from Dejan's twitter account and mlbtraderumors.com, the Rays are close to dealing 2b Iwamura. The Pirates are believed to be in talks with them. That would be a solid addition in my opinion. Hes an OBP machine.

I read on rotoworld that the Rays were close to trading him to an unnamed team and I thought of the Pirates.

I think i would have rather had Freddie Sanchez for 2 years at 12 million then this guy at one year 4.5 mil. Bob looks at this as saving 1.5 milion in 2010 however thats all he sees. This guy is below average

I would rather have Freddy too, but this guy should be much better than the current options we have in the organization as long as we don't give up alot for him.

Our internal options at 2b are pathetic, this is good news I guess. I still dont get how we can pay this guy 4.5 mil and that Ramon Vaquez 2mil while we nickle and dimed Freddie Sanchez. Neil isnt very organized

How is he below average? Iwamura would start for most teams. Fans of the phillies, braves, astros, cubs, and twins were commenting on mlbtraderumors commenting on this story and hoping that they would get him. I like the pickup if we get him.

He had had OPS of .729 and .745 the last two years in the American league and is declining. He dosn't have a lot of range either.

The more I think about it we might as well go with Young at 2b. Cedeno and this guy would combine for about 50 RBI's from our middle infield.

Below average?? Since I live in Tampa, I've followed the Rays since their beginning, and Aki would be a great addition. His defense is great, his bat is usually around .290 to .300 with occasional power. All around good guy, the fans will love him, trust me. I don't know what the Bucs will have to give up for him, be c'mon, they can afford 4.5 mil for some stable defense at 2nd. The Rays need a catcher....they would love Doumit, so maybe the Rays can throw in a Brignac as he has nowhere to go with the Rays, but still with a high ceiling.

Well, look at this way, Ramon can have a seat on the bench where he belongs.

I don't understand Neal's thought process often, but if this guy is available for a low price, we take him because we all know that the FO isn't going to sign a FA 2nd baseman unless its another guy that is about done and is looking for one last cheap paycheck.

When are teams allowed to start trading? Wouldn't we have to wait until the World Series is over?

Young at 2nd, as in Delwyn? Are you serious? Like I said, Aki has a great glove, and no, his OPS is not fantastic, but check out Freddies. Very similar, cheaper, and better D.

His stats dont jump out at me at all, but its good to hear positive things about his defense and that the fan base in Tampa has faith in him.

He's a very smooth fielder, he went from 3rd to 2nd without missing a beat, nor did he complain about moving great guy, great player great deal if it happens.

He's not going to blow you away with the bat, but his all round game is #1. Good base runner, lots of hustle. He does strike out too much, thats an issue though.

Not sure why you think Sanchez is better. Iwamura was hurt this past year as well, so there is still the risk, but he is a much better defensive player. Offensively, they are basically the same.

Teams can make trades all year round. Iwamura will not be eligible to play for the Pirates in the 2009 postseason is about the only rule against a trade like this.

Apparently the deal is done. I imagine it would be for one of the Pitchers on the 40 man roster, and maybe Diaz.

Well, Freddy was a batting champion. I'd give Iwamura the edge defensively...

Overall, about even when considering Freddy's injury status, although Iwamura is coming off injury too.

I think this goes against Neal's youth movement though... When will the optimists start complaining?

I don't think it goes against anything. We'd be starting Delwyn Young otherwise, who doesn't know second base. They have no options at second ready to step in to the majors.

"Well, Freddy was a batting champion"

Was is a key word there. That does not make him a better hitter the last three years.

Sweet! Something I hoped would happen actually happened! I got my hopes up and they weren't dashed...well, unless this deal falls through. If he plays like he did before he got injured, I think the Bucs need to sign him to a little bit longer term contract, something like add another year and an option year.

This team needed a realistic 2B option and a #2 hitter and looks to have added both with Imamura. Good job Neal...unless you gave up something too much. If I was part of the offseason "blue ribbon panel" I'd give this a 4 for filling what the Bucs need. I don't know if they're plannng on doing something for RF, but at least we can put Delwyn there for now.

What if we give up Grossman for Iwamura? Your thoughts then?