wes_mantooth;1237737 wrote:Yeah, it would be an "all in" move for the pirates. Choo would be a good addition
Yeah, I agree, but don't think they're looking for an "all in" move just because of how most of their truly key guys are locked up for a few years and I think that with their high-rated prospects, they're looking to be more of a perennial contender as opposed to mortgaging the future just for this year.
Like, they got Wandy from the Astros for three prospects with the best being #8 in the organization according to (I think) Baseball America. And last night, they got a young outfielder from Toronto for a reliever (who can start, too) who's been great this year, but nothing special beforehand. That move, in a way, reminds me of the Phillips trade by Cleveland in that the Toronto guy was at one time their top prospect, but fell in their eyes in part due to Cito Gaston and him having different opinions about his plate mindset (Gaston wanted him to pull the ball; he likes to use the whole field). Obviously not a "sure thing" pick-up like Choo would have been, but also a lot cheaper and less damaging to future plans to pick him up. Toronto bloggers seem upset about the move, too, as it seems they feel he could be a .260+ guy with 25-35 HR production as an everyday player. Which is Hall of Fame material IN COMPARISON to what they've been getting from outfielders not named McCutchen.