pittsburgh seemed like a great place: I knew the opportunity was there to pitch not only to multiple batters, but maybe multiple innings. I was able to show that in Pawtucket this year, going three innings twice."

Lopez was the Pirates' second major league free-agent signing this offseason, along with shortstop Bobby Crosby.

The 40-man roster is at 39.

NOTES -- Huntington, on the general search for more relief through free agency: "There are a lot of bodies available. That's probably the best way to describe it." ... Phil Dumatrait, the last of the Pirates' left-handed relievers before his release last week, signed a minor league contract with Detroit for one year at $425,000. The Tigers want him to vie for their rotation. ... Kameron Loe, a free-agent reliever the Pirates had contacted through free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers for one year at $650,000. ... The Pirates retained all of their minor league managers, making only three staff changes in the system: Dean Treanor was promoted from pitching coach at Class AA Altoona to the same post at Class AAA Indianapolis, replacing the vacancy left when Ray Searage was added to the major league staff. Tom Filer was hired as Altoona's pitching coach. Mike Lum was hired as coach for rookie-level Bradenton.

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