Sometimes it takes a huge move or two to make a team's MLB Trade Deadline. Sometimes it takes a little (or a lot of) restraint. The Pittsburgh Pirates fall into the latter category this summer, and that's a good thing for Buccos fans everywhere. Here 3 Reasons Why The Pirates Front Office Gets An A+ At The Deadline.
Low Risk/High Potential Reward
The Pirates' deadline deal for Michael Morse was met with a sigh by most baseball pundits, with Morse's putrid year at the dish (.213/.276/.313 slash, 4 HR, 63 OPS+) causing many to write him and his track record off after four bad months. We're not saying that Morse will magically figure out his swing again in the next two months -- we can't tell you for sure either way. But, what we do know is that he gives the Buccos 1B/OF versatility and manager Clint Hurdle options to work with when it comes to giving key guys rest in the dog days of August. If Morse does come back together even to a marginal approximation of his old self, that'll be a huge added bonus for one of the deepest teams in the Majors.
Speaking Of Depth And Flexibility
JA Happ is poised to be one of those sneaky bullpen pickups who ends up paying major dividends down the stretch and in the playoffs. First and foremost, he's a southpaw -- something which inherently causes matchup problems in and of itself. Secondly, he has experience both starting and relieving, giving Hurdle an interchangeable piece to use on a situational basis. His 4.64 ERA isn't ideal, but he's a very smart bridge reliever/spot starter pickup that once again provides multiple options. Options are a luxury at this time of year.
Sticking With The Plan
Kudos to the Pirates front office for realizing just how wide open the World Series window is with this current crop of guys, resisting the urge to mortgage either the farm or chemistry on the big club to land one of the shiny, hyped toys on the trade market. Some Buccos fans may be a little miffed by the relative inaction, but that's to be expected. However, there's no doubt in our mind that the current roster construction is deep and talented enough to make a long, exhilarating run this October.
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