Watch out for those tripping hazards in the Buccos dugout.

[bjf1984]

Buccos picked up Joe Blanton from the Royals (presumably to help out in the middle relief role).
Neither of the likely candidates to be moved to make room for him - Guerra or, more likely, Caminero - have options left (and both guys have shown enough - at times - that you'd hate to lose them outright).

I can foresee a "Travis Snyder-esque" injury - that places one of them on the DL until September. Did Caminero stub his toe on the dugout steps yesterday?


BTW - I think the Phillies' front office made their best move in years.......nice group of decent/good level prospects, and got out from under an albatross of a contract. Very good long-term move for the Phils - IMHO.
That ginormous TV deal the Rangers put together a few years ago gives them the cash to overpay in deals like this - much to the Phillies benefit. (Phils do help out by eating Harrison's contract - but that's a small percentage of the Hamels' cost)

 

[LemonEars]

I don't think the Pirates are done. Look for them to trade Pedro Alvarez for some top minor league prospects or a decent first baseman. Pedro has come to life lately. He will entice some American League team to be their DH.

 

[bjf1984]

I don't think the Pirates are done. Look for them to trade Pedro Alvarez for some top minor league prospects or a decent first baseman. Pedro has come to life lately. He will entice some American League team to be their DH.

The only likely available First Baseman that would represent a clear upgrade - IMHO - is Lind (and I think the Cards - especially if Holliday is out again - will be willing to offer more for him than he is worth).

As much as figure Pedro will not be around for 2016 (in a Bucco uniform) there just isn't much help out there at 1B.......I'd rather see the Buccos add a guy like Mike Leake - who should come relatively cheap, and would - IMO - be a significant upgrade over their current 4th/5th starters.

 

[bison13]

Last week the Pirates offered Pedro to every team in the league and couldnt get more than a bucket of balls and some pierogies. Even with his relative hot streak who is going to give a 'top' prospect for him.

 

[bjf1984]

Last week the Pirates offered Pedro to every team in the league and couldnt get more than a bucket of balls and some pierogies. Even with his relative hot streak who is going to give a 'top' prospect for him.

The Buccos do have the option of simply not offering him arbitration this off-season.

I can't imagine the Buccos offering him arbitration, and then picking up the likely tab of $8 million or so for next year. I do think that some team (likely an AL team that could put him at DH) would be willing to take on that salary and provide the Buccos with SOMETHING in return (even if it was a "B" level prospect, a comp round draft pick, or some "international bonus" money).

Right now, the Buccos only other option at 1B is Ishikawa, and there is not much available on the rental market for 1B......so they very well may keep him for the rest of 2015. I would expect the Pirates to look to make an off-season acquisition at 1B (even if it is a - God forbid - Adam Laroche type.....just to bridge the gap until Bell might be ready), and then ship Pedro off for whatever they can get in return - even if it ain't much.

BTW - I understand there may be a KBO First Baseman who [EDIT, the guy's name is Byung-Ho Park.....averaging about 40+ HRs and an 1100 OPS last few years in the very "hitter friendly" KBO] may be "posted" this off-season. Given the success of Kang, maybe the Buccos will be interested.

 

[nits74]

The Buccos do have the option of simply not offering him arbitration this off-season.

I can't imagine the Buccos offering him arbitration, and then picking up the likely tab of $8 million or so for next year. I do think that some team (likely an AL team that could put him at DH) would be willing to take on that salary and provide the Buccos with SOMETHING in return (even if it was a "B" level prospect, a comp round draft pick, or some "international bonus" money).

Right now, the Buccos only other option at 1B is Ishikawa, and there is not much available on the rental market for 1B......so they very well may keep him for the rest of 2015. I would expect the Pirates to look to make an off-season acquisition at 1B (even if it is a - God forbid - Adam Laroche type.....just to bridge the gap until Bell might be ready), and then ship Pedro off for whatever they can get in return - even if it ain't much.

BTW - I understand there may be a KBO First Baseman who may be "posted" this off-season. Given the success of Kang, maybe the Buccos will be interested.

Who would that be? Any information on him?

 

[JoeLion]

If the Pirates hold true to their previous pattern they will find a veteran, at the tail end of his career first baseman at or immediately after the trade deadline to rotate with Pedro. I would be surprised if they do anything that would be considered a major move.