The Train Kept A-Rollin'

No Malkin, no problem.  No Letang, no problem. Backup goaltender versus an elite Boston team, no problem.  Just what can stop the Pittsburgh Penguins in their current march through March?  As the team's current winning streak has reached nine games, practically one fifth of the abbreviated 48 game season, hockey experts across the land are taking notice of our flightless birds. 

With a perfect four point weekend, culminating with an impressive 2-1 win over a very good Bruins team, the Pens opened up a staggering twelve point lead over the Jersey Devils for the divisional title.  With only 18 games remaining in the shortened season, the Penguins are looking like a true cup contender this spring, with captain Sid Crosby looking like he may need to make some more room in his already crowded trophy case.

The recent wins have been of all types - high scoring end to ends, shootout wins, exciting come from behinds.  Oh, and as Ron Cook of  FM 93.7 The Fan just reported, the Pens became the only team in NHL HISTORY to come from behind by two or more goals and win a game in regulation after being shut out through the first 40 minutes of play, when they did so against Bruins on March 12th.  Impressive...

BACK CHECKING:

• despite my second sentence, an extended loss to Letang could prove costly.
• so just who has turned in the most delightfully surprising season thus far: Paul Martin or Chris Kunitz?
• with just nine wins to go, Marc Andre Fleury is set to join a quite exclusive club of netminders who have notched career win #250 prior to their 29th birthday.  Can you name the others?
• Beau Bennett, future Penguins star or trade deadline bait?
• when do the Mark Eaton jerseys go on sale again?

The Circus Comes To Town

What a great night of entertainment an NHL matchup of two Stanley Cup candidates can bring.  It's doubly entertaining when the game can be preceded by a bona fide circus show.  It must have been an amazingly triumphant feeling for reigning clown prince Scotty Hartnell and his throngs of orange and black clad cheese steak drooling minions last night as the buzzer sounded ending the first act of the show. The Wells Fargo faithful were treated to a big top spectacle that could rival any Ringling Brothers performance.  Not only were the Philly Flyers drubbing the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1 on the scoreboard, they were doing it in a way that was eerily familiar for us chagrined flightless bird backers.  The unjustly dubbed Sniveling Sid Crosby was the tamed cowardly lion, netminder Marc Andre Fleury looked as graceless as the dancing bear, and James Neal in a fight, well, let's just say that a bearded lady is far more appealing (and southeastern PA has plenty of bearded ladies).

Sure, it was quite the freak show.  Unfortunately for those Philadelphians that follow the NHL's most classless act, the game is actually 60 minutes in length, not 20.

The lion hearted Crosby and his pride roared out of the visitors' locker room to start the second frame with a renewed focus and drive.  The outcome that the scoreboard revealed 40 minutes later was the reality that our Philadelphian brethren deny confronting - the Penguins are simply a more talented hockey team.  The 6-5 victory will go a long way in cementing a basic concept in the Penguins' minds - stay grounded and play solid hockey and the results will be there.  The Pens are not the outfit best suited for a rumble in the Broad Street gutter, and we all learned that lesson painfully last April.  Guys like Neal are paid to launch laser beam slapshots not fists, and certainly not at rogues like Hartnell.  The bullying needs to be left to those who have perfected the science, as Pens' coach Dan Bylsma must continually remind his squad that talent and fundamentals can and will prevail.

The circus left town last night with the lion again confirmed as jungle king, and the clown again confirmed as the lovable loser...

 

the jubilant Hartnell celebrates with the Philly crowd after first period

 

The Newest Cable Reality TV Show: Breaking Buccos

With yesterday's signing of former standout third baseman, Brandon Inge, the Pittsburgh Pirates have again shown the baseball world that they have fully shifted their approach in the most fundamental activity in the life of a pirate - hunting for treasures.  This philosophical and procedural redirection can be understood through a simple analogy utilizing the new national pastime, reality TV.

