Zach Duke a Cub? ESPN radio 1000 out of Chicago is reporting the player to be named later is rumored to be Zach Duke. A source who covers the Pirates on a regular basis is declining the report. Updated 10:28: The Pirates are saying the report out of Chicago is false.
The Boston Red Sox are in hot pursuit of reliever Damaso Marte. The two sides have held discussions but no offer has been made. A source told me the Pirates are interested in Red Sox outfielder Willy Mo Pena and prospect Jacoby Ellsbury who is the 2nd rated prospect on most boards. The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees are also interested in Marte.
Latest Rumor: Marte to Boston for prospect Jacoby Ellsbury. The Pirates are asking for Jacoby Ellsbury but it seems very unlikely the Red Sox would move him.If the Yankees remain hot, the Sox may get desperate and overpay for Marte but the Pirates would have to sweeten the deal to acquire Ellsbury.
The Colorado Rockies have inquired about Solomon Torres in recent weeks. The Pirates and Rockies have had discussions but a deal with Colorado will not go down until the trade deadline.
The Pirates are interested in Rockies outfielder Ryan Spilbourghs but the Rockies are believed to be offering a prospect
Potential suitors for Jack Wilson according to Buster Olney
1.San Francisco Giants
2. St.Louis Cardnals
3. Boston Red Sox
4. Toronto Blues
Sources are telling me, there is minimal interest in Wilson and the best chance for the Pirates move him will be in the off-season. The Red Sox could be a sleeper at the deadline. They are looking for a upgrade over their current shortstop Julio Lugo
Management is not happy with Ian Snells comments about the team having a off day following 6 straight losses.
The Pirates are currently telling teams they are not listening to offers for Jason Bay but it is believed the Pirates only untouchables are Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny, Matt Capps and Freddy Sanchez.
There has been speculation the Mets may take a run at Bay. The Mets are rumored to be offering prospect Lastings Miledge. The Mets are also interested in Jermaine Dye of the Chicago White Sox.
