I'm obligated to talk a little bit about the Pirates with my 76-year-old father . . .

DAVE: I've become convinced that the whole "re-building the system" was a colossal failure on the part of Coonelly and Huntington. They traded away all of those players, virtually the entire starting line-up from 2007 (except Ryan Doumit, who is worthless) and they got nothing in return. Nothing. There is nothing on the major league level, and reports are that there's nothing in the minors. They got nothing. You'd think he would have made at least ONE good trade. Even Littlefield had a greater return on his trades, and it pains me to even say that.

DAD: I think you are right. The players they acquired are doing nothing. The sad part of the whole situation is that Andy LaRoche may be the best of their acquisitions. What does that tell you? Of course, what difference does it make? If any of the players they have acquired turn out to do well, they will be traded as soon as they become arbitration eligible. You are also right about Ryan Doumit; he is really worthless, both defensively and offensively. Also, Garrett Jones is looking like a one-year wonder.