If the Pirates are going to make a big move, this is what it should be
I don't think the Pirates are going to make a big move this weekend and I'm fine with that. Previously mentioned players like Jason Kubel or Casey Kotchman or even Josh Willingham and Carlos Pena will make the 2011 Pirates better without giving up much and heck, they've stayed in the race thus far. Maybe all they need is "a little better" to make 2011 way more memorable than any of us could've hoped for without compromising 2012-2015. But if they are going to make a big move, I suggest they get in on what Jayson Stark is suggesting might be happening between Philadelphia and Houston:
The reason for that is this: The Phillies initially offered their two best prospects, pitcher Jarred Cosart and first baseman Jonathan Singleton, and were told that wasn't enough. The Phillies then offered to include their right fielder, Domonic Brown. But the Astros, according to one team that spoke with them, would prefer to spin Brown elsewhere for multiple prospects than take him themselves.
So both clubs have been contacting other teams, trying to construct a creative enough deal to work for everybody. According to an official of one club that got drawn into those talks, the chances of that happening are "50-50." But it sure won't be because they aren't actively trying.
Well, my goodness. If the Phillies are dumb enough to give up two pitching prospects and Domonic Brown for Hunter freaking Pence and the Astros want more prospects than that in return, then Neal Huntington should by all means be attempting to assert himself into this discussion. You want to know who I'd be willing to trade Starling Marte and just about any non-Taillon arm in the system for (not at all once, but definitely one or two of them)? Dom Brown is probably a good starting place.
This is a long shot, of course, because Brown is 23 freaking years old and once people find out he's available as part of a Hunter Pence trade I assume that phones are going to go nuts in Philadelphia and Houston. But if the Pirates are moving pieces out of the farm system to make a trade this summer, this is who I want them going after.
The trade deadline is like Christmas: You give some things, you get some things, and everyone around you drives you crazy. I hope we can do something to improve our team, and I will be glad when it is over.
Pat, Just my 2 cents from living here in Philly,..Dominic Brown is a bit of a bust and the Phils (and fans) would love to get rid of him for just about anyone, he has not performed by any measure up to expectations.
@buccofan63 How can one be considered a "bust" with only 279 plate appearances to their name? Especially when they've produced solid if unspectacular results with those plate appearances?If the Phillies think he's a bust and want to trade him for just about everything, I'd be glad to take him off their hands.
He's really not that good.. He has fallen out of favor in Philly but his defense is atricious and hasn't met a fastball above his shoulders he doesn't like. I know he's 23. I get the high ceiling thoughts and I know the Pirates turned down a Ryan Howard trade six years ago. I mean if it's Marte and a pitcher not named Allie, Taillon or Heredia....I guess sure...but I wouldn't go crazy...
@BillTull He entered this year as the #4 prospect in Baseball and is having a solid first big league season. He's 23 and he's already as good a hitter as Garrett Jones with a much better track record in the minors. I wouldn't trade Taillon or Heredia, but anyone else in the system is moveable in this situation, I think.
I would love to get Domonic Brown. I would have no problem giving marte, tony sanchez and another mid level prospect for him.
