DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
Morning, Lunatics …
• The weekend focused on the Steelers with a column from the preseason opener in New Jersey and the first of the new Steelers Extra Points feature. The latter will run the day after every game they play. Because every game they play is exactly that big.
As an aside, I sure wish more football fans would pipe up here in the comments. I can see the numbers, and the Steelers columns and entries draw by far the most actual page visits. But for reasons I can’t begin to fathom, comments don’t match that. If you’re new here, don’t be shy! The more football talk, the merrier!
• Some stats and streaks in sports are just too cool to die. And forgive me for this in advance, but the Padres winning every single series they’ve ever played at PNC Park — now 14 of them — is just too cool to die. Let it live into perpetuity, I say, if only to confound those who incessantly feel compelled to link logic and baseball, two things that should never be linked.
Also at the yard yesterday, Neil Walker went to the DL for his lousy lower back. I’ve heard criticism of Clint Hurdle and/or management for allowing Walker to take that one at-bat Saturday — if he hadn’t, the DL stint would have been shortened by four days — but I’m not sharing that view. Walker was passionately adamant he was mending, including in a talk he and I had late last week. I believe him. Backs are funny things. They change.
• I’ll be at PNC Park the next two nights, covering both games of this brief series with the Tigers with a full column each day. On Wednesday, it’s back out to Latrobe to cover the Steelers’ joint practice with the Bills. On Thursday, I’ll check in on Pitt football on the South Side. And on Saturday, I’ll cover Steelers and Bills for real — OK, just preseason — at Heinz Field.
• New feature on the site: I’ve added the names of the four teams I cover most often to the menu bar at the very top of the page. If you click on one, it will show you only the items pertaining to that team.
• If you have tech issues, email us at [email protected]
• Thanks for reading, as always!
So far, haven’t had much to say about the Steelers other than express a hope for Spence to play well, which I heard he did. Not all the eggs should have to be in the Shazier basket. How seriously can we take any first preseason game when Ben plays the first series only?
Btw, I said last week I’d be tempted to take Rory over the field at the PGA. Not too often do I wish I had placed a bet, but….
Not sure why my other response did not post? But, Bill: I agree with you. amazing day of golf with the players battling each other & the on-coming darkness. Best I’ve seen in some time Rory seems pretty grounded. Nice to see someone take that top spot that Tiger used to own.
It was fun to watch, Tom. Love it when about five guys still have a chance to win on the back nine. And Rory’s 287 yard 3 metal to set up that eagle was just crazy good.
Agree Bill…..great competition yesterday. I always wonder…what is better…for the golf course to beat the players or the players beat the golf course? Yesterday, the players “won”. The course didn’t stand a chance.
As a golfer, Justice, I Never feel bad for the course. The rain in Louisville had everything to do with that; dry weather and it would have been quite different,
I got annoyed that Phil was already complaining about how the ending went. Look, it was Rory’s tournament. He wasn’t losing yesterday or today. What an amazing ending to that tournament.
Ok folks…put your seat belts on….this is the brutal Pirates stretch we all have been talking about. Here we go tonight!
Tigers 5 – 5 in their last ten. Trying to stay optimistic.
Thanks, Bill. Was not aware of that. Cautiously optimistic…indeed.
And they should be dead tired after playing 19…19! Innings yesterday!
Fatigue of 19 innings the good news; that they had 22 hits in that game is the bad news.
To me the Tigers are the most underachieving team in baseball the past 5-6 years. Obvious that the ownership spends money, the GM brings in ridiculous talent and they keep slogging thru regular seasons and falling short in the postseason. That KC is 1/2 game out should embarrass.
Let’s hope Cole stays as healthy as he appeared to be yesterday and we get some offense
No Hitter Alert vs the Bucs tonight!
JAL’s Meet on the Ledge Morning Links
20 Sweetspot
Tigers’ injuries narrow AL Central race
http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/50458/tigers-injuries-narrow-al-central-race
2 Indianapolis Star
Gerrit Cole brilliant in 3rd start for Indianapolis Indians
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2014/08/10/gerrit-cole-brilliant-rd-start-indianapolis-indians/13879939/
Correct link to the game preview link 3
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/preview/MLB_20140811_DET@PIT/tigers-pirates-preview
JAL – thanks for finding/sharing another classic, the great Richard Thompson. When I scanned the title and saw The Ledge, I thought it was the song by The Replacements.
