If Healthy, Derrek Lee Would Solve Serious Problems For Pirates Offense

The Pirates are looking for a bat in the middle of the lineup this offseason.  A big bat.  The Pirates are interested in investing money around a young core of talented offensive players.

All kinds of options have been thrown out there for the Pirates.  Some even consider moving Pedro Alvarez over to first base.  We don’t care for that option.  We have to believe Alvarez wants to improve his defense at third base and will work hard to do so in 2011.  He has continually shown improvement offensively and was destroying pitchers at the end of the 2010 season.  Moving him to first base would reduce his value for the organization, a Pirates organization that has been known to reduce the value of its players.

An interesting scenario popped up on Twitter today when  Jesse Behr posted this:

The Pirates have mentioned a

platoon situation in right field could solve problems this offseason.  A Garrett Jones/Lastings Milledge/multitude of other candidates could hold down RF for the Bucs.  Acquiring a productive bat like Lee could also give protection to a young Pirates lineup.  It certainly would be an interesting scenario to consider.

"Lee’s a productive veteran first baseman who has played for the Padres, Marlins, Cubs, and Braves over 14 seasons. He has fine plate discipline and has been a consistent run producer. He demonstrates superb glove work at first and moves well for his size (6’5” and 245 lbs). Lee’s lost speed with age and strikes out more than he should.  Jesse Behr, Baseball Prospectus and Sr. writer for RumBunter"

Lee was not offered arbitration by the Braves.   He is 35 years old and recovering from offseason surgery to repair a ligament in his right thumb.  The injury occured on opening day when Lee was with the Cubs, obviously it reduced his production in 2010.  He is expected to be ready for spring training in spite of wearing a cast for the next six weeks.

Don’t forget just a year ago, he belted 35 homers.  Would the Bucs be able to swing a two-year deal for a proven veteran who wants to show he still has plenty in the tank?  We would love to see it or at least see the Pirates try and pursue it.  After all, it is hunting season.