Fears that the Pittsburgh Pirates would do NOTHING at the trade deadline were put to rest as the Buccos engaged in multiple trades and acquisitions.
Now that the dust has settled, trades have been made and Pirates equipment manager Scott Bonnett has gotten all the new players outfitted in their proper black and gold, we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at how players responded to the very active Trademas season on social media.
Closer Mark Melancon was the first to depart the team in a trade that sent him and two players to be named later to the Nationals in return for lefties Felipe Rivero and Taylor Hearn. The Shark, as classy as ever simply posted this on Twitter:
It has been an honor and pleasure to play here for you for nearly four seasons. I am honored to be a Pirate! pic.twitter.com/JAsLlNvrgP
— Mark Melancon (@Mark_Melancon_) July 31, 2016
and this on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIgR-SpjYze/?taken-by=mark_melancon_
His teammates responded with love and respect.
A big time "Thank You" is in order for everything @Mark_Melancon_ did for our team!
— Jared Hughes (@locatejared) July 30, 2016
Francisco Liriano (along with prospects Reese McGuire and Harold Ramirez) went to Toronto to join former Pirates Russell Martin, Jason Grilli and JA Happ on the Blue Jays for pitcher Drew Hutchison. Juan Nicasio weighed in on Frankie’s departure with a fun Insta shot.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIlds3WhKeG/?taken-by=juan_nicasio
as did Gregory Polanco
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIldbtqj4g9/?taken-by=gpolanco25
Of course the always emotional Francisco Cervelli got us all in the feels with his farewell to both guys.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIleqpAhpDY/?taken-by=fran_cervelli
The Pirates gave both Liriano and Melancon sweet send-offs on Twitter.
A big Thank You to Frankie Liriano and best wishes moving forward. pic.twitter.com/WHg8QuuKke
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 1, 2016
A big Thank You to @Mark_Melancon_. Wishing you the best moving forward, Shark. pic.twitter.com/yJQibylU71
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 30, 2016
And now for the new guys!
The Pirates acquired Yankees pitcher Ivan Nova, who gets his first start in a Buccos uniform Saturday against the Reds. They’ve been pretty successful in their takes from the Yanks in the past, so here’s hoping a change of scenery and a little time with Uncle Ray will have Nova cruising in no time.
OFFICIAL: The #Pirates have acquired RHP Ivan Nova from the #Yankees in exchange for 2 PTBNL. pic.twitter.com/A3SwYHadCX
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 1, 2016
He wrote this to his team and fans…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIm55THAAv-/?taken-by=inova47
The Blue Jays’ Drew Hutchison headed from to Indianapolis to play for the Indians in a move that, if he stays there until August 31, allows the Pirates an extra year of control of his contract. He has had some issues this season, but was the Jays’ opening day pitcher last season and only narrowly lost a spot as a starter to Aaron Sanchez.
#Pirates acquire RHP Drew Hutchison from Jays for Francisco Liriano, minor leaguers Reese McGuire & Harold Ramirez pic.twitter.com/cCXChIn6H6
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 1, 2016
Antonio Bastardo rejoined the team after an 8-month stint with the Mets in exchange for Jon Niese – who, according to New York media, will not be kicking former Pirates second baseman Neil Walker out of the apartment he was subletting from him.
Some info on Bastardo. #Pirates pic.twitter.com/DTfaS6zcI6
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 1, 2016
Antonio Bastardo translated means Angelic Bucco. Or Angel of the Buccos. Or, in some circles, known as Bucco Savior.
— Dan Zangrilli (@DanZangrilli) August 3, 2016
Felipe Rivero has already made a few appearances out of the bullpen for the Bucs. He was gracious in his farewell to the Nationals.
https://twitter.com/Rivero43/status/759478608649826304
He also has the perfect attitude for the trade season!
https://twitter.com/Rivero43/status/759624139946663936
Welcome to the team, guys!
And so you can be sure to keep up with the newbies on social media:
Ivan Nova – inova47 on Instagram and @IvanNova47 on Twitter
Felipe Rivero – felipe_43rivero on Instagram and @Rivero43 on Twitter
Drew Hutchison – @1DrewHutch on Twitter
Thanks for tuning in for our SPECIAL Pirates’ Social Media Round-Up TRADE EDITION. The Bucs take on the Braves tonight at 7:10 p.m. Be sure to tune in to the Root pre-game show for an inspirational look at tonight’s starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong‘s triumphant return to baseball following that terrible eye injury. #LetsGoBucs
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