Brutal 1B hitting/defense over weekend.
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Hoping that lightning + bottle = Pedro. Can’t be worse than seen over last 2 weeks. Let the experiment begin.
Abso – buc’n – lutely!!
Question: this brutal stretch for the Pirates is from 8/11- 9/3 and is 22 games. A little help from other teams is always welcome, but, my question…what do the Pirates need to do here? What does their record need to look like on 9/3? Have a great Monday, Everyone!
Hard decisions on Walker and Cutch, but playing these games two men short on the bench is asking for trouble. And the first basemen – I’d be tempted to bat them in the 8 spot, whichever one it is.
5 more over . 500 would be good
And if two that we are playing are Martinez and Nix, they are gonna get exposed. Don’t think we have a choice but to play Pedro.
Definitely going to be interesting to see where this team is in the standings the morning of the off day on September 4, that is for sure. This stretch of games between now and then will define the season.
It really seems like the NL playoff chase is gonna stay jumbled for a while. Braves, Giants and Reds are scuffling… Pirates are weakened… but the Brewers, Cardinals and even Nats/Dodgers aren’t ‘running away with it’. Lots and lots of games among the competitors too.
Didn’t watch the game. Curious how they did.
I know the pre-season doesn’t mean much as far as wins, but Steelers need a few wins before the season starts. It’s a mental thing. Remember last season! 0-4 in preseason then 0-4 at start of season.
Dk
I did not think Walker was put on the DL yesterday, was he?
I don’t think he was, Mac
I think DK was anticipating – they do not need to announce anything until a couple of hours before game time. IF they decide to put Walker on the DL he would be eligible to return on the 25th – would miss Milwaukee but available for St. Louis.
DK is going to have to deal with the personal attacks on posters-some folks seem obsessed with “policing” comments. A down vote on the comment above? What caused a down vote? I paid for 3 yrs but will be asking for a refund if this continues. Move on-get over whatever it was.
Lonely at the Top,
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If you are comfortable that your comment is a good or worthy one, it doesn’t matter what stupid button others might push.
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Don’t let inane things like that get your goat. “Don’t let ‘em see you sweat.”
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Ignore. It’s only personal if you let it be!
Groat is right. This is no high school girl’s clique. Why anyone would let a down vote have them asking for a refund is beyond me.
And trust me, Dejan couldn’t care less if someone gives HIM a downvote
The downvotes are petty and annoying, but I’ve learned to ignore them. Some posters (including myself) seem to garner more of them than others. I’ve adopted the personal policy of using “upvotes” but eschewing the down ones and directly commenting below a post when I disagree.
Why would you care at all about up or down votes? I don’t waste my time clicking on either, nor do I pay attention to whether anyone votes up or down on my comments.
The Steelers #1 priority is to stay healthy. After that not much else matters in early August.
Glad to see Tigers wore out their pen in the 19 inning game. Nice advantage for Bucs going in.
Finally, a topical conversation: the Tigers Bullpen.
Good one, NMR.
it continues to be a big deficiency for them, esp compared to Oakland. Nathan is doing a Grilli impression (2014 version), Soria is hurt, and now Joba (JABBA!) is closing. Thought their current bullpen does lead to a great headline: “Tigers pen took a wrong turn at Albuquerque”
Brilliant!
Gone for a few days. Yinz take care and get some wins, please.
Be safe, Spunkster. I’ll miss you!
Hope it’s an “enjoy” kind of gone, Lucky.
Yeah, just a trip. No problems. Thanks, Bill.
Reverend, don’t be ornery while gone.
Saw this on the Pirates’ Notebook
Gerrit Cole allowed one hit in six scoreless innings in a rehab start for Class AAA Indianapolis.
Cole, who is on the 15-day DL because of pain in the right latissimus dorsi muscle in his back, struck out three with no walks and threw 73 pitches
Us Steeler fans are still stunned by your use of the term, ” Big-play big shot Johnny Manziel”.
Have you noticed, Micco of PG now has a Ask 10 questions blog.
lol
Stole that concept from DK’s 20 questions.
He’s a loser! lol
A media member passing off someone else’s idea as their own? You don’t say?!?!
As if nobody has ever done a question and answer session on a blog before DK did. Any useful reason to denigrate what the other blogger is doing? As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Happy Birthday to the biggest Steeler, Daniel McCullers.
