The Pittsburgh Pirates enter Wednesday in a familiar position: last place in the National League Central, and in possession of the Senior Circuit's second-worst run differential. It's early yet, and it's only fair to disclose that the Pirates are without some key players,

Pirates fans have gotten fed up with owner Bob Nutting’s unwillingness to spend on players. Paul Skenes hears them, and he sees the positives in their frustration as he tries to lead a culture change for a club that has missed the playoffs the past nine years.

THE WORLD IS loud and fast and demanding, and to combat this, Paul Skenes forages for silence. He relishes the moments where the chaos gives way to blissful nothingness, just him and dead air. Right now,