Trade Target: Bud Norris

Next up on the possible Pirates Trade Target list is Houston starting pitcher Bud Norris. When I started thinking of names to feature in this series, I didn't think I'd have a lot of starting pitchers but Wandy Rodriguez's injury sure changed that. Wandy is out until at least mid August after taking a PRP injection. He can't even throw until early August. A realistic target date for him to return is early September but I wouldn't be shocked if he didn't pitch again this season. Now, with this information, I'd be shocked if the Pirates didn't add another starter. The Pirates seem to need another battle tested pitcher to pair with AJ Burnett and Francisco Liriano and Norris could be a quality #3.

So to start this off, lets play a game. Try to guess who Player A and Player B are

Player A has a career ERA of 4.31, K/9 of 5.2, and BB/9 of 3.2

Player B has a career ERA of 4.26, K/9 of 8.4, and BB/9 of 3.7

I'm sure you'd take Player B because of the strikeouts but they are basically the same pitcher other than that right? Well, Player A is Jeff Karstens and Player B is Bud Norris. Keep this in mind as you read the rest of the article.

Norris has had the misfortune of playing for the Astros his entire career. He is probably one of the most underrated starters in the game because of where he plays. People are starting to take notice though since the Astros are selling and he is one of the few bright spots on the team. Bud is the only player I have heard the Pirates are actually scouting (via a report by Nick Cafardo) so he deserves to be featured early. The starting pitching market is taking shape now that Scott Feldman has been traded and Ricky Nolasco and Matt Garza should go any day now so Norris could be moved soon. Norris has a record of 5-7, which isn't surprising since he's an Astro. Now as for his relevant stats, he has a 6.3 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, and a solid ERA of 3.35. These solid stats are not normal for Norris. His average ERA in the majors is 4.26 and his BB/9 rate is down from his average of 3.7 per year. But with the better control, he's striking out much less than his average 8.4 K/9 per year. Norris is also under control for next year at a cheap price so you know Neal Huntington will be interested. I have my doubts with Norris however.

My first problem is if he can sustain his stats. I think better control has helped him with his ERA and walk totals but you'd like to see the strikeouts up again. The case reminds me of Wandy last year when we got him from the Astros. Lower ERA and BB/9 rate than usual and lower K/9. That trade worked out so I'll trust that's not a huge issue. Second problem is his shift from an awful team to the best team in baseball. He goes from no pressure to a lot of pressure and that can be hard to handle. But from what I've read, he's uber competitive and he should continue with his numbers. Last issue with Norris is his lack of playoff experience or pennant race experience. If I'm the Pirates, I want a pitcher who has been tested in these situations in order to avoid another collapse. Burnett and Liriano have done it, as well as Wandy, but they need one more and that is something Norris can't provide.

In the grand scheme of things, adding Norris couldn't hurt the team that much since he'd come relatively cheap as opposed to Cliff Lee, Ricky Nolasco, and Matt Garza but he is a risk to flop in the second half. I'm not a fan of bringing in a pitcher who is comparable to Jeff Karstens at this point in their careers for the stretch run as an upgrade. Is he even an upgrade? Would you count on Jeff Karstens to be your #3 starter in the midst of a playoff race or in the playoffs? If you would, you're insane. Would Jeff Karstens even upgrade the rotation? If I'm bringing in a starter, I want one with experience that can carry me in and through the playoffs. Is Norris that guy? Would Karstens be that guy? Only the Pirates can decide that. Time will tell what they think.

Tomorrow's Trade Target will be SP Matt Garza.

Another note, Josh Willingham has been removed from the list of targets due to his latest injury, which will keep him shelved through the deadline.