MLB: Pirates sending signals they are willing to move Karstens?

With Wandy Rodriguez in the fold, the strong consensus within the Pirates is the team will move forward with a rotation of A.J. Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez, James McDonald, and Jeff Karstens regarded as their top-4 pitchers, with Erik Bedard or Kevin Correia in the No. 5 spot.

While it’s not a surprise that the Pirates are believed to be shopping Kevin Correia who pitched well in today’s 3-2 win over Chicago, allowing four hits and two runs in six innings pitched, helping the Pirates avoid a sweep, it would be a surprise that the Pirates try to move Jeff Karstens (3-2, 3.59 ERA), even if there’s no market for Correia.

However, ESPN’s Jayson Stark reports the Pirates are sending “signals” that the team is willing to move Karstens and Correia. “In the wake of dealing for Wandy Rodriguez, the Pirates are sending signals they could now trade away a starter, with Jeff Karstens and Kevin Correia the most likely suspects to move, ” Starks writes.