BUCS ADD VETERANS BYRD AND BUCK
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired outfielder Marlon Byrd and catcher John Buck from the New York Mets for infielder Dilson Herrera and pitcher Vic Black.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
This is a trade that should help both teams, eventually. Byrd will instantly help Pittsburgh in right field, a sore spot for the NL contenders all season. He will be a short-term upgrade over {P Travis Snider}, {P Jose Tabata} and {P Andrew Lambo}. His power and run-producing qualities should enhance the Pirates' chances for reaching the postseason (and beyond). Buck will back up fellow veteran {P Russell Martin} for the rest of 2013. He's proven and capable of providing power in spurts. With this move, the Pirates are showing their fans (and the rest of Major League Baseball) that they're tired of being also-rans and are ready to become winners.
What does it give the New York Mets
Herrera could be a great addition to the Mets' prospect stable, especially if he is able to play shortstop once again. The Bucs moved him to second base due to concerns about his throwing arm, but the Mets might be desperate enough to try him once more on the left side of the infield. After all, they're covered at the keystone position with {P Daniel Murphy} and {P Wilmer Flores} capable of playing there. Either way, Herrera is a very solid, all-round infield prospect. The Mets will also receive a second player in this deal, so this is a great move for being so late in the season.
Fantasy impact
Byrd's fantasy value may hit a bit of a speed bump in Pittsburgh, mainly because he goes from the pressure-free environment of the Mets to a big-time race for the playoffs in Pittsburgh. Buck's value had already taken a nose-dive after the arrival of {P Travis d'Arnaud}, and it doesn't figure to improve behind Martin with the Bucs. Herrera's keeper-league stock is on the rise with the Mets, and he could be the team's shortstop of the future if he can improve his throwing from the position. His path is much clearer with the Mets.
