DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
Welcome to Tuesday Twenty Qs, our chat that takes place each week at 1 p.m.
The format is simple: Use the comment section below to submit an entry, no more than one per person. Submit it anytime you want. I’ll pick from those to get the thing rolling. I’ll then monitor new entries as the session is going to cover follow-ups or updates.
As always, all topics are on the table. Really, anything at all.
UPDATE 1 p.m.: Here we go …
Brenna: What odds do you have on the Pirates resigning Russell Martin?
DK: My odds remain squarely on the they’d-damned-well-better sentiment. I didn’t like any of what I heard from Neal Huntington on this topic over the weekend, especially that nonsense about how Tony Sanchez might be a suitable replacement. I also found it puzzling, in all honesty, that the GM has a policy of not discussing such things during the season but went on to actually paint a negative picture of how much the market might be willing to pay Martin.
There’s no way out of this one. I’ve tried hard to give credit and blame in the right places on this job, and the overwhelming share of the criticism of Bob Nutting is beyond absurd. But this one will be on the owner. He needs to step up here. Martin must stay.
maccreate: You’ve covered all of the Pittsburgh sports teams in the past three weeks. Have you noticed any perceptible changes in attitude or cooperation from players and team officials due to your change of status? You still have 53K Twitter followers but perhaps less readers. Thanks.
DK: Wow, no. And to clarify, I’ve covered all of the Pittsburgh sports teams, to one degree or other, for 25 years, not three weeks. No change. None. Zero. If anything, it’s been most moving to see how those aware of the venture — and most people don’t even notice such things, to be candid — have expressed enthusiastic support and interest in how this is working.
As for fewer readers, that isn’t the case, unless you’re counting the actual printed newspaper. In fact, the numbers on the columns since coming to this site have either matched what they were at the Trib or very slightly exceeded them. That’s because of the metered paywall that allows newcomers to the site for a handful of free views. If I put out a link on social media to a column, that newbie can still come here and see the column. Just not much else before long.
I saw another question back in the queue asking me how I can afford to buy tickets for all these sporting events now. For real.
Nothing has changed. Nothing at all. I’m fully credentialed with full access, full everything, just like always.
I keep getting asked about this stuff. Total, total non-issue.
Wild Bill: Based on what you’ve seen so far, which one or two Steelers players might get surprise visits from the Turk as the season approaches?
DK: For all the new faces in camp and all the younger starters, there are surprisingly few surprises in store in the days ahead. If one name stands out as one that would raise eyebrows in being cut, it’s Will Allen. Safety is looking deep and healthy, all of a sudden, and you need DBs to double on special teams.
CLK: I know it’s a little early for hockey talk, but I am so ready for the Penguins’ season to start. My question is about Pascal Dupuis. Is it reasonable to think that after such a severe knee injury that he will be able to come back as soon as training camp and then play first-line minutes?
DK: No, it isn’t reasonable at all. But Dupuis’ work ethic is unmatched on the Penguins’ roster, so betting against his will and desire would be a big mistake. He’ll win that one every time.
However, I can blurt out here that I’ve heard of significant concerns regarding whether Dupuis will have his full speed back. Now, this was months ago and didn’t take into account his actual recovery, but that might wind up being the more compelling issue. Even at age 34, he was an especially fast NHL winger. He needs that to be effective, no matter the want-to.
Sam: If the issue with Pedro Alvarez throwing from third to first is not related to ability or agility, how will a move to first base help? Would he not see similar issues throwing to second? Or is this a case where he also experiences similar throwing issues from third to first in practice?
DK: I’m glad someone brought this up, Sam, if only because Alvarez has apparently done very well in the throws from first to second in these initial drills. That’s part of the reason you’re suddenly hearing Clint Hurdle say Alvarez could be in that position sooner rather than later.
It isn’t easy. Garrett Jones, you’ll recall, couldn’t make that throw to save his life. The runner is a distraction. Adam LaRoche was so terrific at it — so smooth, plus a former pitcher — that we took it for granted until Jones turned it into a mess.
