After being handed a 3-0 lead, the right-hander watched that slowly evaporate, putting seven men on base via the free pass (a career high). Adam Dunn's three-run homerun in the fifth off of Snell pretty much closed the deal on the series opener, as the Pirates' starter was chased after just five completed innings.

Snell did manage to strike out six batters, including three in the very first frame, but his control was just off by a mile with a pitch-to-strike ratio of 106-59. It was pretty amazing to see the similarities between the two starting pitchers, as Reds' up-and-coming star Johnny Cueto looks to be a very similar pitcher to what Snell is.

This was a very depressing game and tough to watch. It was nice surprise, though, to see the 'rats go homer-happy in the ninth. Adam LaRoche smacked his sixth homerun of the year, followed by catcher Ronny Paulino who hit his first solo jack of '08. Both bombs came off of lefty Jeremy Affeldt, who eventually had to hand the ball to closer Francisco Cordero. 

This is all going to come down to starting pitching - in terms of this club becoming a "winning" or just a .500 ball club. Tom Gorzelanny has a huge start in line for him tomorrow against Bronson Arroyo. This is a huge series for the Bucs to take, and with Snell failing in the opener, it's up to the lefties Gorzy and Zack Duke to seal the deal. At 24-27, Pittsburgh is 6 1/2 games back from the NL Central leading Chicago Cubs. Just two years ago, the Cubs and Pirates were battling as well... for last place. 

Notable Mention(s): Welcome back, Jack! Shortstop Jack Wilson returned from the DL today after missing almost two months. Wilson played the first two games in Atlanta to begin the season before hitting the shelf with a calf injury. Wilson picked up three hits in five at-bats today in Cincy, including terrific hustle in the first inning on a drag bunt. 

Even though it was fun to watch Luis Rivas ring up some dingers on Sunday, I am more than happy to say that the platoon(s) at short are now over. Although, Chris Gomez may have made a case over the past couple weeks, (while filling in for Wilson), as being the Bucs most productive bench hitter. He wound up hitting around the .300 mark while playing shortstop and a little third base.

No matter whether you are a Pittsburgh Pirates fan or not, outfielders Xavier Nady and Nate McLouth are truly deserving of receiving starting spots on the National League All-Star squad. Both have posted outstanding numbers, including a major tie for 6th most RBIs in the MLB, 4th most in the NL. Here are some more crazy stats I wish to share:

McLouth (National League Ranks): 

- 11th in batting average (.323)

- 5th in slugging percentage (.621)

- 3rd with 123 TB (total bases)

- 2nd with 43 runs scored 

- 2nd with 49 RC (runs created)

Nady:

- Ranked 15th in NL batting average (.317)

- Leads Pirates with BA/BIP of .345

- 3rd on Pirates with 35 RC

- 3rd on Pirates with a .305 GPA

McLouth may have the overall rank lead over Nady, but both these players deserve sports on the All-Star roster. For a description of the stats I used from The Hardball Times, visit THT Glossary. Most importantly, VOTE NOW!, and remember to...

Fantastic article. For those of you who view my page and are actually Pittsburgh Pirate fans, this is a must read. These two are really something else. They sound like politicians (and Roger Clemens), giving blank and unfulfilled responses. I mean, they definitely sound like they know what they're talking about (and I believe I understand most of it, wanting to become a GM one day), but they really enjoy being vague.

The June 5-7 MLB Draft is nearly upon us, and Pirate management better not screw this one up. Brad Lincoln, the 2006 first-round draft pick, needed surgery within a couple of weeks of his signing. Remind you of any other players? Think Sean Burnett, John Van Benschoten, and Bryan Bullington - all first round picks that went down with injuries needing major repair.

It's likely that 3B Pedro Alvarez from Vanderbilt U will be picked No. 2 overall by the Bucs. Maybe it's just fate, or maybe the god are playing there own games in the world of baseball, but this kid is already prone to injury. If Alvarez goes down with some "crazy injury" after we sign him... let me just say I won't be surprised. 

