Related news item: The Pirates have traded Bay, Nate McLouth, Xavier Nady and LaRoche over the past 12 months for 13 players, almost all of them minor league prospects.
My take: This is an interesting developmental strategy on the part of the Pirates. They have reached the point where they are rebuilding to develop players to trade for their next rebuilding program.
News item: On Thursday, just four days after his heartbreaking loss in the British Open, 59-year-old Tom Watson shot a 67 in the first round of the Senior British Open at Sunningdale, England.
My take: I guess nobody should have doubted his strength of character after his amazing performance last week. He didn't win eight majors - and five British Opens - by letting one unlucky approach shot get him down.
News item: ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews became an even bigger media sensation when some lowlife filmed her through a peephole in her hotel room and put the nude video on the Internet.
My take: That's so sleazy that I haven't even been tempted to go looking for the video on the Web, and I've been pretty bored sitting here all week staring at the splint on my leg.
News item: Yankees managing partner Hal Steinbrenner has joined a long line of Steinbrenners by publicly proclaiming that manager Joe Girardi needs to make the playoffs this year.
My take: Well, I'll give him this. At least he did it the day the Yankees opened a three-game series against the Orioles, who haven't won a road game against the Yanks since last July.
News item: LeBron James admits in his new book that he smoked marijuana with friends in high school.
My take: Kids smoke pot in high school? I've got to spend more time at Barnes & Noble. I'm really out of the loop.
Listen to Peter Schmuck weeknights at 6 on WBAL (1090 AM) and check out "The Schmuck Stops Here" at baltimoresun.com/schmuckblog.