In the years we now refer to as BAJ (Before AJ), the Battlins' talent hunters enlisted the legacy Storage Wars model when it came to finding low priced talent.  The concept was simple, easy to execute, and above all else, affordable.  The latter attribute being most alluring to any Pirate executive.  The Storage Wars process requires the buyer to drop a blind, marginal commitment price on an unknown commodity, with the hopes that value is found inside - neglected, forgotten, and abandoned by the previous owner.  In recent years the Bucs would focus on former top end prospects, players who may have been high draft picks or simply "big upside" guys, but for whatever reason were now deemed expendable by their current team.  Essentially, it was a low risk, high return, slot machine approach, looking for that jackpot dream in a talented young player who just simply languished under his current owner's development system. Under this model, these were players who never truly evolved past the prospect phase.  Names like Brandon Wood and Lastings Milledge typify the Storage Wars concept.

2012 ushered in the AAJ (after AJ) era to Bucco Nation, aptly starting with the AJ Burnett acquisition from the New York Yankees.  With Burnett, the value hunting mentality shifted from gambling on unknown resources to searching for some proven quality products that may now be lost, forgotten, dented, devalued, or just simply unwanted.  Enter the American Pickers phase of Pirate baseball.  After the success fueled by the Burnett and (later) the Wandy Rodriquez acquisitions, the Bucs' front office went all in on the American Pickers model.  In a period of just a few months, the Bucs have inked former stars Russel Martin, Francisco Liriano, Jonathon Sanchez, and now Inge, mostly to team friendly contracts.  Although many may argue against my liberal use of the label "stars" for the entirety of this group, it should be pointed out that all four players have been standouts in their careers, and not too far in the past. 

The American Pickers model must not be confused with the Pawn Stars model, one that the Buccos employed heavily in the pre-BAJ era. That model was essentially based on bartering for old, outdated junk (Jeremy Burnitz, Matt Diaz, Lyle Overbay, Chris Gomez, Rod Barajas, Nate McLouth (II), Eric Bedard, etc, etc). The logic, often misguided, was that if you can't afford or attract the $12 million a year star, why not drop $6 million on a former star. Half price is a good thing, right?  Wrong!  It should be noted that most current Bucco humor is aimed at the futility of the Pawn Wars discipline.  Fool's gold is an expression commonly associated with the Bucs' Pawn Wars years.  More times than not, the six million dollar gamble would result in a grumpy, lazy veteran in his mid 30's who would be more than happy to mail it in for seven digit pay. The gold standard of Pittsburgh sports blogs, Mondesi's House, is literally named for the Pirates' longstanding romance with this style of acquisition.

The true reality for the Bucs, as well as any other so-called small market team, is that value hunting is a vital component in the team's everyday life.  Small market teams will never have that luxury to simply shop for a new pitcher or slugger with a wide open checkbook.  Teams on tight budgets must spend every dollar wisely, as acquisition is about the money, and only the money.  The often discussed non-monetary lures of playing in Pittsburgh are mythical and laughable.  We all know that PNC is a beautiful ballpark, but no outfielder in his right mind is going to surrender millions, or even thousands, for the privilege of playing in a cosmetically appealing pasture.  I adore the sights and sounds of the Vegas Strip, but I have absolutely no intentions of moving there. Today's players are concerned with Benjamins, not tugboats, skylines, or pierogies. It's about the money, and maybe a little about winning, which the Bucs aren't exactly doing either.

The small budget teams that succeed in today's sports economy are those that flourish at finding undervalued veterans to meld with their farm raised pre-free agency home growns.  There is value to be found in the community of 30-something major leaguers, and accurately gauging the direction that the talent is heading is a true art form that usually eludes most clubs like the Bucs.

The current Pirate model could most certainly work.  2013 will be the bellwether season for many things Bucco, including talent evaluation and acquisition.  The Pirates have an ample and interesting mix of young, developing players and experienced, proven veterans, but time is swiftly running out on the current regime. The ends must justify the means in 2013, or another structural demolition is inevitable.

Let's hope that this October will not be bringing Hoarders or Intervention to Bucco TV...

2013 Bucco Preview #1 (Starting Pitching)

Now that the Harbaugh/Harbaugh Smugbowl is in the books, and the Pens and the Pitt Panthers have both seemingly found that cruise control button for the time being, it's now time to swing the blogging focus to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After a bevvy of off-season moves the Bucs are now weeks out of Bradenton with an interesting mix of players.  While the Russel Martin signing strengthens the weakest area of the team, I feel like the starting pitching will be the story of 2013.  If 2011 and 2012 have told us anything, it's that depth in the rotation is an absolute premium in the National League, and a shortage in major league ready arms quickly translates into slumps, slides, and eventually swoons.

