Some serious sports journalism is afoot near the right cleat of the Bill Mazeroski statue. -- DALI KOVACEVIC

May 13, 2015

Morning Java: Some monumental analysis

by Dejan Kovacevic • Videos • Morning Java, Penguins, Pirates, Steelers

BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC AND JOSH YOHE The Morning Java feature is back, and it’s more fun than ever, for the simple reason that it isn’t just one guy talking to himself like a fool. It’s now that same guy talking to someone else like a fool. Many thanks to Ryan Mill, the Penguins’ PA announcer, for

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89 Comments Newest to oldest

tipton
5-13-2015, 12:35 am
when the over unders are set at 4.5 in eastern conference games good luck drawing viewers.

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matt.gajtka
5-13-2015, 8:31 am
You shouldn't be able to watch hockey like baseball, turning your attention to different things while it's on TV and occasionally looking up.

I find myself doing that more and more.

ImblumAJ1
5-13-2015, 1:06 am
Wouldn't that be Scott Harrington's #6 that Josh is borrowing?

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emoneypitt
5-13-2015, 1:17 am
Dejan..... Josh.....

Love the show!

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BillyBaduka
5-13-2015, 7:58 am
Nice

Stuart66
5-13-2015, 1:27 am
Good one!

Stuart

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Tom
5-13-2015, 5:12 am
Very tasty java!!!
Would like to see Josh ask Sidney about the scoring, but I don't think we would get an real answer.

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Josh Newark
5-13-2015, 5:33 am
DK and Josh, this was awesome. really enjoyed the back and forth. Sounded like a natural conversation. Love to see this on a regular basis. I think you guys would also have a knockout segment if you took a Pittsburgh athlete and did a five minute interview with the two of you.

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Hank Blackbeard
5-13-2015, 5:46 am
Love the return of Morning Java! Based off of the success of the #stealYohe campaign I would like to start the #buyanothermicrophone campaign. However, the success of #buyanothermicrophone will be based off of the #talkintothe1youhave campaign.

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Dejan Kovacevic
5-13-2015, 8:22 am
Ha!

king of rock
5-13-2015, 10:04 am
I was actually impressed with the quality of that microphone. DIFFICULT conditions with such blatant wind. But, yeah really boyz, how about TWO MICs? And note to DK, point top at intended mouths.

PI Stingray
5-13-2015, 6:04 am
Love that Morning Java (AKA Evening Cocktail here in the Philippines)...

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Korea Steeler
5-13-2015, 6:09 am
Regarding the NHL playoffs, I agree the refs have swallowed their whistles and allow the old NJ Devils clutching/grabbing style, but I disagree with your overall assessment the eastern conference playoffs are unwatchable. The goaltending in both the TB-Montreal and NY-Wash series have been outstanding. Three of the 4 eastern teams are top defensive teams, so you're going to see tight games. Some of the play in the NY-Wash series has been very exciting, and I've enjoyed watching the excellent play of Orpik and Niskanen. My takeaway is the remaining teams, west and east, are both fast and physically bruising teams. The Pens finesse puck-possession style is not a good match in a playoff series with the styles of NY, Chicago, Washington, Anaheim, and Tampa Bay.

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Sarah
5-13-2015, 8:21 am
It was tragic watching MTL attempt to muster offense last night.
Looked familiar actually.

You should hear the cries for Therrian's removal....

Gotta feel for Carey Price though, a great season, spent hoping in vain that if he keeps his GAA to 1.0 that his guys could score 2 goals. Which they can't.

jennscott214
5-13-2015, 6:30 am
Love the return of Morning Java! Look forward to more insight.

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J.R.
5-13-2015, 6:50 am
Really enjoyed this piece. Your liking of one another has always been clear, dating back to the DK radio hours on Triblive. I, for one, really enjoy hearing multiple perspectives on issues, particularly when it's done in a non-shouting format like this. To the extent that you guys find that you don't exactly see an issue of import the same way, I'd really enjoy it if you could engage in those friendly debates. One thing I sometimes worry about with this site is the tendency to fall into a "feedback loop" on opinions that get expressed, without hearing what might be a valid other side of the coin.

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BillyBaduka
5-13-2015, 8:30 am
Feedback loop, ahh white noise. Can be great when produced by the right hands through a guitar amp. Otherwise, just painful noise.

djannes
5-13-2015, 6:54 am
Thankfully the physical awkwardness of the Bucs segment was overshadowed by a flippin DICK TARNSTROM reference! Yes!