Owner Frank Coonelly and GM Neil Huntington have really only two options: make the team great, or destroy it for another 15 years. What will the future hold for the "State of The 'Burgh"? That is to be determined.

Paul Maholm's Sunday start was one of two faces. On the good side of things, Maholm went eight innings, struck out seven and walked only two. On the not-so-good side, he gave up five runs (four in the third inning), one coming off the bat of an Alfonso Soriano big-fly. 

How did you know I was going to mention Soriano going deep? That is because he has hit 10 of his 11 homers off of Pittsburgh pitching. The numbers he has been posting against the Bucs this year are mind-boggling. It amazes me to see a player so dominant against a single team. 

Speaking of homerun(s), Luis Rivas put up quite the show against Cubs' starter Ted Lily. Rivas drilled a line-drive blast to left in the first frame, rounding the bases for the first time in a Bucs uni. Two innings later, Rivas went deep again off the left-hander for his first career multi-homer game. As Dodgers' commentator Vin Schully said in April, "... it's all in those shoes". 

Xavier Nady - this man can't be stopped. The Nadster took an inside pitch deep for his eighth bomb of the season. Nady (39 RBIs) is likely to be shopped immediately if the Bucs start to slip and lose ground in the Central. Even if they were to start slipping, I hardly agree with the idea of GM Neil Huntington trading away one of the Pirates best acquired players in years. This guy is incredibly clutch, and has turned in some amazing performances dating even back to last year. If he stays healthy, Xavier is a good option to keep in right, even if high-strung prospect Steve Pearce is wasting in the minors.

That is all there is to tell. Though the 'rats caught a huge break with the Soriano dropped catch in the ninth, it was a huge comeback and really should be a momentum builder for them. The 3-9 record against the Cubs won't be touched for another three months, as the two teams don't play again until August. With that said, the Pirates have a winning record overall against every other team, so their time to shine is now.

Bay, arguably, was the MVP of tonight's ball game. He picked up three RBIs on a homerun and a walk-off single. Bay has without a doubt been heating up since I last talked about him on Thursday, powering through a well-played hot streak at the plate.

Jason Michaels and Luis Rivas picked up huge RBIs as well against the Cubbies. Michaels increased the Bucs' lead at one point to 3-1, and made a terrific catch in right. After a disastrous performance by reliever Tyler Yates, Rivas' sac-fly off of closer Kerry Wood drove in a critical, game saving run in the ninth. 

Starter Phil Dumatrait showed solid stuff in a 5 1/3 outing. After his previous start in Chicago, I questioned how long he was going to be able to stay in the Bucs' rotation. But, after allowing a single run and walking just three, Phil took back the respect he had earned early on by Pirates management.

From this point on, I can only discuss the game by breaking it up by each relief pitcher's performance. With the exception of Yates, it was a gorgeous game for the relief core. As much as writers and fans were worried about the state of the 'pen, it has been a much bigger aid than a disappointment. 

Quickly speaking in terms of the Cubs' bullpen... they were pretty much lights out with the exception of Wood and Michael Wuertz. Jon Lieber continued his dominance against the 'rats, pitching his tenth-straight scoreless frame against them. Lieber has been a terrific addition to Chicago's pitching staff, as his 3.08 ERA leaves him as one of the best long-relievers in the National League. Now onto the Pirates...

Osoria: Dumatrait's departure in the sixth handed righty Franquelis Osoria a bases-loaded, two out jam. In the up most of ease, Osoria struck out first basemen Derek Lee to stop the threat and head to the seventh with no damage done. John Russell's move of bringing in Osoria rather then another arm from the 'pen shocked me quite a bit. The move paid off in the end, but I pray to god Russell does not use the "Torre Method" and over work Franaquelis.

Marte: Left-hander Damaso Marte needed just thirteen pitches to finish off the seventh, striking out one in a perfect inning. I understand Russell wanting to use the right-hander Yates in the eighth inning set-up role, but tonight probably ended the thought of ever using that idea again.

