Pittsburgh Pirates Trade Rumors: Offense

Jun 21, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexie Ramirez (10) is congratulated by left fielder Dayan Viviendo (24) after scoring against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

After facing the Seattle Mariners King Felix Hernandez, it’s not hard to imagine the Pittsburgh Pirates being interested in some offense. But also remember that this offense hasn’t even hit its’ stride.  The Bucs offense did some damage while in Anaheim and that first game in Seattle.

So the big question as the trade deadline looms is what do the Bucs have?  Is it a juggernaut, home-run belting Buccos team, or a small-ball loving, swing-and-miss offense that needs a consistent bat to increase their scoring potential?

We think some offense never hurts.

On the ESPN insider today,  Jim Bowden  had the Pirates as being possibly linked to a few position player candidates that could increase their firepower heading down the stretch in 2013.

Bowden listed the White Sox GM Rick Hahn as the possible man that Pirates GM Neal Huntington could be calling.  But remember, we have no idea if there is really some inside infromation that Bowden has, or if he is strictly connecting the dots.

The players could be Paul Konerko and Alexie Ramirez.

37-year old Paul Konerko has a contract of $13.5 million per season through the end of the year.  The free agent to be, seems to be likely getting bumped from his position for the pale hose.  The Bucs could be in competition with the O’s and Rays for the services of the veteran.

The White Sox 31-year old shortstop Alexi Ramirez is owed $7 million this year and then $9.5 million in 2014, $10 million in 2015 with a $10 million team option exists in 2016.    He’s earned the contract with some decent defense and a lifetime triple slash of .276/.315/.403.  Bowden thinks the A’s or Dodgers might be interested as well depending on a few factors.  He only gives the odds of Ramirez being moved at 20 percent, but with Jordy Mercer and Clint Barmes in the dugout, we aren’t sure the Bucs will push for a shortstop.  At least not until we see a bit more of #MercerTime

Michael Morse, Josh Willingham and 32-year old Alex Rios are mentioned as a possiblity for the hated Reds.   Here is Campbell’s story on Rios in case you missed it earlier today.