Links: Pirates Trade Coming? Reds Roster Questions

Mar 5, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers outfielder Mitch Moreland (18) reaches for a double hit by Colorado Rockies Ryan Casteel (not pictured) in the first inning of their spring training game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

The questions remain the same in my inbox.  The Pittsburgh Pirates need to make a trade!  When are the Pirates going to make a trade?  We don’t think they will unless they feel they are blown away.  Sure, players like Mitch Moreland, Adam Lind and Logan Morrison are three first basemen who could possibly interest Pittsburgh as Jon Heyman writes.

But with players available, the question is should the Pittsburgh Pirates make a trade now?   Andrew Lambo barely has 20 at-bats.  The Lambo batting average is scary–decimal point and then a zero and then ninety-five.    Huntington has patience.  We should too.

Nonetheless after reading Heyman’s article, I know Mitch Moreland is an interesting name for the Bucs.  We think Lambo will be given more than a fair shot, especially with the asking prices for first baseman.  Should he fail, maybe the Bucs just give Gaby Sanchez the everyday job for the short term.  The team has been setting up for that as Sanchez has been given starts against both righties and left-handers this spring.

But the big reason is the fact that most of the available players Heyman mentions simply don’t impress Pittsburgh enough to overpay.  Is Mitch Moreland going to send the Bucs to the promised land?  LoMo?  Maybe Lind, but give up Neil Walker to get him?  Nah.  Just pull out your pocket Bible and read that verse about patience being a virture.  You do know what a virtue is right?  I don’t think I do, I better go check.

Meanwhile, here is the link to the Heyman article that at least includes a few interesting names.

Feb 20, 2014; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Mat Latos (55) poses for a photo during Photo Day at Cincinnati Reds Player Development Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Reds are having some injury concerns writes the Cincinnati Enquirer.  Those concerns would be Mat Latos, Jack Hannahan, Jonathan Broxton and Sean Marshall  not playing in a spring game yet which might impact who opens the season with the Pirates wild card game opponent.  Bryan Price is trying to stay cool in his first year as Reds skipper, he hasn’t announced who the Opening Day starter will be.

"“They all have a ways to go,” Price said. “So there is some opportunity for guys to come in and make our club at least for Opening Day. . . You never know. There are some guys who have done some impressive things — certainly no more than Neftali Soto and Roger Bernadina. They’re players we’re looking at. A guy like Jose Diaz has dome some things to get himself on the map if some of those guys aren’t ready. Pedro Beato has been terrific."

Here is the link to the Reds roster discussion.

Mar 11, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores (4) scores a run as St. Louis Cardinals catcher Audry Perez (63) leaps for a high throw at Roger Dean Stadium. The Mets defeated the Cardinals 9-8. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Post Dispatch talks about the Cards depth.  If you want to throw up a little bit, here is the link