This much we know about the starting rotation in Pittsburgh, the opening day staff should be as follows: AJ Burnett, Wandy Rodriquez, James McDonald, Francisco Liriano, and Jeff Karstens.  From first glance, this is probably the most veteran opening day staff that the Bucs have fielded since the early 90's.  With Burnett, Wandy, and Liriano, you have three guys that have been staff aces at different junctures in their careers.  One footnote here (in the depth category) is that Charlie Morton is progressing in his Tommy John rehab and should be ready to resume his starting role by late May.  Additionally, potential phenom Gerrit Cole could be ready for that call to the North Shore by mid June, should he further refine his game in AAA Indy.

Like most previous Bucco previews, if will be the operative word in spring 2013.  If AJ and Wandy can repeat their 2012 performances, if James McDonald can be a little more Jeckyl and a lot less Hyde this year, if Karstens can stay healthy, if Cole continues his development on the farm, and if Charlie Morton makes a strong recovery from the surgery...all these ifs will be posed early and often. 

The biggest if will be Liriano.  The Bucs struck gold last season with the AJ acquisition.  After being shipped out of the Bronx with an eight digit rebate check taped to his right arm, Burnett went on to put up near Cy Young caliber numbers while adding a little moxie to the Pirate ship.  If Liriano can exorcise his own demons and regain most of his former form, he will add another quality arm to a fairly deep rotation.

I'm not saying that the 2013 Pirate staff will rival the '92 Braves, but I will say that it has the potential to be the deepest rotation the Bucs have seen in 20 years. The presence of Wandy and Liriano should serve to lessen any stress that J-MAC places on himself, and having Morton and Karstens in the back half of the rotation is not a bad thing at all.  I like this staff,...if

Ye of Little Faith

Go find that Chicken Little for me and tell him to stick it in his beak.  After a three game, six point swing in four days, Dan Bylsma and his 2013 Pittsburgh Penguins have assured us that the white fluffy stuff falling on our heads is, in fact, not the sky after all.  Sure, I was amongst the numerous writers that forecasted potential doom for the flightless birds and their soft spoken skipper, but hey, that was four days ago, and seemingly another lifetime in the fickle world of professional sports.

The Pens have been simply dominant this week, outscoring three conference nuisances by a collective 14-4.  Along the way, the Pens finally put the energy back into Consol Energy with a resounding February 2 whooping of the Jersey Devils.  Perhaps the shadow that old Punxsy Phil saw was that of Marty Brodeur's backside as he flopped and flailed futilely as five Penguin pucks skimmed past him.  The Pens feasted again 24 hours later, cranking it up to the tune of six goals this afternoon.  Unsung gritter Chris Kunitz notched his first hatter since, well, maybe ever, to cap a six point weekend.  That point tally is nearly a month's worth of production by career numbers for Kunitz, who also managed a #2 star and a #1 star for the weekend games.

With twelve points and a 6-3 record our Pens now find themselves atop the Atlantic Division as the grind of the compressed season is kicking in.  What was once a slumping bunch has now become a focused and dangerous hockey team, playing strong in all areas of their game.  An attribute of a great sports team is the ability to recognize adversity and step up to answer the challenge.  Here's to hoping that the Penguins of the last four days are the great team that we hoped we'd see.

When In Doubt, Just Do As The Buccos Do

Garnering fan scrutiny is no longer the only similarity between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the newly hapless Pittsburgh Penguins, as the latter have now delved into the former's practice of collecting recent first round castoffs.  The Pens broke ground in the dumpster diving business this afternoon by inking former Carolina prospect Zach Boychuk.  With the expectation of being inserted into the team's regular lineup this weekend, perhaps Boychuk will be the missing piece to the Pens' perplexing puzzle of puny scoring. 

