Dejan Kovacevic: There is a thick cloud cover, which means it is ONLY 97 degrees here. Here we go ...

Nate_The_Great: Dejan with Paul Maholm on pace for 209 innings at the current rate (espn.com projections) has the Bucco Brass given any indication of shutting him down early? His past season high is 177. After what we saw from Snell and Gorzo this year after tossing much higher innings last year you'd hope they'd at least consider it.

Dejan Kovacevic: No, but probably only because it is too early for that sort of thing. Once we get into late August, should be more of an issue. They definitely are aware of the effect you describe, as well as the fact that Maholm has had back issues in the past and still gets iced there after every game.

MAdesso: Hey DK, what do you think the chances are the Bucs sign Alvarez?

Dejan Kovacevic: I remain in the court where they get it done. And by that, I mean both sides. The team needs the impact bat, and Alvarez has no guarantee he will be chosen as high as second once again if he re-enters the draft. But things will go the wire.

James_Taipei: What was the point of the Jason Bay trade? We got three 24 year olds Andy LaRoche, Brandon Moss, and Craig Hansen. They will probably be in a Pirate uniform for four years. It is not like we have other prospects to put around them and compete in the next four years!

Dejan Kovacevic: The Pirates actually got four players, including the Class A pitcher, Bryan Morris, who they -- and others -- feel has the best upside. And the team retains their rights for six years, not four. The latter, plus the potential for there being good talent, was the reason, according to management.

Nate_The_Great: What are the plans for Brad Lincoln the rest of the year? Are there any limits to his innings? He's one of the few bright spots in minors to keep an eye one for next year.

Dejan Kovacevic: There is no firm count, but he will be closely monitored, especially now that his outings have gone from great to just kind of OK.

FairfaxRochester: Is there any reason to think the Pirates' assessment of prospects is better now than in the past? I got into a discussion with my brother-in-law about the recent trades, and he stated that since the Pirate organization retained the same scouts when the new regime took over, and therefore there's no reason to hope that player assessments are better than in the past.

Dejan Kovacevic: It is mostly the same talent evaluators as far as scouts go, so yes, the history absolutely should follow them when assessing doubt in this area. The primary difference, as mentioned in the Notebook today, is that Neal Huntington hired two statistical analysts in Dan Fox and Eddie Epstein to perform all kinds of other work toward the team's evaluating.

Nate_The_Great: Is there any thought to letting Brandon Moss bat leadoff? It's only been one series but he's already shown a keen eye.

Dejan Kovacevic: He has shown a good eye, but he also missed on more than a few changeups, and that is something to watch. Other teams probably already have that book.

curt_raydon_fan: Given how you feel about "the friendly confines," and knowing how hot it can be in August in Chicago, why would you make your first trip there at this time? Perhaps the rare coincidence of 3 day games and this trip provided an opportunity not to be missed. How was Lollapolooza?? I think DK is a closet fireworks fan!

Dejan Kovacevic: Our traveling schedules are arranged the previous winter. Actually, that was my first time at Wrigley in a couple years.

WIPiratefan: As a Pirate fan in Wisconsin, I follow the Bucs closely on the internet and TV package, but I also receive a lot of information about the Brewers. Both CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets will be free agents after this year. Do the Pirates have any chance of being contenders for their services? And for that matter, could they seriously contend for any major free agent in the upcoming market or do they simply not have the money?

Dejan Kovacevic: I would be terribly surprised to see the Pirates aggressive in free agency, certainly at that level.

ciao_ciao_Bay: With Jeff Karstens already in the line-up and Ross Ohlendorf's successful start in Indy the other day, at what point should Ohlendorf and Daniel McCutchen be in the starting rotation for the PBC?

Dejan Kovacevic: Ohlendorf pitched very well yesterday for Indianapolis, getting into the eighth inning with good efficiency, and that is the Pirates' focus with him. He should be up with the big team in about two weeks. Gorzelanny surely will be back by September, too, if not sooner. McCutchen is less certain.

TK15: DK, I'm on a flight out to the desert tomorrow and plan to get to Tuesday or Wednesday's game. Any suggestions on what to do in Phoenix?

Dejan Kovacevic: Ask the pilot to make a U-turn.

Justin__Brno__Czech_Republic_: Dejan, The blog is great. I live in Europe and it's my opening page each morning. Have you and others noticed the plate discipline of Brandon Moss and Andy LaRoche? I personally find this to be a refreshing quality to the PBC. Have others pointed this out?

Dejan Kovacevic: Moss and LaRoche each have very good commands of the strike zone, with LaRoche probably a little better. They have big swings, too, and you will see them miss, but there is no question that is a good trait to add to any lineup. The Pirates' coaches have been very impressed in this area.

MPM: Is it possible that Andy LaRoche would move to 2B in the future since there's no one in the minors that appears to be a prospect at the position?

Dejan Kovacevic: No need to move anyone right now, obviously, but he seems to show decent athleticism at the position. How many good 5-4-3 double plays did he start in that series, four or five?

superpunk: Any chance that Snell goes to AAA and we bring up a pitcher that might at least stand a chance of making it 6 innings without giving up 100 runs?

