JJ Hardy Gets To Work With Coach John Russell in 2011

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles were two of the most awful teams in MLB for most of last season.   Both teams seemed to be the hot names connected with Twins SS JJ Hardythroughout most of the day yesterday. This tweet was sent about 7:15pm last night stating the Orioles were working on still getting something done, but weren’t sure it would happen last night.

Then about midnight it was reported by CBS that Hardy was dealt to Baltimore with details of the deal formally being announced today, probably after the Rule 5 finished up.  Heh, I guess somebody started ordering shots! 

My guess is it was the Twins and it was top shelf, because it didn’t take much for the O’s to land their shortstop.  Maybe it was because the Twins wanted to unload some cash from the roster to pursue some pitching this offseason?  Either way, it looks like the O’s got their man while the Pirates were left on the street looking at potential SS in the Rule 5.

The Twins sent Hardy and infielder Brendan Harris to Charm City in exchange for minor-league pitchers Jim Hoey and Brett Jacobson.   In the deal, the Twins moved an anticipated $7.75 million off their books.  Hoey was quite effective in the minors last season, but we have never seen him pitch.  Jacobson who is 24 and pitched for the A ball Keys in Frederick, posted a 2.79 ERA as a reliever.

The Pirates needed an upgrade at the position and it is very frustrating that the deal didn’t get done.

The Orioles and Pirates were also said to be in on Rays SS Jason Bartlett who is likely to get $5 million bucks in his last year before becoming a free agent. But it now appears Bartlett will be spending his season in San Diego, California.  Enjoy the weather.

So as the Orioles agressively made moves to upgrade their offense, the Pirates g0t beat to the punch once again.  We’re sure the Pirates have a backup plan, perhaps see how D’Arnaud improves this season is one concept.  But in the meantime, how will the Pirates upgrade the shortstop position on the big league club in 2011?

[UPDATE:  The Pirates selected SS Josh Rodriguez with the first pick in the Rule 5 draft.]

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