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Pirates Acquire Wandy Rodriguez

By Dan Mennella | July 24, 2012 at 7:54pm CDT

The Pirates have acquired left-handed starter Wandy Rodriguez from the Astros in exchange for minor leaguers Rudy Owens, Robbie Grossman, and Colton Cain. 

The Astros will also pay some of the remaining salary owed to Rodriguez at least through 2013 and perhaps through 2014, as the club option for that year became a player option when Rodriguez was traded, per a stipulation in his contract. The Astros' yearly contributions to Rodriguez's salaries break down as such: $1.7MM in 2012, $8.5MM in 2013, and potentially $7.5MM in 2014.

Rodriguez, 33, has posted a 4.04 ERA, 7.5 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9 in a little over 1,300 career innings, all with the Astros. The Wasserman Media Group client signed a three-year, $34MM extension with Houston prior to the 2011 season.

Grossman, an outfielder, is the best of the three prospects acquired by Houston, according to Jim Bowden of SiriusXM ESPN radio (Twitter). A 22-year-old switch-hitter, Grossman was a sixth-round draft choice of the Bucs in 2008. He's hit .262/.374/.403 with seven homers in 413 plate appearances this season with Double-A Altoona.

Owens, 24, had a 3.14 ERA in 19 starts with Triple-A Indianapolis this season. He has been added to Houston's 40-man roster.

Tom Singer of MLB.com first broke that the trade was close. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com confirmed that it was official and added in financial details (via Twitter), as did Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Twitter). And club press releases added which players the Astros received.

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Houston Astros Pittsburgh Pirates Transactions Wandy Rodriguez

Multiple Teams Interested In Hanley Ramirez
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Cole Hamels Rumors: Tuesday
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Post a Comment

240 Comments

  1. diesel2410

    13 years ago

    :O!!

    Reply
  2. R. C. Reaver

    13 years ago

    Great

    Reply
  3. R. C. Reaver

    13 years ago

    This is news.

    Reply
  4. TophersReds

    13 years ago

    Interesting move going after Wandy with how their pitching has been this year. They still don’t have much consistent offense besides Cutch.

    Reply
  5. BeatEmBucs

    13 years ago

    Hope it’s for a decent price. Always been a fan of Wandy…pretty underrated pitcher, IMO.

    Maybe we can get Soriano, too. I’d eat his entire salary just to not see him kill the Pirates AGAIN.

    Reply
  6. Tired_OF_FakeRumors

    13 years ago

    Solid starter, would like to see the pirates acquiring a big bat. Don’t know who is available besides Hanley.

    Reply
    • Greatone1210

      13 years ago

      Soriano could be had I think. Not a terrible player and would fit well.

      Reply
    • Josh Moody

      13 years ago

      Shane Victorino, Hunter Pence, Hanley Ramirez, Stephen Drew, Yunel Escobar, Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Roberts, Peter Bourjos, Marco Scutaro, Carlos Lee,Justin Upton, Denard Span, BJ Upton, Chase Headley, Placido Polanco, Juan Pierre, Bryan Lahair.. Just to throw out a few names…

      Reply
      • CandyMaldonadoLand

        13 years ago

        That’s more than a few names. That is almost every player….EVER

        Reply
        • Josh Moody

          13 years ago

          Haha i was just messing around. I think most of those players will be moved, not Lahair/Span/J Upton, Juan Pierre

          Reply
      • fisk72

        13 years ago

        Juan Pierre……………..”big bat”??

        Reply
    • DempseyK

      13 years ago

      I am really hoping that we go hard after Han Ram, I think he would be the prefect middle of the order right handed bat. AND he allows Barmes to move to being a bench player.

      After that, we just need a corner outfielder or some type…maybe a Denard Span to be a leadoff guy.

      Wandy, Han Ram, and Span would make me the happiest Pirates fan this side the Mississippi!

      Reply
      • Tired_OF_FakeRumors

        13 years ago

        IBeouldnt trade for Hanley just because of how mediocre he is. This is a guy that should be hitting 300 and on pace of getting 2,500 hits in his career. I don’t know if going to a place like Pittsburgh will motivate him. Who knows maybe it will since Pittsburg has a great tradition off winning(at least in the 70’s)

        Reply
  7. Greatone1210

    13 years ago

    I like this idea but what are we giving up and more importantly, where does he fit into the rotation? Maybe a 6 man rotation or resting one of our SP, possibly J-Mac?

    Reply
    • BeatEmBucs

      13 years ago

      Giving J-Mac an extra day down the stretch might be very beneficial. If not a 6-man, I assume that Correia would be the odd man out…for now. At least not while Bedard is on the upswing.

      Reply
    • DempseyK

      13 years ago

      Probably Means Corriea or Bedard is part of the deal going back to give them an immediate replacement, OR that Corriea is going to the bullpen for Mopup duty or long relief

      Reply
      • throwitback85

        13 years ago

        Rodriguez wouldn’t be that much of an upgrade over Bedard.

        Reply
  8. DempseyK

    13 years ago

    Would be a great pickup if the return is minor…If the Pirates are giving up a lot then I would prefer Garza or Shields. However, I do agree with Bedard having struggles this year, a solid top end Lefty in this rotation would help quite a bit. Shows teams a different look.

    Potential Playoff Rotation of AJ, Wandy, J Mac, and Karstens would be pretty darn formidable.

