The Pirates have a certain set of resources to maximize team potential. This organization cannot dominate the free agent wars. They must build within at the minor league level. I like the signs of success. It might not guarantee future success, However, it certainly is a strong belief that things will get better in the future real soon.

These players are ripping up the minors. This deserves praise.

How many games did the Iron Horse have to take off from first base? Jones must strive for greatness. He must understand that he is needed in the line-up. Jones must embrace this leadership role.

Jones strikes out a lot more and walks a lot less against lefties. He's under enormous pressure to produce in the clean-up spot, and an occasional day off might serve him well.

PL

Polatta: Where did Walker and McCutchen come from if they did not come from the draft? How about all the hype surrounded around Pedro? The draft is and will always be the foundation for this organization until the economics of the game change.

Doumit, Maholm or Duke, LaRoche or Young and Church should all be shopped at the trade dead line. I would love to throw in Clement, Aki and Morton into the mix. All these players’ future costs will exceed what they will return in value to the organization. If the organization could secure one top prospect seasoned minor league player for this group, I would be very pleased. Doumit is solid, but the Pirates have depth at that position. The financial burden that would be relieved would ensure the Pirates the funds to sign all drafted players this season and nex

How 'bout Jones-Milledge in right field, Doumit-Pearce at first base, Jaramillo-Doumit at catcher?

PL

You should join Polatta on stage.

Just got done reading you're post and I can't stop laughing. You should do stand up comedy.

Starting 2011 lineup: CF McCutchen LF Tabatta 2B Uggla 3B Pedro 1B Jones RF Pence C Doumit SS Cedeno P Duke

Lets quit acting like we are building thru the farm system and the draft. They have had a top 5 pick basically in the draft for 15 years and we dont have anything via the draft. Fill the holes with quality players, now theres an idea. And dont ask whos gonna pitch cause were gonna win with the bats!! Your welcome Neal. Pull the trigger!

Tabata has been very productive in his 2 games. If the season ended today, Milledge has reached a level where I think he deserves to play for the Pirates in the opening lineup of next season. Who would you put in his place? After Pedro comes up and possibly Kratz or Giminez, I do not see any more players MLB ready in the farm system. Jones does not have the speed to play the corner outfield position everyday. I like him at first. The team is still not ready to make a big splash in free agency. Why divert resources from signing future potential all stars in the MLB draft. These are the players that could make a big difference! Free agency at best is a band-aid at this stage for the Pirates. The foundation has not secured the proper seasoning. Who do you think the Pirates should trade or get back?

Instead of the bitc**** come up with solutions!

Tabata is now 375 - I will take Tabata. Milledge's numbers are not that bad that he is a team killer like Aki. We all know Pedro is the future so why place LaRoche in the mix? As long as Clement, Morton and Aki are not on the 25 man roster at all next season, the team can reach repectability. It is in 2012 that the team will make an impact.

I can't wait to securing the next required draft class to complete the foundation for the Pirates first run at a World Series since 1979.

McLouth has a .176 batting average and three homers. Are you talking about a different guy?

PL