It’ll be one of many interesting areas to watch with this. But I’m still going to go with footwork as Alvarez’s greatest obstacle. It’s just a different language on that side.
Julie: What’s the real story on Jose Tabata?
DK: Many stories are swirling, but I’m not inclined to repeat them. Just because I don’t have an editor anymore doesn’t mean I’ll be irresponsible here. Bottom line is that Huntington said on Sunday there’s nothing keeping Tabata in Indy, meaning nothing of that sort, and that they’ve simply chosen other options in the interim. I find that hard to believe, to be kind. But I’ll also respect that Huntington knows more and is doing the right thing for the right reason.
Tony F: Hello, DK. Lots of young and new players on the D-line and at LB. Might we see any extras on the final roster, say a seventh DL, or 9-10 LBs? Are there any standouts among the backups (Daniel McCullers, Arthur Moats, Jordan Zumwalt, etc.) or is it more likely the rookies would go to the practice squad?
DK: McCullers and Zumwalt, like all of the recent draft picks, have impressed. It’s hard to imagine either getting playing time on defense, obviously, but they’re expected to be part of the future. Moats has been exactly as expected, a solid backup who’s tough on special teams. Chris Carter’s resurgence at this camp complicates that a bit, but not much. There’s room for both.
So, to answer your Q, it’s far more likely, given the dearth of depth on the defensive line, that extra linebackers are kept. Plus, they can help on special teams.
ImEasyEd: Since Derek Jeter just passed our beloved Honus Wagner on the all-time hits list, maybe you can share an opinion on how the two compare on the list of all-time greats? The “then” versus “now” perspective would be interesting.
DK: It isn’t interesting. It’s easy. Wagner is the greatest shortstop who ever lived. Wagner had eight batting titles to Jeter’s zero. Wagner won four of those batting titles in consecutive years. Wagner was considered to be the best player in baseball for large chunks of his career, although that alternated with Ty Cobb. Jeter was never at any point in his career considered the best player in baseball. When Wagner was inducted into the Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1936, along with four others, it effectively recognized him as one of the five best players in baseball’s first half-century of existence. He tied Babe Ruth for second in that vote, with only Cobb ahead of them.
I could do this all day. It won’t get any more interesting.
Wagner is the greatest shortstop of all time, the greatest Pirate of all time.
Bernard: You seem to be the only journalist covering Ben Roethlisberger the way so many fans view it: an apparently bad relationship with the FO, if actions speak louder than words. First, why is that and second how would you describe Ben’s commitment to the Steelers at this time?
DK: I’m certain I’ve never described their relationship as bad because I’d have no cause to even think that. Ben’s been mad at times, especially over Bruce Arians, but the relationship itself has always seemed fine.
The issue I’ve described of late — and this is but one view — is that the front office and coaching staff would prefer a Beholden Ben for another year, having liked what they saw of Beholden Ben last year. He was the ultimate good soldier. My theory is that this is much more the driving force behind not offering a long-term extension this summer.
Ben’s commitment to the Steelers right now is firm. An acrimonious negotiation, obviously, can change anything.
David: With Paul Martin possibly on the move mid-season, who do you see on the Pens’ top six defense by New Year’s Day?
DK: Hm, one of those put-you-on-the-spot Qs. All right, then … Kris Letang, Olli Maatta, Christian Ehrhoff, Simon Despres, Robert Bortuzzo, Rob Scuderi. Not saying these are the six I’d want, but they’re what’s left. If you believe in Derrick Pouliot’s ability to recover as quickly as Maatta and show consistency in his own end, he could be in that picture, too.
Sean Epstein: Is it crazy to think that JHay should be in the running for the MVP? Not the Pirates MVP but the National League MVP. I shudder to think where this team would be without him.
DK: The MVP is the MVP. The league MVP is the team MVP. It’s pretty common in Pittsburgh to hear fans talk about a player’s value to his team, and I’ll assume that’s because the hockey generation knows that’s the criteria for the NHL’s Hart Trophy. Not so in baseball. MVP = best player. That’s it.
