Game 157: Reds @ Pirates (7:10 EDT). Bailey vs. Burnett.

Depending on which series the Reds land in, they won't play another home game until either October 9 or October 10. In any case, they'll need to steel themselves for some crummy early fall weather in the Midwest.

While we're making plans over here, the Pirates have been in a downward spiral of self-destruction. They led the Reds in the Central at the All Star Break. They were in a virtual tie for the 2nd Wild Card at the end of August. And now they have to win out their final six games just to salvage the franchise's first winning record since 1992. It's not Roger Clemens who needs to come out of retirement - it's Barry Bonds. If he suits up for a game, maybe it would set things right. Hell, Jim Leyland might be looking for a job soon. They've tried everything else.

The Pirates are deserving of our pity. Not in a condescending way. And not real-world pity. Just baseball pity, from a fan-base that was in their shoes for a little while.

REDS LINEUP

Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
Zack Cozart (R) SS
Joey Votto (L) 1B
Todd Frazier (R) LF
Jay Bruce (L) RF
Scott Rolen (R) 3B
Drew Stubbs (R) CF
Ryan Hanigan (R) C
Homer Bailey (R) P

PIRATES LINEUP

Alex Presley (L) LF
Jordy Mercer (R) 2B
Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
Garrett Jones (L) 1B
Jose Tabata (R) RF
Pedro Alvarez (L) 3B
Clint Barmes (R) SS
Rod Barajas (R) C
A.J. Burnett (R) P