Yesterday afternoon, rumors spread that the Pirates are not done cleaning house and that they may make closer Matt Capps available in a trade for a power arm. The first team that came to mind was the Marlins who are back in the NL East race even though closer Matt Lindstrom is on the DL.

The Marlins have a couple of pitching prospects in Ryan Tucker and Jose Ceda who they could trade to get Matt Capps. Here is what John Sickels from www.minorleagueball.com had to say about Tucker and Ceda:

Ryan Tucker, RHP, Grade B: He needs another pitch if he wants to start, but the ceiling stands out as excellent.
Jose Ceda, RHP, Grade B: Yet another high ceiling arm with command issues. Also has to watch weight.

The Marlins would use Capps to close with Leo Nunez and Dan Meyer handling the setup duties. In return, the Pirates would get one of Tucker, who should start at the major league level or Ceda, who could replace Capps as the Pirates closer in 2010.

In 2008, Tucker pitched for AA Carolina, appearing in 25 games, including 12 starts, throwing 91 innings with a 74/37 K/BB ratio, and a 1.58 ERA. This year, he has appeared in only 2 games, both in April, making me thing he is injured.

The fact that the Pirates received Joel Hanrahan from the Nationals leads me to beleive they will deal Capps, and allow Hanrahan to close in 2009.