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Jay Baileys
5-13-2015, 7:30 am
The East playoffs are pretty boring, not sure I will watch much of tonight's game either. The West is definitely better hockey. Great segment, looking forward to the back and forth every week. DK, no shot of the Pirates Charities sign?

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otherjimyd
5-13-2015, 7:40 am
Dick Tarnstrom ! sweet !

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Bridge
5-13-2015, 7:58 am
Interesting that Cortez Allen was brought up and it got me about the Huntington categories he used to describe Josh Harrison regarding struggling after a big contract. I'm guessing that Cortez falls into the, "he became the player he really is" category. That's unfortunate. I hope that Neal is correct about where JayHay fits.

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Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
5-13-2015, 9:42 am
I disagree!

Cortez Allen, before getting hurt, fell more into Josh Harrison category, according to Huntington.

He struggled to prove he was worth all that money——like JHay. Then he got hurt and there was no chance to recover . . . and just play the game.

Let's hope Keith Butler can mine what's in there this season.

Jonathan Hoffman
5-13-2015, 8:02 am
Awesome morning Java! It's great to have Josh on board!

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Lamar valley pack
5-13-2015, 8:03 am
Very nice weekly feature. Thanks

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Alexandre Giesbrecht
5-13-2015, 8:16 am
I like the new mic (another one for Josh on the way?). Dali still needs a tripod, though. And is there something that can be done about the wind?

Anyway, nice show.

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DJ
5-13-2015, 8:23 am
Gale force in Pgh yesterday, AG!

Alexandre Giesbrecht
5-13-2015, 9:09 am
But only at PNC Park? :)

DJ
5-13-2015, 8:21 am
Pittsburgh, the city of bridges . . . and statues.

3 statues down and only 47 more to go.

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soaszah
5-13-2015, 8:25 am
What I liked about this Morning Java is I hope it dispels the myth that Yohe is just a hockey guy. Great analysis covering all 3 teams!

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matt.gajtka
5-13-2015, 8:33 am
Haha well done, boys! A very travel-intensive debut.

Had me rolling with the Great Dick Tarnstrom reference. Those were(n't) the days.

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Burgh Beer
5-13-2015, 8:35 am
Thanks! Glad to see return of Java.

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JD Phillippi
5-13-2015, 8:37 am
As a non-coffee drinker I can say that this is the only Java I look forward to each week. Nice job guys.

As a former radio guy I would add - wind screen! Simple and effective. And yes, you have to talk INTO the mic, lol. As for the tripod, even a monopod would give a little more stability without creating something bulky to cart around.

Otherwise, great job guys.

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vinnygi
5-13-2015, 3:47 pm
Yes, yes, yes.

Burgh Beer
5-13-2015, 8:39 am
Welcome the return of Morning Java.

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mpesyna
5-13-2015, 8:39 am
Enjoyed the new Java. Although the "time of the power play" changed from Mill's first announcement to when he repeated it!

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Zach
5-13-2015, 9:11 am
Yea said the 4th of April the first time then 5/4/15 the second time

Dejan Kovacevic
5-13-2015, 10:57 am
Power 'move.' Great line on his part.

robfgard
5-13-2015, 8:48 am
That was fun.

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ed060606
5-13-2015, 8:57 am
can't get up until my Morning Java

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Milo Hamilton
5-13-2015, 9:01 am
Absolutely agree about the state of the NHL. I find myself flipping to the games just to catch the score and then moving on. The NBA playoffs have been tons more exciting and it's been that way for a few years now. It they're losing me they've got a big problem whether they want to admit it or not.

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Sarah
5-13-2015, 10:02 am
Agree Milo. Haven't felt like this since the early 2000s.
Having said that, the Caps launched like 90 shot attempts at NYR the other night. But the Rangers have 6 guys playing goal so it still gets boring.

Just CALL the rules as written. (Sigh....)

Milo Hamilton
5-13-2015, 10:19 am
This is what the game has degenerated into. Everyone's answer is just to shoot it from anywhere at all times. And then say they had a good offensive game because they shot it 100 times. Offensive creativity has gone the way of the dinosaur.

Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
5-13-2015, 10:54 am
Face it———
NHL and Gary Bettman have already deemed this a very successful year.

