MLB

Pittsburgh Pirates Signing Brad Lincoln a Yawn-Worthy Move

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Pittsburgh Pirates Brad Lincoln

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates are working to improve the roster after losing All-Star catcher Russell Martin. This includes the signing of pitcher A.J. Burnett, a trade for catcher Francisco Cervelli and the signing of pitcher Brad Lincoln. Yes, you read that right, the former first-round pick of the Pirates who was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012 for outfielder Travis Snider. This move is hardly noteworthy for the organization except for the fact that Lincoln is returning to his first MLB team. This is a depth move for Pittsburgh which could either benefit the major league team or fill a spot in the minors for a year.

After struggling as a starting pitcher with the Pirates, Lincoln made the shift to the bullpen in Toronto. He bounced back and forth between the majors and the minors, spending almost his entire time with Toronto in the minor leagues. After his time with the Blue Jays, Lincoln moved on to the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite some success out of the bullpen in Triple-A, the Phillies decided to make Lincoln a minor league starting pitcher. His statistics took a big hit and Lincoln was looking for a new team once again.

This addition is interesting for the Pirates because there is a need for relief pitchers in the majors. Will Lincoln be with the Pirates on opening day? It is beyond unlikely, but if he is able to bring it together, he could see some time with the major league team if he is needed. Some pitchers don’t hit their stride until later in their careers after they have had some experience. Lincoln is 30 years old now and still has the pedigree of a first-round selection, but it is unlikely that he will figure it out this year.

By bringing Lincoln back, the Pirates are basically filling a need in Triple-A. He was signed to a minor league deal and, depending on his numbers in Indianapolis, could provide depth at the majors if need be. There is very little risk in this move and an ever-so-slight reward if he pans out. A minor league contract is not a budget buster, so it is an all-upside move for the Pirates. That being said, the odds are that Lincoln is a career minor leaguer who never lives up to his potential. If that is the case, the Pirates only wasted one year and a minor league contract on him the second time around.

Andrew Lenz is a Blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RealAndyLenz, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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