Pierogi's N'at

Big Snack

2010-04-27T19:05:00.001-04:00

Big Snack is back in action on his new site... The Pittsburgh Penalty Box Check it out ASAP!!!!!

Go Bucs

2009-04-13T16:56:00.002-04:00

Ok guys, I just wanted to throw a quick state of the Bucs address out there...hope you enjoy!

My basic thoughts so far are how well the pitching staff has played and how the offense is shaping up. First, for the pitching...

So far, the pitching has held up exceptionally well. Except for one poor start by Ian Snell, the Bucs have been one of the better starting staffs in the majors. Zach Duke has pitched two gems, including a complete game shutout today, and our bullpen hasn't really shown the dysfunction of last year yet.

If we plan on being close to .500, this staff has to keep pitching this way.

The other thing I noticed was about our hitting. I think the early games of this season have been pretty telling as to what kind of hitting to expect from the Buccos. We've had a couple games where we've exploded for alot of runs, and with Doumit and McLouth gaining a year of experience and Adam LaRoche hopefully not doing his usual April sucking, I think we can see this team has a little pop.

The problem, however, are those games where the bats aren't working, which I suppose is a problem in all MLB Clubhouses, but with our lineup, that could come more often then usual, as seen by our losses this year. I have a strange feeling that if we plan on winning games, we're going to have to win 3-1 or 4-2, or we're gonna get blown outta the water.

So the basic assessment is so far, so good. It's too early to tell how the season will end up, but so far, I like what I see.

Until lata...

Couple of Prospects...

2009-04-01T12:43:00.003-04:00

Well boys and girls, with the NFL Draft coming up in a few weeks, I felt it was time to tell yinz about a coouple of the guys that numerous mock drafts have us linked to. Now keep in mind, this is all subjust to change based on who's left, etc..., but here's the linemen we've been linked to, and next time i'll post about the cornerbacks...

Alex Mack is a center from Cal, who is considered the top prospect at his position and would be a nice fit for the Steelers. He is a very strong and physical blocker, which would be a nice change for the Steelers, as we've been having trouble recently with the bigger noseguards in the AFC North. He's a three time All Pac 10 player and two time All-American, and has been impressive thus far in the scouting process.

If it were up to this humble reporter, Alex Mack would be our first round selection.

Another name being thrown around is Max Unger from Oregon. He may possibly go before the Steelers pick, but to honest, he doesn't seem like as good a fit as Mack. Unger is very versatile, and can effectively play all three positions on the line (although he's mostly thought of as a center/tackle). The problem I have with him is he's known as more of a finesse blocker, and once again, the AFC North has a lot of big bodies to move so you best be strong as an ox or you could be in a lot of trouble.

Phil Loadholt, a massive left tackle from Oklahoma is another name possibly on the Steelers draft board. His size is definitely a plus, although he's not really known as a quick player and may have fallen into the second round. He'd be a nice fit for the Steelers as he's a big man who can play physical, however we already have a project in last year's pick Tony Hills, so therefore I wouldn't take him unless both center options are taken. But he has visited the Steelers' complex, so that might be an indicator that he's on our radar.

Finally, the last lineman linked to us (at least that I've seen) is A.Q. Shipley from Penn State. He's a second to third rounder, and is somewhat like Mack in that he is strong and very tough. He has also visited the Steelers, and he won the rimmington trophy as last year's best college center.

So what's with all the centers you ask? Well, first off, no one drafts guards in round 1, unless there's an Alan Faneca type player available, which there isn't this year, and secondly, with us having the last pick in round 1, most if not all of the first round tackles are expected to be gone. But who knows, I personally think the Steelers will probably trade down or pick a corner in round 1, as players like Shipley will be available in the later rounds.

Until next time...

Weekend Wind-Down

2009-03-30T13:38:00.002-04:00

Here's another new entry from our newest contributor, Fat Daddio...he'll be posting about once a week or so, and I'll be posting something on Wednesday...

Enjoy!

-- Pitt's big three of DeJuan Blair, Sam Young, and Levance Fields held up their end of the bargain at the dance. But every game was a struggle, in large part because Tyrell Biggs, Juan Dixon, and Brad Wannamaker didn't show up. If we have one bit of advice for Jamie Dixon next season, it would be to trust Ashton Gibbs a little more and Wannamaker a lot less.

And give Agnus Berenato lots of love. Her team is risen with a bullet, and unlike Dixon, she took over a program with no tradition and fewer players. Her girls may be in over their heads in the NCAAs now, but she's put them on the map.

-- And some props should go to Duquesne's Ron Everhart and Suzie McConnell-Serio. They're single-handedly dragging basketball back to prominence on the Bluff. We can't wait to see the City Game regain the edge it had when the Mike Rice and Tim Grgurich teams got it on.

-- The Pens are amazin'. Sooner or later, all that penalty time is gonna catch up to them, but right now their guys are playing pond hockey as well as it can be played. Our only question is whether or not their legs can stand up to the pace, especially in the every-other-day Stanley Cup format. But what a difference Sergei Gonchar, Chris Kunitz, and Billy Guerin make on the ice. Ray Shero has reinvented the team.

-- Pitt is getting ready to step out in football this year, but they still have a lot of question marks. Can the linebacking come together? Will a running back step up? And most importantly, can Tito Sunseri wrest the QB job from Billy Stull? Wanny has some players now, but he still doesn't have the depth that a Top-Ten team needs.

-- The Pirates start on April 6th against the Cards. Does anybody care? Hey, they should be better this year, but they'll go as far as the rotation takes them. Paul Maholm looks like a hoss, but will Ian Snell rediscover his nasty stuff and can Phil Dumatrait rejoin the staff before it's too late? The answer best be yes if the Buccos want to avoid their historic 17th straight losing season.

The cavalry is on the way, with Pedro Alvarez, Andrew McCutchen, and Jose Tabata all looking ready to join the show in the next season or two. But the minor league pitching hopes hinge on Altoona starter Brad Lincoln and Lynchburg's Bryan Morris, and that's not exactly what you call depth.

But as long as you've got bobbleheads and the Zambelli Brothers...

A Tale of Two Coaches....

2009-03-22T12:08:00.003-04:00

Thanks to my dad for writing this one...he's usually a Bucco blogger over at The Green Weenie, but I think this recent run of success inspired him to take on something a lil' different...Check it out, and make sure you check out his blog for all of your Pirate needs as he updates alot and sure knows his baseball...

Hey, Dan Bylsma has become the greatest thing in Pittsburgh since IC Lite. And why not? His team has rolled up the points, leaving the dark days of futility under Michel Therrien in the Zamboni’s rear view mirror. So what’s the Magic Dan done to turn the Pens back into Lord Stanley‘s darlings?

Well, two things. First, he set the dogs loose, something the defense-minded Therrien just couldn’t find in his heart to do. His D sets up at the blue line, his forecheckers go after the puck relentlessly, and his guys have the freedom to pinch and bolt up ice when the situation is ripe. Caution has been replaced by kamikazes.

And secondly, he put together his lines, and pretty much sticks to them. Consistency means something in sports, and knowing your linemates is a big thing in hockey circles. Everyone remembers Therrien’s mix-and-match lines, and none too fondly. Jus ask Sidney Crosby.

Sheer genius, right? Well, maybe. But before we’d compare Bylsma to Einstein, we’d take a good look at the team Therrien had and the team Bylsma now coaches. They were both called the Penguins, but the similarity ends there.

Why did Therrien hunker down with the dreaded and snooze-inducing trap? He didn’t start the season in round-the-wagons around Fleury mode, but as the defeats piled up, it became obvious that he didn’t have the horses for pond hockey; he’d have to win 3-2 games, not 5-4 matches, and tightened up accordingly.

Ditto with the lines. He didn’t have enough wings to cover one line, much less three, to mesh skills with world-class centers Sid the Kid, Gino, and Jordan Staal, who were desperately looking for some help.

Therrien knew that; so did Ray Shero. But Shero opted to hang Therrien out to dry, and it could well be that the gruff Frenchman had lost the locker room and management‘s confidence. But the club Shero gave him wasn’t strong; at best it was a bubble team, especially with Sarge and Whitney riding bikes instead of clearing pucks and the AHL winger-of-the-month roster philosophy.

In comes Bylsma, a safe bet for Shero. He’s a scapegoat if the team continued to sputter, a placeholder if he did just OK, and a cheap replacement if he kicked some butt. And the squad he got from Shero was a far cry from the minor-league try-out camp that Therrien was trying to piece together.

First, Sarge came back and Ryan Whitney left, addition by subtraction if there ever was an example. Neither is a physical presence, but Gonchar eats up minutes, head-mans the puck, and collects points like Whitney collects minus ratings. And hey, suddenly the power play finds the net, as an added bonus.

With Sergei back, he had the luxury of a six-man defense again, and a top pairing with Gonchar and Brooks Orpik. It also gave Kris Letang a chance to play. So no Bylsma brainstorming there; Sarge gave him a gimme.

As for the lines? We’d like to see what Bylsma would do without Chris Kunitz and Bill Guerin to plug in around the Kid. Pasquel Dupuis went from the first line to checking and penalty killing. Miroslav Satan went to Wilkes-Barre. Suddenly, there were three lines to roll out. Crosby looks rejuvenated; Staal looks like a number one pick, and Malkin looks like an MVP and Ross Trophy winner.

Hey, don’t misread us; we like what Bylsma is doing. The locker room is filled with positive energy again. Pittsburgh is the home of go-go hockey, and he’s got everyone buying in. He’s brought some consistency to the lineup.

But remember that Ray Shero took Ryan Malone and Colby Armstrong away from Therrien and didn’t replace them until Bylsma arrived. Two of the team’s top three defensemen were missing when Therrien was around; Bylsma got Gonchar and a seasoned Latang to man the backline.

Letang and Staal are the two biggest winners in Bylsma’s upbeat game planning; they were squelched by Therrien‘s tactics. The final piece fell in when The Flower entered one of his otherworldly zones once more, stopping every biscuit tossed at him.

It’s a tale of two teams, not two coaches. And the results show.

Until lata....

Holy Crap They Won Again...

2009-03-08T19:09:00.003-04:00

Well boys and girls, today marked the end of the Pens' recent 5 game road trip. Going into it, I would have ventured that a 3-1-1 record or even 3-2 record would be nice, but as most of you already know, they went 5-0, finishing up with a 4-3 shootout winner against the Caps this afternoon.

The usual suspects have been playing pretty well on this trip, with Crosby and Malkin both playing their usual games and Marc Andre is on top of his game, but I think the real difference has been the players we acquired at the deadline.

Chris Kunitz has been a burst of energy on Crosby and Staal's wings. He hits hard, has proven to be a force battling for pucks, and has shown the soft hands needed to help push the loose garbage around the crease into the net. He also seems to be meshing really well with Crosby, which is big because its exactly what Hossa did last year and look where it took us...

Another trade dealine deal gained us Bill Guerin, the former captain of the Islanders. He's played in 2 games and has 4 points - nuff said. But what seems to be his greatest asset is his ability to keep the goalie occupied in front of the net. A perfect example was the goal Sarge Gonchar scored today - the goalie from the Caps didn't even know the puck was shot until it hit the net behind him. That's what good screening can do for a team.

And finally, new coach Dan Bylsma has taken the leash of the dogs as they say, letting the offensive skills of the Pens take over as opposed to Therrien's more defensive approach. The players have been revitalized and seem to enjoy playing again, as they did last year during their run to the Finals.

All in all, I wouldn't pop the champagne just yet, but this fat kid l ike where the Pens are heading...

Until lata...

Bye Bye Whitney...

2009-02-26T15:08:00.002-05:00

Today, the Pens took step one towards adressing their need for a scoring winger to compliment Sidney Crosby by acquiring Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangradi in exchange for Ryan Whitney this afternoon.

Whitney hasn't played up to par since his return from off-season surgery, and he happens to play at a position we have a great deal of depth at, so letting him go wasn't all tha big of an issue in my mind. He was a good locker room personality and has tremendous upside as far as his scoring capabilities go, but there's nothing to say he's going to be the Sergei Gonchar we all thought he'd be.

As for our return, I think Kunitz is a very good, if underrated, player. He's not overly large, and has been known to wear down against physical defensemen, but he has a good scoring touch and isn't afraid to mix it up. He should fit in nicely with Sidney, and his experience on a Stanley Cup champion cannot be overlooked. He's also signed through 2011-12, so he should have enough time to get a good chemistry with his new linemates...

Eric Tangradi is a very interesting prospect, seeing as he's a huge kid (6'4, 240 lbs I believe) who is the second leading scorer in the OHL (behind Tavares, who is a momnster himself). His stock has done nothing but climb in the past few years, and he is looked at as a future power forward, which is exactly what the Pens need. Hopefully he's a Ryan Malone in waiting, which is what the Pens are banking on.

So basically, it was a good run Ryan Whitney. Good luck out west, and welcome to the team Kunitz and Tangradi, you better be good...

Until lata..

MOCK DRAFT!!!

2009-02-17T17:12:00.003-05:00

Ok boys and girls, first and foremost, Big Snack would like to thank his lil brother Pizzy for sending this to me. He actually spent an entire Monday afternoon making this, and I'm not gonna lie - it's pretty good, at least I think.

So without further ado, here goes...

This mock draft has lineman slipping farther than they probably will, but I went with the idea of finding the teams' biggest need and trying to address it. I also do not believe we will see anything like last year where linemen went off the board in record time. 1. Lions- Matthew Stafford (QB Georgia) – He has the arm strength needed to be a franchise QB with above average accuracy. Durability is not a question with him; he never missed a college start due to injury. His problems are that he hasn’t won the big game, he’s inconsistent at times, and never got a chance to call any plays based on his opponents' defense. All in all he’s a tough kid that will take a year or two to develop, but well worth the first overall pick for a team in need of EVERYTHING.

2. Rams- Eugene Monroe (OT Virginia) – He is the most polished tackle in this years draft with exceptional feet for a man-child his size (6’5 ½”). He’s a master pass blocker due to his quick feet and finesse nature. Needs to add bulk to become a better run blocker. Had some injury problems early in his career, but it seems to be a thing of the past. Rams need help on their offensive line more so than any other position and with this pick they should have a solid LT for a while.

3. Chiefs- Aaron Curry (LB Wake Forest) – Has all the physical tools needed to be a star in the NFL and with a new GM in charge, it would be wise to invest in a defensive player since they seem to have a quality tackle in Brandon Albert. Curry is the best defensive player in this draft and they Chiefs need all the help they can get. He's the most NFL ready LB at either position and has produced at a consistently high level in his 3 years as a starter. Never missed a game due to injury. Matthew Stafford would be their ideal pick, but in this mock draft he is gone.

4. Seahawks- Jason Smith (OT Baylor) – He has great speed for a tackle in the NFL since he used to be a TE. He's very aggressive and needs to continue to improve his technique to become a Pro-Bowl type player. Teams love his upside and long arms, but he doesn’t dominate in any one characteristic. He missed a handful of games last year due to injury. Crabtree is an option here, but I don’t see them using a pick this high to get anything but the offensive lineman of their choice.

5. Browns- Malcolm Jenkins (CB Ohio State) – Jenkins is a hard-nosed CB that has exceptional intangibles. He has good speed and size for an NFL CB and has shown throughout his career that he is up to any challenge. He had a few injuries in 05, but since then has been on the field constantly. He's very talented at any secondary position and may actually be better suited to be a safety. The Browns secondary is terrible and this pick would solidify the opposite CB of McDonald.

6. Bengals- B.J. Raji (DT Boston College) – After last season's near miss with Sedrick Ellis going to the Saints, I don’t see them passing up the one legit DT in this draft. They have Peko and need help on their offensive line, but their biggest concern is to keep improving their defense, which continually got better as the year went on. Raji has character issues so he should fit in perfectly in Cincinnati. Seriously though, he is a strong run stopper who would anchor a line in need of some stability.

7. Raiders- Michael Crabtree (WR Texas Tech) – The best talent at any position in the 09 draft, he has the size, strength, and speed needed to be a dominant force in the NFL (think Larry Fitzgerald). With Al Davis in charge in Oakland I would never expect him to pass up the most physically talented player. The Raiders need help on offense even with two top 5 draft picks at QB and RB. WR is a need and Crabtree is the most accomplished receiver to enter the draft in a while, seeing as he only played two years at Texas Tech and had 40 career receiving touchdowns. You don’t have to be a genius to tell he has talent and could change the Raiders offense from being OK to an actual threat.

8. Jaguars- Chris Wells (RB Ohio State) – With the release of Fred Taylor comes the new era of Maurice Jones Drew and “Beanie” Wells. He has the size, power, speed, and vision to be an elite player in the NFL. He has suspect receiving skills at best, but Jones Drew would be their 3rd down back. They need help on the offensive line, but with a draft that is deep at O-Linemen, it's not a must have in round 1. Instead, they can pick a player that could hopefully do what Jonathan Stewart did last year for the Panthers. He has injury problems, but his skills are too great to pass up. Don’t be surprised if they trade back in to the first round later to get a lineman that they targeted.

9. Packers- Vontae Davis (CB Illinois) – He is the younger brother of Vernon Davis, TE for 49ers, and has the prototypical body and speed of a CB in the NFL. He can tackle as well as change direction very fluidly. Character is a problem, but with two aging CB’s in Green Bay they know it’s time to get a future starter and with his potential, it’s a simple pick. Durability has never been an issue with him.

10. 49ers- Mark Sanchez (QB USC) – He came out a year early, but he has potential through the roof. He only started one year at USC and only has adequate height for the position, but he does, however, have a very quick release that is very important in the NFL, especially if you play for the 49ers. They could go with an offensive lineman here, but the chance to grab a franchise QB to forget about Alex Smith is just too tempting to pass up.

11. Bills- Rey Maualuga (MLB USC) – He is a scary man with the best natural instincts at any position in the draft. He takes great angles to tackle the ball carrier and uses his hips well. He has great size, strength, and speed to play MLB and Posluszny has the skills to move outside. The Bills have a strong secondary and an offense with potential so all they need is a front seven to fear and Maualuga definitely accomplishes that right away.

12. Broncos- Knowshon Moreno (RB Georgia) – He is a reckless runner who has average size and speed for the position. He has durability issues as well , but he is the second best RB for a reason. He has produced in his two years at Georgia and is a great competitor. He is willing to do whatever is asked of him and he leads by example. With a new coach running Denver, the GM may realize that the running game that Shanahan has produced in the past was due to the system and not the players. After realizing that, the pick seems obvious because last year they got a lineman and receiver to help the offense with a good, young QB. Their defense is terrible, but their mindset doesn’t have to be defense first. Josh McDaniels will improve their already potent pass offense with his scheme and with a back like Moreno in the back their defense may never see the field again.

13. Redskins- Michael Oher (OT Ole Miss) – He is a well-proportioned tackle with great durability. He is a beast at run blocking and is very good at pass blocking. The Redskins are very old at the tackle position and having a tackle of this caliber slip to them at the 13th pick may be a very lucky sign for the Skins. Zorn is a pass first type of coach and Oher is much better then Andre Smith at pass protection. He also has a mean steak in him that could fully come out as he becomes more comfortable and dominant at the NFL level.

14. Saints- Aaron Maybin (DE/LB Penn State) - They need secondary help and the top two prospects are off the board so they are forced to either trade down or select a defensive front seven guy to help them. With this being the case, I see them actually trading, but for the sake of a mock draft I will say they choose Maybin just because he is versatile and has a nack for making big plays.

15. Texans- Andre Smith (OT Alabama) – He is the top run blocker coming out of college in years, but he doesn’t have the speed needed to stop faster DE/OLB from getting the corner. He is massive and has produced against strong competition in college, but he makes too many physical mistakes to be a top five pick like many other mockers are saying. The Texans have the luxury of having Duane Brown, their first rounder from last year, already playing LT and protecting Schaub’s blindside. With this addition their tackles are set for years and they can let the undersized Eric Winston move inside to guard where his small frame is better suited. rR they could move Smith inside and have the most dominating guard to come out of college in years.

16. Chargers- Jeremy Maclin (WR Missouri) – He has nice size with exceptional speed and the Chargers have shown us that they no longer want to run the ball, with L.T. possibly leaving along with Sproles. Rivers last year had the highest QB rating in the NFL and if he is given another receiver to spread the field this offense will be as dangerous as any other. Maclin can change a team immediately and since this is a mid round selection it could be a steal for the Chargers to take a chance and put the offense on Rivers' back.

17. Jets- Josh Freeman (QB Kansas State) – He has all the physical tools needed to be an NFL QB and with the Jets seeing Favre walk away they should look to their QB of the future. Freeman has the arm strength needed to throw in the winds of New Jersey and with Joe Flacco coming out of Delaware State and having a tremendous rookie year they see a chance of a repeat. He will need work to become NFL ready, but the Jets have few glaring holes for a team selecting in the mid round.

18. Bears- Hakeem Nicks (WR North Carolina) – He may not be a speedster, but he is a true NFL receiver. He can make catches that seem impossible and since there isn’t a QB prospect worthy of this pick, they have to look at other skilled positions on the offense since it is so very bad. With Hester being a speed receiver this pick would make sense since most teams chose to employ a possession receiver and speed receiver to spread the defense and then attack the underneath routes.

