Tuesday 12 Qs: Adams, Berube, Scherzer, Wright

How much longer can Adams last on this roster? For that matter are they trying to unload Scuderi ?

Do you ever consider taking Amtrak on your Philly roadies or does Amtrak's staid travel schedule make that logistically impossible that air or car travel are your only viable options?

How does the Pirates starting 5 compare against other NL Central teams beyond 2015? With the money given to Scherzer and Lester, it looks as if top free agents are out. Then again, starting pitching seems a decent investment for 2-3 years, but not 7.

Dejan, are there any other members of the coaching staff for the Steelers that SHOULD resign, or that you feel are not earning their position? And are there any that deserve a promotion or consideration for a HC or Coordinator position with another team?

For example, is it too much to ask to get a good Special Teams coach, a part of our team that has cost us far too many victories over the past 10-15 years?

Do you draft/outline "News/Views" entries for anticipated news such as a veteran player being released?

Dejan,

All the great news surrounding Pitt's recent hiring of the assistants / staff begs me to wonder: were we severely handicapped with prior coaching regimes? There seems to be a trend on the hiring of assistants and their escalating salaries. Are we paying more to receive the same quality of assistant? It's clear that we now have an experienced staff. It's disheartening to know that our staffs under the previous AD had little budget i.e. little experience and commitment from the university. That said, should our expectations start to change regarding Pitt football?

Is Beau Bennett the key to the Penguins depth at forward? No seriously, hear me out. If Bennett can stay healthy ( a big IF, I know), the forward lines are much deeper and more balanced than in years past. This would allow HCMJ the ability to mix and match throughout the top 4 lines and GMJR to focus on the defense leading up to the trade deadline. Call me crazy, but finding another capable, physical D is much more a priority than another winger. Assuming Big Beau can stay healthy of course.

Has there been any response to the inquiries regarding Maata and the relapse of his shoulder injury as a result of coming back too soon? I imagine this will get swept under the rug, and it'll be "par for the course" with he Penguins' response to injuries. Blame Bettman.

Do you think that the 7 year $210 Million dollar deal Max Scherzer is getting from the Nationals changes things positively or negatively for the PBC. From a finances and expectations standpoint.

With a healthy Hornqvist and Comeau, do you think this team has enough for a deep playoff run? They still seem short 1 quality defenseman and need help badly on the 4th line. Killing penalties and winning faceoffs is a big part of an effective 4th line, but they have to be able to contribute some offense. Look at teams like LA, Chicago, the Rangers, the Islanders...all with much stronger 4th lines than the Penguins that can chip in 10-15 goals in a season, versus the paltry 3 goals from Goc/Adams.

Dejan,

I was at the Pens-Rangers game. I was amazed, as I usually am, at the amount of physical abuse players absorb. And this was of course a non-playoff game.

Does the average casual fan underestimate the physical pounding NHL players endure over an 80 game schedule?

I think we'd all agree the Pens are missing a key ingredient. An intensity. A sense of urgency at the right time. An ability to rise to the occasion. I don't think these traits are necessarily coach able. What would you do to get the most out of this roster?

Can you talk about how the ownership structure has changed with the Steelers, how much the Rooney's control now, and if others could now have a significant stake to the point they are influencing franchise decisions?

Essay question. After seeing Brandon Finnegan pitch well for Royals in the World Series the same year as he was drafted, could you briefly explain why it takes all Pirate pitching prospects so long to go through the farm system.

With Paul Martin pretty much staying put, who else on the roster is movable that wouldn't be detrimental to the team and bring back a solid return?

Any word if Beau Bennett is hurt yet, or is there a consensus when he'll get hurt next?

I know it's been a couple of weeks, but... It was easy this season to forget one of Mike Tomlin's oddest quirks: benching any and all RBs after they fumble. What do you make of his yanking Tate when he seemed to be having a decent first quarter? Looked to me like it ruined a surprisingly promising offensive rhythm.

Dejan, when you were still at the Trib, I called in to your radio show and asked you if Kris Letang was a good fit for Bylsma's left-wing lock. I think your assessment was fair in comparing him to Troy Polamalu figure, in essence, a free wheeling player of sorts. That being said, is it fair to say that Johnston's system is a better fit for him in comparison with the left-wing lock? From my perspective, I see this system as something almost tailored for a player of his style. Am I off the mark?

Pens GM Rutheford mentioned when he was hired and all through the early season he was going to take time to evaluate the talent on the team, then make moves as necessary. If he concludes the current team isn't a legit challenger for the Cup, do you get the impression he would make major changes? Does he meet with Coach Johnston regarding possible trades?

Hi Dejan...
From your earlier News/Views, I gathered the Pirates aren't exactly thrilled with Pedro not coming to minicamp (even though it's voluntary). Do you see this situation devolving to a point where he becomes the dreaded "clubhouse cancer" & they HAVE to trade him?