Josh Harrison is not the Pirates’ best player.
CBerry88: If my memory is correct, you said one of your proudest moments of journalism was covering the street protests in Serbia in 1997 that aimed at overthrowing Slobodan Milosevic. As a longtime reader and fellow international news junkie, I have tried and failed finding your articles covering this. Where can I find them online?
DK: It’s all on Google News, but that can be a bear to read because it’s just cut-up newspapers. Here’s one report filed from Belgrade during that time.
Alan: Will Ike Taylor make the team this year?
DK: Absolutely, yes. Why do you ask, Alan? If you think about what it would take for Ike to not make it, you’d assume someone like an Antwon Blake would be considered more valuable on the roster. That’s a leap, even if one allows for the possibility that Willie Gay would outplay Ike.
Sean Epstein: Harrison may not be the team’s best player, but he may be having the best year of any player, including Cutch.
DK: Nope.
Charlie: When/If Gerrit Cole returns, do you think Charlie Morton or Jeff Locke will exit the rotation? At first glance, I’d think Locke, but Morton simply hasn’t been that reliable this season. He’s been so susceptible to the big inning.
DK: It’ll be Locke. He still has that option. This won’t be a difficult call at all for management, especially after Locke did little to assert himself last night.
Morton does have to clean up his one-bad-inning syndrome, but he’s also given the Pirates steady innings this year, and he’s on a three-year, $21 million contract. We can all shake our fists at how that stuff shouldn’t matter, but it actually does.
The question I continue to have is why Locke and/or Brandon Cumpton or some of these other starters can’t simply go to the pen and bump out some of the very bumpable commodities still out there.
The Best Smart: What’s the best advice you ever got from a song? Mine is “if she played with her hair, she’s probably keen” from “Could Well Be In” by The Streets. Life-changing insight for a much younger version me.
DK: I’ll choose the Smiths’ “Rubber Ring,” a song about being in love with the songs that made you who you are. Morrissey sings, “Well, you’re older now, and you’re a clever swine, but they were the only ones who ever stood by you.” Beautiful, in a very Morrissey way.
Mike: Will there be a podcast/radio show from DKOS? Mobile app?
DK: The app is the top priority. I had a meeting yesterday with a potential developer — a big-time one at that — and expect to know more very soon. The goal is to have the app in time for hockey season. For all kinds of reasons. But the bigger goal is to do it right, so we’ll see.
I honestly haven’t thought much about radio/podcast, in large part because filling in on 105.9 the X all last week kind of took care of that. If anyone has ideas, I’m all ears.
mpackage: How do you explain Travis Snider’s recent surge? He’s like JHay Lite lately.
DK: Snider has a long swing. Any player who has that will have issues with streaks and slumps. There are very exceptions. The longer the bat goes, the more room there is for error. It’s great for power because of the extra momentum but not great for consistent contact.
Snider’s in the zone right now. When you go oppo and straightaway center in the same game, you’re feeling it.
Good for him, too. He’s such a pivotal part of that clubhouse that it’s a pick-me-up for the whole group when he does well. If you saw the players waiting for him by the dugout after that bullet to the plate last night, you’ll know what I mean.
Ben Knauff: Setting aside Sean Spence’s incredible story of perseverance, who has looked better in camp, Spence or Vince Williams?
DK: I’ll give Williams the nod in drills, Spence the nod in 11-on-11 or actual preseason action. Hence, Spence gets it. But here again, it’s not like they’re battling with each other that much. Both will make the team, assuming health.
Not many are talking about Williams, but he’s really been a pleasant surprise this camp. He was so, so tentative last season, when he was basically just thrust out there after Larry Foote’s injury. All that’s changed this summer. Bitingly aggressive.
That’s 20, and thanks to one and all for participating!
Oh, and no Pitt Qs this week? Really?
