The Yankee have been known to clean the Pirates dry around the trading deadline, adding players such as OF Xavier Nady and LHP Damaso Marte at the deadline. They did get Tabata and Ps Jeff Karstens and Daniel McCutchen in the same deal. At the time, it was a one-sided trade for the Yankees because the stock in Nady and Marte were much higher than it is now. They also took RHP AJ Burnett off the Yankees hand when the Yankees were dying to give him away. It would look terrible if the Pirates did the Yankees another favor.
The thing that bothers me the most is that this is a sign that the Pirates may have another firesale, which may not be true. But, what does the thought of trading Hanrahan do to the Pittsburgh fans, who have been through hell for the past 20 years? It would be hard to sell anybody when you have a track record like that. And even if a press conference was held to state that the team is moving forward with its core following such a trade, who would believe them? What this organization has done to itself and its fans is an embarrassment to the game of baseball, as well to its own team and its fans. The amount of money they have pocketed from revenue sharing is down right criminal.
Hanrahan, 30, was 1-4, 40 sv, 1.83 ERA in 70 games last season for the Pirates (61 K in 68 2/3 IP). His salary went up from $1.6 million in 2011 to $4.1 million this season due to arbitration. He has one more year of arbitration eligibility left before becoming a free agent after the 2013 season. So far this year, he is 1-0, 3.38, 4, 8, 12 Ks in 8 IP. He is arguably entering his prime as a top closer, something the Pirates fans should have the right to enjoy. The thought of prospects is not enticing enough for these fans. Keep your players and that starts with Joel Hanrahan!