Pirates Trade Deadline Non-Update

I would love to be on here right now reporting that the Pirates traded for a big bat, but sadly I have to do the opposite.

I have wasted by entire day constantly checking my phone for breaking trade news, but there has just been absolutely nothing.

The only thing to report is that the Red Sox and Braves are both pretty hot on Carlos Quentin, but the White Sox still really don't want to move him. Seeing how the market has gone so far, there's very, very little chance that the Pirates come up with an offer that is anywhere near competitive with what Atlanta and Boston will be offering. You can basically rule Quentin out.

Also, a report from mlbtraderumors tells us that the Pirates inquired on Carlos Pena, but the Cubs had little interest in moving him (which I cannot figure out for the life of me), so that's looking unlikely too. Derrek Lee is a possible fallback plan, but the Pirates aren't very high on him, and why should they be.

There is really nothing else to say right now. That could change quickly, but it's starting to seem like the Pirates have been scared away by the recent trades of Carlos Beltran and Hunter Pence. The Mets and Astros both netted huge returns by trading their stars, which probably should make the Pirates back off a little bit. It would be unbelievably foolish to give up a Jameson Taillon for a 2-month rental, and that kind of seems like the only way it would happen right now.

These talks have also brought up the possibility of being a seller again. If the Mets and Astros can get huge returns for their studs, why can't the Pirates get a big return for a guy like Paul Maholm? I know most fans don't like even hearing that, but it could be the best baseball move for the team, especially with Brad Lincoln and Ross Ohlendorf both looming in AAA as possible replacements. Sure, you don't want to deal your best pitcher when you're in a division race, but it could definitely benefit the team in the future.

We'll keep you updated, if there is anything to update.