Pittsburgh Pirates trade rumors: LaTroy Hawkins on Pirates radar?

Jul 11, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins (32) and catcher Wilin Rosario (20) react to the win over the Minnesota Twins at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Twins 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 11, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins (32) and catcher Wilin Rosario (20) react to the win over the Minnesota Twins at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Twins 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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The MLB Trade Deadline is just around the corner, but not every name that is being realistically discussed is a huge blockbuster trade chip.

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One thing that teams look for in trades this time of year isn’t so much star appeal as it is efficiency and that’s something that a lot of lower key veterans have that contenders want. Colorado Rockie relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins is a guy with these skills and that’s why it’s no surprise that his name is starting to come up more and more as the deadline nears.

According to MLBlogs scribe Thomas Harding, the Pittsburgh Pirates are among the teams interested in acquiring Hawkins before the deadline passes later this week.

"The Rockies don’t appear to be willing to make a major trade at Thursday’s non-waiver Trade Deadline, but interest could pick up in a smaller deal for closer LaTroy Hawkins.The Rockies won the first two games against the Pirates this weekend by big margins, so Hawkins was not forced into a save opportunity. However, the Pirates are believed to be interested in the 41-year-old right-hander."

Hawkins isn’t a David Price or Jon Lester type of name, but he’s the sort of acquisition that could be a big deal in October for a contender than grabs him. He has leadership skills that players love, and that’s something that winning teams have plenty of when they go on World Series runs.

Be sure to stay glued to FanSided’s MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with the latest action and rumbling from the baseball hot stove this trade season.