Pirates Rumors: Pittsburgh Still Seeking Bat, Targeted Victorino

The Pittsburgh Pirates made waves last night by acquiring right-hander Wandy Rodriguez from the Houston Astros for a trio of prospects. The Bucs are not stopping there, however, as Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports the team is still in the market for a corner outfielder or first baseman.

Pirates are definitely going for it. They still want a hitter, too. Want someone at corner OF or 1B.

— DKnobler (@DKnobler) July 25, 2012

The Pirates were reportedly in talks to acquire Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino, but discussions stalled when Pittsburgh was unwilling to part ways with prospect Brad Lincoln, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Heard #Pirates bid for Victorino got hung up when #Phillies asked for Lincoln. Bucs offered Hughes. Minor leaguer also included.

— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) July 24, 2012

Another possible outfielder in the mix is Peter Bourjos, the Los Angeles Angels' center fielder who has been relegated to the bench. Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports that the Pirates' bullpen depth may intrigue the Angels while Bourjos' status as team-controlled through 2016 makes him a hot commodity for the Bucs.

The Bucs would still love to add an outfielder, especially one who contributes on both sides of the ball. One name to watch is the Angels' Peter Bourjos. There's a potential fit there, with Los Angeles willing to deal Bourjos for a bullpen upgrade and Pittsburgh flush with relievers who might be available for an outfielder.

Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston speculated earlier this week that the Pirates could also target a member of the Red Sox's now over-crowded outfield, including Cody Ross and Ryan Kalish.

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Who should the Pirates pursue harder: Peter Bourjos or Cody Ross?

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