Pirates Trade Rumors: Why Diamondbacks SS Didi Gregorius?

Sept. 4, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Didi Gregorius (right) drops dirt on the head of infielder Willie Bloomquist as they celebrate his walk off single in the 10th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates trade rumors are always fascinating.  The latest even a head scratcher at first glance, but when looking deeper, it makes sense.  The Pirates have discussed shortstop Didi Gregorius with the Diamondbacks, but why you ask?

If you don’t interupt we will explain.

"Don’t the Diamondbacks want a pitcher that is close to big league ready?"

Uh you interuptted me…. The Pirates are the team to talk to about that because the Pirates have pitching depth.  Name your price?  Brandon Cumpton?

"But the Pirates have two shortstops?"

Yes they do.  When you have two you don’t have one some people say.

"Is Barmes really a backup or more of a utility infielder type now?"

You’re going to keep interuppting aren’t you, so I am going to just ignore you little voice in my head.   Jordy Mercer is a solid shortstop.  We agree with you on that topic, but what if Mercer goes down?  GM Neal Huntington always wants options and looking at Triple-A, well Robert Andino doesn’t blow me away.

Clint Barmes is a fielding machine.  But the offense, whew.  Can’t see that bat in the lineup helping much at all in 2014.  Perhaps, the Pirates don’t want to see it either?  Who knows, but Gregorius, 24, hit .252/.333/.373 in 404 plate appearances with the Snakes last year.  The numbers would have been better though….

"Ok, but doesnt Gregorius suck against left-handers?"

Stop interupting….No.  Not really, Didi just sucked against left handed relievers.  So you know who crushes left handed relievers right?  Of course you do.  If Neal Huntington can swing a deal like this, the shorstop position would be above average for quite some time in Pittsburgh.

Feb 27, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Feb 27, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius (1) throws out a Chicago Cubs runner at first base in the third inning of their spring training baseball game at HoHoKam Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Or this rumor might be part of a bigger, three team trade possiblity.  Those are always fun.

"A what?"

Shut up.

"How do you say his last name, is it like Gorgeous?"

Or this might have been a conversation that was had weeks ago.

Or this just might be a tire kicking by Neal Huntington.  And we are all for tire kicking with no shortstops in the system, well outside of Ricky Bobby Alen Hanson who really is a second baseman in our eyes.