Bucs trade for McGehee

[love_that_reefer]

The Brewers acquired right-handed reliever Jose Veras from the Pirates for infielder Casey McGehee, the teams announced. The Brewers agreed to terms with Aramis Ramirez today, which lessens their need for corner infielders. The Pirates, on the other hand, can use the depth at first and third.

“Casey McGehee adds a quality option for us at both corner infield positions and adds depth to our position player group,” Pirates GM Neal Huntington said.

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez has struggled to hit lefties in his career (.620 OPS), while McGehee's production against southpaws has been solid (.743 career OPS). The Pirates, who don't have an established first baseman at this point, could also use McGehee at first. Meanwhile, Veras provides Milwaukee with depth in a bullpen that has become quite right-handed.

Both players are arbitration eligible this offseason. Veras projects to earn $2.5MM in 2011, while McGehee projects to earn $3.1MM. Veras, 31, posted a 3.80 ERA with 10.0 K/9 and 4.3 BB/9 in 71 innings for the Pirates in 2011. McGehee, 29, posted a .223/.280/.346 line with 13 home runs in 600 plate appearances.

Pirates are hoping McGehee can play 1B and have a bounce back season. I'm not really sure if this takes them out on re-signing Lee or getting Pena but it's a nice backup plan in case they don't get either. Veras had a good season last year but really needs to cut down on the walks. It's a fair trade for both as the Brewers didn't really need McGehee after signing Ramirez.

[catman]

I saw this kid play quite a bit when he played for the ICubs. He is a decent fielder and has some pop in his bat, but will never be an all star. He should be a reasonable back up at both 3rd and 1st for the Pirates.