Yates: It was more 'Yikes' then Yates. A walk, a single, and a double to former Pirate Aramis Ramirez tied the ball game up at three and left the go-ahead run standing at second. After a fly-out from the catcher Soto, japanese import Kosuke Fukudome brought in Ramirez on a base hit to McLouth. Tyler was able to get out alive following a walk to Reed Johnson, but it was certainly a rough night for the former Brave.

Capps: Matt Capps really did work over three fantastic innings. Capps kept the Bucs in the ball game, throwing a season-high thirty-two pitches in one of his best performances as a Pirate. He can close. He can hold. He can most importantly get the job done.

Grabow: John Grabow, one of my favorite Pirate pitchers, went three innings as well. Not only did he throw over thirty pitches like Capps, but he set up his fourth victory almost perfectly. Grabow did get into his share of pitching jams, but the way he has been pitching all year long (we are talking 1.48 ERA here), no one doubted him failing in any of those situations.

Notable Mention(s): It was a terrific game for the Pirates, taking a much needed win away from the Cubs. As there record goes to 2-9 against Chicago, Paul Maholm looks to take the team's first series against them dating back to last year. With the Bucs' bullpen totally and utterly depleted, (aside from mop-up men Marino Salas and Sean Burnett), it's important for Maholm to go as long as he can in Sunday's matinee. He's the only Pirate starter to throw a complete game thus far, and hopefully he can give the same type of performance tomorrow.

Tough loss for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup tonight. I am not a fan of the NHL, nor do I have any real reason for rooting for the 'guins, but I believe I owe it to my Pittsburgh viewers to bring them up in my posts. Get 'um next game, Penguins! Great article on why to watch the Stanley Cup Finals from ESPN Page 2, a web site favorite of mine. My favorite reason has to be:

I can only blog about a game like this, (or as I say countless times, a squad like this), is because there is no way I can sleep at night after watching the horrific experience that is Pirates baseball. 'Burgh starters have a combined 8.28 ERA against Chicago and have posted the most number of errors against them then any other team they have faced. Take away the Bucs' nine losses against Lou Pinella's ball club, and the 'rats would have an overall record of 22-17. Where are they at now? 22-26. Seven games back. .458 "winning," (yes, I am emphasizing winning) percentage.

I don't know why I do this to myself. I really do believe this is a better Pirate ball club then what the baseball world has seen in the last 5, 10, maybe even 15 years. But a 1-9 record against a divisional rival team like the Cubs is inexcusable. I would like to remind my viewers that the Pirates are a Major League Baseball team. Sometimes it's hard to see that, (especially when they play the Cubs), but if one was to look closely at their wins against the Braves, the Giants, or even the NL Central Cardinals, you'll see the true fire-and-flame the Pirates are capable of producing. 

I am not making excuses for them, nor am I giving up hope and calling it quits. 22-26 is not as awful as I seem to be making it. Streakiness, usually, is an awful way to play ball. The Buccos, however, seem to take advantage of being a streaky team by gaining ground in their division and getting their act together in a matter of five or six games. For instance, if they take the next four contests they'll be at.... well, that number has become a phrase like "Voldemort" from the Harry Potter series; a phrase that can never be spoken. It's important for the Pirates get back on track and get a win-streak rolling.

Momentum, patience, whatever you want to call it, the Pirates need to show what kind of a team they truly are. They need to prove it to the world of baseball, and they need to prove their own fans (including yours truly). Even if you don't have many all-stars or huge-contract players, a team can still play the game the right way and contend. 

I don't care if they miss the playoffs. I don't care if they don't come anywhere close to winning the Central or taking the Wild Card. I just want to see the game of baseball played right. I know this blog was a little too much rant and rave, but again, this blog is meant for that exact purpose... or else head would blow open.