19. Buccaneers- James Laurinaitis (ILB Ohio State) – With their linebackers aging and the need for youth at linebacker, James seems like a nice fit. He is a leader that is very productive and instinctive who can rush the passer as well as cover in both man and zone. The new defensive coordinator in Tampa will be asking the GM for immediate help on defense and James is the guy to do it.

20. Lions- D.J. Moore (CB Vanderbilt) – Moore has below average size but makes up for it with speed and nice hands for a CB. He is very fluid with great instincts, but lacks the strength and size to come off of bigger WR's blocks. He is durable and is very tough for a man his size. The Lions need help everywhere, but their secondary is so atrocious that this reach is worth it.

21. Eagles- Brandon Pettigrew (TE Oklahoma State) – He has the size needed to be a quality TE in the NFL and he has the receiving skills needed to become a favorite target for whoever is throwing the ball to him, and his blocking skills are exceptional. His biggest problem is straight-line speed because he is quick for his size, but he is just missing that extra something needed to be a Pro Bowl TE for years to come. Character is terrible, but it’s worth the risk this late in the first round.

22. Vikings- Brian Orakpo (DE/OLB Texas) – The Vikings do not need immediate help on their defensive line, but Orakpo is far too talented to let slip past them. Imagine a line with both Williams’, Orakpo, and Jared Allen. This line would single handedly win them their division. Orakpo has problems with motivation, but having Allen to look up to could change that. Allen and him could realistically have 25 combined sacks between them. Scary if he really slips this far.

23. Patriots- Brian Cushing (OLB USC) – Has great height, size, and speed for a linebacker and the Patriots need to get younger at that position. He has durability concerns, but he is too talented in all phases of the game to pass up. They will take the best available approach like they always do and Cushing is the highest left on my board and he fills a need. This is a win-win for a team that doesn’t need it.

24. Falcons- Everette Brown (DE/OLB Florida State) – He is thickly built and seems to have reached his max on his frame build, but he is such a great pass rusher that it doesn’t even matter. Very durable with high character and he possess a fast first step. The Falcons surprised everyone by making a playoff run last year and by adding Brown to their defense it’s very realistic to see it happen again.

25. Dolphins- Percy Harvin (WR Florida) – This pick doesn’t make sense for a Bill Parcells run football team, but with his explosive nature he is too big of an offensive threat to pass up. The Dolphins went far above their expectations last year and that was due to hard work and winning in the trenches so I figured a weapon for Pennington to throw to only makes sense. He has durability issues, but that is the only reason that he slipped this late. He is more athletic than any offensive weapon in the draft, but since he is undersized and prone to injury he slipped to the Big Tuna.

26. Ravens- Larry English (OLB Northern Illinois) – He has great size, decent rush speed, and can cover exceptionally. The Ravens are at the cross roads with three of their four starters at LB so this pick is more for need than talent. He produced very well in college, but he had some serious injuries that might scare off a few teams. Nice first step and seems like he could be a quick fix for the Ravens no matter who they lose in free agency.

27. Colts- Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR Maryland) – Has good size with very nice, if not exceptional speed for a man his size. He has never had a quality QB throwing him the ball so his college stats aren’t accurate to his talent. If he had Peyton Manning throwing him the ball his stats could finally show his talent. With Marvin Harrison probably gone and Gonzo being a better slot receiver, this pick would solidify a pass offense that still has a lot of pop left in it.

28. Eagles- Duke Robinson (OG Oklahoma) – He is the elite guard in this draft class and is a physical mauler in the running game. The Eagles have few holes that need to be addressed and with Robinson they get a monstrous guard that could be a fixture in the line for years to come. In great shape for a man his size.

29. Giants – Max Unger (OL Oregon) – Unger is so versatile that he gives the Giants numerous options on their offensive line. Their line is strong, but this late in the draft it is a steal to get a lineman that is as talented and versatile as Unger. He is very smart and could emerge as the most versatile and underrated lineman in this draft.

30. Titans- Juaquin Iglesias (WR Oklahoma) – This pick is a stretch, but their need is at receiver and Iglesias is the best one left. He has OK size and speed with nice hands and a nack for making big plays. He can make people forget all about the receivers they passed up on last year.

31. Cardinals- LeSean McCoy (RB PITT) – He has the speed and elusiveness to be special in the NFL. The Cardinals need to upgrade their backfield and McCoy is a gem this late in the first round. If he is here and the Cards pass him up I will understand why the Steelers let their coaching staff leave and gather in Arizona. This is a need pick that is perfect for both parties.

32. Steelers- Tyson Jackson (DE LSU) – The best DE for a 3-4 defense and the Steelers need to get younger on both lines. He has exceptional strength and is unstoppable against the run. If he is gone the Steelers could go either with Alex Mack, the best center to come out in years, or Herman Johnson, 6’7” 382 pounds guard who would scar any player who opposes him on the playing field.

Well guys, that's it - it's a little different from the other mocks you may see, but I think my bro did a pretty damn good job. Hope yinz enjoy reading it as much as I did, and thanks again bro.

Until lata...

Don't Call it a Comeback...

2009-02-08T17:01:00.003-05:00

Really, don't. The Pens lost their highly anticipated Stanley Cup rematch with the Detroit Red Wings 3-0 at the Igloo this afternoon. To the fans' credit, they booed everytime much-hated Marian Hossa touched the puck, but that didn't keep him from sticking the dagger in our back in the third peiod, scoring on a backhand from between the circles.

The Pens today looked like the Pens of earlier this season - they couldn't score, they were bullied on the puck, and once again they didn't put anyone effective in front of the net. I personally think a scoring winger to go alongside Crosby would help our cause, not just because of the added scoring said winger would bring, but because of the increse in effectiveness he'd bring to Crosby.

Geno Malkin is the ype of player who can create his own shots, and doesn't need anyone to feed him the puck, whereas Sid is the type of guy who is a playmaker, and who certainly scores better with a strong wingman on his side (see Marian Hossa). This is something that needs to be addressed, as does the rumor this fat kid heard about Miro Satan not being exactly beloved in locker room.

Word on the street is he's unhappy, which may be because he's an old man on a team of youngsters, or it could just be that he's having a crappy season and this isn't exactly what he envisioned when he came to Pittsburgh. Either way, he needs to stop being a bad influence and start scoring or we're gonna miss the playoffs.

With that being said, I'm off to watch some good Sunday night TV - at least I won't have to think about that pathetic performance during my Simpsons and King of the Hill...

Until lata...

Penguins Update

2009-02-05T12:23:00.005-05:00

So today is apparently a busy (or boring depending on how you look at it) day for Snack, so I'm gonna fill you in on a little secret...

If the Pens end up making the playoffs, which is no guarentee because they're in a tie for ninth place in the East, it will be because last night's game saved the season.

(Picture from post-gazette.com)

We needed this one...

Last night looked alot like your typical Pens' game this season - we were losing 3-0 going into the third against one of the worst teams in the league, without much hope of pulling out a victory. Tampa Bay was all over us, and we couldn't even manage to score on a goalie who was making his first NHL start.

Then, it appeared something clicked in he third. Geno Malkin decided we would not lose another game, and he hoisted the Pens on his shoulders and started the bloodletting of the Lightning by scoring less then three minutes into the third, making it 3-1. His play in this period was amazing, as he was flying around, hitting anything that moves and registering some quality scoring chances.

Later in the third, Mark Eaton shot one on net that bounced off of a Lightning defender and into the twine making it 3-2. At this point, you pretty much felt something big was going to happen. The Pens controlled the play and were shooting the puck every time up the ice - in fact, they looked like the Pens from last year.

Finally, the Pens crashed the net and somehow managed the sneak the puck past the line to tie it 3-3 and send it to overtime. Sykora got credit for the goal, but Letang and Caputi were both crashing into the goalie, so I feel they all should get credit for it.

Overtime was high-flying and fast paced hockey, but of course you knew who was going to end it all....

After almost 5 exciting minutes of overtime hockey, Geno slammed the puck home 5-hole style winning this one for us and giving us a much needed two points. He was so excited he flung his stick down the ice and skated right to the boards, jumping into the glass. It was quite a celebration and one we haven't heard or seen in the Igloo since last year's playoff games.

Hopefully we can keep this roll going and surge into the playoffs, where we'll have Sarge Gonchar back leading out powerplay.

Until lata...

Here We Go...

2009-02-05T12:01:00.004-05:00

OK boys and girls, for the final time (hopefully) everything works with the old laptop and PNA is back up and running....with that being said, I think we all know what today's post is going to revolve around...

HERE WE GO!!!!

The Steelers won their sixth Super Bowl Sunday night in as exciting a game as this guy's ever seen. Kudos go to everyone on the team from the water boys to the owners for this unprecedented run to the chapionship.

Here's some highlights, which I know you all have seen a million times by now but which I feel like need to be said on here for this to even be considered a sports site....

First off, and most obviously, the "Immaculate Interception" by James Harrison is bar-none the best play in SB history. Not only was the 100 yard return the longest play in SB history, but the timing of it is what makes it so special. The Cards were inches from making the game 14-10 them going into the half, but instead, the pick six caused it to be a 17-7 Steelers lead, which I don't have to tell you certainly changed the momentum of the game.

The other huge play, of course, was the Ben to Santonio TD pass (and really whole drive) that won the game for us. That play will be held up alongside the David Tyree catch from last year's game and all of the other great plays in SB lore. The throw was as perfect as can be, right over three defenders, and Holmes' masterful grab (with requisite toe tappin') sealed the deal. There's one play I think deserves a lil more credit then it's recieving, and thats Gary Russell's TD run in the second quarter. Short yardage situations were a huge problem for us throughout the season until Coach Tomlin decided to give Russell a try. While certainly no Bus-esque run, it was a powerful gallop that got us six very needed points.

(Picture from post-gazette.com)

Sixburgh Sixpack!!!

GO STEELERS!!!

Until lata...

Quickie for yinz...

2008-12-09T14:42:00.005-05:00

So how bout them Steelers? Scoring 14 points in a 24 second span is a good way to begin a playoff push, is it not? Thankfully Deshea Townsend CAUGHT the ball when Tony Romo threw it his way, or else this could be a completely different conversation...

So down to the specifics...

The offense once again struggled until it mattered by throwing up three-and-a-half quarters of abismal football - luckily, Nate Washington figured out how to catch the ball and Santonio figured out how to get open at just the right time. That last seven minutes is how the Steelers have to win games; ridiculously good defense and timely playmaking. Let's face it, we're not the Steelers of Jerome Bettis anymore. Hell, with the way Fast Willie has been running, we're not even his team anymore.

So that's about all their is to say about the offense - they may not be very good, but at least they score when they have to...

(Pic from knbr.com)

Ben can score alright...

Now the defense, that's a completely different story. Those crazy bastards are all over the place, and if James Harrison doesn't win Defensive MVP I may have to smack somebody. He reeks havoc with every snap, and I have yet to see an offensive tackle who can stop him without holding (really NFL, if you're going to fine everybody for everything you really need to tell the refs to watch the holding on him. It's crazy how often it happens.).

And even the secondary played well, with Troy grabbing his league leading seventh interception, Ike "ooopps I dropped the ball" Taylor snagging one and Deshea coming thru with the game winner. All in all, a pretty damn good day for the defense...

Oh, and did I mention they STILL haven't allowed 300 yards of total offense against them this year - just something to ponder...

Of course Sunday's game with the "men who wear purple" will be a huge one - I personally want to see Ray Ray Lewis leaving on a cart for all the hits he's dropped o n us, but I'll settle for a win...

(Pic from sportsillustrated.com)

Yeah, he's a thug alright...

And in other sports, the Pens have lost 2 in a row, and they kinda look like crap right now. But it's still early, we're still in the playoffs and we have the 2 best players in the game...We'll be fine.

And finally, Pitt is still undefeated and ranked number three in the country, and the Pirates still stink and haven't added a damn thing to the roster that's even worth mentioning.

Until lata...

Go Steelers...

2008-12-01T13:08:00.007-05:00

What's up everyone? Sorry for the long wait, I didn't give up again already (as I know many of you thought), I've just been rather busy with the Turkey Day events and a visit from the little brother. Anyway, enough of that crap, onto the sports...

So how good did the Steelers look yesterday? Their defense is playing like the Steel Curtain of the 70's and the offense, well, God bless them they're trying. Ben's been playing better, and the running game actually mustered over 160 yards yesterday, but having to settle for four Skippy Reed field goals kept the game alot closer then it should have been. But I guess I'm really nitpicking when I pick on a unit that dropped 33 on the pretty decent Patriots defense.

And as for our defense, all I can say is wow. James Harrison has to be the defensive MVP in the NFL, no questions asked. He has 14 sacks, has forced 6 fumbles and seems to be in on every big play this big play defense creates. And let's not forget his partners in crime, Woodley, Potsi Farrior, Timmons and Foote, who are all having sensational seasons. They are the meanest SOB's in the league and have shown the ability to take over games when needbe, which is something nice to have up your sleeve in case the on again off again offense has an off day.

Last but not least, I can't forget the defensive backs, namely our safeties (sorry CB's, yinz get hurt too much to know who to write about, so I'll just say Ike, you're playing good but ya gotta learn to cath the ball buddy). Ryan Clark is an unsung hero, as he's been delivering crushing hits (ask Wes Welker what his name is today - I bet he still doesn't know) and playing an overall excellent safety, allowing his counterpart, Troy "Tazmanian Devil" Polamalu to do his thing. And for those of you that don't know, his thing is making 6 interceptions and countless other big plays and tackles for losses. If it weren't for Silverback, I'd be saying Taz should be the MVP; he's been that good this year.

(Pic from pittsburghsteelersjersey.net)

Gotcha!

On a that note, all this talk about Kris Jenkins and Al Haynesworth being MVP is absolute crap; all they do (for the most part) is stuff the run. Funny, I don't remember anyone saying Big Snack Hampton or even Joel Steed being mentioned for that honor, and I'd venture to say they both were as, if not more effective then those two. Defensive MVP should go to a game-changer, and Silverback is most certainly that.

So overall, I'd say the Steelers are looking good with a 9-3 record and heading into big matchups with Dallas and Baltimore (screw you Ravens). Go Steelers!

Our other boys in black and gold, the Pens, have been playing well recently, completeing a 9-2-1 month of November, which has them near the top of the Eastern Conference. Geno Malkin is leading the league in scoring, with Sid closing in on him, which is always a good sign. Even our much maligned defense, struggling a bit without Sarge Gonchar and Ryan Whitney, is playing better. I still think a trade to acquire a left winger (Illya Kovalchuk anyone?) would be wise, but for the time being, all things look pretty good in Mario's world.

And finally, Pitt is off to a 7-0 start and won some little tourney in New Jersey, which is good, and they're ranked in the top 5, so all's well there. Sam Young looks to be a superstar and Levance Fields will be getting healthier and healthier as the year goes on. With Blair and Dixon playing well, this team could finally be the one that cracks the Elite Eight or even Final Four, but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. We'll see how they do in the toughest conference in the country before we start annointing them as the best Pitt team in recent memory.

Until lata...

Mid Week Review

2008-11-20T10:46:00.003-05:00

Well boys and girls, it's a hockey/football night in Pittsburgh this evening...and it will be cold as hell with a couple inches of snow, which means it's a true Pittsburgh sports night. So without further ado, here's some things to watch for and such, and make sure you tune in next week when I post a Pitt Hoops preview (at the request of my lil bro, who seems to think I know a thing or two about sports...sucker)

First and foremost, if the Steelers lose tonite, someone (anyone) will be getting smacked. I mean honestly, they're playing a team who 1) we pounded earlier this year, 2) is absolutely horrible, sporting the impressive 1-8-1 record, and 3) has a QB from HARVARD!!! If I wanted to find a cure for cancer or run for president, I'd probably call Ryan Fitzpatrick, but when I need a QB you can best your last dollar I would never look to an Ivy-leaguer.

Plus, Diego has informed me that Ocho-Stinko (thank you Diego) will not suit up tonite as he broke some kind of team rule, probably something stupid that only he owuld break. Maybe he was trash talking the bell boy at the hotel, or was threatening to do some ridiculously weak end zone dance or something moronic like that. Either that, or Starvin' Marvin Lewis decided enough was enough and this jackass (who's having his worst year and is blaming everyone but himself) is gonna sit out the rest of the year so he can get released and have someone else overpay him to score 4 touchdowns (his total this year). My hope, is obviously the latter.

With the weather the way it is, look for willie Parker and Gary Russell to carry much of the load tonite, as it's gonna be mighty tough for Big Ben to throw the ball in crazy winds and a couple inches of snow. The good news about that is the Begals stink at every form of defense, so we SHOULD be able to impose our wiill on them, however we decide to do it.

My biggest worry tonite, however, is that someone will take a cheap shot at Hines Ward for his crushing (and season ending) block on Keith Rivers. The Bengals are known criminals (like the Ravens) and I certainly wouldn't put a late hit or low block past them. Luckily for us, if someone does get to Hines, we have the ultimate equalizer - James Harrison. If someone takes Hines out wiith a cheappy, you know Silverback will be foaming at the mouth when our D gets on the field. In fact, if this situation arises, Silverback may actually kill Fitzpatrick. Literally, dead.

(Pic from postgazette.com)

Round 2 tonite?

Now for the Pens...

Well I guess all good things come to an end, as our 6 game winning streak did the other night against the Minnesota Wild. I knew we couldn't win them all, but that horrible trickler of a goal that Sabby let in to cause the tie really stung. All wasn't lost, however, as new Penguin Philippe Boucher played well in his first game manning the Pens' blueline.

As for what to watch for tonite, first and foremost, look for the Pens to unload on a much improved Atlanta team. If there's one thing I've seen in the past two seasons with these guys, it's that they very rarely have two bad games in a row, and when they lose by some fluke goal or something like that they usually come out swinging the next game.

And the othr thing to look for is the Colby Armstrong/Sid the Kid dynamic. As we all know, we traded Colby for Hossa, but this will be the first time the best friends will actually take each other on as Sid missed last year's game right after the trade. I'm guessing these two lovebird will probably just talk a little smack and jab each other in the faceoff circle and little rinky dink stuff like that. God knows Colby would get worked if he fought Sid, and there's no way in hell Sid lets him live it down. Ever.

We definitely miss how classy Colby was....HAHAHAHA

Until lata...

Pens and Steelers Talk

2008-11-15T15:21:00.004-05:00

Instead of the usual links today, I'm going to discuss some things that have been going on recently with our beloved Pens and Steelers and let ya know how I feel about it (cause you all care so much)...

First let's talk about the Steelers...We know they're one of the AFC elite, even though they haven't played but a handful of good games this season. And why have they played so poorly (especially on offense)? Two words; Offensive Line. Our tackles may be the slowest in the NFL and NO ONE is blocking Ben's blindside. That poor bastard is only gonna last 7 or 8 years if we keep letting him get killed.

And as for Ben, you gotta learn to throw the ball buddy. You know your offensive line is crap, so you need to just take the quick slants (and not throw picks on them as you did against the Colts) and get rid of the ball. This is getting ridiculous big guy.

Bruce Arians - you (and the Pitt coaches for that matter) might be the most inconsistent coach I've ever seen. Some games, like against the Redskins, you look like a genius, everything goes well and Steeler Nation is happy. Then you go out and put up stinkers like you did last weekend that make us want to come out of hibernation and smack you around a little. You must be doing something right to be 6-3, but you also must be doing something wrong when we can't score at will on a team like the Colts.

And finally, missing Willie Parker has hurt more then people think. Sure, Melwelde Moore has been putting up good numbers, but it doesn't seem to me that he wears out defenses like Willie does. Maybe that's why they couldn't put the ball in from the 1 last game; the Colts D just wasn't as tired and beat as a team usually is at that point against us.

(Pic from espn.com)

Welcome back Willie

Now for the Pens...

I can't really complain much about the way things have been going, seeing as we're near the top of the Eastern Conference without playing anywhere near full stregnth. However, I would like to see us grab a winger for Sid to play with for a few years, although Miro Satan seems to be playing very well next to him.

I'd also like to see a couple of trades (possibly for that winger). I like Gill on the penalty kill, but he's so big and slow that he almost negates his PK ability with his horribleness (that's a word, right?) at even stregnth. I also think, and I know people are not oging to like this, but we need to trade Jordan Staal now. I realize how good of a player he is, I really do, but we can't afford to keep three excellent young centers. With the salary cap where it is, we'd need to overlook other areas and we can't do that and expect to win.

Plus, I've heard through the rumor mill that we may be lookng at Illya Kovalchuk, and that would be an excellent return for Staal. I guess only time will tell...

Alrighty, I'm off to try and get a San Diego Charger all drunk (I'll explain lata...)

Until lata...

Oh and PS, I wanna wish a belated happy 23rd birthday to my lil bro, Pizzy Pop up in Dayton Ohio...Happy birthday brotha...

Pens N' Ends...

2008-11-12T17:05:00.003-05:00

First and foremost, I'd like to issue a kicking of my own ass for turning off the game last night when the Pens were down 5-2. Call of Duty (the hot new video game for those of you not video game savvy) was too much to resist, and the first 2 periods were just god awful...So sorry Pens, I'll be watching every second from here on out...

