Trade deadline nfl
Second, the marketability of many of these players had been hampered in the off-season because of their performance, and Huntington did not want to trade players at a price that was lower than what he considered their true value. Third, although Huntington did seek an immediate improvement of the team's competitiveness, he did not want to give up players who could contribute to the team's performance over the next three or four years simply to achieve a one-year increase in wins.
During his first season, Huntington made two major trades leading up to the July 31 trade deadline. Following the loss season, Huntington hired Clint Hurdle as the new field manager of the Pirates.
Trade deadline yahoo
Although the Pirates finished below. This was the first time the Pirates had finished above. In the bullpen, Joel Hanrahan established himself as one of the top closers in the game. Though the offense struggled for most of the year, Andrew McCutchen emerged as one of the game's most exciting and promising young hitters, as well as the Pirates' best hitter.
On July 26, the Pirates suffered a heart breaking inning loss [ 11 ] against the Atlanta Braves, ending on a controversial call where home plate umpire Jerry Meals called runner Julio Lugo safe at home, although the replay showed that catcher Michael McKenry had clearly tagged him out. Meals admitted that the call may have been incorrect after watching the replay again.
This loss appeared to be a turning point in the season, as the Pirates lost 15 of their next 18 games from July 27 to August 14, and at one point, lost 10 games in a row. Grilli made a quick impression, pitching well in high leverage situations and earned manager Clint Hurdle's trust, prompting him to become the team's setup man next year.
On February 18, the Pirates acquired starting pitcher A. Burnett from the New York Yankees for two minor leaguers. The Pirates started the season strong, led by a starting rotation which ranked as one of the best in the majors through the first half of the season. James McDonald had an All Star caliber start to the season, holding a 9—3 record with an e.
On the offense, Andrew McCutchen continued his solid hitting as the 3 hitter, driving in 96 runs, and slugging.
Neil huntington on trade deadline deals
The Pirates made a slew of moves at the trade deadline. The Pirates lost 37 of their final 54 games, finishing with a 79—83 record and a record 20th consecutive losing season. He was eventually moved to the bullpen and replaced in the rotation by prospects Jeff Locke and Kyle McPherson. The Pirates garnered the dubious distinction of being the first professional baseball team to finish a season with a record below.
With a record of — and no winning seasons or playoff appearances, Neal Huntington entered his 5th season as Pirates general manager determined to be aggressive in free agency and hopefully, to add players and veteran leadership that would stave off another Pittsburgh Pirates playoff collapse in Martin, while providing decent offensive numbers, was considered to be a major defensive upgrade over the previous year's platoon of Rod Barajas and Michael McKenry.
Melancon, who was under-valued after a miserable injury-riddled season, replaced Grilli as the Pirates setup man. The possibility of immediately impacting the showdown with the Cardinals could also enter into what Huntington does.
Neil huntington on trade deadline deals mlb
He said the ongoing series with the Redbirds won't influence moves -- but that could be a misleading disclaimer. Given Rodriguez's unavailability, the Bucs would like to throw a third left-hander alongside Jeff Locke and Francisco Liriano against St. An addition such as that would also help way beyond this week. Consider that of the Pirates' 59 remaining games, 14 will be against the Cardinals -- which accounts for 24 percent of the schedule.
Add six games against the Reds, and the Bucs will play one out of every three remaining games against the teams they are trying to outlast in the division. In trade talks, some rival executives are believed to have tried to convince Huntington to part with some of the top talent in the club's Minor League system for the prime talent they have made available.
Huntington hasn't turned a completely deaf ear to this. German had question marks about his control at the time of the deal and those questions still persist three years later. The second prospect in the trade was an intriguing shortstop prospect by the name of Oneil Cruz.
The issue was that he was only 18 years of age, likely too big to play shortstop, and would be prone to strikeouts. So essentially the team got two young prospects who were wild cards more than legitimate players. For one, to get him, the Pirates only had to deal Double-A starter Taylor Hearn , 23, and a player to be named later. Kela is affordable as well.
Kela also brings some veteran savvy to one of the youngest and inexperienced bullpens in MLB. His veteran presence should be a help to one of the youngest and inexperienced bullpens in baseball, which has had more than its share of ups and downs. The Pirates bullpen is 10th in MLB with a 4. The Bucs closer Felipe Vazquez has been terrific of late, posting a 1.
However, he did struggle in May, giving up seven runs in 11 innings for a 5. Overall, he has 24 saves and a record. Kyle Crick , 25, acquired from the San Francisco Giants in the trade for McCutchen , has allowed only one run in his last 19 innings while striking out 23 and walking four. Edgar Santana , 26, a product of the Pirates farm system, had a 0.
Neil huntington on trade deadline deals today
However, his ERA in June was 4. Richard Rodriguez , 28, who was signed as a minor league free agent in the off-season, was outstanding through the first three months of the season giving up only seven only earned runs in 30 and two-thirds innings. During that time he struck out 42 batters and walked only three. Main Photo Embed from Getty Images.
Did you hear the one about the time Bob Uecker propelled the St. Louis Cardinals to the World Series? The Chicago Cubs have added a versatile speed threat to their roster, reportedly signing free agent infielder Jon Berti to a contract of undisclosed length. The Detroit Tigers have officially resurged into a team that the fanbase is excited to watch take the field.
Write For Us. About the Site. College Football.
Fantasy football trade deadline: For the first time since July , the Pittsburgh Pirates were buyers at the trade deadline. That season saw general manager Neil Huntington acquire Keone Kela and Chris Archerin exchange for a slew of prospects. The infamous Archer deal would be the final nail in Huntington’s coffin as he was fired later that year.
Pro Wrestling. American League. AL East. Baltimore Orioles. Boston Red Sox.