August 12, 2014
Tuesday 12 Qs: Russell, Pascal, Honus, Ben
by Dejan Kovacevic • Live Qs at 5 • Penguins, Pirates, Steelers
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
Welcome to Tuesday Twenty Qs, our chat that takes place each week at 1 p.m.
The format is simple: Use the comment section below to submit an entry, no more than one per person. Submit it anytime you want. I’ll pick from those to get the thing rolling. I’ll then monitor new entries as the session is going to cover follow-ups or updates.
As always, all topics are on the table. Really, anything at all.
UPDATE 1 p.m.: Here we go …
Brenna: What odds do you have on the Pirates resigning Russell Martin?
DK: My odds remain squarely on the they’d-damned-well-better sentiment. I didn’t like any of what I heard from Neal Huntington on this topic over the weekend, especially that nonsense about how Tony Sanchez might be a suitable replacement. I also found it puzzling, in all honesty, that the GM has a policy of not discussing such things during the season but went on to actually paint a negative picture of how much the market might be willing to pay Martin.
There’s no way out of this one. I’ve tried hard to give credit and blame in the right places on this job, and the overwhelming share of the criticism of Bob Nutting is beyond absurd. But this one will be on the owner. He needs to step up here. Martin must stay.
maccreate: You’ve covered all of the Pittsburgh sports teams in the past three weeks. Have you noticed any perceptible changes in attitude or cooperation from players and team officials due to your change of status? You still have 53K Twitter followers but perhaps less readers. Thanks.
DK: Wow, no. And to clarify, I’ve covered all of the Pittsburgh sports teams, to one degree or other, for 25 years, not three weeks. No change. None. Zero. If anything, it’s been most moving to see how those aware of the venture — and most people don’t even notice such things, to be candid — have expressed enthusiastic support and interest in how this is working.
As for fewer readers, that isn’t the case, unless you’re counting the actual printed newspaper. In fact, the numbers on the columns since coming to this site have either matched what they were at the Trib or very slightly exceeded them. That’s because of the metered paywall that allows newcomers to the site for a handful of free views. If I put out a link on social media to a column, that newbie can still come here and see the column. Just not much else before long.
I saw another question back in the queue asking me how I can afford to buy tickets for all these sporting events now. For real.
Nothing has changed. Nothing at all. I’m fully credentialed with full access, full everything, just like always.
I keep getting asked about this stuff. Total, total non-issue.
Wild Bill: Based on what you’ve seen so far, which one or two Steelers players might get surprise visits from the Turk as the season approaches?
DK: For all the new faces in camp and all the younger starters, there are surprisingly few surprises in store in the days ahead. If one name stands out as one that would raise eyebrows in being cut, it’s Will Allen. Safety is looking deep and healthy, all of a sudden, and you need DBs to double on special teams.
CLK: I know it’s a little early for hockey talk, but I am so ready for the Penguins’ season to start. My question is about Pascal Dupuis. Is it reasonable to think that after such a severe knee injury that he will be able to come back as soon as training camp and then play first-line minutes?
DK: No, it isn’t reasonable at all. But Dupuis’ work ethic is unmatched on the Penguins’ roster, so betting against his will and desire would be a big mistake. He’ll win that one every time.
However, I can blurt out here that I’ve heard of significant concerns regarding whether Dupuis will have his full speed back. Now, this was months ago and didn’t take into account his actual recovery, but that might wind up being the more compelling issue. Even at age 34, he was an especially fast NHL winger. He needs that to be effective, no matter the want-to.
Sam: If the issue with Pedro Alvarez throwing from third to first is not related to ability or agility, how will a move to first base help? Would he not see similar issues throwing to second? Or is this a case where he also experiences similar throwing issues from third to first in practice?
DK: I’m glad someone brought this up, Sam, if only because Alvarez has apparently done very well in the throws from first to second in these initial drills. That’s part of the reason you’re suddenly hearing Clint Hurdle say Alvarez could be in that position sooner rather than later.