And how about that game? I was yelling all first period about how we need to trade Staal, he'll never be any good in Pittsburgh because of Malkin and Sid and yadda yadda yadda...I guess someone over at Crystal's (as seen on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) sent my message over to the Pens' locker room because Staal took over that game last night. His hat trick and overtime steal were obviously the difference, and I'm glad we have him (at least for last night, I still think we should trade him if we can get Illya Kovalchuk or someone of that ilk).

Sorry there jail bait...

And in some football news, it looks like Willie will give it a go against the Chargers, which is good news because last week the running game really put us in a hole. We REALLY need to draft a big left tackle or two because it's become painfully clear that Max Starks and the oft-injured Marvel Smith aren't the answer (and neither is Willie Colon in my opinion, I think he sucks just as bad, if not worse then those two).

It also appears that Big Ben got the message that if he didn't practice, he wouldn't play, because he was out there throwing the old pigskin around on a Wednesday, which to my knowledge he hasn't done all season. Something was obviously off with him last game, maybe that was it...

Ok I'm outta here, I'll get at yinz tomorrow with some national stuff, and whatever else I feel like tellin ya...

Until lata...

Ben, Among Others, Poops Their Pants

2008-11-09T22:47:00.005-05:00

This isn't going to be a very long post, but I felt I should mention something about today's game while it was still fresh in my mind...

I never thought these words would come out of my lips (mainly because he's my starter in fantasy football) but the Steelers should have sat Big Ben against the Colts. You could see he wasn't entirely on top of his throws, and his crucial interceptions made me want to go to Heinz Field and slap him. However, he isn't the only one to get some blame for this one...

Maybe he just had one helluva hangover?

Bruce Arians - you knew your QB was half a cripple today, and yet as the first half was winding down, you call a passing play on 3rd and 3 from inside your own 20. Why he didn't just run the clock out and take a 10 point lead into halftime is absolutely beyond me. The pick that Ben threw is what turned the entire game around. Before that happened, Peyton Manning looked like a JV high school kid playing against Mike Ditka - which is to say not very good. Once he had the short field to work with, he put 7 on the board and when they recieved the kickoff to start the second half, he went right down the field again the Colts scored 3.

A 10 point lead turns into a tie. WOW. So basically, thanks for screwing the pooch tonite Arians...

And the last person I will single out for blame is Ike Taylor. I know it's kinda tacky to go after him for those two deflections that ended up being caught by Reggie Wayne, but that's exactly what I'm going to do. Ike's proven time and time again that he can't catch the ball, so my question is, why even try? He was trying to make plays on both passes, but with the positioning he had there was no other option but to bat the ball DOWN, not pop it up in the air for someone to grab. He's gotta be happy just making a play, not worrying about trying to be a Charles Woodson or Champ Bailey - sorry bro, but you aren't ever gonna be that good.

(Pic from postgazette.com)

Bat it down moron

Until lata...

Why Hello There

2008-11-08T20:30:00.007-05:00

Hello boys and girls, it's been a long, long while, I know, but Snack is back and I'm hoping to post a few times a week from here on out. Sorry for the leave of absence, I've been trying to find a job and we all know how that goes (FYI I'm still looking so if any of you guys have a job offer email me)...

So without further ado, here's a couple things that have been going on recently that I feel should be addressed...

First off, how about them Pitt Panthers? They killed Louisville today, moving to 7-2 and locking up a bowl bid for the Stache'. Just imagine if those clowns would have beat those pesky powerhouses Rutgers and Bowling Green - we could be complaining about how Pitt should be playing for a national title. And to think, we're doing all this with a QB who throws worse then me. Not too bad boys, not too bad...

(Pic from fansonly.com)

Speaking of not too bad, the Steelers are doing suprisingly well considering Ben's been getting killed and Willie Parker and Rashard Mendehall have been pretty much useless all season. That defense though, is tough as nails. Even with starters such as Big Snack Hampton and Bryant McFadden out, the Steel Curtain has been the most dominant defense in the league.

Tomorrow's game against Indy isn't nearly as intimidating as it was at the beginning of the season, and my guess is, if we win 4 of our remaining 8 games, we should make the playoffs. But that's still a long ways off, so for now I'd say just sit back and watch the coolest mofo in Steelers history (Coach Tomlin) unleash the hounds (or Silverbacks in James Harrison's case) on Peyton Manning...with an injured Indy O-Lline it should be like shooting very slow fish in a barrel..

(Pic from bleacherreport.com)

Is Silverback the next Gregg Lloyd?

The Pens are off to a quick start, but it seems like they're missing Sarge Gonchar and Ryan Whitney more then we all thought. PNA used to be a big fan of the USS Gill, however it's becoming more and more apparent that Big Snack can skate faster then him, and judging by the way he got his teeth kicked in during his only fight this year, I'm willing to bet I can throw a meaner right hook too...

(Pic from foxchapelhockey.com)

I think this bird could beat up Hal Gill

And of course, losing Hossa hurts, but he obviously feels playing with those tools in Detroit was better for him, so I say screw him, I hope we see him in the Finals again this year, and maybe my boy Goddard can bring a little "small town justice" to Hossa's face (I know it won't happen but a guy can dream eh?).

And finally, I guess I should mention our minor league baseball team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. My God, could they suck any more? Once they traded away Nady and Bay, which let's face it, they had to do, they couldn't score (sound familiar guys?...hahaha). And then Pedro Alvarez/Scott Boras held us hostage for about $500 k or some other crappy little amount because Boras has daddy issues or something (I'm sorry but I personally think he's just about the worst human being on Earth - he makes GM's lives miserable over the huge amounts of cash he asks for mediocre players like Barry Zito).

It's gonna be a long time until we're competitive again, but hey, at least these jagoffs in the front office realize Joe Randa and Derek Bell aren't the keys to us winning, which is more then can be said for previous management.

So there ya go, that's Snack's take on all things Pittsburgh sports right now. Look for another update after the game, prolly on Monday...

Until lata...

And PS - Snacks would like to thank his old man for telling him to start writing again...good look old timer, and make sure you guys check out his blog, The Green Weenie.

Monday Mahem

2008-07-28T15:00:00.005-04:00

Hey there boys and girls, hope you all had a good weekend. Your boy Snack is here to give ya some quick links and to let yinz know Diego and I will be out of the office starting on Thursday and won't be returning till early next week, so we're going to try and give ya somethin every day until we leave...

So without further ado...

The "orignal" Big Snack, Casey Hampton, was placed on the PUP list because of his largess (fatness for you yinzers). My humble opinion is, since he's a noseguard, who the hell cares if he can't run 8 100 yard sprints? His job is to be a disgusting fatbody in the middle of line, and seeing as he's a multiple time Pro-Bowler, I'd say he's done a pretty good job. Suck it up Tomlin, and let the big guy play.

Someone give this man a beer...

Here's a nice preview of the Steelers' offense heading into camp. I figure of the O-line acts like they have a pair, everything will be fine. Ben's proven himself, and Fast Willie and Rashard Mendenhall will be a dynamite 1-2 punch; not to mention we have what could possibly be the best recieving core in the NFL with Santoio Holmes, Hines Ward and the newly signed Limas Sweed. Throw in Jeff "I'm drunker then you" Reed as our kicker, and we should be scoring a lot.

Diego and I are planning on a Tuesday endeavor to Latrobe, so we might just have an in person recap for yinz on Wednesday...

And finally, in Bucco news - we suck. There, I said it. Obviously you all know by now about the trade we made with the Yankees. It could work out OK, but it's really a shame to break up that outfield as it was absolutely crushing the ball, but as we can all see, out pitchers are absolutely attrocious. If your name isn't Paul Maholm, John Grabow, Tyler Yates or maybe, and I do mean maybe, Zach Duke, then you should be sent to the minors immediately for the rest of the season. Let's shut it down boys. Wait a sec, maybe that can be their motto for the rest of the season. I like it!

Operation Shutdown : Part Deux

Until lata...

Hi Everybody

2008-07-23T13:33:00.004-04:00

OK boys and girls, here's some quickies for ya...(there really isn't anything but baseball goin on right now, so seeing as we're Pirate fans, we obviously don't have much to talk about...)

Here's the most recent rumors involving the Pirates. It names the usual suspects; Bay, Nady, Marte, Wilson and Grabow, but it also makes mention that alot of GM's are mad because we're not giving up our players for next to nothing like we have in the past.

And on that note, here's Frank Coonelly discussing his opinion on the subject. Personally, I think it's nice that for once we actually have good players who want to stay in Pittsburgh. If we don't get what we want for them, screw it, we'll keep them. Although that does make getting starting pitching that much more difficult...

Will he stay or will he go?

And speaking of pitching, thank you Paul Maholm for being the only real starting pitcher on this team - if it weren't for you, we certainly would have been on the other end of last night's 8-2 victory over the Astros. Hey now, watch out, we're only 8 games below .500, who said the Bucs were dead? (Oh that's right, everybody)

Now something we can all agree on - THANK GOD Steelers training camp is almost here. Check this out before headin to camp so you don't look like a fool in the middle of Latrobe.

Go Steelers

The Pens resigned Jeff Taffe to a one year deal, and also inked forward Jonathan Filewich and Paul Bissonnette to deals. They may not be big names, but Taffe will be a nice role player and those other two bums are nice back up plans to have in the minors - but certainly don't look for any of them besides Taffe to be with our beloved Pens come the season opener...

And finally, since I know you all care so much, I'd like to thank lovely Crystal's on the Strip for hostin my lil birthday bash Friday night - it was great times, better people, and the best cheery bombs around. So make sure you go down there and tell them Snack sent ya; it prolly won't get ya anything but who knows, maybe I'll get a free shot out of it.

Until lata, when we'll have a pre-training camp post that will knock your socks off...

Some stuff for ya

2008-07-17T11:14:00.006-04:00

Hey guys, sorry bout the lack of posts - I know we've been struggling in recent months, but there's actually a legitimate excuse this time; not only have I been busting my hump for some job interviews, but we also had an illness in the fmaily (my grandfather) which was weighing pretty heavily on the old Snack. Luckily, Pap is ok and is chillin at home, so now I can get back to writing and boozing as usual.

I'm gonna start off slow, but here's a couple links to keep ya busy until I put up a Big Snizzle Happy 26th Birthday (it's this Sunday, whoo hooo) post tonight or tomorrow (we're headin out Friday/Saturday night to celebrate if anyone feels like taggin along, you know how to get a hold of me)

Here's a blog devoted to failures (like ur boy here...hahaha) and pictures of failures. Trust me when I say this, that this is probably the funniest link Diego ever sent my way.

I think half of them are in the minors, and all of them are failures...well, most of them anyway.

We also want you to check out our newest advertisers, Avete Osservato, a local t-shirt company who specializes in Pittsburgh gear. And don't worry ladies and gents - the will be PNA t-shirts made by them too. So if anyone is the creative type and has any ideas of what would be good on a shirt feel free to hollar at us or them, and make sure you chek out all their gear; there's stuff for every Pittsburgh occasion and even includes some stuff for the ladies. We'll have their ad up as soon as my largess figures out to get it posted.

Here's a little homage to the grand old dame of Pittsburgh Sports, the Civic/Mellon Arena. God am I gonna miss that ugly POS. But the new arena is gonna be gangsta, so who am I to complain...

I say we open her up one last time...Who's with me?

And finally, here's a couple quick hits from Diego, apparently he's bustin' his hump at work today so excuse me if the pics suck, it'll be Snack himself finding them...

Both Xavier Nady and other Pirates players don’t want the X-Man to be traded. Guess he enjoys not having the pressure of being on a winning team(or he just likes to lose).

Shout out goes to Green Bay Packer coach and Greenfield native Mike McCarthy for donating 100 grand to his old neighborhood of Greenfield. Being from GF, it's nice to see someone who came from here and got famous giving back to the community.

It takes a real Greenfielder to shut up Brett Favre...

A roundtable discussion on whether or not Jack Wilson should be traded this year. Didn’t we have this conversation last year?

I’ll bet it was a woman who pitched the idea to turn the Igloo into a shopping mall...

Sidney Crosby is Canada's #2 favorite sports star, and surprisingly enough Gretzky isn't #1.

Who does #2 work for? Oh that's right, the Pens.

The Pens signed some people this week.

Until lata...

Diego's Burgh Randomness

2008-07-11T14:08:00.003-04:00

I was at the Pirates game last night against the Yankees and I will admit it was fun to watch a baseball game that actually felt like it meant something (even though it didn’t).

Highlights included hearing the “over-rated” chant every time Derek Jeter took bat (yes we are haters here in Pgh), hearing the “home-wrecker” chant when A Rod was up (also seeing people dressed as Madonna in blonde wigs), and seeing all the Yankees jerseys, hats, and shirts. I also noticed a lot of Red Sox jerseys throughout the crowd (3rd largest crowd in PNC Park history) I am assuming people did this to mess with the Yank’s fans? Who knows?

We were in his head

Manny Sanguillen is arguably the greatest all-time catcher in Buc’s history, and he also makes some pretty mean BBQ at PNC Park. I have been to many Pirates games, but last night was the first time I hit up Manny’s BBQ. I was impressed; it was a pretty good burger. Also, Manny was even posted up right there in line signing autographs and kissing babys (all while looking drunk as ever)

On to today's links...

Well two days ago nobody in New York knew who in the hell Nate McLouth even was. Thanks to his game winning two run jack against the Yankees last night McLovin is almost certain to be booed at the All Star game at Yankee Stadium next week.

See yinz in NYC

Aided by 8 innings of well-pitched baseball by starter Paul Maholm the Pirates managed to snap the Yankee’s 4 game win streak last night and also win the three game series against the Evil Empire.

The Bucs "newest" ace...

Tampa Bay Ray rookie Evan Longoria and Brewers sophomore outfielder Corey Hart are the last two players in the All Star game, as voted on by the fans.

Mild mannered, low-key billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller has been all over the news recently because of his reported interest in purchasing part of the Steelers.

All I keep hearing is good things about this guy. (Painting his face at the Steelers games, saving the US Open at Oakmont, etc) This led me to a comparison of another billionaire industrialist none other then Bruce Wayne! Someone find out what Stanley is doing at night.

Is Batman trying to buy the Steelers?

Last night in Arkansas soon-to-be former Jaguars wider receiver Matt Jones was arrested at 1:00 Thursday for felony drug possession when officers “observed him cutting up cocaine with a credit card inside of his Toyota 4 Runner”. Toyota 4 Runner you say, Matt Jones? BALLIN!

Mr Jones, we’ve got the Cincinnati Bengals on line one… and the Dallas Cowboys on line two.

Until lata...

Snack's Tuesday Thunder

2008-07-08T11:24:00.007-04:00

First off, kudos go to Diego for his post on the All Star game yesterday, however I think he needed to take it a step further - instead of complaining about Ichiro and Fukudome, what needs to be done is to enact a US vs the World format as they've had in other sports.

In hockey, it's North America vs. the World, which wouldn't work in MLB but the principle would. And golf always has the US vs. England. I just think that since it is OUR national pasttime, it would be good for the game to bring a little nationalistic pride into it.

Sorry for the rant, but it had to be said...can you imagine, the US (and Jason Bay's Canadian ass I guess) versus all the players from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela and Cuba and Japan? It'd be a game I'd watch, I know that much...

USA! USA! USA!

And speaking of ARod, our boys at ETrueSports made a lil list about him that yinz may find funny...I know I sure as hell did...

Also in the news, our buddies the Rooneys are in bit of a pickle with the NFL and with each other; apparently, the NFL doesn't like that the Rooneys also own gambling establishments and wants them to reorganize the team so no one affiliated with the wagering is an owner. The only problem is some of the Rooney brothers think ole Danny Boy was lowballing them on his offer, so now they're discussing SELLING THE STEELERS!

They sure as hell woon't leave the Burgh, but it just wouldn't be the same without a Rooney in charge...stay tuned for more as this one develops...

Now onto the Pens...

We signed a Finn by the name of Janne Pesonen, who apparently is the man over in the Finnish league...It's a nice signing, but I'm not too impressed because I've seen many people come from different leagues with numbers similar to his who have done absolutely nothing in the league. So until he proves it, he's just a jagoff foreigner trying to take an American job...

Also check out where the Recchin Ball signed...

I know, I can't forget our Buccos and the ever present revolving door that every one of them is worried about going through around this time of year, so here goes...Rumor has it that Jumpin' Jack may be on the block, but that may not be the case; apparently everyone saw how badly Bixler sucks and all of a sudden Jack's $7 million plus contract doesn't seem so bad...

There's also rumors he's goig to LA, so who the hell knows. All I know is, if you want info on the Buccos and their history, check out the Green Weenie...He reports on all things Bucco, including minor league reports and trade rumors. It's a great site, and one of the few I check all the time - trust me, with the trade deadline less then a month away, this is the place to go for all your trade needs.

Here's a lil something from Diego discussing what went wrong with the Pirates' great young pitching. My first guess would be a lot...

And finally, Snack himself will be heading to Finnegan's Wake before the Buccos game to give it another go for the ESPN Top Fan Contest. Remember to email those guys at ESPN and tell em' you read about them on Pierogi's N'At and that Contestant 9 (Big Snack) is the shiz daddy snap and he should be on the radio (maybe not in those words but you get the drift..)

So until lata...

Diego's Screw the All-Star Game Report

2008-07-07T15:44:00.002-04:00

Let me start off by saying this - I hate all-star game; not just the MLB one, but all the rest of them as well. Since the MLB all-star game is about a week away I will focus my hatred towards that one.

The main thing about the MLB all-star game that grinds me gears is the fact that the fans have the right to vote the starters to both teams. Lord knows Americans love to vote (EX American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, etc), but fans' stupidity, loyalty, or whatever you wanna call it leads to some pretty sketchy starters each year.

Surprisingly enough, for the most part, the fans actually got the infield right this year (yes I was shocked, and yes, Jeter starting for the AL is a bit iffy I will admit), but the outfield was a different story.

I thought this was America people? You really voted both Ichiro and Fukudome in as starters? Are you serious? To make this announcement so close to the 4th makes it hurt even worse!

The fact that Fukudome got in with such crappy stats (a whopping 7 HRs and 35 RBIs) amazes me. The Buccos Jason Bay has 10 more jacks and 10 more rbi’s, and also more runs scored then the Cubs outfielder. If I were Matt Holiday, Adam Dunn, or Ryan Ludwick I would be pissed about not getting the start. If I were Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Aaron Rowand, Pat Burrel, or Carlos Lee I would be even more pissed about getting snubbed when scrubs like Fukudome are starting in the game.

Am I finished complaining yet? Not even close…

Of course I am not surprised that teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, and Cubs make up a majority of the starters in the game. I understand these are popular teams with the fans, so they will vote them in. However, it is inexcusable to not include Jermaine Dye and Carl Crawford on the AL team this season. Both these guys are having awesome first halfs, not to mention both players teams are in first place (Rays ahead of both the Red Sox and the Yanks in the AL East). This type of misrepresentation and bias against certain teams when it comes to “all-star” voting is BS.

Final Vote? You gotta be kiddin’ me

Lastly what the F is Brandon Webb doing starting this game for the NL? Sure he may have started out as the best pitcher in baseball, but now he’s not even the best pitcher on his team (Dan Haren), let alone in the national league.

The true ace of the National League is none other then “The Freak” lil Timmy Lincecum, and I will tell you why:

1. The dude is 5’7” 170 lbs and looks like he is about 15 years old, but his stuff is nasty; he has fastball in the upper 90’s and his 12-6 curve will freeze a batter in his tracks.

2. He plays for the San Francisco Giants (they suck), but yet he is 10-1 this year.

3. He leads the majors with 122 K’s in 115 innings pitched with only 44 walks and 100 hits given up.

(Note from Snack - Diego's just pissed cause he has "lil" Timmy, and I have Webb on my team in fantasy baseball...all I hear is an oversized Italian WAAAAAAAA!!!!)

If you want to know more about Tim Lincecum then get familiar with him by reading Tom Verducci’s article which was the feature story from Sports Illustrated last week.

Little guy with a big fastball

In closing, it would be one thing if this game meant nothing (as it did for many, many years), but now the winner gets home field advantage in the World Series; that’s a pretty big deal. Wouldn’t it make sense that you would want to have the best players representing your league? It does to me. On the other hand, who really gives a crap about the all-star game anyway?

Monday Links

The Buccos are bringin' Phil Dumatrait off the DL to fill the slot left open from Gorzelanny’s demotion to AAA earlier this week. Ian Snell is also expected to come off the DL this week.

A Rod is due to take a hefty shot in the pocketbook after his wife of 5 years filed for divorce today, lucky for him Madonna can probably pay for her own dates. (this guys life is like a soup opera, gotta love the NY media)

In Pens news, the team signed Matt Cooke as a replacement for Rutuu over this weekend. Apparently this guy is similar to Rutuu, but likes to hit more.

Shero sure does now how to pick up those role players doesn’t he? Here is a rundown of his off-season moves thus far. Gotta love talking about the Pens in July.

Lastly I was surprised to find out that Plaxico Burress has come out with a book titled Giant:A Road to the Super Bowl. The DVE morning show interviewed Plax this morning and I was shocked to learn A) that Plax could read, let alone write B) That he was good friends with Cowher and old Coach Chin was one of the first to call him to congratulate him after Giants won the NFC title C) that he couldn’t believe how many white homeless people lived in Pittsburgh!

