THE BULLPEN

     Back to that same old place, sweet home Chicago! Our Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their road trip tonight in Chicago when they face the Cubs at the not-so-Friendly Confines. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Deja vu again. How many times have we been here this season? How many times have the Pirates gone into the final game of a series and we're hoping they can, at least, salvage 1 win? Too many times to count, that's for sure, especially against the Cubs. Following last night's latest loss, 3-0, the Bucs are just 1-7 at Wrigley this season. Are they on a Milwaukee-like losing streak? Maybe not but you IF they make the playoffs, and that's a BIG IF, they'l face the Cubs at Wrigley. Better to get the monkey off your back now. Get in the win column and raise the Jolly Roger! 2)The Pirates better right the ship and they'd better do it quick. They're 2.5 back of St Louie for the 2nd wild card. And, oh look, the Mets are right there with them. The Marlins are just 3.5 out. Time to break out all the Pirates cliches. All hands on deck. Full speed ahead. Hit, Run, & Score! 3)RH Ryan Vogelsong, 3-3, 3.02 ERA goes for the Buccos. He'll face Cubs RH Jason Hammel, 13-7, 3.21 ERA. Hammer Hammel! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!