A key for the Pirates this year will be starting pitcher Ian Snell. Tuesday, he proved it. Snell was shelled for eight runs in four innings in a 9-3 loss to the Cardinals, bringing back memories of many starts in 2008. He finished last year with a 5.42 ERA after sporting a 3.76 ERA the previous season. One problem Snell had last year was with left-handed hitters, who combined to hit .314 off him. That, and Snell's road ERA last season (6.22) was a recipe for disaster. And a disaster it was. The Cards' Chris Duncan proved Snell's not over his lefty problem with a two-run shot. Then the Bucs showed they weren't over their Albert Pujols problem when he sent a Snell pitch over the wall. It was Pujols' fifth career blast off Snell. Let's remember one thing: It's one start, so a lot can change. Many pitchers have been hammered in their first start this season (CC Sabathia, Tim Lincecum, Brandon Webb), so things can turn around. However, with a poor season from Sne...
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