And finally, this pic basically sums up the Littlefield Era in Pirate baseball...Thanks to reader Joe for sending it it...

Until lata...

Free Agency

2008-07-01T11:53:00.005-04:00

Well boys and girls, today starts NHL free agency, and the Pens have already signed someone - no, not Marian Hossa or Brooks Orpik, but the one, the only, Pascal Dupuis (or as I like to pronounce it, DUPUUUEEEEE).

He almost looks like a young Mark Recchi...

The story also says we're close to a deal for Malkin that will be based on the same contract figures as Crosby's, which is $8.7 million per year for five years.

Stick with PNA as I wiill be providing updates on our signings and other major deals as the day goes on...

UPDATE - Mark Eaton has also resigned, and in the deal for Geno is in fact true. Here's a curevball I bet you didn't see though; rumor has it we have a deal on the table for Jaromir Jagr.

I'll keep you posted...

And dont forget, tonite I'll be at the River City Pour House for my next crack at being an on air personality on ESPN. Come on out or email them and tell em' how great I am!

Monday Links

2008-06-30T15:15:00.005-04:00

It was a sad weekend in Pittsburgh for sports fans as the Penguins traded the rights of Gary Roberts and Ryan Malone to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kiss goodbye the days of the ‘Roberts-isms’ and Bugsy Malone blocking the puck with his face.

A $31 million dollar contract should help me reconstruct this crooked nose...

In preparation of tomorrow’s NHL free agency, here is the 2008 NHL free agent shopping list.

The Steelers also released 4 players this weekend. Included in the list of cuts was back up running back Najeh “Dookie” Davenport.

The 50 Best Players in the NFL today.

With injuries-a-plenty to the Pirates pitching staff, the team was forced to make a great deal of moves throughout this weekend in order to restock the diminished rotation and bullpen.

Screw you Buccos fans...

Discussions between the Pirates and first round pick Pedro Alvarez have remained behind closed doors.

Want your kid to be a millionaire? Teach him to throw the knuckle ball.

If you saw the Angels- Dodgers game on Saturday night then you witnessed the crazy nonsense that is baseball. The Angels did not allow a hit, but yet lost to the Dodgers 1-0. However, this game was not considered a no hitter because the Angels only pitched 8 innings, since they lost.

I don’t usually have any NBA news, but here’s an interesting story about whether Jay-Z will be able to lure Lebron James to the Nets.

The Cavs should be worried...

Until lata...

Buccos Suck, other stuff

2008-06-26T14:31:00.003-04:00

Ok, so we were planning a large scale review of being at the Pirates - Yankees game last night, but since they sucked and decided to lose 10 to 0, we decided to skip the recap and talk about more important things...mainly, Big Snack.

Why are we so bad?

ESPN is currently running a contest called the Top Fan contest, where you get 2 minutes to discuss one of the given topics into a microphone, with the winner getting a job at ESPN Radio.

Well, since your boy Snack is currently unemployed, he decided to give it a shot, and apparently did soomewhat OK. On the link above, make sure you check out "contestant 9", as it is none other then I. I sound like a bit of a tool but I think I did a good job, and they must feel the same way.

I'll be heading back out to the Rivertowne Pour House in Monroeville on Tuesday for the next contest, so come on out and support your boy - and in the meantime, feel free to email ESPN and tell them you want to hear more of contestant number 9, or as I'm so elegeantly referred to "Rocco Teraci" (some aretard couldn't see the bottom of the I I guess).

With you guys helping out, I know they'll have to hire me - especially when I get our great Pittsburgh blogosphere all whipped up in a frenzy at the chance of getting one of their own on the air. It could be a new beginning for PNA and Snack and Diego, so let's get after it guys, and thanks for helping Snizzle get his ass a job.

We'll have some actual links or a top 10 up later today or tomorrow, but for now, I'm off to spread the word and see what kinda deal we can get goin...

Until lata...

Our Bad

2008-06-25T11:31:00.003-04:00

Ok guys, we know it's been a week since we last posted, and yes we do in fact suck. It's been a crazy week with job interviews and mini vacations(for Snack...well kinda) and lifting weights and arm wrestling people (Diego). Anyway, starting tomorrow we will be back to our old selves...

We just wanted to let yinz all know that we'll have a new top 10 coming soon, and tomorrow, we'll have an in person recap of the Buccos vs. Yankees game tonight. That's right, Snack, Diego and their entire posse are grabbing a barrell of brew, a grill and our bats and are heading down to PNC to watch us beat those damn leafers from NYC.

Go home jagoffs, we don't like your kind round these parts...

Jeter makes as much as our whole team and even he couldn't save them

GO BUCS!!!

Until lata...

Wednesday Links

2008-06-18T15:09:00.004-04:00

I hate how ESPN does their stupid time killing segments during the “off” season (summertime). They are pointless. Why should anyone give a crap about them just because ESPN repeatedly pounds it into your brain? EX. that stupid ass tournament they with all the different athletes from different sports. (I can’t remember what it was called cuz I turned it off every time)

ESPN is at it again this summer, but this time its dubbed “Titletown”. Anyways if you give a crap about it, here’s the link to the Pittsburgh nomination for “Titletown”.

(PS - at least ESPN got something right, they fired Sean Salisbury)

Hossa negotiations should be heating up real soon according to the Trib. Hossa is the top free agent in the NHL so hopefully we can get him signed before the Rangers, Senators, or Bruins can try to dig their claws into him.

Here's some of the good and bad that comes with signing Marian Hossa. (Does this guy have a nickname? If not, he needs one if we resign him) Also, some other news from around the NHL.

There’s a 3 day sports festival called The Parade of Champions this weekend at the History Center in the Strip District. They are even filming part of Sportscenter from there on Saturday.

You’re a little late on this list; we coulda used it a few weeks (or even months) ago buddy, but here's 10 songs that get hockey fans going.

Here some of the best paid benchwarmers in sports.

Apparently, throwing like a girl is really paying off...

And finally, the best pizza in the US - what can we say we love pizza.

Until later...

Top 10 Best/Worst Sports Celebrations

2008-06-17T21:12:00.001-04:00

The best part of sports is winning and being able to rub it right in your opponents' face; it doesn't matter what your playing, or playing for. The best way to do so is to celebrate. Celebrations come in many different forms, but they are universal. The greatest celebrations come from professional sports, hands down. With that mind Pierogi's N'at brings you the Top 10 Worst/Best Sports Celebrations...

10. Tiger Woods 2008 US Open

We get it Tiger, you're good, you're real good, and you're not afraid to show it. The thing is, this is the most emotion I think I've ever seen Tiger show. He is definitely excited out there; and that knee looks to be holding up pretty well during the Hulk Hogan flexes. Nice job on the WWE style celebration. This celebration actually gave me the idea for this so I had to include it on the list.

9. Detroit Red Wings- The Twirling Octopus I'm from Pittsburgh yes, but my opinion towards this celebration was solidified long before the Penguins lost the Cup this year to the Wings. I just think it takes way too much time and effort to sneak an octopus into the arena, just to get booted for tossing it. And the octopus creeps me out. (I'd rather just twirl a yellow towel personally) But I will admit it takes some hard work and dedication to get this one done, so I have to give 'em some credit.

8. Sammy Sosa and his handshake Sammy Sosa, you got caught cheating by using a loaded bat and chances are you were on the juice. If people don't remember you for that then chances are they will remember you for hitting 600 homers. I will always recall Sammy's trademark ghetto ass Dominican handshake, pound, hand kiss, whatever the hell it was. Thanks for inspiring jagoffs to do things like this Sosa, thanks to them we'll never forget you.

7. Joey Porter "The Boot" I loved Joey and I loved when he would get a sack because everytime he got one you knew the boot was coming. That was the thing you knew it was coming every time. It's not just Porter who's guilty; there's plenty of other NFL players who do it as well, but the least JPizzy coulda done was be a little more original and mix it up and try something fresh and new.

Das Boot!!!

6. Dale Sr. Wins the Daytona 500

Snack thinks this is a very heartwarming moment in the sport of the hill people, when Dale Sr. wins his first Daytona 500 after about 59 million tries, however the celebration was a little bit too Days of Thunder for his liking. Once the race was over, every pit crew member came down to pit road and congratulated Earnhardt by slapping 5 or slappin' his car - all this after he does some good ole fashioned shredding in the infield of Daytona. I think I'm going to go drink a Bud and flip the bird at someone in his honor right now....(PS - look at the impressive rat tail on his boy at the very beginning of the video. I thought it was 1998 not 1988, good lord he's creepy lookin')

5. The Bash Brothers- Mark McGwire and Jose Cancesco Back in the day, these guys were known for crushing homeruns, and now-a-days we realize why. (They sacraficed shruken balls for long balls) Everyone who watched baseball in the late 80's remember's the 'Bash Brothers' and their manly celebration of bumping forearms after taking one yard. They probably thought up this celebration while shooting each others butt cheeks full of roids in the locker room before the game.

4. "Prime Time" Deion Sanders Love him or hate him, Deion Sanders could always play ball. Lucky (or unlucky depending on how you look at it) for us, the viewer, Deion's playmaking ability allowed us to see plenty of his dance moves and hot-dogging. Granted, Prime Time did indeed play football, but he never hit anyone; at least you could look forward to his high stepping and famous end zone dances to make up for it.

Port Authority Police? What he do, drive in a bus lane?

3. Dikembe Mutumbo "Finger Wave" Mutumbo was always one hell of a shot blocker over the years. However, he has indeed played many, many years in the NBA. He always liked to celebrate by waving his finger in an opponents' face after a block, and apparently it really pissed some people off. The reason I say this is because after being posterized by such players as Jordan, Shaq, and even Kenyon Martin, Mutumbo was taunted as they all waived fingers in his face humiliating him with his own celebration... ouch.

Top 10 Dunks on Mutumbo, impressive

2. Those Wacky NFL Wide Receivers Why is that everytime you see some goofy, off the wall touchdown celebration using some type of prop or other clever gimick, it is always a wide receiver? I'll tell you why, it's because these group of guys are the biggest attention whores in pro sports. They are jealous because the quarterbacks and the running backs are always talked about, so they have to put on a production to steal the limelight away from them. Behold, the endzone dance.

Guilty Parties: Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens, Steve Smith, Joe Horn, and others.

The AFL WRs need to practice their celebrating

1. Robbie Fowler and Diego Maradona, Soccer Players- Goal Celebration Ridiculous stuff like this would never fly over here in the old USA. Judging by these videos, Fowler and Maradona put more speed up their nose then they have speed on the pitch. These guys prove the stereotype that soccer players like to party hard and bang super models; well at least the partying hard part. You've got to see these two videos to believe them, so check them out below. Both take place after game winning goals off penalty shots - those soccer players sure know how to celebrate a W.

Sniffing Victory

Check out the dude in the powder blue shirt

Until lata...

Pens Trade Rumors and Snack's Analysis

2008-06-17T09:19:00.005-04:00

Ok, so I decided to throw my two cents into the debate about who to keep, Bugsy Malone or Marian Hossa...If there's really any question in your mind about this one, then someone needs to go ahead and slap you on Big Snack's behalf.

Word is Ray Shero offered Hossa a 7 year, $50 million contract, and he's waiting on his response to see where else to go this offseason. It will really put his word to the test, as this will be only a very meager raise over his previous contract and he said he'd be willing to take less money to stay here and play with Sid. The true character of Hossa will come out here - do you make a grab at the cash or are you more concerned with winning a championship?

Will he stay or will he go?

As for Malone, it's quite evident if we sign Hossa, he's gone. He's going to command $5 million or more on the open market, and teams are already calling the Pens about trading draft picks just to NEGOTIATE with Malone before free agency begins. So even if we don't sign Hossa, we may well find out someone is willing to overpay Bugsy by about $3 million and decide he's not worth that much to us. So unfortunately, I think we're saying goodbye to Bugsy...

Bye bye Bugsy...

Brooks is an interesting case - he could go either way as far as staying or going. He's going to command about $4 million on the open market, but he has also expressed a willingness to stay for a lesser price in order to win. The problem is, do we really want to invest $3.5 million for 5 years to him? He's a solid defensive defenseman and he hits like a freight train, but we also have another ship in the water in the USS Hal Gill. So the question becomes, is he worth it to us? I say let him go and use his cash to try and keep Bugsy or to extend one of our budding superstars. We got a hitman, we don't need two at that price.

We took Flower to arbitation, and Staal seems to be on the backburner till all this plays out, so that leaves us with one big guy left to go - Geno Malkin. What to do with Geno? He's under the impression he will sign a 5 or 6 year deal with the Pens sometime around July 1, when he's allowed to start discussing an extension with the team, but some outlets have him being on the trading block.

I like Geno, a lot, but he needs to show me he can stay fresh for an entire season and that he's mentally tough enough to finish where he started. He did a fantastic job while Sid was out, carrying the Pens on his shoulders, but it seems like when he plays with Sid he falls into second fiddle mode, which for a guy like Malkin is just about the worst thing you can do. He has to prove he can be 1B to Sidney's 1A, not #2 to Sidney's #1. And he has to stay cheap enough that we can afford him along with Hossa and Sid and the rest. If he can do that, then we'd be fools to get rid of him, but if his head isn't right around Sid, then maybe we do trade him somewhere (LA apparently is willing to part with a king's ransom for him). It's definitely a tricky, tricky situation.

Hey, call me Geno...

So the ball's in you court, Shero. Don't crap your pants big boy, this is your first real test - don't pull a Tampa Bay and overpay 3 guys at the expense of the rest of the team. Make it work jagoff!

Until lata..

A few things...

2008-06-13T14:18:00.009-04:00

First and foremost, PNA would like to thank our favorite local comedian, Billy Gardell, for taking time out to write us a little thank ya. BG is a first class dude who is funny as hell, so we wanted to thank him for showin' us a little love.

Yinz need to get your asses down to the Improv next time he comes round, which I'm hoping will be round the new year (give or take a few months)...It's a great time and is sure to sell out, so we'll be sure to post his next shows in PGH on here, so yinz hear it first.

With that in mind, we got a very select group of links today, and we'll have a new top 10 sometime this weekend (Not to spoil it, but get your thinking caps on, your gonna have to do some rememberin' to get some of these)

Our buddies over at eTrue sports made a Top 11 Reasons the Lakers Blew a 24 point lead list...it's very entertaining, and seeing as I hate the Lakers, that by itself makes it a 10 in my book (go Mavs - at least their owner is from da Burgh)

MFF?

The late, great Myron Cope now has an asteroid named after him. Diego sent me this link, which is sweet, but I don't necessarily like the fact that KSK is rippin'on us in the piece. Anyway, it's kinda funny, so check it out and post angry comments...

And finally, trade rumors are heating up in da Burgh, with Nady and Bay apparently on the block...could Matt Kemp be in our future? You better take a look and find out for yourself.

Until lata...

Links and such...

2008-06-12T15:26:00.004-04:00

Here’s some links from Diego and Big Snack, we realize we’ve been slacking on the top 10’s and we’re currently working on a new one, look out for it soon…

Well Penguins fans, we didn’t win the Cup but at least we are the NHL’s official Pennsyvania State Champions.

Take that Philly!

If you haven’t heard by now, Jerome Bettis is the proud owner of one of the top 10 best public restrooms in USA. I guess that makes it the classiest place I’ve ever pee’d at.

Ole #36 likes to go #2 in style

Steeler Nation said goodbye to Dwight White yesterday in Shady Side.

Santonio Holmes would like his role increased this season. I agree, why shouldn’t they give him a shot at returning punts seeing as how our punt/kick return game has been terrible since the departure of Randle El.

A nice story about the progress of the Pirates so far this season.

If you wanna check out the Buccos against the Yankees in two weeks now you've got a chance. Tickets were all sold out, but today the Pirates put on sale a few thousand $8 standing room only seats.

I guess the cool thing to do is to put the city of Pittsburgh on a list. Here’s a list of all of the lists our fair city has benn included on recently.

Home sweet home...

Until lata...

Nice little Sunday...

2008-06-09T20:32:00.002-04:00

So it’s a random Sunday evening, the Pens are done, the Bucs, while flirting with .500, are still not the team of the future, and the Steelers are working through OTA’s; what is there for the average Pittsburgher to do? I’ll tell you what – you should go and see Bill Gardell (ooops you missed him) and his merry band of misfits.

Gardell was the headliner at the Pittsburgh Improv on Sunday night, on a bill featuring Mike Wysocki ( I guess you spell his name that way), Gene “I’ve been a writer since you were born” Collier and the MC, Buzz “I look like Bill Engval” Nutley.

It’s a little known fact that Snack thinks he’s a standup – he’s funny, but in a “I’ve drank a few too many jagerbombs” kinda way, whereas Collier, Gardell and their cronies are funny in a “I’m from Pittsburgh therefore you better laugh” kinda way.

The evening started off with Nutley opening things up on time (a rarity at the Improv), and Snack and his crew (Diego, Bobinkle, and some lovely ladies)guzzling down the local brew. He was a wonderful MC, being funny and short-winded at the same time.

The first comic to hit the stage was Wysocki, a local comic who has been on DVE more times then Barry Bonds has been accused of taking steroids. He was a more then capable opening act, although if it were up to me he would have had more then 20 minutes of stage time – but who knows, he looked like he was about the same age as Snack and Diego, so he may only have 20 minutes of material. He also looked like a mix of Carrot-Top and Eddie Vedder, except paler then both if you can imagine that. Either way he was funny as hell and obviously has a bright future in this business.

After another Nutley set, next up was Gene Collier, of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette fame. I heard him on the Jim Krenn and Friends Roast (check your On-Demand for it), and to be honest, I thought he kinda sucked. His jokes were a little slow, and the white hair didn’t help his cause. But seeing him in person changed my mind completely.

His jokes were exactly what you expected; long, drawn-out and a little dry, but surprisingly enough, they were funny as can be. His quips about Detroit (suck it Motown) and how he is 54, looks 74 and acts 14 were definitely some highlights. The only thing that disappointed me was how he didn’t really bring his (I would hope) vast knowledge of Pittsburgh sports into his set as often as he could. Let’s get honest, there’s plenty of fodder out there in the local sports community, and I expected it to be a pretty harsh (and hilarious) criticism of our Buccos’, instead of an actual stand up comedy set.

Either way, he was a lot better then people of my generation would think, and his after the show beer chugging (yea, I saw you at Rock Bottom) was very impressive. Well played old man, well played.

After one more Nutley set, it was time for the headliner, Mr. Yes Dear himself, Billy Gardell. Before I talk about his set, however, I’d like to mention how jealous I am (and we all actually are) of Big Bill, for his lucky, LUCKY break as a handyman (I’m guessing) on Desperate Housewives, where he gets to kiss Mrs. Tony Parker, Eva Longoria-Parker. My Lord, it gives fat men like me inspiration knowing that a fellow local large man can one day fake make out with one of the best looking women on the planet. Sorry, just had to throw that in; I’ll get back to the set…

Gardell is Pittsburgh – he’s loud, brash, and big and he swears like a sailor. And his show did not disappoint. His jokes included his take on fat guys seeing an open middle seat on an airplane and how he reacted to someone trying to move his luggage in the overhead (let’s just say there was lots of cursing and threatening in that one).

A lot of what he talked about had to do with the Burgh’, so I’m sure his national act would be much different, however after seeing him, I wouldn’t want to see anything other then his Pittsburgh set. My personal favorite was what he referred to as “The Pittsburgh Closer”, which is when someone says, in a thick Pittsburgh accent, “Alls I know is this.” Whenever someone drops that, conversation over.

He was also very good at getting the crowd into it, as he showed about halfway through the gig. He was asking a younger looking (18-21 yrs old or so) kid what he was going to college for and what he wanted to be, and, as you could’ve guessed, the punk said he wanted to be a stand up. Gardell let him get on stage to tell three or four jokes (at one point Gardell tried to get the mic back and the kid asked him if he could do one more joke) and surprisingly enough, the kid was good. It was a good crowd down there; more people in their 30’s and 40’s then there would’ve been on a Friday or Saturday night, but loud (and drunk) nonetheless.

After Gardell ended his almost hour long set, they mentioned Rock Bottom Brewery in the Waterfront as a sponsor, so not wanting to incur the rage of the Improv, we went over there for post comedy drinks. Low and behold, who walks in 15 minutes after us but the whole comedy team (except Nutley, we think – no one saw him so we’re guessin’ he was a no show) to down their after work brews. Oh yea, except for the fact that Gardell can’t drink do to a medical condition (another funny part of his set), and now just guzzles iced tea like it’s his job.

I got a chance to chat for a little bit with Gardell, Wysocki and Collier, and I have to tell you, they were some of the more gracious and kind local celebs I’ve ever met. Even the lone national act, Gardell, took time out to ask about the website and to BS about everything under the sun.

And it’s that approachability and local flare that made this one of, if not the best comedy show I’ve ever seen.

If any of yinz know any other Pittsburgh comics who can get your funny bone hurtin’, feel free to post it in the comment section here or email me at pierogisnat@gmail.com.

