For the third consecutive year the Pirates are rumored to be interested in Hunter Pence. Pirates were interested in Pence in 2011 before he got dealt to the Phillies. Pirates were also interested in him in 2012 before he got traded to the Giants, who won the world series. The Giants who sit tied for last place in the NL West and are way back in the wildcard seem like they'd be obvious sellers. When you're the defending champion the mindset is different. Giants have begun to listen to offers on Pence but no offer has convinced them to sell yet. If they do sell then they'd want good, young pitching prospects which is something the Pirates are flooded with. The Giants and Pirates would match up great on a deal for Pence. The problem is that Pence wants to sign long term with somebody and not hit the free agent market. That may not be an option for the Pirates because of the up and coming Gregory Polanco. All the Pirates need is a guy that is here through 2014 till Polanco is ready. Pence may not be that guy.
The cost: Given the fact that he's a rental player his cost should be lower but his name value has a lot to do with it. Also the thin trade market rides up the price. Giants would want a top pitching prospect like Kingham, Heredia or Glasnow. Every team in the league knows they aren't getting Taillon from us. It will take a pitcher like Kingham and maybe another B or C level pitching prospect to get him.
I would do it at the right price. We may not have Pence next year which means he's a rental. That may keep the Pirates away but Neal Huntington has always liked Pence but hasn't been able to get a deal done for him the last 2 years. Is third time a charm?
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