Queen City weekend

The Pirates head to Cincinnati. The Reds' best starter went Thursday, so we'll match up Fogg, Wells, and Oliver Perez with Harang, Lidle, and Haynes. If I could pick one starter in the division to match up against Oliver Perez - who has not inspired confidence this spring - it might be Haynes. That could be an 8-6 Easter day extravaganza.

That said, this trip will be a big test for the team. Unfortunately, after Cincinnati the Pirates move right on to Chicago. If Wells can't go deep into Saturday's game, and if Oliver Perez pitches as well as his spring training starts suggest he will pitch, then the bullpen could be spent going into Benson's Monday start in the Cubs home opener against Maddux. (If Benson wants to make a statement to the team and to the league, could he ask for a better opportunity?) The Tuesday off will help, but this will be a tough and long road trip for the Pirates if the Reds can chase Fogg and/or Wells early and work the bullpen hard before Perez goes out to practice his new mechanics on Sunday. They should lean on Meadows first chance this weekend and save Boehringer for long relief on Sunday.