Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates
Latest Pirates Trade Rumblings
Beltran sweepstakes heating up
Interest is so high in Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran that the Mets expect to move him well before the July 31st trade deadline.
According to SI’s Jon Heyman, things are shaping where “there are the favorites and the longshots.”
Heyman lists the Phillies and Red Sox as the leading favorites with the Braves and Giants among the top four teams in the mix.
The Pirates have kicked the tires on Beltran but that’s the farthest things are expected to go as the team doesn’t have expectations to make an actual play for Beltran.
Pirates look into Wigginton?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been scouting the Colorado Rockies of late. The Rockies are willing to move some relievers, which might interest the Pirates but the Pirates have also looked into Ty Wigginton, according to one major league source.
Wigginton could provide insurance at third and first base and also has the ability to play the outfield. He has appeared in 52 games at third base, 21 at first and 14 in the outfield.
His 13 home runs would rank 2nd on the team.
The Pirates though are said to not be big fans of Wigginton’s contract as he’s owed $3.5 million for next season.
Scouting A’ for hitter, 8th inning or lefty reliever
The Pirates have been looking at A’s hitters Josh Willingham, David DeJesus and Connor Jackson for sometime now but the team also has their eye on the A’s bullpen.
Reliever Grant Balfour is near the top of the Pirates radar as the team is seeking an 8th inning setup man with strikeout ability.
Balfour, 33 has a 2.28 ERA and 40k/15BB in 36 2/3 innings pitched this season.
Balfour is making $3.7 million this year but is due $4 million in 2012 and has a $4.5 million club option in 2013.
A’s reliever Michael Wuertz (2.96 ERA) is also available for trade but doesn’t fit the 8th inning reliever type the Pirates are seeking. With Jason Grilli coming on board as a depth option, there isn’t a fit for Wuertz.
Lefty reliever Craig Breslow could be a fit as he’s believed to be available.
The Pirates are seeking a lefty and 8th inning reliever.
Balfour, Baltimore’s Koji Uehera and Padres relievers Heath Bell and Mike Adams are among the top 8th inning reliever types the Pirates have aggressively looked into.
There is significant interest around the league in both Adams and Bell. Of the four, Bell is the only one scheduled to be a free agent in 2012. Uehera has a vesting option.
No Chatter around Pena
There’s been little to no chatter surrounding Cubs first baseman Carlos Pena right now. That doesn’t mean the Pirates are not looking into him as it’s believed they like him but few indications Pirates are ready to close the door on Lyle Overbay just yet.
