At 8-10, I find myself torn on how to assess the Pirates so far and what if anything to do going forward. I will try and stay away from the typical Pedro questions, but my first question comes with playing time and if Hurdle is getting it correct.

1. Do you think Hurdle is doing a good job of getting at bats to Pedro, Mcgahee and Jones? Obviously Pedro has done a lot for his case today with two homers in two games, and the only real argument I have at this time is getting CM more at bats. I think he is a steady and reliable bat and he still has potential to be a really good player.

The next issue comes with Barajas. Our pitching staff has done incredible to this point. How much credit does Rob deserve for this. Obviously he can't hit .050 no matter how good he is behind the plate, but I can live with a .200 guy with a few homers if he has control of the staff and is doing a great job behind the plate. Mckenney also is doing a good job back there when he gets the chance, so does that take some of the credit away from Barajas?

2. Obviously not being able to hit his way out of a paper bag wont cut it, but does Barajas turn it around at the plate(expectations don't need to be high), Is the Fort deserving of more playing time back there, and if neither are the answer do we have to go out and get a catcher this year??

The final question surrounds a very positive so far for the Pirates. Yes it is early but their starting rotation has been very very good, and some guys in the minor leagues are having decent starts as well. Lincoln has already been brought up, and is fine in the pen, but he would be ready to start. Rudy Owens has looked good so far, now it wouldn't mean the end of the world to keep him in AAA all year, but how great is his value to us or to another team. Same can be said with Locke, he has looked pretty good so far early in the season.

3. With our team playing decent baseball, but out offense floundering, is there a trade we can make in order to better our team now? Do we wait and try and deal once again for our future? When Karstens comes back we will have 7 starters on the team(probably with two in the bullpen) and another 2 hopefully ready to step up if we need to. I think Burnett and Bedard aren't going anywhere. Do we trade Macdonald, Morton, Karstens, Correia, Lincoln, Owens or Locke? Do we trade a guy like KC to a team who needs a 4th or 5th starter for a prospect? Do we package Lincoln, Owens or Locke with a guy like Grossman and someone else to bring back someone for this year?