Dejan Kovacevic: Snell has an option left, contrary to a previous misperception (myself included) that he did not. If it could happen to Gorzelanny, it could happen to Snell. But I also know that management was very encouraged by the start he made just before this one, and yesterday seemed to have more to do with his back than anything.

ciao_ciao_Bay: With the focus now off of the trade deadline, how aggressive will the front office be in pursuit of signing the remaining draft picks high on their list?

Dejan Kovacevic: If one looks at the near-tragic level of play at State College, one would imagine that the Pirates' very highest priority would be infusing good talent -- and a lot of it -- into the system immediately. No better vehicle than the draft.

Dave_s_Energy_Guide: Your report that the Pirates could have acquired Breignac and Neiman for Bay makes me wish that Neal would have taken that deal because we are in such desperate need of a middle infield prospect. It would have been a chance to acquire a potential elite player rather than a few solid major leaguers. Your thoughts?

Dejan Kovacevic: You would rather have those two guys than the four they ended up with? Positional choices mean nothing when making deals like this. Absolutely nothing. They need the best talent they can get.

PirateApologist: Hello, Dejan. With Bay and Nady gone, it is unthinkable that Doumit's bat would be out of the lineup for single game. However, I don't think his knees should subject to that much punishment for a team that is X games under 500 (I don't even care anymore). Will he start in right field or first base at all? Or will he actually rest every once and a while?

Dejan Kovacevic: Doumit will stay at catcher, and bet everything you own that he would be happy to play every single day.

R._Simon__Sausage_Killer: Dejan, I was stunned that the Rays didn't sweeten their offer for a player of Bay's caliber. Was Pirate management also surprised given how good of a fit the trade seemed for both teams?

Dejan Kovacevic: I had been writing for a couple weeks that Tampa really teetered on the edge as far as going all-out for outside help. Tough to just change approaches 180 degrees overnight. All that team has done for a long time is stockpile young talent. ... Maybe next year.

Pickman: How did Bautista handle the news that he was going to no longer be a starter? And will he adopt a role similar to Rob Macowiak as the super utilityman now that he no longer is a starter?

Dejan Kovacevic: Bautista was displeased, and I thought that came across in our interview. He does not see himself as a utility guy, almost entirely because he feels very strongly that he did not fail as a starter.

McLargeHuge: Considering what Neal said, should we be worried about Alvarez not signing with the Pirates?

Dejan Kovacevic: Each side is going to measure every syllable it offers for public consumption very carefully on this matter. Remember that. They are not trying to keep you informed. They are trying to tilt the scale.

hank: When does Herrera go back down and who figures to replace him?

Dejan Kovacevic: Herrera will want to pitch well tonight. If he does very poorly, expect Jason Davis to take his place for a bit, then Ohlendorf.

fifteen_years_and_counting: In the Josh Wilson trade, the Red Sox will send a player to be named later to the Pirates.Is the player to be named negotiated in the deal but the Red Sox don't want to send him yet because a minor league affiliate will be affected? If the Bucs and the Sox haven't agreed on a player, what if negotiations reach a stalemate?

Dejan Kovacevic: Anyone expecting anything significant from these PTBNL deals is going to end up woefully disappointed. These are gentleman's agreements -- you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours -- to give players a chance elsewhere. Usually, it amounts to little more than a bit of cash or an agreement to give a player back someday.

Stillafan: Dejan: I wanted to thank you for your great coverage of the trade deadline. The new blog is a great way to communicate with your readers. Thanks.

Dejan Kovacevic: I am having more fun writing the blog than anyone is reading it. But thanks.

superpunk: Is it time to send Pearce down and bring up McCutchen? I was at the game on Saturday and Pierce looked lost at the plate and almost dropped a routine pop-up in right.

Dejan Kovacevic: Look at it this way: This might be the best possible chance to see what Pearce can do over a sustained period. No harm done.

tbucey: Do you think getting Andy LaRoche will have any effect on negotiations in signing their No. 1 pick? Seems a lot of their best prospects through the minors are 3rd basemen.

Dejan Kovacevic: Completely immaterial. Positions do not matter. The Pirates need talent. Players can be traded when positional issues conflict.

Rob: Dejan - sounds to me like Neal is gearing up for a public backlash to not signing Alvarez. Assigning a "dollar value" and then acknowledging a high draft picks today seems like a clue. Your thoughts?

Dejan Kovacevic: Really not much different than what the Pirates said the day Alvarez was drafted, if you go back and look at those quotes. ... But yes, on another front, there will be a public backlash if Alvarez is not signed. No question about it, based on the mail I get. And it might make the Wieters-Moskos fiasco look small by comparison.

atkpitt12: What's more important down the stretch: winning games or development of prospects like Andy Laroche and Moss?

Dejan Kovacevic: Not even close. Only the Astros think they are still in it, with this type of record.

fifteen_years_and_counting: Tanner Scheppers and Justin Wilson were overused in Fresno State's quest for the College World Series. Does Pirate management factor those innings in the negotiations?

