The Pirates are off to a 4-1 start after beating the Cubs 6-1 today. So far, kudos need to go to the pitching staff and Aramis Ramirez. The pitching staff has a 2.45 ERA, and although they have allowed 5 HR, they have all been solo shots. The staff also has an excellent 2.33 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio.

Ramirez has a .409 OBA and a .550 slugging percentage. No HR yet, but he has 3 doubles in his 8 hits. Young and Reese are playing well. If Kendall comes around, the offense could be decent. One wonders how much the departure of Bell improved the whole attitude of the team.