Busy Day Three

The Pirates were extremely busy in the third day at the winter meetings. They went out and replaced Paul Maholm, shored up the bench, and removed some players from the roster to make some room. All of this for a shade under $6 million, without any incentives counted in.

First who left. Well one guy leaving, though if history is any indicator, he will be back is Pedro Ciriaco. Ciriaco acquired in a trade with the Diamondbacks, seemingly racked up the most miles possible between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh this season. Perhaps he will need to find a new AAA city to do that with, as he was designated for assignment today. I can't see where another team would really jump at him, unless they need a glove, so I would expect him to be back, at least not on the 40 man this time.

The second player to leave was catcher Jason Jaramillo. Jaramillo spent the majority of his time in AAA this past season. While I am not sold on him at the major league level, it is nice to have him around for depth. At 29 he is probably not going to be much more than he is now.

Who then joined the club? Well one was an old name, Nate McLouth, whose joining seemed to bring out a vitriol that I sort of did not expect. Sure many in the fan base love him as he was a scrappy can do guy that came out of nowhere and others just think he was a over hyped one year wonder. I have to ask myself if many would not think as negatively of him had he not won a Gold Glove, perhaps some in the stats community would not be as harsh.

As I mentioned earlier, adding McLouth is a better option than Xavier Paul. McLouth brings a broader skill set and more of a track record. If Nate can rebound a little, and perhaps being on the bench will do that for a more veteran player, he might be well worth it. As long as Nate is not taking time from Presley or Tabata, I am fine with the move. A backup was needed and Gorkys Hernandez is not ready, and in my opinion never will be.

Adding McLouth was not the only move, Huntington made today. He signed Erik Bedard to a one year deal, adding a free agent pitcher that has some upside. While he may not be the same Bedard that was once dominate and appeared to be the next ace of the American League, he is definitely better than most other options the Pirates could have taken. If Bedard can stay healthy, this could be a really good move.

As a lefty that struck out close to a guy an inning he could have real value at PNC Park. Bedard keeps the ball down and in the park, add that to a park that favors southpaws, and it is a possible good fit. I would say bringing in Bedard is immediately better than say Jeff Francis would have been.

While adding McLouth and Bedard may not get national headlines, the Pirates have made some holes a little less smaller today. Whether they have plugged them we don't know. Adding McLouth gives the bench some flexibility in the outfield and Bedard gives some strong upside on the mound.