And, I'm negative. All right.
Comparing his stats to other MLB pitchers, he is mediocre. Just because he was the best pitcher on a weak Pirates team doesn't change how he compares across MLB when another team considers adding him to their rotation. A team that trades for him only considers his ability in how much they expect him to help their team. If BC tries to sell another GM on the idea that "He's our best pitcher!" the response would be, "Yeah, but look at your other pitchers."
We could have used his 'mediocrity' last night, and nearly every future night.
Just a month ago, we had guys who wanted to extend this 'mediocre' guy we had.
Sure. I don't disagree with you. And I don't say Anderson is mediocre as an insult. He was the best, most reliable starter the Pirates had. On a good staff, he's fine for a #5 if not possibly even a #4. On the Pirates, every other starter was below his level. And now the rotation is weaker without him. But in terms of his trade value, his new team is only guaranteed 2 months of his service and won't expect him to be their top starter. A couple low-A prospects seems about right.
That said, without actually knowing the guys beyond what I read yesterday I think I liked the Phillies return better. I'm pretty sure the Pirates did too because that's the offer they initially accepted.
