Hello Joey, Goodbye Limas

If anyone on your Christmas list was looking for the Limas Sweed jersey, you're in luck, as it will now be found on the discount rack at Sports Authority. The always reliable Post Gazette just broke the news that the Steelers plan to sign veteran wideout Joey Galloway today, after placing Sweed on the non-football illness reserve. This move very well spell the end of a remarkably unremarkable tenure in the Burgh by Sweed. One can only wonder what Sweed's mysterious illness is,...dropitis???

The inside note here is that the Steelers may also be planning on more four receiver sets in the remaining pair of games, as they used with tremendous success in their recent victory over the Green Bay Packers.

perhaps the extra shoulder pads caused all of Sweed's drops...

As the Meltdown Continues

Entering Week Six of the Chernobyl experience that us devout Towel Twirlers regard as the Steelers' 2009 season, we got our latest journal entry from hitman Ryan Clark, who has turned his angst to the local media and fanbase. Of course, the Pittsburgh beat writers, all too willing to record every irate word that Clark uttered, had a field day with this latest rant.

Clark, losing all sense of reality and judgement, took a ridiculous left turn into the absurd when he likened the Pittsburgh media to their Eastern PA counterparts in Philadelphia, saying that this kind of slanderous and unduly harsh journalism is not found in the City of Brotherly Love. Buddy, here's a news flash from a Steeler fan living in Eagle Country...these guys sharpen their fangs after bad victories. The Philly media would be leading a riot comparable to post Rodney King Los Angeles, or the one from the opening of Shrek, had the Iggles put together a five week run like this.

I truly hope, that at some point, 'veterans' like Clark can just leave the talking on the field. In Clark's defense, I will say that the Post Gazette guys have been no help during this implosion, but, hey, take it from an esteemed member of the media; conflict, drama, and self destruction sells. Oh, time to see what Tiger Woods is up to!

The Rise and Fall of Empires

A few months ago I posted an article on the signing of Brett Keisel and the recent reversal of trends on the North Shore regarding the awarding of contracts to guys over 30. A few of you offered comments, and we all agreed that Keisel's signing was a good thing, while acknowledging the potential pitfalls of the "rain forest" effect. Today, as the team and it's 2009 season are spiralling around the rim of the toilet bowl, everyone's favorite poison pen assassin, Edward Bouchette, issued a fairly well written and damning report regarding the result of this practice, and the ending of the current era.

If you don't feel like clicking on the link, I'll summarize Bouchette's obituary: while the Steelers made a great run from 2004 thru 2009 (which I recently dubbed the "Silver Era"), the front office took calculated risks in keeping an aging defense in tact, and now as this defensive unit looks suddenly and alarmingly geriatric, these moves seem to be, in hindsight, bad. Furthermore, with the potential losses of Breakfast Buffet Hampton and hitman Ryan Clark, and no true budding superstars waiting in the wings, this sinking ship could be at Titanic stage (post iceberg) once the off season mercifully arrives.

The reality here is that the Steelers are staring down the barrel of their first sub .500 season since 2003, and with some tough decisions ahead, this bad situation could become worse before it becomes better. How did this happen so quickly? It probably started in the off season of 2008 when the team extended the contract of ILB James Farrior, and began etching the script on the wall that the younger Larry Foote would be expendable. The trend continued when the team allowed young CB Bryan McFadden to enter his contract season without a deal in place. Then came the mega deal to the over 30 James Harrison, and then the Keisel deal in September, even as the team had drafted Ziggy Hood in the 1st round and had Aaron Smith locked through 2011, and Hampton without a new deal.

The purpose of these tactics, as we've discussed a few months back, was clear: win now at the risk of two things that had been staples in the Cowher era - youth development and age management. At midseason, with a 6-2 record, this all looked like smart casino logic. I think we all would have accepted a potential down season or two for another deep run this year or next. Now, all the armchair GMs are saying the same thing, the Steelers got themselves into a mess, and in a hurry, with no clear and easy exit strategy.

The armor started chinking when All Everything safety Troy Polamalu went down. Then we all saw that William Gay is really not an every down player on a team that wishes to win, thus causing a hindsight review of the McFadden exodus. Concurrently, Deshea Townsend somehow lost his technique as he stood in line for his social security check, and our one strong corner, Ike Taylor, added sloppy coverages and poor tackling to his resume, alongside the inability to catch anything beyond a cold.

At least the front seven are doing their part, right? Well, no. Thursday night's failure against the hapless Brownies reminded us of the painful effects of age. Farrior looked just plain old as he missed tackles and failed to run down ball carriers of any shape or size. Although James Harrison still has it on the edge, he is certainly not the player that blew up offenses and made game changing plays. The line is serviceable, but rarely delivers when it really needs to, in the fourth quarter. All in all, one big mess.

So what has to happen? In Mike Tomlin's press conference following the stunning home loss to the Raiders last week, he said he was looking for answers. Some of these answers will most likely be painful:

• Casey Hampton. The team seemed to be ok with letting His Rotundness slip into his contract year. There had better be some kind of plan here, because neither Keisel or Hood are 3-4 nose tackles, and undersized Chris Hoke is most likely not the long term solution. Maybe Smith can get moved inside,...maybe. Maybe Hampton gets the franchise tag to buy one year. Maybe a free agent NT. Maybe the team moves to 4-3,...lots of maybes. Hampton devours running lanes as if they were made of cookie dough, and he is a principle reason the Steelers have been so stingy on the run this decade.
• Farrior. MP recently stated that Farrior was probably the best free agent signing that the team has ever made. I will agree with that statement, but that signing was in 2002, and although Potsie's career in the 'Burgh was nothing less than stellar, well, you know what they say "he ain't getting any younger". The answer might be to just cut ties with Farrior in the off season, giving his duties to Lawrence Timmons, and putting Kerayon Fox in the MACK position. The other option might be to keep Farrior, and just alter his role, swapping he and Timmons and giving the elder the MACK duties. The third option would be to find the next Farrior, an undervalued free agent ILB to anchor the corps and serve as playcaller.
• Deshea Townsend. Honestly, I don't see a scenario in 2010 that includes Townsend. He's had an admirable Steeler career, and he wears a pair of rings to compliment his efforts. As far as I'm concerned, watching him make that huge pick on Tony Romo on the jumbotron during Renegade is all I expect to see from #26 next year. Surely there is a Super WallMart that needs a new greeter.
• Ike Taylor and William Gay. Now the loss of McFadden looms large. Hopefully Tomlin and staff can execute a reclamation project on both of these disasters. They have both shown the ability and desire, (moreso with Taylor), and hopefully some good coaching and tough love can get these guys back on track. I could live with a scenario that reduces Gay's role, maybe as a nickle or dime guy in 2010.
• Youth movement. I guess we will see more of Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis. I would expect that both of these young corners are viable candidates for more playing time this season and next. I guess I should also throw safety Ryan Mundy into this mix. All in all, I would imagine that at least one, if not two, of the first four picks in the 2010 draft will go towards the secondary, an area that has been sorely neglected in the last few drafts. The reality here is that the Steelers need to find at least one young playmaker in the secondary to compliment Polamalu.

With all these things being said, it's safe to assume that regardless of how the next three weeks play out, this team will be very busy in the off season. The 2010 draft and free agency period will suddenly be of utmost importance to address and correct the 2009 shortcomings. Now, if you have any fingernails left to chew, ponder the latest speculations that the team may lose guru Kevin Colbert in the off season, and once again, one must picture those icy North Atlantic waters, only without the buxom Kate Winslet to rescue. We haven't even touched on the offense, although that solution seems obvious: re-allocate the beleagured Bruce Arians' spot in the lifeboat. Gregg Rodgers is calling for Charlie Weiss as the 2010 O.C. Hmmm, Charlie Weiss with Big Ben...

Before we, in MP's words, all climb to the top of the Clemente Bridge, let me leave you with this. The Steelers are one of the few teams that can figure this shit out quickly. I referenced the abortion of 2003, well, the follow up was a 15 win season and the emergence of savior Ben Roethlisberger. Let forget pride, let's put away our brazen "Got 6?" tee shirts, and let's stop worrying about our spot along the parade route this year. The only parades we should be concerned with right now should include a Snoopy float and Santa in a convertible. Let the smart guys get this team figured out. They will. The empire will rise again...