We play two more games against the grizzly bears, (with Dumatrait on Saturday, Maholm on Sunday), and then we head off to Cincinnati to beat-up Dusty Baker's Reds. If we can't beat the Reds, then... In probably the worst scheduling set-up I have ever seen, the 22-straight string of games against National League Central opponents will continue until the first week of June. As manager John Russell said, "... and while this is not the situation we want to be in, these twenty-games will define what kind of a team we are."

Hats off to my fan-friends in Pittsburgh, and here is to a fast turn-around for these Buccaneers. The Cubs complain of a World Series draught over the last 100 years. What do we have to say to that? Try following a team that has made no real baseball improvement, wasted crucial draft picks, refuse to increase team funs, and especially carry 15 losing records on their belts over the last 15 years The Pittsburgh Pirates have done nothing but lost. There are 3,500 fans still attending, but triple that size have forbidden ever saying the word "Pirate." Prove them wrong, Russell, prove them wrong. 

Why the "Believe?": I wanted to keep that big "believe" at the top of my page to remind me why I am a Pirates fan and keep me rooting for them through the thick and thin. Why the question mark? Thats for you, the readers, to decide. If a fellow Pirate fan is having trouble "believing", check out the new link I have posted on the right. Dejan Kovacevic works for the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette and is one of my favorite writers. Though a little dated, it's an extremely good article that will keep Buc fans at a calm and quiet bay.

Pirates' Ian Snell threw a gutsy six innings. He walked two while allowing nine hits, including a homerun to Rickie Weeks. He gave up a total of four runs (two earned), dropping to 2-3 on the season. Snell has been anything but an ace so far in 2008, carrying a 4.84 ERA.

Xavier Nady's blast was the only run provided by the Bucs Express tonight, as the Pirates now have been outscored 12-3 in the first two of three against the Brew Crew.

It's obviously key that the 'rats take one tomorrow against Milwaukee in the finale, but they need to be looking ahead to the upcoming home series against the Chicago Cubs, (who they are 1-8 against so far). With the string of 22 contests against NL Central teams, the Pirates need to pick up their game if they want to contend in a surprisingly tough division.

Pirates/Brewers match was pretty awful. Starter Paul Maholm was pitching well until he ran into trouble in the seventh. Jason Bay's two-run shot off of former closer Eric Gagne was probably the best Bucco moment in the game. 

Hopefully Pittsburgh can take a win tomorrow. I need something to cure this "baseball blues."

I am not your typical baseball collector - I don't collect to hope the price increases some day. I collect to have baseball memories I can cherish in a ball or in a baseball card. As you will see, all my stuff has meaning and/or a story behind it. 

Tom Gorzelanny Rookie Card - Tom Gorzelanny was one of my favorite pitchers to watch last season. He had a terrific sophomore year in the big leagues, going 14-10 with an 3.88 ERA. Unfortunately, he's struggling mightily this year, having command and control issues on almost all his pitches. I still think he's going to be a great No. 3 starter one day, Gorzelanny still seems to have some trouble with a bad back that bothered him much this spring. 

2006 Highlights Shawn Chacon signed Card - The first of three Shawn Chacon memorabilia I have. My friend's father gave this to me and I am very happy to have a signed card of my favorite player. "Thou Shalt Not Steal" is a dopey phrase that Topps put on to set up for what they put on the back of the card. They discuss Chacon's streak of 84 2/3 without allowing a runner to steal second. He has a tremendous pick-off move and has caught many runners standing around at first. 

Shawn Chacon signed baseball - Last year, I went to two out of three games between the Bucs and the LA Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. I was able to get Shawn's autograph along with a few others (see below) during the Saturday and Sunday matches. Not only is this ball signed by my favorite player, but on the same night, Chacon allowed a walk-off grand-slam to Dodgers' catcher Russel Martin. I wouldn't call it an awful experience, since the game was pretty good, but it was definitely one that had a huge impact on me. 

