(Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)
The Pirates got four players in return:3B Andy LaRoche, from the Dodgers, OF Brandon Moss and pitcher Craig Hansen from the Red Sox and minor league pitcher Bryan Morris.
Moss, is a more than serviceable outfielder I've always liked, who at the very least provides excellent depth to a team that desperately (and always needs it). He's a gritty kid who gives it his all 100% of the time like an Aaron Rowand-type player.
Andy LaRoche, has been the biggest surprise, providing better than expected defence while giving the team its best third baseman since Aramis Ramirez. (Freddy Sanchez switched positions).
While he doesn't have power, he should get 75-80 RBIs if healthy and he's only 25 and being the brother of teammate Adam LaRoche helps keep him in town its all the better.
Best of all, he provides time for last year's No. 2 overall pick Pedro Alverez to stay in the minors and fully develop instead of being rushed based on need and lack of depth that plagues all too many small market teams.
Hansen has been the most disappointing of the three having posted a 5.68 ERA to date. Yet, he's still only 25 himself and while with the Red Sox showed flashes of promise while being a high draft pick.
Should he be able to get his stuff together, he provides good depth to a position that needs it in the bullpen where you can never have too much and where the Bucs never have enough.
July 26, 2008 Xavier Nady trade
Nady was a young but overrated outfielder who seemed to be having a career year with the always fledgling Bucs. A former journeyman with the Mets and Pirates before, Nady was shipped to the New York Yankees for four players.
Then-minor league pitchers Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens, prized but raw outfielder Jose Tabata, and Dan "dont call me Andrew" McCutchen. The latter can only hope to have the promise the former seems to show.
Ohlendorf and Karsens were both smartly made starters where each shows signs of promise in finally upgrading a depleted and patchwork pitching staff. The 26 yaer old Ohlendorf is currently 5-5 with a 4.82 ERA while Karstens is 3-4 but only 26 as well leaving room for growth and improvement.
At 28-32 the Pirates are showing signs of having a decent season for the first time since 1999 when they finished 78-83. Lets hope we get to see them play it out and see if good things come and they can turn the corner they so deserve. It appears they are on the right track and I remain cautiously optimistic.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete