Non-Tendered and Possible Pirate Targets

Here is a link to the non-tendered players:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=3766373

 

The three guys I'd like to see as possible targets are:

Willy Taveras -The Pirates have gone a long time without a speedy leadoff guy.  I don't count Duffy in this since he never really established himself in MLB.  Plopping Taveras in CF with McLouth in LF and Moss in RF makes a decent offensive outfield.  Defense could be poor though.  This would also buy a little more time for McCutchen in Indy.

Aaron Miles - IF the Pirates are actually looking at moving Sanchez, this is a good target for them.  The other option is getting Miles and sending Freddy back to 3B.

Tkashi Saito - If his new age medicine works, this is a guy who would solidify the late innings in Pittsburgh.  Saito in the 8th, Capps in the 9th.  That should take some strain off the starters from having to go 7 to feel safe with a lead.

With a first 3 in the Lineup of Taveras, Miles and McLouth the team is in good shape for small ball and good speed at the top of the order.  Sanchez could also bat second if he played 3B. 

If McCutchen can take away an outfield spot, Taveras could slide to left and McLouth moves to right.  While the team would lack power, it could be a very aggressive lineup on the base paths.  I am thinking along the line of St. Louis in the Coleman days.

If Huntington was sincere in saying McCutchen will be on the roster at some point in the season, a possible lineup of the following could produce some RBI chances and a few interesting games.

Lineup:
McCutchen, CF
Taveras, LF
Sanchez, 3B
Doumit, C
McLouth, RF
LaRoche, 1B
Miles, 2B
Wilson, SS
Pitcher, P

Just a drunken thought, that's all.

New and Old Pirates

New and Old Pirates:
I can sleep easier tonight, Duffy and Osoria cleared waivers.

The Pirates signed their 16th round daft pick Wesley Freeman. Freeman is a 5 tool type out of All Saints Academy in Florida. He is a big, hard swinging 6'5" outfielder who was passed over by many teams thinking he was unsignable.

BTW Take:
The Pirates have now signed 28 draftees. This kid is one they likely paid above slot for. All in all, this is a very good and surprising signing.

Additional Roster Moves and Thanks

To clear room on the 25 man roster the Pirates:

Optioned shortstop Brian Bixler to Class AAA Indianapolis

Designated for assignment reliever Franquelis Osoria.

 

To clear space on the 40 man roster the Pirates:

Center fielder Chris Duffy was designated for assignment.

 

BTW Take:

Bye Bye Franquie!

 

Thanks:

To those who fed me rumors allowing BTW to have a couple scoops over the last couple days.  Thanks to yinz, we had the breaking story on the 3-way deal with the Marlin and the Dodgers nearly an hour before the media had the rumors.  Great job and thanks.

John, you owe me...You know who you are and what I am talking about.

A few others out there should email me and admit where you found your scoops, I have the network logs.

 

Thanks Again:

Eric, just wanted to thank you one more time for steering the BTW Deadline Day Live Blog while I was in meetings.  It is greatly appreciated.