This point from Rob Biertempfel's article in Monday's Trib is worth noting: Hurdle has altered his approach to using the bullpen and now tries not to use a reliever more than two days in a row. Last year, he shut guys down after three straight outings. "We’re trying to be a little more tactical, a little more smart with the bullpen," Hurdle said. The Pirates may have enough depth and talent in the pen to make this work with Tony Watson, Brad Lincoln, Chris Resop and potentially Jared Hughes. But because Hurdle appears tied to using certain players in certain roles ... We'll see what happens when they play three consecutive close games in which they lead late. In theory, this is a nice idea. If it forces Hurdle to be more flexible it could be great, but I hope it won't cost the Pirates games.