Updates
where_IS_van_slyke_ : Dejan- are the Pirates really serious about trying to acquire Loney or Kochtman? Both guys would seem to demand a much larger return than what the Pirates appear to be willing to part with this winter.
Dejan Kovacevic: Exactly. Which is why, if they are going to be serious in such bids, they are going to have to give up a starter. ... And I remind here that just because the Pirates say they are reluctant to part with a starter does not etch it in stone. I get a lot of mail about untouchable this or that, and no such designation has been given by the Pirates to any player on the roster.
He also teases us a bit with this one:
SpacePirate: Can you give us a name of a LH hitter that the Pirates are currently "targeting" that would surprise us?
Dejan Kovacevic: Yes, but it will cost you two quarters in one of those shiny green boxes tomorrow.
I suppose speculating on the name would be useless. The only name I've seen the Pirates connected to today is Adam LaRocha, via Ken Rosenthal, and that's not exactly a surprising name. Most of what Rosenthal writes should be taken with a grain of salt since he's like a national version of Perrotto when it comes to rumors, but here's what he says:
The Pirates have inquired about Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche, but are unlikely to part with the pitcher the Braves covet most, left-handed closer Mike Gonzalez.
If the Braves traded LaRoche, they most likely would go with Scott Thorman at first base next season.
OK, breathe for a second. Count to ten. AUGHGHHHHGHGHGHHGHGHH!!! We've been through this a million times before: the relievers are who we should be trading. If I find out this is true, my head will probably explode. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Gonzo is worth more than LaRoche. I will reserve final judgment until something actually happens.