Wednesday, July 9, 2008

16th Annual Pirates Bake Sale


Here we are, 21 days away from the trade deadline and some big blockbuster deals have already been dealt. Sabathia to Milwaukee and Harden to the Cubs. Both big deals are within' the division, as if it weren't hard enough. But, like every year the Bucco's are sure to have someone on the roster who makes to much for the club to resign, while some other city would love to have. This years big candidates are Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, and some how Jack Wilson got thrown in there. Where did that come from? Today on the Dan Patrick show I was listening as Dan had Sports Illustrated writer Tom Verducci on the show to talk about the All-Star game and the deal with Sabathia and Harden. They some how got on the topic of Sabathia and what not, then out of right field came the talk of the Dodgers needing some sort of a good defensive short stop and Jack Wilson's name was thrown out there. That was a low of the interview after her noted Nate McClouth is the best NL center fielder and that he should be starting. I've heard from other sources that Wilson is on the move out of Pittsburgh and it sort of stings. It's not like he's been solid every year, but hs defense makes up for everything the bat can't. In my life, I think I've seen JW boot one ball that would be an every day can of corn for him on any other 364 days in the year. He did however, throw up 200+ hits about 2 years ago, which means he has the offense in him....somewhere. "This is where I want to be." That's straight from the horses mouth, Jack Wilson. That's good to know, knowing that his contract has 2 years left after 2008 and due to make another $7.25 million and a 2010 option of $8.4 million. The reason the Buc's are willing to keep Wilson? Name someone else worthy of taking the short stop spot and able to be as solid defensively and perhaps offensively as JW. You can't. It's a gaping hole and the Pirates aren't willing to throw anyone else in that hole yet.

However, what does that mean for Jason Bay and Nady? Who knows, but the cupboard of talent is running thin for the Bucco's and the promised young pitching core is looking like a slop. Just like Kris Benson was, it's a common theme. As for Nady, there's a calling for him in Tampa Bay (who own the leagues lowest combined salary for the entire bigs) and somehow Atlanta is shopping for a power hitting corner outfielder. The Braves are 5 under .500 and 5 back of first behind the Phillies and are behind 3 other teams in the division. Who knows, the jury is still out on Mark Teixera staying or going by July 31st. The word out of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is, they're going to make a run at the division. If that's the case, you can count your nickels Nady will be in Atlanta. However, the talent isn't quite there like Tampa's is. This is where Jason Bay comes in. The Pirates turned down a deal with the Indians for Cliff Lee during the GM meetings, does that mean the Pirates intend on holding onto Bay? Nothing would make me happier, but that's not exactly what the organization is after is it? Making fans happy? What is that? Bay has been quoted to say he wants to win here (Pittsburgh). Apparently, the Pirates are saying they would like to keep Bay a part of the future of the team and the asking price for Bay over Nady, way higher! If you're a die hard Xavier Nady fan, feast your eyes on this piece by the Gazette. "Nady appears to have become plenty attached to the team and city and might listen if management were to approach him." On the downside though, he's represented by Scott Boras. So whatever he's actually worth, multiply that by 300 and there's you price. Plus, the name Scott Boras is plenty to intimidate any GM, let alone the weary Pirates front office.
Also, the world around 3 rivers is that Damaso Marte is available and there's is a stack of teams looking for left handed relief. Rays, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Florida Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies are seeking left-handed relief and John Grabow's name has been thrown around. The more likely guy to be dealt though, is Marte. He's making $2.2 million this year, double what John Grabow is making so in the long run, it's a better cut for the Buc's. At least it's not looking like bake sales of years past, but to be honest, the Pirates could use some young talent....preferably, arms.

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