Several Pirates signed baseball - Don't know how I was able to do this, but I was able to get some signatures of Pirate greats... aside from 1B Brad Eldred. Eldred's autograph was the first I got on Saturday. He was walking into the dugout after taking infield practice, and I yelled out his name to ask for an autograph. I will never forget the look on his face when I asked for it. He was surprised as can be.

Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez I got at the same time. They're the dynamic middle-infield duo. Like I stated in my last blog, I miss Wilson's bat and glove quite a bit after enduring a rough shortstop platoon of Bixler and Rivas. As my mother always tell me, "you never appreciate something until it's gone."

The last signature I got was during the Sunday afternoon game. Starter and now ace Ian Snell  gave me his, but wasn't too inclined to do so. I had to throw the ball over the Dodger's fan clubhouse seats, over the dugout and the dugout rail. There were some people (not players) standing around the dugout, and Ian Snell almost took them down trying to catch my baseball. He gave me a tough time, but it was a tough throw and Snell has been known to say what is on his mind.

Bill Mazeroski signed baseball - Hall-of-Fame second basemen who has won countless gold gloves and has been known for having a solid bat. Mazeroski will always be remembered  for his game-winning homerun in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees. I guess I get the best of both worlds with this signed ball (favorite teams in the Yanks, Buccos).

Willie Stargell signed picture - "Pops" is a Pittsburgh great. He is another Pirate to be elected into the hall-of-fame with fantastic career numbers. He won a NL MVP award in 1979, was a seven-time NL All-Star, and was the NL World Series MVP in 1979 after having won the championship back in 1971.

Notable Mention(s): I would like to thank my Uncle Dusty for the Maz and Stargell pieces. They mean a great deal to me, as they each have their own share of Pittsburgh Pirates history. Dusty, who I can't believe I have not discussed yet on this blog, is a huge Buccos fan. He didn't have to much influence on me becoming a Pirates fan, but he has become a great conversation about the old 'rats and about baseball in general. 

The next series beginning tomorrow (Maholm vs. Parra) in Pittsburgh is going to be huge. Not only will it be a critical home stand against NL Central teams, but the Bucs have a chance to get to .500 (and beyond?!) in front of their hometown fans at PNC. The Milwaukee Brewers have been struggling and are coming off a sweep in Boston against the Red Sox.

Speaking of Red Sox, congratulations to pitcher Jon Lester who has just thrown the 18th no-hitter in Boston history. He battled cancer and wasn't a sure thing to return to the Majors, but Lester is one of those feel-good stories that no matter what team he plays for, you're just happy to see him succeed.

Nate The Great. He's amazing. He's mind-boggling. He's out of this world. McLouth is a god.

Now, religion should really never mix with sports, but with the stats outfielder Nate McLouth is putting up... McLouth hit arguably his most important homerun of the season on Saturday, lighting up Chicago Cubs' reliever Carlos Marmol for a two-run bomb. McLouth brought in Freddy Sanchez to un-tie the game at five, giving him 36 RBIs on the year. If this man isn't elected as the NL All-Star starting center fielder, I will shoot myself in the foot.

Xavier Nady also has been nothing but clutch. He has come up with timely hits and put the ball in play every time manager John Russell has asked him to do so. He actually gave the Pirates a lead at one point this afternoon, hitting a sac-fly off of Chicago ace Carlos Zambrano.

Nady has also been ailing from a reported tight hammy, but it hasn't slowed the right-fielder down. McLouth and Nady have been a dangerous dynamic duo, giving Pittsburgh two big reasons to "keep the faith" and root for an almost unrootable (historically wise) ball club. 

There was more to this match though then just Nady and McLouth. Starter Zach Duke pitched 6 1/3 innings, keeping the Bucos in the game throughout. He gave up for runs, and while his pitch-to-strike ratio wasn't amazing at 109-69, he pitched a pretty good ball game. 

Zambrano was chased in the fourth by the Bucs' offense, as they scored four times to knock him out. The bullpen held down the 'rats until the infamous ninth inning where, well, Nat'ey' did his thing. 

