One source said, "the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to “kick the tires” on Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran," according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.

As nice as that sounds—and it sounds really nice—show me. Now prove it, go after Carlos Beltran. Make a real offer. Apparently, the Mets would pick up the remaining six million dollars on Beltran's salary. They just want some prospects in return. Well, the Pirates got plenty of those.

I know some Pirates fans do not want to sacrifice the future for a rent-a-player, but I don't think they will have to. If the Mets want Starling Marte as the centerpiece, pull the trigger. I'm sorry, but Beltran is a proven big-time talent, Marte is not. No one knows whether Marte will be a big-time pitcher in the Majors. I do know that Beltran would instantly be an upgrade in right field. And I'm highly confident that he would be very successful at PNC Park.

While the Pirates have inquired about Beltran, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that while the Pirates view Carlos Beltran as the top bat available, "they're not going after him full-speed."

What the hell does that mean? Not going after him full-speed? That's dumb. The Pirates are only one of five teams that are interested, including the Mets' division rivals, the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. I can't see the Mets trading him to either of those places. That leaves Detroit, San Francisco and the Pirates.

The Giants just traded for Jeff Keppinger, so I'm not sure if they can give up enough to get Beltran. The Pirates have tons of top pitching prospects. And as long as they don't trade Gerritt Cole and/or Jameson Taillon, who cares?

If the Mets want someone like Andrew Lambo and Marte for Beltran, I say do it. The Pirates are about to get a lot of players back from injury, including Ryan Doumit, Ronny Cedeno, Russ Ohlendorf, Steve Pearce, Jose Tabata and Pedro Alvarez.

Alvarez is the wild card right now for this team. He just went 4-4, with a home run in Triple A. What if he can come back to the Pirates and be a more consistent hitter? That will add a jolt to the lineup. Now add Beltran in the 4- or 5-spot and this team turns into a real contender— not just for the division, but for the National League.

Right now the Pirates are in a race with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers have Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. You have to fight fire with fire. The Pirates need more offense; Beltran can help with that.

The last piece to this Beltran puzzle is this: Would Beltran waive his no-trade clause to come to Pittsburgh? Why wouldn't he? Yes, Pittsburgh used to be the purgatory of the Major League, but right now the Pirates are in first place. Beltran hates playing for a big market; Pittsburgh is a small market. Beltran wants to play for a contender; Pittsburgh is in first place. Makes sense to me.

I'm just saying it's worth a shot. I just don't want to hear about the Pirates wanting or trying to make moves. Do it. Get somebody and prove to me and the rest of the fans that have been waiting 18 years for a good team that you're dedicated to winning.

Say it with me: We Want Beltran....We Want Beltran....We Want Beltran....

You can read more of my work at www.412sportstalk.net and follow me on Twitter.