State of the Buccos

2008-06-09T12:16:00.005-04:00

Ok, we know it's been a while since we posted - the Pens loss proved to be a hard hit for Diego and I, and we've been trying to keep our thoughts clear of those jagoffs and their f-ing octopi...

So with that being said, we figured we'd bring you a little summary of where the Pirates are at, who they drafted in the first couple rounds this season (players that will make a difference I might add) and where we go from here. So sit back, crack open an Iron and raise the Jolly Roger, it's PNA's State of the Buccos Address...

So at the beginning of the season, if I told you the Pirates would be 30-33 at this point in the season, you'd be pretty happy, wouldn't you? The only problem is the 30-33 we find ourselves at A) has us at or near the bottom of the NL Central and B) could very easily be 36-27 or some like number.

Our pitching staff, namely our starting pitchers, which were supposed to be a strength, have been a disappointment. Matt Morris and his $10 million contract are gone after a horrendous start, and youngsters Ian Snell and Tom Gorzo aren't showing the promise they did a year ago. It looks like Gorzo might be injured, and Snell has lost his confidence. Not too good for your number 1 and 2 pitchers.

Luckily, Zach Duke, Paul Maholm and Phil Dumatrait have picked up the slack recently, and have been our rocks in the rotation (recently - they all stunk at the beginning of the year). If Snell and Gorzo get healthy and sane, this could be a ddangerous bunch in the future.

The Ambiguously Gay Duo of Zach Duke and John Grabow

The bullpen has been holding there own, especially the backend. Fat Matt Capps is perfect in save opportunities, and John Grabow, Damaso Marte and Tyler Yates all sport sub-4.00 ERA's, and have combined for ten wins and fourteen saves. Our long relievers leave a little to be desired, but they're young and don't get to pitch nearly as often as the regular relievers, so it's kind of inappropriate to say they can't pitch; we'll just say long relief doesn't seem to be their strongest point.

Now onto the hitters...

The biggest disappointment of the year has got to be Ronnie Paulino. Slated as the starter when camp began, he's done so poorly and shown such a lack of hustle and heart that he's been demoted to AAA Indianapolis. Luckily, when healthy, Ryan Doumit has played well beyond expectations, as has other backstop Raul Chavez.

Our outfield has been tearing the cover off the ball, with Nate McLouth leading the way with a .303 average and 14 homeruns, to go along with Jason Bay's .289 and 14 and Xavier Nady's .320 and 9. They've also combined to knock in 124 runs so far this season.

Finally, our infield has been OK at best. Jose Bautista has been his usual crappy self, Jack Wilson's been hurt, and LaRoche is doing his usual .221 in June. Fast Freddy Sanchez has been playing OK, but is only hitting .240 and needs to take more walks at the top of the order.

So where do we go from here?

Well first off, our draft this year was great, with us getting the equivalent of two top-10 picks in 3B Pedro Alvarez and hard throwing (though injured) starter Tanner Scheppers. Both of these players were college phenoms, with Avarez being ranked as the best college players in many national surveys, and Scheppers being ranked as high as 10th and the 3rd best pitcher.

We may have trouble signing both of these players, as Scheppers is much more talented then his second round selection would indicate, and Alvarez is being "advised" by super agent Scott Boras. I'm glad we took them though - it seems to say we're not scared to draft the best player because of monetary concerns any longer.

So where does that leave us?

Well for the year, unfortunately, I think we're SOL. The Cubs are playing well ,and even though we may break through that .500 barrier this season (if we go through our usual post All-Star game run), I just don't think we have enough to make it to the post season.

But with the older (and almost unrestricted) talents like Nady, Bay, Wilson and LaRoche, it may be time for them to hit the dusty road and head on to greener pastures. What really matters is what we get in return for them. Next year will probably be another rebuilding season, but 2010 seems to be the year we may be poised to make a run.

Take a look at this lineup, mostly compiled by rotoworld and rearranged by Big Snack - CF Andrew McCutcheon

2B Freddy Sanchez

LF Nate McLouth

3B Pedro Alvarez

1B Steve Pearce

C Ryan Doumit

RF Neil Walker (if they change his position again)

SS Brian Bixler (if we don't upgrade in a trade)

It seems to me that the Buccos are finally on the upswing, and actually look like a real baseball team.

So the State of the Buccos is strong, and only going to get stronger.

Until lata...

Do or Die...

2008-06-04T13:43:00.003-04:00

As I’m sure everyone is well aware, it is do or die for the Penguins tonight. The puck drops at a little after 8, on NBC.

No doubt both clubs will be ready to go. The Penguins managed to weather the storm against the Red Wings on Monday, but they must be ready again tonight. The Wing’s will be giving it their best effort in order to secure the Stanley Cup.

One thing the Pens have learned over the last couple games is that no lead is safe, so scoring early and often is essential.

I can’t wait for the action to get started tonight and to hear the fans going wild to cheer on our Penguins…

Daily Pens Links

The instant-classic game from Monday night has helped to propel hockey to the forefront of the sports spotlight in the USA. This is definitely not an easy task. No wonder why everyone believes Gary Bettman and the NHL love the Pens so much.

Red Wings fans heard the hype about Crosby before the series began, but now they are witnessing it first hand.

Sid’s new nickname, the "Greasy Mexican"...

10 things you didn’t know about Sidney Crosby

Both Ryan Malone and Sergei Gonchar are expected to play for the Penguins tonight (Did you really think they’d miss it?) Also, the Flower gets even with the octopus twirler.

Safe to say that Max Talbot will become much more well known thanks to his heroic effort last game. One thing is for sure though; this guy will never have to pay for a drink again in the Burgh.

The Pens must once again utilize the “us-against-them” mentality in order to stretch this series even further.

Now after his team gave it all they had in game 5, and still came up short, it’s Mike Babcock’s turn to start whining about the refs. PS, In the series so far (from the box scores):

Pittsburgh - 32 Penalties

Detroit - 22 Penalties

Wah Babcock Wah!

Complaining won’t win you games A-hole...

While you sit around being lazy, the Mellon Arena crew is hard at work making sure the ice will be up to par tonight for the Igloo’s last game of the season.

If you want a ticket for tonight’s game chances are your going to have to either sell your left arm, or auction off your first born child on ebay. (While the scalpers are grinning as they rub their hands together greedily)

Or, maybe the scalpers aren’t so happy after all. Apparently even they are having trouble scoring tickets.

I guess that's whythey're selling fake tickets instead.

Here’s the pic of that punk kid who tossed the octopus onto the ice of the Igloo during the anthem of game 4. I guess Hot Topic is paying pretty well these days, if this jagoff can afford to buy tickets and get thrown out before the game starts. If anyone sees this dude, please kick his ass on principle.

Nice braclet, Jim Jones!

Until lata...

PS (From Snack) - I saw this on one of the links and felt it was worthy of being posted by itself...Enjoy!

Summer Concert Preview

2008-06-03T19:17:00.003-04:00

Yes, I know, today is the rare three peat for Diego and I, but we figured we'd write a preview of our first concert of the summer, coming up next Tuesday - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with the legendary (hahaha) Steve Winwood opening up for them.

It's out at Coca Cola Pavillion (Starlake for those in the know), and it will assuredly be an all day affair. Literally everyone we know will be there, so if you got nothin' better to do next Tuesday, get your butts out there...

Here's a little preview of the action, and note the classic-ness of both of these performers...Enjoy!

Until lata...

So you're tellin' me there's a chance...

2008-06-03T13:32:00.003-04:00

Whoo hooo!!! I don't have to stop any more shots tonite!

Sorry Red Wings, but you can tear down the plastic, put the champagne away, stop polishing that Cup, and put it back in it's case. You can also put that “We want the cup” chant on hold…

We want the Cup too, jagoffs!

In one of the greatest hockey games I’ve ever seen, the Penguins managed to hold off the Wings in an unfriendly environment and deny them the Stanley Cup. This game kept you on the edge of your seat for nearly 110 minutes of gameplay as these two teams battled late into the night.

The game was back and forth all night, but one stabilizing factor was the ridiculous play of goalie Marc Andre Fleury. The Flower was nothing short of amazing last night, but there were other heroes as well.

Tyler Kennedy, 21 years old, and Jordan Staal, 19, were both flying around the ice in the overtime periods like men possessed. These young guys seem to never run out of gas. TK made up for taking a penalty in the 3rd period that led to the game-tying goal, with his outstanding hustle in the overtime periods.

Ryan Malone taking a mean slap shot to the face, skating off under his own will power, and returning shortly after shows this guy has guts. And Bugsy would eventually be on the ice for the game-winning goal.

Nobody makes me bleed my own blood...NOBODY!!!

Mad Max Talbot definitely needs a mention here for the effort he put forward last night, to mention that game tying goal he managed to poke in. (did anyone else see him bouncing around on the bench with Malkin before the start of the third OT, what was he taking an IV of red bull between periods?)

Sergei Gonchar sat out nearly the entire overtime, only to come back for the biggest shift of the night. Sarge assisted on the game-winning goal scored by Sykora.

Lastly Petr Sykora who, along with Malkin, has been ripped for being held scoreless throughout the Final got the last laugh as he buried a wrister past Osgood to send the Penguins fan base into a frenzy late into the night.

Man of the evening...

With their backs pushed against the wall the Penguins managed to withstand the best effort of the Wings and to push back enough to prolong the game and eventually win it.

After an exhausting game the Pens head home with some momentum (and 18,000 fans) behind them. One has got to wonder how much energy this older Red Wing team has left and what they will do to adjust their game plan tomorrow. As Snack mentioned, this is just the type of game that could turn the series around.

Ladies and Gentlemen we are going back to Pittsburgh, and back to the Mellon Arena for the last home game of the season (why not sell out one more). I can only imagine what the scene will look like inside (and outside) the Igloo on Wednesday night.

Be sure to get your rest tonight, because Wednesday night is going to be bananas!

Some links for dat ass

120 Minute Men

Detroit gave it their all last night, firing 58 shots at the Flower, but it wasn’t enough to get the job done. So where does that leave the Red Wings now?

The Penguins defense is just full of quotes this season, here’s another gem from Rob Scuderi, talking about getting whacked in the face with the stick in OT, “I was praying for blood.”

NHL.com breaks down the numbers from that marathon game last night.

Is a $50 Penguins jersey too good to be true? You bet it is. If your buying your jersey off some guy’s folding table or out of a cardboard box in some shady alley downtown, then chances are it’s a bootleg.

It’s not too often a player “calls their shot”, but it happened last night thanks to Petr Sykora. That takes balls my friend…

Cancel that celebratory parade scheduled for today Detroit, and pack your bags, cuz you're goin' back to the Burgh!

Until lata...

WOW

2008-06-03T09:11:00.003-04:00

I guess wow is really the only word that can describe last night's craziness in Detroit. For those of you who actually work and couldn't stay up for the end, Petr Sykora netted a goal halfway through the third ovetime to lead the Pens to a 4-3 victory in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Oh yea, I forgot the mention - Sykora told NBC on-ice reporter Pierre McGuire that HE would be the one to score the game winner, and I'll be damned if the SOB didn't pull it off. He also had the game winner a few years ago in a five overtime playoff game for the Ducks, so my man got some experience at this.

By the way, calling your goal in hockey is pretty much like calling your shot in baseball; something that doesn't happen often and is done correctly even less often. All I know is if we end up winning this thing, that will be known as "The Goal" for a long, long time in our fair city, and Petr Sykora will be a local legend on the level of the Bus and Mario and Franco - it was that big of a goal.

One thing that has to be noted is Max "my man" Talbot, coming through with the tying goal with 35 SECONDS LEFT!!! Wowsers that was huge. Everyone, and I mean everyone, thought the Wings were less then a minute away from raising the Cup, and sure enough, the Talbot's second swipe at a puck laying on the right side of the crease found a way into the back of the net. Needless to say, it was the biggest goal of his young career.

It was also a great game for coach Michel Therrien, who put Talbot (huh?) on the ice as the sixth attacker when we pulled Fluery. When asked about it, Therrien said he had a hunch about the Talbot and that's what he went on. Once again, WOW. Of all the people we could have added as a sixth man, I'd say Talbot is about 6th or 7th on that list. Good call, Mikey boy...

It was a gritty performance, with the only disappointment being Malkin's lack of a goal, but hey, we'll take a win any way we can.

The real hero last night (besides Talbot and Sykora) was Marc-Andre Fluery. He saved 55 of 58 shots and was playing on his head most of the night. This is truly the best game he's ever played, and I'm sure it's one that will build the youngster's confidance even more going into Game 6.

You're the man Sykora...

I'd also like to commend Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Malone for playing through some absolutely excrutiating pain. Malone took a Hal Gill Slapper to the face, "exploding" his nose and forcing him to leave the game whilst spewing blood; he was back in minutes. And Gonchar slid into the boards (ala Sid the Kid) and slammed his shoulder into them, causing him to leave the game in the third period (not overtime, period), and, as you can prolly guess, his next shift was in the third overtime on that fateful powerplay where we scored. He couldn't even raise his arms enough to shoot, but his passing and presence was enough to warrent his mention.

I just talked to Diego and he agrees - it was the best game either one of us had ever seen, and something we'll remember for a long, long time.

Until lata...

GO PENS!!!

Weekend Pens Links

2008-05-30T14:47:00.003-04:00

You can tell this guy is Canadian...

The Pens finally realized that if they just let their bigger guys (Malone, Roberts, Orpik, Gill) kick the crap out of the smaller Red Wing players, it would help give us some momentum.

Wings beat the Pistons in ratings; I guess everybody in Detroit is as fed up as I am with Rasheed Wallace being a whiny little girl (not to mention Rip’s creepy face mask).

One shift could turn around the entire Stanley Cup Final. Therrien deserves some credit here, but it shouldn’t take a genius to figure out Malkin, Crosby, and Hossa can provide some serious speed and firepower.

The Red Wings' Thomas Holmstrom is a significant part of their first power play unit. Too bad for the Wings Holmstrom is hurting right now with a possible sports hernia, that’s what happens when you decide to mix it up with the USS Gill.

Brooks Orpik may resemble a serial killer, but he’s still one hell of a hockey player. Also, he had a great quote about the Wings saying, “They do have a lot of older guys on their team… So I think the more you can pound on them, it definitely takes its toll during the end of the series.”

Orpik put this theory on display on Wednesday night when he had perhaps one of the greatest shifts in Penguins defenseman history. This guy sure isn’t afraid to throw his body around.

Right in front of the Wings' fans too - awesome.

The Trib’s Joe Starkey hit’s the nail on the head when describing Gary Roberts effort in his latest article he says, “The "A" on that guy's jersey stands for "angry."” Does Roberts have any children? If so PNA thinks the Pens should sign them up now.

I think I have a man crush on Gary Roberts...

ESPN’s Scott Burnside takes a look at which stars have been MIA on both sides of the ice in the Stanley Cup Final.

Until lata...

One Hall of a Night

2008-05-29T10:51:00.003-04:00

With an uneasy feeling in my stomach I watched the 1st period of game 3 last night. The way things began; it looked as if the Penguins were in trouble yet again. The Wings started things off similarly to game’s 1 and 2, badly out shooting the Pens and suffocating them with defense.

Half way through the 1st period momentum started to change. It all started with coach Therrien putting out Hossa, Malkin, and Crosby all on the same line. The Pens finally were able to generate some much-needed offense.

Not long after, the Wings finally made a mistake, misplaying the puck in their own zone, which led to what all Pens fans had been waiting so patiently to happen, a goal. Sid Crosby cashed in giving the Penguins that HUGE first goal (of the Cup and the game) and the arena went ape shit.

Speaking of the arena are there any better fans in hockey? I think not. That place was jumping and I heard many people say it was the loudest they’ve ever heard the Mellon Arena. I thank not only our fans for this, but also the person in charge of the music. I heard a couple songs from Rage Against the Machine and also some Foo Fighters. (def music to get you pumped up)

The power of the white out

The best part about this win is that the Wings looked just as sharp as they had in the previous two games, but the Penguins still found a way to get the job done and get a W.

Sid added another goal in the second period on the power play, and things were finally starting to look up for our boys.

Heeeeeeeee shoots and scores!

The Wings managed to finally score as Frazen put one past a much improved Fleury in the 2nd period making the score 2-1. The Pens were 20 minutes away from their first win in the Stanley Cup Final.

In the third, our role players came up big as the Pens managed to hold off the high powered Red Wings. Gary Roberts illustrated why he earned the nickname Scary, as he was all over the ice hitting people and making his presence known. How a 42-year-old man can have the stamina to play the game the way he does is amazing. How could you not like this guy? It was partially thanks to his play that Adam Hall had the chance to bury the game winner banking it off Osgood’s big ole’ butt into the net.

Guns don't kill people, Gary Roberts kills people...

Brooks Orpik also had a great game, especially in the 3rd period when he was hitting anything in red that moved. On one shift he managed to park 3 guys on their asses in one sequence of plays. Nicely done Brooks!

For the Pens this is only step one, but seeing guys like Hall, Fleury, Roberts, Orpik, Crosby, Malkin, and Hossa step up is definitely a good sign of things to come. Also, players like Sykora, Malone, Staal and Dupuis have been playing their asses off and it should pay off for them soon, in the form of some more goals.

With that being said there is no way that the Red Wings are going to lay down, and it will take an even better effort to win again on Saturday. The Penguins will need to take less penalties and keep making adjustments if they wanna even up the series before going back to Detroit next week.

Until lata...

Down but not out...

2008-05-27T11:18:00.006-04:00

DOH!

Well the big Memorial Day weekend is behind us, and our Penguins come home down 2 games to none against the Red Wings. Pens were dominated in game 1 losing 4-0, and last night's game wasn’t much different as Chris Osgood and company blanked the Pens 3-0.

It is easy to say that the Penguins were jittery on Friday seeing as how it was the first Stanley Cup Final for the majority of our players. Fleury made same good saves, but he also let in a wrap around score for the first goal of the series. (a save Fleurys been making in the past series)

In both games the Wings have managed to control the puck, moving it efficiently from end to end, with little problem. Detroit has also managed to keep the Penguins offense in check limiting them to only 18 and 22 shots.

Worst of all the Penguins have yet to even register one goal in the first 120 minutes of these Finals.

Crosby has been giving it his best effort, but the Wings have players draped all around him in the neutral zone, limiting his mobility. Malkin has been nonexistent in the series thus far and may have burned out once again this season as he complained of being tired after the loss.

Help Wanted

One thing is for sure, with our top 2 players not contributing someone needs to really step up and make a plan for this Penguins team. A lot of players have looked sharp in the series (Staal, Malone, and Hossa) but still we don’t seem to be in the right place at the right time to score.

You may see Therrien once again shake up the lines on Wednesday night for game 3, not that it worked out too well in game 2.

The way things shaped up in Detroit reminded me a lot of the Penguins playoff series against the Ottawa Senators last year. The Penguins looked like they were watching as the other team played their game, instead of stepping up and making things happen. They just simply aren’t being as aggressive as they were in the past, granted the Red Wings do make a lot less mistakes then other teams the Pens have played.

Another similarity from that series last year is that it seems like there are way more Detroit players out there then Penguins. They always seem to have 2 or even 3 guys around the puck, and not just in the defensive zone, but also in the neutral zone and offensive end.

The Pens aren’t scoring first (they’re not even scoring at all). Hell we even struggled to get shots, or even the pick in their zone, early on in the game.

Lastly Geno Malkin has once again disappeared. I know he doesn’t deserve all the blame for the loses, but after playing the way he did in January through April its tough to watch him go out there and be a non-factor. Maybe that punishment Philly put on him is taking its toll.

Back to the Burgh for Game 3 Wednesday night, here’s hoping 18,000 friendly faces can help the young Pens turn this series around (or at least score one goal).

Some links to try to take your mind off the Pens

Troy Polamalu is working out with his old trainers in California so he can be more explosive and try to avoid injuries, that’s what I’m talking about!

Joey Porter is one man who has never been afraid to speak his mind when he has a mic in his face, that’s why they love to give him one. In his latest rant he goes off on those cheatin’ New England Patriots.

Did you ever wonder what happened to Chris Fuamatu-ma’afala? No he’s not selling insurance Tommy Maddox style, and no he’s not an American Gladiator.

File this under the first national sports article in a long ass time about the Bucco’s, that isn’t based on their losing streak. Thank you Nate McLouth!

Until lata...

It's Almost Here...

2008-05-24T12:29:00.004-04:00

Here's a couple of links to get ya fired up for tonite's Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals...Enjoy!

Blockbuster Weekend

The Pens' merchandise sales are up 140%, which is good news for Greenfield, aka the Bootleg Capitol of Pittsburgh...

AOL has 5 reasons the Penguins will win the Stanley Cup. Could one of them be the awesome goal calls of Mike Lange?

Penguins will not only have to stick to the game plan in order to defeat Detroit, but they will also have to win some games on the road to start off the series.

At least my hard earned dollars (note from Snack - HAHAHAHA) won't be going towards the Mayor's vacation. He will be paying his own way to Detroit for the Finals.

Oh you're from Detroit are ya? Well in that case…NO OCTOPUS FOR YOU!!!

If you don't like talking trash, well then, you're just a sissy.

ESPN Page 2 gives you 44 reasons the to watch the Stanley Cup Final… as if we really needed it. (or just do yourself a favor and check out our Top 10 Reasons the NHL Playoffs Rock)

GO PENS!!!

