Iwamura Was a Trade The Pirates Needed

Akinori Iwamura was a trade that was an absolute necessity for the Pirates in 2010.  Take a look around Pirate fans.  Second base was awful last year.

Andy LaRoche was asked about moving to second base.  What would that prove if he doesn’t hit?   He needs to prove that his offseason strength and conditioning will improve.  He needs to prove his hitting will continue.  Most feel it can. 

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that says Pedro Alvarez is going to step on the field at PNC Park and become Andrew McCutchen.  Look closely at his numbers, it’s too soon.

Thus, in 2010, LaRoche will play third base.  Iwamura will play second base.  Two major league players.

The experiment is over with Delwyn Young.

Iwamura will either be extended if the Pirates void at second base continues or traded if the talent that is touted so highly moves through the minor leagues.

Look at Brian Friday.  Not ready.

Look at Chase d’Arnaud.  Not ready.

Look at Shelby Ford.  Not ready.

Look at Josh Harrison.  Not ready.

Keep looking through the system.  Even Brian Bixler was given an opportunity, but in the end, there was no other option.  Even though all of these players had an incredible opportunity to prove through their play that they could be counted on to move up in the system, each did little to prove they were up to the task.

Great move?  No.

Necessity?  Yes.

When an organization trades from need, it always gives up a little more than it would like.  I feel the Pirates gave up a little much, but when you need the player as bad as the Pirates did it’s a small price to pay.

Such is life in Pirate land.