The Pirates traded for John McDonald today and cleared a spot for him on the 40 man roster by placing Chase D'arnaud on the 60-day DL. McDonald is a utility man that is very reliable defensively but can't hit at all. If he doesn't remind you of anyone, he should. He's Clint Barmes 2.00. Or maybe I should say Clint Barmes .200?
This trade doesn't do a lot for me. McDonald is set to make $1.5 million this year so he'll make the roster. I just would've rather given a young guy a shot. Our internal options are just as good. At least we only gave up a PTBNL or cash. Nonetheless, he adds veteran experience and this means you now have Brandon Inge, Josh Harrison, Jordy Mercer, Alex Presley, and maybe even Felix Pie battling for the final bench spot with Gaby, Jose Tabata, The Fort, and McDonald. I tend to think that Hurdle will keep Inge for god knows why but maybe he'll wake up and keep the versatile Harrison or a lefty bat that is severely needed off the bench. We'll know soon enough with Opening Day two weeks away.
Coming soon I will do my 25 man roster projection, stay tuned.
