JJ Hardy vs. Jason Bartlett: Side by Side stats

The Pirates have been linked to trade talks with, both the Twins and the Rays, for their shortstops.

J.J. Hardy of the Twins, is 28 years of age, and has 1 year remaining on his current contract, with a salary of 6.5M due in 2011. Hardy does have a history of dislocated shoulder, and a torn labrum. In 2007, was chosen for the All-Star reserve team, representing the Brewers. His offensive stats increased significantly from 2009 to 2010.

Jason Bartlett of the Rays, is 31 years of age, and has 1 year remaining on his current contract, made 4M in 2010, and was arbitration eligible for 2011. Bartlett has had issues with his hamstring, in the past. In 2008, he was voted as the MVP of the Rays, and in 2009 was elected to the All-Star team. His offensive stats decreased significantly from 2009 to 2010.

J.J. Hardy: 

Offenseive Career Stats .263 BA/.320 OBP/.394 SLG/ .714 OPS;

2010 in 101 Games .268 BA/.320 OBP/.394 SLG/.714 OPS

Defensive Stats: Career- .978 Fld%; 2010 in 858.1 Inn/450 Chances/150 PutOuts/289 Assists/11 E = .976 Fld%

Jason Bartlett: Career Stats  .281 BA/345 OBP/.385 SLG/.731 OPS; 2010 in 135 Games 2.54 BA/.324 OBP/.350 SLG/.675 OPS

Defensive Stats: Career- .968 FLD%; 2010- 1104.0 Inn/472 Chances/152 PutOuts/309 Assists/11 E = .977 Fld%


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It is being reported that Jason Bartlett is seeking an extension, with whichever team he may get traded to.


Also Pirates beat write Rob Beirtemfel earlier tweeted:

@RobBiertempfel: #pirates could have inside track on bartlett if #rays drop demand for rp joel hanrahan in swap

According to MLB.com Jason Bartlett has been traded to San Diego

Pirates sign Olsen to 1 year deal

Pirates and Olsen have tentatively agreed on $1M/1 yr. with incentives, pending a physical later in the week. Olsen has a history of shoulder tendinitis that placed him on a DL and missed a month and a half in 2009. Olsen, also, has a history of confrontations with teammates and DUI arrest.

Scott Olsen: Career Stats 36-46, 4.80 ERA, 516 K; 2010 81 IP in 17 Games 4-8, 5.56 ERA. 


-There have been some early grumblings, amongst Pirates fans, about this particular signing. His personal problems, outside of baseball, with the DUI arrest, along with on-field antics, such as, arguing with teammates and former teammates, seem to have a lot worried about his potential actions in Pittsburgh. This is a, rather cheap, pick up, by the Pirates. One year for $1M, if he does work out to be a starting pitcher, that is good, but can easily be transitioned into the bullpen, where I feel he will inevitably end up.

Pirates add Correia to rotation

Pirates and Correia have reportedly agreed to 2yr/$4M contract. The 7 year veteran, former SF Giant and SD Padre, Correia hasn’t spent any significant time on the DL in his career (unable to find any record actually). 2009 he signed a 1yr/750K deal with the Padres and once again in 2010 he signed a 1yr/3.6M deal, where he became the staff ace.

 

Kevin Correia: Career Stats 36-40, 4.41 ERA, 529 K; 2010 145.1 IP in 28 games, 4.57 ERA. 

- This, being the Pirates first multi year deal of a free agent Pitcher, in years, seems to be a very good pick up. The last two seasons, winning at least 10 games, has been very productive as a starting pitcher. Spending his first few years, with San Fransisco, as a reliever, he eventually got put into a starting rotation, proving himself worthy and was quickly signed by San Diego. If he can remain, basically, injury free, he will provide, much needed boost, the starting rotation needs.

Pirates Sign Matt Diaz (Dye-azz)

The Pirates have come to terms, with the former Brave Matt Diaz, for 2yr/4.25M. Arguably, 2009 was his best season, having career highs; 13 HR, .313 BA, and .878 OPS. In the 2010 season, Diaz was plagued with a right thumb injury, starting the year out hitting .178, was placed on the DL and had surgery to repair his right thumb Diaz, by trade, is a left fielder, but has been thrown around to center and right field over his 8 year career.

Matt Diaz: Career Stats .301 BA/.350 OBP/.456 SLG/.806 OPS; 2010 .250 BA/.302 OBP/.438 SLG/.878 OPS in 84 Games,  

- With the addition of Diaz, the Pirates have basically cemented themselves with the idea of platooning. Diaz, much like Milledge, was able to hit left-handers very well. There seems to be a slight risk, in my opinion, with the surgically repaired right thumb. Though a possible upside is the fact that PNC Park is a ,right hand hitters, friendly ball park.

Can Accardo stay healthy?

Jeremy Accardo, has spent the last few years in the Toronto organization, missed most of the 2008 season with a right foot injury, and most 2009 was spent in AAA Las Vegas, but appeared in 26 games with the Blue Jays. Accardo was due to make $1.08M in 2011 and was 2^nd year arbitration eligible, though was non-tendered by Toronto.

Jeremy Accardo: Career Stats 7-17, 3.95 ERA, 153 K and 35 Saves; 2010 6.2 IP in 5 Games, 8.10 ERA.

-Latest reports are that the White Sox, Rays and Pirates, seem to be the three teams interested in him, to this point. Could be a decent pick up, at the right price. Pirates seem to be building the bullpen back up.

Pirates trading for Kawakami?

Currently the Atlanta Braves are shopping Kenshin Kawakami around, hoping to unload a large portion of his +$6M salary for next year, and are said to be willing to eat some of the money. He is a breaking ball pitcher, and has a fastball that reaches the low 90’s. His ’98 Rookie of the Year honors was the beginning of a stellar career in the Japanese league.  The Braves signed him to a three year contract and currently have him assigned to Double-A Mississippi Braves. For most part, when Japanese pitchers come over to the U.S., they tend to draw larger paying contracts, due to their unique pitching style. His decline in stats is unexplainable, but still has an unbelievable break in his pitching. 


Kenshin Kawakami: Japanese Stats ’98-‘08 112 – 72, 3.22 ERA, 1328K MLB Career Stats 8-22, 4.32 ERA, 164K; 2010 87.1 IP in 18 games 1-10, 5.15 ERA. 

Pirates intersted in Bill Hall?

Reports are coming out of Boston,via Nick Cafardo, of boston.com, that the Pirates and Bill Hall are currently in talks. Cafardo tweeted earlier:

@nickcafardo If bill hall accepts pirates offer could start at 2B

Hall, former Red Sock, is a free age.nt this off season, after a 4 year contract initially  signed by the Brewers. Hall, a utility player, played every position in Boston, except for 1B and C (yes he even had 1 IP, retiring the side, in a loss to the Royals), has spent a lot of time in the OF (239 G), SS (267 G) and 3B (271 G) over his 9 year career. Seems the interest in Hall, is a rich man’s Delwyn Young, his last contract was 4yr/23.5M. With a utility player of this caliber, would ultimately add to platoon and give a bat off of the bench.

Bill Hall: Career Stats .250 BA/.310 OBP/.443 SLG/.753 OPS; 2010 .247 BA/.316 OBP/.456 SLG/.772 OPS