    Reply
    • sdsuphilip

      13 years ago

      it’s pretty bad when you compare it to other potential playoffs teams.

      Reply
      • Matt Busche

        13 years ago

        Nats would be better and so would Giants, but I’d take them over Dodgers, Reds, Cardinals and Braves rotations. Kershaw is a stud obviously, but hard to trust Capuano or anyone else for LAD. Cueto has been solid, but Latos up and down and not sure who #3 is for Reds. Cards – Wainwright hasn’t put it all together yet and as a Braves fan I don’t know who would be in a postseason rotation. Hudson and Sheets, but Hanson, Minor and Jurrjens have all been awful.

        Reply
        • sdsuphilip

          13 years ago

          If you can’t trust Capuano than you can’t trust wandy, karstens, or AJ

          Reply
          • Matt Busche

            13 years ago

            Why? Capuano is a career 4.21 ERA guy with a 3.4 ERA the past two months. AJ Burnett has been a solid pitcher when in the NL as has Wandy.

            Reply
            • sdsuphilip

              13 years ago

              Look at the declining K rate which suggests stuff is down, and Capuano was pretty solid last year just a bit unlucky. Burnett hasn’t pitched in the NL in what? 7 years? He was sitting 94-96 then.

              Reply
    • SixtoLezcano

      13 years ago

      … Playoff Rotation … [Jeff] Karstens … formidable.

      LOL

      Reply
      • Jon Edwards

        13 years ago

        you seen him pitch lately? repeat without LOL

        Reply
        • SixtoLezcano

          13 years ago

          4.00 xFIP over 46.0 IP. Yankees better watch out!!!

          Reply
          • Matt Busche

            13 years ago

            Karstens is the 4th guy if they don’t pitch Bedard over him. He might start 1 game.

            Reply
          • vtadave

            13 years ago

            Yankees’ 3 and 4 starters are Hughes / Nova.
            Pirates better watch out!!!

            Reply
  9. willy

    13 years ago

    Would like the Red Sox to have traded Beckett… to get Wandy. Good luck to him and Pitt. if they acquire him.

    Reply
    • bravesfansince1990

      13 years ago

      What sense does that make?

      Reply
      • mainesox

        13 years ago

        None, so far as I can tell.

        Reply
      • BringBackBogar

        13 years ago

        …for EITHER team.

        Reply
  10. Ryan

    13 years ago

    Finally. Now the Wandy Rodriguez trade rumors can come to an end, at least for now.

    Reply
  11. coachL

    13 years ago

    The Pirates pulled Alen Hanson in the 1st inning of his Low A game. He better not be whats going back to Houston for Wandy. What a horrible deal that would be.

    Reply
    • Ian_Smell

      13 years ago

      No. Oh god no. That’d be so awful.

      Reply
    • louis09

      13 years ago

      Someone mentioned that he was pulled in the 1st inning for not running out a ground ball….FWIW

      Reply
      • coachL

        13 years ago

        God I hope so. Cannot give up Hanson. I feel like he should be just as untouchable as Cole, Taillon, Marte and Heredia.

        Reply
    • tmengd

      13 years ago

      is Hanson a good prospect? Sorry don’t know the Pirates farm at all? What other names could be included? Their farm is deep isnt it?

      Reply
      • Will 14

        13 years ago

        An international signing destroying Low-A this year; with potential to stick at SS. Pretty valuable guy in anybody’s system, let alone Pittsburgh’s.

        Reply
      • BeatEmBucs

        13 years ago

        #48 on Keith Law’s midseason Top 50 prospects, FWIW.

        Reply
    • PursueYourDream

      13 years ago

      Unless we get Jed Lowrie too who i believe is still on the DL then Hanson better not be involved in this deal

      Reply
    • SixtoLezcano

      13 years ago

      *Nelson voice*

      Hah hah!

      Reply
  12. mgsports

    13 years ago

    Maybe also in deal Chris Johnson or Ben F. and Pirates give up Marte/Sanchez and so on.

    Reply
    • disqus_LDSpfXdZZR

      13 years ago

      Based on what source?

      Reply
    • BeatEmBucs

      13 years ago

      Not sure why the Pirates would want Johnson.

      Reply
    • Ryan H

      13 years ago

      I like that. Get rid of Johnson so will not be in Houston’s future and go ahead give the young guys a chance. Play Dominquez at third and put Wallace at first the rest of the season. What else do they have to lose?

      Reply
  13. The_Porcupine

    13 years ago

    I know people are down on Wandy because of his contract, but he’ll be a good addition to an already good rotation. He isn’t the type of pitcher that is going to dominate a lineup but he’s quietly effective. Even though he’s closer to being league average than ace, he’ll provide solid innings for the Pirates. They won’t have to give up top prospects and you know that Houston has to be kicking in some money.

    Reply
  14. PursueYourDream

    13 years ago

    Hope its nothing more than like Robbie Grossman and one of the AAA Lefties!!

    Reply
    • coachL

      13 years ago

      I wouldn’t give up Grossman for him either.

