He does have some pop in his bat and he is a brilliant base stealer, in terms of quality if not quantity. Does Pokey Reese make the Pirates better than they were a year ago? Given the "production" the Pirates got from their second basemen in 2001, he probably does. So paying Pokey Reese $5 million over two years is nothing like giving $14.5 million to Pat Meares or $9 million to Derek Bell (two of former GM Cam Bonifay's more unfortunate brainstorms).

On the other hand, the Pirates' biggest problems last year did not include defense at second base, or team speed. The Pirates' biggest problems were pitchers who didn't strike anybody out and hitters who didn't get on base. Pittsburgh pitchers struck out 908 hitters, fewest in the National League. Pittsburgh hitters combined to post a .313 on-base percentage, lowest in the major leagues.

NORTH TONAWANDA: Something in the air

What's the source of this water?" Manth said. "Where is it coming from and why is there a constant flow? There are a lot of unanswered questions."Osborn's concerns reach beyond the point of her own nose. Her son, Ryan, was diagnosed late last year with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, an extremely rare blood disorder which can lead to long-term chronic health problems. The cause of LCH is unknown.Ryan's recent diagnosis and recent odor issues on the street could be completely coincidental, but Osborn wants to know that information for certain."I'm not looking for somebody to blame for his illness, but if this at all has led to it, I believe I'm entitled to the results of the water test," Osborn said.Osborn has dealt with numerous officials on the matter, but so far, has gotten no results. One of these officials is North Tonawanda City Engineer Dale Marshall, who is aware of the problem.Upon inspecting the house, Marshall concluded that the home was built too low in 1956, so the newly-installed sump pump never stops running.

Why aren't there more positive stories about teachers?

Question: After reading this Sunday paper I have a question for you. How many positive front page stories have you done on the teaching profession? Any person in any profession that helps young people that betrays the trust should at least go away for life, sick or not. I think most would agree to that. My point however is that I see great teachers every day doing great things. Why not do a monthly story on them on your front page. I see teachers helping students in need. Teachers working weekends, holidays, and bring work home every night. I see teachers giving everything they have to help a child that everyone else has forgotten. I see teachers everyday who care for the hundreds of students that walk into their school. All I ask you is, why you havent reported on them. I think I know the answer, do you? Thank you for your time.

Old Clinton ties and voters' sway tug at delegates

During the last election I boycotted all election ads. If one came on the tv I changed the channel. I didn't care what I changed it to, but I was not going to give my time to those kind of negative attacks. Being President is basically a decision based on popularity. I am embarrassed that our country uses such slime to make one person look better than another. I saw those pictures of Obama a long time ago and I still voted for him because I think he is the better person.

Clinton bashing Obama makes me hate her, which is sad cause I was a fierce supporter of what happens in a family stays there regardless of class or position when she was going through her husband's infidelity.