Hi there Pinstripe Ally,

I'm a Pirate fan, dropping my head in to see your comments on the game tonight (Raise the Jolly Roger! 2 of 3!).  I was interested to see one commenter inquire about the Bucs dealing Jason Bay for starting pitching, so I figured I'd put in my opinions and knowledge out the, not only on that notion, but other possibilities of trades between our two clubs.

The Pirates have the most productive outfield in the National League, with Bay in left, All-Star Nate McLouth in center, and Xavier Nady in right.  Nate is under contract, and won't be going anywhere anytime soon.  However, the other two are tradeable pieces, and a good offer with SP at the deadline could really help both of us.  Our outfielders have time left on their deals, and would not simply be rent-a-players that could end up being a waste of prospects if the Yanks miss the playoffs.  It would be a deal that doesn't risk the long term for the short term, yet could help significantly in the short term anyway, which is what I assume the Yanks will be looking for.  Of the two, I'd expect Nady to be the one more likely to move.  Bay has been the established star in Pittsburgh for years, and if we decide to keep one of them, it will probably be Bay.  That said, no one is untouchable, and if the Yankees give us a good offer for Bay, he could move. 

The Bucs can also offer bullpen help, which the Bombers could use as well.  Damaso Marte is a left handed specialist, currently serving as the Bucco closer as Matt Capps sits on the shelf.  After a rough start in the first two games in Atlanta, where he gave up 2 ER and 4 ER respectively, Marte has given up only 9 since in 41 appearances, and only 6 since April 22.  Last year, he dominated lefties, yielding only a .094 batting average against.  He, along with John Grabow, have been the anchors of our otherwise erratic middle relief corps.  Both will also be available at the deadline.

So.  The Bucs and Yanks matchup well as trading partners.  We can offer the outfielders, and the bullpen help to get to Rivera.  A possible package deal could be huge for both teams.  The Yanks could receive A) An outfielder to replace Abreu next season, and help with the injury riddle OF this season B) A middle relief guy, or C) both.  My questions are, what can the Yankees offer the Pirates?  How many major league ready SPs can we hope to get in a deal like this?  Would the Yankees even make a deal at the deadline without the CC contract set in stone?

I hope my information helps you guys get to know us a little better as we move closer to July 31st, and I hope I can gather some information from you as well.  Good luck with the rest of your season, and hopefully we'll see your team again without having to wait 48 more years.

*The Rays have been rumored to be in the Nady sweepstakes.  The Yanks might be interested in keeping him out of the competitions hands