New York Rangers vs. Washington (big cities with big sports sections) in Game #7
Chicago and Los Angeles the Western Finalists. Tampa only outlier.

NHL will see NO need for change.

Meanwhile their interpretation of rules (or lack thereof) is strangling hockey.

Marc
5-13-2015, 12:39 pm
Um, no LA

Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
5-13-2015, 2:18 pm
If you do not think Anaheim is LA, you have not looked at map or traveled there.
Home of the Los Angeles Angels.
Home of Disneyland.

Same newspapers, same radio stations, same TV stations, same media.
Like Cranberry is part of Pittsburgh.

Los Angeles.

jeffrey
5-13-2015, 9:39 am
Thank you for the return of my favorite feature! Well worth the wait. Here's reason #56 why I love it: Living in Colorado for the past 30 years, I miss hearing that great Pittsburgh accent. So thank you for the taste of home.

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Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
5-13-2015, 9:44 am
I really like to talk sports.

Good sports talk this morning between the two of you on the 'Java" spot.
Wish we could have joined in.

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Cindy
5-13-2015, 9:47 am
Loved having my morning java with you guys. Looking forward to many more :)

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Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
5-13-2015, 9:49 am
Adrian Sampson:

2.55 ERA last season at AA in 24 starts
2.55 ERA this season at AAA in 7 starts——43 Ks in 42 innings

Possibilities brewing

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JAL
5-13-2015, 10:09 am
Sampson pitching well

Milo Hamilton
5-13-2015, 10:28 am
This is really good news considering they've seemingly gotten very thin in the starting pitching department. Injuries have started to take their toll (Cumpton, Taillon, Glasnow).

Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
5-13-2015, 10:46 am
I'm guessing because of babying him this year and Super Two dollars, we are still 13 months from seeing Taillon in Pittsburgh.

We may need Sampson badly at some point.

NMR
5-13-2015, 12:54 pm
Good for injury filler, as is the apparently rejuvenated Clayton Richard (93 mph after *two* shoulder surgeries?!), but neither of these guys are improving the rotation once Worley is dropped.

Trade. Sooner rather than later.

Milo Hamilton
5-13-2015, 1:01 pm
Don't hold your breath on that trade unless you're prepared to do it until July 31st. If they were prepared to pay another starter they would have taken care of it over the winter. Nothing's changed since then.

NMR
5-13-2015, 1:30 pm
I'll partially disagree with that, Milo.

Worley regressing and Kingham getting hurt happened, and those two guys were absolutely fair bets to adequately cover the last spot in the rotation.

But you are correct; can't see anything significant actually happening until the deadline.

Milo Hamilton
5-13-2015, 1:56 pm
You're right about Kingham & Worley. Especially Kingham's injury.

Richard threw 5 scoreless for Indy today. 4 hits, 2 walks & 4 strikeouts. But he needed 94 pitches. He was a pretty good pitcher before he got hurt plus he's left handed.

Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
5-13-2015, 2:29 pm
Do not see BMTIB going after another starter at all. Off season proved that.

Cy Young candidate Charlie Morton back soon———hope that Worley returns to last year's best———hope to eliminate "that One inning" from lefty Locke's portfolio———hope that lefty Clayton Richards will be 2013's Locke or 2014's Worley———prospect Adrian Sampson for Dog Days of pennant race.

All those possibilities have to be eliminated before pitching help from outside considered.

G8rh8r
5-13-2015, 10:07 am
That was really good. You are doing such a good job, you must be pretty proud of what you've accomplished in such a short time. I, too, was thinking another Mic might be awesome, but maybe you guys could just have those pin on things you put on your collar. I'm not a local so i don't know Josh, but I loved him in Tommy Boy. Great work you two!

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tpapp44
5-13-2015, 10:22 am
Someone should point Yohe in the direction of the DK online shop.....

#getYoheashirt

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Arriba Wilver
5-13-2015, 10:26 am
He wants it as a perk. ;-)

Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
5-13-2015, 10:44 am
Just get him a gas station attendant oval with the name "Josh" in script

scurfield610
5-13-2015, 10:38 am
Dejan,
I found it amusing that you did the 3rd interview clinging to Maz's spike . I thought maybe your shirt was stuck to it. Keep up the great work you two!

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jordanwhite1025
5-13-2015, 11:02 am
That was fun. Very much enjoyed it.

