IWAMURA HEADS TO BUCS
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired infielder Akinori Iwamura from the Tampa Bay Rays for pitcher Jesse Chavez.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
In Iwamura, the Pirates hope they have found a solution to their second-base situation. After moving Freddy Sanchez at the trading deadline this past July, the team tried Delwyn Young at the keystone position but Iwamura should be an upgrade. He should hit near the top of the order, possibly setting the table for speedy Andrew McCutchen in the No. 2 hole.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays decided to part with their Japanese second sacker partly because of the fact Ben Zobrist needs a position to call his own going forward. The latter saw a lot of action at second base when Iwamura went down with injury in 2009, and should begin next year as the starter. As for Chavez, he'll help a Rays 'pen that was bad in 2009. He may even become a key late-inning reliever.
Fantasy impact