I'll hunker in the bunker and await your most inspired retorts...

Like Son, Like Mother

In a season riddled with underachievement, and marred with embarrassments, the Pittsburgh Steelers just managed to earn yet another instant punch line, as Mildred Harrison, the elderly mother of linebacker James Harrison, has been arrested following a drunken brawl in Akron.

On this latest sad day in the Steelers' lost season, one can only think back to simpler times, when only our kickers were warranting assault charges. Of course, some analysts are rumoring the Steelers possible signing of Ms. Harrison, simply suggesting that she shows more tenacity than her son or his defensive mates.

Well, finally, someone unleashed hell...

The Hines Ward Article

ode to a warrior

One of the favorite ongoing discussions/debates amongst us great and knowledgeable Pittsburgh sports fans is the future Hall of Fame status of current Steelers. Every fan of every team has a list of players that they think are bronze bust worthy, and I will maintain my previously stated position that I believe the current roster includes three future HOF'ers: Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, and Hines Ward. I will refrain from using the word "lock", as I wish other fans would, simply, because all three of these gentleman are still not complete bodies of work and they all must continue along their progressive paths to Canton.

To fully understand and enjoy this debate, one must first appreciate that the NFL Hall of Fame is clearly the most selective of all sports Nirvanas. I think one of the pitfalls that we occasionally fall into is associating NFL HOF membership with the numbers driven halls like baseball or basketball. Numbers alone can get you into the NFL HOF, but they must be stellar. Ask a guy like Chris Carter.

There are few active NFL players that inspire greater Canton debate than Mr. Ward. With the Pro Bowl caliber numbers that #86 is shelling out thus far in 2009, he has now surpassed 850 career receptions and 10,000 career receiving yards. Great numbers, but in this day and age, certainly not enough to earn HOF induction. Take a look at this list of all time receptions leaders, and you will see the changes in trends over the years. In the glory days of Swann and Stallworth, 600 career receptions was an immortal milestone and worthy of a Canton bust. The NFL has steadily evolved into a pass happy league, and over time that threshold shifted to 700 catches, and now, I truly believe it would be tough for any current player to get inclusion with less than 900 grabs. With this continual air assault trend and improvements in sports medicine and conditioning systems which extend careers, there will eventually be a time when 1,000 receptions is the benchmark for HOF consideration.

This is where Ward becomes an intriguing study. Playing in a era dominated by offenses designed for more passes and catches, Ward has been the quiet understudy to the elite wideouts like Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Isaac Bruce, Marvin Harrison, and Torry Holt. Most critics will quickly argue that Ward was simply not in this group, and never one of the best receivers of his generation. The fact that Ward is the prom night wallflower standing next to these radiant divas probably helps him. How so? Let me elaborate. The NFL media likes good stories. They like guys that are unique and can be held in exclusive categories. If these writers were zoologists, they would prefer the bizarre and differentiated creatures from the Galapagos Islands. (reference to the great MP). Ward is that strange and unusual animal.

Not necessarily a graceful strider with surgeon like fingertips, capable of making the human highlight film catches every Sunday, Ward is a delicate blend of average speed, great conditioning, acute savvy, Kevlar toughness, and eagle like field vision. Top these traits off with an undying desire to do whatever is necessary to help his team win, sprinkle on a triple helping of grit, and you have Hines Ward - possibly the most complete offensive player of his generation. The fact that Ward is closing in on 1,000 career receptions on a team that never employed West Coast offense tactics is amazing. Add the extra consideration that a huge chunk of Ward's prime years were in an offense led by some very average quarterbacks (aka the "Pre-Ben Era"), and it becomes more understandable of just why the HOF tag is now being used by folks not just in Western PA, but nationally. The simply reality is that if Big Ben breaks 4,000 passing yards this season, it will have been the first time in team history. Hines Ward has steadily amassed HOF caliber numbers in mostly ground attack offenses. Ward is not the jet-set gazelle like the Mosses and Holts. He is the working class guy. He's blue collar, not blue blood. He's the type of wideout that a city like Pittsburgh would crave...a linebacker stuffed inside a receiver's body.

Hines Ward wins. Ward plays big when big play is required. Think of all the epic come-from-behind wins that the Steelers have made over the last several seasons. These comebacks are generally associated with the heroics of Roethlisberger - and for the most part, rightfully so. But how many of those memorable drives involved at least one huge catch and run by #86. The play I'm describing is the one where he somehow finds that soft spot in a zone on a 3rd and something, makes that awkward body catch, and then extends the play by breaking a tackle or two. The play I'm depicting generally serves as an energizer to the rallying team. The guy has made a career off that kind of play alone, always with that signature smile on his face.

Ultimately, it will be Ward's role as the leading receiver on a consistently great team that serves as enhancement to his numbers, and earns him that bust. This is where the playing field begins to thin out dramatically: 2 Superbowl rings, 1 Superbowl MVP trophy, 14 post season games with 76 post season receptions. To date, Ward has been the leading receiver on 6 playoff teams, and 4 teams that reached the AFC Championship. These are the numbers that when combined with his growing regular season stats and his unmeasurables (down field blocking, All World persona) make him an NFL Hall of Famer. When folks will remember the great Steeler teams of the early 21st Century, they will first think of guys like Ben, Polamalu, and Hines Ward. If the 1970's was the golden era of Steeler football, then 2001 to the present must be the silver era. Ward is truly the only great standout spanning that entire period. He is a great player from a great team. That is what NFL writers look for, greatness on a great team. This is one of the factors that has lengthened offensive line anchorman Dermotti Dawson's tenure on the induction waiting list. He is associated with good teams, not great teams. The NFL media loves winners, and in a word, that is what Hines Ward is, a winner.

So, after clearly presenting all the evidence, ladies and gentlemen of the e-jury, I will now use that shunned word..."lock". Now, the burning question is when? First ballot selection is a rarity in the NFL, and that honor most likely won't be granted to an everyman like Ward. So when? This is a dynamic variable, and can be influenced by Ward and his mates. Ward's eventual induction day moves up with every catch, every touchdown, every Pro Bowl berth, and every deep post season run. Should he earn a third Superbowl ring, and gain 1,000 receptions and 100 TDs, I think a first ballot selection is a potential. Again, that likelihood may seem remote, but after watching this man overachieve for 12 years, what accomplishment wasn't (at some point) remote?

A Tough Spot

How strangely ironic that the Steelers' loss to the greatly improved Cincy Bengals on Sunday came on a weekend sandwiched directly between Halloween and Thanksgiving. Were our beloved Black and Gold simply masquerading as NFL powerhouses in victories over Minnesota and Denver, now waiting to be roasted and carved like turkeys by the quality AFC teams, or was Sunday's debacle just a case of a good team disguised as a mediocre team?

On a beautiful afternoon in which the Steelers celebrated Veterans Day by recognizing local heroes, the team looked like anything but the Band of Brothers that Ben Roethlisberger used as his rally cry catch phrase last season. (all apologies to all you Dick Winters fans).

At 6-3 and virtually 2 games behind the peeking Bungles, and now minus the service again of All World defender, Troy Polamalu, our boys in black find themselves in an awkwardly precarious predicament. A spot, however, they are somewhat accustomed to. We only need to turn the clocks back to 2005, when the team was banged up, struggling, and stagnant at 7-5, staring down the potential of a long off season. The response was an epic 7 game winning streak and a Superbowl victory. All this in a season in which the division was fittingly won by the Cincinnati Bengals. As a strange and possibly ironic footnote, this winning streak started just after a home loss to the Bengals, in a game that included a Cincy kick return for a TD.

Is that in the cards this year? Surely the team needs to win at least 5 of the final 7 contests to even sniff the playoffs, and probably more like 6 or 7 (with help) to resume their usual post as AFC North champs. Can this happen? Yes. Will this happen? Maybe. As Chris Berman often states in his annoying voice, "that's why they play the games." Anything can happen on any Sunday in the modern NFL. The Bengals can easily lose a few games. Somehow, I think that this Sunday in Oakland might be an upset special. Perhaps today's signing of lightning rod Larry Johnson will prove to be a mistake by Cincy, one that causes division in the clubhouse. Who knows...

