Ken Rosenthal has the following update on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ search for a hitter.
#Pirates not currently optimistic about their search for a hitter. Few available, prices high. Plenty of time for that to change.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 27, 2012
We’ve heard the Pirates linked to almost every hitter who is available on the market, and some hitters who aren’t really mentioned as being available. But this is a seller’s market, so it would make sense that the asking prices were high.
We heard today that the Pirates are less interested in Chase Headley, and that the Padres could be looking for a megadeal. Justin Upton is apparently off the block, after the Pirates were linked to him in several rumors over the last month. Then there are rentals. The Pirates have been linked to Shane Victorino, but were apparently turned down by an offer of Jared Hughes and a minor leaguer (the Phillies apparently want Brad Lincoln).
The Pirates recently called up Starling Marte, which could lessen the need for a hitter. However, I find it hard to believe that the Pirates would be linked to so many hitters, only to give up four days before the deadline. As Rosenthal mentions, a lot can change before the deadline.
