MLB Winter Meetings 2011: Pirates Snag Bedard, McLouth
By Matt Shetler
As the MLB Winter Meetings came to a close, the Pittsburgh Pirates didn’t come away empty-handed. That doesn’t mean they spent over $325 million in a span of 30-minutes the way the Los Angeles Angels did, but they did spend $6 million.
General manager filled a couple of holes, but left Dallas with still a huge hole at first base.
Here’s a quick rundown of the Pirates activity
– Out of nowhere the Bucs agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with Eric Bedard. Very good, low-risk signing. Bedard was dominant in 2007 with Baltimore before being dealt to Seattle. He struggled with injuries while a member of the Mariners, but rebounded to have a very good 2011.
Bedard has always been a very good ERA guy, but his problem has been staying healthy. He threw 129.1 innings last year and posted a 3.62 ERA. The inning total was his highest since he threw 182 in 2007. If he can stay healthy, it’s a good signing.
– They also signed a familiar face in outfielder Nate McLouth. I’m not too much of a fan of this move, but it’s understandable. He could serve as a fourth or fifth outfielder and a left-handed bat off the bench. I just don’t know how much production he really gives you. Signing a fifth outfielder should be a priority after you have a starter at first base.
– Speaking of first base, Derrick Lee turned down the Bucs arbitration offer. No surprise there. we will see where the situation takes them. The Pirates get an extra second-round pick by Lee turning down arbitration.
– They also released Ross Ohlendorf (thank god) and DFA’d both Jason Jaramillio and Pedro Ciriaco.
– There was also a trade with Kansas City that brought them shortstop have acquired Yamaico Navarro from the Royals in exchange for Brooks Pounders and Diego Goris. Navarro came to Kansas City from Boston as part of the Mike Avillies trade and didn’t hit much, only.206 with a homer and 14 RBI in limited big league at bats. He should make the club as a utility guy and was once a decent prospect with upside.
I found it odd to part ways with Pounders who was a second-round pick in 2009 and had a decent season at West Virginia, but has already been moved to the pen. Arms like Pounders are a surplus at WV so it’s no big deal. I was just surprised.
– Speaking of shortstops that can’t hit, I give you Gustavo Nunez today’s Rule 5 pick from Detroit. Now this is starting to bother me. Every year there is a Rule 5 guy who’s a marginal prospect at best. It’s not necessarily the fact that Nunez will be taking up a bench spot until they give him back to Detroit, it’s the fact that he’s taking up a spot on the 40-man roster where they risk losing a more talented player.
– The Bucs lost pitcher Brett Lorin in the Rule 5 Draft. He had a good 2011 and was selected by Arizona.
– No update on the Jeff Francis situation, I doubt the Pirates would still be interested after signing Bedard, but Iwould still make an attempt to sign him. You can never have too many arms, especially southpaws.
– The Bucs are still checking in on Ian Stewart.
– Finally, this team really needs a real first baseman. Matt Gajtka mentioned Ike Davis’ name today on out podcast. If the Pirates are talking to the Mets, they better get that deal done. Davis is powerful and young.
That’s all for today. I will be back with more Pirates news as it comes out.
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