I’m glad I didn’t buy a spiffy new pair of Nyjer Morgan stirrups.

Trader Neal Huntington was at it again Tuesday, making two deals that brought the Pittsburgh Pirates four more young, unproven players.

Early in the day, the New York Yankees called up Eric Hinske from their Class AAAA affiliate, the Pittsburgh Pirates.

This deal was pretty much a wash. Huntington gave up a player that really had no role with the Bucs to begin with for two low-level minor leaguers who will probably never reach the majors.

It was a head-scratcher in the offseason when Hinske was signed to begin with. Hinske is one of those dudes who finds a spot on a contender, as he did with Boston and Tampa Bay the last two years. The former rookie of the year with Toronto is now with the Yankees, making his tour of the American League East 80 percent complete.

Hey, Baltimore, Hinske will play for you in 2010. Congrats.

Later in the day, Huntington made the biggest splash by sending the high-energy and funky-socked Morgan and forgotten left-hander Sean Burnett to the Washington Nationals for Lastings Milledge and reliever Joel Hanrahan.

Two teams haven’t gotten much mileage from Milledge. Lastings hasn’t lasted for long with both the New York Mets and the Nats.

But Milledge is the poster child for potential. He was the prized prospect in the Mets organization since he was a teenager and, if given the chance to play every day, could be solid major league outfielder with some speed and some pop.

Hanrahan has filthy stuff, but has never really been able to harness it consistently.

All in all, it was a good day for Huntington and the Pirates. Morgan was never going to be any better than he is now at this stage of his career and Hinske was just taking up space.

From the Nats, they got a potential 20 homer, 20 steals guy and a potential future closer or set-up guy in the pen.

Bottom line: two thumbs up.