Finding Pedro's Plan B

The Pirates made that move to add a backup option at third base. Strangely it comes from another team within the division.

After the Brewers signed former Bucco Aramis Ramirez to a contract, the Brewers no longer needed the services of Casey McGehee. It was then that the Brewers and Pirates found a match with each other and consummated a deal that sent reliver Jose Veras to Milwaukee for McGehee.

Veras who pitched very well for the Bucs, aside from occasional spurts were nothing seemed to work for him, was eligible to be non-tendered. Unlike Garrett Jones, there really was not much talk about Veras being a guy that might be on the way out in that fashion.

Adding McGehee the team gets a player that is used to the division and knows the pitchers. He also had a good season two years ago, but fell off last season. He still did hit 13 home runs for the club. Most of McGhee's success in 2010 were due to his high hit total, which dropped off last season and caused a drop off in many of his other numbers. That has to be troubling to see, especially as he is getting older.

But in adding McGehee the club is not looking to add a guy to start, instead they are looking to add a guy that can play on the bench and fill in if needed. If McGehee were to be an everyday player, we might be in some serious trouble, but as a fill in he is OK.

Losing Veras may not be all that much to worry about. There are plenty of arms in the minors, as well as potential free agent finds that could replace him. Granted you never really want to lose a tried arm, but bullpen guys are replaceable. Clint Hurdle will find another righty to call on.

While this is another move that may make some roll their eyes, it is a move eyed to stabilizing the team for this season not really down the line. Adding McGehee adds some insurance if Pedro falters. There could be worse options, and there could be better (mainly Pedro plays well), but this is OK, I guess.