The big man is 22 years old today.
Man, that’s gotta be one big cake.
I’ve asked twice–with no responses–as someone who didn’t’ see or hear the game (my Bad!) how did McCullers look?
Dump McLendon and keep this kid and Fangupo. Big Dan ain’t going to make it through end of the pre-season waivers, so they risk losing what a valuable asset.
I watched him closely. He doesn’t move quick enough at all and is quite frankly too big. Plays with no leverage. He is a long shot at best in my opinion. I really like the kid from UCLA, Zumwalt I think is his name. LB who brings it…
Steelers, have a nice day. BTW when does the season start? Why do the “regulars” have to play a whole series? Many similar questions engendered by training camp.
Stuart
I’m getting this third hand, but did I hear right that NH said the Pirates wouldn’t be able to sign Martin for next year?
Sure glad we went “all in” at the trade deadline.
Could this be year one of a new 20-year streak?
Is NH going to extend Chris Stewart?
Stuart
All depends on how the “market” shakes out for Martin.
But usually, Bucs can’t play in major league free agent market.
The Pirates can sign Martin if they want to. All other posturing is for pr purposes.
I tend to agree with this. From what we’ve been told, all that AJ Burnett money is still available. I hope they pony up and sign Martin.
If he really thinks Tony Sanchez can replace Russ, then it’s going to be a long next several years. If they don’t spend this extra money they made this year by not signing AJ / anyone else at deadline, and give it to Russ, then all the money naysayers are going to come out.
I really don’t understand NH answering the questions the way he did. He should just say “We are going to make our best effort to re-sign Russ, he has been everything we thought he’d be when we signed him before last season”. and leave it at that.
Tony is hitting .222 at AAA this year.
NH didn’t say they won’t be able to sign Martin, but he didn’t give me confidence that they will be willing to put a competitive offer on the table. IMO, Martin is at least as valuable to the Pirates as an ace starting pitcher, maybe more. I think he is worth $15mil/yr for 3 yrs.
Just heard an interview with a Detroit reporter on XM. Besides their bullpen issues, he said they are not hitting. Also said they are going to Triple-A to get through the Pirates series.
Radio Wave- You should know by now that anytime the scales of justice are swung so heavily in the Pirates direction, they find a way to get swept. It’s a corollary principle to Bob Prince’s Hidden Viggorish.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to catch the Steelers game on Saturday…but reports sounded encouraging. I’m excited to see if the reload we’ve all been waiting for has finally come to pass.
Remember, Bill Cowher had a similar dry spell at about the same time in his tenure here.
Here’s hoping we play to the level of our competition and beat the Tigers. I said last night that this first base nonsense can’t continue, and it doesn’t seem viable to put Pedro over there…how bout we get an actual first baseman that can hit the friggin ball?
Who is available? Morneau? Pearce? Do not laugh at Pearce, as he can hit and he can play a decent outfield(and he makes around a million bucks).
Dunno, not really a complainer about our lineup and management per se. I think they do the best they can, seriously, but man we are packing that stadium and its raining dollar bills up in here!!! Buy me a first baseman somewhere!!!
Oh my God………….Pearce!! He’d be a much better option than Gaby at this point.
Did not mean to say your post was a whine, G8, as I agree with it!
It’s time to see Lambo
DK, my beef with batting Walker on Saturday night was NOT batting him in the 8th inning with men in scoring position. That’s a better leverage situation for Walker and more pressure on the Pitcher. 9th IN, nobody on, worst case was a TIE for SD, hence the challenge and K.
Interesting observation about the lack of Steelers chat Dejan.
For what it’s worth, I was impressed by the Steelers first drive on Saturday night. O-line looked ready to roll, and the bubble screen to Dri Archer is exactly how they need to utilize him this season.
Dri Archer can bring the #MACtion, no doubt about it. He can freaking fly, and I’m glad that now other Steelers fans have had a chance to see it.
The interesting thing to me was how he didn’t even seen to be in fifth gear as he was running past people. On kicks, he needs to be back far enough to receive them moving forward.
For someone who didn’t’ see or hear the game (don’t ask), how did McCullers, Tuitt, Bryant look?
How about Josh Mauro?
I know how Howard Jones, my other sleeper to make the team did.
