The Pittsburgh Pirates are “pushing to move” right-handed
closer Joel Hanrahan, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports.
People who have talked to the Pirates say they're pushing to move Hanrahan. Dodgers are one possibility.
— DKnobler (@DKnobler) December 17, 2012
Hanrahan has been closing games for the Pirates over the
past two-plus seasons, and the right-hander’s been effective while doing so.
Since being acquired from the Washington Nationals along with outfielder Lastings
Milledge for left-hander Sean Burnett and outfielder Nyjer Morgan, Hanrahan has
posted an ERA and WHIP of 2.59 and 1.199 with 10.4 strikeouts and 3.8 walks per
nine innings over three-plus seasons with Pittsburgh.
Last season with the Pirates the 31-year-old maintained an
ERA of 2.72 over 63 appearances spanning 59 2/3 innings with 36 saves. However,
now that veteran Jason Grilli is re-signed, Pittsburgh may elect to go with him
as the team’s closer while trading Hanrahan, who’s expected to earn nearly $7
million through arbitration, in order to fill other areas of need.
Knobler notes that the Los Angeles Dodgers are one possible
fit for Hanrahan. The Detroit Tigers, who are fielding calls for Drew Smyly and
Rick Porcello, have also been tied to the right-hander.
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