Bucco fans are ecstatic after the moves that have been made for the team so far this week by Bucs GM Neal Huntington. Huntington traded for left-handed pitcher Wandy Rodriguez from the Houston Astros. In the process of the trade, the Pirates did not lose a top prospect. The biggest loss was Rudy Owens and he was never going to be a top pitcher with the Bucs. The Pirates then improved their offense by finally calling up star outfield prospect Starling Marte. He can only improve the struggling lead-off spot.
So I was talking to a good friend of mine today and she told me that the Pirates will not need to trade for another pitcher. She is right. The Bucs pitching depth is set. The Pirates have six solid starting pitchers. But with so many starting pitchers, does one have to go? The answer is no. Clint Hurdle should implement a six man rotation. James McDonald is showing signs of fatigue and could use the couple days off. A.J. Burnett has been a horse, but will he continue? Jeff Karstens has pitched pretty solid since returning from the Disabled List, but with a past injury history, he could get hurt at any time. Erik Bedard has a history with injuries as well. Plus he doesn't deserve to get removed from the rotation right away, given his two solid outings for his last two starts. Kevin Corriea has been solid, and of all the pitchers who could be removed, he should not be the one. He has won six straight decisions, so you ride the hot hand. So the answer is having a six man rotation. This way everyone will get more rest and be ready for the post-season.
Now will Starling Marte be the answer in the leadoff spot? The answer is yes. If anything, you have to give him the chance. He is more than capable of filling it once he gets used to the big leagues. Going out and trading for Shane Victorino from the Philadelphia Phillies is not the answer. The Phillies want Brad Lincoln. Lincoln is too important to the Pirates and the bullpen. Plus, Victorino would be gone after this season. The trade is not worth it. The answer is to let Marte play and see what he can do. Besides, if he is the team's top prospect, then he will fit in just fine.
Neil Huntington has got it right so far. My friend is also right in saying it is not necessary to make any more trades. But will it pay off? Time will only tell. Huntington has put the team in position to win. Now Hurdle and the Bucs just have to execute.