      Reply
      • PursueYourDream

        13 years ago

        The Astros are probably going to pay most of the contract too, so the price is higher than you would think

        Reply
    • PursueYourDream

      13 years ago

      Looks like it was right!! reports by jon morosi say grossman is involved

      Reply
  15. DerekJeterDan

    13 years ago

    Hey at least the Pirates are trying! With a rotation of Burnett, Rodriguez, Bedard, Mcdonald, heading into the playoffs and an offense around Andrew Mccutchen they have a chance to do somethings. Congrats to Pittsburgh on a solid move. They keep Wandy in the NL Central where he has proven he can pitch and have a few years of control with him. Something that is valuable since attracting FA starters might be hard

    Reply
    • PursueYourDream

      13 years ago

      Dont forget Karstens!! He is pitching better than Bedard and Mcdonald right now

      Reply
      • DerekJeterDan

        13 years ago

        Agreed. Since coming off of the DL he has done well. Good point and nice username!

        Reply
  16. richardb21

    13 years ago

    Not saying it will happen but Luhnow said on TV last night that he had a high price tag on Wandy.

    Reply
  17. Cory Yokel

    13 years ago

    Matt Curry was taken out of the AA lineup, perhaps he’s included.

    Reply
    • Matt Busche

      13 years ago

      Rudy Owens, Colton Cain and Robbie Grossman + $

      Reply
    • 304

      13 years ago

      MAybe a piece to a trade for Billy Butler of the Royals. Hopefully it is. Butler would be an awesome addition to the Bucs. Curry is a 1st baseman so it is a possibility

      Reply
  18. Ryan H

    13 years ago

    Very interested as to who would be heading to Houston. Hopefully Luhnow can continue to stockpile young pitching.

    Reply
  19. pdr297

    13 years ago

    I don’t even care what the Astros get in return (Though, Lunhow’s track record says it’ll be good). I’m just glad to see all this turnover. Despite the struggles, it’s a fine time to be an Astros fan.

    Reply
    • MeowMeow

      13 years ago

      Well, it makes it more likely that it’ll be a fine time to be an Astros fan in 2015

      Reply
  20. Cory Yokel

    13 years ago

    the Pirates prefer to take on money rather than give up prospects so I don’t think the player return will be big, plus they said the top 6 are untouchable even in Upton/Headley talks

    Reply
  21. E Anderson

    13 years ago

    jonheymancbs
    there is $ changing hands in wandy deal. he has $30M to go thru ’13, so #astos will send dollars to#pirates. done deal.

    Reply
  22. tmengd

    13 years ago

    The Pirates have a deep farm don’t they? What are some names that could go without the big two? Would Marte be realistic?

    Reply
    • coachL

      13 years ago

      Marte not realistic. At least I hope not. I’d say maybe a AAA pitcher.

      Reply
  23. mgsports

    13 years ago

    Johnson could solve bat and plantoon at 1B or maybe a Third Team is involved that wants like Cordero and has a Bat to give up.

    Reply
  24. Chris Vinnit

    13 years ago

    Hurdle has said the team is thinking of going to a 6 man rotation to close out the year. Looks like this move will allow them to do that. Not a lot of upside here but he’s under contract through next year and a good solid mid-rotation guy. I’ll have to see what they gave up but if it’s a Locke/Wilson/Owens, that’d be fine. This pretty well seats their staff, now they really really need to find a middle of the order bat to protect Cutch.

    Reply
  25. coachL

    13 years ago

    Having Lowrie involved would be nice. How long is on the DL?

    Reply
    • MeowMeow

      13 years ago

      Ah, Lowrie finally landed back on the DL? He had a pretty good run there.

      Reply
      • mainesox

        13 years ago

        Been there for a few weeks I think.

        Reply
        • MeowMeow

          13 years ago

          Eh, he was off my fantasy team before that so I stopped keeping tabs on him 😛

          Reply
          • mainesox

            13 years ago

            Not surprised, he had stopped hitting a few weeks before the injury.

            Reply
  26. Andrew Ward

    13 years ago

    Luhnow is doing work, I gues if the Astros wern’t in rebuilding mode before, they are now, Myers, Lee, Lyon, and now Wandy, don’t know who I like more, AA or Luhnow.

    Reply
  27. BuccoBaller

    13 years ago

    For who??

    Reply
  28. Vincent Martini

    13 years ago

    This will allow the Pirates to use Bedard or Correia as a trade chip (to get a bat)

    Reply
  29. Gunner65

    13 years ago

    Jon Morosi just confirmed the trade is agreed to by both teams … just waiting for the details

    Reply
  30. M.Kit

    13 years ago

    Heard the trade kicks in the 2014 option, so far from a rental

    Reply
  31. Alex Grady

    13 years ago

    $10MM this year, $13MM next, $13MM player option for `14. Astros must be sending $15MM+ the other way if they`re getting anything in return.

    Reply
  32. MeowMeow

    13 years ago

    Who’d’ve thought we’d see the Pirates as buyers this year. The Buyrates, if you will.

    Reply
    • Phillies_Aces35

      13 years ago

      Didn’t they buy last year?

      Reply
      • Dom

        13 years ago

        Ryan Ludwick and Derrek Lee were hardly the acquisitions to write home about (although i really liked Lee). but you’re right, technically they were buyers last year.

        Reply
        • Phillies_Aces35

          13 years ago

          They only got those guys because they lost out on guys like Hunter Pence. It’s not like they were only trying to buy off the scrap heap, they did try to make some bigger acquisitions.

          Reply
      • MeowMeow

        13 years ago

        I’m gonna be honest: it was all for the pun

        Reply
    • NickinIthaca

      13 years ago

      I’m so happy they added a “thumbs down” option before this comment was made…

      Reply
      • MeowMeow

        13 years ago

        This means so much to me.

