The Pirates announced that they’ve acquired right-hander Joe Blanton from the Royals in exchange for cash considerations. Blanton had been designated for assignment by the Royals earlier this week despite generally solid numbers, and he’ll join the Pirates’ roster tomorrow.
Blanton made a nice comeback to the Majors this season after spending the 2014 season away from the game. He’s pitched quite well overall for the Royals, working to a 3.89 ERA with 8.6 K/9, 1.5 BB/9 and a 48.4 percent ground-ball rate in 41 2/3 innings split between the rotation and the bullpen. Blanton’s 90.8 mph average fastball is the fastest of his career, though one can imagine that’s partly attributable to the fact that 11 of his 15 appearances have come in a relief role.
The veteran Blanton seems likely to be asked to help the Pirates in a relief capacity, but he could also emerge as an option at the back end of their rotation eventually. Gerrit Cole, A.J. Burnett and Francisco Liriano have all turned in excellent seasons thus far, but each of Jeff Locke, Vance Worley and Charlie Morton has posted an ERA above 4.00.
This would be a great trade if it was 2009
LOL!
Why?
maybe a depth move for a future acquisition?
I don’t quite understand this move, but I can tell you that it is going to work. Pirates always get the best out of their pitchers. IDK how they do it, but Burnett Liriano and Volquez (I know he’s not there anymore but still), all really excelled with them.
There are plenty of reclamation projects that don’t work out. Johnathn Sanchez was probably the most notable.
Sanchez refused to buy into the Pirates system. He wanted to do things his own way…and now he’s out of baseball.
I guess I can’t complain got a serviceable RP for nothing, much rather this than overpaying for someone at the deadline.
Gotta counter the Rangers move I guess.
1/4th of the Pirates pitching staff is former Phillies. lol
Once I got over the disgust I felt at reading the initial headline, rational thought took over and I don’t hate this. After thinking about who he’d replace on the roster (without further roster moves), the only person that makes sense is Deolis Guerra. (I’m not sure if he has options.) He’s obviously not going to take work away from the core of Melancon, Watson, and Hughes. Bastardo has his purpose and has been better of late. Worley is not going anywhere. I think it’s too early to give up on Caminero and I think his delivery can be fixed. Guerra’s only really pitched in low leverage situations, so this could potentially be an upgrade. He has a sinker and a cutter in his arsenal I think he’s exactly the kind of guy Searage can help. And if not, he was acquired for basically nothing.
Who needs Cole Hamels?
Good pickup, no prospect lost, better bullpen option than david guetta, david guerra, whatever his name is…
good pickup, great price. much improved numbers this year for him. should do better than some of the other middle relief options. Worst case they flip him out or let’m go if they find a better option.
Good move. Pirates pitching depth in the minors has been depleted by injury. And Blanton is a better bullpen option than Guerra or Caminero right now
well, he’s better than Caminero and Bastardo, so there’s that, and they didn’t give up any prospects for him.
i can’t complain, but if this is their only move, they haven’t really improved the team all that much.