I've been a Pirates fan for 30 years. So please pay attention to this. These are the things I want accomplished before spring training begins.
Decline the option on Rod Barajas. There is no debate on this. It must be done.
Sign Garrett "GI" Jones to a multi-year contract and announce he will be the every day right fielder. His performance this year has earned him both of those things. Give him what he deserves and give the Pirates a clean-up hitter for the next few seasons.
Re-sign Jason Grilli. He earned a new deal just as Jones did.
DFA Charlie Morton.
Find a veteran left handed bat to come off the bench. One of the Pirates biggest weaknesses was the lqack of a solid left-handed stick coming off the bench. Jeff Clement is not the answer.
And now, for the big one. Are you sitting down? Trade Joel Hanrahan. A closer of his talent and consistancy could bring you the two pieces lacking in this organization: a shortstop and a catcher. Yes I like The Fort, but he is not suited to the the every day backstop. And Clint Barmes may be a good defensive shortstop but he is a rally killer at the plate. One area where the Pirates do have depth is pitching. The team's next closer is already on the 40-man roster. You just have to decide who it's going to be.
Thanks, Neal. I appreciate your time. Can't wait to see them team agian in 2013.
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