ESPN Analysts: "WOW!", Bay Traded to Boston.

The Pirates have traded Jason Bay for Brandon Moss, Craig Hansen, Andy LaRoche and Avery Bryan Morris in a three team deal with the Dodgers and Red Sox. 

 

Scouting reports from Sox Prospects:

Craig Hansen: Age 24

Hansen's fastball has historically topped out in the high 90s, and he consistently hit the mid-90s. In 2008, he's been sitting more around 92 mph.  He also possesses an excellent high-80s slider, which has been somewhat of a mystery -- sometimes its absolutely dominant and other times it just isn't there.   A fierce competitor who has struggled with adversity early in his professional career.  Seems to have the tools to be a successful major league closer, just needs to work on his confidence and composure on the mound.  Struggles with getting behind early in counts.  When he gets first pitch strikes, he can be dominant. Had surgery in December 2007 to correct sleep apnea.  All in all,  if Hansen can get his slider going on a regular basis, he is an MLB-caliber reliever.

Baseball Cube Stats

Brandon Moss: Age 24

Athletic outfielder with a very strong arm.  Excellent approach at the plate - good swing with a refined power and on base ability.  Hits to all fields.  Slightly above average speed for a right fielder. Solid in the field.  Tough competitor.  Fantastic teammate and individual who takes joy in playing the game.  Moss possesses a good mental approach to the game, able to evaluate his mistakes while still not harping on them.  Moss began a transition to becoming a part-time 1B in late 2007, and he's handled it rather smoothly.

Baseball Cube Stats 

 

Andy LaRoche: Age 24

Batted a combined .315 (136-for-432) with 27 doubles, 19 home runs and 81 RBI in 127 games at Double-A Jacksonville (62) and Triple-A Las Vegas (55). Had 19 multiple-hit games at Las Vegas, hitting safely in 40 of 55 games.

Baseball Cube stats

Avery Bryan Morris: Age 21

Not sure if this is the right guy or not.  And another Link.  Drafted in 2006

The 6-3, 200-pound RHP has a plus fastball and a power curve. Moreover, the freshman recorded 122 Ks in 88 IP (12.48 K/9) and induced nine groundouts (and only two flyouts) in that Hiwasee shutout last month. He was drafted in the third round by the Devil Rays out of high school last June. The two sides supposedly agreed on a $1.3 million bonus that greatly exceeded the slot money, but the deal was never consummated due to an inability on the part of ownership to pull the trigger. Morris chose to attend Motlow State and join his Dad, who is the assistant coach, for one year.

Baseball Cube stats

 

BTW Take:

I am quite impressed with the players bio's I have seen.  Huntington seems to gone above and beyond on this deal. 

The shocking thing is Andy LaRoche in the deal when Alvarez was drafted by the Pirates in the first round.  Alvarez can play 1B also, so Andy and Adam may not have a large window of opportunity to play together on the same team.  Then again, this may entice Adam to resign with the Pirates.

Moss may report directly to the Pirates, rather than McCutchen as originally expected when Bay was rumored to be traded.

 

More Later...

Almost forgot...The Pirates now have a stocked minor league system.  Nice Job Neal Huntington.