We lead with the team with the best record of the three,the surprising Pittsburgh Pirates.
The second place Pirates trail the Cardinals by a game and half in the National League Central,but look to control their own destiny for a wild card berth.
They would have to be caught by Arizona (4.5 games behind) to lose a spot.
The Pirates could use some bolstering,but at what cost?
A bat would be very useful to surround the middle of the lineup and an arm to add to the rotation for the injured Wandy Rodriguez or if you don't believe in Jeff Locke maintaining his season or in the comeback of Francisco Liriano,an addition would be helpful.
With the injury of Jason Grilli,I can see a deal for a middle reliever at an nominal cost as well.
However,how deep do you dig for a playoff run?
I've been asked "Don't you really have to go for it"?
Well,the Pirates have tried to build a minor league system that becomes self-sufficient in order to maintain a competitive team for years and dealing just as it appears to be ready to bear fruit makes little sense to me.
I know that it looks so tempting to make a run now and I'm not against a deal,but (minor leaguers only) Jameson Taillon,Gregory Polanco,Josh Bell and Alen Hanson are the core of the teams future and sending them elsewhere drops the team backwards not forward.
I would not be against moving a prospect or two like say the suddenly sizzling Alex Dickerson from AA Altoona or even a arm or two in the right deal,but there is an opportunity for the Pirates to contend for the next few seasons,not just this one and I would hate to see three steps backwards for one playoff spot.
I would consider the Pirates a buyer and anytime that you buy-it costs something,but I would not recommend an "all-in" approach and would prefer a small deal or two to supplement today's Bucs,but not at the cost of tomorrow's.
The plan is to return later with a look at the Indians at the deadline...
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