The Trade Deadline is ticking away...Who will the Pirates Get?

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Its only 5 days from the deadline and the Pirates are approaching it like a shy boy wanting to ask a girl out. They're kinda weighing the options, not sure when the right time is. Well...I don't know about the boy, but I'm hoping we actually score.

Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports repeats the Pirates are one of five teams looking at B.J. Upton.  Although Upton's defense is legit, his offense has been declining year after year. I would much rather just ride it out when Tabata come back from the DL, then to lose some top prospects for him.

Troy Renck of The Denver Post reports that the Pirates’ interest has cooled on catcher Chris Iannetta. I wouldn't be a big fan of acquiring Iannetta, especially Doumit will be coming of the DL in August and because Michael McKenry has been a beast behind the plate.  He has also handled the pitching staff really well. Plus, I don't know what I would do if I couldn't hear Bob Walk mentioning how much McKenry works out at the gym.

Seems we've been linked to everyone. Carlos Beltran, Ubaldo, Heath Bell, Mike Adama, etc. Beltran is the most interesting one to me, because this morning Jason Stark mentioned the Mets wanting an A prospect, but the braves and other clubs have said no thanks to that type of deal, so we may be able to get Beltran if we just eat his contract.

We can all fantasize about a big name player coming here, but the fact is, we can't give up any of our top 5 prospects, just because our rebuilding process is still fairly in the beginning stage.

I can see Neal making either or all of these deals comes the 31st:

Carlos Pena – Has decent defense, strikes out a lot, but would be the power presence in the lineup we absolutely need at this point.  If Alvarez comes around like he did the 2nd half the season, Pena and him could be deadly back to back. Basically could pickup his salary and not give up a game changing prospect.

Josh Willingham – Is basically GI JONES with a little more power. Would much rather him platooning at first with Pearce than watching Lyle Underbay blow it for us down the stretch. Basically could pickup his salary and not give up a game changing prospect.

Jason Giambi – He would be a beast bench player, but has had a recent quad injury.With that injury, he would fit right in with the Buccos. Cheap as a pack of gum, also.

Chad Qualls – His ERA is decent. Wouldn't be a bad pickup, but would only be a slight improvement over Veras. I would be mentioning that 36 year old beast reliever from Baltimore here, but I can't spell his name.

Basically, Neal will either eat a contract to get a player, or trade a bundle of OK prospects to get what we need. I see no MAJOR moves happening. Beltran could be intriguing again now, especially if we dont have to give up Taillon/Marte/Allie.

JD
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