As coach Tomlin maintains, we can only worry about ourselves. Now, more than ever this team needs leadership and heroics from Big Ben. Steeler Nation knows all too well that he is one of the few guys in this league capable of such a daunting task. The writers and readers of this column continually clamor for Ben's inclusion in the 'elite' talks. It's now his time to prove that he is truly worthy of the membership, and not just another guy wearing a mask.

I'll await the barrage of comments...

Mid Term Grades

For the third time in three seasons Mike Tomlin and the Steelers find themselves at 6-2 at mid season. In keeping the tradition of virtually every sports news outlet, PittsburghFan is once again prepared to issue mid term grades for our Black and Gold. Helping out this year with the grading will be our very own MP and JD McNugent. Away we go...

OFFENSE:
Quarterback:
Briwatt: A-
MP: A
JD: B+
MP: "Ben continues to grow as one of the elite."

Running Backs:
Briwatt: B
MP: B+
JD: B
Briwatt: "Rashard Mendenhall responded very well to Tomlin's challenge. Mewelde Moore proving again to be a versatile and important role to the offense. Can Willie make one more dash as a Steeler..."

WR/TE's:
Briwatt: A-
MP: A
JD: A
MP: "Addition of #17 makes them dangerous."
JD: "Ward and Holmes have been unstoppable while Miller has been clutch. Wallace now puts them over the top."

Offensive Line:
Briwatt: A-
MP: B
JD: B+
Briwatt: "Unheralded group that may be unjustly critiqued for last season's shortcomings. Consider that Ben holds the ball to ridiculous lengths at times before judging this crew on sack totals. Since Week 2 the run blocking has been up to the high standards set for a Black and Gold line."

DEFENSE:
Defensive Line:
Briwatt: B+
MP: B
JD: B
MP: "Given the injuries (Smith, Kirshke), perhaps this rating might be higher."

Linebackers:
Briwatt: A-
MP: B
JD: A
Briwatt:"After a sluggish start, this elite group is once again the heart and soul of the Steelers defense. Expect more from Woodley in the second half. Fox adds depth."
JD: "Harrison is a stud, Farrior is a tackling machine...now let's get Timmons healthy."

Defensive Backs:
Briwatt: C+
MP: B-
JD: A
Briwatt:"Potentially the Achilles heel. Loss of McFadden compromises depth. A healthy Polamalu makes up for a lot, however."

SPECIAL TEAMS:
Kickers/Punters:
Briwatt: B-
MP: B
JD: C
MP: "Still thinking about Chicago."

Return Units:
Briwatt: B-
MP: B-
JD: C
MP: "The big return against us still feels like it could happen at any moment."

COACHING:
Briwatt: A-
MP: B+
JD: A
JD: "In his third season, head coach Mike Tomlin has done a great job of forgetting he just won the superbowl. He has a five game winning streak after a 1-2 start. He has his team focused and on point like never before."

OVERALL:
At 6-2, this team is on pace to equal last season's 12-4 mark. That may be where the comparisons end. This team has a whole new look and feel, with an offense emerging and transforming alongside of it's blue chip quarterback. The team is just starting to play at the level it's capable of playing, on both of the ball. The special teams are still shaky, despite the return of punting phenom Daniel Sepulveda. All in all, this team is exactly where Coach Tomlin wants it to be...in the hunt and "on the rise".
GRADE: A-

Mile High Massacre

TO: All NFL Teams
FROM: The Pittsburgh Steelers Football Club
SUBJECT: Notice of Intention to Destroy, Maim, and Embarrass
DATE: Now

Serve the notice again. For the second time in two games the Pittsburgh Steelers reminded the entire world of just who the reigning Superbowl champs are. Last night's notice came at the expense of a very good (although somewhat overvalued) Denver squad, in probably the hardest NFL road venue. In what was clearly the best overall effort of the season, the Steelers pulverized a 6-1, 1st place team in front of their faithful fans,...well, let me clarify that: in front of the 70% of the house that was not wearing Black and Gold.

In keeping with my mid term grades posting (due out later this week), I'll kick it back to the classroom and say that a few lessons were learned last night:

1) The continual studio debate of Big Ben's 'elite' status is getting really old. Ron Jaworski's pre-game comparisons between the Large One and nerdy Kyle Orton should have provoked extreme nausea in any knowledgeable fan. 2) The Broncos are clearly not a Superbowl contender. It will only be a few more weeks until the vast majority of Orange Crush Nation begins to vilify the front office and their new head coach for pissing off the bratty Jay Cutler and forcing the trade for the someday journeyman Orton. Didn't the long tenure of John Elway show the mile high morons that blue chip QB's just don't grow on trees? 3) A healthy Troy Polamalu makes this Steeler defense lethal once again. 4) The only thing fast about Willie Parker these days is how fast he has plummeted off the radar screen. Rashard Mendenhall's talent and Melwelde Moore's unique ability to not fumble have transformed FWP into a memory.

With Sunday's showdown with the greatly improved Cincy Bungles, the Steelers will once again be under the spotlight of the big stage. Emergence with a victory would leave the team at 7-2 and alone atop the AFC North. The plot thickens.

GAME BALLS:

Bruce Arians/Dick Lebeau. Hats off to both coordinators for dialing up the right game plan on both sides of the ball, and more importantly, not abandoning these plans when things weren't going so well early.

Troy Polamalu. The iconic 80's hair metal band, Cinderella, once crooned "Don't Know What You Got (till it's Gone)", and truer words were never spoken. It took me six+ years to finally understand the overall impact that #43 plays in this defense. If he ain't 100% now, he's darn close, which is a great thing for Steeler fans and not such a great thing for AFC quarterbacks.

Steeler Nation. It's one thing when you see thousands of Terrible Towels swirling in Detroit or Cleveland, but it's clearly a whole new matter when a rock solid fan base like Denver gets audibly overpowered by visiting fans on Monday Night Football. The panoramic camera shot that ESPN took in the waning moments last night, showing just joyous Steeler fans and empty seats, should have brought a little pride to every citizen of Steeler Nation. Well done.

Send me your comments and game balls...

Defending the Fortress

Just moments after All Pro linebacker James Harrison impaled the legendary gunslinger, Brett Favre, into the Heinz Field sod to close out an amazing game, I received the welcoming buzz of a text message from my great friend, Jason W. Knox.

"...great defense...all of Wisconsin is grateful...", read J Bone's text, as he and the lovely missus watched the game with extreme anxiety from the latter's family homestead in quaint Burlington, Wisconsin. Truly this game had special meaning for football fans in both the Three Rivers and the Great Lakes regions. In reality, Sunday's epic struggle between the defending World Champion Steelers and the undefeated Minnesota Vikings was the entertainment in households and bars across the country. Forget the NFL's globalizing attempts at selling American football to the Brits in Wembley, on this given Sunday America was tuned into the War on the North Shore, as the black and gold clad kinsmen resisted a siege by the marauding Vikings, led by the greatest general the gridiron would ever know. This matchup suggested a classic battle from the moment it was imprinted on the schedule. And what a battle it was...

For six weeks, Steeler Nation clamoured for the return of "Steeler Football". Ok, when I use this term today, I'm not harping on about the grind it out run game. I'm talking about that big defense that staunchly and brazenly rises to the occasion when the trenches are about to be overrun and changes destiny with that huge play. The "Renegade Defense", as MP has been coveting for six weeks. We got it yesterday, as our defenders resurrected the never-say-die mantra that propelled the 2008 season into the history books.

For those that tuned into to this one in front of a plasma or cashed in the kid's college fund for Stubhub ransom, you saw a dandy. Perhaps it wasn't the Captain Comeback vs. Big Ben gunfight that was originally billed, but this game reminded us all of why we love American football.

For the Steelers, this game may be the one that gets circled in the yearbook. To pull out a gut check victory against an elite team just before the sanctuary of the bye week was big. Actually, it was huge. To escape the first seven games at 5-2, knowing that you are banged up, and not quite playing your best football is energizing at the least. Hopefully, now the bye will bring some health and focus to a team that Coach Tomlin reminds us is on the rise.

GAME BALLS:

Max Starks - You'll be hearing this from numerous sources today. Starks' neutralization of sackmaster Jared Allen reminded us that Mount Max has the skills and power to match up with any great pass rusher. Now, if only his intensity could match his skills...