Until lata...

Snack Attack -

2008-05-21T17:57:00.003-04:00

First and foremost, I'd like to thank my "inside sources" for letting me in on their little secret yesterday, allowing us to break our first story...whoo hoo, watch out, people are going to start mistaking us for real reporters soon...

If you're interested in the story, check out our KDKA sidebar - it's a great widget and how I find out 90% of my Pittsburgh sports news (the other 10% is my old man yelling stuff at me about why we screwed up and who sucks and who doesn't)

Speaking of my old man, he sent me the following video. It's hilarious, and to think FSN, WTAE et al. all used this video on their newscast/shows. Enjoy!

Here's another reader contribution, this one courtesy of the man, the myth, the legend, Bobinkle. Enjoy!

I also found a few links yinz may like (the ones Diego left for me, Jesus he did a big post yesterday...)

Our boys over at Mondesi's House did a nice little number along the same lines as yesterday's post. It's called Get to know Detroit, MI, and is just as long and in depth as Diego's, so check it out if you call your self a hardcore Pens fan.

ESPN also has a story about goons and why we love them, and it's one of the better pieces I've seen out of them (the magazine that is, Sportscenter is still legendary)...You'll also find yourself liking a guy playing for the Syracuse Crunch named John "Nasty" Mirasty, who's as good a goon as there is. Check out these videos below of him in action and tell me you wouldn't like to see him in the Pens' lineup if we lost Big Georges to free agency...

He never really gets a knockout blow, but everyone in the videos (except that first guy) is a legendary tough guy. Dennis "the Menace" Bonvie and Steve "The Boss" Bosse is a hockey player/mixed martial artist. Yea, that jagoff actually goes in a cage and fights...wow.

Anyway, enjoy, and I'll have somethin' nee for ya tomorrow...

Breaking News

2008-05-20T14:25:00.003-04:00

Big Snack's inside sources at the Mellon Arena have told us that the Pens will open up the Arena to all fans on Saturday and Monday so we can all sit inside and enjoy the games on the huge big screens.

I bet we fill the damn thing up too...

Details are still sketchy but we'll post them as soon as we know more.

Hockey Madness

2008-05-20T12:59:00.002-04:00

Let's do this!

I am not gonna lie, I haven’t seen a whole lot of the Detroit Wings all year long. I blame this on three things…

1. I live on the East coast so I don’t really give a crap about the Western conference in hockey until it comes down to Stanley Cup time.

2. I watch Sportscenter every morning, but seeing as how ESPN doesn’t own the rights to the NHL, they only show hockey highlights for about 2 minutes if we’re lucky.

3. Versus is just too hard to watch, I’d rather watch a re-run episode of CSI: Miami on Spike TV.

One thing that I have heard a lot of since the conference finals began, was that Detroit would be the “slight favorites” in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals regardless of who from the east they played. The odds makers have picked Detroit as their favorite in this series.

All the speculation is pointless anyway as it will come down to which team has good enough defense to shut down the opposing team’s powerful offense. So let the madness begin on Saturday and be sure to clear these days off of your schedule.(It's a schedule for you slow ones out there)

So if your like me, and you find yourself not knowing as much as you’d like to about the Detroit Red Wings, don’t worry. Just keep reading and check out some of the links to get familiar with boys from Detroit.

The Wings are one of the original 6 teams in the NHL, and are rich in hockey tradition. Detroit has even been referred to as “hockey town”, and there are plenty of banners hanging from the rafters of Joe Louis Arena, as they have won 10 Stanley Cups. You can read more about the team history right here.

It takes some dedication to go out, buy an octopus (lord only knows where you’d get one), lug it all the way to Joe Louis Arena, and toss it on to the ice. Like me, your probably asking yourself, why do they go through the trouble to do that? Here's why.

It also should be noted that much like other successful franchises in sports (Yankees, Red Sox, Lakers, Patriots, Duke for example) there is widespread hatred for the Red Wings outside of the friendly confines of Detroit, but many also adore them. Much like the other previously mentioned teams in this paragraph, you either love or hate the Red Wings. There is no in between.

Detroit Fans

Even More Hockey Links from Diego

So as we’re here in Pittsburgh trying to find out about the Red Wings, they are there in Detroit trying to figure out more about the Pens. Here is the Detroit Free Press' view of the Pens so far.

Not too sure why anyone asked him, but Coyotes GM Don Maloney compares Penguins-Wings final to the Lakers-Celtics classic championship’s from the 80’s.

Well everyone (including the NHL) got the teams they wanted in the Stanley Cup Finals. Even those crazy Canadians agree that this should be a Stanley Cup to remember.

I was watching Fox Sports yesterday while Mike Prisutta, Rob Cook, and Rob King had a round table discussion about the Pens. The future of the Pens was the topic, more specifically who’d they be able to sign in the offseason. I thought Cook made a good point when he said, even if we lose Hossa, there may be another “Hossa” available at the trade deadline next year. A veteran player who may or may not be in his contract year, who would be willing to come play for the Pens for a playoff run.

I thought this was a pretty valid point especially with the level (and age) of talent we have on the Penguins. It would be smart to trade draft picks and/or prospects in return for making another long playoff run.

And finally… a nice slide show depicting our severe beating of the Philly Flyers, save this one so you can come back to when you’re having a bad day. It should bring a smile to your face.

Snack's Empty Netter

Something has swept over Pittsburgh; that's right, we all have Cup fever. So now the question begs to be asked - what the hell do we do with ourselves until Saturday? I, for one, plan on going to a Bucco game or two (we've largely ignored them but they're almost at .500, which is f-ing amazing for those guys) and watching my ten disc collection of the Pens' greatest games to get me fired up. Feel free to post your off-week plans in the comments section...

And finally, I just wanted to throw a little more praise at your boy, my boy, Marc Andre Fluery. He's playing like he's Superman all playoffs long, and I have no doubt in my mind he'll keep his play up. And apparently he's the nicest guy on the team. Keep up the good work young man - maybe we'll be able to understand that gibberish that comes outta your mouth one day and properly congratulate you.

Until lata...

Detroit Suck City...

2008-05-19T22:32:00.002-04:00

We just found out the news - your Pittsburgh Pens will be facing those jagoffs from Motor City (the Red Wings for the slow ones) Saturday at 8PM in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

We will have much more on this tomorrow and in the coming days, but for now, I'll just say Snack likes the way this one is shaping up. And for you NBA fans out there Detroit will lose in 7 in the Eastern Finals to Boston.

So take that Detroit.

Until tomorrow...

Orange Crushed

2008-05-19T12:05:00.003-04:00

Time to shave those playoff beards...

Man do I wish I was at the Mellon Arena yesterday for game 5 versus the Philadelphia Flyers. Not only was that place rocking, but I also coulda avoided seeing those damn edge shaving cream and Dockers commercials 50 more freakin times.

Seriously though, it’s easy to nitpick about commercials when your team is completely dominating in a championship clinching game. I’m actually pretty happy the Penguins lost in game 4 because A) it was awesome winning in front of the home crowd and B) it gave all those Philly fans false hope that their team actually stood a chance against us. (Good thing Kimmo Timonen played yesterday) The Penguins did their best job of taking away what little hope Flyers fans did have left by scoring early and often yesterday.

Shave my face with a rusty razor...

So much for the Flyers being too psychical for the Penguins to handle. The Pens showed yesterday when they stick to their game plan the other team can’t match up; no matter what tactic they try. Not only did many players step up during this series with the Flyers, but the Pens also proved that they aren’t afraid to get psychical as well. Give the Flyers credit for making it this far though, I guess, as they were a horrible, horrible team last season. The Penguins just had too much firepower to be stopped.

Bow Down Philly

Everyone in the city of Pittsburgh was happy and celebrating last night as the Penguins return to the cup for the first time since Diego was just a wee lad in 1992; everyone except for the Penguins that is. I know its upsets the hockey gods if you touch the Prince of Wales trophy, but I definitely expected somewhat more of a celebration after the win. (guess these guys celebrate by scoring goals)

No bottle popping for this team though as the Pens were strictly business after the game. Now just like us the team will sit and wait to see who is ends up being best in the west. Note from Snack - my guess is the boys celebrated by hittin' up the local watering holes and shootin' it around with some puck bunnies. I mean really, they're 21 years old; how would you be celebrating?

More Pens Links

Crosby and Geno Malkin have a chance to accomplish something unheard of in the world of hockey, and even the world of sports, if they can manage to manage towin the Stanley Cup.

Hear Mike Lange every time your phone rings! Pens ringtones, what will they think of next?

Ever wonder what the Stanley Cup is made of? Find out the answer to that and anything else you could ever want to know about the Cup right here.

And finally, even more Stanley Cup folklore and myths (apparently there's even some ladies' names on it!)

Until lata...

Put the brooms away

2008-05-16T12:25:00.003-04:00

Before I post Diego's post here, I (Big Snack) would personally like to thank PNA reader and friend Lance for shaving his playoff beard and making us lose last night. "But dude, I have a job interview" is not an acceptable excuse and may God have mercy on your soul. Sorry, it had to be said.

(Pic from d.yimg.com)

The Flyers got the job done...

Although the Flyers have looked inconsistent at best during these Eastern Conference Finals, they finally put together a complete effort last night, defeating the Penguins 4-2. The Flyers played their brand of hockey, slowing down the pace with lots of pushing and shoving after the play, and also working the puck low in the offensive zone while creating traffic in front of Fleury.

The zebras didn’t help us, calling the Penguins for 5 penalties in the first period that the Flyers utilized by scoring on 2 power plays. The Flyers also scored on a slap shot from Lupol, which deflected off defender Hal Gill’s stick into the net. Give the Flyers credit, though, they finally stopped talking about what they had to do to win, and actually did it. If the Flyers would have put this type of effort into game 3, then we might be going back to Pittsburgh with a split instead of up 3-1.

The Pens came out looking flat in this game, much like game 4 in New York against the Rangers.

This is something that can’t happen in game 5.

Coach Michael Therrien once again mixed up lines in the third period when he added Maxime Talbot to the Jordan Staal and Tyler Kennedy line. Therrien’s goal was to create more speed by adding Talbot to this line, and it paid off as Staal notched 2 goals in the 3rd period.

The series shifts back to Pittsburgh for game 5 on Sunday afternoon at the Igloo at 3PM. This one could get interesting as 34 minutes of penalties were dished out in the final minute of the game. Hatcher and Malone tangled, Talbot and Dowd engaged in some extra curricular activity, and even Sid the kid got into the mix with Mike Richards. Hopefully the Penguins put forth a more complete effort this Sunday so they can put the Flyers in their rear view mirror on the road to the Stanley Cup.

(Pic from d.yimg.com)

It's getting ugly up in here!

**PNA CONSPIRACY THEORY***

Thanks to my buddy Bobinkle for bringing this to my attention during the game last night. The Allegheny County Chief Executive, Dan Onorato, orchestrated a master plan to ensure the Penguins would be coming back to town for game 5. Why you might be asking yourself? Danny O wanted to rake in some extra cash money in the form of the 10% drink tax collecting off of all the beer sales at the Arena during game 5.

(Pic from media.philly.com)

Come on, gimmmeeee money!

NEWS AND NOTES

Where have you gone Geno? Since scoring two goals in game one he has been pretty quiet for the rest of the series. The Flyers seem to be zeroing in on him and punishing him every time he’s out on the ice. So far the game plan is working out for the Flyers, but hopefully he’ll break out for a huge game at home Sunday.

Is it possible that the PR staff loves the fans in the Burgh so much that they actually had the team throw game 4 so that they could win the Eastern Conference Final in front of a home crowd? You never know they do say the Pens are the most fan friendly teams in all of sports.…

Coach John Stevens said that both Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn could return to the lineup for the Flyers on Sunday for game 5. I say bring them on, at least it will shut up the whining Flyers fans who complain about how’d they be winning if they were playing.

Guess the Flyers fans will just have to blame then next loss on the refs, they’ve gotten pretty good at crying about them too. I hate Philly.

Sure, we have our differences in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh (who am I kidding we hate each other). However, there is one thing we can agree one, the fact that Versus coverage of the NHL playoffs sucks. That camera angle they use on the power play makes me wanna throw up and don’t even get me started on the announcers…

Until lata...

Quickie for yinz...

2008-05-15T14:43:00.002-04:00

Ok boys and girls, tonite is the night we've all been waiting for - the Pens have a chance to go to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1992. Faceoff is at 730ish tonite on Versus.

Look for Marian Hossa, Sid the Kid and Geno to keep their wonderful play up (Malkin's been slacking a little. but he put us on his shoulder for rounds 1 and 2 so I'll give him some love), and look for The Flower to get around 30 saves again; if those jagoff Flyers can even muster that many.

Personally, Snack thinks the Flyers are a beaten, worn down team. They've thrown all they have at us, and yet they haven't come within 2 goals of a victory. The Wachovia Center will be rockin', until the Pens score first that is, and then we all know how Philly will get - they'll kill their own team before they leave the building.

We'll have an update up tomorrow - until then GO PENS!!!

Some Links for ya...

2008-05-12T14:52:00.003-04:00

Well that’s a 10-1 record thus far for the Penguins in the 2008 playoffs. With each win they rack up, the number of haters keeps growing.

Some local sports figures (and some sports figures in general) are jumping on the Pens' bandwagon. In the house were several Pirates, Big Ben, and former NHL draft pick Tom Glavine (drafted the same year as Scary Gary - now that's scary!), among other Braves and such (Chipper, Smoltz, and LaRoche to name a few). I guess Mario has about 20 tix to give to his celeb buddies every playoff game...

(Pic from post-gazette.com)

Have you ever wondered what famous people would look like if they were from our horrible, horrible city to the east? The X did, and here's the results.

Remember last year when we weren’t even sure if the Penguins were staying in town? What a difference a year makes?

(Pic from mondesishouse.blogspot.com)

Yep, the refs cheat for the Pens alright...

The Pirates actually have a shot at hitting .500 today if they can win both games of a double header against the Braves. Bleacher Report boldly gives you 5 reasons why the Bucco’s losing can end in 2008.

ESPN released it's May NFL Power Rankings, which take into account the draft. They must think pretty highly of our picks because we're seventh, even after losing Faneca and not adding a damn thing through free agency (except Hartwig, which was a decent pickup - I think).

And finally, the new trend in the NFL is having a pair of RB's, who share the workload and both produce. Mendenhall and Fast Willie have become a new dynamic duo in the Steelers backfield. Could be quite a 1-2 punch...

Until lata...

Top 10 Most Outrageous Statements Made on the Philadelphia Flyers Message Board

2008-05-12T10:47:00.004-04:00

Since we have a nice two game lead in the Eastern Conference Finals against the hated Flyers, we figured we'd give you the best of them whining and complaining. These are messages all posted on the Flyers message board, and we thought we'd share them with ya just to show you how backwater, minor league, jagoff these guys really are.

So without further ado, here's the best of the best...

10. I don't know, I disagree with you Pittsburgh guys. I don't think he (Malkin) likes the physical play and the rowdy atmosphere...he literally doesn't like playing hockey in Philadelphia. Every guy prefers to play at home, but guys also like to play on the road in rowdy buildings..

Some guys embrace the intensity, some guys shy away from it.

I'm betting that Malkin shys away from it in games 3,4 and 6 (if there is one.)

(That being said, he's a phenominal player and I'm very much afraid of him, especially on the power play.)

Username: Bettman Sucks!

"The Penguins' Evgeni Malkin, on playing the Flyers in Philly: "When we play there, we have problems, like people throwing popcorn on the bench. I don't really like playing against them. I don't like that team." This is the quote this guy is referring to and I believe he’s taking it out of context. It doesn’t mean Geno is scared or will “shy away” in Philly. It means, just like everyone else here in Pittsburgh, he hates those douches and their band wagon jumping fans. If anything, he’s gonna be fired up in Philly, but certainly not scared. (like you are of Malkin, judging by that last line chief)

9. I am telling you guys that this is going to get the Flyers angry early and that's a very good thing. This team plays better when it is pi$$ed off.

Username: Chocula 78

Ohhhh we’re shaking in our boots here in Pittsburgh. This guy was referring to how every media outlet/ hockey writer under the sun has picked the Penguins to win this series. If anything, when the Flyers get pissed at the Pens skating circles around them they will just take cheap shots (as usual, Philly’s MO) and will take penalties, where they will be destroyed by our superior power play.

8. I'm not to worried, what will win this series for the Flyers will be heart. The Flyers have way more heart than the pens. Crosby is all about himself, Hossa is just looking for the next big payday and Malkin can't do it himself. Fleury hasn't seen scoring depth in the playoffs yet. I'm not even worried about the ref's, I hope the calls are a little in favor of the pens, it will make victory that much sweeter. The Flyers are the better team and we are the better fans

Username: Pat

Wow, not even sure where to start in picking this one apart. More heart, are you kidding me? If you really think heart is gonna win this series then you sir, are sadly mistaken. Crosby is all about himself? Is that why he has the most assists in the NHL playoffs with 12? Hossa is in it to win the cup and if he gets paid too I’m sure that wouldn’t hurt. As for Malkin he is a MVP candidate cuz he absolutely took over BY HIMSELF when Crosby went out with injury. I’ll get to Fleury later. Oh ya, Pens fans = greatest hockey fans in the league. (just check the NHL TV ratings and the fact we sold out every home game this year)

7. RE: Will there be any gloves dropped in this series?

Richards vs Crosby

Username: Pat (Snack wonders if this is the same jagoff as b4?

Saying Crosby will fight is asinine. Crosby isn’t a fighter, he’s a scorer and a passer. As for the original question, Flyers fans better hope there isn’t any dropped gloves cuz I don’t see anyone on that roster that’s stepping to Pens enforcer, and the most feared man in the NHL, Big Georges Laraque.

6. That entire article is completely biased. I'll bet Crosby was tickling his balls while he was writing it.. while Malkin was jerking it in the background..and Bettman filmed.

I love that the Flyers are the underdogs. There is nothing on this earth I love more then seeing the underdog prevail, which has already happened a few times this season for the Flyers. I just can't wait to see what happens with this series.

Username: DudeBrah87

I’m sure you do love underdogs seeing as how you’re a Philly fan and their teams are always considered the underdogs, cuz they suck. Don’t hate on us just cuz everyone including Scott Burnside (author of this article) know that the Pens are the better team, and that the Flyers aren’t even on our level. Get ready to get outmanned and outclassed - hey at least you made it this far that’s something to be proud of.

5. We went 5-3 against them in the regular season.

We can beat them.

Username: Eggplant

Sure, you just go ahead and keep on thinking that the playoffs are the same as the regular season. I don’t even need to respond to this one, a Pens fan posting on the Flyers message board already has done so, “your 1-3 against us with Hossa”. Looks like the Flyers ain’t been so hot against the Pens as of late anyway Eggplant. Lets remember Crosby didn’t even play in the final game in fear one of the Flyers player would cheap shot and injure him. (cuz they fear him)

4. The Flyers will win and thats that !! Unless the Reffs want to gift wrap the series for them and there "poster child" Cindy .. I dont have 1 worry im sorry . I worried when they were playing the Caps and they won , then I really worried when we had to play the habs and we beat them . Sorry but the Pens are just another practice series to get the boys ready for the Cup !!!!!!!!!

Username: THE KO KID

First off that’s some awesome grammar right there, good to see you never made it to the 8th grade graduation, KO KID. Calling him Cindy instead of Sidney? That is SO funny AND original.

How in god’s name you can be scared of the Caps and Habs is beyond me, but referring to playing us, as a “practice series”, is ludicrous. Obviously my man hasn’t been watching too many Penguins playoff games this year.

3. Crosby takes more dives then Michael Phelps

Username: Carter 17

I will give Carter 17 a few creative points for this one as I did kind of chuckle after reading it. I just think its funny how the default smack talk against the Pens is always “Crosby is a cry baby and he takes dives to get calls”. I guess fans just like to hate on the great players, just ask Lebron and the Papa John Crybaby T-shirts fiasco in the last series against the Wizards. The only diving Sid will do in this series is to celebrate when we send the Flyers home, and move on to the cup.

2. Martin Biron is a GOD.

Username: Carter 17

Did he win a couple playoff games? Sure he did, but to call him a god is a stretch. I guess they should be singing Biron’s praises in Philly though, because without him they probably would have lost in the first series against the Caps. Only problem is the Penguins are not the Caps, and we are the best offense in the NHL. Not to mention the fact that Fleury, and his two shut outs, has been better then Biron during the playoffs. Once he faces Geno, Sid, Hossa, Sykora, and Gonchar on the power play Biron will be wishing they woulda lost to the Caps in round one.

1. We have shut down all the other teams top lines. let me explain this to NO ONE is scared of crosby. Malkin is who we have to contain. Crosby and the pens we have the same problem that the Habs had. They will get plenty of shots from the outside that biron will handle with ease. Who on pitt will have the heart to get beat up in front of the net to get the hard-work goals. NO ONE...

Username: VengeanceNOW

So is this dude taking crazy pills or what? First off, you were correct in saying you should be worried about containing Malkin, because the kid is explosive. Secondly, Crosby is easily better then any player on the Flyers. Third, Malone will post up in front of the net all game long and there’s not a thing any Flyer can do about it. Lastly, as I have stated before it will come down to discipline. All you jagoffs in Philly do is take penalties and the Pens power play is too much for you to handle.

