The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the teams who have inquired on Ian Stewart, according to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports. The Colorado Rockies are expected to move Stewart, and the Pirates are one of the teams interested, joining the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Orioles, Mariners, and Angels.
Kevin Creagh looked at Stewart as a non-tender trade candidate last month, pointing out that he might have the most upside of all of the non-tender candidates this off-season. The Pirates have talked about finding a contingency plan in case Pedro Alvarez struggles again this year. Stewart is in a similar situation to Alvarez, with struggles of his own at the major league level, but does have that former top prospect tag, and is only 26 years old.
December 4, 2011 at 11:43 pm
I know a lot of people are going to say we’re going from one Major League bum to another, but I like the though of this. Always liked Stewart and maybe a change of scenario could benefit him, and light a fire under Pedro’s ass.
Cedeno played better once Wood joined the roster, maybe Stewart will do the same.
December 5, 2011 at 8:04 am
Double your pleasure or double your disappointment? Depends on what it takes to get him and his salary. He can play 2nd and maybe LF. Better off the bench than X was and possible Plan B at 3rd.
December 5, 2011 at 10:03 am
Stewart and Pedro have a lot of offensive similarities and history as top prospects. It would be an interesting battle.
December 5, 2011 at 11:34 am
This would be a smart move at the right price. Stewart provides Pedro insurance and has versatility you need from a bench player. On the upside if both Pedro and Stewart live up to their potential one of them could be moved to first filling a huge void.
December 5, 2011 at 11:44 am
Not a bad idea….stewart would supply insurance and maybe Hurdle could get something out of him….the upside is there, somebody just needs to figure out how to bring it out….
December 5, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Call me crazy, but if they want more of a solid veteran to possibly play 3rd as a back-up, to pinch-hit and be a great influence with the team, see what it will cost to bring Casey Blake to Pittsburgh. He’s a class act and if healthy will win you some games.
December 6, 2011 at 2:24 am
I think it makes a lot of sense depending on the price that Colorado is asking for him. He could compete for playing time behind Alvarez, he is still fairly young at 26 years old, he has a ton of potential still, and if Hurdle could tap into his potential either him or Alvarez could be moved to first. If not he could be a decent bench player with some power. I have always liked Stewart and I still believe he can become an everyday player.