The Aaron Smith Replacement Committee - Hats off to the trio of Travis Kirschke, Nick Eason, and Ziggy Hood for stepping it up against the world's greatest running back, aka, Adrian Peterson. Images of Fred Taylor gashing the Smith-less run defense probably encroached into a few brains this week, but the DE by committee was outstanding in keeping the workhorse in the paddock.

Mike Wallace/Santonio Holmes - Wallace had the numbers today (and a most impressive endzone flip), but bear in mind that Holmes drew the coverages that allowed Wallace to get the space. Let's not forget Holmes' human highlight film catch and run that was negated soon after by Rashard Mendenhall's carefree redzone blunder.

James Farrior/James Harrison - Neither of the 30's something LBs scored the TDs, but these vets brought fire and fury all day, harassing both Favre and Peterson, and most importantly, reminded everyone in the house who the bully on the block still is. It's almost safe to say that Harrison, with seven sacks in four games, is back to his 2008 form.

#4 - Ok, chide me with comments. As a 40's something guy myself, I spend about eight hours a week in the gym and I now buy herbal supplements to counteract erectile slothfulness. At 40, Favre is still breaking down blitzes and leading his team down the field. At 40, he's doing what some QB's will only remember doing by the time they hit 35, and what most QBs will have only dreamt of doing. I'm not afraid to tip the cap. He still has it. Of course, thanks to guys like Harrison, he can spend a little extra time in the hot tub this week, wondering why he still chooses to do it.

He's Back !

Don't say that you don't have Carey Davis to kick around anymore, when now you do have Carey Davis to kick around. In a move of band aid fashion, the Steelers re-signed the lackluster fullback to rejoin an already depleted backfield stable.

One can only wonder how much longer until the team places yet another call to the incomparable Najeh Davenport.

clearly a joyous reunion

Gut Check Time

Sorry about another long lay off! I figured I needed to get a post up to let those of us who have not already thrust ourselves off the Clemente Bridge have an opportunity to sound off on the team's sluggish start. Ok, so 1-2? Tomlin's first stint at sub .500. The team's first 2 loss September since the dreaded 2006 season. Complete disarray. Complete disaster. Write off the season. Tune in to the Bucs' epic drive for 63 wins.

Not quite yet. So the Black and Gold are little more Black than Gold these days. Let's break it down before we get ourselves into a total funk.

• 2 losses - 2 road losses to decent teams.
• Both losses in winnable games, in fact, both games basically decided in the waning moments.
• If Limas Sweed holds that ball in the end zone, or if Ben manages one more first down on the next drive, the bungle in the jungle probably goes down as a win.
• Should Jeff Reed not push BOTH 4th quarter FGA's, the game in the Windy City is probably also a win.
• Most importantly, if the world renowned defense makes a stop in both contests, when it really mattered, the team is sitting at 3-0.

So, why the funk? Is this Superbowl hangover? Not really. These are not cases of ill prepared defending champs getting socked in the face by eager underdogs. These losses are simply the result of a team desperately missing their superstar playmaker, and just not quite finishing out drives and defensive stands.

There are some positives that can be taken out these first three games. First, the passing game looks to be shaping into something that could be downright lethal as the season progresses. Rookie Mike Wallace looks to be the playmaker he was drafted to be. Hines Ward looks like, well, like Hines Ward usually looks. After taking away a few picks, The Large One looks to be in mid season form already. The highly scrutinized offensive line seems to be giving Ben the time to do his thing, and it actually looks interested in opening an occasional hole for a tailback to squeeze through. With that, the running game is gaining some ground, no pun intended, and once Mr. Mendenhall can finally find a way of staying on the field, it could provide that elusive 'balance' that offensive coordinators always talk about. The trick now is finding the offensive identity. When I say this, I mean getting that overall rhythm and knowing when to be a passing team and when to be a running team. One must assume that Bruce 'Air' Arians shoulders the bulk of that mission.

The offense is filling up the stat sheet, but not the scoreboard, and last time I checked, the scoreboard counts a little more. I truly believe that these bugs will get worked out, as well as I believe that the defense will figure out a way to strengthen the garrison as it awaits the triumphant return of #43.

Panic? Not yet. Let's give these champs one more night. If a smack down gets laid on the San Diego Lightning Bolts, and the record gets shored up at 2-2, I think that sigh of relief can be exhaled. If Sunday Night produces L number 3, then I'd say it's time for that panic button.

Open to your always colorful thoughts...

No Country for Old Men...Really?

30 is the new 20, at least in Pittsburgh. With yesterday's 11th hour contract extension to defensive end Brett Keisel, the Steelers have now locked up their fourth 30+ greybeard longterm over the last two off seasons.

Clearly, the statement is obvious: with Big Ben coming into his prime years, the front office is purely committed to maintaining the integrity of the current roster over the next several seasons, with the expectations of a few more Lombardi Trophies displayed in the Great Hall by, let's say, 2013.

This logic is somewhat of a reversal of old Steeler thinkology, with the previous mentality placing focus on acquiring and developing young, undervalued talent, grooming these players to be starters in their mid to late 20's, and then eventually replacing them with new youth once they hit their 30's. The previous strategy is excellent for maintaining a consistently competitive product. Consider that the Steelers have only experienced 3 losing seasons since 1992, while qualifying for the post season 12 times during the same period, and you would agree that the crop rotation strategy employed by the Cowhers and the Donahoes of the past has yielded good fruit.

This philosophy is why the team rarely used the franchise player tag or sought after high profile free agents. It's also the reason for that old tired argument of how the Steelers let all their 'good' players leave via free agency. The logic was simple: why overpay for a high mileage vehicle when the system will produce a low priced, low mileage vehicle ready to fill that spot in the driveway? The Rooneys, contrary to the not so humble opinion of the throngs of armchair GM's throughout Steeler Nation, are not cheap. They are, however, smart with their money, and above all else, employers of smart guys who understand how to work the NFL salary cap.

Remember names like O'Donnell, Lake, Thigpen, Kirkland, and Gildon? These were all guys that the Steelers let get away as they approached senior status, with considerable ire from Steeler Nation in most of these cases. How many Pro Bowl seasons did this group collectively yield in their post Black and Gold years? The number is ridiculously low.

So why the change in course? Perhaps it all started with Jerome Bettis, and his re-structuring to finish out his career in Pittsburgh. Perhaps it was Hines Ward's highly publicized tantrums in 2005. I think it has a lot to do with #7, and the belief that when he's on your team, and healthy, your team will always have the potential to win a Superbowl. Like I stated earlier, I think the front office boys truly believe that Ben and his core group is so strong that it's worth risking the future developmental piece for a chance at some more hardware.

With that comes my final point. This new philosophy does not come without a price tag attached to it. The downside to retaining so many longbeards is lack of locker room space for the young guys. We've all heard about how the team's recent drafts are busts once you factor out 1st rounders and undrafted free agents. Are these drafts really busts, or is the problem that the team has little or no room for the picks? A guy like Bruce Davis is a classic example. A second year OLB (3rd round pick) out of UCLA. The guy simply can't get on the field due to depth at that position. Should he get cut this year, it'll go down as another bust. I guess this is the plight of the sapling in the rain forest.

Time will only tell how the new philosophy will stand up. For today, I praise the team for retaining one my favorite players and one of the core pieces in a great defense.

Starks Makes Early Impact

Well, the Steelers are already collecting some form of dividend on the zillion dollar contract that my favorite punching bag, Max Starks, has signed. Just hours before the official end of training camp '09, Mad Max dropped his mountainous body on the foot of Big Ben Roethlisberger, causing the oft injured QB to end practice with his lower right appendage wrapped in ice.

Kudos to Max for wasting no time in contributing to Ben, once again, being helped off the field. I have a hunch that we will be seeing a lot of Batch and Dixon this weekend!

Max Pain is today's buzz term

Happy Birthday Kid

So what does 87 mean to most Pittsburgh sports fans? Mark Bruener? Nope. Weegie Thompson? Please. The total number of PittsburghFan readers? Not on a good day.

