By Paul Sporer
Super quick update as I head out to Batman (yes, there’ll be non-trade news posts soon, too) – ESPN’s Jayson Stark used his Rumblings & Grumblings column on Friday to peruse the trade market which invariably led to some Pirates mentions. One stuck out in particular as it is a new name I’ve seen mentioned, though unfortunately it doesn’t appear to be a fruitful path:
The Pirates have asked about tons of hitters, including Billy Butler, but they’re still in a“buy-low frame of mind.” The Royals have told clubs they’d have to be overwhelmed to part with Butler, Stark reports.
Makes sense for the Royals to demand a ransom for Butler, though I think they’d say no to a Cano-for-Butler 1-for-1.
The team visiting the Pirates for a series starting tonight could be big sellers in the trade market so this is a “free” chance to scout the potential targets like Anibal Sanchez, Hanley Ramirez, Carlos Lee, Justin Ruggiano (if they’re smart they’ll sell high), Omar Infante and maybe even Logan Morrison. No one really knows yet if either Florida team will sell off their pieces in the next 11 days, though.
Like I said, more stuff next week focused on other aspects of the team, but also trade rumors as they happen.
By the way, great MLB stuff seems to ALWAYS happen when I go out… so look for eight perfect games & three huge trades.
