Following the trade for Wandy Rodriguez, the Pittsburgh Pirates are now going for a hitter. Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports that the Pirates are seeking help at first base or the outfield.
Rob Biertempfel reports that the Pirates asked for Shane Victorino, but talks were hung up when Philadelphia asked for Brad Lincoln. Biertempfel reports the Pirates were offering Jared Hughes and a minor leaguer. Victorino is having a down year, but if he benefits from a change in scenery, he’d fill two of the big needs for the Pirates: a corner outfielder and a leadoff hitter.
Earlier this month I projected Victorino with a $3.3 M trade value, and that was ignoring his down year and giving him the production of his 2009 and 2010 seasons. That’s the equivalent of two Grade C pitchers. Hughes isn’t exactly a prospect, but he’d easily have the value of a Grade C guy, considering his numbers in the majors. A Hughes/minor leaguer for Victorino deal seems fair, considering Victorino’s down year.
However, as I noted in the trade values article, Victorino carries some name value, which could drive his price up beyond what his trade value should be. Brad Lincoln would be too much for Victorino, but at an inflated price, Hughes and a minor leaguer could be too little.