No, 87 means Sid Crosby. With the 8 meaning August and the 7 meaning today. So happy birthday to our captain from all of PittsburghFan and our slim corps of loyal followers.

oh, to be 22 again!

The Newest New Day...

How ironic that on the afternoon that our Battlins' off load the man that was supposed to restore power to the lineup, the team clocks 5 dingers without him, while beating the Brew Crew in dramatic fashion?

Wrap up your Adam Laroche bobbleheads and make room for your Garrett Jones bobbleheads, as LaRoche and his perpetual .250 BA are shipped off to Beantown in exchange for a young pitcher and shortstop. The impact here is more on the never ending Jack Wilson/Fred Sanchez saga, as the team finally obtains a young middle infielder capable of playing in the bigs.

QUICK HITTERS:

• PittsburghFan policy prevents us from speculating on the recent Big Ben sex scandal, however sources close to us say that the plaintiff is "hot and crazy".
• With LaRoche's overdue departure, Jones is now the team leader in homers, with 9 in just 68 at bats.
• 9 extra base hits today...not bad.

Report Card Time

Welcome back! Sorry about my hiatus, I took a little time off to visit Sin City, re-charging the batteries and dropping some coin on strippers in the process. I'd like to get back into full stride by giving my fair, and unbiased, evaluation of the Pirates' first half performance of the 2009 season.

Given your already growing frustrations of the Battlins', I do find it somewhat fitting for our unlovable team to end the first half getting trounced by the Phils and then having the pleasure of watching both of our All Star selections sit on the bench last night, forgotten and unused.

With a not so stellar record of 38-50, and 9.5 games out of first place, it would be easy to just write off the first half as an F. I'm certain that is what most of you will score our last place club. Being an optimist, I'm quietly watching the new management team, and although I may be sipping the Cool Aid, I do find some logic in the moves and non-moves that the front office is making. The one chilling reality that we all must embrace is that this management team cares very little about the breaking of the string of consecutive losing seasons in 2009. Should Freddy Sanchez and/or Jack Wilson be traded in the upcoming weeks, it will only strengthen this position. Whether we agree or disagree with the current philosophy of rebuilding the organization's young talent, we should believe that any short term solutions could potentially spin this club into a string of bad seasons well into the next decade. This organization, as a whole, was completely broken when the new guys came to town, and as my personal trainer often says, "you didn't get fat overnight, and you won't get skinny overnight."

Despite all the bad press and ill feelings we read and harbor, we should note that in the last several months, the Bucs have acquired some young guys who can play. The difference these days is that the returns have been guys with talent and upside, not just more medium grade ballplayers who hit .270 with mediocre power. The additions of Charlie Morton and Garrett Jones, along with the long awaited promotion of the highly skilled Andrew McCutchen have already infused the team with some guys with the tools to help win games. Should salvage project Lastings Milledge realize anything near his potential, the loss of light hitting Nyjer Morgan will be quickly forgiven and forgotten. Of course, these steps forward are met with typical Pirate underachievement, and thus we have a team 12 games under .500. With all this said, here is my breakdown for the first half.

THE GOOD:

• Sir Frederick. Is anyone looking for a scrawny middle infielder with awkward mechanics and an over aggressive swing? Despite Sanchez' obvious physical limitations, he consistently keeps the BA on the north side of .300 while turning in gold glove caliber second base work. Granted, Sanchez will never be a Chase Utley type guy, capable of carrying a lineup, but Freddy has flat out been the best Pirate since he earned the starting nod in 2006. It will be a shame if he's traded before the true rebound finally occurs, but if his trade brings more quality young guys, then I can understand.

• The New Look Outfield. How does an outfield of McCutchen, Jones, and Milledge look? Well, that's what you may be seeing within a month. Jones could be the truly remarkable story here, as a two time castoff who spend parts of 11 seasons in the minors, now getting the chance to play. With some amazing left handed power, could he finally be that guy that sinks balls into the Allegheny on a regular basis?? Brandon Moss is the one disappointment to note, as I had him earmarked as a rising star in April. Although he possesses the tools, he had better start translating potential into production, or he will lose his job soon, most likely to Milledge.

• The Rotation. Probably the most improved part of the team. The starters have reduced their combined ERA by over a run a game since last year, and should surpass the 2008 quality start total by mid August. Zach Duke has been the success story, and his All Star selection was truly based on merit. The downer note is the rapid decline of opening day starter, Paul Maholm, who's ERA is well over 5.00 since June 1. Should Maholm and the coaching staff correct his issues soon, the second half will look very good for the starters.

THE BAD:

• Ian Snell. Possibly the most tragic case of lost or misjudged potential on the North Shore in years...and there have been many. Snell's dramatic dropoff, coupled with a similar stock loss with Tom Gorzellany, over the last year and a half has really stymied the Bucs potential of building and maintaining a solid rotation. Hopefully Snell will be able to regain that form, but I feel that when he does, it will be when he's pitching to the Pirates and not for them.

• Matt Capps. There was a time, not so long ago, that I considered Capps to be the best Pirate pitcher. The one time reliable, and at times, dominant, closer has fallen onto some funky times these days. The complete meltdown against the Phils on Saturday was enough for even me to call for his head.

• Karma. Is it just me, or does it seem that no matter what strides the Bucs make, somehow, someway, Lady Luck manages to thrust her pretty little fingers into their faces and just fuck stuff up? Perhaps it's the sports gods leveling things off for the continual success of virtually every other athletic program in town. This year's bad mojo belongs to opening day cleanup hitter, Ryan Doumit. Losing Doumit, the team's best all around hitter, for 70 games severely crippled an already underpowered lineup. I'll peg the cost at 5 wins minimum...and 5 more wins would have the Battlins' at just under .500. The recent struggles of Maholm also have many folks thinking ailment, which, once again, gets chalked up to nothing more than sadly timed misfortune.

OVERALL: Before we score this first half, we need to remember that 2009 is like the baseball version of The Empire Strikes Back, meaning, it's a transitional year. I truly feel that this was the year off pulling off bandaids and attempting to find cures for the cancer, and not just another year of jettisoning vets for prospects. The potential is here that within a year we could see a lineup boasting McCutchen, Sanchez, Jones, Doumit, Pedro Alvarez, Milledge, and whatever combination of LaRoches you wish to sprinkle in. You are hearing it here first, the Bucs will win 85 games in 2010 and compete for the division in 2011. Should these tremendous events not occur, then I will also agree that this first half should get an F. Until then, I will grade it out as "incomplete". Now, please excuse me, I need to refill my Cool Aid.

Bucs to Ink Veteran Hurler

With just three weeks until the MLB All Star Game, our beloved Battlin' Buccos could pull off an intriguing free agent signing, as they are rumored to be in ongoing negotiations with the agent of veteran closer, Kenny Powers. Powers, recently released from Seattle, at one time possessed a fastball clocked at 101 MPH, although scouts say he's only capping out in the high 80's these days. The one time phenom has been a fading star over the last several years, just the type of bargain the thrifty Bucs are always on the lookout for.

With all things considered, Powers' physical stature is still quite intriguing. The fires of competition appear to still be burning inside the guy, and he diligently maintains an at-home conditioning program while he awaits that big phone call. Check out the training video that Post-Gazette tracked down this morning. Imagine this stud in Black and Gold.

A Look at the Rook

In the midst of cranking out one of my rare evening posts, I thought I'd get everyone up to speed on how rookie phenom Drew McCutchen is looking through his first three weeks in the Bigs. I must say, so not bad. Check out his baseballreference.com link and you will see some interesting numbers. Despite a very meager strikeout/walk ratio and some relatively low power numbers, the rest of the picture is pretty darn good. 5 triples in 19 starts?! Really? That translates to, oh, about, 40 three baggers over a full season! Amazingly, Mac already leads the NL in that category, thus either saying something about his fleet feet or the disappearance of triples in modern baseball.

More interesting are his production numbers. With 15 RBI's in 19 starts, he once again is projecting out to around 120 ribbies over a full season. In the National League, 70 RBI's in a season is more than acceptable for a leadoff guy, and anything over 85 or so is pretty good. Again, I realize that we have only seen Drew Mac for three weeks, but the fact that he's knocking in runs at this regularity is refreshing.




lets hope Mac hits better than he shaves

What's even more refreshing is this faint scent of hope lingering above the PNC Park bleacher section these days. Dare I dream, but at this point next season, the Buccos order could start like this: McCutchen, Sanchez, Doumit, and Alvarez. Beyond that depends on the long term situation of the Bros LaRoche and whether the Bucs' front office is going to pull the plug on projects Steve Pearce and Neil Walker. Who knows, at least it will be a younger and harder hitting team to not go see.

