Snell stinks again

It's time the Pirates seriously consider pulling Ian Snell from the rotation.

They should, but they won't.

Before yet another horrific start by Snell Sunday in St. Louis, Pirates manager John Russell was asked if any of the starting pitchers could be sent down to the minors to get whatever problems they are having worked out. He simply said "no," then went on to say that a lack of starting pitching depth within the organization doesn't allow the Pirates to make such a move at this time.

If the Pirates were playing for this year, I would agree. However, they have to be looking beyond this year, and they must get Snell's problems worked out sooner rather than later before he spins completely out of control.

Snell lets a lot of things get into his head, particularly outside distractions. He has been at times brutally honest about such disclosures but the fact remains he gets rattles too easily. His latest "distraction" is the new contract he signed before the season which he says has put a lot of pressure on him to perform.

Whether he needs to go to the minors or to the team psychologist, if Snell continues to struggle it could get a lot worse before it gets better.

The Pirates should take a page from Cleveland's book when they sent Cliff Lee to the minors for a period last season. He responded this year with his best season yet.