Where do the Pirates go from Here? What about Shin-Soo Choo?

The Pirates traded Rudy Owens, Robbie Grossman, and Colton Cain to the Astros for Wandy Rodriguez. I personally like the trade. Wandy is a very good #3 pitcher who could be a #2 on some teams. And we gave up a pitcher who can be a #3 at best (Owens), an outfielder who can be a solid MLB player but could just as easily flop (Grossman), and a lower to mid tier pitcher (Cain). Wandy is on the team through 2013 and possibly 2014 via a player option. The Pirates will only pay about half of his $30 mill he's owed for the rest of his deal. It's a good trade, but now that we have solidified the rotation, where do we go from here?

We know that the Pirates need a bat but the question is who do we get? We preferably want an OF bat or maybe 1B. The market for them is drying up quickly. Carlos Quentin signed an extension, rumors surface that Justin Upton is almost 100% sure to stay in Arizona for the year, Chase Headley has too many suitors and too high of a price, Hanley Ramirez has been traded. Who's left? Well the most likely target is Shane Victorino. He's a lead off spark plug who is a great OF. Rumor is we offered up Jared Hughes and a minor leaguer for Victorino but the Phillies want Brad Lincoln. I wouldn't do either of those deals because Victorino isn't much of an upgrade over Alex Presley. Think about that. Alex Presley. And you want to give up one of our most consistent relievers for him? Not to mention his huge salary and that he's a rental. Another possibility is Hunter Pence. Yes Pence again. He's under control through 2013. But I'm sure the price for him will be high. He's going to cost a bundle through arbitration. We'll also have to give up Marte in the deal which I also would not do but if the price is lower, I'd certainly listen. Justin Upton is still a possibility because maybe Arizona is just blowing smoke, but I think that idea is fading away fast. Giancarlo Stanton would take at least Taillon and Marte if Miamj even considered selling. So other than Victorino or Pence who could the Pirates get? What about Shin-Soo Choo?

Choo is a guy I actually really like and the Indians reportedly put him on the block. Choo currently bats lead off for the Indians but could easily move back to cleanup or #5 in the order. He's got pop in his bat and is excellent defensively. He's hit 12 HRs with 39 RBIs a .296 avg. and .871 OPS. He's a very good hitter and is having a nice bounce back from a below average year last year. He's also under control through 2013 making $4.9 mill this year and arbitration eligible next year. He's also only 29. I'll compare him to a poor man's Hunter Pence with less power. I think he's the perfect fit for the Pirates if they're interested and I don't think we'd have to part with any top prospects to get him. It would be a similar trade to the Wandy deal.

I haven't heard anything on the Pirates interest in Choo but then again there wasn't huge talk about us going after Wandy either. I'm just speculating here but I wouldn't be shocked if we suddenly jumped in on Choo since we're looking at all available bats or possibly went after/got a surprise player. Just remember I said it first if it happens!