Catching up on some of today’s rumors:
-Buster Olney didn’t really have a rumor, but speculated that Jason Giambi would be a good fit for the Pirates as a bench bat. Giambi is currently hitting for a .263/.360/.632 line with Colorado, and he’s doing just as well on the road as he is at home in Coor’s. He’s only seen 95 at-bats this year, so he’s pretty much thriving in the bench role in Colorado. Giambi is making $850 K this year, and has a $1 M mutual option next year with a $150 K buyout.
-There has been a lot of talk going around about B.J. Upton, and Joel Sherman of the New York Post mentioned that the Pirates were one of five teams that have been calling the Rays the most about Upton. The Pirates currently need outfield help with Alex Presley and Jose Tabata both on the disabled list.
–Troy Renck of The Denver Post mentions that the Pirates have interest in Ty Wigginton, but adds that he’s not sure about their interest in Giambi. Wigginton is hitting for a .256/.315/.466 line in 277 at-bats this year. He’s making $3.5 M this year, and is under contract for $4 M in 2012, along with a $4 M option for 2013 with a $500 K buyout. Wigginton has pretty much been a replacement level player the last few years, although this year he’s playing above that level.
UPDATE 3:55 PM: More Rockies updates. We heard last week that the Pirates were interested in Chris Iannetta from the Rockies. Jon Paul Morosi updates us today that no names have been exchanged in the Iannetta talks. Not really much to the story, other than the talks not being serious enough yet for names to be exchanged.
Tim started Pirates Prospects in 2009 from his home in Virginia, which was 40 minutes from where Pedro Alvarez made his pro debut in Lynchburg. That year, the Lynchburg Hillcats won the Carolina League championship, and Pirates Prospects was born from Tim's reporting along the way. The site has grown over the years to include many more writers, and Tim has gone on to become a credentialed MLB reporter, producing Pirates Prospects each year, and will publish his 11th Prospect Guide this offseason. He has also served as the Pittsburgh Pirates correspondent for Baseball America since 2019. Behind the scenes, Tim is an avid music lover, and most of the money he gets paid to run this site goes to vinyl records.
Wow, all this speculation. I do not believe that NH will give up much, Marte, Jones, Cain, and Alderson. Really? I am sorry but you cannot make a trade like that I am glad Huntington is the GM. I honestly think that Neal is trying to get more than just BJ out of that deal. Look at what he did with the trades last year. You don’t have to sell the farm to get some good pieces. 4 for 1 trade is not smart, and NH is smarter than that. Just wait patiently something will happen. Right now the hope is El Toro gets his swing back!
Honestly though im saying what do you think the Rays would want for him, less than that? Im being realistic in what they would expect. And I don’t view Marte as highly as others, To me Colton Cain is the guy i value the most. Okay so take Cain out. Do you think Jones, Marte and Alderson for Upton stil too much then?
Honestly though im saying what do you think the Rays would want for him, less than that? Im being realistic in what they would expect. And I don’t view Marte as highly as others, To me Colton Cain is the guy i value the most. Okay so take Cain out. Do you think Jones, Marte and Alderson for Upton stil too much then?
I have to agree with the comment below, I just don’t see Upton being a viable player for the Pirates. I don’t see where he fits. Now I see Reid Brignac as a player that could interest NH; however, recently he was optioned to AAA. So I really do not see the Rays and Pirates as a match. But I am not the GM.
I think Marte for Upton is still questionable. Upton is 26, doesnt hit for average, has ok power and strikes out a ton. Also, Clint Hurdle said they weren’t going to trade for a “jack*ss.” Upton is pretty close.
I’d much rather bring Wigginton back than Willingham. Wigginton is more versatile and should cost and is under team control for a couple years.
No to Giambi and any other steroid cheat.
Geez. Throw Taillon in too why don’t you. You’ve given half the farm system away for a malcontent who has never lived up to his billing.
Since when did Jones and Alderson being this un-tradable assets to people??
Since when did Jones and Alderson being this un-tradable assets to people??
gotta look deeper. Jones i can see going, but alderson would have to be added to the 40 man, which aint happening. so they would probably want younger guys with less years of service. cain maybe. probably allie would have to go.
Half the farm? lol first of all Alderson isn’t even a hyped prospect anymore. The only thing of value is Marte and Cain…Look at it this way Marte may never live up to the potential of what BJ Upton has. Upton is only 26 years old Soon to be 27. Marte is 23 soon to be 24 and is AA ball. Yes Upton yea hasn’t live up to full potential but he is proven. Marte is still a big question mark. Will the Power ever come???? Upton 15 HRs would be most on this team right now and his speed is what where winning with now. Cain is the only one i would truly worry about, i think he can be a good #2 . But you have to give up something to get something. Damn.
Upton is a proven jackass. Now if it were JUSTIN Upton, i would gladly agree with the trade.
Marte is 22 and will turn 23 in October.
Upton would be a nice power upgrade, but I don’t know about giving up so much to get him. He will likely go to arbitration after this year and get a decent raise from his $4.8 million figure now, and then will command a large contract after 2012. All that to say, we probably will only control him for the rest of this year and next.
I will gladly let someone else overpay for Upton.
Love absolutely love to get BJ Upton. Garret Jones, Starling Marte, Colton Cain, and Tim Alderson. I think the Rays would go for that.
3 of those guys would have to be put on the Rays 40 man for next season. Rays also have a glut of guys they need to protect in 2012.
Marte i agree with, but youre going to have to go bigger than Cain/Alderson/Jones…