The Pirates seem to have narrowed down their trade candidates (at least publically) to a few names: Alex Rios, Nate Schierholtz, Giancarlo Stanton and Brian Wilson (Free Agent).
Alex Rios (White Sox) –
Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune has reported that White Sox Executive VP, Ken Williams, was spotted in Altoona a couple of days ago to scout players like Gregory Polanco, Alex Dickerson, and Nick Kingham.
This is a name that the Pirates have been looking at to fill the lack of power in right field. Rios has continued to build off of a solid season from last year by hitting at a .276 clip in 97 games this season. He has a .330 on base percentage and a .767 slugging percentage while hitting 12 home runs and knocking in 49. His speed would also be a welcome sight as he has stolen 21 bases in 27 attempts.
Nate Schierholtz (Cubs) –
Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago has reported that the Pirates “have been watching Schierholtz for more than a month.”
Schierholtz is a solid left handed, power bat that could help in right field. He has boosted his numbers in the second half to an average of .280, while boasting a .864 OPS with 13 home runs and 42 RBI which could help vamp up the lower half of the batting order.
Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins) –
We all know the pop that Stanton has as he’s been the only major bright spot for the Marlins this season. He has made this list only due to the fact that the Pirates and the Rangers continue to ask the Marlins if they would reconsider moving their star as seen in this tweet by NY Post Columnist, Joel Sherman:
Hear #Rangers #Pirates particularly call #Marlins often on Stanton, told no Word is ownership decision, Loria doesn’t want to move Stanton
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 26, 2013
Brian Wilson (Free Agent) –
Jason Grilli has been diagnosed by Dr. James Andrews with a flexor strain in his right arm. That should sideline him till, at least, the middle of August. This opens up the possibility for the Bucs to go out and acquire a bullpen arm. The Pirates were at Wilson’s last workout session in LA, along with the Diamondbacks, Athletics, Giants, Phillies, Rangers, Rockies and Cardinals.
We will have more updates throughout the week leading up to the July 31st 4pm trade deadline.
Follow Travis for Pirates news and in-game updates on Twitter @TBerardi_OVA or @OVAthletics
(Photo Credit: AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
