The Pittsburgh Pirates made a small move of their own early Thursday, acquiring Joe Blanton from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for cash considerations. Blanton was designated for assignment by the Royals on Monday after they acquired Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto. Blanton, a 34-year-old right-handed pitcher, made his first appearance in Major League Baseball since the 2013 season this year with the Royals.
Blanton is 2-2 with a 3.89 ERA in 15 appearances this year with Kansas City. That time was split between the bullpen and the starting rotation. In those fifteen appearances, Blanton started in four games total. Blanton was the 24th pick in the first round of the 2002 Amateur Draft but never really played to his potential. However, this is a good deal for the Pirates because it comes with a low risk. Potentially, for the Pirates, this could also become a big reward as well.
The Pirates have earned a reputation for turning pitchers around, thanks in large part to pitching coach Ray Searage. While Blanton is not necessarily a project, he is a guy that the Pirates may be able to turn into a very good reliever. Odds are that the Pirates are going to leave Jeff Locke in the rotation and use Blanton as a bullpen guy.
There was much talk last week that the Pirates wanted to add a reliever before the Trade Deadline and this move did just that. While they could have gone and found someone better, the move has to make one wonder if the Pirates make another move or two because this deal did not cost the Pirates much. Another big factor that could lead to another trade is the fact that the Pirates did not let go of any players or prospects for Blanton. That means if the Pirates would want to make a big splash, they could still do it. The odds that they make a big splash are not likely based on their recent history, but this move does help the Pirates.
The Pirates bullpen has endured some issues as of late. Antonio Bastardo, whom the Pirates signed in the offseason, has not had one of his better seasons. On top of that, the Pirates are without Rob Scahill due to injury right now. Another problem that has plagued the Pirates bullpen is one of their projects, Arquimedes Caminero.
According to Clint Hurdle, the Pirates believe a lot of the problem with Caminero is the fact that his pitches are going more "East to West" instead of "North to South" so his pitches are flat. Though he can throw up to 100 mph, it's a lot easier to hit whenever there is not much downward angle on the pitch. That gives the pitch little to no deception for the hitter and the pitch is easier to hit because of that.
The Pirates needed some bullpen help and they went out and got some. Pirates fans should not be going crazy or start thinking this makes them World Series favorites or anything like that. However, it is a move that gives them another guy to turn to out of the bullpen, which they needed. Due to the fact that this was a smaller deal, the Pirates may be okay with parting with a prospect or two to get a bigger name at the deadline, but that's just merely speculation right now.
