Usually when the trade deadline rolls around, MLB fans are asking who the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to trade away as the league?s shared farm team. This season though, somehow, someway, they?re tied for the NL Central division lead with a record of 52-47. With their first winning season since 1992 in their grasp, the front office is more likely to make a bold move now than ever before.
ESPN?s Buster Olney talked to Pirates team president Frank Cooley who said that the team is in a better position to make moves thanks to the city of Pittsburgh saying:
?Our fans have been energized by this team. The rebonding between the city and its team that (manager Clint Hurdle) talked about wanting to be a part of is happening. Yes, the great response at the gate gives us greater capacity to add players as (general manager Neal Huntington) looks to make the team better at the (July 31 trade) deadline and into August. When we are not successful in securing a player who we have targeted, it is likely to be because of the acquisition cost ask in terms of players and prospects rather than because of an inability or unwillingness to take on the financial commitment.?
Xavier Nady, Jason Bay, Jack Wilson, Freddy Sanchez, Nate McClouth: these are the some of the many players the Pirates have traded away over the last couple of years at the trade deadline. Honestly, it?s surprising they haven?t dealt Andrew McCutchen by now. When it?s all said and done, the Pirates? ownership won?t be willing to spend the money to make the next step.
Tied with the Cardinals, the Brewers and just four games ahead of the Reds, the Pirates aren't going to be able to hold their division lead either. The Atlanta Braves have a record of 59-43 and the Arizona Diamondbacks are 55-47. Pittsburgh catching either team for the Wildcard spot is highly unlikely.
Maybe next year they'll make the postseason or when they actually prove they?re willing to break the bank to win baseball games.
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