Oh, Those LaRoche Boys

Remember the good ole' days when you only had to worry about one LaRoche in the lineup? Doubling that equation is almost too much to handle. All Things LaRoche is the story probably best suited for reality TV, or even a prime time soap. If it isn't the cold streaks followed by torrid nights, it's the gold glove efforts followed up by evenings of zany fielding gaffes.

At this point in my blogging career, I really have no way to summarize the existence of the LaRoche Brothers. Certainly they are not the Waners, the Dimaggios, or even the Giambis. If Adam was a thoroughbred, he'd be what the race folks refer to as a 'front runner'. In other words, the horse that performs mightily when he's out front and is under no pressure. If Andy were a race horse, well, he'd probably have been put down by now, but hey, the world always needs more glue.

Last night's installment of the LaRoche Chronicles was really no oddity, regardless of how bizarre the box score reads. A slugfest by big brother followed by fielding woes by baby brother. Please pass the Tumms. One can only wonder if 2010 will bring us a third LaRoche.

QUICK HITTERS:

• How about that Zach Duke? The left arm of God has once again logged another quality start. Can you believe that Duke has 25% of the Bucs total wins and is on pace for an 18 win season?


• Andrew McCutchen should already be working on his acceptance speech for the NL Rookie of the Month for June. Next stop, ROY???

Mistake By The River

The greatly ballyhooed and well over hyped turnpike series between the Cleveland Indians and our lovable losers, aka, the Bucs, commenced last evening with a whimper, then a bang, and then another whimper. Sadly, the bang and the second whimper both belonged to MLB's poorest excuse for a cleanup hitter, Mr. Adam LaRoche. Much ado about nothing.

That LaRoche leaves the bases jammed during a rally in the bottom of the ninth is as equally typical as it is inexcusable. We can all banter back and forth regarding organizational philosophies, and what the definitions of words like "now" and "near future" are, but the bottom line here is that situations like last night are games that can be won, and just aren't. Last night's loss has nothing to do with the trade of Nate McLouth, the trade rumors of Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez, or whether the Bucs are serious about latin American superstud, Miguel Sano. It's all about execution. Something that is expected from stars and role players. Ask the guy across town who, like LaRoche, also wears #25 and some facial hair. The similarities end there. You'll probably find him sipping something frothy out of a rather large silver trophy right now. He'll tell you all about execution.

A guy like LaRoche can put up 25 homers and 85 RBI's year after year, but until he starts getting that base hit when the game is on the line, he's just another mope trying to fill up a stat sheet...holding down the cleanup spot on a 70 win team in the process.

Quick Hitters:

• Remember a young, flashy, top of the rotation guy named Ian Snell? Naw, me either. Sadly, the mercurial Snell is probably another bad start or two away from complete obscurity.
• How about Pedro Alvarez getting bumped up to AA Altoona after less than a half season of pro ball? Alvarez will most likely be a September call up when the rosters expand to 40, and he very well may be in a Bucco uni on opening day 2010. Oh crap, and I just bought my Andy LaRoche jersey...

Maxed Out

It's a red letter day for all you Max Starks fans...all 10 of you. The Steelers just announced that Starks will be signed to a long term deal, holding (no pun on the use of that word) him in town through the 2012 season. With Starks being an adequate, at best, offensive tackle, the real victory for the North Shore boys is the cap room the deal will free up for 2009. Since the team was already on the hook for Starks' franchise player tag and the nearly $8 mill in salary that comes along with it, the savings towards this year, under the new deal, may be as much as $4 million. Hopefully, that extra cash may be used in re-upping tight end, Heath Miller.

now that God has sent him the contract, maybe he could send him some skills

A Great Day for a Parade

Another championship game. Another trophy. Another parade. Another entry in the scrapbook of our lives. History continues to develop in this never ending dreamlike year of 2009. Thanks to our very own A Dawg for submitting some cool glimpses of a great day...

Pascal Dupuis showcasing new body art

Mama Malkin eyes a new dispenser for her borst soup

priceless

A Great Day for Hockey

What a glorious morning! Break out those vintage "City of Champions" tee-shirts, crank up the old Sister Sledge records, and pour yourself a frosty I.C. Lite (the beer drinker's beer), because your Penguins just refused to be outdone by your Steelers! Now, your Pirates...well, that's another story...

Check out this congratulatory article written by a Cleveland blogger, and then the civil unrest he inspired with his readers. If you feel spoiled as a Pittsburgh fan, you should. The last five months in our sports lives have been nothing short of incredible. And don't sweat those Buccos...as Meatloaf soulfully crooned, "Two outa three ain't bad".

QUICK HITTERS:

• Kudos to me for calling Mad Max last night. Let's face it, though, predicting Max coming up big on a big stage is like forecasting that MP will be piss drunk by 9 pm on any given night. No real stretch.


• Mario still looking dapper, now hoisting the cup in his Armani suit! I still say that the NHL should require that all owners appear in at least one playoff game. Think we'd have the upper hand?


• What more can be said about talisman extraordinaire, MA Fleury. Just six days after being chased off the ice, he responds with Roy-esque dominance while staving off elimination in consecutive games. Well done, Flower. You were my choice for the Conn Smythe.


• Rumor has it that the NHL front office guys are considering re-naming the dinky runner up trophy the "Marian Hossa Cup" (picture below). Hey, Marian where is that $34 million you scorned?? Oh, yeah, I forgot, in Mario's wallet...which he now keeps on his desk next to the Stanley Cup!

The Hossa Cup will be awarded to runners-up, losers, and douche bags

The Jilted Lover

Have you ever been cheated on? Of course you have. What red blooded American man hasn't had his life destroyed at least once by a conniving bitch? Have you ever been downsized, or dealt with in an unsavory manner by your employer? I'm sure you have. The fact that you're reading this blog during prime business hours tells me that you're probably not a cracker jack worker bee. I'm guessing that your car doesn't spend many days parked in the employee-of-the-month spot.

How does this make you feel? Whether deserved or not, no one likes to feel scorned. Put yourself in the shoes of Buccos pitcher Jeff Karstens. Holding down the fifth spot in the Bucs' rotation all spring, Karstens was served a little notice when the team traded for Braves' prospect, Charlie Morton. In fact, Morton was given the start last night, as Karstens was sent to the bullpen for middle innings, long relief, and mop up duties. In the baseball world, Karstens was handed the classic, "I just want to be friends" line.

Well, as luck would have it, new-guy-in-town, Morton would blow out his hammy after one whole inning. So guess who gets the call to get his hiny loosened up and out to the mound...pronto? You guessed it, the previously scorned Jeff Karstens. I guess that's the equivalence of getting that call from your ex-lady and hearing that she's just discovered that her new man lives with his mom, fantasizes about Hannah Montana, or experiences occasional erectile dysfunction.

In seriousness, some credit needs to go out to Karstens on this one. He jumped on the hill with short notice and pitched 4+ strong innings, propelling the Bucs to victory. All in all, I'm not sure what moral, if any, this story holds. Perhaps Karstens' strong effort was inspired by the feeling of scorn or betrayal. Maybe a little shake up was necessary to motivate the youngster to produce at the major league level. Maybe the Pirates' management will have an interesting problem soon. I just know that in 4 days, it's going to be interesting to see who takes the mound.

Karstens handled his 23 minute demotion to the bullpen with grace and dignity

A Date with Destiny

Perhaps it was the NHL equivalent of Larry Fitzgerald's dramatic (and for some, sickening) sprint to the endzone in the fourth quarter of Superbowl 43. Perhaps it was just prevention of an enemy's celebration on the home battleground. Perhaps it was just a strong individual effort from a guy who has been enduring a turbulent ride of highs and lows over the last 8 weeks.

