The Pirates could have an opportunity to add further flexibility to the bench, as Brent Lillibridge has been designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox today. Adding flexibility and depth to a ballclub are rarely moves that excite a fan base, it will also cost a team very little.
There has been a lot of discussion about the Pirates adding a bat prior to this year’s trade deadline. However, the front office could also look to strengthen the bench to add more flexibility and a player like Brent Lillibridge would have some appeal to a number of clubs (Joel Sherman of the New York Post suggests that he could be a fit for the Mets on Twitter). Lillibridge was originally drafted by the Pirates – in the fourth round of the 2005 Rule 4 draft – but was traded to the Braves prior to the 2007 season (along with Mike Gonzalez) in a deal that saw Adam LaRoche move to the Bucs. His time with the Red Sox has been brief however, as he was part of the trade that saw Kevin Youkilis move to Chicago.
Adding Lillibridge to the bench will allow for Jordy Mercer to be optioned to the minor leagues, a move that would be much better for his development. He has not hit well this season, exemplified by a .189 wOBA – well below the .362 wOBA from last season, though this was highlighted by a power surge that had not been seen before in his career. Although there should be no expectations of him sustaining or returning to that level of power, Lillibridge’s appeal will be his flexibility and speed. He’s played at least ten games at every position except pitcher and catcher in the majors and would be another low-risk move like the Sutton addition was. Despite having a poor season at the plate, Lillibridge would become the third super utility player on the roster, alongside Josh Harrison and Drew Sutton – both of whom have had important hot spells for the Pirates so far this season – and would provide Clint Hurdle with plenty of options off the bench.
There has been a lot of discussion about the Pirates adding a bat prior to this year’s trade deadline. However, the front office could also look to strengthen the bench to add more flexibility and a player like Brent Lillibridge would have some appeal to a number of clubs (Joel Sherman of the New York Post suggests that he could be a fit for the Mets on Twitter). Lillibridge was originally drafted by the Pirates – in the fourth round of the 2005 Rule 4 draft – but was traded to the Braves prior to the 2007 season (along with Mike Gonzalez) in a deal that saw Adam LaRoche move to the Bucs. His time with the Red Sox has been brief however, as he was part of the trade that saw Kevin Youkilis move to Chicago.
Adding Lillibridge to the bench will allow for Jordy Mercer to be optioned to the minor leagues, a move that would be much better for his development. He has not hit well this season, exemplified by a .189 wOBA – well below the .362 wOBA from last season, though this was highlighted by a power surge that had not been seen before in his career. Although there should be no expectations of him sustaining or returning to that level of power, Lillibridge’s appeal will be his flexibility and speed. He’s played at least ten games at every position except pitcher and catcher in the majors and would be another low-risk move like the Sutton addition was. Despite having a poor season at the plate, Lillibridge would become the third super utility player on the roster, alongside Josh Harrison and Drew Sutton – both of whom have had important hot spells for the Pirates so far this season – and would provide Clint Hurdle with plenty of options off the bench.
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