Next time, try playing without the eyepatch

I feel bad for the Pirates. I honestly do. Just like I felt bad for the Brewers two years ago. I imagine how their fans must think about the Cardinals, and it makes me sad. It isn't easy crushing the dreams of scrappy underdogs year after year. Of course, to me, the Cards are sort of underdogs themselves, taking on much better-funded teams and taking them down with their rookie-packed lineups and, at times, a dose of sheer dumb luck. It gives me a little bit of insight into how people can be Yankee fans and still live with themselves.

That aside, I must say, how 'bout our boy Wainwright? When's the last time you saw someone pitch to the end of a game in a clincher? Oh right: Chris Carpenter against the Phillies in 2011.