Was wondering if any Bucs Dugout readers collect baseball cards? If that is something that interest you it is a great time to start collecting again. The Pirates have a lot of nice Prospects and there cards are very sought after. It's also hurtful to see Jose Bautista RC's sky rocketing in that Pirates Uni. I have been collecting bucco cards for about 30 years and it finally starting to get fun again! Lets go Bucs!

Espn's Buster Olney is speculating that Stephen Strasburg will make his debut vs Pittsburgh on June 8th @Washington. Might the Pirates counter by adding Pedro Alvarez to create a buzz to sell some tickets and get some fan base . What better way could the pirates showcase there young talent on a big stage vs the mighty Stephen Strasburg. Which is sure to be a media draw for sure and a win win for both clubs as neither get much national attention.

Though it would be a cool idea to try and predict the starting line up for each game.

1 Aki 2b

2 Laroche 3b

3 Cutch CF 3-5 vs Wells

4 Jones 1b

5 Church RF

6 Jaramilo C 3-6 vs Wells

7 Milledge lf

8 Cedeno ss

9 Burres P

IMO Church deserves the playing time. With addition of Pearce Russell needs to start using better match ups. Give it a shot.

Pirates (Morton)

1. McCutchen, CF
2. Crosby, SS
3. Milledge, LF
4. Church, RF
5. Clement, 1B
6. Alvarez, DH
7. LaRoche, 3B
8. Young, 2B
9. Jaramillo, C

Braves ( Kawakami)

1. McLouth, CF
2. Heyward, RF
3. Jones, 3B
4. Glaus, 1B
5. McCann, C
6. Diaz, LF
7. Hinske, DH
8. Infante, SS
9. Conrad, 2B

lets keep an eye on Lincoln today. Nice to see Alvarez in the line up. One bright spot from yesterdays game had to be the infield play of Laroche and Aki. Morton will face his old team again while we get to see our old friend Nate Mclouth.

The 17,049 in attendance to last nights victory have the answer to that question. There truly is a reason to go to game now. something is in the air and its not a rumor or the stink of Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez. Its the sweet smell of victories. Im in no way saying we are a great club,but hope is evident. Lets sweep the Phils and go looking for the brew crew.

Could make us a Contender in the Division? Is there a player out there at the right age and the right salary to make a difference? The Pirates only five games out just before the fourth of July. Most years Latrobe is being booked for traing camp and the Pirates come second nature to most. Maybe this is just a Pirate Pipe dream but I say make some more smart trades and just maybe the Steelers can wait for there fans.

Nate McLouth departed in the eighth inning Friday with a right hamstring injury.

McLouth came up lame while legging out a single in the eighth inning and immediately reached for his hamstring. He was 1-for-3 before exiting.

Maybe the Braves can take Morgan now. Who do they have left that we might want? 

Also read on mlbtraderumors.com that washington and pitts have discussed Morgan for Lastings Milledge. Pirates also asks for a Pitcher as well and Washington said no. Nyjers 29 and hes not gonna be more than a defensive replacement bench player long term. which would be perfect to have late in games as a pinch runner,but Milledge could be a great player. Perfect buy low sell high Trade.

Mets released outfielder Wily Mo Pena.
Pena was doing fine at Triple-A Buffalo, with five home runs and 21 RBI in 41 games, so the news comes as a surprise. Perhaps he requested the release with the hopes of signing on with another major league club.

Pena once known as a top prospect might provide some power we could use. Id recommend cutting delwyn lose and take a shot with Pena.  Id say worth a shot