LETS GO PENS!! LETS GO PENS!!

Pens Link O Rama

2008-05-08T15:03:00.003-04:00

Fear the Penguins, Doobie Doobie Doo. All Pittsburghers have a birthright of hating everything that is Philly. In my lifetime there has never been a greater commonwealth battle between the two cities then there is right now. This series is huge! I can’t wait to get the action underway, so here are some Pens articles to get you fired up and keep you busy before the big game on Friday night…

(Pic from farm4.static.flickr.com)

Let's get read to rumble...

The Post Gazzete’s Empty Netters has a TON of Penguins links and other good stuff. Check it out, well done, PG.

Anyone feel like talking some crap on some Flyers fans? (I know I do) You can do so at the Flyers message board. (I especially like the thread titled “OK I’ll admit it I’m worried, The Pens are pretty good”)

The Penguins own your soul!!!!!!

A Pens vs. Flyers recap from Fanhouse...

Sorry for being a hater Mr Therrien...

**NEWSFLASH**The Pens and Flyers hate each other.

(Pic from pittsburghlive.com)

If Downie plays in this series, he will once again get Rutuu'd

Note from Snack - I just went to the Flyers' website to figure out a lil info on Downie, and discovered their playoff motto; "Vengeance Now". Just when I thought these goons couldn't get any lower, they go and pull this crap. They'll get their vengeance alright - get their vengeance on a golf course in Philly that is. I mean honestly, who comes up with that as a playoff motto? It sounds like something straight out of Slap Shot (great movie), and I'm surprised the suits in Toronto even let this go.

Here's to hoping for a sweep, just to hehar them piss and moan about how Crosby takes dives and Darien Hatcher is a saint and we're the worst thing to ever happen to the NHL...Man I can't wait...

The Hockey Network shows that history points to a Penguins-Red Wings Stanley Cup Final this year.

Renderings of the new Pens arena are out today; eat your heart out Mellon Arena.

(Pic from pittsburghlive.com)

So that's what $290 million will buy you...

Pennsylvania is hockey heaven. So where is hockey hell? I'd say Idaho (Snack says Philly).

**NEWSFLASH** RJ Umberger is from Da Burgh.

(Pic from cache.daylife.com)

Hopefully we send back to Philly bloody...

And now some videos to pump you up -

Until lata...

Snack Attack

2008-05-07T12:40:00.005-04:00

Today I feel the urge to go after two of my favorite topics - the Buccos and the F-ing Flyers. I'll start with our Buccos...

What the hell are you guys doing? All you're doing is giving us all hope that you can do something with the season, which we obviously all know you won't. Nasty Nnate McLouth is tearing the cover off the ball, which is a surprise to everybody but the Buccos apparently. Nady has played pretty well, and Bay isn't the complete jackass he was last year (still not up to par though) and even Doumit is hittin the ball well.

So where lies the problem? Where it always does, with our pitching. We had to swallow $11 million to get rid of Morris, Snell is playing like a pansy (he even says so), Duke will never be the hoss we thought he was, and Gorzo and Maholm have been up and down to say the least.

Hell, we only have three pitchers with ERAs under 4.00 - that's piss poor, and I would hope they'd be the first to admit that.

What I'm trying to get at, all you jagoffs I hear saying "Oh, the Buccos are hitting OK and they have a shot and..." should go and jump off the Bobby Clemente Bridge because it ain't gonna happen. Until there's a way for us to have the same amount of cash at our disposal as the Yankees or Sox, we'll always be a little back water team trying our best to play with the big boys.

Long story short, we still stink, so don't get all excited...(that being said Diego, Snack and lil' Snack are going to the ballgame tonite as long as we don't get rained upon)

My other topic for the day will be the hatred of this city for Philly and why this playoff series should be ALL we talk about in the sports world until the it's over. Anyone who wants to talk Steeler mini-camp or whatever else may be running through your heads can stop reading now, because odds are you won't see it here.

Anyway, back to Philly. We all know why we hate them. And it's a fact that we hate them. Therefore, I want to be the first to propose an "I hate Philly week", where we will make bets with our counterparts on the bad side of the state (I'm lookin at you Mayor Luke) and talk trash to them as they go drown their sorrows in NYC - you know, the city Philly wishes it was.

I think all of us faithful bloggers should make it our duty to talk trash on the city known for a cracked bell and a movie about AIDS. We should tell them, thru words (or fists - we all know Snack likes a brew ha ha), that they are no good, Santa booing bastards who will get a championship when they pry it out of our cold, dead hands.

You may be able to scare Washington and Montreal, but my boy SS Gill and Scary Gary will be waiting...Oh so, almost forgot about Big Georges...He'll be waiting too...

Until tomorrow, when we'll have some links and hopefully a recap of tonite's game for yinz (well, what we can remember anyway)

Go home Rangers, Bring on Philly - Random Steeler sightings

2008-05-05T12:45:00.003-04:00

So your boys Snack and Diego somehow managed to snag 4 seats (thank you very much Lance Vance Dance) to the Pens game yesterday in the uber-exclusive Gold Circle section. Yes, we did at center ice, yes we did have a private row and TVs in our console in front of us, and yes, if we would have chosen to, we could have used our private waitress to snatch us some Ahrns if we wanted. So we were living the high life to say the least.

The game itself was a spectacle, and I've never heard Mellon Arena go crazy like it did after Hoss'a game winner. It was a crazy, loud game the entire time, and the OT thiller couldn't have ended any better (Snack would like to apologize to the little kid he grabbed and shook after the OT goal - my bad lil buddy, at least your dad didn't seem to care).

(Pic from postgazette.com)

Why the hell is there a Ranger fan in Row 1?

I know it's not much of a recap, but I figure by now everyone knows about the game and how it went. I do, however, have some interesting news that only someone in our section would know - Skippy Reed is a Pens fan!

Yes, the chubby, whiskey-swilling ladies man kicker for the Pittsburgh Steelers was spotted in the men's room at Mellon Arena by Diego and I. I was waiting in the line for a stall, I looked over my shoulder and saw Skippy in line next to me. Some jagoff across the bathroom starts yelling about Pitt hoops. and Skippy starts yelling about UNC hoops. Keep in mind, this is at the second intermission of a 2-2 elimination hockey playoff game.

My guess is, the SOB was so drunk he didn't know what sporting event he was at. But then again, wasn't yesterday the last day of mini-camp for the guys? He prolly didn't have time to get adequately ripped, so PNA's guess is he just lit up a fattie doobie and rolled his ass down there to cheer on whichever sports team he thought it was.

His not-as-drunk-but-still-a-drunk QB Ben Roethlissberger was down there as well, but unlike Skip, he had the brains/money to get good seats, and was spotted on the Jumbotron, not yelling with us commonfolk in the pisser.

All in all, it was a good afternoon of entertainment, and we're looking forward to seeing the Flyers next round. The Broad Street Bullies aren't nearly as tough as us, which I find absolutely hilarious seeing as we're a "finesse" team.

The series starts Friday at Mellon Arena - hopefully we can sneak our way into that one too...

Until lata...

Top 10 Reasons the NHL Playoffs Rock

2008-05-02T16:50:00.007-04:00

Now that April is over the NHL playoffs are getting into full swing of things. Next week the conference championships will start, and this is where things really get interesting. If you haven’t caught hockey fever yet, then now is the time to jump on the bandwagon. If you need some help getting fired up, here’s PNA’s top 10 reasons why the NHL playoffs rock…

10. Most games are in HD

If you’re a true fan of sports then the ridiculously big and wide flat screen is a must. (It sure is getting expensive to be a sports fan these days) Lets face it though, if you don’t have HD TV yet then your living stone age. Hockey in high definition is freakin awesome, and it’s definitely the next best thing to shelling out big bucks for tickets to the game. (I’ll get to that). And as my girlfriend likes to say, “you can actually see the puck when you’re watching in HD”.

(Pic from pictures.directnews.co.uk)

Why the F is he in a Rangers uni?

9. You can blow your tax return on playoff tickets

Your taxes are due in April, and the NHL playoffs also start that month. Is this a coincidence? Well yea, it probably is, but that doesn’t change the fact you can use that cold hard cash you get back from Uncle Sam to stimulate the economy by buying some Penguins playoff tickets. (Just be sure to get nice and drunk before you go inside, so they don’t get you on the whole Onorato 10% tax on the poured alcohol)

(Pic from postgazette.com)

Give em' hell...

8. Every second counts

One of the knocks on hockey is that the regular season is long, so the games are less meaningful. All that crazy talk is tossed out the window come playoff time. Playoff hockey is just about as intense as it gets. The momentum swings frequently and you watch the game on the edge of your seat. (And if you’re like me you chew off most of your fingernails before the drop of the puck in the third period)

(Pic from thechiz.co.za)

Time to go, Rangers...

7. The refs let ‘em play in the playoffs

The last thing you want in the final game of a 7 game series is the ref blowing his stupid whistle late in the third and basically deciding the outcome of a game, by calling a ticky-tack penalty. This doesn’t happen too often in the NHL. The refs will usually have to see something pretty significant (blatant) happen right in front of them in order to make a call. Penalties like interference, hooking, boarding, elbowing, and crosschecking are for the most part ignored at the end of the 3rd and in OT.

(Pic from z.about.com)

No Shirt, No Penalty

6. It gives you more opportunities to wear that $200 Hockey jersey you bought

Unless you go to the game and the PR geniuses decided to have a “white out” and make you wear a shirt that probably cost them about 15 cents because they were made at some sweat shop in Malaysia, this past time is a favorite of all true NHL fans. Hell, you don’t even need to own a “new” hockey jersey. The playoffs give you an excuse to dust off that god awful Rob Brown alternate Pens jersey that’s been sitting in your closet since 1993. Rock it proudly!

(Pic from content.answers.com)

Remind me, who thought this jersey was a good idea?

5. Because it proves Canada is inferior to the good ole US of A

All of us American’s already know this fact obviously. It’s just good to reiterate it every now and again especially because those uppity hosser’s think they are running shit in hockey.

Newsflash Canada, even though you act all high and mighty, none of your teams have won the Stanley Cup since 1992-93 season. American teams run this league so stick to fishing, drinking your nasty Canadian beer, collecting firewood, and whatever else yinz do up there, before you hurt yourselves.

PS have fun watching Montreal (the only Canadian team left) lose very soon.

(Pic from media.funlol.com)

Truer words have never been printed...

4. They give you an excuse to party 3 or 4 times per week

I mean who really needs an excuse to drink on a weekday anyway? Usually when you go out and get hammered drunk and wake up hurting in the morning its only because its Wednesday, and you love the sauce.

Now when coworkers and bosses ask why your production level is so low, and also why you smell like brewery, you can use the excuse that you were celebrating another Penguins win the night before. Not only that, but your also helping the local economy by spending 40% of your pay check at your local watering hole.

(Pic from joesportsfan.com)

Looks like Snack and Diego at this year's Pens-Devils game...

3. They allow you to inevitably delay watching MLB baseball or the NBA playoffs

Usually quality sports programming is a little hard to come by in Pittsburgh this time of the year; most people around here hate NBA basketball with a passion and after a decade and a half of losing seasons we’ve also just about had it with the miserable Pirates.

Hockey playoffs give you something to look forward to, they give you a reason to watch the sports coverage on the news and read the sports section in the paper. And best of all thanks to the Pens you haven’t even started counting down to Steelers training camp yet!

(Pic from ac-nancy-metz.fr)

How most of us feel after watching our Buccos

2. It’s one more reason to hate Philadelphia and everyone in it

Thanks to MZP for thinking up this one.

If you live in the Burgh chances are you’re just like Big Snack and I, meaning you hate our interstate rivals in Philadelphia. And it’s not just their sports teams, but it’s also the annoying ass people who call Philly home. Their arrogant attitudes are not only unjustified, but also delusional.

Face it, the whole town is full or rejects from New York and New Jersey, (maybe that’s why they think they’re tough) your sports teams stink, and you can’t fight. It will be awesome watching Sid and company dismantle you in the conference finals, that is if you don’t shit the bed against Montreal first.

(Pic from wikimedia.org)

The ONLY reason I set foot in Philly

1. Playoff Beards

Behold the almighty and powerful… PLAYOFF BEARD. Some of the greatest men in history had beards; Chuck Norris, Mr. T., Jerry Garcia, and even Jesus! Not only does the playoff beard embody manliness, but it also helps to unify the team to become one.

The superstition of the playoff beard goes back all the way to the 80’s and many believe that is bad luck to not grow one. (Just ask Jagr cuz whatever you wanna call that thing on his face, it certainly ain’t a playoff beard)

This trend is so well-liked even players in other sports like football and basketball are jumping on the bandwagon. In 2006, Big Ben grew a playoff beard, and we all know what happened next. Also Lebron James grew one last year for the NBA playoffs, leading his team to the finals.

Note from Snack - My playoff beard is in full bloom...now the question is, should I keep the red beard or get rid of it, you know, for the ladies? Who am I kiddin', we all know the ladies always win over sports...

The playoff beard is so popular it also has its own website. What kind of playoff beard do you have?

(Pic from playoffbeard.com)

If you don't grow a playoff beard, Chuck will roundhouse kick you...

Until lata...

Pens Win, The Playoff Beard Continues...

2008-04-30T11:19:00.003-04:00

The Pens won last night, 5-3 at MSG against the hated NY Rangers. It was also the seventh consecutive playoff win for the Pens, making them the first team to do so since 1994.

Apparently, the win came at a cost - Max Talbot may have broken his foot. He was spotted today wearing a walking boot, and no one around the team, including Talbot himself, will discuss the injury (as is customary in NFL and NHL playoffs).

Talbot may be a heavy price to pay, but I think Jeff Taffe or Gary Roberts will be up to the task. It's times like this that I'm glad we've had a lot of players gain a ton of experience during the regular season, guys like a Jeff Taffe or a Connor James.

Even these idiots got some playing time for the big team.

And, in some late breaking news, Snack's Public Enemy #1, Sean Avery is in the hospital with a lacerated spleen. I would normally use this space to bad mouth him, but he's in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit, so that's some scary stuff and I won't kick a man when he's down.

And finally, for those of you who know Big Snack, his playoff beard will not die. We'll post a pic of Snack in all of his glory sometime soon - hopefully before he turns into full ZZ Top Mode...

Monday Morning Hangover...

2008-04-28T18:37:00.003-04:00

Its been a few weeks off, but Diego is back this week with another MMH. This weekend was filled with sports action and I’ve got plenty of things to get off my chest, so lets go…

Let me start out with everyone in Pittsburgh’s least favorite team the Pirates. They stink again, but the only difference is that this year people are finally starting to get fed up. As of last week the Pirates attendance dipped to last in the majors. This is right where it should be if you ask me. Sure we’ve got the nicest ball park in the game, but its frustrating having to hear about how “hard they’re trying” year in and year out, for 15 years.

I know what your saying, and yes it is early in the year, but the straw that broke the camels back was the release of Matt Morris today. I don’t blame Morris, I actually pat this guy on back he managed to pitch 4 games this year, going 0-4 with a 9.67 ERA and now he’s gonna be able to kick up his feet and collect his 10 million.

This is simply asinine move on the Bucco’s managements part. (old management not new) The Bucco’s and old GM (and jagoff of the year) David Littlefield acquired Morris to “stabilize the young pitching staff” whatever the f that means. We’re talking about the same GM who was too stingy to draft prospect catch Matt Weiters BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T WANT TO PAY HIM THE 10 MILLION DOLLAR SIGNING BONUS, opting instead for another left hander pitcher (I’m shocked). I don’t understand this, and maybe if you do you can explain it to me cuz now the Buc’s are not only on the hook for the 10 million this year, but Morris will cost them another cool million next year because of buy out cost!

I have had enough. I enjoy going to Buc’s game as much as the next guy, and I still may go down to toss back some IC lights with my friends, but I refuse to give these scumbags another dollar of my money. They do not deserve it because 5 years down the road (or less) we will fire our whole staff and start the whole “rebuilding” process all over again. Screw you Littlefield and I hope the Nutting’s jumps off one of the many bridges in this fine city.

(Pic from pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com)

I'd like to wipe that smirk off his face...

Now back to the good teams in this city, the Steelers and Penguins. Steelers drafted this weekend (hope you enjoyed the live blog), and in a surprising move, they actually took a pair of guys on the first day that may be able to bring something to the table this season. (as long as we can get them signed and in camp)

In the first round the Lers selected Rashard Mendenhall, running back out Illinois. Certainly not a choice that Najeh “Dookie” Davenport wanted to hear, as it could spell the end for the “Dump Truck” here in the Burgh, but who knows? I like Mendenhall as he is big, fast, and most of all give’s FWP (Fast Willie Parker) a bit of break, as he won’t be forced to carry 30+ times a game anymore.

The only problem is he may be blind.

Second round Steelers drafted Limas Sweed, a tall WR from Texas, and of course, he is the answer to Big Ben’s prayers. I can’t believe we got this guy second round, as many speculated he would be the first or second receiver to go this year.

(Pic from images.burntorangenation.com)

He doesn't look like a Sweed...

Best first day the Steelers have had in awhile as far as I am concerned, lets hope it pans out. Either way though, you’ve gotta believe the Steelers took a look around the rest of the AFC and realized in order to be a top notch team they had to make their offense more explosive. That is just what they did on day one of the NFL draft this year.

On day two of the draft Steelers took Bruce Davis II in the third round, he was a defensive end at UCLA but Steelers plan on moving him to outside LB. He excels at rushing the QB, but might have some trouble with mobility. Coulda been a bit of a reach but we will see.

Next picked was Tony Hill a tackle from Texas. Finally, Steelers address the need of picking up another hoss for that O-line of theirs. Maybe this means we can send Sean Turd-han packing.

Fifth round we took Heisman candidate Dennis Dixon, quarterback out of Oregon. If he pans out this could be brilliant, unfortunately he reminds me of Kordell Jr (he even wears #10). Please no one show him the way to Schenley Park (just incase). Apparently this dude can also play some baseball, so the Bucs may wanna take a look if we cut him loose eventually.

(Pic from cnn.com)

Shake and Bake...

In the 6th round we had two picks - one was Mike Humpal, a white boy linebacker out of Iowa. Can anyone say special teams specialist? Hopefully he can tackle cuz our special teams was pretty bootylicious again last year.

Our last pick was Ryan Mundy, safety formally of Michigan and WV fame, but he also played high school ball right here in at Woody high. (Note from Snack - little known fact, he also played at Central Catholic for a year)

Links for your viewing pleasure...

Yinz guys might think Mayor Luke is bad, but borrowing the home land security SUV doesn’t seem like a big deal when you read this story about another young mayor from outside DC.

This musta been one hell of an open bar. Over the weekend a couple from Shaler was arrested for starting a brawl after their own wedding. Apparently the groom ninja kicked the bride. Was he watching too much WWE or UFC fighting, or is he just a fan of Chuck Norris?

Looks like good ole’ Roger Clemens may have some bigger issues then steroid allegations… Good to know Roger enjoys him some underage ass.

Until lata...

Snack Attack

2008-04-28T13:24:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned earlier, the Pens won yesterday 2-0. It was a defensive game, with both goaltendersplaying very well, and it certainly was a hard hitting affair.

SS Gill and Big Georges handled their business with Mr. Avery (see last post) and the Flower kept his sheet clean in the net. Overall it was an awesome effort all around.

And check out this video - it may be the sweetest in person video that I've seen from the Igloo, and for those of you that don't know, it's Snack's Enemy #1 getting his face beat on by SS and Georges. I love how Talbot, Malone and Scuds all turn around to protect the big guys from the rest of the pissed of Rangers. Hell, Flower even jumps in and grabs somebody, all culminating in the celebration behind the net. Whoever shot this is the man, except the audio is a lil suspicious to say the least...

By the by, I have a couple of insiders down at the Igloo, and I'm not the only one who has a problem with Avery - you can now include the staff of the Igloo ice surface. Apparently while they were cleaning the corners of ice shavings before one of the periods, Avery and his "friends" decided to make fun of them and harass them, so much so that the referee came over and put them in their place.

My old man used to work on the ice crew, and said if that happened in his day, they woulda just slapped him with their shovel. I, for one, would like to volunteer my services as an "ice man" for game 5 (if we even need it).

Watch your back Avery, Snack's off the latter part of this week, and he's not above coming up to NYC to pay you a little visit...

Until lata, when Diego plans on sending me his MMH for yinz...

Sean Avery is a WOMAN

2008-04-27T16:35:00.004-04:00

As the Pens lead 1-0 in the late third period of game two, SS Gill was called for a cross check on the biggest pansy in the NHL, Sean Avery. They complained about the Pens diving, but he fell down, brings Gill along with him and gets a penalty called...

We'll have a recap up soon from the game, but I felt I had to post this - it was that horrible. He doesn't have the nuts to do anything but cry like a girl and pose for fashion shoots.

Leave the NHL, you don't deserve to wear a uniform, WOMAN.

By the way Avery, I'm not scared of you - Big Snack will put you in your place, punk...

Sorry, it had to be said...

