Earlier this week, the Pittsburgh Pirates suffered a blow, as starting center fielder Starling Marte was suspended 80 games following a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. In the days since, the Pirates have taken to using an outfield combination that relies upon John Jaso, Jose Osuna, and Adam Frazier to fill in for the banned Marte.
According to Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates aren't satisfied with that arrangement -- and are seeking external solutions:
The Pirates are looking for outfield help outside their organization as the ripple effects of Starling Marte's steroid suspension continue, general manager Neal Huntington said.
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"If we felt there was something better internally at this point in time, we'd make that move," Huntington said. "As we sit here today, this is the right 25 for us in our minds."
Neither Brink nor Huntington name names -- although Brink does shut down any idea that the Pirates would bring up top outfield prospect Austin Meadows. Still, it's obvious that the Pirates are going to face slim pickings, given it's not even May.
Outside of signing Angel Pagan (he says he's not playing this season) or acquiring Leonys Martin, who was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Sunday and figures to have a few other suitors, the Pirates are probably looking at adding a downtrodden veteran who is filling a spot on someone's Triple-A roster. Think a Desmond Jennings type.
That's not an exciting solution, but there's not much else the Pirates can do except hope for the best until Marte returns or Meadows is ready for the Show.
