The Pittsburgh Pirates are among a number of teams that have asked the Colorado Rockies about catcher Chris Iannetta, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. Iannetta is currently hitting for a .224/.376/.412 line in 228 at-bats this season. His best year was in 2008, when he hit for a .264/.390/.505 line in 333 at-bats. That was under Clint Hurdle.
Iannetta is making $2.55 M this year, and is under contract for $3.55 M in 2012. He has an option for the 2013 season for $5 M, with a $250 K buyout, although he can void that option if traded. He holds about $9.2 M in trade value over his next year and a half, which is about the same value as a Stetson Allie, if the Pirates went with a “one good prospect” route. He might cost a B- pitcher and two C pitchers if they went with multiple prospects.
The Pirates have experienced some catching problems, and currently have Michael McKenry and Eric Fryer holding down the jobs in the majors. It’s an interesting rumor, as it comes right when Jason Jaramillo returned from the AAA disabled list, and at the same time as Ryan Doumit starting his rehab work in Bradenton. The Pirates don’t have a catcher that has locked down the starting role for the 2012 season, although McKenry, Jaramillo, and Fryer are all under control. The Pirates have options on Ryan Doumit and Chris Snyder, although both are very expensive, possibly to the point of being prohibitive.
