Penn State.

There. Now that’s out of the way.

I think we’ve all heard ad nauseam every possible opinion about the NCAA smackdown on Penn State University and its football program.

There’s nothing more I can add.

I have wasted enough space on that subject. Let’s talk about something less scandalous: Wanton sex and partying in Olympic Village.

Gotcha.

No, we’ll discuss something a lot more mundane, but just as shocking: The Pirates are buyers at the trade deadline.

I know. I know. A sure sign of impending doom. Boy, those Mayans sure knew what they were talking about when they predicted the end of days in 2012.

But for the first time since Barry Bonds’ head could fit through a normal sized doorway, the Buccos are for real.

And they are going for it.

Why not?

They got a good price for Houston left-handed pitcher Wandy Rodriguez. In fact, the Bucs practically stole the dude from the Astros.

They gave up three middle-of-the-road prospects and got Houston to eat large chunks of Rodriguez’s contract for the next two seasons.

How they pulled that off, I will never know.

Adding an arm is great and all, but that won’t be enough for the Bucs to catch the Reds in the NL Central race.

Make no mistake, this team still has holes. The front office, though, seems committed like never before to shore up as many shortcomings as possible, even if that means prying open the Ogden Nutting money safe.

Here’s a few players the Pirates would be wise to pursue in the next week before the July 31 trade deadline:

• Justin Morneau, first base, Minnesota.

Just three years ago, it seemed inconceivable that the Minnesota Twins would ever entertain moving Morneau.

However, a concussion and various other minor injuries have taken much of the luster off the former American League MVP.

Right now, the Twins’ asking price is high as Morneau has shown a bit of a resurgence as of late. But he can be had and he would fill a major need at first base for the Bucs.

• Cody Ross, outfielder, Boston.

A postseason hero a few years ago, Ross has been mashing for the Red Sox this season with an impressive 16 homers and 50 RBI in a mere 241 at bats. Let’s face it, Alex Presley needs to leave the building.

• Josh Johnson, Miami.

If the Bucs are looking to make a splash move, this would certainly be it.

Johnson is injury prone and has had an up-and-down season, but he was brilliant in his last start and has huge upside.

Imagine a playoff rotation of A.J. Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez, Josh Johnson and James McDonald.

That would scare anyone.

Mike Kilroy is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.