Nov 5
2B Akinori Iwamura was limited to 69 games last season, as he underwent surgery to repair torn knee ligaments. However, the Pirates have no concerns about Iwamura's availability for the beginning of spring training. Pittsburgh dealt RHP Jesse Chavez to Tampa Bay to acquire Iwamura, who hit .290 with one home run and 22 RBIs this year. His career on-base percentage is .354.
Nov 3
Tampa Bay is close to completing a trade of Iwamura to the Pirates, the Tampa Tribune reports.
Recommendation: Tampa Bay apparently doesn't want to bring back Iwamura for the $4.85-million option in his contract and will shop him this winter. He's a non-tender candidate if they can't find a deal. The Rays have just one day after the World Series ends to pick up his option or pay a $550,000 buyout.
Nov 3
The Tampa Bay Rays have traded Iwamura to the Pirates for right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez. The deal was announced Tuesday night.
Advice: Iwamura hit .290 with one homer and 22 RBIs in 69 games during the final season of a $7.7 million, three-year contract he signed after playing in the Japanese Central League for eight years. The 30-year-old missed 81 games this season after sustaining partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee. The Rays held a $4.85 million option on the infielder for 2010.
