Submit entries now for Tuesday 10 Qs

How has the NHL seemingly escaped the concussion litigation we have seen transform the NFL in recent years with regard to fighting in particular?

Taking in consideration, that Rutherford's work with Toronto left the entire hockey world with their mouth wide open, where among the best moves in Penguins history would you rank the Kessel trade and why?

What do the Bucs need more? A 1st baseman, a right fielder, arms in the Bullpen.

Dejan, how did you see women's World Cup action compared to their male counterparts? All are marvelous athletes, but the men's game sometimes drove me crazy with guys trying to buy calls from the officials. Seemed like less of that with the women, and maybe a little more reliance on each other in playmaking.

Hi DK,

I know 2016 is a ways away for the Steelers, but considering the fact that they will have three free agents that year on the offensive line (Beachum, Adams, Foster), don't you find it just a little odd that they didn't draft one this past spring? Also, I have been out of the country for the past two plus months, and this site has gotten me as close to Pittsburgh sports as possible, so thank you.

What are the greatest individual performances you've witnessed first hand for each Pittsburgh team? Moments where you forgot that you were there to do a job, and became absorbed in a brief moment of athletic history. (I know you've spoken on numerous occasions about the 100 meter dash at the olympics - think of this with a pittsburgh twist)

With Kapanen gone, who would you say is considered among the 'top' prospects in the Penguins' prospect pool?

A week or so ago, you mentioned a few instances of the Pirates between inning "entertainment" taking away from opportunities for the crowd to acknowledge some great pitching performances.

My experience with MLB games is limited to PNC Park and a few trips to Camden Yards, so i'm curious, are the Pirates way overboard with this compared to other teams/ballparks? Is it a carryover from so many years of trying to keep fans entertained while the product on the field was so poor?

Do you think the MLB needs to rethink how they determine the starters for the all-star game? With the game actually meaning something, it seems ridiculous that they allow the fans to decide the starting lineups. Not to mention the entire Royals team almost starting in the AL.

Since it appears that the Penguins are in salary cap hell again,and this teams penchant for multiple injuries and games lost, do you see them trying to free up some space so we don't have to play with 5 defensemen again?

DK the Pirates are playing great baseball right now and this question maybe off the wall, but the thing that disturbs me the most with a number of their hitters is a lack of strike zone awareness. I've watched numerous at bats where a Pirates hitter will take a 91mph fastball straight down the middle and follow that with swinging at a slider a foot off the plate. My question is, is this a matter of training or just the nature of our players? Alvarez, Harrison and Polanco seem particularly prone to this trait although as a team they all have had their moments.

Your assessment of Jung HO Kang so far? To me He makes plays that show his experience, and I personally love his play at third. He is a hard out who makes the pitcher work, and man if he ever gets a consistent power stroke, watch out! There are still areas for improvement, but keeping him at the major league level was dead in!

Has there been any talk in the Penguins organization about switching to the original black and gold color scheme full time?

It seemed to be very popular as an alternate jersey last year. And I know many people, including myself, who despise the Las Vegas gold.

With the roster revamp, it seems like an appropriate time to start fresh with the classic color scheme. Plus, it just looks so... right.

Considering the Pens current lineup, Downie now gone. Letang and Crosby with multiple head injuries. Will GMJR find someone like a John Scott to keep others teams from running our stars for yet another year? Unfortunately you still have to answer the Zack Rinaldo's of hockey. I think the defense is also extremely soft, not one hitter in the group.

DK - You spent quite a bit of time NHL trade deadline talking about the young assets the Pens should not trade. Assuming the Pirates are looking for offense and some bullpen help at the trade deadline and that prospects are the greatest chip(s) the Pirates have: what prospects should they NOT consider trading and why?

Is Cole past an innings count watch at this point in his career or is that still a factor as the season continues? He's obviously on a pace to surpass 200 IP while his previous regular season high was 138.

DK, 2 quick question regarding the Penguins: number 1, do they still have any interest in trying to sign Tyler Kennedy? He would fit well with johnstons system on a 3rd or 4th line for the right price. Number 2, in glad the pens defense is getting younger, but they do not have any big physical bodies that aren't afraid to hit. Are the staff looking at any free agents in this regard or is this not much of a concern? Thanks DK!

