Jack Hearts Freddy 4 Ever

So this came out of, no pun intended, left field.

The Pirates, who have been in trade-mode all month, have offered multi-year contract extensions to Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez.

"The Pirates have approached shortstop Jack Wilson and second baseman Freddy Sanchez about multiyear contract extensions, putting on hold, for now, the possibility that either will be traded by Major League Baseball's July 31 deadline."

But wait, like that special offer from an infomercial, there's a catch:

"If the parties are to agree on extensions, they will need to do so far enough in advance of the deadline so that, if the Pirates decide no agreement is possible, they still can pursue a trade for one or both. That likely means something must get done within the next week to 10 days."

So where does that leave the situation? Obviously, the Pirates would love to trade both of them and get prospects to continue the rebuild. The problem is that there's nobody in the system to bring up or move around to replace them should they be gone.

There's no dollar amount listed, but I'm sure the Pirates are trying to save a bit of money per year by offering them term, more years on a contract.

Smizik, who's blogging has been excellent lately, has a detailed take here.

Oh, and as far as this post's title, do we have to read garbage like this?:

"Wilson and Sanchez are best friends to the point of being virtually inseparable, on and off the infield dirt."

""I'm very excited to possibly continue my career in Pittsburgh, to finish what I've started, and Freddy is going to be a vital piece of any decision I make," Wilson said last night"

""I want to finish my career turning double plays with Jack in a Pirates uniform," Sanchez said. "If it works out, it would be unbelievable. This is what we've been talking about for a long time.""

Vomit. This could be the biggest unintentional man crush since Rocky beat Apollo in the race on the beach. If only they'd bring back those shorts as a fashion statement.

To sum it up, adding this to the mix of usual July trade deadline rumors and deals, plus the Sano situation, and we've got a busy Pirate month ahead.