However you need to qualify or quantify the Penguins' epic performance in last night's Game 6, the end result is all the same: series tied, dramatic Game 7 looming. Kudos to M. A. Fleury for ridding his heart and mind of the embarrassing thumping he took on Game 5. A goalie is like an accountant, when he's doing his job, you aren't thinking about him all that much. Fleury quickly re-established his teammates' (and more importantly, his own) confidence in his ability to slam the door, and by doing so, he's afforded himself one last shot at redemption in his own personal House of Pain, aka, Joe Louis Arena. Oh, and for the record, let's hope that our spry netminder doesn't require the assistance of Rob Scuderi's left skate on Friday!

Quick Hitters:

• Kudos to MP for calling the goal from Tyler Kennedy of Whoville.
• Is it just me, or does it seem like Fleury needs to fall and/or lose his stick at least once every night?
• A quick nod to defensemen Gill and Orpik for stepping up and playing sound and solid defense.
• Another shout to "interim" coach Danny Bylsma for once again instilling the confidence in his boys to play like killers.

Brooks Orpik demonstrates the classic glove-to-the-face defense, as seen on early Three Stooges films

Welcome to the 'Burgh, Kid

Rookie sensation Andrew McCutchen got his first true glimpse at the frustrations that teammates Freddy Sanchez and Paul Maholm have endured for years...wasted effort. McCutchen had the biggest night in his young career, going 4 for 7 with a double, a pair of triples, and 2 runs scored; all for not, however, as the Bucs squandered numerous opportunities before finally succumbing to the Braves 7-6 in 15 innings.

Ironically, Nate McLouth, another guy who has seen his performances wasted in a Pirates uni, rocked a homer off former Bucco and Altoona Curve mate, Zach Duke, in a winning effort. As they say, fate is not without a sense of irony.

Quick Hitters:

• With McCutchen replacing Nate, he joins Nyjer Morgan and Brandon Moss in the Bucs' starting outfield. This trio has a combined 1 whopping home run on the season. At this point last year, the starting outfield of Jason Bay, X Man Nady and McLouth already had over 30 combined dingers. Astonishing even for the Buccos.
• If you're feeling uneasy, you should. Mid-June is generally when the Bucs begin to entertain multiple losing skids. With no McLouth or Doumit in the lineup, it may just be a matter of time until the team is dozen or so games under .500
• 51 days until Latrobe!

Ass Cheek Zamboni Volume 2

I finally got the Candyman's shot on Helm. Enjoy...

Game On!

My texting happy niece would sum it up with three simple keystrokes...OMG. The voice on that really cool Vs. commercial would say it like this, "and don't be surprised if the little guy just decides to take a pass on yelling 'uncle', and now we got ourselves a game." Finally, to repeat myself from two mornings earlier: David just got a little taller, and Goliath just got a little smaller.

However you want to sum up the Pittsburgh Penguins memorable victory in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals is your business, but get Lord Stanley on the horn and tell him to order extra beer. The denial is now over. This is now a series. This is no longer the favorite vs. the underdog, the champion vs. the challenger, the veteran vs. the youth, or the confident vs. the frightened, this is now the tired vs. the emerging.

The Penguins are rallying in this series by living on both sides of blue. WTF??, you ask. I'm talking about blending highlight reel antics from the blue chippers with gritty, desperate efforts from the blue collars. The efforts are running deep with the skaters, and MA Fleury, well, he's been what a Stanley Cup hoisting netminder should be.

Enjoy your coffee with this little YouTube clip of a really big 67 seconds in Pittsburgh lore...

Nate Who??!!

Move over Sid, Geno, Jordan, and Santonio. Pittsburgh's got a new addition to the exclusive 25 and under sports phenom club: Andrew McCutchen. The Battlins' ushered in the Drew Mac era today by manloving the New York Mets, sans lubricant, 11-6 at PNC Park. How'd the rook look, you ask? Try two for four with a stolen base, and much more importantly, three runs scored. Three runs from your leadoff guy, huh? Imagine that.

Here's to another new beginning

Nate and the Irate

Unfortunately for the Pirates' front office, most of the Pennsylvania National Guardsmen are currently overseas engaging in the Global War on Terror. Luckily for the Buccos' brass, however, every Western PA sports fan is either focused on the Pens' Game 4 or Big Ben's tweaked knee, and therefore, the soon to be highly controversial trading of Nate McLouth is still relatively unnoticed. So maybe the potential riots will be minor, and our guardsmen won't be necessary.

For those of you that live your lives outside of the never ending saga of Pirate futility, let me break this news: the Bucs' just pulled off a trade to send the vastly popular All Star centerfielder to the Altanta Braves for three...you guessed it, prospects. In addition to the speed/power mix that Nate the Great displayed over the last few seasons, he'll be packing up his Gold Glove, as well. A nice commodity, given that his workplace, the PNC Park centerfield, was the most spacious in the National League.

Expect the scrutiny to be high on this one, but probably for the wrong reasons. This is not the classic David LittleBrain trade: quality for affordability. The Bucs' front office has maintained since their assembly in the winter of 2007 that long term competitiveness is the overall goal. Breaking the string of 16 consecutive losing seasons would be great for team and city, but it is clearly not the primary focus. GM Neal Huntington has eluded to 2010, but more like 2011, as the threshold to expect a winning product. With that being said, here are the reasons why this trade may make sense:

1. Despite his popularity, Nate is a good, but not great, ballplayer. Many baseball experts view him as performing near his ceiling, or in Buccos' brass lingo, at or near his highest possible trade value. If wins and losses in 2009 is not a concern, why not bring something in for him while he's still attractive? Again, I really enjoy Nate's game, but don't be shocked if he's a reserve or 4th outfielder somewhere in three years or so.
2. The real story here is a guy named Andrew McCutchen. For those of you that don't read this blog that closely, let me re-iterate that McCutchen is widely considered the best Pirate outfield prospect since Barry Bonds. Enough said, this guys needs to be in PNC Park getting regular at bats from real pitchers. This couldn't happen with Nate in his way.
3. Despite all those high draft picks that went into pitchers, the Bucs minor league system has virtually no quality arms. To get at least one, and possibly two, good arms, as well as an outfielder with a very high ceiling is a good thing for this team right now.

Who knows how this trade will impact us long term. The armchair and blogosphere Bucco critics are now conditioned to berate any trade that involves prospects in return. This criticism is genuinely fair, given that most of our blockbuster deals haven't panned out.

My thoughts are that if Drew McCutchen emerges, and performs as good, if not better than Nate has thus far in 2009, we may actually be better off right now. As always with the Bucs, only time will tell.

The Ass Cheek Zamboni

Hey, Hossa Fans! Here's the Asscheek Zamboni that your man now owns...courtesy of Mr. Brooks Orpik. Remember, we all know that Hossa loved the Penguins style, but he left to win...and to get his European ass laid out by the NHL's biggest hitter.



Now, can someone send me the link of Darren Helm getting his ass handed to him by #44...

We're just Mad about Max

Just call it getting it done. Marc Andre Fleury finally buckling down and making the saves that needed to be made, - getting it done. Captain Sid Crosby elevating his game, and by extension, his team, - getting it done. Matt Cooke showing his blue collar mates how to play relentlessly and desperately in a critical game, - getting it done. Last, and certainly not least, Max Talbot doing what Max Talbot does best, scoring the huge goal, - getting it done (twice).

The Pittsburgh Penguins restored a lot of respect and an equal portion of faith in their amazing spring story by notching a colossal win over the Detroit Red Wings last night at the Igloo in the pivotal Game Three of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals. David just got a little taller and Goliath just got a little smaller as our Flightless Birds have pulled within one home win of tying this series.

What more can be said about Mr. Talbot? A Dawg, PittsburghFan's local hockey expert, said it best last week, "Max may not score a lot of goals, but he scores BIG goals." Well said.

Quick Hitters:

• HBO ran Fred Claus at 8 pm last night. Karma? At this point, I can only watch the movie because super hottie Rachel Weisz renews my passion for busty British chicks.


• How about Candyman Brooks Orpik showing faggy Darren Helm (as he already did with Marian Hossa) how to execute the old fashioned asscheek Zamboni with his brutal neutral zone smackdown?


• Can anybody please tell Ed Olczyk that it's ok to not hate his former employers anymore? Ed, just let it go...