So, GM Rutherford has done a swell job while presiding over his current position thus far. That's great and all, and I am particularly anxious for the start of this coming season now, but is the real question mark currently the coach, rather than filling out the bottom six forwards? Signing bottom six forward is fairly easy. Johnston had a relatively good season last year. Not great, but good. Have you heard anything to suggest Johnston will make some changes in light of his lessons learned from his rookie season?

From what I've read is Plotnikov a young version of Kunitz? I've read about his grit and goal scoring knack and to me that description makes me think of Kunitz. Does Plotnikov slot with Sid or Geno and what type of season do you expect from kessel?

Will the Pirates be major buyers going into the later part of the season?

The Pens announced Kessel's arrival on Instagram with a video of his new #81 classic black and gold jersey.
New hire Nate (excellent site addition, btw) mentioned the aesthetics of the Pirates' 4th of July uniforms.
For your money, who has the best uniforms in A.) Pittsburgh, and then B.) in each of the respective leagues - NHL, NFL, MLB

It's been 20+ years since Charles Barkley said he (e.g., athletes) is not paid to be a role model. Still, as far as athletes go, the Penguins core appears to be the closest to role models that athletes can be. Between Crosby, Dupuis, Fleury, etc., you only hear great things about these guys off the ice as they consistently win on it, even without another cup. Do you agree based on your interactions that the Penguins crew is an exemplary group of 'good dudes'?

Do you feel the Penguins roster as is now, will be too "soft"? And if so who do you think would be a good potential grit guy for them to add?

DK, do you generally believe the Pirates are "fully committed to Polanco" like you reported in the days past? Got a chance to see him live on Sunday. Seems like the pressure is too much for him. Your thoughts?

Dejan, a Lunatic here, do you think, or even know if JR has attempted or is looking into unloading Scuderi? Then possibly sign Franson as a free agent? The D would look awesome if this could be accomplished, plus provide depth for injuries.

how far away is Josh Bell?

DK you've mentioned before -- it's crazy to think the Penguins "core" has had their window shut for winning future Cups. Why is it Pittsburgh receives this harsh finality, and not other teams? Is it immense expectations? National hatred? Both?

DK, what current (and also former) Pittsburgh professional athlete do you think might make an excellent sports journalist (written, not TV) if given an opportunity? I know being an pro athlete doesn't equate to writing success but I love how you know so much about these athletes that you might be able to give some insight.

Dejan, if you were selected to Pitt's new Fan Experience Committee, what would you propose to change?

Are the Pirates buyers or sellers? Do think this team is a real contender as is ? If not what piece(s) need changed?

At the ballpark, there is a board that notes various pitching stats including the velocity and movement of each pitch. For example, 92 mph Vertical -4 Horizontal +5. I am assuming the velocity reported is the top speed reached once the pitch is released. What is the base point for measuring the pitch movement?

Will the Pens' defense (as currently constructed) have enough experience/offensive ability that can win a Cup? I am very worried about the bottom four.

DK - I believe that Maatta becomes an RFA at the end of next season. That being the case has there been any talks of an extension? Given what happened in Chicago with Saad and Boston with Hamilton, it would seem the Pens would be vulnerable to an offer sheet for Maatta.

I really enjoyed your recent column on the somewhat short-sighted approach the Pirates have taken against lefties. Similarly, what do you think about Stewart as the unofficial personal catcher for Cole? If Cole is pitching a must-win wild card game, obviously Stewart can't be in there instead of Cervelli. Granted they are professionals, but shouldn't Cole and Cervelli be getting a few reps together?

Who else will the pens add and do they have the cap space to do so

DK - Please share some insight on the significance of playing on your 'off-wing'. I understand some players do it well - others don't. I'm concerned the Penguins are overloaded on RW - both from what players are listed and from where Mike Johnston is expected to slot them, given last year's lines. I want top-6 talent to be given an opportunity to succeed. Do you believe this matter is important? I'm particularly interested with regard to Bennett and Perron.

Are there any Triple A guys who can fill the Pirates bench that aren't named Gorkys, Tabata, Lombardozzi, or Hart? Seems like a weak bench if any or those guys have to come in to play especially if Marte is out for a short while

isn't it time to start giving Cervelli some experience catching Cole? Stewart has exceeded expectations but if there's a wild card game with Cole on the mound, don't you want Cervelli in the lineup?

