So exactly WHAT are the Pirates doing?

The Eric Hinske trade was one thing. I can undersand shedding a "never-was" sort of guy and getting back a couple of prospects. But trading Nyjer Morgan for Lastings Milledge? What sense does that make? Reports had surfaced a couple of days ago about this deal getting done, but seemed to fade as it was said Pittsburgh wanted pitching back, not another outfielder. Then the deal got done yesterday with Joel Hanrahan going to the Pirates as well, and Sean Burnett going back to the Nats.

Hanrahan twice lost the Nationals' closing duties and Milledge wasn't even with the big club. I am just absolutely flummoxed on this one folks. The Pirates were playing somewhat well this season, hovering around five or six games under .500. It just seems increasingly apparent that they are destined to lose, every year, over and over again.

Jason Marquis pitched a great game last night. Marquis was one of the many players on the trade block in Colorado some three weeks ago, long before this run towards the wild card lead.

John Smoltz had his second start of the year shortened by rain. The Orioles apparently came back out on the field after the delay and decided to play some baseball. Trailing ten to one, Baltimore staged a comeback for the ages.

Mariano Rivera threw out the first pitch (a ceremonial first pitch) before the Yankees-Mariners tilt at Yankee Stadium last night. Then he threw the last pitch, picking up his 501st save of his career in a eight to five Bombers win.

Phil Hughes has done well in the bullpen. Again, why aren't the Yanks afraid of ruining Hughes like they do Joba? NY Daily News beat writer Mark Feinsand discussed Hughes being pulled after a stellar inning last night.

Manny is back on Friday. I am still highly disappointed in the MLB for allowing him to "rehab" during his 50 game suspension. All will be forgiven in LA if he tears the cover off the ball for the next three months. Juan Pierre has done a great job while Mr. Ramirez was gone. I wonder how the at-bats will be worked out in the LA outfield.

Don't know if you knew this or not... Albert Pujols is really damn good.