Remembrance of Near Perfection

On an afternoon of yet another solid start turned in by Zach Duke but squandered by his mates, I'd like to conjure some memories of the ultimate pitching performance wasted by futile offensive. 50 years ago (yesterday) journeyman Pirate lefty hurler Harvey Haddix turned in what is still regarded as the greatest game ever pitched, although he was tagged with the loss.

Working 12+ perfect innings and still getting stung with the loss is a cruel fate that not even our current hard luck tossers would get saddled with. Congratulations to Mr. Haddix for the amazing and memorable night, and kudos to MP for digging this gem up.

Meet Harvey Haddix; America's first "Biggest Loser"

Swept Away

The Big Black Machine, aka, the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins, has just rolled over another speed bump en route to a return to the NHL Stanley Cup Finals by dispatching the clearly overmatched Hurricanes in four games. Despite the late drama in Game 1, the 'Canes just weren't in the same class as our Flightless Birds, who outscored the Tar Heels on Skates 17-7 over the final three games.

Kudos to the entire organization for resurrecting a team that most "experts" had written off as dead in mid-February. Now the boys in black and gold can rest the legs and await their opponent.

coming soon to a HDTV near your

Rennie Re-Visited

On a windy night in Chicago, Freddy Sanchez reminded the Wrigley Field faithful of a remarkably amazing offensive performance turned in by another Bucco second bagger 34 years prior. Sanchez stroked 6 hits in 6 at-bats last night, just a hit short of Rennie Stennett's legendary 7-7 outburst in Cubbieville back in 1975. This feat is quite fitting since, in my mind, Steady Freddy is the best offensive middle infielder the Bucs have employed since Stennett. (Johnny Ray fans be damned.)

Rennie's mint night is still safe

Cam Shafted

Did anyone get the license plate number on that turbo charged Zamboni that steamrolled Hurricanes Nation last night? I'll take a stab and say the plate read "87-71". Superheroes extraordinaire, Crosby and Malkin, continue to play as the NHL's most dominant duo since a couple of black and gold clad guys named Lemieux and Jagr, as the Pens demolish the 'Canes 6-2 in Carolina.

The talks of all-world goaltender, Cam Ward, rescuing his team from the black death are slowly fading away, as the Pens' offensive juggernaut has lit the lamp an amazing 13 times in the last two games. All said, the Penguins are now sprinting towards the conference finish line, winning seven out of their last eight games, with three of the last four being complete blowouts.

The Wonder Twins attempt to explain their super powers

Some Elite Company

I did a little research based on a stat I heard on Vs. the other night. Did you know that behind Gretzky and Lemieux, the next two highest playoff points-per-games averages (career) belong to Crosby and Malkin? The only asterisk is that the minimum games played is 35, thus eliminating former Bruin and Canuck, Barry Pederson.

Click on this link, and you'll see the all time leaders. Very impressive company for our young guns.

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two big reasons why the Pens continue to draw comparisons to the 80's Edmonton Oilers

Oh Goody, Here Comes Inter-League

As the birds chirp, the flowers bloom, and America prepares itself for another glorious Memorial Day weekend, and most likely a long, hot summer; our very own Battlin' Buccos prep themselves for their annual free fall that generally coincides with the beginning of inter-league play. For those that don't read in between the stats on the score cards, early June is generally when the Bucs slide from three or four games under .500 to about a dozen or so under in just a few dreadful weeks. It all starts with that first inter-league pitch.

The Pirates are clearly the worst MLB team when it comes to inter-league play, with a career winning percentage under .380! As history bodes for the Bucs, any promising season in which the team exits spring hovering just under .500 gets wiped away by the club getting clobbered over the next few weeks. When late June breaks, and the team is 10 or 12 games under, the "fuck it" attitude has already hit the spectators, and the front office scours the clubhouse for any resemblance of a tradeable veteran. By the 4th of July, the team is usually at least 15 games under, and we're all just counting down days until Latrobe opens.

Last night's squandering of another masterful Zach Duke outing was as appropriate of an inter-league opener as it gets for the Buccos. Getting blanked on two lousy hits by a misfit with an ERA over 7, simply unacceptable. Let's hope I'm wrong, but if history serves true, our Battlins' should be on the brink of sub .400 ball within the next week.

Memorial Performance

So, kudos to MP for playing a little Nostradamus and correctly predicting that Chris Kunitz would light the lamp last night. The only scoring slump longer than Kunitz's is my own (with the ladies), but I'm certain that MP's crystal ball has no insight in that...

Anyway, what a night for the home team. Our boys in black rolled the offense en route to their sixth playoff win in seven games. The 'Canes back is not yet broken, but I'm guessing that their chiropractor has been notified.

So, check out the replay on Malkin's sickness, if you're in the rare group of hermits who haven't seen it already. This image will be in Cam Ward's nightmares for the next, oh, 30 or so years...

And We're Off

So if last night's Eastern Conference Finals' opener was any indicator of things to come, we might as well all re-stock our Rogaine, double up on our blood pressure meds, and get that cardiologist on speed dial, because this is going to be some high tension hockey. Game One was everything a Stanley Cup playoff game should be, with plenty of drama, and the longest 86 seconds in recent memory.

Although the Pens and the 'Canes come in to this series as the two hottest teams in the NHL since mid-February, the similarities pale there. The Penguins are clearly an emerging team, talent laden with added playoff depth, a team that is getting stronger with each series. The 'Canes are a team that is living on the edge, playing desperate, yet fundamentally sound and focused hockey. I'm certainly not saying that Carolina is anywhere close to rolling up the tents, but I truly believe that the thoroughbred in the stable wears black and gold.

Should the Pens arrive with their A game on Thursday, I think we may just begin to see the true delta in the talent levels. With all that being said, netminder Cam Ward, just like his young counterpart, M.A. Fleury, has all the skills and big stage presence to carry a team on his back. As Dan Bylsma wisely stated, "if we're talking about Cam Ward when this thing is over, you'll probably know who won."

Some Quick Hitters:

• All hail Satan, as Miro the Hero notched his first playoff goal of 2009.
• So how many goals do the Penguin defensemen have in the post season? 10?
• Big brother Eric Staal displayed some poor role model qualities and some lousy sportsmanship by sweeping MAF's goal stick away, thus leading to the 'Canes second score. Of course, I would have turned a blind eye had youngster Jordan pulled the same stunt.
• Before Brooks Orpik got busted for a high elbow in the waning moments, the Pens had gone over 120 minutes while yielding only one power play opportunity. That's sound hockey.

Hanging a Ten Spot

In early efforts to woo an offensive outburst out of the Penguins, our very own Battlin' Buccos conducted their own offensive onslaught yesterday, creaming the Colorado Rockies 11-4. The Buccos conjured the ghosts of the old Lumber Company by dropping an impressive 10 runs in the seventh inning. Nate McLouth would spearhead the Bucs' remarkable assault with four RBIs. Zach Duke looked strong once again in gaining his fifth win of the early season.

All focus, however, is now on the men on skates, as the Pens are less the seven hours away from opening puck drop of the Eastern Conference Finals. The odds favor our Flightless Birds, winners of the last four series in which they've held home ice advantage. Let's start the road to five tonight.

Satan Returns from Hell

Now that the clamor is settling on the exploits of Mr. Wheaties box himself, aka, Sidney Crosby, how about a little love for the performances of the Penguins' Eastern European contingency? Geno Malkin, Sergei Gonchar, and Ruslan Fedotenko all have shown enough playoff prowess to bring a little twinkle to the eye of Comrade Lenin. How about everyone's favorite Slovakian, Miro Satan?

Let's face it, anyone named after the universe's greatest hell raiser must have some balls. Sure, the guy's got moxie, but how about the humility? After his disastrous play in the first half of the regular season, we gave Miro a snowball's chance in, yep, you guessed it, hell, to ever see the playoff roster. However, not two months after being released, then re-assigned to Wilkes-Barre (fittingly, Hell on Earth), then a healthy scratch for most of the opening weeks of the playoffs, Satan rose from the bench, like a bat out of Hades, and played some damn good hockey. I understand that the Lucifer cliches are almost used up here, but what the hell? This blog is free anyway.

Hey, Miro, guess I'll see you in hell!

Stuck between the Devil and the deep blue line