FanPost

Armchair Trade Deadline Notes


Since this a fans blog I thought I would give my two cents on the Trade Deadline and the Pirates' accomplishments thus far.

1.) What the Pirates Shouldn't Do: The Indians traded for Ubaldo Jimenez in a desperate attempt to claim the division crown. The Indians are a desperate franchise (although not to the degree the Pirates are) and made a desperate short-sighted move. This was in order to get an Ace that may or may not lead them to the playoffs. The Indians mortgaged last years no.1 pick, the pitching stud Drew Pomeranz, Alex White (the Tribe's no.1 pick in '09), another promising pitching prospect named Joe Gardner, and a solid first base prospect named Matt McBride. Thats two former no.1 picks, including one who is dominating minor league ball right now (Pomeranz).This trade is a text book example of "selling the farm". Kuddos to the Rockies who secured a solid future and let me introduce the Indians to the exciting world of "consecutive-losing-seasons-land". 

2.) What the Pirates Could Not Do: As you probably read on ESPN plenty by now (and if you watched tonight's game), you'll know the Philadelphia Phillies just added Hunter Pence to their already dominate lineup. This is a classic example of the Rich getting Richer. As Charlie pointed out earlier in a post, this is a trade that the Phillies could do, due to the fact they are able to hang on to their ace pitchers and other stud players. This is an ability the Pirates do not have. The Red Sox, Yankees, and Cubs all have a similar benefit as the Phillies, a farm system is a luxury and not a necessity for these teams. So until the Pirates can secure repeat trips to the World Series as the Phillies have done, thus ensuring crazy ticket sales, they will not have the money or this option for some time. 

3.) What the Pirates Did Do: As you have read plenty I'm sure already, the Pirates have traded and got Derek Lee. Yes, I am excited to add him to our team despite his age. Lee is a notorious late starter and the Pirates may be catching him on the upswing, plus an added motive to play on a competing team. The Pirates did not break the bank to get Lee, nor should they for any instant upgrade at this point. The Pirates traded a C prospect (arguably C+) in Aaron Baker, someone of whom the fans will never even notice he's gone. In agreement with Charlie, I believe the Bucs should not stop now and attempt to add more salary dump-esque players. I think Giambi should still be considered (if you are skeptical check out his OPS this season). Perhaps a Chris Davis caliber log-jam player or two. And lastly someone to help the bullpen or rotation out (can we say hello to Kevin Slowley). 

So in Conclusion, the Derek Lee deal is perhaps the best the Pirates could snag in this Seller's market. Although the Pirates have plenty of C+ caliber players that they won't be able to protect in the next Rule 5 draft. Therefore, lets take advantage of that. In the meantime, lets hope Derek Lee catches fire and perhaps could tutor young Pedro a bit into becoming a MVP caliber hitter.

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