The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded shortstop Gift Ngoepe to the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named or cash. He was the first African-born player to reach the major leagues. The Pirates also added outfielder Austin Meadows to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft in December. Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Johnny Damon, Carlos Zambrano and Johan Santana are among the new names appearing on the 33-man Hall of Fame ballot from the Baseball Writers Association of America. Final ballots are due December 31st. Carry-overs include former Pirate Barry Bonds.
