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

After last night's embarrassing 10-0 loss to the New York Yankees, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced today at approximately 10:12 AM Eastern time that they will hold open tryouts for the starting first base position.

The position is currently held by always-struggling Adam LaRoche, who had a bad game both offensively and defensively.

The requirements listed by manager John Russel are as follows:
Must have:

• Two arms
• Two legs
• A head
• A pulse

Anyone that can fill all four of the listed requirements can tryout today from 12:00 PM EST all the way to 5:00 PM EST. They will be held inside PNC Park.

Only one man can win the job, so make sure you get down there quickly!

Thanks for the contest, JOKERSWILD!

-Mike Greenspire

In last night's epic beatdown of the Yankees at the hands of my beloved Pittsburgh Pirates, the Buccos may have saved their season, and this may be a turning point. The Yanks were 6 games above .500, while the Pirates were 4 games under the even mark.

Hank Steinbrenner: What a sour-####

The Yankees can't be happy about losing to the team who everyone laughs at. I' on the other hand, couldn't be happier.

Joe Girardi repeatedly stated that we (as in the Yankees) "stunk" You're tellin' me!

However, we got no comment from the only guy I really wanted to hear from, Mr. Hank Steinbrenner. I was just waiting to hear him say something outrageous, like "WE LOST TO WHO?! A BUNCH ON SCRUBS?!" Never got anything, though. Oh well.

Derek Jeter and A-Rod seemed the most unpleased of the bunch, as Rodriguez mispronounced the name of the pitcher he just lost to. That says something. Or not.

But, the Pirates have successfully defended their ballpark, and will do it again tonight and tomorrow, and th next day, and the next day, and the next day.

"YOU LOST TO WHO!?"

HAHAHA! GO BUCS!

-Mike Greenspire

Alright, we currently have four players for this week, and here are the games: (Tuesday)

1. Blue Jays @ Yankees
2. Rays @ Red Sox
3. D-Backs @ Brewers
4. Tigers @ Athletics

Here are the picks:

Mike Greenspire
1. Blue Jays
2. Red Sox
3. Brewers
4. Tigers

bosox61
1. Blue Jays
2. Rays
3. Diamondbacks
4. Athletics

blue&orange
1. Blue Jays
2. Red Sox
3. Diamondbacks
4. Athletics

Lupus G.
1. Blue Jays
2. Rays
3. Diamondbacks
4. Tigers

These 4 participants are a part of Group 1. If you wish to play, simply be one of the first four to sign up below, and you will be a part of Group 2.

Group 1 will pick one week and Group 2 will pick the next, and so on.

Join! It is fun!

-Mike Greenspire

The New York Yankees have obviously moved on form Roger Clemens, having already given his number 22 to a new minor leaguer.

So, since Roger Clemens showed up at Astros camp, does this mean that he will be an active Astro basebal player in 2008?

Personally, I think that they will hire him to train the younger guys coming up from AAA.

I hope that there are seriously no steroids involved. I'm positive there won't be.

So, what will Clemens be doing in 2008?

Please speculate.

-Mike Greenspire