1)LH Oliver Perez-Word is the Pirates were scouting the Arizona lefty reliever. Long before he made the jump to the bullpen, Ollie began his career as a starter in Pittsburgh. After he left, he was able to successfully make the switch to reliever and become a lefty specialist. Since the jury is still out on Antonio Bastardo, Mrs. Black-N-Gold feels this could be a good pick-up for the Bucs. If the price isn't too steep.
2)RH Brad Ziegler-While the Pirates were scouting Perez in Arizona, they were also getting a look at the righty Ziegler. Ziegler will remind Pirates fans of another former Bucco reliever, Kent Tekulve. Not because he's a shutdown closer, but because he throws sidearm like Teke did. At 35, he's up there in pitcher's years. Mrs. Black-N-Gold isn't so sure about this one.
3)RH Aaron Harang-The Pirates were rumoured to be interested in the Philly right-hander. However, he went on the DL in early July with plantar fasciitis and hasn't won a game since 5/14 against the Pirates. At 4-11 and 37 years old, Mrs. Black-N-Gold thinks the Pirates would whiff on this free-agent-to-be.
4)RH Dan Haren-The Pirates reportedly were scouting the veteran Miami RH. Two reasons why Mrs. Black-N-Gold isn't down with this one. #1 Haren is typically a fly ball pitcher. The Pirates love to induce groundballs at PNC Park. #2 When Haren was traded from the Dodgers to the Marlins in the offseason, he threatened to retire. Any player that wants to take his ball and go home because of sour grapes over a trade doesn't sound very much like a team player. Pass.
True, the Pirates need some rotation and bullpen depth. But at what price? GM Neal Huntington may be content to keep the hand he was dealt, at least until after the non-waiver trade deadline ends. Maybe NH will find another John Holdzkom-type somewhere in the bushes. Until he does, Mrs. Black-N-Gold is hoping the Pirates pitchers can continue to steer this ship in the direction of a World Series. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!
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