DK, Jim Rutherford mentioned in the spring that the way to win in this NHL is to have four lines capable of scoring. With the trade of Kessel -- which I love, by the way -- it would seem like Rutherford's hands are going to be tied with finding suitable NHL-level forwards for the fourth line, let alone ones who can legitimately threaten to score. Do you see the fourth line being a young group of internal options or do you see Rutherford finding an external option or two? How can he pay for this line?

Is it just me or is left handed bullpen depth a legit concern? Watson has been touched up on occasion, and I bet it has more to do with his use than anything else. Bastardo makes me want to cover my eyes every time he goes out there. Is The Raspberry the only valid option in the minors at this point?

With Grilli playing the Pirates and looking a lot like his old self, it had me wondering. Do you believe the coaches and trainers learned something or got better with dealing with pitching arms? Melancon had a possibility of being Grilli 2.0 earlier this season and it seems with the TJ surgeries there was a bigger emphasis on let's not waste time with working around the injury and just get it fixed and move on. Now I know with Grilli, there were probably other factors why he was traded, but the Pirates seem to be doing a better job with their pitchers this year.

Everyone seems to be expecting Martavus Bryant to have a monster year. I'm a bit worried he goes through the so called "sophomore slump". If he does struggle I think it would stall our offense tremendously. Do you believe my concerns are legit or am I just nitpicking at this potentially lethal offense?

How much does past PED use affect your professional opinion of an athlete?

Some context to the question: Francisco Cervelli, Alex Rodriguez, Antonio Bastardo and Antonio Gates.

Do you look at it as case by case, Dejan? Or is all PED use frowned upon in your opinion?

Me personally I find it odd how quickly people can dismiss a 4 game suspension by a football player for PED use, but light the torches when it comes to ARod. How do people know Gates didn't use PEDs his entire career?

Am I making more out of this Clayton Richard thing than most? I have a hard time with the fact that the Pirates had to unload him within the division, to a team that is right behind us in the standings. Are you telling me there were no other takers? My gosh, send down Scahill and bring Richard up if the mobility clause kicked in at least. Head scratcher.

Considering some local athletes are at the height of the Sports World right now, i.e. Miss Klingenberg and Mr. Saad, who in your opinion is the best athlete to come from Pittsburgh? So many names popping up in my head. Since you've covered everything from badminton to Stanley Cups from Bloomfield to Beijing, I'd love to here your choice.

Dejan, advanced data and analytics are prevalent in baseball and growing/emerging in football, hockey, and basketball. Is this trend developing in soccer and does the "Pittsburgh FC" employ anyone for those purposes?

Why were the Pens the only team trying to get Kessel?

I was a Pittsburgh Power season ticket holder for their entire existence and even though they weren't very good most of the time, enjoyed the games and the atmosphere. I heard rumblings late winter, early spring that the league wants to try and get another Arena team here. Do you think that'll happen and if so how and vice versa?

Hey, here's a site stuff question: do you ever get the feeling that 'DK on Pittsburgh Sports" is too long to become catchy, easy to remember? Same goes for the website address.

Why don't you invest in 2 microphones for the video segments that feature 2 people. You guys look like doofuses.

DK- do sports writers catch a ride on team charters? Or- are they on there own to cover teams on the road?

One thing that has me a little worried is having Kessel on the power play. With no one willing to shoot already do you think Kessel will make that worse because everyone will be trying to feed him the puck?

Toronto media is all over Kessel for being out of shape. Is this typical Toronto coverage or is there something to the reports? I also read a tweet or small note saying he was working out with Gary Roberts. True?

Show it seems like Jung Ho Kang was equipped to play in the majors. He is a tough out, and I feel fields third very well. What are your thoughts on his performance, and with JHay apparently sidelined, do we see him start every day?

Given the recent news that the ADs from both Pitt and West Virginia are open to renewing the Backyard Brawl series in the future, what type of out-of-conference schedule do you feel Pitt should look to build in the future (for both on-the-field and off-the-field success)?

