And another thing...

I'm pretty much sick and tired of hearing FSN's Final Score and ESPN's Baseball Tonight rip the Pirates for the LaRoche trade.  In the matter of a few hours last night, I was privy to the following nuggets from the national media, which seems to enjoy completely ignoring the Pirates except when the opportunity presents itself (or is created by the anchors) to criticize them.

(while showing John Russell pulling LaRoche out of the dugout in the middle of yesterday's game): "Good news, Adam, you've been traded to a playoff contender!"

(while going to a commercial break): "And when we come back, we'll examine -- is there anything good about staying a Pittsburgh Pirate?"

(while introducing Pirates-Brewers highlights): "You know, they've shown a lot of heart to keep coming out and winning some ballgames, even as their clubhouse has so much turnover and their team has no direction."

(while showing said highlights): "Oops, Ryan Doumit homered.  He'll be the next to get traded.  Oops, Brandon Moss homered.  He'll be the next to get traded."

That's right -- instead of giving actual, relevant commentary on one of the Pirates' most exciting and satisfying wins of the years, these stupid talking heads were making fun of the Buccos, and on what grounds?

I mean, we all know that I love the Pirates as much as anyone, but have you seen their farm system?  Did you see it at this time last year?  The Pirates are not just giving up players for the sake of it.  There is a very clear plan in mind, and that plan involves -- to borrow the phrase Rocco has used many times over -- infusing the system with young talent, not hanging on to guys who are getting up there and whose best years may be behind them.

Another thing I resented is the implication that Neal Huntington is making these trades willy-nilly, just throwing darts at the lineup card to determine who is the next to go.  He is not going to trade Ryan Doumit or Brandon Moss because they hit a home run or had a good game.  Just like he didn't trade Adam LaRoche, Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Nyjer Morgan, or Nate McLouth for no reason, or for just one reason.  Each of these decisions is carefully thought-out, and the intimation that the Pirates' front office is filled with buffoons made me wonder if these silly national anchors wouldn't be better served for their cheap laughs by looking in a mirror.