        Reply
        • User 4245925809

          13 years ago

          LOL. A thumbs up to the thumbs down option. Ya gotta have faith here 🙂

          Reply
          • MeowMeow

            13 years ago

            I really really just miss the option to see who gave them! Everyone is too afraid to give me a thumbs down to my FACE.

            Reply
            • User 4245925809

              13 years ago

              Know what ya mean. it’s different now.

              I gave ya the thumbs up tho. HAHAHA

              Reply
              • MeowMeow

                13 years ago

                I know you’ve got my back, johnsilver mlbtr internet website comment man

                Reply
  33. Scott Boudreau

    13 years ago

    Wow…looks like the Astros’ rebuild just hit zero hour. Who is left to trade, now?

    Reply
    • Alex Grady

      13 years ago

      Lowrie, Altuve, Wesley Willis.

      Reply
      • coldgoldenfalstaff

        13 years ago

        Lowrie is hurt and Altuve isn’t going anywhere.

        Reply
      • Hal_Jordan77

        13 years ago

        Wesley Wright

        Reply
    • melonis_rex

      13 years ago

      any/every reliever who’s any decent

      Reply
      • Hal_Jordan77

        13 years ago

        Wilton Lopez. Maybe Francisco Cordero next month if he pitches well.

        Reply
  34. Scott Wood

    13 years ago

    Deal probably going to include hanson and/or curry and possibly a pitcher

    Reply
  35. Noe Cadena

    13 years ago

    Sorry to see you go Wandy!!!!

    Reply
  36. chris young

    13 years ago

    I hope we got a little more than just Josh Bell.

    Reply
    • BeatEmBucs

      13 years ago

      Where is Bell being reported? Maybe it’s true, but I have a hard time seeing it. Pirates shelled out $5M to him less than a year ago and he’s hurt.

      Reply
      • chris young

        13 years ago

        I was just going off the previous comment. Would love to add Bell to the organization along with 1 more.

        Reply
  37. Tyler Sekula

    13 years ago

    Robbie grossman

    Reply
  38. TophersReds

    13 years ago

    It’s not Tim Singer, it’s Tom Singer (according to the Reds’ announcers that just read this exact post word-for-word during the game..)

    Reply
  39. Andrew Ward

    13 years ago

    Robbie Grossman head to Houston per Morosi

    Reply
  40. tmengd

    13 years ago

    Per Morosi: Source: Robbie Grossman headed to #Astros in #Pirates deal for Wandy Rodriguez.

    Reply
    • chris young

      13 years ago

      It better be Bell and Grossman….not just Grossman

      Reply
    • Gunner65

      13 years ago

      Yep, just saw that on twitter

      Reply
  41. mlbscout6

    13 years ago

    Oh Neil, just when I was starting to have hope for you, you go and trade for the most overrated, overpaid pitcher on the market. NOT SMART.

    Reply
    • PursueYourDream

      13 years ago

      If they only sent Grossman its a steal!! Good trade neil

      Reply
    • Todd Smith

      13 years ago

      Heard the same thing when he traded for AJ. Some people just never learn.

      Reply
      • mlbscout6

        13 years ago

        Not from me. I hailed it as a very smart move the day it happened.

        Reply
  42. chris young

    13 years ago

    What is with the Astros always trying to bring back these hometown kids?

    Reply
  43. tmengd

    13 years ago

    he just one piece heading in trade.

    OF Robbie Grossman, part of agreed trade to #Astros, has a .778 OPS with #Pirates Class AA affiliate.

    Reply
    • BeatEmBucs

      13 years ago

      He’s likely the biggest piece. Pretty big name in the Pirates system over the past year with the 100BB/100R season last year. I don’t think he’ll ever be a star, but could be a solid major leaguer.

      EDIT: God I hope the Hanson part isn’t true.

      Reply
  44. M.Kit

    13 years ago

    OF Robbie Grossman (AA) is in the deal

    Reply
  45. Andrew Ward

    13 years ago

    Alen Hanson also headed to Houston

    Reply
  46. tmengd

    13 years ago

    So far, it’s Wandy Rodriguez for OF Robbie Grossman and SS/2B Alen Hanson. Working to see if other names are involved.

    Reply
    • chris young

      13 years ago

      Whats with the Hanson kid……previous posts said he was legit

      Reply
      • Tyler Sekula

        13 years ago

        number 27 prospect in the pirates system. Grossman was the number 8 this year as per baseball america if that tells you anything.

        Reply
        • asovermann

          13 years ago

          Hanson will be close to if not in the top 5 in the pirate system going into next year and per KLaw is currently a top 50 prospect in baseball.

          Reply
          • Tyler Sekula

            13 years ago

            That’s next year. As per Baseball America he is currently the 27th prospect in their system. I was just telling him what I read.

            Reply
            • BucSox

              13 years ago

              Hanson is not in the deal. He was rated as Baseball America’s number 40 prospect in the mid season top 50.

              Reply
            • asovermann

              13 years ago

              I’m sorry to say, but you’re wrong, and I’m not even a Pirates fan. He is one of the best SS prospects in the game right now.

