Sunday, 02 December 2012 19:56

Written by Bill Brink

NASHVILLE -- Greetings from Day 1 of the Winter Meetings at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. This place, which is roughly the size of Cleveland and attempts to confuse all its guest with its labyrinthine layout of bridges and rivers, will play host to four days of rumors and intrigue. We hope you join in the fun.

And it's already started: According to this blog post from Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times, the Mariners have interest in trading for Garrett Jones. One trade that was discussed: Jones and Joel Hanrahan for Hector Noesi, John Jaso and Justin Smoak.

Hanrahan is available. The combination of the stipulations the new CBA placed on free agent compensation and the raise he will earn for 2013 make this an opportune time for the Pirates to trade him.

This particular deal may no longer hold water due to the signing of Russell Martin, but the basic framework could stand. Smoak, a switch-hitter, could mix in with Gaby Sanchez at first base. A former first-round pick, Smoak has not yet assembled a truly productive major league season. His profile as a talented former prospect who hit hard times makes him the type of player the Pirates would target.

Noesi has talent, but he put too many runners on base and did not strike many batters out in 2012.

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In the grand scheme of things, this is likely one of many trade scenarios we will see regarding Hanrahan and/or Jones in the next four days to two months. I get the impression that the Pirates won't 'settle' on a Hanrahan deal; instead, they will only move if motivated by what they consider a satisfactory return.

Aside from Hanrahan, the other main position to watch will be starting pitcher. The Pirates currently have A.J. Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez and James McDonald in their rotation. Jeff Karstens is gone and Charlie Morton won't be back until June at the earliest. Kyle McPherson could win a rotation spot in spring training, but the Pirates need at least one starter, maybe two.

They could also add a reliever or bench player at some point.

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Meanwhile, sit back and enjoy the rumors, sure to be filled with news about Zack Greinke and Josh Hamilton. I will have updates from Neal Huntington each day and we will talk with Clint Hurdle as well. We are tentatively scheduled to have a PG+ chat Tuesday at 1 p.m ET, but I will confirm that soon.