Thursday's first pitch

Leading Off
If you're a regular here at The Southpaw, you know how we feel about the Pirates flurry of trades. It stinks. Yesterday it continued. First, Jack Wilson was sent to the Mariners, then Freddy Sanchez went to the Giants.
That means there's only one member of the Opening Day starting lineup who remains in Pittsburgh.
This is a crime. This team had the talent to contend next year, if the nucleus was kept together.
Pittsburgh has some of the best sports fans in the country, but to have to go through 17 straight losing seasons is disgusting. And now? This team won't contend for at least three more seasons.
Bud Selig should step in. For the good of the game, this ownership group needs to be nixed. And quick.

Regional Roundup

• There were flashes of what could be. And flashes of balls traveling very far. That's how one would describe Chris Tillman's debut. His teammates, however, rallied behind him.


• JA Happ lost his second straight start. Jimmy Watch: 1-for-4, strike out, stolen base.


• So it doesn't even look like the Pirates got a sure thing for Jack Wilson.

Best of Rest

• This column throws heat at Pat Burrell. And he thought Philly was tough.


• The Cardinals and Dodgers are two of the National League's most powerful teams. They showed it in a 15-inning dogfight.


• John Harper says the Yankees need Roy Halladay.


• Carlos Beltran's return is still two weeks away.


• Speaking of returns, here comes Tim Hudson.


• The Cubs are click and clacking along now.

Batter's Eye

• Matt Garza admitted he drilled Mark Teixeira on purpose. Hopefully the Commish doesn't go bananas. Garza said he was sticking up for his teammate, Evan Longoria. The third sacker has been hit by just six pitches, but Garza has taken exception.

Today in history
1959 -- Willie McCovey had four hits in four at-bats in his major league debut, with the San Francisco Giants. His hits included two triples in a 7-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

1982 -- The Atlanta Braves returned Chief Noc-A-Homa and his teepee to left field after losing 19 of 21 games and blowing a 10½-game lead. The teepee was removed for more seats. The team recovered to regain first place.

The Closer
It's hard to tell who liked the trade more. Cliff Lee or the Phillies. Lee's itching to move to the City of Brotherly Love.
Now, the Phillies have some rotation question marks.
Ruben Amaro did so well he got heavy praise from Bill Conlin.