Pass the Bucs

Pirates fans feel betrayed as team owner Kevin McClatchy cuts losses and unloads nearly 25 percent of the team's $42 million payroll in less than a week. Tuesday's trades included third baseman Aramis Ramirez and former All-Star center fielder Kenny Lofton to the Chicago Cubs, for veteran infielder Jose Hernandez, minor-league pitcher Matt Bruback and another unnamed player. Another deal sent left-handed pitchers Scott Sauerbeck and Mike Gonzalez to Boston for right-handers Brandon Lyon and Anastacio Martinez.

While Kevin McClatchy says that no more trades have to be made for financial reasons, rumors of trade discussions for Pittsburgh outfielder Brian Giles and catcher Jason Kendall have fans even more upset. The last rebuilding effort, which took place after the Pirates dismantled the team that had won three division titles in the early 1990s, went nowhere. How are we to expect this one to be any different? What is McClatchy thinking?

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