I’ve been on record that, other than the defensive backfield magically improving, Stephon Tuitt could be the most pivotal piece moving forward for the defense. If he ends up being another Aaron Smith, then it’s a TREMENDOUS boon for the team.
And, I’ll quickly point out, that is no small task. Smith was an absolute monster.
Quick poll question, one that may be way too hard to answer: was there any 3-4 defensive end in the last 20 years of football as good at his job as Aaron Smith in his prime?
@SeanAY
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I’m a huge Aaron Smith fan but,
Bruce Smith was still playing within last 20. He dominated like no other 3-4 end.
Cut it to past 10 years and I’d say that A Smith was the best.
I agree with you that Tuitt has potential to be most pivotal piece.
Billy,
Ah, but when did Buffalo stop playing in a 3-4? I know Smith was in it in Buffalo, but I also know for a long time in the 90′s, the Steelers were the only ones running it.
Sean,
I don’t think that was unti late 90′s. B. Smith’s career was almost over. “By the mid-1990s, only a few teams used a 3–4 defense, most notably the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers” wiki
Bruce Smith was in his dominant prime in 3-4.
My guess is steelers chatter picks up when things start to count. I also think it is a function of a lot of the lunatic nation has followed him from his pirate beat days thus the bucs get more comments. But mostly that bucs pennant race plus steelers still in latrobe equals more bucs comments.
I think you’re 100% correct AJS. If the Pirates were in early/mid 2000s form then Pittsburgh sites would be dominated by Steelers talk already.
SeanAY, I follow #MACtion a bit as I went to grad school at Ball St. Loved the Archer pick in the draft. Guy can fly!
Agree with others here. Have to get Pedro back in the lineup. Move JHay to 2B and as much as I hate saying it play Snider everyday. I would mind seeing a Lambo redux because right now they have a hole in the OF as well as 1B.
I’d even consider Tabata over Snider, even if Tabata has not shown his previous power capability.
H8T to say it, but Pedro might be our best option at this point…I know, I know, I’ve been whining about him at first, but at least he’d hit the ball out of the infield and he swings really hard.No idea what’s going on with Ike…he swings like Paul Bunyan and it pops up to ss
It’s time to think outside the box and give Pedro a chance @ 1B.
Whether you prefer Pedro or Ike really comes down to how steadfast you are in your use of sabermetrics. Yes, Ike and Pedro have been just about equal against RHP by wOBA, wRC+, and OPS…
…but Ike has gotten it done almost exclusively by drawing walks, which has produced an excellent OBP. He’s had over 700 AB’s since hitting for power in ’13. This seems to be the guys he is now after the swing changes. Low average, low power, high OBP.
Sorry, ’12 not ’13.
Yes, Ike is a “walker” for sure. I’m just talking about gut when a dude steps to the plate…honestly I like that Nix guy, lol, he looks like he’s into the game (I know that sounds stupid). Pete and Ike look like they are terrified to be at the plate and Pedro looks like a guessr
Well, given he has ZERO speed on the base paths, and his D at first (eye test admittedly) is BELOW AVERAGE, then I don’t want this version of Ike on this team beyond this season. 1B is one place you can have high K, high power guys like Pedro
I think this Ike is a neat hitter, cmat. I don’t know any better way to describe it. You just don’t see that kind of profile often. Looking to next year, I think there’s room on the roster for both Pedro and Ike…
In my view, you can’t afford to get rid of either Pedro or Ike. I think the lineup needs Pedro’s power more than Ike’s OBP, but they also need depth at 3B. You have to hope the switch flips again and Pedro is at least a viable part-timer at the hot corner.
NMR, how do you define “neat” hitter? If only Ike had speed, he can be an ideal 2-spot hitter. But he doesn’t.
Any scenario with Ike AND Pedro on this roster, requires:
1) Pedro can throw the ball to 1b
2) Pedro’s bat comes alive
3) Ike can start catching the ball at 1B.
I think Petey is “broke”, to go the way of Jmac…I do hope I’m wrong, though.
A “neat” hitter to me is one that is some parts interesting, unorthodox, and useful. Key being useful. Without a prototypical 1B as an option, a guy that gets on base at a +.360 clip while punching 10 balls over the fence is useful, although unorthodox for the position.
