As I mention on a recent show the Pirates are 4 players and an owner away from competing. Here are the 4 above average players the Pirates need asap.
1. Top of rotation starting pitcher2. Center fielder who hits over .280
3. A shut-down below 2.40 ERA arm in the bullpen (closer or not)4. An above average infielder at any position (1b, 2b, 3b, ss).
Since the Rangers are looking to deal Mark Teixeria, we're leading the charge for the Teixeira to Pittsburgh rumors. Mark Teixeria's family is from the Natrona Heights area and moved to Maryland just before he was born. Last I heard his grandparents and other family members still live in the area. Teixeria is 27 and has one year left on a contract that is paying him around $9 million a year. The Rangers might be up for a trade in involving, Texas native Zach Duke & struggling first baseman Adam LaRoche. Teixeria might enjoy the short porch in right and might be at least tempted to sign on for a say a $12-13 million a year extension for a few years, which probably has no chance with Nutting at the helm. More than likely the scenarios would play out like this:
Pirates are in contention next year, and they go for it keeping Teixeria,Pirates trade Teixeria after the 2008 All-Star game for key players, or (probably the most likely, ) Teixeria gets injured in Pittsburgh plays only 30 games batting .210 with 1 HR. Then is traded for a low value (couple of prospects) goes to NY and hits 60 HRs the following year.
But continuing with my Pirates theme.....It's worth a try, what's the worst that could happen, we actually have a winning season?
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