Somebody is 7 games out now

Man, that was fast!

Just think if they still played doubleheaders.

How important is defense? Apparently, not very.

Want proof?

The Pirates led the majors with only 73 errors.

Well, I am sure that Pirates fans are SO relieved

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Wednesday that they will not be raising ticket prices in 2010.

As if they could.

In other news, the Florida Marlins, Detroit Lions and LA Clippers are also not raising ticket prices next year.

Funny how that works.

Isn't that Andrew McCutchen?

In a fluff piece by Patrica Sheridan of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, we learn the following "fun facts" about Andrew McCutchen:

* His favorite place is Dubai.
* He doesn't drink.
* His favorite book is "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Suess.
* In response to the question "What wouldn't you leave home without?" he responds "my shoes". Very practical.

If you ever find yourself on a beach in Dubai and see a guy relaxing with his feet up (with shoes on or nearby), drinking a Shirley Temple and reading "Green Eggs and Ham", that is probably Andrew McCutchen.

Just a hunch.

A one-hitter against the Pirates! It still counts.

Congratulations to Yusmeiro Petit on on his eight inning, one hit performance against Andrew McCutchen.......(and eight other guys).

Too bad people are going to say........well you know.

The Pirates traded again?!

Hey, Dave Dombrowski, GM of the Tigers!

Here's a suggestion. Well, actually it is more than that. It is more like something you HAVE to do now or you are going to be left behind.

Scan the Pirate's roster. I know that it might be hard to find as it is in a constant state of flux, but find it somehow. Then see if there is anybody on this list that could make your team; even if it would be a 25th man utility guy or the last man in your bullpen.

If anybody fits the bill, offer a low-level prospect (the backup catcher in rookie ball might do) and get the Pittsburgh guy here in here. Get this done before MLB steps in here, ok? Everybody else is doing it.

You did trade for Jarrod Washburn today. That is good but you need to get with the Pirates now. This is free stuff.

Who plays for the Pirates now?

What is the record for trades by one team in a season?

That Andrew McCutchen looks pretty good. Can't have that. When does he get put on the trade block?

How would you like to be the exit interview person in HR here?

You can't have a garage sale every week. People will think the stuff is all picked over.

Benches clear but........

Benches clearing incident last night in the Brewers/Pirates game but you gotta admit they don't do it like they used to.

Joel Hanrahan gets the win while sleeping on his couch!

So last night, the Nationals and Astros completed their game of May 5th which was suspended by rain. The pitcher of record for the Nationals was Joel Hanrahan who was subsequently traded to the Pirates on June 30th. The Pirates incidentally were off yesterday.

In the continuation game, the Nationals win and Nationals, err Pirates, pitcher, Joel Hanrahan is credited with the win. Hanrahan was interviewed last night on ESPN and was asked what he was doing when he heard that he had been credited with the win and he responded, "Taking a nap."

This kind of reminds me of those situations where the President is awoken in the middle of the night to be notified of a national emergency.

Taking this back to a baseball context, I can just see next week some major league slugger who is not participating in the All Star Game being woken up late night by a call from his agent advising him that he has just won the Home Run Derby.

"Great! This is just like the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. I know I have that bonus thing in my contract for this too. I'll take it! We'll talk in the morning."

Considering that Hubert Humphrey won the 1968 Democratic nomination for President without entering one single primary, you tell me it can't happen.

For some very mysterious reason, Mike Hampton seems to pitch well against the Pirates

Per Kristie Rieken of AP, Mike Hampton's 4-1 victory over the Pirates last night improved his record to 14-3 with a 2.20 ERA in 20 career starts against Pittsburgh dating back to 1995. The article goes on to state that when asked, Hampton was unable to explain why he has been so dominant against the Pirates over the years. Said Hampton; "I don't want to really talk too much about it. I just hope it continues."

Unexplained success against the Pirates. Nobody can seem to figure it out. Hmmmmm.

Isn't this kind of like saying that Brett Favre for whatever reason seems to have really good games against the Detroit Lions. Or that Michael Jordan sure seems to play well against the Clippers. Or that Martin Brodeur sure has a nice winning percentage against the New York Islanders. Not exactly beyond comprehension as to why these things would be true.

Actually, you do not have to be Bill James to figure out why Hampton, or any other major league pitcher, does well against the Pirates.

I gotta believe that Ms. Rieken knew this when she (or whomever) asked the question and posed the question just to be nice.

She's a nice one, that Kristie Rieken.

John Russell experiences second career ejection

It is noted that Pittsburgh Pirate manager, John Russell was ejected in the 6th inning of last night's game against the Indians for arguing with home plate umpire, Jerry Lane. This was Russell's second career ejection.

Bobby Cox is "SO" not impressed.

An anonymous (and probably mythical) source apparently overheard Bobby say "Tell him to take the skirt off and see me when he has 143 more!"