11/14/14

Pittsburgh Pirates Off Season Update

The Pirates have been very busy early this off season. Bench coach Jeff Banister left to become the manager of the Texas Rangers. Russell Martin, Francisco Liriano, Edinson Volquez, and Clint Barmes became free agents at the conclusion of the World Series. Even though these are some key losses, the Pirates have had many additions as well. The Pirates have swung four trades thus far. They acquired pitcher Preston Guilmet from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for cash considerations. On the same day that the Pirates designated pitchers John Axford and Jeanmar Gomez for assignment, the Pirates made a trade with the Cleveland Indians to acquire infielder Justin Sellers. This week, the Pirates made two trades. The first trade was with the Colorado Rockies. The Pirates acquired pitcher Rob Scahill from the Rockies in exchange for minor league pitcher Shane Carle. The other trade was with the New York Yankees. The Pirates acquired catcher Francisco Cervelli from the Yankees in exchange for pitcher Justin Wilson. This was a move that was made in case the Pirates are unable to bring back Russell Martin. In all seriousness, I like the move. Justin Wilson is a promising young reliever, but he has control issues. He was very good in 2013, but had a rough season in 2014. Cervelli is a good option for the Pirates because he is good at framing pitches and can throw out base stealers. I understand that people are complaining that Cervelli was one of the players who was linked to the Biogenesis scandal. My argument is that Marlon Byrd was suspended for performance-enhancing drugs and he came to the Pirates and did well. What makes Cervelli any different? Other than the trades, the Pirates claimed infielder Jake Elmore off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. In my opinion, the additions of both Elmore and Sellers are depth moves. Last off season, the Pirates brought in infielders Michael Martinez and Brent Morel. Both of those moves proved to be for depth purposes, as both players were summoned to the Major League roster on multiple occasions. Finally, the Pirates signed pitcher Josh Stinson to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Even though it is still early into the off season and many more moves will be made, I am very eager to see what the Pirates do the rest of the way and I am very much looking forward to Opening Day 2015.