Writers Bloc: Joe Millionaire

Updated: September 17, 2003, 9:38 AM ET

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By By Jim Baker

When it is all said and done, 2003 will look like most of the rest of the Pirates losing seasons -- at least on paper. Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes this one is a little different, though. He thinks the seeds of future success have been sown in their .500-plus record over the last three months.

A blooper for the ages? Drew Olson of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel believes that the Brewers' Mark Smith may have minted one last night in the game against the Cardinals. His misadventure on a fly ball by Albert Pujols took many twists and turns. Here's a question: how did Pujols only end up on second on the play? Where's the hustle we so desperately crave in our pennant-contending players?

He has the best stats of any pitcher in the American League, yet he is a little short in the win column -- a number voters like to see inflated for their Cy Young candidates. That shouldn't hurt Pedro Martinez, argues Steven Krasner of the Providence Journal.

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