Thursday, November 13, 2014

Pirates trade for another Yankee catcher?!

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the middle of contention in their attempt to keep Russell Martin as their catcher as Martin mulls his free agency options.
So what do you do to hedge your wagers?
You do what you often do and call the New York Yankees for catching help!
After all,Chris Stewart was obtained from New York in a trade and Martin was signed from there,so that's what the Pirates did in trading for Francisco Cervelli.
Cervelli was added for lefthanded reliever Justin Wilson in a straight one for one deal that gives the Pirates a fourth catcher on the 40 man roster and another entry in the replace Russell Martin derby should Martin indeed sign elsewhere.
The 28 year old Cervelli has never been a full time starter in New York,playing just 49 games last season and that was his second to highest number of games played in a season (93 in 2010 is the highest) and has struggled with injuries
Cervelli did hit .301 last year in 162 at bats and threw out 25 % of base stealers.

The cost of doing business was Justin Wilson,who was phenomenal in 2013,but took a step back last season and was replaced as the top lefty in the bullpen by Tony Watson as 2014 went on..
Wilson appeared in 70 games last season,pitching 60 innings and struck out 61 batters.
Looking at his numbers other than a substantial jump in ERA,Wilson's number truly weren't that different than his 2013.

Honestly,I can see why the Pirates did the deal,they might need a catcher,but if Cervelli isn't a backup,I'm doubtful that he is the answer for further help.
Wilson is a quality reliever in a game that sees bullpen work crescent and valley from year to year,depending on Tony Watson to repeat his numbers seems to be as foolhardy as relying solely on Wilson going into last seaon.
We'll see,but I think they may have paid too much with all consideration given..

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