Pirates take Marte off trade block

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09:08 AM ET 06.22
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For months, it seemed a lock that Damaso Marte was the most likely of the Pirates' veterans to be traded. No more. Management began entertaining offers for him in the offseason, and that never stopped. But those offers continue to come in lower than expected, so a Plan B has been formulated: The Pirates might offer salary arbitration to Marte after this season, assuring that, even if someone else signs him out of free agency, they would receive two quality draft picks as compensation. Marte, 33, has been among Major League Baseball's best left-on-left relievers the past three years, and he has been even better against right-handed batters this season: His opponents' average from the left side is .262, and from the right it is .202.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Damaso Marte, Jeff Gross/Getty Images

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June 22, 2008 09:20 AM ET

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Please do....with this abomination of a bullpen...someone has to get someone out

SteelersinMD's cats…

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June 22, 2008 09:30 AM ET

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Why did they take him off the trade block? Are they that mad at him ... ?

Cheesy Texan

Converse , TX

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June 22, 2008 09:42 AM ET

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While I love the sarcasm, I'm happy to see the Pirates may be actually doing something that could potentially reward them with draft picks! I'm tired of seeing the Mets have 3 picks in the first 40 (2 supplementals), while the Pirates get one first round draft pick.

Lazo

Johnstown , PA

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June 22, 2008 10:40 AM ET

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This guy is a quality reliever. He and Capps are a pretty good 1-2 punch. The Pirates have most of the pieces; they just need to add a big bat and hope that one of the young pitchers evolves into an ace.

Tell it like it is

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June 22, 2008 11:05 AM ET

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When the Pirates get within a game or two of .500,they find a way to lose 5 or 6 games in a row.....and it's starting to make me really mad.

Beer-n-drums

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June 22, 2008 01:14 PM ET

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The Pirates should trade Marte because we could probably get a good prospect or two out of him rather than just draft picks. A contender could definitely use a guy like Marte coming out of the pen and should be willing to trade some good prospects for him. I think everyone should realize that the Pirates are not going to make a run this year and probably will finish under .500 (shame and depressing), but trading Marte for some good prospects will definitely help this team in the future. So maybe someday we will have a good season. By the way, Marte is 33...there is no way that he is still good by the time this team gets good. On a side note, I wish the Pirates would trade LaRoche for a warm six pack...he is terrible!

DMitch

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June 22, 2008 02:53 PM ET

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A warm six pack of Yuengling Premium...

herwegostillers

Pittsburgh, PA

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June 22, 2008 07:14 PM ET

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Good for them !!! It's about time they keep a player and not get screwed in some trade !!!

Mike C. 1927

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June 23, 2008 03:25 PM ET

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Somebody needs to get it figured out.......

T Rocks

Mysterious, PA

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June 23, 2008 10:56 PM ET

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His value is high, and with an expiring contract, the new GM wants value for him PLUS the two draft picks he would get for whoever takes him for the rest of the year. Imagine that - my Pirates making actual smart baseball decisions. In about 2 years, this may translate into wins.