OnlyBucs

Just heard that Ken Rosenthal said that Nats are looking at Mark Melancon

Reynaldo Lopez or Victor Robles would be quite amazing, imo.

"Multiple teams pursuing Melancon."



That's exactly the kind of scenario I was hoping for when I said that I'd listen on him.

I don't think the Pirates, under the circumstances of competing for a playoff spot, can deal Melancon unless they are getting a piece that arguably has a more positive impact right now. It sends the wrong message to fans but, more importantly, to players. A contending team is all that will want Melancon and those teams aren't going to deal immediately useful pieces to the Pirates. The only way I see Melancon going is a trade for good prospects that can allow for a follow-up deal for a good starting pitcher. Not sure if there is time or ability for that to occur.

I would think it would be in the Pirates best interest to trade Melancon as he can be replaced. They will need to make a move next year anyways, so you may as well get something in return.

Right now? Replaced by whom? We get worse in the 9th inning and that move leads to a pretty marginal reliever pitching the 7th inning when our starters rarely get past the 6th. It's giving up on the team unless there is a corresponding move for a starter. This is still a business about banners, not being perpetually pretty decent.

I think this has to be a situation where you look at what the return is and then you make your decision on whether to trade him or not.



The goal is to build a perennial contender. All the great organizations trade popular players when the time comes to get value for them rather than nothing at all.



If they offer up a Lopez quality arm, you have to take that deal.

Wow, I'm a pretty big supporter of the front office and understanding that he's got to make value transactions, but I can't get on board with encouraging them to just throw in the towel two games back from a playoff berth.

57726174686368696C64000 wrote: Wow, I'm a pretty big supporter of the front office and understanding that he's got to make value transactions, but I can't get on board with encouraging them to just throw in the towel two games back from a playoff berth.


Why is it throwing in the towel?  I'd expect us to get a big piece along with a bullpen part that would be with us for a few years. 



If that's not out there don't do it.

5E6C60607446656C61646B6C0D0 wrote: Wow, I'm a pretty big supporter of the front office and understanding that he's got to make value transactions, but I can't get on board with encouraging them to just throw in the towel two games back from a playoff berth.


Why is it throwing in the towel?  I'd expect us to get a big piece along with a bullpen part that would be with us for a few years. 



If that's not out there don't do it. 


As I indicated in previous posts, I'm not at all expecting a big piece and a bullpen part from a contending club. I would expect an overpay in the form of prospects that won't independently help this year.