THE BULLPEN

     Well, sports fans, the MLB non-waiver trade deadline is fast approaching. With our Pittsburgh Pirates just 2.5 games out in the NL Central, there are rumblings from both the fans and the media regarding possible trade targets. As always, Bucs GM Neal Huntington is not tipping his hand as we near July 31. Will NH pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade for our Buccos this year? Or will he continue to make low-cost, minor tweaks to his team's roster? No doubt about it, although the Pirates have the 2nd best record in the NL (behind NL Central-leading St Louie), they definitely have some holes to fill. Today, Mrs. Black-N-Gold looks at 4 position players linked to the Black-N-Gold and will give you her take.

1)OF Ben Revere-Speedy Philly outfielder has had his name tied to Pittsburgh, of late. He plays  CF in Philly but don't expect him to unseat Andrew McCutchen. He also wouldn't supplant RF Gregory Polanco, who has come on lately. Since he's a lefty bat, he couldn't platoon with Polanco, either. The Pirates have shown their commitment to Polanco when they traded away Travis Snider and by their refusal to demote him when he has struggled. This one makes no sense to Mrs. Black-N-Gold.

2)OF Jeff Francoeur-Another OF Philly is looking to unload. This 31 year old never seemed to live up to his potential, only reaching the 20 homer mark once in his career, back in 2011. He is a right-handed bat, so there is an opportunity to platoon. And he does have a cannon for an arm as witnessed by the Pirates earlier this season. Still, Mrs. Black-N-Gold isn't feeling it.

3)OF Justin Upton-When the Upton name was thrown up, Mrs. Black-N-Gold had to make sure the name she heard was the Upton that can hit. Not the other one. It is! Justin is a right-handed hitting free-agent-to-be who was named to his 3rd All-Star Game this year. With 14 homers, his bat could add some welcome pop to the Pirates. The only thing is, both Uptons have a reputation as head cases. If the price is right, and he could be on his best behavior, Upton could be a welcome addition to the Bucs roster.

4)OF Marlon Byrd-Does the name sound familiar? It should as Byrd has already done a stint in Pittsburgh back in '13. He bats right handed and brings power to the lineup. He has also fit in with this locker room and helped them to the postseason in the past. He does stand to earn big bonus money if he reaches 500 PAs but if he platoons with Polanco in right, that figure can be managed. He would just have to be willing to come back as a role player. If Marlon is down with that, than Mrs. Black-N-Gold says "Bryd is the word".

     There you have it, Pirates fans. 4 position players that may be seen wearing Black-N-Gold at a ballpark near you. Mrs. Black-N-Gold is well aware that the Pirates could use some first base help, as well. Unfortunately, the market has been pretty dry on that front. Tune in tomorrow as Mrs. Black-N-Gold will open up The Bullpen doors and discuss 4 pitchers that are potential trade targets for our Bucccos. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!