Dejan, J-hay to the DL with a finger issue. This after that awkward slide into 2nd on Sunday. His isn't the first slide that went awry. Recently, Marte flipped over after sliding head first into second. Josh's looked so similar. Is there any explanation from the team why both of them appeared to simply "stick" to the dirt. Seems like a strange occurrence to happen once let alone twice, and if Josh was injured because of it, they should look to change their approach. Either slide feet first or look to use less clay around 2nd?

In your opinion did the Pens do enough to make there team a legitimate Stanley Cup contender for the upcoming season and do you think they are finished going after any more players ??

Dejan, J-hay to the DL with a finger issue. This after that awkward slide into 2nd on Sunday. His isn't the first slide that went awry. Recently, Marte flipped over after sliding head first into second. Josh's looked so similar. Is there any explanation from the team why both of them appeared to simply "stick" to the dirt. Seems like a strange occurrence to happen once let alone twice, and if Josh was injured because of it, they should look to change their approach. Either slide feet first or look to use less clay around 2nd?

When will the Penguins' medical staff be held accountable for their numerous mistakes? Every year the Pens lead the league in man games lost. Is it too much ask to fire a doctor or two or at least change the game plan? You reported that Clint Hurdle was studying the Golden State Warriors rest plan. Is anything like this happening with the Pens?

Dk, of the GM's for the (Bucks, Steelers and Pens) who do you think has the most pressure on him and who do you think has performed the best for prepare for this season? and what would you have done differently

Kang's interpreter has my dream job. Sitting on the bench with this great bunch of guys. Any inside info on how he got the job and what he is experiencing?

The injury bug has officially hit our Bucs - both Marte and Harrison. That being said, I am more concerned about Cutch. I was at the game on Sunday and it appeared to me as if he is moving around very gingerly. He runs the bases hard on hits and goes all out in the field ... but otherwise limps noticeably ... Is it wise for him to continue playing in this condition?

In the past, we've heard repeatedly that the knock on Dan Bylsma was his inability or unwillingness to adjust his system when necessary. With this being Mike Johnston's second season coaching at the top level, has there been any indication from him, or his assistant coaches, that they will make any adjustments to their system, large or small, since other teams now be more familiar with how the Penguins will attack or defend 5 on 5 or run the PP and PK?

I don't pay attention to other hockey players shot preference but is a good right handed stick as rare as a left hander in baseball? It puzzles me as to why the pens seem to have so many left handed shots but not a lot of right handed players. Why is that?

Now that JHay is on the DL, do you think the Aramis Ramirez rumors will heat up?

With all the ESPN coverage concerning the crazy ways that NBA teams try to lure big name free agents(celebrities, team leaders, things that have nothing to do with basketball), I'm curious if anything like this happens in other sports like the NHL? Did the Penguins use any crazy marketing or big name players to try and bring in a target such as Frolik or is this just an NBA thing?

What is Palonco working on to try to get back to playing like we all know he can? How does his sitting against lefties affect this?

Who is Anna Webb on the sidebar and what will she be doing (or what is she doing) for the site? I can't keep up with the rapid pace of things around here anymore.

It's hard to deny the role of team chemistry plays in the success of teams in sports. It is also obvious football and hockey are more team centric (no points are really scored without a team effort), where as baseball can still be a little more individualistic (although the team as a whole needs to gel in order to sustain winning). What type of event affects each major league team the most? (ex of "events": trade, really bad officiating/call, cheap shot/beaning of a player, injury, etc)

I may have more than one, so I will just add them here as they come to me...

First, DK, you noted that there may be a "coincidence" regarding the timing of the Steelers request to host the Super Bowl and the organization potentially asking for infrastructure improvements to Heinz Field. Do you believe that sports teams (not just the Steelers) have any sense that there is a finite amount of public dollars available to them?

I know that they ask because they have received, but both the NFL and MLB are awash in cash and yet they play the "If you don't invest in the team it will leave your town game." What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Jose

Watching the Indians change pitchers multiple times in an inning was beyond annoying. Am I wrong in thinking that after a pitching change the new pitcher should have to face at least 3 batters (barring injury)?

DK, you've mentioned more than once that the Pens were the only bidder for Kessel. Why were no other teams interested in pursuing him? He didn't require too much in return and Toronto is even paying 15%, so I'm wondering why not one other team made a push for him.

