The only 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star hit a two-run homer deep last night, which eventually won the game for the Buccos over the Yankees.

That game was the best one I have seen out of the Bucs all year, and maybe even the best one league-wide. That was how the Pirates are capable of playing every night.

In my opinion, the Pirates defense plays better when they have a better pitcher on the mound. Paul Maholm is by far the best starting pitcher in the Pirates organization, and it seems that when he is the one throwing, the Buccos play considerably better than they do when someone like John Van Benschoten or Ian Snell is the starter.

So, I say we attempt the first successful human cloning and make 4 more Paul Maholms.

If he, or in this case him or one of his clones, were on the mound every night, the Pirates would easily be contending for first place in the NL Central.

If such a procedure was successful without a flaw whatsoever, then the Pirates would be one of the feared teams. We have all the pieces to be a serious contender, we just need more guys like Maholm... or, more Maholms.

Here is the line-up I would use every night for defense:

C: Ryan Doumit
1B: Adam LaRoche
2B: Freddy Sanchez
3B: Jose Bautista a.k.a. Joey Bats
SS: Jack Wilson
RF: Jason Bay
CF: Nate McLouth
LF: Xavier Nady
Utility: Doug Mientkiewicz

Offensive Line-Up:

1. Ryan Doumit
2. Nate McLouth
3. Jose Bautista
4. Jason Bay
5. Xavier Nady
6. Freddy Sanchez
7. Adam LaRoche
8. PITCHER (Maholm, Snell, Bautista, Marte, whoever)
9. Jack Wilson

The Pirates have had the pitcher bat from the 8-spot in the line-up for 10 straight games I believe. I may be wrong, so correct me if I am.

Great line-up, both on offense and defense. If our pitching was as good as either one, we would be contenders for a wild card, or maybe even a division title.

Take care everyone!

-Mike Greenspire