Closer Matt Capps, as he unusually has been doing all season, made the game tighter then it should've been. In the bottom of the ninth, he gave up a two-out double to Alfonso Soriano, accounting for his fifth hit in as many at-bats. Shortstop Ryan Theriot singled Soriano in, sitting at first as the tying run. But, alls well that ends well, as Derek Lee lined out to Xavier Nady to wrap up the fantastic Buc victory, 7-6.

Notable Mention(s): This is no Cub blog, but Mr. Soriano has become the new Pirate killer.  For the second straight game, Alfonso homered twice off Pirate pitching. He has video-game type numbers against the Buccaneers, driving in 15 runs in 78 at-bats. Nine of his ten homers have come against Pittsburgh, showing his dominance against the NL Central division rival. 

Doug Mientkiewicz, who went 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI hit, started in place of 3B Jose Bautista for the third consecutive day. Bautista isn't injured, but Russell would like to see him practice his approach at the plate. With the win today, the Pirates won their first of eight against the Cubbies. Without their seven losses to Chicago, the Bucs would be  21-15.

Do I even mention it? Is it worth being slated as "notable?" If they push out a victory in the Windy City finale, the Pirates will be at .500. Yes, .500. Can they do it? Who the hell knows.

National League Batting Ranks

13th in AVG - .250

7th in HR - 40

12th in OBP - .323

10th in SLG - .392

National League Pitching Ranks

10th in W - 20

16th in BAA - .286

16th in ERA - 4.95

National League Fielding Ranks

T-1st in E - 39

1st in DP (turned) - 50

15th in FPCT - .976

Tough to think that only a year ago, the Pirates were 2nd in the NL in fielding percentage to the pennant winning Colorado Rockies. Oh, and how they always lead in double-plays turned. Jack Wilson hasn't even been there to toss to Freddy!

In 3 1/3 innings, Chacon allowed eight runs (five earned) on six hits. He has pitched six of his nine games for quality starts (6 IP, 3 ER or less), but this wasn't anywhere near quality. What's the big deal about the start? Well, for the first time in MLB history, a starting pitcher has made nine consecutive starts in which he recorded a no decision. Think about that ladies and gents, Chacon allowed 8 runs and still didn't pick up a loss. The 'stros, though tied the match up at one point, eventually lost 16-8, but who cares about Houston?

Well, that is the Shawn Chacon show everybody! Some people say I am too obsessed with the former Colorado Rockie, but sometimes you have to root for mediocre-career guys like Chacon. A friend of mine asked "What if Shawn Chacon never went to the Yankees? What if he became a Boston Red Sox." With NYY being my true number one team, not only would I probably have hated him, but I may have never become a Pirates fan. Oh, how sweet that could've been.

Tom Gorzelanny. Tom friggin Gozelanny. This guy went 14-10 in 2007, had a respectable ERA, and was one of baseball's biggest surprises. What has old Gorzy done for the Buccos this year? Lost four out of his first eight starts, carrying an ERA of 6.64. Two of his four defeats have been against his hometown Cubbies, three total starts in which he has gone 11 innings while yielding 21 earned runs. 

I still have hope yet in Tommy. He has a fantastic repertoire and can really handle a Major League at-bat, but the way he's been pitching this year... Management has to think about an option back down to Triple-AAA. Our rotation is supposed to be lead by Ian Snell and Tom, and they haven't put up the same numbers thus far as they did last season.

Any highlights to blog about? Well, not many. Jason Bay (9) and former Red Sox Doug Mientkiewicz (1) both hit homers, accounting for the only real highlights of the Bucs' ball game. Xavier Nady did bring in Nate McLouth on an RBI single, but I am pretty sure we 'burgh fans expect that one every time. For the fourth time in May, the Buccaneers weren't able to get to .500, as their record goes to 20-22.

