MVN: Most Valuable Network

Before the news broke a few nights ago as to who the Pirates were targeting from the Detroit Tigers in a Jack Wilson trade, Cory and I came to two names -- Jeff Larish and Matt Joyce. Amazingly, those turned out to be the names reported the next day.

I instantly sang the praises of Larish, who I've followed since his days in college. He was a kid that I wanted the Pirates to draft, but it never happened in the Dave Littlefield era. That shouldn't come as a surprise.

However, in the past day, I've found myself debating heavily the merits of Joyce and Larish. For Wilson, I'd love either one. I'm entering this post liking Larish more, but I'm going to sound this off as an open dialog with myself to make sure on my inclination.

Of course, the news is out that the Tigers consider Adam Everett to be Jack Wilson's equal. My thought: no way. I don't think Jack Wilson is a grade A star, but he's worlds ahead of Adam Everett. Everett's only played two full, legit seasons. And his production in each, not to mention throughout his career, has simply been weak. I believe this notion of Everett is only a ploy to get the Pirates to either take on more of Wilson's contract, or opt for the lesser player -- whichever the Pirates deem that to be.

That being said, I still believe a deal gets done. So, with that in mind, I'll look into these two players alone:

Jeff Larish (5th round pick in 2005)

• I like his patience.
• I like his power.
• I like his left-handed stick.
• I like his track record through college. He's worked his way through minors, though production had a slight dip in AAA in '08.
• I like that he's versatile. He's played 1B, some outfield and 3B. His bat will find him a spot.
• If Adam LaRoche is ever shipped out, I like what Larish/Steve Pearce could do at first base.

Matt Joyce (12th round pick in 2005)

• I like his power.
• I like his left-handed stick.
• I like his quick adaptation to the major league level in '08.
• I like his defense -- very good scouting reports on his ability in the outfield, but how crowded can the Pirates outfield get?
• I like his youth -- two years younger than Larish.
• I like his improvements with patience.

Six points for each guy of things that I like. I'm not going to get deep into scouting reports, because I'm sure you've all gone and read all about them by now.

In my mind, Larish portrays as the greater power prospect, though I'm not thrilled about his age. By the time the Pirates are turning it around for good, we could be looking at a 28-30 year old Larish compared to a 26-28 year old Joyce.

Age shouldn't be the only factor, but I believe that the Pirates are preferring Joyce at this point. The problem with that is his production at the major league level -- .252 AVG, 12 HR, 33 RBI in 242 at-bats. Those numbers out of a 23-year-old will greatly inflate an asking price for his services. A player like that I think is asking too much for Wilson, who is carrying a decently-sized contract in the negotiations.

IF, and that's a big if, the Pirates prefer Joyce as a player, then I think Che needs to step up and get it done. Wilson will not have a greater value later in the year. If you want Joyce, then throw in a relief pitcher, or pick up more of Jack's contract than you'd originally be willing to. If you're just trying to be tough, then by all means, Larish is a great return for Jack.

Larish is blocked in Detroit. And he's knocking on the door. A change of scenery with an instant chance to produce with a solid group of youngsters looking to do the same would serve as quite the opportunity for Larish. I'd hop all over it.

So I'm sticking with Larish. Though, I do wish he was 23. *Sigh*