Pirates and Red Sox engaged in trade talks – MLB News
Sunday remained abuzz with the talks of trade.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are reported to be engaged in a big trade that involves sending closer Joel Hanrahan to the Boston Red Sox, and getting first baseman Jerry Sands and right-hander Stolmy Pimentel.
Multiple sources confirmed the news, also carried by MLB.com. As to whether or not it will require physicals is yet to be confirmed. Also, the trade may not be completed before Christmas.
After the Pittsburgh Pirates got Jason Grilli on two-year contract, paving the way for using him as the team’s closer for the upcoming season, there were already indications that the Pirates would trade the 31-year old Hanrahan.
That proposition proved right. The Pirates, by trading the player, will have some depth in offence; provided it proceeds smoothly.
The Boston Red Sox have their closer Andrew Bailey present. But by acquiring Hanrahan, they are creating competition within the team – so is the prevailing thought right.
It would be interesting to see what role Bailey gets if the deal materializes since he had earlier said he saw himself as closer in MLB `13.
"I think I have to," Bailey said. "Right now, I'd think I'm the only guy in that role. I feel, like I said, they traded for me for a reason. Last year was very frustrating on a lot of accounts, and even when I was healthy, I didn't do my job to my fullest expectations or the organization's expectations. I'm taking that into my offseason workout, and knowing that I got to hammer down games for this organization and this team, and we got to get to the playoffs."
CBS Sports, citing their sources, said the deal will bring four players to the Pittsburgh Pirates, sending two to the Boston Red Sox.
The Pirates had given a hint that they would make a deal if the team saw an improvement opportunity in it.
Since 2011, however, Hanrahan has been one of the consistency-personified players in the club, winning All-Star selections in two consecutive years. In 2012, for example, he had 2.72 ERA and was having 1.83 ERA in 2011.
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