MLB Trade Rumors: Pirates deal former top prospect Alderson to O’s
By Matt Shetler
Just a few years back, Pittsburgh Pirates’ fans were excited about the big league future of pitcher Tim Alderson, who after being acquired from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for second baseman Freddy Sanchez was expected to quickly work his way to the big leagues.
That never happened and now it never will as the former first-round pick was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles on Friday in exchange for first baseman Russ Canzler.
Mar 9, 2012; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Russ Canzler (6) bats against the Boston Red Sox during the game at JetBlue Park. The Orioles defeated the Red Sox 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Canzler, 27, was designated for assignment this week by Baltimore.
In 374 plate appearances for Triple-A Norfolk this season, Canzler produced a .276/.369/.430 slash line with 11 homers and 49 RBI. He has appeared in 29 big league games — three with the Rays and 26 with the Indians. Last season in 93 at bats with the Tribe, Canzler hit .269 with three homers and 11 RBI.
He is primarily a first baseman but also has played left field and third base.
Alderson, 24, was a one-time top prospect with the Giants after being selected 22nd overall in the 2007 draft and was dealt to the Bucs in 2009.
At the time it was thought to be Pirates general manager Neal Huntington’s best trade, but Alderson struggled and his stock plummeted.
After failing as a starter he got shifted to the bullpen where he hasn’t performed badly.
In 29 relief appearances at Triple-A this season, Alderson has a 2.43 ERA with 8.9 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9.
However he didn’t rank among the Pirates’ Top 30 prospects in either of the past two seasons, according to Baseball America and likely wasn’t going to move up the ladder anytime soon, thus making him expendable.
Canzler was placed on the 40-man roster and optioned to Indianapolis.