Had the Pirates pulled off a win today against the Tigers, most of the talk would have been about Rod Barajas’ home run to continue a hot month for him or the blast that Neil Walker hit halfway up the grandstands in right field. The focus may have even shifted to Kevin Corriea putting up another solid effort on the road. When you win, your flaws get overlooked. Unfortunately for the Pirates, they couldn’t hold onto the lead as they would go on to lose 4-3. And with this loss, one thing has become increasingly noticeable; this offense is horrible.
Going into the series-finale against the Tigers, the Pirates were 19-21 despite having the worst average in the National League. It’s been the pitching that has carried them and kept them afloat thus far, but in yet another one-run game, it’s become apparent that the Pirates need help offensively. Sure they have faced good pitching, so good in fact that in each one of their series, they have faced either the team’s opening day starter or the starter with the lowest ERA on the staff. How long is that excuse valid for? Doesn’t every team in the league have to face tough pitching?
Don’t fret Pirates fans, I have a solution. While it may go against the popular consensus, the Pirates need to trade for a bat. While no one on the team is untouchable, the player the Pirates need to deal is Joel Hanrahan.
Ah yes, let the criticism begin. I know it sounds off the radar about trading a dominant closer who is 49-54 since last year in save opportunities. The reality is, a 70-75 win team doesn’t need a top-tier closer. While the goal for Yinzers is to go .500, the goal for the ballclub is to make the playoffs. Even the biggest Pirates optimistic knows that isn’t coming this year, so trade Hanrahan for a big-league ready bat and a prospect at the deadline.
If you remember, when the Pirates acquired Hanrahan from the Nationals, he was a setup man right away. Then in the beginning of spring training last year, it was supposed to be a competition between he and Evan Meek for the closer’s role, one that Hanrahan has flourished in. I say that to say this, it’s easy to find a closer. As my friend Jon Anderson (@mceffect) of Trib Live Radio said, it’s easy to put together a bullpen. Chris Resop, Jason Grilli, Juan Cruz and Evan Meek (not as recently) have all been key components for the Pirates bullpen who cost next to nothing to bring here. If the Pirates do trade Hanrahan, Grilli is more that suited to be a closer. Cruz has already proved he can be as he is perfect this year in his opportunities.
If the bullpen is easy to build, why will people trade for Hanrahan you may ask. It’s quite simple, teams always overpay around the deadline and closers bring in big return values in trades. When the Rangers received Mike Adams from the Padres last year, the Padres received a top-50 prospect and an additional one at that for a setup man. The A’s received Josh Reddick and two other prospects for Andrew Bailey from the Red Sox.
This year, the Yankees, Red Sox, Marlins, Giants, Angels, Dodgers, Cubs, Reds, Royals, Nationals and A’s have all seen their closers either injured or under perform this season. At the deadline or even before, a handful of these teams will overpay for a closer that they think can help them stay in contention and that is exactly when the Pirates need to strike. If Ryan Kalish becomes healthy, a combination of Kalish and Felix Doubront from the Red Sox would be a very nice return.
From the Dodgers, the Pirates could target former Pirates legend Andy Van Slyke’s son Scott or James Loney as a potential return. Another player who’s stock is going through the roof is Mark Trumbo of the Angels. Trumbo is hitting .359 for the Angels with six home runs and 18 RBI on the season. While he is lower on the depth chart in Los Angeles, Trumbo would start everyday instantly in Pittsburgh at first base.
After a great 2008, Matt Capps tailed off the following year. Unless your name is Mariano Rivera, the shelf-life of a close is relatively short. Remember how dominate Keith Foulke was for Boston and then he disappeared off the map? Or what about Eric Gagne with the Dodgers? Besides the shelf-life, the Pirates won’t be able to afford Hanrahan. If he continues on the pace that he is on this year, he will be looking at around $8 million in arbitration next season. The Pirates can’t afford to waste a fifth of their payroll on a closer. Other teams can, but not Pittsburgh.
Let’s face it, outside of Andrew McCutchen, this lineup has underperformed. They have been one-hit twice this year, struck out 17 times on two occasions and consider themselves a stealing team despite converting on 18 of 34 attempted stolen bases. Don’t plan for this year Neal Huntington. And although it may be the unpopular move, trade Hanrahan and bring in the bat this team desperately needs.
Photo credits: Gerry Images
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