The Force Treys Back

In honor of Star Wars opening today, I did my part to contribute a Star Wars theme title (even though it doesn't make sense).

 

 

Late last night the Pirates announced that they had acquired Jason Rogers from their division rivals, Milwaukee Brewers, for two minor league players Keon Broxtron and Trey Supak.

I quickly looked up Rogers numbers because I had only briefly heard of him. His numbers, while a small sample size, aren't that bad. He looks to have good plate discipline batting .280 - .300 over his career in the minors and brief stint in the majors. He's a Cardinals killers. And best of all he has limited versatility in the field being able to play 1B, 3B, and LF. The Pirates shouldn't ever need to play anyone besides Marte or Harrison at LF next year and 3B has some good depth with Kang, Harrison, Rodriguez, and likely Hanson. First base however is just a placement holder until top position prospect, Josh Bell makes his debut midseason.

 

In giving up Broxtron, the Pirates lost a valuable 4th outfielder who plays solid defense at all 3 outfield positions and runs like a gazelle on the basepaths.  I doubt he will hurt the team much for the competition.

 

The unproven early round 2014 draft pick Trey Supak, is what could potentially hurt the Pirates long term. As a 19 year old making his pro debut last year, Supak pitched to solid results. I quickly set out to grab a few of his Bowman Chrome autos graded 9.5 and hold them hoping he might blossom into a Tyler Glasnow, Noah Singergaard type pitching prospect. In the midst of all the Cutch cards I added to the PC this year, continuing the rainbow fell apart.

 

After seeing this trade, I'm glad I didn't pursue any others.

 

Good luck to Trey and Keon in their new organization, but I hope they're both terrible against the Pirates for many years to come.

 

As for Mr Rogers, I hope he's in the neighborhood of being above average until Josh Bell is ready to win the NL Rookie of the Year.

 

On a completely other note, the Pirates announced that they have signed free agent pitcher Ryan Vogelsong to a one year contract.  The deal was for $2 million with up to $3 million being available in incentives.  I think that this could be a stellar signing for the Pirates. 

 

The additions of Rogers and Vogelsong on paper don't look to be better than what the Cubs have done by adding Zobrist, Heyward, and Lackey but the Pirates and Neal Huntington have proven that you don't win games by splashy off season moves.