DK notes in a recent article that Bixler's acquisition could be a sign that the Pirates are going to promote Argenis Diaz.

Setting aside Bixler's talents (or lack thereof), I'm curious about the comment relating to Diaz' anticipated promotion. Specifically, who leaves?

The FO seems disenchanted with Cedeno and deservedly so. Crosby seems to be nothing more than a back up and his glove has been awful. Is Cedeno on the verge of being traded? Is he on the verge of being released? Isn't Cedeno the likely candidate for being removed?

Don't know.

It would fly in the face of a couple things (though these might not be overriding factors to management).

1. By some metrics I read, he is the best defensive SS in the NL. (jus say'n)
2. He is starting to look like he is beginning one of his hitting rolls right up to the break.

Maybe they've had enough of the inconsistencies and believe Diaz will be a consistent performer at SS, if nothing else.

Or, maybe they've seen enough of Crosby.

ZM

If Diaz is called up to start, then it seems he would replace Cedeno. Crosby is a back-up at SS, 2B, 3B, 1B, and is enough of a hitter to come off the bench as a pinch-hitter.

That is not the case for Cedeno or Diaz.

If he is called up to be a back-up, then it would seem likely that he is going to replace Crosby, since I just cannot see Crosby handling the starting job for the next 74 games. By process of elimination, that leaves Cedeno as the starter.

And process of elimination should not be the way to select a starting player ...

Crosby stinks. Bixler stinks. It's up to Cedeno for now although I would give Diaz a try.

If Diaz comes up, it will be to start. I don't know which between Cedeno and Crosby is sent packing. Neither has much value, but if Crosby goes, who backs up first?

Could be a sign that they want to see if Diaz can be a part of the future plan. If that's the case the job should be his through year's end. As for 1B...again, Pearce's injury really killing the Pirates. We could do worse than Laroche at first. (Doumit)

Appears to me that a trade is in the future. IMO Cedeno might be going somewhere for who knows what.

It would be nice to have Jack Wilson back now. Oh, I forgot? We got Cedeno AND Jeff Clement for him. What a great deal.

But, we did come out money ahead.

You mean the Jack Wilson with .586 OPS who got benched last month. And guess what? Cedeno's numbers are better Jack's. Nice comparison.

And way to leave the three pitching prospects out again.

Jack Wilson has been beaten out for the starting job by Josh Wilson. That's when he's healthy enough to be on the active roster. Yeah, Jack would be SUCH a help to this team.