Pirates' Huntington: We Won't Mortgage Future For 2-Month Rental

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington joined The Fan Morning Show Wednesday in the wake of Tuesday night's trade that saw Pittsburgh acquire starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez and cash from the Astros in exchange for Rudy Owens, Colton Cain, and Robbie Grossman.

He said that Rodriguez was a good option for the club because he is signed beyond this season, and the Bucs didn't give up too much to acquire the southpaw. He added that at least one of those conditions has to be met for him to consider any trade, period.

"To give up a lot, we must get control back. We won't mortgage the future for a two-month rental," Huntington said.

He said that the situation just isn't right for the Pirates to make a huge splash, though.

"We don't see a guy on the market to compel us to move a [Gerrit] Cole or [Jameson] Taillon," Huntington said.

He did note one adjustment he expects to make should the team elect to not trade for a hitter.

"If we don't trade for a bat by the end of July, Jeff Clement will be an option to upgrade the bench," Huntington said.

The interview can be heard here: