"THE BILLY RIPKEN BOBBLEHEAD"

Well, it looks like we're smack-dab in the middle of a full-blown controversy. The Tom Gorzelanny "middle-finger" bobblehead story has spread like wildfire, and is now being compared by Yahoo! Sports to the infamous Billy Ripken error card of 19 years ago.

Amidst all the hubbub, the Pirates have finally chimed in. Spokesman Jim Trdinich told WTAE/The Pittsburgh Channel that "he can't tell which finger is sticking out of Gorzelanny's glove in the photo that went to the bobblehead company, but he said it was not done in bad taste."

Despite their current/predictable basement status, the Pirates have already given us the Nate McLouth hitting streak, the end of the Matt Morris Era, The Great Byung-Hyun Kim Experiment, the pig-out section, and a controversial bobblehead. And it's only April. This season might not be so bad after all.

The Twi-Nighter: Introducing the 'Billy Ripken' bobblehead [Yahoo!]

Is Pittsburgh Pirates Bobblehead Giving The Finger? [The Pittsburgh Channel]

GORZO SPEAKS FOR US ALL

Lost in the real sports news happening in the city this weekend, the Pirates were giving away a bobblehead on Saturday night, continuing the trend of having a promotion for every game played on a night that ends in the letter "y". Unfortunately, this one slipped past quality control, as it prominently features Tom Gorzelanny's middle finger. There were a number of readers that sent this in, but credit for the first photo goes to Brad in East Liberty, who provided the shot you see above. Thank you, plastic Gorzo. Your silent statement speaks volumes about our displeasure.

Ironically, Saturday happened to be the final appearance of the Dave Littlefield-acquired Matt Morris, who left us with the lasting memory of 1 2/3 innings pitched, 6 hits, 6 runs, and a 2008 ERA of 9.67.

Morris (and Pirate fans) were finally put out of their misery with Morris' release on Sunday. For his contributions to Pirate lore, Morris will receive a shade over $10 million, which includes the remainder of his 2008 salary and his 2009 buyout. It also ensures his inclusion on countless internet lists about "The Worst Pirate Moves of All Time" well into the next millennium. He will be missed.