Grabow, Gorzelanny Added To List Of Pirates Giveaway

Today, the Cubs acquired left-handed set-up man John Grabow and southpaw starter Tom Gorzelanny from the Pirates for starting pitcher Kevin Hart and minor leaguers Jose Ascanio (pitcher) and Josh Harrison (Third Base)

I honestly think that Pirates are just messing with us now. After everyone (me included) started officially calling them out, they do ANOTHER trade for minor leaguers.

John Grabow has been one of the top holds guys in the Majors this season. He is a lefty, which the Cubs needed after losing out on the George Sherrill Sweepstakes.

Gorzelanny is another lefty pitcher who, as a starter, who used to be at the top of the Pirates prospect lists. After great '06 and '07 seasons, he had a pretty severe drop off last year which landed him in the minor leagues. He was recalled this season for several weeks then optioned back to the minors. It is not certain whether or not he has any upside left, but for someone who is just one year removed from a stellar season, the Cubs are willing to take the risk (ironic, due to the fact that they traded AWAY Rich Hill, who is in a similar situation).

Hart is a young pitcher who was never a top prospect in the Cubs organization. He was acquired as a Player to be Named in a trade with the Orioles for infielder Freddie Bynum in 2006. He worked his way through the organization as a journeyman starter. This season he is posting some very good numbers in 4 starts.

Ascanio is young starter who was traded to the cubs in the Will Ohman trade a couple years back. He hasn't done much in the majors, but was called up earlier this season after posting a 1.01 ERA in Triple A after 26 2/3 innings. 

Not too much to say about Josh Harrison. He was 2008 Big East co-player of the year as a 3rd basemen at the University of Cincinatti.

Winner: Tie

I hate giving out ties, especially two in a row. However, both teams did relatively well. The cubs fill a spot in their bullpen they desperately need, and get a pitcher who (hopefully) can still throw quality starts.

For once, this trade doesn't look too bad for the Pirates. Although 2/3 of the players they recieved have only had success in the minors or college, Kevin Hart is having a pretty good season. If he can keep it up, he will have no problem finding a spot in the rotation to keep behind Maholm and Duke.