              Reply
    • Tyler Sekula

      13 years ago

      That’s the deal

      Reply
    • Will 14

      13 years ago

      Jed Lowrie had better be a player to be named later if the Bucs are including Hanson. Either that or the Astros are eating 90% of Wandy’s salary.

      Reply
    • louis09

      13 years ago

      WRONG — Grossman + Owens + Cain

      Reply
  47. M.Kit

    13 years ago

    Alen Hanson is also in the deal – Morosi

    Reply
    • louis09

      13 years ago

      Nope — Owens + Grossman + Cain

      Reply
  48. E Anderson

    13 years ago

    Correction: Hanson not in deal. Pirates get LHP Wandy Rodriguez & cash from #Astros for Rudy Owens, Colton Cain and Robbie Grossman.

    Reply
  49. mlbscout6

    13 years ago

    Luhnow gets my vote for smartest GM in baseball right now…though Daniels and Friedman are pretty close.

    Reply
    • Andrew Ward

      13 years ago

      what about AA?

      Reply
    • cards2WS

      13 years ago

      Top 8 GM’s IMO

      AA 1
      Daniels 2
      Freidman 3
      Mozaleik 4
      Epstein 5
      Luhnow 6
      Rizzo 7
      Jocketty 8

      Reply
      • YanksFan4EverNamed_Nick

        13 years ago

        cashmen?hes number 5

        Reply
        • cards2WS

          13 years ago

          You could make a case he’s in the top 8, but not top 3.

          Reply
      • vtadave

        13 years ago

        You get a down arrow simply for not including Ned Colletti on this list.
        Sincerely,
        The Giants, Padres, Rockies, and Diamondbacks

        Reply
      • Ben_Cherington

        13 years ago

        Epstein is not a GM.

        Reply
      • Lunchbox45

        13 years ago

        as a Jay fan I don’t see how Daniels is not first and Freidman second.

        Reply
    • casorgreener

      13 years ago

      What makes him so smart?

      Reply
    • bigpat

      13 years ago

      Not sure is is really getting many valuable prospects for his vets that he’s trading off, but I applaud him for being willing to trade everyone who won’t be a key component of their future team. It may still take a while and being out in the west will be tough on the Astros, but I think Luhnow really knows what he’s doing. They will also have a ton of payroll flexibility and have a big enough market where they can up the payroll significantly in a few years.

      Reply
  50. M.Kit

    13 years ago

    Grossman is Pirates 8th prospect, Hanson 27th – rosenthal

    Reply
    • BeatEmBucs

      13 years ago

      That ranking has to be preseason, because there’s no way he has Hanson at 27 today. He’s more like somewhere between #4 and #6 or so now, would be my guess. Cole, Taillon, Marte are obvious Top 3, then arrange Heredia, Hanson, and Bell anyway you’d like.

      Reply
  51. tmengd

    13 years ago

    per morosi lol

    Hold on. Contradicting information on Hanson’s inclusion

    Reply
    • chris young

      13 years ago

      Theres no way the deal was just for Grossman

      Reply
  52. Andrew Ward

    13 years ago

    Hold on. Contradicting information on Hanson’s inclusion. per Morosi

    Reply
  53. Hoss10

    13 years ago

    Next post will read “pirates expected to acquire wandy Rodriguez”

    Reply
  54. Gunner65

    13 years ago

    Pirates get LHP Wandy Rodriguez & cash from #Astros for Rudy Owens, Colton Cain and Robbie Grossman.

    Reply
  55. PursueYourDream

    13 years ago

    Grossman and a AAA pitcher!!! just like I said when I first heard the news! and Cain who could be a good player eventually

    Reply
  56. M.Kit

    13 years ago

    Heyman: Grossman/Owens/Cain

    Reply
  57. Tyler Sekula

    13 years ago

    Per Jon Heyman; Grossman, Owens and Cain go to astros in deal.

    Reply
  58. PiratesFan

    13 years ago

    I heard its hanson and Grossman!! No problem with giving up grossman, but i do not want hanson involved.

    Reply
    • PiratesFan

      13 years ago

      Nevermind. Good trade.

      Reply
  59. Andrew Ward

    13 years ago

    CONFIRMED: #Pirates get LHP Wandy Rodriguez and cash from#Astros for Rudy Owens, Colton Cain and Robbie Grossman. per Morosi

    Reply
  60. tmengd

    13 years ago

    Correction: Hanson not in deal. Pirates get LHP Wandy Rodriguez & cash from #Astros for Rudy Owens, Colton Cain and Robbie Grossman.

    Reply
    • BeatEmBucs

      13 years ago

      Yet another Texas kid going back to the Stros.

      Reply
      • chris young

        13 years ago

        They always try this crap…..NEVER works

        Reply
    • Will 14

      13 years ago

      Had a feeling Owens would never put on a Pirates uniform. If the Bucs liked him, he would’ve been up by now.

      Reply
      • BeatEmBucs

        13 years ago

        Knew that one of the AAA lefties would go eventually. I like Rudy, but preferred Locke most definitely over him, and probably Wilson, too. Owens is most certainly ready…wonder if he’ll debut against the Bucs this weekend.

        Reply
        • Will 14

          13 years ago

          I agree that Owens is the easiest of the three AAA lefties to let go. If I’m not misremembering; Locke has good K and ground ball rates – if Wilson can find a way to throw more strikes, he has the highest upside of the three.

