Here are a few updates on the trade front, via MLBTR.
**The Pirates were one of six teams scouting Matt Garza this weekend, according to ESPN Chicago’s Doug Padilla. I wouldn’t read much in to it other than due diligence. There’s usually a big gap between scouting a player and trying to trade for him. It’s also important to note that Garza was going up against Arizona. So the scout could have been there to watch Justin Upton.
**Jon Morosi of FOX Sports talks to one executive who predicts that Shane Victorino will be the first big name to be moved. Morosi mentions the Pirates as one of six teams who have scouted Victorino recently, although he highlights the Dodgers in his article.
**Ken Rosenthal reports that scouts and executives from multiple clubs are expressing doubt about the chances of Starling Marte becoming a star. Rosenthal quoted one scout who feels Marte is a “tweener”, with shaky instincts for center, and not enough power for left. The same scout also cited his poor stolen base numbers this year. The steals are a concern, but this is the first I’ve heard anyone express doubt in Marte’s defensive abilities. Rosenthal mentions that it seems unlikely Marte could be a centerpiece in a deal for someone like Justin Upton.
