PITTSBURGH — General manager Neal Huntington has been saying he does not expect to make any major moves between now and the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. However a number of reports have linked the Pittsburgh Pirates to significant names in the last two weeks.
First on the Pirates’ wish list is a reliever with closing experience. While Pittsburgh isn’t necessarily looking to replace closer Mark Melancon, they would like to have a backup plan in the event he is either injured or falters down the stretch.
Miami Marlins closer Steve Cishek appears is said to at top of the wish list, according to a team source, while the Pirates also have an eye on Texas Rangers closer Joakim Soria.
The Pirates scouted the last starts of San Diego Padres right-hander Ian Kennedy and Philadelphia Phillies right-hander A.J. Burnett.
Kennedy might be tougher to acquire as he has one more year of club control before becoming eligible for free agency after the 2015.
The Pirates are very familiar with Burnett as he pitched for them the last two seasons and won a combined 26 games. Burnett has not pushed the Phillies for a trade but has told friends he would welcome a return to Pittsburgh.
The Pirates are also adding a third left-hander in the bullpen to go with Tony Watson and Justin Wilson. They have interest in the Phillies’ Antonio Bastardo and the Houston Astros’ Tony Sipp.
