According to Tom Singer, the beat writer for Pirates.com, the Pirates are close to acquiring Houston Astros' lefty Wandy Rodriguez. The 33 year-old Rodriguez has a career ERA of 4.04, but has had an ERA under 4.00 for five years in a row, including this year (3.79). He would be a great addition to the rotation, as he is a veteran that has provided consistently above average results. He is also very durable, starting 95 games between 2009-2011. In 2012, he leads the MLB in games started with 21.
Rodriguez is definitely going to be a good acquisition for the Pirates, but the Pirates should not give up to much for him. Shortstop prospect Alen Hanson was removed from his game earlier, so that has caused speculation that he will be involved in the deal. Kristy Robinson said that he was removed because he did not hustle out a play, but that is not confirmed. In my opinion, we should not give up Hanson, who some consider a top 50 prospect in all of the minors, for a player like Wandy Rodriguez. Yes, Rodriguez is a good MLB pitcher, but a shortstop that can hit and hit for power is very hard to find, and that's what the Pirates have with Hanson. If the Pirates were to trade Hanson, it should be for an impact player like Justin Upton, not for a pitcher who is costing the team up to $30 million over this year and maybe the next two seasons.
I'm all for acquiring Wandy, which the acquisition has now been confirmed (see below), as he will add a good veteran presence to the rotation, with probable good results. To me, he's not worth a top 50 or even top 100 prospect, so hopefully whatever is sent to Houston will not include Alen Hanson. He is worth a good prospect, someone like Rudy Owens, Justin Wilson, Jeff Locke or Matt Curry to name a few, so it would be relieving to see one of them or a player like them sent to the Astros. But welcome to the Pirates Wandy Rodriguez!
Update as I'm writing this: According to Jon Heyman, the Pirates have acquired Wandy Rodriguez. No player is mentioned, but the Astros are sending money of in the deal, which means a better prospect will be sent to the Astros. This trade has now been confirmed by many outlets.
Update 9:36 PM: Robbie Grossman is said to be the player headed to the Astros.
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