"As the Pirates continue to hover around .500, they're telling other teams they're likely to approach this trading deadline much the way they approached last year's deadline -- and look to add, not sell, if they think they have a chance to finally end their painful streak of 19 straight losing seasons. They've sent signals they're likely to trade arms for bats, especially hitters they can control beyond this year. But what potential shoppers wonder is whether they'll be willing to move enough quality to make a significant deal. The Pirates are hinting they're inclined to keep James McDonald and A.J. Burnett, and probably even Erik Bedard, if they have a shot to win. That means they'll be shopping guys like Charlie Morton, Kevin Correia, Jeff Karstens and longtime prospect Rudy Owens (2.30, with a 0.93 WHIP in Triple-A). But it will be tough to add an impact bat with that group."