Veteran right-hander Masumi Kuwata has signed a new minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he said on his official Web site Tuesday. "I received a contract form from the Pirates and signed carefully and gratefully today," Kuwata said. "As I did last year, I really have to compete in spring training for a spot on the major league roster." Kuwata, who turns 40 years old on April 1, will return to the Pirates organization after making his major league debut on June 10, 2007. He had a 0-1 record with a 9.43 ERA in 19 relief appearances. He was designated for assignment in mid-August.
