Let’s suppose that the Pirates stand pat and make no significant moves and the trade deadline passes. Does anyone really think the Pirates with such weak lineup will be in contention in late September?
What’s more, would it be fair to hand this pitching staff such an impotent offense for the second half of this magical season? Most knowledgeable Pirate fans agree that something must be done if they are going to be relevant in October.
Over the past two weeks it has become abundantly clear where the team’s weaknesses lie. Many are pointing to right field. Some say if we can get a power hitting right fielder the Pirates will be fine. Even if they can pull that off it says here that won’t be enough.
Actually iIt ‘s a simple task to single out several weak links in their everyday lineup not to mention their anemic bench. Not one GM will be salivating to snag the likes of Travis Snider, Brandon Inge, Clint Barmes, Michael McHenry or Josh Harrison. None of the above mentioned players are assets to the Pirate roster. Hence none will bring a return that will benefit the Pirates. Some say let’s package a deal with two of these guys and get something in return.
Do you really think MLB GMs are that stupid? I don’t think they are. Those kinds of deals are the most unlikely to occur.
The everyday lineup has some but not nearly enough talent to carry the team into the playoffs. Srarling Marte, Andrew McCutchen and Pedro Alverez cannot carry the team by themselves. Russell Martin, Jordy Mercer, Gaby Sanchez and Garret Jones current production numbers are subpar for a team looking to compete. At this point Neal Walker is swiftly approaching the label of injury prone.
Neal Huntington’s job of acquiring productive everyday players or even bench players is going to come at a heavy cost. Clearly their current Major League roster offers few options to other GMs.
Sure Huntington might rid the team of one of those bench players but only to force a deal that would involve someone of real value. Trading a solid relief pitcher for an everyday player is not going to bring a power hitting outfielder either.
Look for the team to try to swap some high level prospects because that’s all they have to bargain with. After all isn’t that one of the reasons for having a good minor league stockpile.