Dejan Kovacevic: Enormously so.

PirateApologist: Are the majority of e-mails you are receiving from people who do not like the Bay/Nady/Marte deals mostly because of the perceived poor return or because they feel the Pirates should have tried to resign these players instead?

Dejan Kovacevic: They are people sick of losing, sick of rebuilding. It is a very understandable position to take, one I never dismiss.

ajt123: Will this be a full bore rebuild?

Dejan Kovacevic: Sure seems to be moving in that direction. I wrote a month ago that if BOTH outfielders were traded, it would signal a total rebuild, and I do not take that back. The Pirates will revisit talks for Jack Wilson in the offseason, possibly others.

andy_laroche_first_ballot_HOF: In one word what do you think Jason Bay's reaction was when he was traded to Boston?

Dejan Kovacevic: I don't have to guess. He sent me a one-word text: "Wow."

SoCalBucs: Hey Dejan, What are your thoughts on our middle infield of the future. Will Sanchez and Wilson still be starting next year?

Dejan Kovacevic: That is iffy on the Wilson front, almost a lock on the Sanchez front because he would be getting traded at low value. Clearly, that no longer is the MO here.

G-Man: I logged in a little late, so pardon if this is a duplicate question. This morning's article said Snell has one option left. If he is not sent down this year, will that option still be available in 2009?

Dejan Kovacevic: Yes.

BigFan: Many small market teams, (Twins, A's) and some large market teams (Braves, Angels) have a philosophy of play that begins in the minors. Do you see any evidene that this is happening under new management and what are the key points of this strategy?

Dejan Kovacevic: On what planet is the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan region considered small?

McLargeHuge: Is management encouraged by draft picks Matthew Hague and Jarek Cunningham's fast start in A ball?

Dejan Kovacevic: Yes, very much so. Lots of good stuff being spoken about Hague, in particular. Big, strong kid showing good poise, some pop at the plate, and he is playing a level higher than usual for his experience.

gerardsmith: Russell refuses to be tossed. Will this make it the first time a manager never gets thrown out?

Dejan Kovacevic: It takes quite a bit to get him animated publicly, but I am told he can really steam away from the outside view.

SandlotWizard: When will Evan Meek be back? And what will the Sept. callups look like this season?

Dejan Kovacevic: Meek has pitched extremely well, and it is a great credit to him, one might say, to have overcome what happened to him early this season. A lot of young guys get ruined by that. He would have to be added back to the 40-man to come up in September, but that cannot be ruled out.

bucfan57: I think I like the deal that DIDN'T happen with Tampa Bay. If they're still intent on shopping Jack Wilson, we've got nobody ready to replace him...

Dejan Kovacevic: Again, positions do not matter when engaging in something like this. The major league team will suffer for it, though, so you are correct that a shortstop must be acquired. But the priority in making a trade like that is to get the most talent you feel you can get.

Polka: Who goes when Adam LaRoche comes off the DL? Gomez or Rivas cut? Pearce back to AAA? Any guesses?

Dejan Kovacevic: Pearce is staying. As for the rest, there has been no indication.

can_t_wait_until_2011: If Bay's reaction was "wow", what about Nady & Marte going to the Yankees?

Dejan Kovacevic: Not sure what you're asking. To clarify Bay's wow, it was in the context that just two minutes earlier, he and I had spoken on the phone, and it looked like nothing was up.

buccofan: I'm probably too optimistic, but the Bay trade reminds me of the Pena to the Cards trade back in '86. I think all four guys will make significant contributions. Bay was a fine player, but to get 3 full time players ...

Dejan Kovacevic: Everyone is too impatient in wanting to evaluate this. It could be a great deal. It could be an embarrassment. Either one of the deals, actually. But neither is the type that lends itself easily -- or fairly -- to instant analysis.

Fair_Warning: Is it safe to say if Pearce has a future it's at 1st?

Dejan Kovacevic: If he plays for the Pirates, yes.

BigFan: Who are some prospects that we don't hear much about but have a chance to contribute in the near future?

Dejan Kovacevic: Paul Meyer wrote a quality note the other day about Luis Cruz. Check our site's search engine, and type that in there.

Polka: Do you like one trade over the other? I'm partial to the Nady/Marte deal, because we got back 3 arms and a uber-prospect. I think I would have kept Bay. Three maybe's and Adam's little brother doesn't do much for me.

Dejan Kovacevic: Most outside observers with whom I have spoken like the second deal better. But again ...

gerardsmith: When, prior to this, did the Pirates "try" to rebuild? Authentically?

Dejan Kovacevic: That would be not at all in the previous 15 years, and it is a good point I have not heard raised. Even the 1997 team, though it drastically reduced payroll and put a teenager in right field, was made up mostly of older guys or retreads or other Polcoviches, and did not embody a rebuilding where major moves were made to infuse serious young talent into the franchise. ... Time to go. Q&A back tomorrow. Diamondbacks late tonight.