Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors: John McDonald Traded

May 10, 2013; Flushing, NY,USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop John McDonald (17) heads to first on a throwing error during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Has Old McDonald found a new farm? It would appear so, but not too far up the road. Connecticut’s New London Day sports editor/columnist and apparent super sleuth, Mike DiMauro, tweeted this earlier:

This might beg the reader to ask, who the hell is Mike DiMauro and why is he reporting on some random trade between Pittsburgh and Cleveland? Well it turns out that both DiMauro and McDonald are both from East Lyme, CT. It’s apparent that the reporter/secret agent is still keeping up with East Lyme’s favorite son and blowing the cover on upcoming deals.

The whistle blower’s story gains traction as MLB.com Indian’s reporter tweeted this:

For anyone hazy on McDonald’s early career, he was drafted by the Indians in the 12^th Round of the MLB draft way back in 1996. He debuted for Cleveland in 1999 and played 3 seasons there before being traded to Toronto. This move comes as a result of Asdrubal Cabrera quadriceps injury and the Pirates needing to clear a spot on their 40-man for the great Gerrit Cole. With Mercer playing well and d’Arnaud healthy in Indy, McDonald became expendable.

We’re not sure who or what the Pirates will receive in the deal but I can’t imagine it’s much. The good news is that the trade opens up a spot for Cole and means Mercer will continue to get more playing time. The way I see it, the Buccos already won this trade. With all that said, best of luck to Johnny Mac in Cleveland.