For those out there (A Dawg) who covet and clamor for size, you'll be disappointed to learn that the scrawny Boychuk tapes out at 5'10" and a buck eighty on the scales.  This move seems senseless on paper, but who knows, maybe Boychuk will be the Shrimp that Saved Pittsburgh.  (if you don't get the reference, please google Pittsburgh Pisces)

The fact that Carolina was willing to give up on a 23 year old, while generating no trade interest, isn't a strong endorsement for the scrappy forward.  More to follow on this and other Penguins drama in the next installment of As the Ice Melts...

From Hot Start To Hot Mess

As if us black and gold backers didn't have enough misery on our plates already this week, as we wait to see either the San Francisco 49ers hoisting Lombardi #6 or to witness Reverend Ray Lewis, deer antler balm and all, crying and hugging, and just basically making us all sick.  Now we get to swallow another spoonful of sourness as our flightless birds lose again, dropping their record to 3-3 at the 1/8 mark of the shortened season.

A week ago finding the financial plan for keeping the remaining two-thirds of the once legendary Crosby-Malkin-Staal Show intact beyond next season was the primary concern amongst the patrons of Penguin Nation.  Now, it's not even on the radar.  Convincing the most offensively gifted team in hockey that one goal a night ain't getting it done would be my top priority if I stood behind that All Star laden and well paid bench. 

Perhaps six games is a bit early to pass out grades, but has anyone signed on expecting a Sid and Geno led team with a .500 record?  Maybe Disco Dan Bylsma has a few more dance steps in his repertoire, but given the urgency surrounding this team and this season, he had better do that hustle pretty darn quick.  Just ask Michel Therrien about his former boss's patience when it comes to underachievement...

Hot Start On Ice

Two games, four points, and the sprint is underway.  You couldn't ask for a better belated opening to the Penguins' 2012-13 season than two divisional wins on the road against rivals both expected to have life come mid May.  After a thrilling 3-1 victory over reigning boogeymen, aka the Philadelphia Flyers, our flightless birds completed the long awaited opening weekend with a drubbing of the New York Rangers, 6-3.  If these first two games are any indication of things to come, the Pens should  instantly be considered favorites for the President's Cup, awarded to the team with the best regular season record.

The measurables are quite impressive in this initial 1/24 of the compressed season.  The Pens have yet to trail in a contest, and they've played with the lead in over 100 of the first 120 logged minutes.  Newcomer Brandon Sutter may not have us forget Jordan Staal just yet, but his play through the first weekend shows that he'll be a great addition in the third center spot. 

The Penguins' roster is displaying an abundance of speed and physicality, and both attributes should come in handy when the grind of the compressed schedule kicks in.  Reserve goalie, Tomas Vocoun, acquired to add a 1A netminder behind Marc Andre Fleury, also looks like money well spent by the front office.  Vocoun could prove critical in reducing MAFs' load throughout the regular season.

QUICK HITTERS:

• Nine goals in two games, with none scored by studs Crosby or Malkin.
• The reduced schedule may present a bit of bittersweet chagrin to winger James Neal, who already looks like a 50+ goal scorer during a full season. 
• Penalty killing looking good so far.
• Despite the endless "Fleury" chants of the moronic Philadelphia natives, MAF looks like his hard drive has purged any residual data from last April.  His third period poise in the opener was vintage Flower.

B.O.'B. is Fab in NCAA Football

The Beatles classic exhortation Get Back chugged along in the background this morning as I sipped my coffee and perused my morning sports, noticing that Penn State football head coach Bill O'Brien was selected as the 2012 Bear Bryant winner, an honor that bona fies him as the best coach in the land. Coincidence with the music? I think not.

From Day One, Get Back has been the unofficial mantra of B.O.'B and his entire stable.  After the year plus drama surrounding the most publicized scandal in American collegiate sports history, culminating with the heavy handed and self serving penalties delivered from high on Mount Emmert, the PSU football program resembled a wounded seal hopelessly mired in tempest seawaters.  Getting back to producing good football, Happy Valley's primary export for 40 some years, was the highest priority for the new coach.  Hopefully, along the way, he could shift the focal points from scandals and coverups, while kickstarting a new tradition of excellence.  O'Brien hit all of these marks, and he did it with an honorable poise and unapologetic candor.  The only expeditious route out of the abyss for PSU was to follow the beacon held by an upright and capable leader.  O'Brien proved to be that leader, and today his mantle place (and checkbook) are a little heavier for it.

