The Cleveland model after which Pirates' president Frank Coonelly and GM Neal Huntington plan to mold the Pirates is built not only on a sound system, but also a practice of trading players at peak value before they reach their expensive free-agent years. These deals often are unpopular, with prospects the usual return. But when they work, as happened for the Indians in the 2002 deal that sent Bartolo Colon to the Montreal Expos for Grady Sizemore, Brandon Phillips and two other players, they strengthen the franchise. Coonelly was asked if the Pirates would consider a Colon-type trade by moving a premium piece such as outfielder Jason Bay, who is due $13.25 million the next two seasons at a position where the team has growing options. "You have to remember the team in Cleveland at that time was much different than the team we have here," Coonelly said, referring to the Indians' old age and high payroll. "Having said that, I think every team, particularly in a market like Pittsburgh, has to acquire as much premier talent as possible. One way to acquire premium talent is via trades of veteran players for younger players, so that is an avenue I expect Neal will certainly consider. But that's not saying anybody's going to look to trade Jason Bay this offseason, because we're not in the position Cleveland was in." To be sure, a Bay trade has crossed Bay's mind in the past couple of days. "I expect there to be a shakeup," he said yesterday. "Simple mathematics will tell you it's not just going to be a non-roster invitee getting moved here or there. It's going to be something that makes a difference in payroll, and I certainly could fall into that category. If it happens, so be it."