Onwards and Upwards

Although the mission statement of this blog clearly states it's passion for reporting the ups and downs of the Steel City's three storied professional sports teams, it has become commonplace to include early spring articles regarding the most consistent of all Pittsburgh programs: the University of Pittsburgh Panthers Men's Basketball Team.

Following last week's robust performance that included a tough road win over Marquette and a strong victory over Final Four candidate Villanova, the Pitt hoops squad once again galvanized interest and optimism of yet another potentially memorable season. Considering that the team is perched at #12 in the AP Poll with a more than respectable record of 21-6 while in the midst of the so-called 'rebuilding season' following the exodus of both Dejuan Blair and Sam Young, one must now recognize the strength of this program and it's unflappable coach. Ron Cook's recent PG article convincingly argues that Pitt has not only been one of the strongest basketball programs in the Big East over almost an entire decade, they have been one of the toughest and most consistent teams in the nation over that time frame. The fact that coach Jamie Dixon holds the Big East all time league win percentage lead over names like Boeheim, Thompson, and Pitino is a staggering source of pride, and a testament to consistent excellence. Consistent excellence...isn't that a wonderful phrase to have associated with an organization?

With four regular season games remaining against four opponents all located in the bottom half of the Big East, Pitt is once again posturing themselves for an intriguing spring. Where this year's ride ends is anyone's guess. We all know that Pitt tends to ramp it up in the Big East Tourney, only to underachive in the big dance of the NCAA's. The latter is another boogeyman that Dixon will one day confront and overcome. For today, let's embrace my newest 5 cent accolade...Consistent Excellence.

Bradenton!

Hope sprang eternal this morning, as Bucco camp officially opened. Some interesting press came out of the team over last few days, as the front office continues to make strides forward by locking up core players long term. As Neil Huntington continues to employ the strategy he learned in Cleveland, by locking young guys up long term in their pre-free agency years, he continually avoids the big problem: the team is still lacking that big free agent slugger that the line up can be built around.

With a projected payroll around $50 million, the Bucs can surely afford an increase of $15-20 million to get that one blue chipper. Of course, I run a free blog, not a professional ball club. All in all, it appears that the front office is targeting 2010 to be "the season"...HURRAY another 68 wins this year!

Quick Hitters:

• At what point is a high profile athlete no longer allowed to use the "I was young" excuse for a bone headed screw up (ala Michael Phelps, A Rod). If a 25 year old working class stiff attempts to argue out of a DUI by saying he's young, he'll get an extra bitch slap on his way to the slammer.
• Who will be the next Steeler to wind up in the post Superbowl police line up?
• Isn't Jamie Dixon a friggin' God sent?
• How many of you power back on the brain swammis are secretly wishing the Steelers would sign Fred Taylor. Actually, if it could work (it probably can't), he'd be a great asset off the bench.