The trade deadline is ten days away. The likelihood of the Pirates making the blockbuster deal in the next five minutes isn't that high. The Pirates have no leverage at this point, the sellers do. They can hold out and wait until one hour before the trade deadline, because frankly that is how it works. The Pirates almost assuredly need to make a move, and they will. The management understands the need of making an attempt this season. They need to prove to the fan base they will make a move to win. The much scrutinized era of Bob Nutting's ownership could take a HUGE step in the right direction. The Pittsburgh fan base is starving for a winner, and they are not far away. The Pirates are 12 games above .500, they are looking to be in a neck and neck race with the Cincinnati Reds for the remainder of the season. These are unheard of realities for Pittsburgh baseball. The Pirates are in the thick of playoff contention and may be one or two pieces away from reaching the postseason.
The Deadline is unpredictable, and it would not be fair to anyone for me to predict who they will get. In an age of Twitter and trying to break the story first, the Pirates are reportedly "in" on everybody. Seriously, the Pirates are supposedly scouting every single player that could potentially available on July 31. Rightfully so, I must add. The Pirates are over-achievers any way you look at it. There is nothing wrong with it either. They do not have the middle of the order of the Cincinnati Reds. They do not have the World Series experience of the St. Louis Cardinals. It is what it is. The Pirates are playing well with the same guys they have lost with in the past. It is remarkable what they have done, and I do believe it will change the culture for years to come. They need a bat and they need a starting pitcher, plain and simple. The offense has been tremendous since April ended, but it still can have days where the bats go completely silent. The Pirates have McCutchen, and his burden is higher than any other player in Baseball. Neil Walker is streaky, and the Pirates have committed to Pedro Alvarez's poor average in return for his Home Runs. I am fine with all of that. They need a Left Fielder. Alex Presley is a guy you root for, but his progress is stagnant. He is just an average, speedy outfielder with a rather poor bat. Jose Tabata will not be right for any sort of meaningful games in August. What does that leave you? Drew Sutton? Please No. Gorkys Hernandez, Pretty, pretty please NO. They could turn to Starling Marte, the prized AAA prospect. OR they could trade him for Justin Upton or Henter Pence, or Carlos Quienten. At this point, I'd rather have Pence and Upton over Marte. Proven MLB players under contract after this season. The Pirates also need a starting pitcher. AJ Burnett and James McDonald have been great, but in need of some help. Correia has pitched well of late, but could certainly be upgraded. Bedard is a veteran that started well, but has been awful lately. They would not mind getting somebody better, though. Jeff Karstens will be around for the duration, I do believe that. The Pirates can try and make the giant splash with a Cliff Lee,Zach Greinke, or even sell the farm for Felix Hernandez. Those would certainly help the playoff push, but risky long term. I would like a Ryan Dempster if available and the price is right. James Shields from Tampa would be a nice fit.
The Trade Deadline is unpredictable. Anything can happen the next ten days. The columns and articles screaming for the Pirates to make an addition have been heard loud and clear. They can stop now. The article is not going to make Neal Huntingdon act faster. This is a process, it takes time. The Bucs have often been on the other end of this situation, it is fairly new to be a buyer. Everything needs to play out still, and the Pirates will start getting serious soon. The report is that Huntingdon is low balling teams, and frankly that is fine. Why not try and get stuff cheap? The offers will be more realistic as each day passes. The Pirates have a healthy farm system and Gerrit Cole is the only player I would absolutely not trade. Anyone else is fair game in my eyes. Taillon, Heredia,Marte, Hansen,Bell....You name it, I'd rather see an attempt at winning this year than banking on a bunch of "A" prospects down the line. This could be the season, play like it is.
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