The Pirates made a huge move Tuesday, upgrading both heir starting lineup and their bench, all while managing to walk the fine line between giving up enough to make a deal and giving up too much. They also found out some great news about a key contributor to the rotation, and optioned the biggest surprise pitcher in MLB in the first half to Double A Altoona
The Bucs acquired outfielder Marlon Byrd and catcher John Buck for minor league prospect Dilson Herrera and a player to be named later (Vic Black). Let’s look at the deal and how it will cause ripples throughout the Bucs’ lineup, and how dealing Herrera will impact the team’s future.
Byrd, who has played for six teams in 12-year career, is having the best year of his life in 2013, having already beat his career high in homers and is on pace to shatter his previous career high for slugging percentage. His 21 home runs, .285 batting average, and 26 doubles place him second on the team, his .518 slugging percentage is tops, and his .330 OBP is third. In addition, Pirate right fielders (nine players) up to this point in the season have hit to the tune of a .232 batting average with just 12 homers and 44 RBI, so even if Byrd can’t keep up his staggering production (which he likely won’t), he will STILL be a significant upgrade over what the Bucs have been putting out there this season.
The move, in addition to turning the team’s biggest weakness into a position of strength, also adds greatly to the depth of their bench. For starters, Russell Martin can now move out of a position of power in the lineup to a bat-controlled spot, such as second or sixth. It also will help the team get along without star left fielder Starling Marte, who is out at least two weeks with a hand injury, and once he returns will push Jose Tabata to the bench. Tabata is a strong player for a fourth outfielder and, in addition to Andrew Lambo, will give the team some options for the stretch. John Buck, the other player acquired from the Mets, will now back up Martin and will give manager Clint Hurdle another right-handed bat off the bench (15 home runs, 60 RBIs) in addition to letting him carry three catchers once rosters expand on the first of September. Overall, the deal was a move that now gives the Bucs a legitimate chance to make a run for the NL Central crown as well as the World Series.
Adding to the positive vibes around the Bucs’ clubhouse, pitcher Wandy Rodriguez heard some great news during his visit to Dr. James Andrews. So good, in fact, that a rehab assignment could be coming “very soon”. This news comes at a great time, as lefty Jeff Locke has struggled greatly in the second half. Locke, who had a sparkling 2.11 ERA just two months ago, was optioned to Double A today along with catcher Tony Sanchez to make room for Byrd and Buck.