NMR thanks for the neat definition. And I do think that IF Ike was a plus defender AND Pedro was hitting for power, you can have a ‘neat’ hitter in this lineup. Wouldn’t hurt if Ike had any type of speed, but he doesn’t. As it stands, Ike needs to hit 8th.
It seems to me I remember a certain National Mart of Records who hated Hurdle’s continual placement of “neat hitter” Justin Morneau in the Clean-up spot late last season.
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Now “neat hitter” Ike Davis resides there.
If you can remember me not liking Hurdle batting Morneau 4th last year then surely you can remember me not liking Hurdle batting Ike 4th this year. Because I don’t. And have said as much many, many times.
Swing changes. So what you are saying is the pirates coaching has taken the power out of yet anothet swing…
To be fair power may come back with comfort level but it has been a while…
Not at all what I’m saying, AJS. The Ike Davis swing change was a long time coming and started before he was a Pirate…
Ike literally had the biggest hitch in Major League Baseball, and in 2012 pitchers adjusted to it. Contact rate dropped and popups/ground balls increased as pitchers found the hole. He basically was selling out for power until that failed him last year and he was demoted…
That is when the big changes started, and while it has turned him back into a viable big leaguer, it does seem to have robbed him of his power.
Can you imagine baserunners attacking third base trying to draw a throw across the diamond from Pedro? Throwing the ball into the first base stands is bad enough. Throwing it into the third base stands leads straight to runs.
“Let it live into perpetuity, I say, if only to confound those who incessantly feel compelled to link logic and baseball, two things that should never be linked.”
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This man gets it.
Love it! Logic calls for Pedro to need fixed…he does not. Play him
Big one tonight vs the formerly unhittable Verlander who has now turned into a huge contract liability for the Tigers… will the bounceback Bucs do it yet again?
As to Walker DL, I guess my view is WHO in AAA are we really impatient to have up?….
The moves that need to be made, that would matter most, are:
Gomez DFA -Cumpton called up
Walker DL – Mazarro called up
Martinez sent down – Tabata called up
BP gets fortified. Tabby/Snider platoon. JHay plays 3B.
As to Pedro, THIS team wins with pitching, first and foremost, almost always wins close games (1 run or 2). Can’t afford Pedro at 3B to air mail one and cost a game, IMHO, regardless of how enticing his power bat is.
Who plays 2nd Base? Who backs up if an infielder gets hit with a pitch?
Groat: Depends on the lineup. The bench with Tabby up and Martinez down is:
Ike/Gaby
Pedro
Snider/Tabby
Stewart
Cutch
If you want to pinch-hit for Nix, you can play Pedro at 3B and JHay at 2b for an inning or two. Or Gaby at 3B. It’s not ideal but the lineup vs LH needs fixed.
You got 2 40 man moves to make for that to work. Mazzarro and Tabby are both not on the 40.
Hopefully the 40-man is not holding it back. Don’t have it in front of me but there are probably 5 – 7 deadwood spots that can be used for this.
OK, All you Pirate, Penguin, Pitt, Penn State, Power, Passion, Rebellion, Wild Thing and Sport That Must Not be Named Fans,
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Let’s lighten up and not talk so much here, so those poor, shy, introverted, hesitant to raise their voice Steeler fans can chime in every once in a while
LOL!
I’m a Steelers fan, and I don’t care what we talk about, as long as it’s SPORTS!
I’m going to amend that…I don’t care if it isn’t 100% sports 100% of the time. Just jump in and keep it civil
Ever wonder what this place will be like if DK reaches his 10,000 goal? Segregation of posting will have to be part of the action.
it would be hilarious fun!
Dejan is a smart man. He knows the way to success in this venture begins and ends with the Steelers, and that is undoubtedly why he’s covered them so much. I also personally think the old blog got better with more varied topics, at his urging.
If? Come on, man! A little faith! We’re at 2K and change just two weeks in!
@NMR: I am a stupid, stupid man anymore. Little sleep does that to you.
As for Steelers, I’d hope it’s a little more organic than that. I love talking football, and I’d love to see more here. But yeah, obviously, Steelers are good for business, no question.
@DK: ok, “when” it reaches the goal, I was just imagining how long it would take to scroll the posts w/o some segmentation ala your request the other day to not clutter up football (or was it soccer?) posts with MLB chat. Not only have the faith, will keep it.
Ha, it’ll come, DK. It’ll come.
