Pirates Out of the Mix For Beltran?

Beltran's value depends on whether the Mets want better prospects or lower payroll.

Buster Olney had two interesting updates regarding the Pittsburgh Pirates today.  The first update discussed their reluctance to deal away “major assets”:

Rival officials view the Pirates’ approach to the trade deadline as very, very careful. Lots of indications PITT isn’t trading major assets.

Olney also provided this update on the Carlos Beltran market:

Source:Carlos Beltran trade talks down to five serious teams, which includes BOS, SF, PHI, ATL, TEX. CLE, PIT basically out of conversation.

Olney goes on to mention that Atlanta is a front runner for Beltran, and mentions Mike Minor as part of their group of pitching prospects that could appeal to New York.  To put that in perspective, Minor was the number 37 prospect in baseball heading in to the year, which means two months of Beltran would cost the Pirates someone like Tony Sanchez, Stetson Allie, or Luis Heredia.  That’s a high price for a two month rental who brings no compensation following the year.  A team like Atlanta can afford that price, as they’re loaded with prospects.  A team like the Pirates, just getting to the point where they actually have some top prospects that might be expendable, would be better off saving those top prospects for an upgrade that can contribute beyond the 2011 season.