Pirates Gaining Trade Value

I cant see Nady being around much longer and certainly gone before 7/31.

Marte will go at the deadline and I suspect that Grabow will too...

Huntington is going to blow the team up. I suspect that he wanted to during the off season but couldnt get the approval...I think the Morris release is a harbinger of things to come for this roster...moving day is approaching, move up or move out.

I would actually love to see the braves inquire about Nady or Bay. I know pitching is of a concern for us right now, but either would of them would be an asset in left, being able to play everyday. They would also be affordable options, and, especially bay, would ease the likely loss of Tex in the offseason.

I think Nady is bound for the Indians. Huntington certainly knows all about the Tribe's prospects and in a bidding war of prospects between Cle and MYM, guess who wins.

The Tribe DEFINATELY needs Jason Bay. I'm not too keen on the whole Nady thing. Sure he has had a good couple of seasons but nothing historic.

As for Bay I am wondering what it would cost. I know they had a shot this offseason but nothing happened.

Maybe Jeremy Sowers, Kelly Shoppach, Andy Marte and a minor league outfielder not named Ben Francisco could get it done for Bay.

I think from the indians Shoppach would be an obvious starting point. However, Barfield and Marte may not have the value they used to since each has struggled mightly lately at the ML level. I think a more likely scenerio might be Shoppach, Sowers, and a bullpen piece.

I love Mets fans :)

In the offseason Mets fans offer Heilman in trades and say, "He's just never gotten a shot but he can be a solid starting pitcher". Once the season starts, they put him in the pen and can't stand him and say "He's a loser."

I agree with CJax, Marte isn't that good and the Pirates don't really need Shoppach and Sowers (plus Marte is useless next year when Walker comes up at third). Right handed pitching and left handed hitting are the things the Pirates need right now, outfield isn't a huge concern right now but first and short are certainly positions to look for in a trade. Heilman's numbers are pretty decent, but how many years does he have until free agency? He has three full seasons in the bullpen and parts of 2003 and 2004 in the majors.

And for what its worth, Heilman could definitely be a servicable starter. Willie just will not do it. They say he only throws 2 pitches, which isnt really true. He throws a couple of fastballs and a changeup, and has a below average slider that would be acceptable as a 4th pitch. Meanwhile though, Pelfrey only throws one pitch and that doesnt seem to bother them. To me it would make a ton more sense moving Pelfrey to the bullpen and moving Heilman to the rotation. Heilman is more of a workhorse, he will eat innings and giving up the home run will not kill him like it does in the pen. Meanwhile, Pelfrey can go inning to inning with only 1 real pitch more easily then he can go 6 innings at a time, atleast in theory.

Anyway, Heilman throws hard, has a good changeup and good control (for the most part), with an okay to below average slider. He is durable, and always wants the ball. I wouldnt be the least bit surprised to see Heilman post a 4.20/1.25 line and give 180-190 solid innings to a team.

I agree with nrmax, the Mets wouldn't want Nady that badly. It would be like Mark Mulder trade, I honestly thought that Mulder for Haren was Beane squezzing enough. Then when he got Calero and Barton it was amzing. Heilman for Nady would be a trade Minaya would have to make if he had just smoked 60 grams of weed. I could see a deal like two high class A prospects for nady. Not much more.