Ribbee

Bye-bye, Jack Wilson. Farewell, Freddy Sanchez. So long, Ian Snell.

All three were shipped out by the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday.

But this latest trade is sure to send ripples throughout baseball.

Never shy to make a move — even ones that alienate the already woebegone fan base — Pirates general manager Neal Huntington sent standout slinger of wieners, the Pirate Parrot, to the Seattle Mariners for Class AA mascot Ribbee and a lifetime supply of Pringles potato chips.

"We've had our eyes on Ribbee for a long time," said a source close to the Pirates. "We believe he is an up-and-coming mascot, one who could flourish with this organization for years to come. He just needs the proper development time.

"We're building for the future," the source continued. "Our 20-year plan has almost reached fruition."

Ribbee, who dominates fans with his lovable snout and bear claws, has been a productive mascot for the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx.

He was named as the director of Fun and Entertainment for the club not long after joining the team in 2003.

However, scouts fear he is a product of his home stadium, Pringles Park, which has partisan fans and plenty of potato chips on hand to feed Ribbee's ravenous appetite.

Weight has been a problem for the 500-pound mascot. While his big, jiggling belly delights the fans in Tennessee, many wonder if he can hold up physically over a full 81-game home schedule.

"Primanti Brothers won't help him much, either," a source said.

The Pirate Parrot leaves after 30 years with the organization.

As a rookie in 1979, he was a part of the "We Are Family" Buccos who beat the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.

But he also has suffered through 16 straight losing seasons and had become a distraction at times, including a long-standing feud with Sauerkraut Saul that has divided the mascot locker room.

"He will help the Mariners," a source that I just made up a second ago said. "Seattle has the Mariner Moose, but he can't do it alone. He needed someone to protect him in the stands. Fans were intentionally walking away from the Moose all season."

The Pirate Parrot brings an accurate, long-range hot dog shooter with him.

He is the best in the majors at propelling processed meat up to 400 feet. His tape-measure slings even have found the PNC Park press box on occasion.

Many fans were left speechless — much like the Pirate Parrot — after the move.

"I don't know what they are doing," said a fan who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "I mean, just once, I'd like to keep our All-Star mascot. Why can't we get someone like Dinger or Homer or Sluggerrr. I'm tired of watching our stars traded away."

A source said Huntington has been enamored with Ribbee since his days with the Cleveland Indians organization.

Ribbee, who hasn't spoken to the media since he became a pro, declined to comment by pretending to eat the microphone.

Mike Kilroy is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.