Trades, Anyone?

With the trading deadline quickly approaching, let's take a look at some of the Pirates who might be putting on a new uniform in August, and which uniforms that might be. One at a time, and we'll start slowly...

Ronny Paulino C
-Why he will be traded: Paulino has wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh. Whether it's the passed balls, not catching throws from the outfield or his step-in-the-bucket stance, it appears Ronny Ballgame has played his last...err ballgame...in Pittsburgh. Many teams will be looking for catching help, as it may be the hardest major league position to fill, and if you look around, there's a lot worse on rosters right now.

-5 teams to trade to:
1. Boston Red Sox - The BoSox could teach Ronny to catch the knuckler, and Ronny could teach Jason Varitek how to hit .220...wait a second...
2. Philadelphia Phillies - The Phillies need to let go of the Carlos Ruiz idea, and who knows, maybe Paulino could do a bit better. Stranger things have happened.
3. Florida Marlins - Word is out that Florida wants a catcher. They are apparently worried about Matt Treanor. Could be a possibility.
4. Kansas City Royals - Just in case John Buck fractures his other testicle.
5. Cincinnati Reds - There's no good reason not to trade him to the Reds, they could always use another ex-Pirate catcher.

-Why he won't be traded: Nobody really wants a lazy catcher. Especially not a hurt and lazy catcher. Paulino has been hobbled recently by a sprained ankle. You can be sure, however, he was not hurt while blocking the plate. Also, Paulino has holes in his offensive and defensive game that seem to be spreading like wildfire.