WE WILL: Become a Knock Knock Joke

Phillies 5

Pirates 1

fangraphs.com game chart

DL: Knock Knock

Another team's GM: Who's there?

DL: Dave Littlefield

GM: Dave Littlefield, who?

DL: Come on. You know me. I'm the idiot who has had more practice at the trade deadline than any other GM in baseball. We talk 50 times in a week this time of year. Remember last year you told me that I was your favorite GM b/c I always have the part you need to get your team over the top and I never ask for much in return?

GM: Oh, you're still in baseball? I didn't think the Pirates would fire you, but I thought by now MLB would have contracted them.

The Pirates have become even more of a joke since their "leadership" meeting where they decided to make a run at 82 wins. DL is now trying to figure out if the team he put on the field this year can "find it" and be a winner next year. Once you stop laughing at that sentence I will continue.

Even Elmo is programmed to laugh at the Pirates

The fact that this team, as it is currently comprised, is not going to be a winner next year is more obvious than the whole "is Ellen gay" mystery. In a post comment I made the other day I stated that its the coaching staff that needs an overhaul. I don't see Littlefield being able to pull off a Tracy for Cox, Leyland or Torre trade anytime soon, so its got to be the players that go. DL has got to find a 3B. I like Bautista and he might start to hit next year, but the window for opportunity with the current team might expire next year. Unfortunately, the kind of player DL needs for 3B he is not going to get from a contender and he certainly is not going to get him with the few trading cards he has.

I hate to say it, but any moves made at this deadline will not make the team better next year. Maybe they will have 2009 implications, but definitely not 2008. Get ready for some more AA middle relief in return, IF a deal is made.

I think it might be time to start talking about trading JBay.

Yes, I said it!

Had Bay not had such a horrible June/July I would be writing a whole post on why to trade him now. But his value is pretty low. If he rebounds in the second half of the year, expect a post about it in October.

As for now, I'm hoping for some nice weather at Pirates games so I can enjoy the relaxation that comes from being at PNC Park on a summer night. That and the good jokes that come to mind while watching the team.

.