Okay. Let's ignore all the little trades. The Ivan Nova deal was a little depressing, but it wasn't surprising and ultimately won't be harmful as long as the players to be named later the Pirates are giving up aren't particularly good. The Antonio Bastardo / Jon Niese trade was strange, but it's hard to argue with any trade that results in the Pirates potentially getting back a useful ballplayer in return for Jon Niese. Even the Mark Melancon deal, while an odd move for a contending team, ultimately was just a trade of a rental closer, albeit a really good one.
On the Pirates' disastrous Francisco Liriano trade
