Pirates Trade Of Ike Davis Continues Strong Offseason

Sep 17, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ike Davis (15) takes a throw at first base to record an out against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates continued along their path of building a successful team for years to come with Sunday’s trade of first baseman Ike Davis to the Oakland Athletics for international slot position.

This move will help fund an oft-forgotten part of baseball, should ease Pedro Alvarez trade talks and ensure he will be moved to the less demanding defensive position.

Maybe this will also help take pressure off of Alvarez and allow him to focus on smashing home runs into the Allegheny River. Alvarez struggles last season clearly took a toll as he committed error after error which carried over to the plate. However, his struggles and a late-season injury made room to move Josh Harrison to the hot corner full-time.

The trade also shows the Pirates definitely want Josh Bell to continue work at first base. Bell was originally an outfielder, but his lack of range and the fact his bat plays well at first forced the move. Bell looks to be the real deal and once he his called up from the minors for good, it will make Alvarez expendable. If all of that plays out, a deal to an American League team seems inevitable. It is hard to define what the Pirates would get in return, but a starting pitcher or solid infielder is not out of the question because of the power Alvarez possesses. He could be quite valuable to an A.L. team as a designated hitter.

The Pirates adding to their international slot position also proves just how serious management is about building that part of the organization. This area is usually not something fans think about, but obviously plays a major role improving franchises beyond the typical June draft.

The Pirates now have made three smart moves this offseason by acquiring catcher Francisco Cervelli, signing pitcher A.J. Burnett and trading away Davis. Clearly the Pirates are all about making waves in the market.