Author: mattbandi

Lastings Milledge is on second base after leading off an inning with a double, and the Pirates appear to have something cooking. The next batter hits a two-hopper directly to the shortstop and Milledge takes off for third. He is easily thrown out. After the game, an exasperated fan calls the local radio station and asserts that John Russell has clearly lost this team. Is he right?

The Pirates have managed to produce some very strange methods of losing in Milwaukee this year. Last night, Lastings Milledge misplayed a fly ball into a two-run triple, which directly led to a 7-2 loss. Let's take a look at just one of the 349,993 ways the Pirates have found to lose a game.

Probable Starters RHP James McDonald vs. LHP Chris Narveson LHP Zach Duke vs. LHP Manny Parra RHP Charlie Morton vs. RHP Dave Bush

John Russell has taken his fair share of criticism during his time as the Pirates' manager, some of which has been justified. Despite the historic losing and the anger heaped down from the fanbase, he is still standing unfazed in the Bucs' dugout. That, in itself, is a testament to why Neal Huntington chose him to lead this team.

The long-held assumption among many has been that Bob Nutting is pocketing a fortune as the Pirates principal owner. Now that it has become apparent that the team is making just a modest profit, the complaints among frustrated Pirates fans has shifted to a more relevant issue. Should a team receiving significant revenue sharing be permitted to show even one dollar of profit?

Many fans got their wish today, as the Pirates opened their books to the public. Sort of. After financial records were leaked to the Associated Press, Bob Nutting and Frank Coonelly preemptively revealed the leaked details to local media members. I am far from an expert on finances, so I will just stick to a few of my general reactions.

Probable Starters RHP Kyle Lohse vs. RHP Ross Ohlendorf RHP Adam Wainwright vs. LHP Paul Maholm RHP Jake Westbrook vs. RHP Jeff Karstens

Probable Starters RHP Mike Pelfrey vs. RHP Jeff Karstens LHP Jonathan Niese vs. RHP James McDonald LHP Johan Santana vs. LHP Zach Duke

The Pirates have signed top Mexican prospect Luis Heredia for $2.6 million, the highest international bonus in team history.

It is a question that many Pirates fans want answered. When, exactly, will the front office sink some significant resources into the major league product? The Pirates’ best players in 2010 are mostly in their pre-arbitration years, which naturally keeps the payroll low. But for now, there is some financial flexibility. Should the Pirates start spending in the upcoming offseason?

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington was on The Fan morning show on Tuesday, discussing Monday night’s draft signing deadline. He talked about Jameson Taillon, Stetson Allie, a few 2009 draftees and some issues involving the major league team. For some reason, he made people angry.

Dejan Kovacevic reports that outfield prospect Andrew Lambo, acquired in the Octavio Dotel trade, has a sprained AC joint in his shoulder.