Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates Pirates targeting Qualls?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been actively exploring the trade market for bullpen help and have their eye on the San Diego Padres as a potential trade partner.
Jon Heyman of SI mentions Padres relievers Heath Bell (2.54 ERA, 26 saves), Mike Adams (1.26 ERA) and Chad Qualls (2.72 ERA) as players the Pirates are looking at.
Pittsburgh is an unlikely destination for the 33 year old Bell due to a high asking price and several contenders in the mix for his services.
Meanwhile, the asking price for Mike Adams is said to be even higher than it is for Bell.
Adams, 32, has a 1.26 ERA on the season and is making just $2.535 million this year and is under team control for 2012.
With Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek under team control, the Pirates don’t figure to move any of their top prospects for immediate bullpen help.
Qualls, 32, is having a solid season, posting a 2.72 ERA in 46 1/3 innings pitched. He’s the most likely target of the group. He’s making $1.5 million this season and is a free agent in 2012.
