David Hernandez's performance today and 3E's quality season to date had me thinking about the future of our rotation.  To start the year I didn't think that either of those two guys would have success starting in the major leagues and I was obviously wrong so far.  However, that wont stop me from speculating about how our young pitchers will perform in the future.  So I am going to run through my thoughts on the usual suspects and then see how you all feel.

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According to MLB trade rumors Nate McLouth has been traded to the Braves:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/06/braves-acquire-nate-mclouth.html#comments

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Heres the link to MLB Trade Rumors:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/orioles-reach-a.html

It looks like we have a new #9 hitter!  At least this shortstop can play some defense hopefully.  He's a stopgap for sure, but i'm still trying to figure out what the other side of the gap is.  If we have one shortstop all next year it will be a success, even if he has an OPS under .700 and only plays average defense.

UPDATE: I edited this title and posting a little. First of all, Izturis isn't actually signed yet, and it seems like he won't be for a few days at least. Second, the mlb rumors post is just links to two other articles where the actual reporting is: ESPN and The Sun.

This blog gets picked up by a lot of aggregators now. We just have to be careful that we don't get into a situation like they had at OH last year where they announce a trade that never happens. Carry on.... -zk

It looks like Nady, and Marte have been traded from the Pirates, and speculation is that its too the MFY and what i'm reading over at MLB trade rumors is that the Pirates are getting Class AAA right-hander Ross Ohlendorf, Class AA right-handers Phil Coke and George Kontos and Class AA outfielder Jose Tabata.

This probably increases Sherill's value because it means one less good relief option on the market.  Neither Marte or Nady scares me.  Nady is a solid player with a lot of talent having a career year and Marte is a decent 33 year old reliever.  Also Tabata is the best player that the pirates are getting back (19 year old outfield that hit really well at A+ last year).

Speculation is that Steve Pearce will come up and take his spot in the outfield.

Update:

The Yankees are sending RHP Dan McCutchen, RHP Jeff Karstens, OF Jose Tabata and RHP Ross Ohlendorf to Pittsburgh for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte.

LHP Phil Coke and RHP George Kontos are not in the deal.

That is from MLB trade rumors.