To the surprise of almost no one, the Pirates appear to have interest in Cubs' first baseman Carlos Pena. ESPN Chicago's Bruce Levine reports the Pirates have been following Pena's big bat for a while now.
Scouts from the Pittsburgh Pirates have been following Chicago Cubs first baseman Carlos Pena for more than a month, according to multiple major league sources.
The Pirates, currently involved in a four-team race to win the NL Central, are looking to add a big bat before baseball's July 31st trade deadline. At least one Pittsburgh scout will be on hand when the Cubs take on the Brewers on Wednesday night.
Levine points out Pena is in a bit of a slump right now, so that might bring his asking price down a bit. With Lyle Overbay scuffling like he is, however, the Pirates really aren't in a position to wait for the perfect deal. As I write this, the Pirates haven't scored in 22 innings. With one more game against the Braves and three against the Phillies before the trading deadline at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, it would behoove them to get Pena's bat in their lineup as soon as possible if they're serious about acquiring him.