'Tis the Season

Wondering what's going on on the trade front? Jon Heymann checks in from SI.com:

The Diamondbacks and Cardinals are among the most ardent pursuers of Pirates star outfielder Jason Bay, SI.com has learned.

The Mets and Rays, who also seek an outfielder, are among other teams thought to have checked in with the Pirates. Pittsburgh also has emerging star Xavier Nady, yet another fine outfielder, as a potential trade target.

The rumors are basically that Huntington is telling everyone that's interested in Bay or Nady that it's going to cost them the cream of the crop in their farm system. That's about where we should be at this point, because besides Adam Dunn, Nady and Bay are probably the best bats available on the market.