Littlefield's Two Week Notice

While the Pirates played very well in their "biggest" week of the year--going 5-2 against the Brewers and Cubs--the off-the-field news of Kevin McClatchy's eminent departure just put a whole lot more pressure on Dave Littlefield.

The GM, who no doubt knew McClatchy was planning his lifeboat escape at some point, had his timetable for necessary improvement moved up to before the July 31 trading deadline. If the Pirates don't win consistently in the two weeks following the All-Star Break, Littlefield won't be able to justify a deal or deals that would address deficiencies in the rotation, centerfield, or shortstop to make this team a true player in a weak Central Division. Why would Bob Nutting sign off on adding payroll for a team that is eight or more games out of first place at the deadline? In fact, he might push Littlefield to peddle suddenly discontented Salomon Torres to save some future salary. I really don't see many other players currently on the roster that are tradeable (Jack Wilson and Tony Armas' salaries are too large for their lack of productivity) or that the Pirates should trade (trading Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, or solid set-up man Shawn Chacon would be foolhardy).

If the Pirates are seven games or less out by July 28, Littlefield has to go for it and Nutting would likely give him the go-ahead to be a buyer on the market. Kenny Lofton and Jose Contreras would be legitimate options that could improve the team over the final two months. They also wouldn't cost the Pirates a ton in salary or players going the other way.

The schedule after the break features road series against the top three teams in the NL East (Braves, Mets, Phillies) with a homestand against the beatable Rockies and Astros sandwiched in between trips. Littlefield must hope for at least nine wins in that 15-game stretch to be a buyer. If the Pirates don't get that done and the team languishes in mediocrity for the remainder of the season, the incoming CEO would likely be given the freedom to make a switch in the GM's chair. Oh, and that extension Littlefield was given through 2008 is apparently an option year. The Pirates can buy him out for a fraction of his salary if they want to find his successor before next season.