It isn’t easy. Garrett Jones, you’ll recall, couldn’t make that throw to save his life. The runner is a distraction. Adam LaRoche was so terrific at it — so smooth, plus a former pitcher — that we took it for granted until Jones turned it into a mess.
It’ll be one of many interesting areas to watch with this. But I’m still going to go with footwork as Alvarez’s greatest obstacle. It’s just a different language on that side.
Julie: What’s the real story on Jose Tabata?
DK: Many stories are swirling, but I’m not inclined to repeat them. Just because I don’t have an editor anymore doesn’t mean I’ll be irresponsible here. Bottom line is that Huntington said on Sunday there’s nothing keeping Tabata in Indy, meaning nothing of that sort, and that they’ve simply chosen other options in the interim. I find that hard to believe, to be kind. But I’ll also respect that Huntington knows more and is doing the right thing for the right reason.
Tony F: Hello, DK. Lots of young and new players on the D-line and at LB. Might we see any extras on the final roster, say a seventh DL, or 9-10 LBs? Are there any standouts among the backups (Daniel McCullers, Arthur Moats, Jordan Zumwalt, etc.) or is it more likely the rookies would go to the practice squad?
DK: McCullers and Zumwalt, like all of the recent draft picks, have impressed. It’s hard to imagine either getting playing time on defense, obviously, but they’re expected to be part of the future. Moats has been exactly as expected, a solid backup who’s tough on special teams. Chris Carter’s resurgence at this camp complicates that a bit, but not much. There’s room for both.
So, to answer your Q, it’s far more likely, given the dearth of depth on the defensive line, that extra linebackers are kept. Plus, they can help on special teams.
ImEasyEd: Since Derek Jeter just passed our beloved Honus Wagner on the all-time hits list, maybe you can share an opinion on how the two compare on the list of all-time greats? The “then” versus “now” perspective would be interesting.
DK: It isn’t interesting. It’s easy. Wagner is the greatest shortstop who ever lived. Wagner had eight batting titles to Jeter’s zero. Wagner won four of those batting titles in consecutive years. Wagner was considered to be the best player in baseball for large chunks of his career, although that alternated with Ty Cobb. Jeter was never at any point in his career considered the best player in baseball. When Wagner was inducted into the Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1936, along with four others, it effectively recognized him as one of the five best players in baseball’s first half-century of existence. He tied Babe Ruth for second in that vote, with only Cobb ahead of them.
I could do this all day. It won’t get any more interesting.
Wagner is the greatest shortstop of all time, the greatest Pirate of all time.
Bernard: You seem to be the only journalist covering Ben Roethlisberger the way so many fans view it: an apparently bad relationship with the FO, if actions speak louder than words. First, why is that and second how would you describe Ben’s commitment to the Steelers at this time?
DK: I’m certain I’ve never described their relationship as bad because I’d have no cause to even think that. Ben’s been mad at times, especially over Bruce Arians, but the relationship itself has always seemed fine.
The issue I’ve described of late — and this is but one view — is that the front office and coaching staff would prefer a Beholden Ben for another year, having liked what they saw of Beholden Ben last year. He was the ultimate good soldier. My theory is that this is much more the driving force behind not offering a long-term extension this summer.
Ben’s commitment to the Steelers right now is firm. An acrimonious negotiation, obviously, can change anything.
David: With Paul Martin possibly on the move mid-season, who do you see on the Pens’ top six defense by New Year’s Day?
DK: Hm, one of those put-you-on-the-spot Qs. All right, then … Kris Letang, Olli Maatta, Christian Ehrhoff, Simon Despres, Robert Bortuzzo, Rob Scuderi. Not saying these are the six I’d want, but they’re what’s left. If you believe in Derrick Pouliot’s ability to recover as quickly as Maatta and show consistency in his own end, he could be in that picture, too.
Sean Epstein: Is it crazy to think that JHay should be in the running for the MVP? Not the Pirates MVP but the National League MVP. I shudder to think where this team would be without him.