Dejan, I got two words for ya:
MORE STARBUCKS!!!
You heard the man. I expect everyone to sing along ASAP!
Playoffs, may I have this dance???
Yes…you lead.
great, I love the Polka….
Watch out for the 9w’s!
LOL nah….I don’t step on toes, nor do I kick my dancing partner
Nice touch Playoffs
Playoffs is a good dancer, too
Crazy stuff
Re: Steelers
1. Broadcast: Edmund Nelson on the pregame broadcasts? Need to bring in a better known former player for analysis.
2. It’s only game 1 of preseason – need a larger sample size for greater analysis (other than #1 above).
Why does it matter how well he’s known? Edmund is very knowledgeable. (Full disclosure: He’s also a family friend.)
Must be out of topics when the Steelers talk is now centered on the TV broadcast. Ugh…
Tell Edmund, War Eagle!
I never understood the criticism to Edmond Nelson. What’s the issue with him?
IMO KDKA could spend some $$ and get a better known former player to provide the analysis.
Why?
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Those Fans who like preseason football will tune in no matter who is talking, and those who don’t like to watch 3rd & 4th string players in Preseason won’t turn in just to hear a better commentator.
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Money down the drain to spend more.
For years Browns preseason games featured Bernie Kosar who sounded either drunk or someone with too many blows to the head–or both. I’m happy with Edmund.
Sorry you can’t really talk about NFL preseason games. I could get excited and talk about Dan Molls or Howard Jones but really are they going to be in in a few weeks? Although Jones’ athleticism is intersting.
I most wonder about if Landry Jones is a real NFL QB.
Landry Jones will never be a starting QB in the NFL. It is simple. Teams should not waste draft picks on QBs like this in the future. Take one in the top round, to be your starter, or just dont bother.
Agreed. At that point in time we had plenty of needs and could not afford to waste any draft picks on QBs. Although he did have a lot of potential at the time of drafting him, I cannot understand the logic behind the move. When was he going to play in the four years of his rookie contract while he was behind big ben?
Think that part of the reason we drafted Jones at all is that we had two backup qbs who got old at the same time. Maybe shouldn’t have let that happen, but it did.
You DONT DRAFT BACKUP QBs. And most def. not that high. You just sign one from other teams, like Dallas did with Brandon Wheeden.
No argument here from me, CMat. I’m not thrilled with him, either. Most of the time decent backups were high draft picks who were starters or in the running to be starters for a few years.
Excellent article in St Louie, which DK would’ve titled “Rosenthal’s right arm due to fall off on or around September 15th”: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/too-many-closing-acts-for-rosenthal/article_92adf3f0-7ed8-5515-b37b-ec49e7ddc794.html
Love the part about Rosenthal’s agent, Scott B., having direct discussions with the Cards to instruct on usage of his client.
Detroit has its own issues at 3B, per ESPN.com’s David Schoenfeld: “(Castellanos’ defense at third, by the way, has been a big problem; his minus-22 defensive runs saved entering the day was the worst mark in the majors).”
Dejan,
I really like your new “right side of page.”
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Your tweets (with pics), your Recent Posts, Official Team Sites, National Media, Local Media, Local blogs————all are excellent.
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Could you please bring back the “Recent Comments” section? It helps we readers to find new comm
Monster Mashed asked for the recent comments to come back as well…
Edmund Nelson is the least of the problems with the Steelers preseason telecasts. Let’s start with the weatherman doing sidelines, the play by play man is awful, camera work is high school quality, and the director is oblivious to what is going on on the field.
The director is oblivious to what is going on on the field… much like the 70K in attendance are after the first 2 series.
Spoken like the original crotchity old man announcer Milo Hamilton, such a joy of a person.
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Come on, Milo, don’t sugar coat it!!
Don’t you remember Gordy Howard, the weatherman on MTM? Didn’t he “graduate” to sports?
And by the way, I like Bob Pompeani. He’s just horribly miscast as a football play by play announcer.
Agreed on Bob P. He’s a great guy and gets a pass even though he bungles the crap outta these games.
Yea, the weatherman managed to insult Lance Moore twice in a 2 minute interview. First by commenting on his size and then mentioning that he was the oldest WR.
Weather guy as sideline reporter? LOL!
I was in town (from MI) & watched it on KDKA. Had I known, I would’ve brought that up instead of Edmund Nelson take.