DK, Your mention last week about the great work Rene Gayo has done mining Latin America for the Pirates got me thinking...what would it take for baseball to open up its draft to include foreign born players, like the NBA does. Not talking about players who have been stars in other leagues and are older, but rather younger players who's aim is to rise up through the U.S. farm systems/start their careers in the majors...

What adjustments do you see Bucs making with injuries to Harrison and Marte?

Who are the Pens currently pursuing on the market? Is a trade looming?

Can you talk to us about how you work to establish rapport with the athletes to establish trust with them to gather information for your reporting?

In looking at the Pens top 10 wingers I see Dupuis, Kunitz, Bennett and Plotnikov included in that list. If Dupuis can't overcome his history of blood clots, Kunitz doesn't rebound from vitamin deficiencies, Bennett's wrist doesn't recover and the Russian doesn't live up to expectations who are our wingers (particularly with the tight salary cap).

Everyone jokes about the "Convenience List" for supposedly injured players (Scahill and Hart come to mind most recently). Does MLB require any documentation of injuries to keep teams honest?

Does the new linebacker they just drafted have a bigger upside than Jarvis Jones and if so how?

How do you see the Pens top 6 shaking out? It's a embarrassment of riches we have available but presumably Mike Johnston will want a settled set of lines? Also, where do you think Bennett fits, I can only see the fourth line working out for him if he's working with better than last year.

I would like to preface this question by saying I have no clue about the physical or mental condition of this athlete, other then he did briefly play in the NHL/AHL last season.

I know that the penguins management has stressed they wanted to get younger and faster for this upcoming season, but Ryan Malone is 35 years old and could possibly fill the role of a very cheap 4th line player with some scoring touch/grit. I am not advising signing him to a contract, but could they offer him a professional tryout contract for training camp? Or is this just a ridiculous thought that he could come back for 1 or 2 years to finish out his career with the pens?

With Hornqvist, Kessel, Duper, and maybe even TK at RW....what becomes of Beau Bennett?

How often do the people you cover (front office, coaches, and players) ask you how your website/business is going?

It's been well documented the Pirates have pushed the envelope and looked to overcome the structural disadvantages of being a lower revenue team in a non cap league, be it through metrics/advanced stats or even plans to rest players more often. We rarely hear about the other two pro teams seeking unconventional methods to be better; are they just playing their cards close to the vest or do they not engage in the same forward thinking as the Pirates?

Do any of the Steelers not named Cam Heyward have a shot at 10+ sacks this coming season?

Hiya DK. Have you heard anything concerning the sale of the Pens? Just to be certain, am I correct in assuming that the new buyer MUST keep the Pens in Pittsburgh? Is there a way out for them to move the team to say, Las Vegas? I know Bettman doesn't like relocating teams, but I still see Basille in my dreams trying to move the Pens to Canada.

How instrumental is Huntington really in the Pirates turn around? For all the draft spending and trades we still have to claim someone off waivers when Harrison goes down due to lack of minor league depth. And are the fans so happy for a winning season after 20 yrs of losing you can't even say anything negative about the front office anymore.

Do you think Hope solo should have played in the World Cup?

Like the Penguins did with Satan in 2009, can scuderi be sent to the minors (if he passes through waivers) so his contract isn't counting towards the cap if a trade can't be worked out?

Is the addition of the "real" Anna Webb an attempt to appeal even more to Millennials, or to women? Will she be contributing a weekly "sexiest athlete in the 'Burgh" feature? She can take your Penguins coverage a mile wide and an inch deep.

Most perplexing and potentially damaging off-season move: trading Travis Snider or letting Bryce McCain walk in free agency for relative pittance?

The NHL opened the window for expansion applications today. What are your thoughts on potential NHL expansion when you consider the current statuses of the Phoenix and Florida Panthers? Also what are your thoughts on Las Vegas being seriously considered? Quebec City? When you consider metro NYC has three franchises in about a 25 mile radius, why wouldn't a second Toronto team make sense?

Clayton Richard wisely included an upward mobility clause in his contract and utilized it to get at least a chance with the Cubs.

Given his dominance in AAA and his impressive 6.1 2R debut, how much will failing to pull the trigger on Richard likely hurt the Buccos this season, especially to Chicago? It is very unlikely that these 5 go the distance through September.

