Pittsburgh Pirates trade for Akinori Iwamura

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a deal today that sent right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez to the Tampa Bay Rays for second baseman Akinori Iwamura (pronounced 岩村 明憲).

The Pirates will pick up Iwamura’s $4.85 million option for 2010.

PHOTO CAPTION:  Akinori Iwamura is best known for his clutch fielding

Iwamura only played in 69 games this past season, missing the bulk of it with a torn ACL and torn ligaments in his ankle.  He has a career .281 average and will most likely bat second behind lead-off hitter Andrew McCuthcen.

Jesse Chavez is not worth writing about.