DK: The MVP is the MVP. The league MVP is the team MVP. It’s pretty common in Pittsburgh to hear fans talk about a player’s value to his team, and I’ll assume that’s because the hockey generation knows that’s the criteria for the NHL’s Hart Trophy. Not so in baseball. MVP = best player. That’s it.
Josh Harrison is not the Pirates’ best player.
CBerry88: If my memory is correct, you said one of your proudest moments of journalism was covering the street protests in Serbia in 1997 that aimed at overthrowing Slobodan Milosevic. As a longtime reader and fellow international news junkie, I have tried and failed finding your articles covering this. Where can I find them online?
DK: It’s all on Google News, but that can be a bear to read because it’s just cut-up newspapers. Here’s one report filed from Belgrade during that time.
Alan: Will Ike Taylor make the team this year?
DK: Absolutely, yes. Why do you ask, Alan? If you think about what it would take for Ike to not make it, you’d assume someone like an Antwon Blake would be considered more valuable on the roster. That’s a leap, even if one allows for the possibility that Willie Gay would outplay Ike.
Sean Epstein: Harrison may not be the team’s best player, but he may be having the best year of any player, including Cutch.
DK: Nope.
Charlie: When/If Gerrit Cole returns, do you think Charlie Morton or Jeff Locke will exit the rotation? At first glance, I’d think Locke, but Morton simply hasn’t been that reliable this season. He’s been so susceptible to the big inning.
DK: It’ll be Locke. He still has that option. This won’t be a difficult call at all for management, especially after Locke did little to assert himself last night.
Morton does have to clean up his one-bad-inning syndrome, but he’s also given the Pirates steady innings this year, and he’s on a three-year, $21 million contract. We can all shake our fists at how that stuff shouldn’t matter, but it actually does.
The question I continue to have is why Locke and/or Brandon Cumpton or some of these other starters can’t simply go to the pen and bump out some of the very bumpable commodities still out there.
The Best Smart: What’s the best advice you ever got from a song? Mine is “if she played with her hair, she’s probably keen” from “Could Well Be In” by The Streets. Life-changing insight for a much younger version me.
DK: I’ll choose the Smiths’ “Rubber Ring,” a song about being in love with the songs that made you who you are. Morrissey sings, “Well, you’re older now, and you’re a clever swine, but they were the only ones who ever stood by you.” Beautiful, in a very Morrissey way.
Mike: Will there be a podcast/radio show from DKOS? Mobile app?
DK: The app is the top priority. I had a meeting yesterday with a potential developer — a big-time one at that — and expect to know more very soon. The goal is to have the app in time for hockey season. For all kinds of reasons. But the bigger goal is to do it right, so we’ll see.
I honestly haven’t thought much about radio/podcast, in large part because filling in on 105.9 the X all last week kind of took care of that. If anyone has ideas, I’m all ears.
mpackage: How do you explain Travis Snider’s recent surge? He’s like JHay Lite lately.
DK: Snider has a long swing. Any player who has that will have issues with streaks and slumps. There are very exceptions. The longer the bat goes, the more room there is for error. It’s great for power because of the extra momentum but not great for consistent contact.
Snider’s in the zone right now. When you go oppo and straightaway center in the same game, you’re feeling it.
Good for him, too. He’s such a pivotal part of that clubhouse that it’s a pick-me-up for the whole group when he does well. If you saw the players waiting for him by the dugout after that bullet to the plate last night, you’ll know what I mean.
Ben Knauff: Setting aside Sean Spence’s incredible story of perseverance, who has looked better in camp, Spence or Vince Williams?
DK: I’ll give Williams the nod in drills, Spence the nod in 11-on-11 or actual preseason action. Hence, Spence gets it. But here again, it’s not like they’re battling with each other that much. Both will make the team, assuming health.
Not many are talking about Williams, but he’s really been a pleasant surprise this camp. He was so, so tentative last season, when he was basically just thrust out there after Larry Foote’s injury. All that’s changed this summer. Bitingly aggressive.
That’s 20, and thanks to one and all for participating!
Oh, and no Pitt Qs this week? Really?