You add Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ at the deadline, expecting mediocrity but receiving all-star production instead.  Aramis Ramirez and Joakim Soria fill their critical roles, and Jordy Mercer and Josh Harrison return from injury without issue.  As the calendar flips to September, it’s hard not to smile if you’re the Pirates’ GM.

Reinforcements are set to arrive from the minors, almost certainly including arms like Radhames Liz and Vance Worley (if not Tyler Glasnow).  If the Pirates did recall the young ace, where would Glasnow slot in – as a stud reliever, or as the third starter in the rotation?

Elias Diaz, Travis Snider and others will supplement the roster, just in time for home-and-away matchups against every NL Central team as the season winds down.  Do the Pirates have what it takes to pass the Cardinals, or are they doomed to a one-game winner-takes-all playoff against the Cubs (at home, or even worse, at Wrigley)?

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