Is Phil Kessel as bad as Toronto press makes him out to be? I know that city hasn't had a lot to be proud of lately on the ice, but how could he have done anything but helped that organization?

Clayton Richard wisely included an upward mobility clause in his contract and utilized it to get at least a chance with the Cubs.

Given his dominance in AAA and his impressive 6.1 2R debut, how much will failing to pull the trigger on Richard likely hurt the Buccos this season, especially to Chicago? It is very unlikely that these 5 go the distance through September.

Please tell me what it is I am missing regarding Polanco. He just doesn't pass the eye test. He isn't batting for average or power. He takes horrible routes on fly balls. He is young but there are others his age making quite an early impression.

Hypothetically, if, on November 1, 2015 (so the current season is not a factor) each of the following 5 men was to hit the open market, rank the order in which the Pirates could LEAST afford to lose them (listed alphabetically here): Jim Benedict, Rene Gayo, Neal Huntington, Clint Hurdle, Ray Searage.

What do you think is going on with best pitchers last few years. Doc Halladay, Justin Verlander were top of the league only recent. What happened to them? Is something similar starting to happen to Clayton Kershaw? You probably have broader perspective, so is this a common thing?

In addition to talent, I really like this years Bucs from a chemistry perspective. From my perspective they seem tight knit. That being said, who is the unquestionable vocal leader in the clubhouse? For instance, if this team were presented with the Wild Card game or perhaps a game 7 down the road, who would be the guy standing up before the game and rallying the troops so to speak?

Ok, DK...I know that "laundry" isn't your favorite topic, but readers of Uni-Watch, the excellent uniform blog, saw a leak from the Pens that suggests the Pittsburgh gold may be back for good, and that a new gold jersey may be coming, too. I know that if you have news, you'd report it to us, so I'm asking your opinion: should the Pens return to the classic color scheme, rejoining the other city teams, or continue their cheesy Vegas gold lounge act? (Guess my opinion)

DK I've seen stories circulated around regarding NHL expansion stating the Penguins were "close" to moving to Kansas City, I'm guessing, when they were bankrupt.

Is there anything you or Josh can add? Is this just some national outlets making a mountain out of a molehill, or is there something to that?

DK with the very clutch play of neal walker this weekend, especially at the plate, I found myself wondering if the Bucs would consider signing Neal longer term and plan to move him to first base eventually when there is an adequate successor at second. He just seems like the perfect athlete and fit for this team and city...and as they are experiencing, the gap at first base is huge...

How is there not a bigger uproar about Chris Pronger being inducted into the Hockey Hall while still being under contract?

with Harrison out, what options at third do the pirates have besides kang?

With the growth and popularity of hockey in Pittsburgh, will we ever see a 2nd NCAA team in the city? Would it take a Pegula like donation for that to happen at a University like Pitt?

At the risk of jinxing the local big three (or at least enraging those who believe in jinxes), it feels like the Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins all could make a real argument that they have a legitimate shot to win it all. (I suppose the questions around the Steelers' D would be the biggest obstacle to this.) Am I crazy for thinking this? Has this ever happened before?

With Rutherford's answer of "We were in the deal." about being asked for trading for Brandon Saad, was that just something to "please" the fan base or those in the front office to go after him? I mean after all, if Saad wasn't from the 412 area code or anywhere in western pa, no one would be that obsessed about him. And was it obvious that he didn't care about getting Saad when Kessel was the best guy out there that fit the team's need? (i.e. right handed pure goal scorer.)

A. How cool are the Cincinnati-striped All-Star caps, and B. Did the Pirates miss out on a chance to do something similar in 2006? Follow-up: In what scenario can we force all of MLB to wear box-style hats with stripes?

A lot has been made about Craig Adams being a cancer in the Pens' locker room this past season. When he was brought back a few years ago, he was supposedly good in "the room and he was the team's "player representative". What happened to lead to this change and how did it effect the team?

Why is Decker not getting the call over retreads like Ishikawa?

Penguins weakness next year seems to be the defense, specifically depth. Who is the next man up if one of the young guys does not meet expectations or if we get a repeat of injuries? They maybe have a championship level offense now, but do they have the depth on D to still compete if either occurs?

