Tim Alderson Returns to Long Toss, Sees Velocity Return

When the Pittsburgh Pirates were shopping Freddy Sanchez in 2009, the expectations were low on a return. The second baseman was making $6.1 M, which was a reasonable salary for his production. However, his $8 M option in 2010 was too high, essentially making him a two-month rental to any team that traded for him.

Sanchez went down with an injury right before he was traded, missing three games against the San Francisco Giants, who traded for him after the series. Again, not the highest value for the second baseman.

Then a surprise came. The Pirates not only got a return for Sanchez, but they got a guy who was a top