          Reply
          • Alex Henry

            13 years ago

            I respectfully disagree i like Rudy better then Justin Wilson he hits slumps every year of his MILB career but it is what it is just slightly disappointed by it

            Reply
            • Will 14

              13 years ago

              My comment was based on potential. Owens is certainly the better pitcher now, but Owens doesn’t have a 97 mph fastball.

              Reply
    • DempseyK

      13 years ago

      I will be super mad if we gave up Owens in this deal. Management had something personal against him from day 1…Guy has been a STUD at every level of pro ball and still wasnt given an oppertunity to be on the big league team. Rudy Owens is a VERY legit #3 starter…or a legit #4 starter on a good to great staff. This is a VERY good return for Houston. I am dissapointed in Huntington. We overpaid.

      Reply
      • Matt Busche

        13 years ago

        He’s a 24 year old repeating AAA. His numbers aren’t bad, but he’d be up right now if Pirates thought he was any good.

        Neither Keith Law nor baseball American had Rudy Owens in their top 10 for the Pirates this year. If he was a #3 starter he’d have been top 5 easily. Baseball Prospectus listed him as their 15th best prospect.

        Reply
        • DempseyK

          13 years ago

          You have to understand this team and its management to understand why i say what i say about him. They never gave him a fair shake…always delayed his promotions earlier in his career…Mark my words, Rudy Owens will be a productive major league starter. I am incredibly disappointed to see him go. I felt he should have been called up 2 months ago…but once again managements distaste for him prevented that from happening. Remember the kid has close to the best numbers out of any starter in the international league this year, and was a Triple A all star too. He is much more than just mediocre. n He was VERY underrated by his own team. I cant hide my feelings on this one…Im ticked.

          Reply
          • rikersbeard

            13 years ago

            but what would Law or BP have against Owens?

            Reply
            • DempseyK

              13 years ago

              They dont…a top 15 prospect in the Pirates system is nothing to shake a stick at. We have quite a few really highly rated players ahead of him. Im not claiming him to be a superstar, but if he is 15 in our system, he would be top 5 in the White Sox and a few others systems, and top 10 in over half of MLB systems. Im just saying that the kid does not get the credit he deserves. He has been a career overachiever that never gets the recognition.

              Reply
              • fisk72

                13 years ago

                why drag the White Sox into this?

                Reply
  61. mgsports

    13 years ago

    Chris Snyder to Mets.

    Reply
    • Andrew Ward

      13 years ago

      Is this true, or are you just making stuff up?

      Reply
      • mgsports

        13 years ago

        Mets need a backup Catcher and he would cost less then Ramon Hernandez.

        Reply
    • Tyler Sekula

      13 years ago

      This wasn’t reported by anyone was it?

      Reply
    • chris young

      13 years ago

      lol where did this come from??

      Reply
  62. Alex Grady

    13 years ago

    Grossman, Cain and Owens for Wandy+$$$

    Reply
  63. Tyler Sekula

    13 years ago

    jonmorosi
    CONFIRMED: #Pirates get LHP Wandy Rodriguez and cash from #Astros for Rudy Owens, Colton Cain and Robbie Grossman.
    7/24/12 9:41 PM

    Reply
  64. chris young

    13 years ago

    Confirmed on Astros telecast…..Cain, Owens, Grossman

    Reply
  65. M.Kit

    13 years ago

    Astros continue filling out farm system, and Pirates get a SP under control potentially through 2014

    Reply
  66. Jamie Sayer

    13 years ago

    Wow Astros cleaned up for Wandy.

    Reply
  67. D.j. Wilson

    13 years ago

    The Pittsburgh Pirates are BUYERS. What an exciting moment

    Reply
  68. Ryan Rubly

    13 years ago

    gave up rudy owens, robbie grossman and colton cain

    Reply
  69. DempseyK

    13 years ago

    Wow…this is a bad move for the Bucs…with Wandy’s strikeout numbers down and given his age, this is an overpay. Im not a happy Bucco fan right now. I would have rather added another prospect or two and went after one of the elite guys available. Disappointment.

    Reply
    • coachL

      13 years ago

      I agree. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much. I could see Owens and Cain, but not Grossman.

      Reply
      • rikersbeard

        13 years ago

        but then the Astros probably don’t pick up a chunk of the bill.

        Reply
        • coachL

          13 years ago

          I’d rather have the bucs spend more $$$ than give up solid minor league assets. Not a fan of Wandy. Not for this package.

          Reply
        • fisk72

          13 years ago

          Yup, they “bought” Grossman for $13M. Baseball’s new economics.

          Reply
    • asovermann

      13 years ago

      None of the guys are really projected to be substantial difference makers, and you guys get to hang onto Taillon, Cole, Marte, Heredia, Bell, Hanson etc.

      Reply
      • chris young

        13 years ago

        I would agree…I think you guys got a pretty good deal….you keep all the top tier guys plus you keep Bell and Hanson…

        Reply
      • sdsuphilip

        13 years ago

        yeah wandy isn’t one either.

        Reply
        • asovermann

          13 years ago

          He’ll be much better than Erik Bedard.

          Reply
    • BeatEmBucs

      13 years ago

      None of those guys are going to be stars. Grossman could have a solid major league career. I’m really interested to see what Owens does at the major league level. Cain has a nice ceiling, pretty good strikeout numbers, and is a hard throwing lefty, but has struggled for sure. Could be good one day, could never see the majors.

