Via Buc Dugout and the Pittsburg Post-Gazette.

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 the clock is ticking.

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.

And there is a catch, one unusual in professional sports: If one player does not sign, the other probably will not, either. Wilson and Sanchez are best friends to the point of being virtually inseparable, on and off the infield dirt.

Well then.

I have no idea what the Pirates are thinking except that they're trying to appease the type of dumb fans that would rather extend aging guys on a terrible team than build for the future (aka people who were upset with the McLouth deal).  I'm so happy we have Z.

On the other hand, this almost seems like an ultimatum for the two.  Sign up now or get shipped out.  I'd still like to see either of them (and Snell) in a deal with the Mariners.  It'll be interesting to see where it goes from here.

Update: Just kidding.  Offers have been declined.