Pirates finalize trade

By The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/
Saturday, July 26, 2008

Pirates' Xavier Nady signs autographs before Thursday, July 24's game against the San Diego Padres at PNC Park.
Christopher Horner/Tribune-Review

The Pirates and New York Yankees this morning reworked and finalized their six-player trade, which sent right fielder Xavier Nady and reliever Damaso Marte to New York.

The Pirates will receive four minor leaguers -- Double-A outfielder Jose Tabata and Triple-A pitchers Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens and Daniel McCutchen.

"The Pirates are excited to add four quality players to our system," general manager Neal Huntington said in a prepared statement. "With Karstens, McCutchen and Olendorf, we were able to add three quality starting pitchers to our system. With Tabata, we added a talented young outfield prospect who has all of the tools to become a member of what we believe will be an athletic and productive outfield."

Karstens and McCutchen were selected from a list of players the Yankees gave the Pirates. The list also included AA pitchers George Kontos and Phil Coke, but the Pirates opted for the two right-handers, Karstens and McCutchen, who are closer to the majors.

Tabata and Ohlendorf were the centerpieces of the trade, which was set in motion Friday night.

McCutchen, 25, was a combined 8-9 with a 3.14 ERA in Double- and Triple-A this season. He was suspended 50 games in 2006 for using a performance-enhancing substance. He's a hard thrower and could project as a late-inning reliever or closer.

Karstens, 25, made a total of 15 appearances for the Yankees in 2006 and '07, and went 3-5 with a 5.65 ERA. A starter, he has been prone to injuries the past two years. This season, he is 6-4 with a 3.80 ERA in 12 starts at Triple-A. His most effective role might be in long relief.