[EmpireWF]

Amazingly, with the Mets ready to clinch the NL East, the Pirates sent them home still searching for that victory. The Pirates swept the Mets today after a great pitching performance by lefty starter Zach Duke.

The Pirates, at least for one weekend, looked to have a bright future.

[MJHMarc]

We will have to wait and see about that, EmpireWF. They have the potential in their organization but they have to learn some baseball which will only come with some better personel. That is a start for now!

By the way, how hard do you think the Mets are trying? If they lose every game for the rest of the season (only about a week) they should be in the post-season without a doubt.

[Lefty Noob]

Man, finally, something for this ol' Pirates fan to smile about!

... and of course, my sympathies to all of you Mets fans for keeping you guys from clinching this weekend (snicker).

[ThePundit]

Hopfully they'll carry into next year. Like the Royals, the Pirates are one of those old franchises that I'd like to see do well...

[MJHMarc]

In time the Royals and Pirates will succeed in their quest for the champions. All the need is the right players, strategy and chemistry. All that can be achieved in less than a couple of years and the Mets indicated in their progress from 2004 to their current season of 2006.

To clarify, time will tell.