Tomorrow is a huge game, as Zach Duke matches up against Cubs' ace Carlos Zambrano. If the 'rats drop tomorrow's contest, they will have lost 8 straight in the Windy City. Duke has been getting better with every start, so a quality start is a must. 

Notable Mention(s): First, I would like to thank MLBlogs.com for featuring me as the blog of the day. I guess the secret is out, I am indeed a Shawn Chacon fan! Second, the first round of Interleauge play begins today. The Pirates, not receiving much country-wide media attention, usually don't see Interleague play until June. As I write this, Philadelphia's Jayson Werth slams his third blast of the evening. Who doesn't enjoy the AL, NL season battles?

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE WORD. I am so glad to be doing this blog, and continue to comment and give me feedback. Thanks!

"That was close." It took eight innings before the Pittsburgh Pirates turned Wednesday's affair into an actual contest. After being embarrassingly two-hit by Cardinal starter Todd Wellemeyer, the Bucs caught a break on a misplaced popup by shortstop Caesar Izturis (a former Bucco might I add). Their first run would come around to score, and two men were on for Jason Bay. 

Bay hit a 1-0 pitch to left field. Far back. To the track. Right into Brian Barton's mit. St. Louis did an awful job of bringing runners in, and while 'Burgh pitchers got out of countless jams, it was just another sign showing that the Pirates are not a winning ball club. No matter what fans want to believe. 16 years of losing is next up on the list. 

Maybe it was just important for me, but I wanted to see the Pirates head to .500. After winning seven of eight games, no time was better to stop the long draught of a 20-20 record. Our hitting seemed to be alive. Our pitching seemed to be in-tune. Wednesday night, unfortunately, may have shown the true side to what the Buccaneers really are.

Bright spot of the game: Though he gave up a run, relief pitcher Marino Salas worked out of a jam to hold runners at 1st and 3rd. Salas struck out outfielder Chris Duncan for the final out of the 8th on three pitches, his third being a 93 MPH fast ball.  He doesn't have electric stuff, but after a fantastc Triple-A stint, this kid could be really good. 

Two aspects of my life were on major thresholds. I am currently getting a D+ in High School Geometry, and with a grade-deciding test tomorrow, I told myself I would rather pass then to see the Pirates earn a winning record. Well, I bargained for what I asked for.

19-21. As I said in my previous blog, it just took one. I write this now with the game still in progress in the top of the 9th. The Bucs still legalistically have a chance. No matter, Pirate fans know - GAME OVER.

I set up this new brand blog yesterday, but I thought it would be better to introduce it with a beautiful .500 start. I am not quite sure why I choose to root and write for such a team like Pittsburgh. The amount of losing they endure has to break apart the soul of any baseball fan. They're a club that, regardless of payroll or financial benefits, can't even get the fundamentals of the game down. Bright spots like Nate McLouth and Ian Snell flourish on the squad, but what the Buccaneer fan is driven by a strange fantasy hope.

As I said in my blog bio, I hope to one day become an MLB general manager. The front office aspect of baseball is my personal favorite, and after studying the game for the past five years, I feel like I have taken in a surplus of information. Moneyball by Michael Lewis is my bible, as the book teaches readers how to run a baseball team by following the seasons of a dominant Oakland Athletics ball club. 

Again, I can feel the hesitation from my readers. Why would I root for the friggin' Pittsburgh Pirates when their front office situation has gradually become a complete mess? Well, that is another joy I have in rooting for them. I can study and learn from the mistakes made by the 'burgh management. Though the new regime of President Frank C. and GM Neil Huntington are a far improvement from Bob Nutting and Dave 'Dumbell' Littlefield, there is still a lot to gain from a ball club like this one.

In terms of my outsider readers from my own, personal life, I know there isn't much 'interest' in baseball - let alone the Pittsburgh Ps. No matter the view totals or number of readers, the crazy and out-of-this-world feelings that come about have to be put together... or my head will explode. Please, sit back, enjoy, spread the word, and endure the astronomical game that is the Pittsburgh Pirates.