Bush League

Some of you who know me, know I'm from Pittsburgh and that I am a long-time (and long suffering) Pirates fan.

Over the past week, the Pirates made some personnel moves that have probably cost them quite a number of fans. They certainly have lost the respect of any knowledgeable observers of baseball.

The Bucs traded three of their best players (Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees; Jason Bay to the Red Sox) for eight minor leaguers. I guess the Pirates figure this is their best shot at a baseball record. They are on their way to tying the record for the most consecutive losing seasons (16, if you are interested). These trades may well insure that they get the record all to themselves after the 2009 season.

Actually, having been to PNC Park a few times, I must say the Pirates put on a good between innings show. They have the Pirogi race, hot dogs shot out of a cannon into the stands, fan contests, etc. It is very reminiscent of the way minor league teams entertain the fans when the baseball just isn't that good.

Maybe that explains the trade. Perhaps these 8 minor leaguers can give the Pirate management some new ideas for between inning fun that they have picked up in Altoona, Omaha, Las Vegas, Pawtucket, Scranton and all the other cities they have played in.