Deadline Dealin'

[sparky]

Rodriguez from the Astros? Any takers?

[S Cube]

It looks like a good move at the moment. Wandy is a durable lefty who has the ability to dominate a game. Plus he's locked up through next year with an option for 2014. It'll be interesting to see what Owens does at the big league level since he never got an opportunity with the Bucs. I didn't want to get rid of Grossman because I really like his upside, but getting an established big league starter for the stretch run could be huge.

As far as James McDonald's struggles, I would like to see him get skipped next time through or at least get an extra day or two's rest. He seems a little bit maxed out right now and could use a short break to recharge mentally and physically.

[Crimson's Ghost]

I do like the move. They needed another arm.

Rudy Owens will go straight to the majors over there. He may be an OK MLB pitcher, but lacks velocity and could be another Zach Duke.
Robbie Grossman had some upside, but I was never floored by his numbers.
And Colton Cain is just to fill out the deal, highly regarded coming into the system, hasn't been anything great of late.



What would be the corresponding roster move? Who leaves the rotation? I'd move Meek down, Correia to the pen.

[Eaglealum]

With what Huntington said about the pitcher market was more flexible and "this was the move for us". The Bucs may be done dealing. I really think they need another bat. But he could be trying to talk another GM down on current demands. They were reportedly after Victorino but balked when Philly wanted Brad Lincoln included. I still think they need a big bat, they have a surplus of fast outfielders(Presly,Cutch,Hernandez,Marte,etc.) which is a must at PNC park, but they need a guy that can go yard regularly for protection at the #4 or #5 hole so that Cutch and Pedro see hittable pitches between now and Sept.

[S Cube]

I agree Crimson, Correia to the pen. But first I would put Wandy in J-Mac's spot and skip him a turn. Then Correia to the pen.

[voncap]

With the 20 games in a row stretch coming in August, I can see Hernandez or Mercer going down and the PBC keeping an extra pitcher.

I get that Hernandez can be a late inning defensive replacement, but otherwise what are Hernandez and Mercer adding to the club right now anyway?

I like the Rodriquez trade: The one down side is giving up Grossman, but I am not sure where Grossman fits in with Cutch, Tabata, Presley, & Marte all blocking his path.
Upsides: Another proven Lefty for stretch run this season and another starter locked up for next season, and they only have to pay part of his salary. Owens was expendable, and the team will get two seasons out of Rodriquez before Cain is even ready to smell the majors, if at all. I also like the fact that the prospects won't be in the Pirates' division after this season.

[Crimson's Ghost]

I bet the Pirates get a bat of some sort, unless that bat is named Starling Marte....

[Crimson's Ghost]

Hanley to the Dodgers.
COle Hamels staying with the Phillies.


Zzch Greinke,James Shields appear to be the top pitchers.
Hunter Pence, Alfonzo Soriano, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Chase Headley are the top hitters.

Could be some unknown trade guys out there, much like Ichiro was unknown.