Pirates add Byrd and Buck

This is a day late as I just haven't felt like writing since all this began to sink in about the Hagerstown Suns.
I'll be dealing with that soon,I assure you.

The injury to Starling Marte put the Pirates in a position of either having to replace Marte internally with few options to coming close to the production of Marte or going out and adding someone.
The decision was made and the Pirates obtained Marlon Byrd for the stretch run as the replacement and also added veteran catcher John Buck in the same deal from the New York Mets.
The 35 year old Byrd is in the middle of his career year in a career that has seen multiple teams and often disappointing numbers,while Buck is good for above average power numbers for a backstop with a huge issue in making contact.
Both players are merely rentals,as both are free agents at seasons end, for the final month and hopefully playoffs,but the deal did occur in time for the pair to be eligible for post-season play.

The cost was quite high for rentals as Pittsburgh traded two prospects that are pretty highly thought of in second baseman Dilson Herrera and a player to be named later,which is expected to be pitcher Victor Black.
The Pirates are attempting to clear Black through waivers,if he clears-he will go to the Mets,while if another team claims Black,the Pirates can pull him back and send him there after the season.

Dilson Herrera was ambitiously moved to low A West Virginia at just 19 and made the SAL All-Star team for the Power.
Herrera was the breakout player in the system this year for the Pirates and is tough to move,but contending teams often have to move prospects of this type to make improvements for the stretch run.
Fortunately for Pittsburgh,the team has built some depth in the middle infield throughout the system and the trading of Herrera is not a devastating loss.

Victor Black has been the closer for AAA Indianapolis earning 17 saves for the Indians and would have likely been a factor in next years bullpen for the Pirates and will surely be a part of the Mets bullpen in 2014.
The power armed lefthander struck out 63 in 46 innings and has the type of arm that could eventually slot him as a closer or setup man.
Again,the Pirates bullpen is a strength as far as being deep,so Black's loss is not insurmountable.

All told,the Pirates did pay a high cost,but the time was right with the injury to Starling Marte and despite the talents of Herrera and Black,the Pirates are in a position to absorb those losses.
The Mets have to feel very good about their side of the trade as they add a helpful piece in Black for next season and could have a very nice player in a few years in Herrera.
Occasionally,a trade is made that both teams "win"-I think this is one of those deals.

Maybe back tomorrow,if I can handle writing about the loss of the Hagerstown Suns.

Photo Credit:USA Today