As of 16:00 EDT on Saturday July 31, 2010, the MLB non-waiver trade deadline passed with the Pirates making moves and making noise. Fans have become accustomed to discussing the terrible decisions this franchise has made following the trade deadline. However for the first time in almost two decades, the talk around the water cooler will not be negative of this baseball franchise. The Pittsburgh Pirates didn't trade away fan favorites, didn't trade away the best player on the team because he was too expensive and didn't trade away the hopes and dreams of all Pirates fans.What this organization did was make trades that actually made the team better. Gone is closer Octavio Dotel. Yes, he will be missed, but there are others to fill his void. Sent to the Arizona Diamondbacks are outfielder Ryan Church, infielder Bobby Crosby and relief pitcher D.J. Carrasco in exchange for catcher Chris Synder and a minor league infielder. Chris Snyder is a big upgrade on the overall catcher position. Yes, Ryan Doumit is still the starter in Pittsburgh. However, as it goes for all catchers including me during my playing days, a day off or two from being behind the plate does wonders for the knees. Doumit's bat will still need to be in the lineup. Since Doumit has incredible ability, he is able to play first base and right field.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a better team after July 31st. Fans of the Pirates have not experienced this phenomenon since the early 1990's during the Pirates divisional championships. Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the organization, the management, the players and the fans in Pittsburgh. The team has turned itself around and maybe, just maybe, the Pirates will contend for something in the near future. Good job boys!
