Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Thoughts on Iwamura Deal

Earlier today, a trade of Tampa Bay's Akinori Iwamura to the Pirates for Jesse Chavez was announced. This is a great move for both teams for a variety of reasons.

Iwamura is affordable and good - two things that the Pirates love. Iwamura is set to earn just under $5 million this year, and is good value at that price. He's one of the better fielding Second Basemen in the game, is able to hit second (where the Pirates plan to bat him) and moves Delwyn Young back to the bench. Plus, his money immediately comes off the books after this year, and god forbid the Pirates spend too much.

On the Rays' side, Chavez might not be an immediate help at the big league level, but Ben Zobrist's breakout season had made Iwamura quite expendable, and Chavez had a decent rookie season for the Pirates. No, he probably won't be a key cog in the bullpen, but the cash strapped Rays just freed up $5 million, which should help them not have to trade Upton and/or Crawford this offseason, and Chavez is affordable and controllable for awhile.

There aren't many win-win deals. But here's proof they do exist.

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