Pirates Rumors: Wilson, Paulino, Byrd

so basically it SOUNDS like the Buc's won't do much this offseason.........

maybe the white sox can nab Sanchez and Paulino for some prospects it sounds like something KW would do.

I thought Chicago wanted to get younger and faster? It doesn't seem like Sanchez would be in their plans, although it would address their 2B situation. As for Paulino, I'm sure they wouldn't mind adding a defensive catcher for depth, and I highly doubt it would cost them much.

I wonder if the Bucs and the Royals can match up for something? The Royals need an infielder after the loss of Grudz, and I highly doubt Callaspo would be an adequate replacement.

The Bucs are looking for a right-handed power bat for a corner OF spot, and it seems that Teahen or Guillen are available. He could also be a short stop-gap as they would probably have Pearce ready by the end of the contract. However, salaries wouldn't really match up, as this would add more salary for the Pirates, and we all know their ownership is, well, pretty cheap with the flow, yo.

The only players I care about them keeping are MCLouth and Doumit. I really could care less if they trade everyone else. I would rather not go down the Jose Guillen road again either he did come up through our system.

I would be interested to see who we could get from the White Sox for Paulino and Sanchez maybe Alexi Ramirez haha just kidding, had the White Sox fans upset for a minute. Whoever I would take a couple relief prospects maybe a b or c level starting prospect.

Honestly if they traded Capps I wouldn't be mad I think he has a lot of value to a small market team that doesn't want to spend big bucks on a closer. I agree that Snell has better stuff than Maholm but Maholm has better control and is more consistant. that said I think if Snell could learn to use his changeup and pitch inside he has the potential of an ace.

I wouldn't trade McLouth or Capps this offseason. No way the Bucs get enough of a return on Capps with all the other relievers on the market. If a team wants cheap, they go to the Rockies for Street.

First of all, there are plenty of OFs and relievers on the FA market or those which other teams have blatantly made available (Giles, Street, Taveras, etc.). McLouth is better than these guys, but this is not the year to trade him.

I'd like to see Freddy Sanchez traded along with Jack Wilson though. Eat most of his salary, then trade him, since there's only one big non-washed up 2B FA on the market, and he's got a few red flags (declining defense) on him.

Seriously. Do NOT trade Snell though. Ultimate sell low move.

Does anyone else think Snell would be a nasty closer? He has all the stuff to have success in this league, but it seems like when he can't get guys to swing at his breaking ball, he falls apart. I hope the new pitching coach can correct this. I've seen him dominate free swinging teams but against patient ballclubs, he struggles so much.

Snell lacked command last year and the last thing you want in the 9th inning is a pitcher that is all over the place.

I still love his stuff though!

Pirates lineup in 2010:

CF McCutchen
2B Shelby Ford, although I would like to see them make a play for Cano
LF Nate McLouth
C Ryan Doumit
3B Pedro Alvarez
1B Brandon Moss, Used to be a Shortstop I think this is the only way he fits in the future
RF Jose Tabata
SS Chin Lung Hu, I feel this deal with the Dodgers will get done
P Maholm/Snell/Ohlendorf/Veteran/Duke, Gorzo, McCutche, or Karstens

Bench:
Nyjer Morgan
Neil Walker
Robinzon Diaz
Brian Bixler
Steve Pearce

Bullpen
Matt Capps
Craig Hansen
Denny Bautista
TJ Beam
Veteran
2 of the Duke/Gorzo/Karstens/McCutchen that don't make the rotation

That said if they can sign a solid #1 or #2 pitcher get Cano and add a veteran or 2 to the pen that is a competitive team my friends.

I think the number one priority of the Pirates this offseason should be to ink at least one, if not all, of McLouth, Doumit, and Maholm to extensions. Invest in the youth, for a young team going forward.

