If he weren't the most talented pitcher that most of us have ever laid eyes on,

the most impressive thing about Paul Skeens would be that he can commit to this.

Good morning to you.

Good Thursday morning.

I'm Dan Kovachvich of D.K. Pittsburgh Sports.

This is Daily Shot of Pirates.

It comes your way bright and early every weekday.

If you're into football and or hockey,

I also offer daily shots of Steelers

and Penguins that I hope you'll take the time to check out as well. Sgeans is about to win

the National League's Sye Young Award, despite playing on a terrible team, despite having

all of that excellence, get put to no use other than the Sy Young Award.

And despite seeing all of this natural competitive spirit that this young man comes with just by default.

It's just in him.

It's in his DNA.

All of it just gets lit on fire.

It's thoroughly thrown into the trash.

I remember there was a break in the pregame activity, the clubhouse in Seattle,

and watching him go around and just work, work, work.

He wasn't pitching that day.

And put in all this extra effort.

And while still being, you know, friendly and down to earth and everything with everyone

...