What should we make of Indianapolis having the best record in the International league? Is there anyone who could have a significant impact especially among position players? And with the added staff, do you foresee providing any player features, periodic updates, or game after summaries of the team? Thanks and keep it rolling.

Is it time to officially call the Taillon pick in the '10 draft a mistake? Manny Machado looks special and we still haven't seen anything from Taillon due to injuries. In all fairness I wanted them to draft Taillon over Machado...

The Hounds now have only given up 1 goal in 3 games, and that one goal wasn't even from the run of play. What's attributing to the team's recent defensive form? And is Calle Brown the hot-hand or the new #1 GK?

Is Clayton Richard the second coming of Simon Despres?

I know you don't like talking about fake trades, but do you see any other talent out there that DKOPS might look to acquire? Or do you think the organization is going to stand pat for a while after the recent flurry of moves?

If Marte is gone for any length of time then Tabata needs to get to Pittsburgh soon, right? I get Rodriguez & Hernandez are solid to good defenders, but shouldn't having baseball players on the bench who can actually get on base carry some importance? Rodriguez OBP is below .295 now. Hernandez is at .263 and Lombardozzi is at .296. Tabata has a career .336 OBP and .341 this season.

Oh, and I know you never want to hear story ideas from fans like us, but I do want to throw out that I think it would be really cool to see a little bit of a "where are they now" feature around Pittsburgh athletes. And not just the big timers. I want to know what guys like Jason Bay, Pokey Reese and even Derek Bell are up to these days and what they think of these Pirates. Any chance we could ever see a feature like that?

Congratulations DK, you've just be appointed the commissioner of the three major sports leagues we follow. What's changes do you make for each league?

Watching Pedro Alvarez is a maddening affair. One game he'll drop a routine throw or strike out three times, only to turn around and make a great diving stop or get the game winning hit the next. I desperately want him to consistently reach the potential that I believe he is capable of. Still, the defensive lapses and batting slumps are difficult to suffer through and occur far too often. First base, I believe, is one pronounced area of need for this Pirates team. With that in mind, is Pedro Alvarez the most frustrating (talented but inconsistent) Pittsburgh sports athlete to watch/cover?

Besides the superstars, who have been your favorite players to watch play for the Penguins?

First, welcome to Nate Barnes. Really enjoying his Pirates coverage so far.

Turning to hockey, I understand that the Pens have around $6 million of salary cap space after the Kessel trade and their various other free agency deals. Jim Rutherford stated at his press conference last week that he is still looking for a 4th-line center, but unless he foolishly gives said center a Dave Bolland contract, there should still be ample room to sign someone else.

Should the Pens be looking into a veteran top-4 defenseman? I realize that the coaching staff and management want to allow Maatta, Pouliot, and Dumoulin to assume larger roles, but there isn't as much depth behind them after the departures of Harrington and Chorney.

Sergei Gonchar is willing to come back for the league minimum, but he would only play on the bottom pairing and the powerplay. And after the Rangers series, I don't trust Lovejoy or Scuderi to excel in an elevated role.

I know you hate to speculate about specific players, but have you heard any rumblings from the team in this regard?

Since you mentioned music last week, what's your favorite guitar that you've owned, and is there a guitar you've wanted but never bought?

Other than Sutter, and possibly Scuderi , who do you see as stalwarts on the PK next year?

Hey DK,

We have been talking a lot about our forward group but the defense has me a little concerned. I'm always the optimist, but I have two main questions if Letang or Maata go on the IR. #1 are we confident that Maata being so young and coming off his second shoulder surgery can handle top pairing minutes against the likes of stamkos, Ovi, and Giroux. I absolutely love Maata and think he is a stud, but il his rookie year he slowed down and we have't seen him in such a critical role. #2 how long does it take Pouliot to gain more consistency. Thanks for the time and go Pens!

If Polanco has a serious issue in the mechanics of his swing, as some, including MLB scouts from other teams are suggesting, why is he being left to struggle in Pittsburgh, and in particular, keep getting slotted at leadoff or 2nd in the batting order?

I know that it may be tough right now to send him down to Indy, with the recent injuries, but he's really hurting the club in Pittsburgh. I know there's not many options at Indy but at least Tabata will give professional at bats.