Weather guy should be covering significant weather events as opposed to patrolling the sidelines for these broadcasts.
And to think that I was upset that the NFL Network “chose” to replay the Giants’ TV broadcast.
Wait until the Steelers lose a regular season game DK. The comments page will overflow that day my friend.
Probably week one when Johnny Football smashed DLB’s bend don’t break efense!
19 days until Pitt plays Delaware.
19 days until Wisconsin plays LSU at Houston.
Nah, I’m not counting the days. September means football, hockey camp and baseball pennant races. Lovely month.
Football talk. There.
And 19 days ’till PSU kicks it off in Dublin, Johnny boy!
People can talk about the fact that preseason is “meaningless”, but it VERY CONCERNING that the Steelers haven’t won a preseason game since 2012.
These games are not MEANINGLESS! The don’t con’t in the standings, but the performances of your first teamers does mean something.
I’m confused. Is the guy really a weatherman or does he just talk about the weather a lot ?
He must have lost it over Supermoon II.
Channel 2 uses their weatherman as the sideline reporter for Steelers preseason telecasts. Been doing it for years. Jeff Verszyla is his name & I like him too. When he’s giving the weather. Can’t imagine the other sports guys feel slighted.
He’s a real weatherman.
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If you see a broadcast, you would never doubt it.
Pirates lineup out. No Walker again…no idea if he’s on the DL yet. Dead-bat Davis at 1st. No Pedro. This is becoming more ridiculous by the minute. We’re a silly cartoon.
To be clear, are you advocating Pedro back in at 3B with his throwing issues? Or at 1B instead of Ike? Just wondering.
Not sure where, but I’ve had enough of Nix and Davis. Even Bad Petey HAS to be better than our current options. Just UGH!
I hear you, I really do. But this team plays in and wins close games, I’d seen enough up close in Phoenix of Pedro’s 3B throwing. Just don’t think you can risk it, IMHO. Might be just a bit too soon to play him at 1b but it wouldn’t shock me.
“Dead-bat.” That’s a good one! Given the conversation above about how great he is at drawing walks (looking at pitches), how about “Dead-bat walking”?
That’s the ONLY way he’s getting on anymore! GOOD ONE!
Little tid-bit about Davis and walks…
.
The rate at which he draws walks with men on base (18.5%) and runners in scoring position (21.2%) is about double the rate at which he draws walks with no men on (10.5%).
So either opposing pitchers fear Davis more than any other Pirate with men on – Cutch included – or Davis isn’t going up there looking to drive the ball.
When he’s up with men on base, I’d prefer he seek to drive the ball rather than walk. As a clean-up hitter especially to bring in runs. Drawing a walk just passes off to the next guy the burden of driving in the run. Of course, he could weakly roll into a DP, but hey.
It’s hard to say much about the Steelers at this point. What we saw against the Giants was more of what we saw last year. Too soon to tell if things will change. I’ pulling for Spence to make it all the way back, though.
If Verlander is pitching, does that mean Kate’s in town? Inquiring minds want to know.
She is worth the price of admission.
4.57 ERA ? He needs to have a long talk with Rory McIlroy.
He’s made enough money Milo, take the girl…
Minds?
Suspicious, are we Jandy? Perhaps many of us are concerned for her emotions as her husband’s pitching is in decline. Matter of fact, maybe this is where Lucky is going right now, to console her in her time of need.
oops, they aren’t married.
He wants to see how she’s coping, you know, spiritually.
Uh-huh…it’s getting deeper, guys…keep piling on lol
This sounds ominous:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/08/free-agent-stock-watch-russell-martin-2.html
MUST SIGN MARTIN. PERIOD.
Thought that was very well done…and don’t believe a soul that tells you the Pirate couldn’t or shouldn’t pay it.
Many +s.
If the Pirates don’t sign Martin, Pirate fans can just bend over and kiss… well you know the rest. Imagine a platoon of Chris Stewart and Tony sanchez.
Just sayin.
Stuart
Not a nutting basher, but if they don’t sign Martin….Pfffft
Maybe it comes with age, but I simply don’t put a lot of stock in NFL pre-season games anymore, and simply don’t want to spend energy analyzing it.
Just got back from a day at Steeler camp. I saw some impressive potential, but also a bit of inconsistency. If these guys get coached up properly and can maintain their health, they could be dangerous!