Who Might The Yankees Receive From The Pirates?

There are many aspects to examine when trying to create trade proposals, for instance, team needs, contract situations, player age, roster spots, the list goes on. In regards to the trade talks with the Pirates, daily rumors have hinted at what kind of player/players the Yankees might receive back. Of course there is also a history of player targeting we can look at, and analyze what types of players this front office desired in salary dump situations. Then, there is the type of player that some teams need, and others have excesses of. Though it would be impossible to predict every candidate, I’ve attempted to narrow down who might fit the Pirates and Yankees trade conditions.

Yesterday, Joel Sherman mentioned that the Pirates were looking at the trade as a comparison to who might depart. Left handed pitcher Chris Jones was sent from the Indians to the Braves in this deal from last Halloween. Jones was a 15th round draft pick in 2007, and has since posted decent numbers (3.36 ERA, 8.2 K/9) in high A at the age of 22. While not old, Chris Jones still has some upside, and numbers indicate he could become an effective lefty specialist in AA next year. He might not project to have a big role in the majors, but he does have a shot as a lefty specialist. As a point presented by the Pirates, it seems they would accept sending slightly more in a negotiation.

Looking at the recent deal that sent Aaron Baker from the Pirates to the Orioles, there was similar type compensation. While Lee’s contract salary was about a third of what the Pirates are looking to pick up from Burnett’s, it was also only half a year, compared to two years of AJ. For as raw as Baker is, he has the potential to be a top organizational prospect after being ranked the Orioles’ farm system’s best power hitter by Baseball America. With some similarities between Lee and Burnett’s value, a player like Baker, one with high upside but so far away from the majors, is the type of player the Yankees could most likely expect.

Of course the Yankees will target a specific type of player. We can look back to the salary dump, and while Sheffield’s value is undoubtedly higher than Burnett’s is, the types of players should be similar. Though corner stoned the deal, and are more comparable to what the Yankees are looking for. At the time of the trade, Claggett and Whelan had meager success at A-ball, particularly with strikeouts, after only two years of professional play. As young players, the Yankees were able to keep them stashed in their farm system to develop. Jose Campos is another example of a young pitcher with little experience heading to the Yankees as somewhat of a “throw-in” piece. The Yankees will probably look at similar types of players, targeting young high risk/high reward prospects, instead of potential bench players that would be forced onto a 40 man roster. Where some people might like a Gorky Hernandez type fourth outfielder or Tim Alderson type middle reliever, history says they will take a gamble with a player out of low A.

Without further ado, here are some players I feel the Yankees and Pirates will discuss.

• Dan Grovatt, RF- .284/.364/.418, 8 HR, 21 SB (A) Age 23
  is touted for his patience at the plate, but needs substantial work on his swing, something hard to ask of a twenty-three year old. His speed and strong arm will help him as a corner outfielder, but worries about elbow issues linger.

• Zachary Fuesser, LHSP- 3.74 ERA, 7.9 K/9, 2.7 BB/9 (A) Age 21
  As a left handed pitcher with low 90’s – high 80’s stuff, Fuesser has found success striking hitters out. In 2011 he made strides at control, bringing his 4.5 BB/9 rate down to 2.7. Fuesser’s trends are going the right way, and if he’s able to add velocity with his 6’2” frame, he could gain upside.

• Adalberto Santos, LF- .314/.392/.476, 7 HR, 27 SB (A+) Age 24
  Santos has the ability to play the corner outfield positions, as well as 2B. With that type of versatility and hitting ability, he has more value than any player listed so far. Although he’s only played through two professional seasons, Santos’ issue is age. He’ll need to progress quickly to qualify as more than a bench option.

• Wes Freeman, LF- .299/.336/.474, 6 HR, 12 SB (A-,A) Age 22
  As a former 16th round pick in the 2008 draft, Freeman struggled in his first 3 years, never hitting above .210 a year. 2011 was a breakout season for him, and if he can keep hitting for contact, consistent power may develop. Freeman’s biggest weakness has been impatience at the plate; he drew only 10 walks and 54 strikeouts in 225 plate appearances last year.

• Matt Curry, 1B- .282/.376/.475, 15 HR, 7 SB (AA, A) Age 23
  In only his second year professionally, Curry hit 15 homeruns and drew 68 walks. As a first baseman, Curry often gets overlooked at such a potent position. Aside from strikeout issues in AA, Curry’s solid lefty power is quite enticing for the Yankees, though it would be difficult to pry him away in the trade.

• Jose Osuna, 1B, C- .328/.397/.505, 4 HR, 3 SB (RK, A-) Age 19
  Showing off his power in 2010, Osuna hit 10 homeruns as a 17 year old in rookie ball. Last year, Osuna maintained above average power numbers, while sporting an advanced approach at the plate. 2012 might be the year he establishes himself as a top prospect, and the Pirates might not be willing to let go of a prospect with so much potential.

• Alen Hanson, SS- .260/.349/.418, 2 HR, 24 SB (RK, A-) Age 19
  Though he lacks power, the ability to hit for contact, draw walks, and steal bases is coveted for any middle infield prospect. At 5’11”, 152 lbs, and only 19 years old, Hanson could breakout as he develops.

• Colton Cain, LHSP- 3.64 ERA, 6.9 K/9, 2.6 BB/9 (A) Age 21
  Consider the last two guys on my list heavy long shots. Cain was drafted in the 8th round of 2009 with a $1.125 million bonus. While Cain can touch mid 90’s and has some highly projectable secondary pitches, he’s been mediocre over the last two years. Though the Pirates obviously have plenty invested with him, the high-end pitching depth in their system may prove Cain expendable.

• Jarek Cunningham, 2B- .260/.325/.514, 15 HR, 5 SB (A+, Rk) Age 22
  At the premium position of second base, Cunningham offers a bat with huge upside. While his power is highly projectable, his injury history and defense is a big concern. Having played only one full season, I could see the Pirates putting him on the block, and if he stays healthy, he could be a solid top prospect going forward.