Pirates Improve to 2-0

What do the Pittsburgh Pirates have in common with the Twins, Yankees, and Mets? They are all tied atop the Grapefruit League with a 2-0 record. That comes after the Buccos pulled off a nineth inning come from behind 2008-style victory over the Boston Red Sox.

Ian Snell gave up two unearned runs in the bottom of the first. Boston pitching looked solid until the top of the nineth as prospects Neil Walker, Jose Tabata, and Pedro Alvarez all came across the plate to place the Pirates in the lead 3-2.

Former Red Sox minor leauger Daniel Haigwood came in for the save. It took only 9 pitches for this kid to get out 3 Red Sox players. Not too bad of an outing by the Pirates pitching staff. Clutch hitting in the 9th by some prospects should put them in a more positive light with fans...especially that Pedro guy.

Lets Go Bucs

Breaking News: Pirates Third Most Popular Professional Team In Pittsburgh

Obviously, there isn't too much going on in the world of PNC Park today. Dejan has a couple of interesting reports in his weekly Hot Stove article. Andy LaRoche needs to work on building up morale, the Pirates will field trade offers for Adam LaRoche later in the season, more scouts have been added around the world, Neil Walker talks about pressure from the top and bottom at third, John Grabow has elbow chips, the Pirates have changed the way they set up conditioning programs, and yes...more on Eric Hinske.

Steelers...DO IT!
I'll be sure to post more on the headline at some point today.
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photo credit: Hines Ward leaps his way into the end zone and is well on his way to Super Bowl XL MVP - Dan Powers, The Post-Cresscent