The Pittsburgh Pirates are in first place. They have the best record in baseball at 64-42. Will they stay with their arms crossed as the trade deadline is only hours away? The latest rumors are associating the Pirates with Chicago Cubs' outfielder, David DeJesus. What can he provide for the Pittsburgh Pirates?
DeJesus is a stellar defender. He is a player Pirates' pitching can appreciate in the outfield. DeJesus has yet to commit an error in 2013, converting all 132 opportunities in 59 games played this year. DeJesus is the Cubs' centerfielder, but his versatility allows him to also take over right field, having played the position 318 times in his career, which is where the Pirates need help.
This season, Travis Snider and Jose Tabata has platooned right field. The duo has struggled throughout the season, more so Snider than Tabata. After Snider suffered a toe injury on Sunday, it makes sense for the Pirates to have interest in acquiring another outfielder. Starling Marte controls left field, while the spectacular rules in center field.
[FUNNY: Pirates taking over EVERYTHING! ...Even Marioland]
A Tabata/DeJesus platoon provides the Pirates with some versatility. They added Alex Presley to their roster, but DeJesus would provide an even more ideal lefty-right platoon duo. Against right-handed pitching, DeJesus is posting the following triple slash of .282/.340/.492 with all six of his home runs and 21 RBI. Tabata is hitting .262 against lefties, which isn't the best of stats, but would compliment DeJesus as he has struggled heavily against southpaws.
Nate Schierholtz is another outfielder possibly on his way out of Chicago and whom the Pirates have had interest on, but that's old news. The advantage of having Schierholtz in the clubhouse is that he brings playoff experience to a fairly young Pirates team. Pittsburgh is eyeing the postseason, especially after taking hold of first place on Tuesday from the St. Louis Cardinals. Schierholtz would bring along World Series experience, joining A.J. Burnett as the only players on that team with championships. DeJesus has never been to the playoffs in his 11-year career.
If a deal does not get done, Presley has been hitting very well in his limited opportunities, posting a .314 batting average in 51 at bats through 20 games played this season. The trade deadline is at 4 p.m. ET. Who will be dealt? Who will the Pirates acquire? Stay tuned as we will bring you the latest.
