Pirates Offered Matt Capps for J.J. Hardy

by Charlie Wilmoth on Nov 10, 2009 3:08 PM EST

The Post-Gazette reports. This probably wouldn't have been a very appealing offer to the Brewers--they have Trevor Hoffman signed through 2010, with an option for 2011, and Capps was a complete mess all year. (It's theoretically possible the Bucs offered the deal before Hoffman signed his extension in October.) Also, Carlos Gomez, the outfielder they got for Hardy from the Twins, is still a high-upside player, even if there's a much better chance of him busting out completely than breaking out.

Still, this is interesting stuff. It still appears very likely that the Bucs' Opening Day shortstop will be Ronny Cedeno, simply because it won't be easy to upgrade on him in a cost-effective way, but it's not certain.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Glad

to see the Bucs were at least trying. I think the Brewers might have been less likely to deal JJ to a team they’d have to face as often as the Bucs, though I’m not sure how important Melvin would have held that, obviously the return on the trade is the most important factor in determing which offer to accept.

by Danatural08 on Nov 10, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions

Also Glad

JJ is so over rated we would have up way to much .

by Ron J on Nov 10, 2009 4:22 PM EST reply actions

Well...

..I still think the Brewers got hosed on that deal, but I would have said the same thing had the Pirates managed to trade Capps for Hardy.

With that being said, Capps and Gomez both pretty young. Capps is a little more proven in the league, although his struggles are very well known. Gomez might not be anything more than a defensive specialist, but he does have upside like Charlie mentions.

All in all, an upside CF is probably worth more than a mid-tier closer, good set up man. No doubt if the Brewers traded Hardy at the deadline he would’ve gotten more return, especially from the Twins.

I suppose they don’t really need Hardy anymore, but either way, Brewers lose, cool with me.

by jlk9697 on Nov 10, 2009 4:35 PM EST reply actions

capps

maybe he won’t come in fifty pounds overweight; then again i’m sure he will just like last year and he’ll blame everything else but his weight for all his physical ailments!

by Pilgrim34 on Nov 10, 2009 4:40 PM EST reply actions

Capps

Talk about a rough year….the yearlong struggles on the mound last season, then the unexpected passing of his father 2 weeks ago, and now he finds out he’s being shopped as trade bait. I feel for the guy right now. That’s alot to go through.

If anything, he’ll probably be going through a period of self reflection in the next few months. I’m sure he’ll show up at spring training at least with a new determined focus. Let’s hope he bounces back.

by HoakyPoak on Nov 10, 2009 4:46 PM EST reply actions

The Pirates best option at shortstop might be……Iwamura. It won’t happen, and we don’t know if he could play it. Then again, Cedeno could certainly play at or below replacement level again. And it’s not like he’s some kind of Gold Glover at SS with a career -5.6 UZR/150 and -9.8 UZR total.

by Adam Reynolds on Nov 11, 2009 12:17 AM EST reply actions