Game 161.0: Pirates at Marlins

Charlie Morton gets his last bit of work before the playoffs, where he'll probably be needed most as a swingman from the bullpen. Sanabla pitches for Florida. Game at seven.

Game 160: Pirates at Marlins

As Paul Maholm basks in the clinching of his Cy Young award after Zach Duke graciously bowed out yesterday, Daniel McCutchen will attempt to clinch Rookie of the Year with his 18th victory.

Throw in Ronny Ballgame's wizardly tutelage, and you have magically exciting and meaningful Bucco baseball in October. Again.

Game 159.5: Pirates at Marlins

In the final and perhaps most important series of this magical 2010 season, Ronny Ballgame will work pro bono with the Bucs' pitchers to help determine who will make the postseason roster.

Coonington might want to consider retaining Ronny during the Bucs' first and second round playoff byes to help bunting instruction.

Game 159: Pirates at Cardinals

The Cardinals are still passed out at a red light, and now are officially eliminated from the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the clinchy Bucs have a few tough postseason roster decisions to make before they rest up and practice bunting during their first round playoff bye.

Game 158: Pirates at Cardinals

Bucs up 7-2 in the ninth. Hopefully the Bucs will not pick up any bad habits from the hapless Cardinals right before their clinched first-round playoff bye.

Game 157: Pirates at Cardinals

OutBUNTed. Nice win though.

NFL week 3: Steelers at Buccaneers

I will try to keep one eye on this football game. The other eye will be on the Bucs team that will end the season in the playoffs.

Game 156: Astros at Pirates

Maholm and his 106 mph fastball pitch to contact against the hapless out-of-contention Astros at 1:35.

To advance deep in the playoffs, the Bucs need more practice bunting runners from second to third, especially by good hitters with no outs. It would make a world of sense to get this practice today, even when there are no baserunners.