I'm sure some Pirate fans will be disappointed in the return as the Astros were able to keep their top prospects. With the Pirates accepting the deal it likely means that neither the Yankees or Astros were willing to deal their top names away. Some huge names were being reported the last few weeks, but either this was wrong or the Pirates weren't willing to do one for one type of deals.
While the guys coming over from Houston lack the big name pedigree, three of the four will likely be on an opening day roster. So I guess that is something.
For Houston this was a great deal. They hold onto their best prospects and add a pitcher who has top of the rotation stuff, but will slide into the middle of the rotation. The big question for Houston is which Gerrit Cole will they get. In 2015 Cole was an ace, 2016 he was injured and last season his numbers regressed with the longball being a huge issue.
I'll miss watching Cole pitch and his absence will leave a gaping hole in the rotation. You have to think that Cutch and Harrison will likely be moved if the right deal comes up. Being a fan of a small market team can be rough. You just hope the next crop of young guys can repeat the success Cole saw with the Pirates. Time will tell.
As a Yankees fan I'm just glad that these "will they won't they" rumors can finally die and can focus on Yu Darvish.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'm not sure what Pittsburgh is going to be like in 2018. Are they still contending or are they going to be undergoing a retooling phase made official by trading away Andrew McCutchen?
Your question has been answered!
DeleteAs an A's fan, I feel your pain dude. Hope the rebuild goes smoothly. I always root for the Bucs as my National League team.
ReplyDeleteThe Pirates seem to be playing it safe with the deals being made. Trading for guys that are MLB ready, but don't project to be stars. Tough week for Pirates fans....
DeleteMan, that black refractor is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteCole had a nice long stretch where his cards were dirt cheap. I was able to add some nice parallels like that Chrome card.
DeleteThat's gotta be tough to always be worrying about players you are attached to getting traded. I really hope McCutchen stays put. I want to see him be a Pirate forever.
ReplyDeleteYup....agree
DeleteI like Cole. I hope he bounces back this season. Well except when he's throwing against the A's.
ReplyDeleteBy the way... that Monstrous Material card is outstanding.
Cole has had an odd tenure with the Buccos. He had a season where he pitched like and ace (2015) but injuries and poor production took over the last two seasons.
DeleteI was at the debut when he lined that single for two RBis against Tim Lincecum and did the Zoltan sign. Remember when his first few starts were against former CyYoung winners. It feels like forever since he was the CyYoung slayer. 2013 was such a fun year. It's a shame to see Cole leave and for guys that aren't even elite impact talent.
ReplyDeleteThe Pirates definitely went high floor/low ceiling type of guys.
DeleteTough trade... would love to revisit this trade in three years and see who comes out on top. Hopefully, Pirate fans will be pleasantly surprised.
ReplyDeleteCole was a tough guy to value since his performance has been all over the place the last few years. Consensus seems to be the Pirates could have gotten one high end prospect from the Yankees or a bulk deal like the Astros. I guess we will see overtime if they chose correctly.
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