Another step in the road to recovery.  The next Beatles song cued,...Magical Mystery Tour...hmm, let's see where this is going!

So...Falcons, Anyone??

Just when you thought that Steeler management faced a list of bad scenarios, the NFL gods got together and decided to make it equally frustrating for us fans this past weekend with a quartet of not so fantastic finishes in the NFL divisional round.  Thanks to some dramatics and some chokes, things could become a bit sickening for those of us wearing black and gold soon. With the exception of the Hotlanta Falcons, here are your other potential choices to root for at your Superbowl party this year:

• Baltimore Ravens - yeah, right. Rooting for the Ravens is like looking into the mirror and wishing for more skin tags.  Seriously, when did Ray Lewis become a feel good story???  The guy is now the second coming of Gandhi, just as long as we don't ever bring up the M-word anymore.  You know, now the NFL media machine wants us to reminisce over Lewis's greatness and legacy, and certainly not any events that deprived a few young men of their lives.  Hopefully Big Ben Roethlisberger will be afforded the same rewind and erase buttons when his farewell tour commences.
• New England Patriots - ok, ok, old smugdick extraordinaire himself, aka Bill Belichick.  Savoring a Patsies' victory is equavilent to that time you let your friends talk you into stifling a July 4th sparkler with your bare hands.  The burning sensation eventually gives way to an enduring scar.  Anyone hoping to see Tom Brady equal Terry Bradshaw with four supers?  Not me.
• San Francisco 49ers - ok, who wants to herald a second six Lombardi owning franchise?  As the great Kenny Powers would state, it's a good thing to constantly remind everyone else that you are better than them. I personally know a few loudmouths out in the Bay Area that would just love to consider themelves our equals. 

So with the good fortune that Lady Karma has cast our way all year long, I would imagine that we'll get to tune into a Harbaugh-Harbaugh Superbowl.  The only redeeming possibility about those idiot brothers rambling on about passion and family for two weeks is that it may drown out the seemingly endless Ray Lewis soundbites.  I mean seriously, does anyone need to hear Lewis whine on about believing anymore?  I don't.

Ok, so in summary - go get that Matt Ryan jersey and maybe some Pepto-Bismol, just in case.

Another Bitch Slappin', Black and Gold Banger...

The Steelers bid a sudden adieu to rookie speedster Chris Rainey this afternoon after the troubled tailback/kick returner was arrested on domestic charges.  The promising Rainey joins a rather robust lineup of past and present Steelers who have chosen the route of the Ike Turner Highway over the last several years.  Rainey was charged with "dating violence" which is a softer way of saying assault. 

Police records report that early this morning Rainey was involved in a verbal confrontation with his girlfriend who was hunkered down in the passenger seat of a parked car. Things turned ugly in a hurry as an enraged Rainey then chose to remove the woman through the car window Dukes of Hazzard style.

The Rainey incident has now amplified an already messy offseason for the Steelers as they lose their top return man and fastest offensive player save the potentially departing Mike Wallace.  Somewhere right now Cedric Wilson is quietly laughing inside...

What Would You Do?

Congrats to you, puckheads, hockey is back!  I know you're expecting that long awaited hockey post...well, it ain't happening here today.  Considering that the players and owners made us wait for three months while they debated over how unprofitable NHL hockey truly is, you all can wait for another week for me to drop puck on a center ice posting.

I'm thinking NFL mock draft today.  It's my normal custom to google up mock drafts the day following the Steelers' final game (beginning somewhat and disturbingly early this year), and I found some interesting and confusing predictions.  Five mock drafts visited, five different predictions for the Steelers in 2013.  I've seen ILB, OLB, DE, NT, and T.  Five drafts, five guys, so no clear direction here.  After more research, I've noticed a big name guy who seems to be lurking as available when the Steelers select with the #17 pick.

