We are just eight days away from the Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline and the rumors are flying. However, the current consensus from general managers is that teams are asking for the moon. One of those teams balking at a high price is the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review tweets that Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino is a "perfect fit" with the Pittsburgh Pirates. But, the Phillies asking price is too high, at least as of now.
The trade landscape is bizarre: teams who acquire a player in trade no longer are able to offer a player arbitration, which should be a deterrent. But, with a second wild card, so many more teams feel like they are in the hunt.
Expect prices to come down some before the trade deadline. I would say it is more likely than not that Shane Victorino is moved before the trade deadline, so we must wait and see.
My two favorite trades of the last few years to point to that show that teams are desperate? Washington Nationals Closer Matt Capps to the Minnesota Twins for catcher Wil Ramos and utility infielder Casey Blake to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Cleveland Indians catcher Carlos Santana.
Maybe Victorino could be moved for one of them.
