Call me crazy but I think that NH will make a trade for Hunter Pence. First of all, NH is not interested in trading away assets for rental players but he is trying to get a impact bat to get some insurance for Cutch this year and Pence would fit like a glove. Philly has been after a 3rd Baseman OR a relief pitcher and asked recently for Brad Lincoln for Shane Victorino which of course the Bucs turned down. I would not be interested in Victorino at all, he is having a horrible year but still has been playing great defense but the team needs offense in the OF right now.

Pittsburgh has that very valuable compensation pick in round A that can be traded PLUS Philly just gave Cole Hamel MAJOR MONEY plus the Phillies could be very interested in cutting salary this year as well as next year. If Philadelphia goes over 178,000,000 in salary next season they will have to pay an 18% tax. If Philadelphia was in the playoff hunt I think they would say screw the tax but they are not winning right now and they owe so much salary to their starting pitching and Pence's contract goes up next season and I think they would have to think about cutting salary.

I could be wrong and maybe they decide to keep the team in tact or try and move a player like Cliff Lee but what team is going to take on his contract with the way he has been pitching.

Pittsburgh will trade for a bat and it will be either Shane Victorino or Hunter Pence before Tuesday deadline and a move like Pence could set the Pirates up nicely for the remainder of this season as well as next.

Finally, what would it take to get a 28-29 year OF in his prime: Brad Lincoln+ a good prospect like Hanson and the compensation pick in round A which i "think" would be pick # 32 plus the Bucs will have to pick up the full contract of what ever Pence is due next season.

Philly gets to save some money and get's a great prospect in Hanson who could be their SS of the future plus a high pick in the 2013 MLB Draft. We get a legit player to give McCutchen the much needed help he needs in the line-up for the rest of this season and next. Of course this could be tweaked for both teams.