"dude if mclouth was traded this offseason it would be terrible for the city.
youre one star you trade away for most prospects?
yikes"

Here's what I think. If you give up a McLouth right now you are selling high. You could potentially acquire someone like Hughes from the Yanks plus a "A-" prospect like Betances. Hughes would immediately go into the rotation and Betances would come up the following year in 2010 when the rest of the future guys come up. Offensively we should be fine with the likes of Tabata, Cutch, and hopefully Alvarez. You also shore up 2 spots in your rotation with 2 solid pitchers in Hughes and Betances. Throw in Maholm, Mccutchen, maybe even Brad Lincoln, to go along of whoever is left from Gorzo, Snell, and Duke, and you have the makings of a real strong rotation. Look, I like McLouth as much as any other Pirate fan, but if a team makes you an offer like that, I think you seriously need to consider it.

"You think Shelby Ford is that close?"

I think he will be ready in 2010 I am sure he will start the year in AAA this year and if he has a good year there he could see Pittsburgh in September.

The Pirates could actually be competitive this year if the following happens:

1. Trade Wilson to the Dodgers eat some/all of his salary get Hu, Young, and whoever.

2. Trade Sanchez get whatever you can for him hopefully solid relievers.

3. Sign Pat Burrell move Moss to 1B

4. Sign a decent veteran 2B like Mark Grudzielanek or Ray Durahm.

4. Trade Adam Laroche for a young starter.

5. Bring up and start McCutchen.

6. Sign Pedro Martinez as a 4th or 5th starter (Veteran with experience and a taste of success and a very competitive nature)

7. Bring back Dougie and Jason

Do all of this and here is your opening day roster:

Lineup
1. CF McCutchen
2. 2B Grudz/Durahm
3. LF Nate McLouth
4. RF Pat Burrell
5. C Ryan Doumit
6. 1B Brandon Moss
7. 3B Walker/Laroche
8. SS Chin Lung Hu
9. P Paul Maholm

Bench
OF Nyjer Morgan
OF Jason Michaels
UT Doug Mientiewicz
IF Brian Bixler
C Robinzon Diaz or Ronny Paulino

Rotation
1. Paul Maholm
2. Ian Snell
3. Ross Ohlendof
4. Pedro Martinez
5. Zach Duke

Bullpen
LR Tom Gorzelanny
LR Jeff Karstens
MR Denny Bautista
MR TJ Beam
LH Sean Burnett
SU John Grabow
CL Matt Capps

The bullpen is shaky but like I said you get relievers for Sanchez and hopefully a decent starter for Laroche and this team could compete for the Wild Card obviously they are a long way from the Cubs.

Speaking as a Red Sox fan, I would love to take Ronny Paulino off your hands. He could help to fill our catching vacancy rather nicely. What do you guys think it would take to get him?

How about a package of Wilson and Paulino, or Treanor(if aquired from Marlins) to the Tigers for Armondo Galarraga and Micheal Hollimon?

Losing Galarraga would kill the Tigers.
I would trade him and Hollimon for Wilson (eating all of his salary) and Matt Capps, however.

If salary is an issue with the Jack Wilson to Detroit deal, why not take Nate Robertson back in a Wilson/Paulino package? Nate along with a high level prospect? Tigers want to dump his salary, right?

The guy that metioned Dunn the reason I went with Burrell over him was that Neal said he wanted a right handed power bat. If the Pirates can move Laroche and Burrell and Dunn are there I think you have to at least try to offer a contract as either would be a nice addition to the lineup. With the interest and money being spent on Tex and Manny I think the Pirates could sneak in and grab one of these guys. Honestly we won't be able to get any starter of the CC, Burnett, Sheets, Lowe tier and after those guys is it really worh throwing 10+MM at a stater. Honestly would any Pirate fan here be upset with signing Burrell or Dunn.

Ronny Paulino for Boone Logan Fair for both sides. Thoughts?

Redeye, I don't think a Robertson for Jack Wilson trade would suffice, considering that the Tigers still need Robertson. He slots in as the only lefty in our rotation, and his peripheral stats were much better than his ERA.