Trade Deadline Preview

With the trading deadline fast approaching, the Pirates find themselves in a position that they have not been in for some time. They do not have a bunch of veterans that they can just trade away at the deadline. That does not mean that there are not trade candidates though. Lets take a look at the candidates and see who may or may not be leaving the Burgh.

1. Octavio Dotel - Many seem to think that this is a forgone conclusion. I don't think it is as cut and dry. There are some good things to be had if we hold on to him, namely insurance should Hanrahan or Meek not be able to be the closer next season; but then again would Hanrahan not be insurance on Meek and vice versa? I would not be shocked if he was dealt. He is perhaps the only guy of value that might get dealt by the club.

2. Paul Maholm - Teams have inquired on him and it would not be the end of the world if Maholm was dealt. If he were to be traded, it would leave a pretty sizable hole in our rotation. Around the league, Maholm might be an average to above average starter, but in Pittsburgh, due to the lack of pitching, he is worth much more. That inequity of pitching talent in the upper levels may prohibit a trade.

3. Zach Duke - What could be said of Maholm, could almost be said about Duke. Sure he is average, but losing him would put a hole in our rotation and hurt our upper level pitching depth. Trading one of the two veteran lefties might mean the return of Charlie Morton.

4. Ryan Doumit - If it had not been for his concussion like symptoms, we might have seen Doumit get dealt. He epitomizes what some Pirates are. He is good offensively for his position, but not that good. He could not hit enough to play any where else on the diamond, which is too bad as his defense is horrible at his current position.

5. The grab bag of veterans - this group includes the following:

Brendan Donnelly - if anyone wants him after the DFA.
Ryan Church
Bobby Crosby
Aki Iwamura
Andy LaRoche

I would think that if any team inquired about these guys, Huntington would surely listen and probably move them.

I don't think that we will see a big trade made by the Pirates this trading deadline. I would think that if anything we may see something this off season, as they try to add players to the core that is in place now. I could be wrong, but we probably will just see out bench get traded away for mid-level prospects at best.