Something that can be dropped in any VST capable application. I know there is Melodyne however just want something I can automate using simple pitch controls. Something cheap or free if it is really good enough. I've bought a ton of plug-ins lately and need to slow down. However something other than Waves would be great. 
 
Any help will be good, thanks. :-)
 

You need to define what you mean by 'simple pitch controls'.
A theremin? Pitch bend wheel?  Keyboard?
I think more than naught can be controlled by MIDI notes you should be able to use MIDI keyboard.

I mean, consider the simple DJ pitch control. Just a simple plug-in which is smooth and not staged in a way it's audible.
 

For pitch bends you could try dropping the original z3ta+ in as a VST (there are two... only one of them works for this, so try both). The VST version allows using the synth controls on the "through audio" so you can automate/MIDI map to what is available. I am not sure if this will suffice for your application though, and forget offhand what exactly is exposed to you.

MHarmonizerMB. Its very powerful and you can automate almost everything. Its $50, but you can get it for $25 if you wait for a weekly sale.

There is a free one available for guitar also, but i forgot the name. Toneboosters also has a pitchshift plugin, but i don't know how it handles automation, but its worth a try.

If you have a specific sample/clip you want to control, you could always use it in Dim Pro (or similar) and literally use the pitch wheel as you would on any synth.  
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Here-Are-Your-Sonar-Tape-Varispeed-Solutions-Come-and-Get-Em-m3020405.aspx#3020677
 

Not cheap but occasionally zplane has a sale https://products.zplane.de/elastique-pitch-2
Another option (I have not tried this one) http://www.quikquak.com/Prod_Pitchwheel.html
Both have demos. Melda plug-in mentioned above has a demo too.