So, repeating the title of this post: what would you do?  Let's role play a bit.  Consider yourself Mike Tomlin, or even better, Kevin Colbert, and it's your turn to draft at #17.  You look up on the big board, and you see the slightly downgraded USC phenom quarterback Matt Barkley still undrafted.  You began noticing Barkley, the once projected top three pick, still hanging around at 15, and now he's there, yours for the taking.  Ok, I know you all must be thinking that I've gone down to the basement and broke into the wedding booze a bit early, right? I know, I know, the Steelers have an abundance of needs, and QB isn't one of them.  I know, I know, Big Ben Roethlisberger is still in his prime at 31 years old, and should be the Steelers' starting signal caller for four to six more seasons.  Yeah, I get all that.  Now think about the question some more.  Would it be wasteful or visionary to drop a first round pick on a guy like Barkley?  Is it too early to be grooming Ben's heir apparent?

Let's look at some other models.  The Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers in 2005 knowing that Brett Favre wasn't going anywhere for a least a few more seasons.  Some cheddar heads actually prophesized that Rodgers would never start as a Packer. The Colts parted ways with Peyton Manning in favor of rookie Andrew Luck.  I believe that the Canton, Ohio sculptors have already molded the Manning and Favre busts years ago.  Both Indy and Green Bay knew it was smart money to work on the succession plans early. 

The Steelers of long ago made one feeble attempt to draft a Bradshaw replacement in the person of the much maligned Mark Malone, whose forgettable career was probably more notable as a wideout than as a franchise quarterback. The Dolphins are still hunting for the next Dan Marino.  Is it coincidence that both Pittsburgh and Miami endured decade long droughts of late January football while they auditioned endless marginal QBs?  Is it coincidence that the Packers and Colts have quickly rebuilt their programs under their new guns?  Would it be coincidence if Manning becomes the first Bronco QB to sniff a Superbowl since John Elway?

Big Ben is now 31, and sure, some great QBs have maintained championship caliber play into their mid 30's, but that list is much smaller than you might think it is. The reality is that Ben may have just a few strong seasons left in the tank before age and injuries start to run their course. With his style of play, coupled with the fact that he has started since his rookie year, it's not a stretch to consider Ben a high mileage vehicle these days. The Steelers waited until too late into Bradshaw's career to make a serious investment into finding his successor. I'd hate to see that happen again.

I'm sure a few of you have already concluded that today's post was a waste of our time, and that considering the next Ben is not on the things to do list for this offseason.  Me, I'm still intrigued.  I have said for years that Ben is the greatest Steeler since the Chuck Noll crafted dynasty teams of the 1970's.  I also think that a guy like Barkley doesn't fall into too many #17 carts that often.  I would consider it quite the luxury to have Barkley in the stable for three seasons, ready to take the reigns in 2016.  If the last two decades of football has shown me anything, it's that a lot of teams can be good with a strong defense and a solid quarterback.  To be great, you must have a great quarterback.  We often ask ourselves just how many more Lombardis would be on display in the Great Hall if the Steelers hadn't passed up on a young, skilled quarterback who slid almost to the bottom of the first round in the 1983 draft.  You know, that Marino guy.

I'll answer my own question with a yes, I'm drafting Barkley at #17 knowing that I now have one great QB and one potentially great QB.  Perhaps I work a trade in a few years, possibly bringing in some much needed replacement parts.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.  And no, I didn't break into the wedding hooch...yet.

2013 Steelers: Who's In and Who's Out

Happy New Year, PF readers.  I'd like to ring in the new year by continuing MP's discussion of "The 2013 Steelers: The Reconstruction".  Let me weigh in with my two cents worth on who stays, and who goes.