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Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
5-13-2015, 11:03 am
Wish I did not have to make an intermediate stop at "Home" to change threads here, DK.

#MissingtherightsideList

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Brandon
5-13-2015, 11:23 am
Great stuff Dejan and Josh!

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Bill
5-13-2015, 11:33 am
Love this! 2 Pittsburgh guys hanging out with Pittsburgh sports icons talking sports. Livin the dream. Seriously... Love Josh and that the 2 of yinz are makin it happen and keepin it real.

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ziggygreece
5-13-2015, 11:33 am
yay its back!! and better then ever!

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Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
5-13-2015, 11:47 am
Hack Wilson from Elwood City (5'6" = shorter than JHay):

1930 season for Cubs
.356 BA——56 HR (NL record for 70 years)——191 RBIs (still Major League record)——35 2B——6 3B——105 walks

Did not win MVP

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Matty Gabe
5-13-2015, 12:11 pm
I liked the previous Morning Java installments, but they did lack a certain gravity to them because it was just Dejan answering questions he himself posed.

This format of Yohe and Kovacevic has much more "meat" to it - it did not feel like 9 minutes of video. Just the great back and forth conversation on the state of all 3 major sports teams.

Kudos, DKOPS!

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Penslvr
5-13-2015, 12:48 pm
Very enjoyable!

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JAL
5-13-2015, 1:45 pm
Well done and enjoyable

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Milo Hamilton
5-13-2015, 1:50 pm
This is very minor but could you please have your graphics department update the Pitt Panther to the one they've been using for the last 8 years or so ? That thing went out the door with Jeff Long in 2008.

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Milo Hamilton
5-13-2015, 2:08 pm
Script Pitt would be nice :). I miss emoticons. I would have put a winking one after "graphics department" in my original post.

Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
5-13-2015, 2:33 pm
No truth to the rumor that Pitt hasn't played a relevant football game since that Pitt logo was current!!

Arriba Wilver
5-13-2015, 2:39 pm
No wonder I got my zippered hoodie so cheap.

Dejan Kovacevic
5-13-2015, 7:13 pm
Yes.

Ryan Pugh
5-13-2015, 2:52 pm
Will Dejan and Josh be getting bunk beds so they have more room for activities?

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ann.schiavone
5-13-2015, 5:30 pm
+1

Josh Dunmire
5-13-2015, 2:54 pm
How many subscriptions to get a 2nd mic? Lol. I kid. Love the format! Always a pleasure

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Enrico Pallazo
5-13-2015, 3:25 pm
Do you have any plans to revive the list of "things that make Pittsburgh great" feature from the old PG site?

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Milo Hamilton
5-13-2015, 4:18 pm
I think the Patriots starting quarterback on opening night against the Steelers will be Tom Brady.

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Carmen
5-13-2015, 7:17 pm
I agree Milo - Kraft is going to pull out all the stops. If nothing else I bet the suspension is stayed pending a protracted appeal process.

Big Daddy
5-13-2015, 7:52 pm
I agree unfortunately

Matt Pearce
5-13-2015, 5:33 pm
Now THAT was fun.

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AxlWarpshaft
5-13-2015, 6:45 pm
I feel sorry for Connor McDavid. Not only is he going to Edmonton, he's entering a league were skill not only isn't paramount but is actively suppressed by the league in favor of toughness/"heart". At least Crosby got to enjoy a few seasons free of clutching and grabbing.

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SC Yinzer
5-13-2015, 7:56 pm
Love the Tarnstrom reference! Not so long ago, while I was on the Bluff, I got to go to Pens games on the original student rush campaign. All you whippersnappers should remember that for one glorious season Mr. Tarnstrom was your Pittsburgh Penguins leading scorer. As an aside; I used to own a custom-made #32 Penguins "T-Shersey" with the name "Dick" on the name-plate. Ah, college!

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PlazMan
5-13-2015, 10:14 pm
2 minutes to go in the 3rd period of Game 7 between the Caps and Rags and it is mind numbingly BORING!!! The ONLY thing that has this game being remotely interesting is that it is a Game 7. The "hockey" is essentially unwatchable!

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WVStarship
5-13-2015, 11:01 pm
Ovie is no Nameth......

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Windsor Spits
5-13-2015, 11:35 pm
Now that is a morning java!!!Needed a refill to finish it!!!

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Morning Java: Some monumental analysis

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