FanPost

When do the Pirates become buyers at the trade deadline?

Please excuse my absurd early-season optimism.

What, in your mind, would it take for the Bucs to become buyers at the 2011 or 2012 trade deadline? Through the first 8 games, it looks like the Bucs' offense could be pretty good. The rotation appears to have little chance of keeping the Bucs in contention. But if the Bucs somehow managed to hang around .500, how would you feel about the Bucs trading for a starting pitcher? What prospects, if ANY, would you be OK with trading away to help the team win in either 2011 or 2012? What do you think of the 2008 Brewers going "all-in" and getting Sabathia as a rental player?

Please forgive me for bringing up one more fantasy. Imagine the Bucs draft Gerrit Cole, and the Bucs are fighting for a playoff spot. Do you think there is a zero or a non-zero chance of Cole pitching in the Majors in 2011? Call me optimistic about Cole or pessimistic about the Bucs' staff, but he could come up and pitch in the 'pen for the stretch run, then convert to a starter in 2012. Thoughts?

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