RETURNING FOR 2013:

1. Keenan Lewis.  Although nickel back Cortez Allen showed us a lot in late December, I still think the Steelers' brass will make every attempt to bring Lewis back.  Considering that he led the NFL in passes defended per game, Lewis will be an extremely attractive figure to both the Steelers and other NFL teams looking for a starting corner.  Should the deal not get done, look for the Steelers to pencil in Allen opposite Ike Taylor and potentially snare a corner in the early rounds of the draft, or possibly a veteran in free agency.
2. Larry Foote.  The Steelers want to get younger on defense, but Foote can still contribute and isn't looking to leave Pittsburgh for a second time.  I look for Foote to take a considerable pay cut and split time on the field with youngster Sean Spence.
3. James Harrison.  I'm stuck on the fence with this one.  The Steelers must soon make critical decisions on both Harrison and his primary backup, Jason Worilds.  Clearly, Worilds on his best day will never perform at the level of Harrison in his prime years,...but those prime years are behind us now, and it may be time to jettison the silverback.  I think the team would be selling themselves short if Worilds was not given a full season as a true evaluation period.  Harrison's rebirth in December is probably weighing on the minds of Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert, as they may wonder what one last hurrah with a healthy 92 could mean.
4. Ramon Foster.  Although starting guard Foster will never be mistaken for Alan Faneca, he did manage to play all of 2012 injury free, a nearly impossible feat for a Steeler offensive lineman.  Considering that converted guard Willie Colon has finished the last three seasons on the IR, I like Foster as a returnee to provide stability to a corps that seems to be forever locked in flux mode.
5. Casey Hampton, Charlie Batch, Max Starks.  I lumped these three together.  See #2 - Foote, Larry.  These guys have no desire to go elsewhere.  Restructures, less money, etc.  2013 should be the last season for Hampton, with much less playing time as inside guy Steve McClendon is more than capable.  For Starks, you might as well keep riding the pony until it ends up at the glue factory.  One can argue that Mad Max was the most solid lineman in 2012.  For Batch, another season at the league minimum as the #3 won't be hurting anyone.

SO LONG, FAREWELL, SEE YA AT THE REUNION PICNIC:

1. Rashard Mendenhall.  Is it just me, or does Tomlin waffle back and forth on the value of the marquis runner?  At mid-season after the big victory in NYC, the team seemed content with the tailback by committee idea.  By season's end, as the offense stunk and the team limped to an 8-8 finish, we then heard Tomlin pining for a go-to guy.  Mendenhall was that go-to guy, the franchise runner like Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker before him.  Unlike Bettis and Parker, Mendenhall never truly entrenched himself as that game changer kind of guy.  His off the field tweets, comments, and shenanigans didn't help his cause either.  The Steelers could use a featured back once again, but #34 ain't that guy.
2. Mike Wallace.  What?  Give up on the fleet of foot, Larry Fitzgerald-East guy?  This entry is the most troubling of all, as Mike Wallace is clearly the best player listed in today's post, but also the most unrealistic in terms of his actual worth.  I've said it ad nauseum, Mike Wallace isn't worth $11 million a season.  In fact, after watching his drops and gaffes during the 2012 campaign, I will now suggest that Wallace isn't worth what he could have signed for last summer.  Setting all this aside, Wallace has blazing, scary, downfield speed, and he will shape any offense that he lines up in. The Steelers know that, and worse, he knows that.  Someone will overpay for Wallace in 2013, but it probably won't be a Rooney.
3. Byron Leftwich.  Despite his hulking frame, Leftwich has once again displayed an inability to remain healthy when called upon.  The fact that he broke his own ribs falling down, untouched, in the end zone, should sum it all up.  With Big Ben Roethlisberger now north of 30, the Steelers need a 2nd string QB who can make two to four starts a year and keep the team competitive in the process.  Look for the Steelers to snare a former starter in free agency.  Considering that a Ben replacement will most likely be pursued with a high draft pick in the 2016-2018 time frame, I don't think that supplanting Leftwich with a mid or late round rookie makes a lot of sense here.

SYNOPSIS: I only show two starters leaving, but factor in the reduced roles of guys like Foote and Hampton, and I think you'll see that 2013 will be a much different team.  2012 was a season of frustration for Steeler Nation.  With the veteran leadership that was jettisoned a year ago, coupled with the Wallace contract drama, as well as the pre-training camp health status of Mendenhall, Hampton, Harrison, and Brett Keisel, one can make a serious argument that the season was doomed from the get go. In the end, a handful of close games swung the Steelers' season from good to mediocre.  This is not a team in decline, but it will need better performances from it's stars if 2013 is to be any different.  One note of promise: the last three Steeler teams to not make the playoffs were followed by teams that won the AFC North the next year!