Pirates haul in Bay-Ramirez deal

Andy LaRoche is the marquee name in this trade. He joins his brother Adam in Pittsburgh to eventually become one half of the LaRoche-LaRoche corners of the Pirates infield. For now, however, he'll have to battle Jose Bautista, who's hit 12 home runs for Pittsburgh at third this year. Andy struggled to get back to the big leagues with an injury problem to start the year. A low draft pick out of community college in 2003, he's blossomed into a valued prospect at the age of 24. In his last six stops in the minors LaRoche hit over .300 five times, with power.

From Boston, Pittsburgh reels in Brandon Moss, a guy who was nothing more than a role player on a talented Beantown roster. He was originally an 8th round pick and turns 25 in September. In 78 at bats in Boston he hit .295 with two home runs.

Both LaRoche and Moss will join the Pirates 25-man roster for tomoror's game in Chicago.

The Pirates also nab two former first-round picks: Red Sox top selection overall in 2005, pitcher Craig Hansen, and Dogers number-one pick from 2006, pitcher Bryan Morris.

Hansen is a big 25-year-old right hander (6'6, 230) who struggled with his command at the MLB level this year. He gave up 23 walks in 30 2/3 innings. He's been used mostly as a setup man and will join the Pirates 25-man roster tomorrow. He was the 26th overall pick in 2005.

Morris, a 21-year-old Class-A righty, is a starter to this point in his career and a pretty good one. He's only 2-4, but owns a solid 3.20 ERA and strikes out a little under a batter over 81 2/3 IP. Like Hansen, he was the 26th overall pick, but in 2006. He'll head to Class-A Hickory.

Fantasy Impact: LaRoche is the best bet to get a shot, but when that comes is anybody's guess. He's been pretty mediocre when called on in Los Angeles, but with extended at bats he could easily unseat Bautista in the Pirates lineup and blossom. Consider him a stashee for now.