Justin Morneau's been a name that's been at least peripherally associated with the Pirates for most of this trade deadline season. Jon Heyman says the Pirates and Orioles are both interested in the former MVP. John Perrotto says the Bucs have "next-to-zero" interest in Morneau. So they definitely either are or aren't interested. Morneau hasn't been so good this year and Garrett Jones is a defensive nightmare in right field, so I'm guessing Morneau is a backup plan for the Pirates at this point.
Meanwhile, there's this:
#Mets suddenly are some hits on Byrd, have made counteroffers, will see if anyone budges. #Pirates believed 1 of interested teams.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2013
Byrd is right-handed, so again, I'd be willing to bet he's a backup plan.
