As frustrating as the hitting has been, improving the pitching is paramount. A team with the worst pitching will not be successful no matter how good its hitting. Our hitting has been showing signs of life lately. In a post steroid age, good pitching is the key. Just last night 6 pitchers threw quality starts and lost their games : Carlos Martinez, Kershaw, Danks, Urena, Baumgarner, and Zimmerman. Additionally, Hector Santiago went 5 innings giving up only 2 runs and got the Loss. A quality start is often not enough and we don't get enough quality starts. The first step to getting better -- improve the garbage pail pitching.