Lynn Henning of the Detroit News takes a look at why the Tigers were able to acquire Chris Shelton:

Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield said Friday they were aware of Shelton's hitting potential. The problem was no one was too sure where they could play him. He was a catcher, but not a good enough catcher to play regularly in the big leagues. He wasn't an outfielder. He wasn't reassuring as a first baseman (those emerging skills have been another Shelton surprise). And, at least in terms of Pittsburgh and the National League, he couldn't become a designated hitter.

The Pirates had young players they judged to be more dimensional players. Shelton, Littlefield said, "fell below" some raw assessments they were obliged to make.

When you have someone that good, an orgainization (especially one that isn't winning much) needs to find room for him. Follow what Oakland did with Scott Hatteberg; teach to play first and live with the consequences. Most of the time, it will work out in your favor.