The Sports Monitor

It's Opening Day and I had the misfortune of turning on the Pirates. It's early in the game as I write this, but it's hard to get excited about a team that features Lyle Overbay as its cleanup hitter. So even if he does come through with a game-winning homer, I won't change my mind. I know the Pirates are trying to justify his offseason acquisition, but batting him fourth? The last time I checked, teams put their biggest home-run threat fourth. Overbay is coming off seasons of 20, 16, 15 and 10 homers. And it's not like Overbay had limited action in those seasons. His at-bat totals were: 607, 500, 627 and 476. I know new manager Clint Hurdle is full of energy and is ultra-positive, but this move reeks of something John Russell would do.

If you tell a lie often enough, it becomes the truth. That adage might work in politics, but it certainly doesn't work when it comes to the Pittsburgh Pirates. At least that's my feelings a week after Pirates president Frank Coonelly uttered the phrase that soon will not be forgotten. "Today is our future because 2010 is the beginning of the next dynasty of the Pirates for me." I'm sure you heard it. And it's probably a safe bet that you're just as flabbergasted as I am this long after his proclamation. 2010 simply will be another year in a long line of losing seasons for the Pirates, no matter what Coonelly says. Spring training is supposed to be a time of optimism. I don't have it this season when it comes to the Bucs. Bob Nutting can boast about a great team. GM Neal Huntington can, too. Same goes for manager John Russell. I can't trust or believe a word these guys say -- just like a politician. Do they really think anyone that f...