So, Lets get this thing started.

I don't like the idea of shopping Maholm. He is at worst a solid #3 and was a top 15 National league starter in all viable categories except for wins, which I don't fault him on. I think signing him to a through arb +1 deal is the way to go. Unless a team really stunned the Pirates with an offer he is off the table. You mentioned the Rangers, maybe Max Ramirez and Elvis, don't think that will happen on either side.

Snell to the Braves, I wrote about this in the old forum. I think its a good fit on both sides. The PBC wouldn't even ask for Heyward, which the Braves would like. I mentioned getting Francoeur. I wouldn't do this straight up, but maybe I would. Franc had a really down year but his power potential, plus fielding, plus arm, and RBI numbers through his first two years were pretty great.

The Twins do still have Adam Everett coming back right? Is he still viable? Would they not want 2 of the same player on the squad?

I wouldn't touch Francour. He's never been a good contact hitter - and has a bad attitude (especially after he was demoted last year). I think he'd cause a chemistry problem and we're trying to change the attitude of this ball club. Adding Francour would hurt - not help.

I would definitely go after him. He had a terrible season, got demoted, is unhappy with the organization. Buy low! He should not have trouble finding a spot in Pittsburgh's outfield, even with the perceived surplus. It could allow Neal to trade Nate without such a backlash. So Id consider Snell for Franceuor and a prospect or two. Then trade Nate to the Yankees for a Hughes package, or a Kennedy package with better players included. And then ship Jack to Minnesota with Grabow for one of their young starting pitchers. And also look to deal Freddy and big Laroche. Imagine a 2010 outfield of Tabata in left, Cutch in Center and Franky in Right. That's excellent Defense, some big arms and solid bats with power and speed. And a rotation of Hughes, Twins SP, Maholm, ?, and Gorzo. I like the sounds of that. As far as infield, it's really hard to guess, but Id think about going after Cano (Maybe we can trade Adam Laroche and Nate for Cano and Kennedy +), if not, consider moving Andy Laroche to 2nd, Walker at 3rd and Pedro Alvarez at first.

I love the idea above, this post doesn't ad much, but I really like dealnothington's ideas

Who would you rather see in the outfield for the pirates? Both seem to have fallen out of favor with their clubs, and both were recently viewed as future conerstones. I think it would take less to get Hermida and his left handed stick would definitely play better at PNC, but I think both are excellent buy-low candidates for the buccos. Thoughts?