The Pirates acquired Francisco Cervelli from the New York Yankees in November 2014, in a trade which sent lefty flame throwing reliever Justin Wilson to the Bronx. At the time, the move seemed like a mere bandaid to place over the gaping wound left behind when Russell Martin left in free agency for the Toronto Blue Jays.
There was a lot to be skeptical about in regards to Cervelli. Most didn't have anything to do with his potential ability; as that had been shown in spurts, in the short amount of times that he had consistent playing time, but moreover it was a question on whether he would be able to sustain a starting role in the position of catcher.