Pirates Deadline Friday Evening Update

We are now just 2 days away from the trade deadline, and Pirates have been surprisingly (or not so surprisingly) quiet so far.

The Phillies are in serious discussions with the Astros about Hunter Pence, and my money is on them getting him or no one getting him. There was a rumor on ESPN earlier about a 3-team deal involving the Phillies and Pence, but that doesn't see real likely to me. The Astros are focused on acquiring pitching, so the Pirates would probably have to give up one of the big 3 to get him (Taillon, Allie, Heredia), and that's just not going to happen.

The report this afternoon was that the Pirates are actively pursuing outfielders. Some of those names could be Jason Kubel, B.J. Upton, Jamey Carroll, Josh Willingham, and Carlos Quentin. A few other names have been entering the discussion since we are drawing close to the deadline, but if the Pirates get an outfielder, my bet is that it's one of those guys.

Carlos Pena was the guy I wanted the Pirates to get, but the Cubs have said they are interested in holding on to him. However, that could simply just be a ploy to get more in return for him. I see no reason why the Cubs wouldn't deal Pena now, because they will most likely get nothing for him if they keep him through this season. The rumors have been quiet however, and it's kind of concerning.

This weekend is going to be insane with rumors and speculation, and I'm sure we'll hear a couple new names pop up before it's all said and done. Demand has gone up for power bats since the Giants gave up their top pitching prospect to bring in Carlos Beltran, which is bad news for everyone, but extra bad news for small market teams like the Pirates. The chances still remain high of acquiring a good bat this weekend and you often times you don't hear anything about a deal until it happens, but these last couple days of rumors have to raise a little doubt.

We'll keep you posted here at The "Mc" Effect, be sure to follow the twitter for more breaking news.