      Reply
      • fisk72

        13 years ago

        Agree.

        Reply
      • slider32

        13 years ago

        Still the Astros get 3 of the Bucs top 15 prospects never know how they will develope. Wandy is a major upgrade for the Pirates, might help get them to the playoffs. This is a good trade for both teams.

        Reply
    • Alex Grady

      13 years ago

      his walk numbers are down too, to be fair.

      Reply
    • sdsuphilip

      13 years ago

      To be fair to Wandy while I do agree it is an overpay his walk numbers have also decreased to make the SO/BB ratio pretty decent.

      Reply
  70. Hal_Jordan77

    13 years ago

    Astros radio announcer(Dave Raymond or Brett Dolan) said Grossman is a switch hitter. B-R says he’s a left handed hitter. Which is correct?

    Reply
    • BeatEmBucs

      13 years ago

      Switch.

      Reply
  71. stroh

    13 years ago

    As an Astros fan, very happy with the return. In Luhnow we trust. According to mlb.com, Grossman was Pirates #7 prospect, Owens #12 and Cain #16.

    Reply
    • BucSox

      13 years ago

      Good deal for both sides. Grossman was the Pirates 7 but his walk rate is a bit down and his k rate is a bit up I believe. He actually also got suspended this year .

      Reply
  72. DempseyK

    13 years ago

    The more I think about this, the more ticked off I get. I would have rather just called Rudy Owens up to the Majors and kept Grossman and Cain.

    Reply
    • chris young

      13 years ago

      Whats the deal on Owens……why was he in AAA so long?

      Reply
      • BeatEmBucs

        13 years ago

        Couple reasons. There was no spot for him on the big league club and I think that he was pure trade bait. Don’t think Huntington ever had the intention of promoting him so as to not hurt his trade value. He put up great numbers for two straight years, struggled in AAA last year, and is doing nicely repeating this season. Very interested to see what he does in the majors.

        Reply
        • Will 14

          13 years ago

          If it weren’t for McCutchen, I’d predict a no-hitter in his (somewhat likely) start against the Bucs this weekend.

          Reply
          • vtadave

            13 years ago

            Why’s that?

            Reply
  73. Andrew Ward

    13 years ago

    If the Pirates are looking for a bat for 1B or OF, how about Lars Anderson and/or Ryan Sweeney, for say Karstens or Correia

    Reply
  74. Will 14

    13 years ago

    Three of the Pirates top 20 prospects for two and a half years of slightly above average pitching. Remember when the Pirates let Maholm walk last offseason? Neal Huntington should feel like a fool tonight.

    Reply
  75. Chris Vinnit

    13 years ago

    Not a bad trade for the Bucs. They gave up a little more than I expected (I figured one of the AAA pitchers + a B level prospect in exchange for Wandy + Cash) but nothing they’re gonna miss. Grossman is really the only pretty good prospect they gave up but the Pirates have an abundance of toolsy OF types so no biggie there.

    With Bedard and Correia leaving next year, Wandy will be a nice little addition for the next couple seasons. He’s not spectacular but he eats innings (200 IP the past three years) and considering some of the crazy asking prices I’ve seen bandied about for mediocre guys like TB’s Shields, this is quite the bargain.

    Reply
    • rikersbeard

      13 years ago

      okay Shields is a little better than a back of the rotation inning eater. He is a solid #3 in the AL east.

      Reply
  76. chris young

    13 years ago

    The Astros have brought in a lot of mid-level type prospects…..Wandy was their last chance to bring in atleast 1 top tier guy

    Reply
    • sdsuphilip

      13 years ago

      Grossman is a top 250 prospect, and they got a backend near ready for a middle of rotation 33 year old with a bad contract, good deal for Houston, farm system continues to improve.

      Reply
  77. Alex Grady

    13 years ago

    Biertempfel tweets that the Astros are including about $13.3MM, assuming the player option for ’14 is exercised.

    Reply
  78. chris young

    13 years ago

    According to Prospect Watch – all 3 prospects were in Pirates TOP 20……Grossman (7), Owens (12), and Cain (16).

    Reply
    • asovermann

      13 years ago

      When was the list released though?

      Reply
      • chris young

        13 years ago

        Its a current list. Each team has their TOP 20 list on their website under the roster tab. The Astros list has been updated after each trade.

        Reply
        • BustaPozee

          13 years ago

          He doesnt update it, all he does is add the new prospects or take away the ones traded. For example on the Astros there is no way Clemens is in the top 10′ he sucks.

          Reply
      • Andrew Ward

        13 years ago

        its updated every couple weeks, but because of the trade deadline, it gets updated every day or two because it already has Jacob Turner on the Marlins top prospects list

        Reply
  79. formerdraftpick 2

    13 years ago

    The Pirates definitely overpaid, but hey, I think they are going to lose quite a few players to Rule V if they don’t trade them. You can’t protect everyone. This trade will be fantastic for all three prospects and provide them an opportunity to move to the majors sooner.

    Reply
  80. vtadave

    13 years ago

    Good deal for both sides.
    The Pirates replace a replacement-level starter in Correia with a guy who has been worth 1.8 WAR so far this year. Safe to say this is worth at least one win the rest of the way.
    Astros get further depth in what has to now be a top-10 farm system. None of these guys are likely to be studs, but useful major leaguers? Sure.