Hi Dejan, I have two site-related questions. Call/interview with Phil Kessel was cited on NHL.com and TSN. Was there significant peak in page views? Did it effect number of subscribers? I bet at least it raised the awareness outside of Pittsburgh.:-)

I like the Penguins moves, but I count two penalty killers in Sutter and Dupuis. I like that Sid and Geno both could help out there, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesn't want to see them logging regular minutes there. Do the Pens have a plan for this or are they planning on not taking any penalties this year?

Two years ago it seemed a foregone conclusion that Alvarez would be gone as soon as he hit free agency, that the Pirates had no chance to keep him. Has that changed? Would his camp be seeking a short or long term deal and if so, would the Pirates desire that?

What are the rules regarding player contract buyouts in the NHL? Specifically, can a player be bought out mid-season and if so are there cap implications? I am wondering if the Pens may be considering not buying out specific players because they currently do not have a better alternative and would rather wait to see if these players can return to form?

DK in all my years of watching baseball I have never seen a batter turn around and look where the catchers glove is or try to catch a glimpse of the sign....I know it is an "unwritten" rule not to do that but my question is what would happen if a batter refused to turn around, does the league have some sort of punishment for a player or team if they would try to do that?

What are the chances that Rob Scuderi and/or Brandon Sutter still get traded this offseason?

DK,
With the acquisition of Phil Kessel, how do you expect the initial line combinations to play out? Obviously throughout and 82 game season, Kessel will see time with both 87 and 71, but initially where do you see him fitting? I personally believe 71 would do better with Kessel because of his past success with James Neal. Where as, 87 and Hornqvist seemed to gel great in the 2014-2015 season.

Why is Mike Johnston calling David Perron a RW? He prefers LW and needs to play top 6 LW to be effective. Using him as RW puts him on the 3rd line, based on the depth chart. That would be horribly miscast.

What do are your thoughts?

Do you see your site eventually growing into other news genres? What is your ultimate vision of the site?

What is the best option for the Penguins on getting the 4th line center they need?

Do Sid and Malkin get overlooked for their defensive work, or are they truly way behind the elite two way centers? Are either of them capable of winning a Selke, or would that emphasis take them too far away from what the team needs from them?

Am I the only one that sees the similarities between Shero ignoring his teams advice on drafting Saad, and Rutherford ignoring his teams advice on trading to get Saad? The big difference I see is with hindsight we can see what a mistake Shero made, in a few years will we be looking back at what Rutherford has done in the same way? Is it just easier to compliment the current GM as we look to a hopefully bright future and to bash the past GM for failing to put together a championship team? It seems to me Shero’s teams were pretty good and he used to be praised for trades (Iginla, Morrow, and the forced Staal trade, etc..). Baring the Penguins bad luck and piles of injuries there might have been a championship or two more in those Shero years.

Pirate fans correctly think of AJ Burnett as a top tier pitcher. And he will likely be remembered as one of the most important pitchers in Pirate history. But outside of the Pirate fan bubble, how is he perceived by the rest of the league? I havent seen any "Goodbye AJ" tributes planned by opposing teams.

So with the incredible growth of the staff of DK on Sports, has there been any consideration of a name change? Pittsburgh Sport Journalism Club, or Pittsburgh SJC, for short?

Hi DK, I have been impressed with what Jung Ho Kang has brought in this first season with the Bucs -- particularly his defense at third. You've written (if memory serves) that he's been well integrated into the clubhouse, but I was wondering if there was any evidence that he's adapting his approach, even slightly, based on observing or talking with other players or with Branson. Or has he been mostly left alone?

Hey DK,

I'd love to hear not only your personal take but also anything you're hearing from the organization regarding the Million Dollar Question in Pensland.

Where is Phil Kessel's "best" fit in the lineup and where he'll actually play in the lineup?

Late entry, I know...

The last Pittsburgh Pirates to have their numbers retired were Ralph Kiner and Maz in 1987. Who do you think is the next candidate to have their number hung on the grandstand facade at PNC? A friend of mine says McCutchen is the obvious choice, but I disagree. It might just be "recency bias," but I'm going with AJ Burnett. His performances on the mound were a major reason why Pittsburgh was able to break the streak, and now he's a "yinzer for life." Who's number would you retire?