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Pirates Rumors: Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels

June 13, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE
June 13, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports believes the Pittsburgh Pirates should look to make a big move this summer and acquire either Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Zack Greinke or Philadelphia Phillies lefty Cole Hamels.

What should these Pirates do? Make like the Brew Crew, pull off a franchise-altering move and trade for either Brewers right-hander Zack Greinke or Phillies lefty Cole Hamels.

The Brewers are expected to attempt to trade Greinke, who is set to hit the free agent market this winter, if they are unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension with the 2009 Cy Young Award winner.

The 28-year-old has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 2.82 and 1.167 over his 16 starts this season and owns career marks of 3.75 and 1.249 with 8.0 SO/9 and 2.3 BB/9.

Philadelphia is in a similar situation with Hamels, who will become a free agent following the season. Contract talks are reportedly dormant, and the Phillies are calling teams to gauge interest in their left-hander.

Hamels has an ERA and WHIP of 3.08 and 1.099 over his 16 starts this year and career totals of 3.37 and 1.099 with 8.5 SO/9 and 2.3 BB/9.

Rosenthal believes it’s time for the Pirates to "think big." With few impact offensive options expected to be available this summer, he thinks Pittsburgh should look to acquire a top-of-the-rotation starter such as Greinke or Hamels.

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Should the Pirates pursue Greinke or Hamels?

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