Wehnerless

Following your favorite teams from the other side of the country can be a little tough. But I have already found one perk of the MLB extra innings package... road announcers calling Bucco games.

Now instead of listening to John Wehner ramble on about the gout in John Russell's elbow while Zach Duke is in the process of giving up one hit during five innings, I get to hear the take on the Bucs from the other side.

During Wednesday, final game against the Marlins I realized I was hearing more about the Pirate players than I ever have during an FSN Pittsburgh broadcast.

On top of that it's been interesting to hear the different tone those opposing analysts have taken with the Pirates in this short season. In the opening series the Cardinals' guys talked about the Pirates like someone would talk about a gnat that's been bothering you. One of the guys even talked about how the Pirates can be dangerous early in the season, because the guys don't realize they don't have a chance yet. Wednesday, a different story. The Marlins' men in the booth raved about the defense, and timely hitting from the squad that was showing the red-hot Fish how it's done.

Well, if those guys think these Pirates aren't too bad, maybe there is hope is this year.

Or maybe we're just waiting for Russell's gout to flare up.