    Reply
    • casorgreener

      13 years ago

      Top 10 farm system?!?!? LOL

      Reply
  81. 304

    13 years ago

    Being a Pirates fan I think the Astros won this deal. All 3 prospects are gonna be solid for the Astros organization.

    Reply
    • chris young

      13 years ago

      I hope we got a good deal here….Wandy is solid though and should do well with a change of scenery

      Reply
  82. Jeff Snedden

    13 years ago

    Alright Buccos fans, let’s not go crazy here. We just acquired a very solid lefty starter, a veteran, bulldog pitcher who matches up well as the #3 starter against any of the potential NL playoff teams. This is a good deal for BOTH teams. Pirates get one of the two pieces they needed, a solid middle of the rotation starter to slot in behind J-Mac and Burnett, in front of Karstens. Now both Correia and Bedard know they need to continue to step it up because one of them is going to be without a starting slot. Huntington wasn’t going to give up Taillon, Cole, Heredia, or Marte so acquiring a #1 starter was not going to happen. The Bucs still have the option of trading one of the studs for a big OF bat if the right deal comes calling over the next week.

    The Astros get a potential #3 type starter in Owens, a Class A starter who hasn’t yet found his way in Colton Cain, and a toolsy OF in Grossman who is probably a solid two seasons away from competing for a major league job. All three could be assets for Houston, but none of the three are players who had a home in Pittsburgh anytime soon, The Owens/Locke/Wilson trio are perfect trade bait because they are the sandwich between the 2012 rotation and the 2014 rotation (McDonald/Taillon/Cole/etc.).

    Most importantly, this move shows that the Pirates are doing exactly what they said they would do. The current team is legit, PNC Park is packed night after night, and they are going for it. This is a banner day for Pirates fans who have waited two decades for a chance to see postseason baseball again. They also realize that this is a pivotal point in the season. The team has hit a rough patch, didn’t play well in Milwaukee or Colorado out of the break, then got ahold of the Marlins for a sweep just as that team was falling apart. Losing two straight to the Cubs at home is a wake up call, and in 2011 Huntington waited too long to make any moves. This year he made a big move at the right time. This is a shot in the arm to a team that will wake up tomorrow morning 2 1/2 games behind a Reds team that is playing out of their minds.

    Sorry for the long read, but this is BIG news for Pirates fans. If you have been a dedicated Buccos fan long enough to remember the Zane Smith trade in 1990 – THIS is the equivalent to that franchise changing deal. THIS IS GOOD NEWS!

    Reply
    • FacelessGeneralManager

      13 years ago

      Holy crap man, thats longer than an article I’ve ever seen on here.

      Reply
      • Jeff Snedden

        13 years ago

        Yeah, I got on my soap box on that one. Thanks for reading.

        Reply
  83. Lunchbox45

    13 years ago

    i would have rather the jays take wandy than happ. and it looks like we gave up more.

    Reply
    • therednorth

      13 years ago

      Grossman is much higher rated than anything the Jays gave up. The Pirates gave up more.
      On the other hand, the Pirates actually got something useful in their trade, whereas the Jays got mediocre in exchange for mediocre, so I’d rather have done what the Pirates did.

      Reply
      • Lunchbox45

        13 years ago

        that was kinda my point wasn’t it.

        Reply
  84. Cory Yokel

    13 years ago

    Losing Rudy Owens isn’t much of a loss, he’s the worst of the 3 in AAA and more than likely couldn’t be kept out of the Rule V draft next year(Also have never heard anyone say he had the potential to be more than a #4 on a bad team or #5 on a good team) . The Astros go to the AL West next year so these players won’t have much of an impact against us.

    Reply
  85. Steven Yurek

    13 years ago

    who else should the pirates trade for?

    Reply
    • Alex Henry

      13 years ago

      I think Willingham that’s just me though but id love to get even a decent shortstop as well not Hanley though maybe willie Bloomquist if he can keep hitting the way he has i just truly want a shortstop the most

      Reply
  86. Kev

    13 years ago

    As an Astros fan, I think the Pirates overpaid a touch, but not unreasonably so. Wandy can hang in there as a nice #3, but he has regressed some this season. I don’t buy the whole pitching more to contact explanation. His curve just doesn’t look as sharp as it has in years past. I’ll be pulling for him though, as he was a good soldier on some bad, bad Houston teams.

    I’m not wowed by the arms Luhnow brought back, but Grossman is a nice get, indeed. I’m a big fan of guys with his skill set, as it seems that they’re the kind of players that a GM trying to capitalize on market inefficiencies snatch up. He’s a nice B prospect at this point, and I would imagine he slots somewhere in the 7-9 range for Houston.

    Reply
  87. bigpat

    13 years ago

    I’ve always been a fan of Wandy for years, just not sure how long he’ll keep pitching well. Still, I think he’ll be solid down the stretch and next year, so I’d consider this deal a success.

    Houston better be willing to at least split the salary because even those these 3 prospects are pretty average, Owens and Grossman are ok and it’s still three prospects. More than most teams have been willing to trade thus far.

    Reply
  88. joew

    13 years ago

    i’ve never been a huge fan of Wandy. but i never really liked the Astros either. But he is fairly solid and with the Astros paying a large part of his contract and having him for next year is a decent deal especially if we loose a pitcher or two in the off season. it also gives more wiggle room for trading pitchers this year or next

    Reply

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