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Q: Dejan, I have been blown away by the free agent singings this offseason in MLB. The amounts -- and for players with some question marks -- have been staggering. This offseason the payrolls have taken quite the leap, have they not?

It seems to me that, regardless of what money is available from departed players, the Pirates have once again been pushed out of the affordability equation to make any moves that make sense.

Chris Soukup of Sunnyvale, Calif.

KOVACEVIC: Well, to continue a theme started yesterday, Chris, why do you feel that way? Do you feel the Pirates do not have the money to spend? If so, you might do well to reconsider.

Beating the poor horse to a pulp here, the Reds probably will wind up spending close to $70 million on their 2007 payroll. The Brewers could approach that, too. And the difference between these three markets, in terms of size, stadiums and just about every intangible is exactly zero, which means there remains no visible, explainable excuse for the Pirates to spend in the range of $50 million, as they are planning.

Looking at this strictly from the standpoint of acquiring a right-handed starter, consider that to acquire such a player through trade, in all likelihood, the Pirates would have to give up a starter to get one. No one is going to give them a starter for any of their position players or relievers who might be on the block.

So, you ask yourself: What is the value of having a Suppan or Tomo Ohka or whoever to the team? My answer is that, if that pitcher is reliable, he takes a great deal of pressure off the rest of the rotation and bullpen, and he brings much-needed depth. (Remember: The Pirates were plenty lucky to get all their starters the whole way through 2006 pretty much unscathed by injury.) The presence of a dependable arm would help all around, including the all-important continued development of the four young guys.

Now, ask yourself this, too: If you take the $10 million the Pirates squandered on Jeromy Burnitz and Joe Randa last season and put that into a $10 million starting pitcher at the time, how different might their entire team have looked then and now and into the future? Instead, they watched as Kip Wells' injury exposed their lack of depth there, then turned to Victor Santos to fill the bill.

One last thing: If the Pirates are going to make a trade for a real, live, honest-to-gosh Lefty McThump, as our own Geek has dubbed this mythical creature, they would be much better served doing it by giving up a starter, whether they like it or not. And the acquisition of a free-agent pitcher, obviously, facilitates that.

Q: Dejan, you reported in July that the Pirates were interested in Korean slugger Seung-Yeop Lee. Three weeks ago, he re-upped with the Yomuri Giants. I suppose it's dubious that he'd leave after inking a four-year deal, but there is an MLB escape clause in his contract. Is there any possibility the Bucs may sign a slugger or right-handed hurler from the Far East?

Brad Grantz of Elizabeth

KOVACEVIC: Lee has told reporters in Japan it is his intent to stay there for at least another year. Besides, I have heard from the Pirates that he is not on their radar for the coming season.

Is it possible for the Pirates to be more of a player for talent in the Far East? Absolutely. See above regarding money. If the Devil Rays are outbidding teams, so can the Pirates. And there are indications within the organization that they might be getting a jump in that regard.

For this year, though, it does not appear they are involved in any such affairs regarding professional players.

Q: Dejan: Why would the Pirates consider signing Tomo Ohka over tendering Shawn Chacon a contract?

I watched Ohka pitch for the last several years for the Brewers. When healthy, he is slightly above mediocre. Unfortunately, he has not been healthy and has had shoulder problems last year, which is never a good sign for a pitcher. Chacon has had knee problems but has pitched through this injury and has pitched as well or better than Ohka.

Also, do the Pirates really scout these free agents? I could have told you last winter from watching Victor Santos and Jeromy Burnitz play for the Brewers that they would be huge busts.

John Bodnar of Oshkosh, Wis.

KOVACEVIC: Legitimate points all, John.

Until tomorrow ...