UPDATE - HAHAHA YOU SUCK AVERY, you and your Rangers can go home and cry in Central Park, cause we're going to the Garden up 2-0...

GO PENS, SUCK IT AVERY!!!

SUPER SWEET UPDATE - PNA would like to thank SS Gill and Big Georges for their thorough beat down of Avery at the end of the game...Gill looked like he was about to eat Avery's children, and Georges came in with his fists flyin'.

Hey Sean, I bet you feel like a real tough guy knowing you just had your life saved by a referee - try that stuff in Game three and watch what happens to you.

You just started a war with two very, very large men (three if you include me), and it's a war you CANNOT win. Even if the Rangers make a miracle comeback and beat us, you can bet your sweet ass Avery won't be walking right by the end of the series...

GO PENS!!!

NFL Draft LIVE BLOG!!!

2008-04-26T14:47:00.017-04:00

9:03 - Well the draft's over, and I know we kinda flaked out after the Steelers round 1 pick, but hey, it was our first try, give us a break.

Anyway, the Steelers may have gotten two of the biggest steals in the draft in RB Rashard Mendenhall and WR Limas Sweed (our second rounder). I mentioned how good Mendenhall is already, but Sweed was listed by some as the number 1 reciever available today - not a bad lil' day 1...

Sweed also fills the "tall reciever" mold that Big Ben wants so badly. He's 6 foot 5 and likes to play physical and jump over people...kinda like Plex, minus the baggage. Like I said, not a bad take...

Until tomorrow, when we'll update ya on the Pens playoff run and our other picks in the draft...

5:52 - Dallas is on the clock, but no one cares because the Steelers pick next...The 'Boys select Felix Jones. He was McFadden's sidekick, and is a Fast Willie in training. Good for them, time for the Steelers...

The Steelers take Mendenhall from Illinois. Hot damn we have our thunder to go with the lightning...he ran for over 1600 yards last season, and hasn't had the crazy amount of carries of a McFadden...

Diego and I are pretty pumped about this pick, as some people actually had him rated ahead of McFadden. Now Willie won't have to carry the ball 54 times a game. Rashard is 225lbs. and a bruiser, which should be a great compliment to Willie (who apparently is running EVEN FASTER then he was before he broke his leg.

The Titans just picked Chris Johnson, an RB from East Carolina; bet their pissed we took Mendenhall...hahahaha

But back to Rashard - I really couldn't be happier. I'll post something later on tonight about him (during the second round probably because we won't be updating every three picks in that one), including stats and video...

5:32 - Almost Steeler time and we're gettin antsy at the PNA draft headquarters; who will they go with? O-line? Wide Receiver? Corner? Only time will tell..

Eagles trade their 1st rounder, pick 19, to the Carolina Panthers. Panthers take Jeff Otah offensive tackle out of Pitt. Good to see a Pitt player going so early, and hopefully the Stache will have plenty more coming in future years.

There's been a ton of trades so far in this years draft, much more then any past drafts I remember.

Even though Tampa Bay's leading receiver last year was Ike Hilliard, they decided to pass on a top WR and go for CB Aqib Talib. Apparently this guy likes to puff on some cheebah cuz he failed 3 drug tests for weed at Kansas. Red flag though Mike Tirico? Thanks for the "marijuana update" what a news flash Mike. I wouldn't never guessed a 20 year old college kid would enjoy ripping some bongs every now and again.

Redskins on the clock now and you would assume these guys would wanna take a wide receiver with this pick.

Atlanta trades up to the 21st pick and Mel Kiper and crew seem to think its not a good call. Falcons take Sam Baker an offense tackle from USC. This guy looks like a lumberjack with his big red beard. Not too many lineman left for the Lers to pick from.

5:01 - Boomer seems genuinely surprised the Cards are picking this late in the draft...It's a funny thought that 8-8 is their best record since Jake "the Snack" err I mean "the Snake" Plummer led them to the playoffs in the late 90's..

They selected Cromartie, which is really pissin' off Steve Young. Thank God Emmitt isn't here to ruin it all, but we're both gettin' a lil sick of Young, and we hope Keyshawn Johnson punches him in his Hall of Fame face...Now THAT would be entertainment...

The Lions pick Gosder Cherilus, who is "mean" and "nasty"...apparently so mean and nasty that he made someone sneeze right before Goodell announced it...Mel thinks he got picked too early, and I agree - I didn't want the Steelers picking that jagoff, so I'm glad he's gone.

The Ravens moved up, and they're grabbing Flacco, a gunslingin' QB from Delaware...Do I smell another Kyle Boller? I think I do...

4:47 - I did not see this one coming, Panther select Jonathan Stewart out of Oregon with the 13th pick in the draft. The 2nd running back taken today is a monster, this kid can through people or around them, and he's huge at 235 lbs. Good pick Carolina, but I am salty as I was hoping he would fall to the Steelers.

Da Bears selecet Chris Williams out of Vanderbelt, he's a left tackle. Too bad for the Bears cuz they still need a QB, RB, and WR. (their offense stinks) It's looking more likely that the lineman will start falling off the board with the next few picks.

Lions trade the #15 pick to the KC Chiefs who select offensive guard Branden Albert from Virginia. No shocker there, KC needs as many big bodies as they can up front.

4:25 - The Pats reached a little with the 10 pick to get Mayo, making it 3 linebackers in a row selected...hopefully it means the Steelers won't pick one again, but once again, it's draft day, so God only knows...Maybe Tomlin has a little bit of Cowher in him, and will make a big splash like the chin did with Troy Palamalu...

And we kinda feel bad for Mayo, not only because he has to play for the cheaters, but he ain't gonna have anyone to chill with on the team...the rest of the linebackers on that squad are as old as my dad (and that's old), and something tells me Mayo won't want to go antiqueing or whatever it is old farts do to pass the time on the weekend...

The Bills made a quick pick and scooped up Leodis McKelvin, a CB from Troy. Apparently he's good, but he played for f-ing Troy, so he was basically playing a bucnh of Snacks and Diegos...It was glorified high school football. I mean Colclogh worked out well for us didn't he?

Here come the fat men...The Broncos picked Clady, the OT from Boise St., breaking the 7 defensive players in a row streak. I got a feeling the big guys are all gonna start going now, but unlike us, you're going to have to wait till the next update...hahahaha

4:08 - After waiting almost the entire 10 minutes to make their selection (really, you jagoffs traded up and you don't know who you're picking?), the Jaguars finally grabbed Derrick Harvey. This guy is a pass rusher, but he wasn't real high on a lot of peoples boards. It's kinda suspect trading up so far to get him.

Good year to get paid as a linebacker, the Bengals just picked Keith Rivers out of USC. With the return of Odell Thurman and now this kid the Cincy defense should definately improve next year.

*UPDATE* Wow Jags gave up 4 picks ot the Ravens to move up that far. They gave up a 1st rounder, 2 third rounders, and a 4th.

3:55 - I just saw Brandon Alberts for the first time; I think he might fly away Dumbo Style with his big ass ears...He's definitely creep number 1 so far in this draft, but I'm sure that'll change soon enough...

And we're not including the crowd - they're creepier then any player in the NFL. Half are boozed up and screaming and the other half are angry and screaming...throw in some drunk little kids and you got yourself a party in NYC...

The only good thing about this pick is the Patriots won't get Gholston...the cheatin bastards...

The Jets just took Gholston, and we're kinda mad, because we like watching them messing stuff up and picking Jow Blow from Our Little Sister of the Poor University...That also clears out the green room, so no one will be Brady Quinn-ing it this season, which also kinda sucks because we like watching these soon to be millionaires sweating it out and losing millions of $ in the process...

Let the wheelin' and dealin' begin - The Saints traded up to get Ellis, and all of a sudden Jacksonville trades up to select...?

We'll letcha know shortly...

3:37 - Next up to the Raiders is phenom running back Darren McFadden, and the Jets fans look pissed cuz they all know they needed running back pretty bad. McFadden can do it all it, he's the total package he can run, pass, and even kick (especially outside the bar around 2 AM) Hey at least he's didn't have any loaded guns or reefer on him at the time..

And with the 5th pick in the draft, the KC Chiefs select the dude from the UnderArmor commercial...jk but that dude is pretty jacked up though.

Now theres rumors the Saints will move up to select Glenn Dorsey, but it doesn't happen as the Chiefs pick him. I don't know whats more impressive the size of the rest of Dorsey's family or that enormous watch he's got on his wrist. Seriously though this guy is the smallest member of his family, that toilet growing up must have had pipes made out of bionic steel.

3:22 - A couple things about Chris Long going second overall; did anyone notice how crisp Howie's high and tight flat top was? Looks like my man's a Marine or somethin'...And Chris, get a haircut, you no good hippie. I'm surprised your old man didn't beat you silly for lettin' yourself go like that...hopefully his huge ass contract he's about to sign can cover the cost of a good trim job...

Someone needs to tell Matt Ryan it ain't cool to make out with your mom on TV while wearing a sweater vest - anyway, he's goin' third to the Falcons. Hope he doesn't own any dogs...

As we close in on Oakland's pick, we wonder why they're booing Matt Ryan...is the sweater vest? Cause he's white?...I don't get those jagoff's up north...Don't boo cause he's not going to play for your crappy team. It's cool that Big Snack can throw the ball further then your starting QB Jets' fans - it's not lame at all.

PS - Mel Kiper doesn't look nearly as creepy as he usually does...PSYCHE!!!

Lady, you're scaring us...

3:00 - Let the BS begin..Diego's here, and I think he'll be boozin lonestar afta he pounds down some Napoli's, so it could get very interesting...And as I watch this, I wonder, why do they always show those idiot Jet fans? I know it's in NY, but for God's sake, they haven't been a real team in years, and all they do is screw up the draft EVERY YEAR!!!

Diego just mentioned a sign in the stands that says "This is the year the Jets' draft bulnders end"...Classic.

Goddell's at the podium, we'll be back after the first few picks...

Ha, I'll be damned, he just came out and said the Dolphins pick Long - I totally expected them to take the full 10 minutes to announce it...The Rams are on the clock, and are prolly picking Chris Long, AKA Howie Long Jr....

2:51 - Hey boys and girls, Big Snack here (still waiting on Diego's punk ass), ready to bring you PNA's coverage of the first and second rounds of the NFL Draft.

The original plan was for us to drink a 30-pack and try and write this, however I think I'm going to veto that idea due to the last two evenings at lovely Crystal's in the Strip (more on them later...they got some big news that I'm going to break on this site, but they deserve their own day, so we'll wait until tomorrow for that).

So we'll be here, lettin yinz know what we think of today's festivities - we may not post for a little bit because those jerkies at ESPN pretty much ruined the first four or five picks by disclosing them already, but it is the draft, so you never know what kinda craziness is gonna go down...

Steelers' Schedule Breakdown

2008-04-25T11:32:00.005-04:00

Here in the burgh most people I know love the Steelers more then they love their own families. With that being said, it is always “breaking news” with top priority from any news outlets (post gazette, tribune review, kdka, etc) any time Steelers news occurs. This is particularly true during the off-season (especially during the long painful Bucco’s season). With the recent announcement of the Steelers schedule there is plenty to talk about… so if ESPN can have a two-hour special breaking down the NFL schedule, I figure I can throw my 2 cents in too…

Preseason: If you really care about the preseason, then you should jump off a bridge. The preseason stinks. It is a tease because the good players are taken out at the blink of an eye. Why do you think it’s so easy to get Steelers preseason tickets, yet so much more difficult to score tickets to a real game? Not only do the fans think the preseason is a joke, but the players do too - just ask LT.

Sunday September 7th VS Houston Texans 1 PM

Personally I would rather start off the year away. The reason I think that is cuz I hate going to Steelers games where I sweat. Mid 70’s and sunshine with no clouds is a day I’d rather spend drinking “dirty banana’s” at Sandcastle while staring at scantily clad women, not sitting inside Heinz sweating my nuts off.

Outcome: The Lers tend to struggle historically against the Texans, however they do stink, so I’m saying we win this one and start out 1-0.

Sunday September 14th @ Cleveland Browns 8:15

Wow didn’t take long for the Steelers to see the national spotlight. The craziest thing is the Browns have like 5 primetime games this year. That is probably more then they’ve had in the last 10 years put together.

Outcome: We own the Browns at Cleveland Brown stadium; beside the moonlight and all the bright lights inside the stadium will confuse the Browns players. Steelers win, we’re 2-0.

Sunday September 21st @ Philadelphia Eagles 4:15

Philly fans are the worst ever. They think they are all high and mighty, and better then everyone else, but all their team does is choke in the big game. This is a rivalry game though and its always fun to beat down the Eagles. Too bad we’re not playing this one at home cuz I would love to go, but I just can’t afford the trip to Philly, tickets, and bail to get outta jail.

Outcome: Those people are animals, but fortunately their team isn’t. Steelers get off to a hot start at 3-0.

Monday September 29th VS Ravens 8:15

You gotta love Monday night football, you stay up all night drinking resulting in coming to work the next day with your breath wreaking like chicken wing sauce, nacho cheese, beer, and yager. (not a good combo) Not to mention a pretty mean hangover Tuesday morning, and mud butt from all those beers you drank. See yinz there!

Outcome: The Ravens were terrible last year, and they still have no QB, a new coach, and a team leader who is well past his prime. Sure their defense is mean and nasty, but who’s isn’t in the NFL? Steelers win and go undefeated in September 4-0.

Sunday October 5 @ Jacksonville Jaguars 8:15

Three out of the first five games are night games, which is kind of crazy. The NFL loves putting the Lers on primetime, and they aren’t stupid they know Steelers=high ratings. This is a rematch of our first round playoff match up last year. Maybe we’ll get a makeup call for that shitty no call in last year’s game.

Outcome: Jagoffs are another team that seems to trouble the Steelers, especially in Jacksonville, and we can’t win em all this year. Steelers lose 4-1.

Sunday October 12 BYE WEEK

Gives you plenty of extra time to set up good match ups in your fantasy football team, and an early jump on picking out your Halloween costume.

Sunday October 19 @ Cincinnati Bengals 1:00

Bengals fell off last year, everyone thought they’d be good, but they pooped the bed. I expect no less of them this year. There has been turmoil in the off-season with the dismal of Chris “I fought the law and the law won” Henry and also drama with Chad “I finally realized the why people call them the Bungals” Johnson. It’s not too late for them to get their act together, but I don’t think Marv Lewis got what it takes to make that happen; he lost control of this ship years ago…

Outcome: “The jungle” of Paul Brown Stadium is a joke, Steelers roll on them. Steelers 5-1.

Sunday October 26 VS New York Giants 4:15

Eli and the Super Bowl champs head into the Burgh to start a pretty rough stretch of games for our Steelers. Plax may be one hell of receiver, but I’m pretty sure he can’t even read… gotta love that Michigan State education!

Outcome: Hard fought battle as the Steelers are awesome on their home field. Regrettably, the ability to read doesn’t help to win football games, Giants prevail. Steelers 5-2.

Monday November 3 @ Washington Redskins 8:30

It’s looking like I will be using a lot of sick days on Tuesday, come this fall…Thankfully, Snack will most likely be unemployed, so his sick days won't be affected.

Outcome: DC is for bureaucrats and lawmakers, not football players, Steelers win. Steelers 6-2.

Sunday November 9 VS Indianapolis Colts 4:15

Maybe we will get some snow in early November to slow down their high-powered offense, after all this is Pittsburgh. Either that or hope that Peyton Manning is tired out from doing all that acting in TV commercials.

Outcome: Colts give the Steelers the business in our house. Steelers 6-3.

Sunday November 16 VS San Diego Chargers 4:15

Steelers fans are pissed off from a loss the previous week, and they also get an extra 3 hours to tailgate (get belligerently drunk) then the usual 1 o’clock start time.

Outcome: Steelers, fueled by 68 thousand drunken fans win the game. Steelers 7-3.

Thursday November 20 VS Cincinnati Bengals

When I first saw the schedule, I got all excited cuz I thought this game was on Thanksgiving night… that woulda been awesome, but the game is actually a week before Thanksgiving, which is butt cheeks. Football was meant to be played on Sundays, not Thursday night. I thought this was America?

Outcome: My heart wants me to pick the Steelers in this one, and even though it’s a short week I am going to do it. Steelers 8-3.

Sunday November 30 @ New England Patriots 4:15

The new scandal for the Patriots this year, Tom Brady is a genetically engineered robot… Seriously though this is BS, we played them last year at Foxboro and they are making us go play there again, WTF? Those pansies in Boston are too scared to come to the Burgh anyways, they’d rather talk smack on on-line message boards.

Outcome: What you don’t think they have more camera’s hidden in that stadium somewhere? Steelers lose, 8-4.

Sunday December 7 VS Dallas Cowboys 4:15

Jessica Simpson in the Burgh, enough said. For real though, good lord that’s a lot of Super Bowl’s between these two teams. It seems like forever since we’ve hosted the Boys, but this is definitely gonna be a HUGE game for us, and it could make or break our season.

Outcome: Steelers lose to the cream of the crop in the NFC, even though Big Ben tries distracting Romo by getting Jessica hammered drunk dahn the South Side, 8-5.

Sunday December 14 @ Baltimore Ravens 1:00 Ravens are washed up there’s no doubt about that. By this point of the year they may have their stuff together though, however, the more likely scenario is that they will still suck ass.

Outcome: Steelers go undefeated against the Purple uniform wearing weirdo’s, 9-5.

Sunday December 21 @ Tennessee Titans 1:00

Vince Young is going to be suspended for this one… not for making it rain and punching a stripper… not for getting caught smoking a blunt in his Benz… not for totting a gun in a road rage incident… but for finally sucker punching ESPN analyst and former Steelers back Merrill Hoge for talking so much smack on him since he was drafted into the NFL.

Outcome: The power of Jeff Fischer’s mullet can’t get the job done at home, Steelers win 10-5.

Sunday December 28 VS Cleveland Browns At this point of the season the Cleveland fans will come to the realization that last year was a fluke and that the Browns truly do still suck. I reiterate the fact that the only athlete worth a crap in the entire state of Ohio is Lebron James (oh ya and now Terrell Pryor too) Better be ready to cheer for the Buckeyes, Brownies fans.

Outcome: Cleveland sucks, but somehow squeek one by us(we musta drank some of their river water...EWWWWW). Steelers finish 10-6.

Well there you have it folks, as I’m sure your all well aware my predictions (like those of every other sports outlet) are completely useless and unnecessary, still it was fun writing it. Go Steelers, see yinz on Saturday at the draft.

PS - And since it's election season, we figured we'd let Barack Obama tell us how he feels about the Steelers, but instead of sending a written response, all we got was this...

(Pic from freshnews.in)

I guess a picture does say a thousand words...GO STEELERS!

PSS - Apparently, everyone loves to hate the Patriots and their very metro sexual QB, Tom Brady. This story is hilarious, and Snack personally feels it's true...

Until lata...

Jagr is a Tool

2008-04-23T18:27:00.002-04:00

Since the Washington Capitals decided to crap themselves and lose game 7 of their series with the Flyers last night, the Pens now play the New York hockey Rangers in Round 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs starting Friday night at 7PM at the Igloo.

I am personally kinda glad we get to play these jagoffs - hopefully Sid the Kid and Geno will show the Jagr-bomb who the real deal is in these playoffs, and send these whiny women (I'm talkin' bout you Avery - email me at Pierogiesnat@gmail.com and I'll call you a woman to your face) back to NY with their tails' between their legs. And don't even get me started on the rest of the clowns on that squad. As far as I'm concerned, they can all climb the Empire State Building and take a flying leap off...

Marc Fluery needs to continue his lights out play and Hal "I have a big stick" Gill needs to keep pummeling people or we could be in some serious trouble. I mean honestly, NY is prolly the hardest team left for us in the East - Philly would be a toss up due to our rivalry (but obviously we'd beat them silly) and I think we can beat Montreal somewhat handily. They're a good squad but I don't think they match up well with the Pens in a playoff series; we're more talented, bigger and tougher then they are, which is not a good way to start the series.

Although, I think we're more talented, bigger and tougher then everyone left in the East, so I guess everyone we play is behind the 8-ball from the get go...

As far as all the other Pittsburgh sports, the Buccos won yesterday (they still stink) and the Steelers draft 23rd on Sunday. The draft starts at 3 PM, so my guess is we'll pick around 6ish.

And make sure you check in with PNA during the draft - as of now (subject to change because we suck), we plan on live blogging the first two rounds of the draft. I know, it's a crazy idea, but with enough beer, anything's possible...

Until lata...

Quickie

2008-04-21T16:51:00.002-04:00

Ok guys, we usually don't like to go so long without an update, but with the Pens still waiting on a second round opponent, and the Buccos in the midst of a 5 game losing streak, there really hasn't been much worth reporting.

My fat self will be working the elections tomorrow, but hopefully I'll be able to mess around on here all day - if not, you may hear about a large, white male going on a shooting rampage in Highland Park.

Anyway, look for something to be up about our first round opponent (things hsould be a little clearer after tonight's game), and possibly even a new top 10 and mock draft sometime later in the week.

Until then, we at PNA suggest you sign this petition that's trying to get a bridge named after Myron Cope, crack open an Iron, and enjoy tonight's playoff hockey - we'll be playin' again before you know it...

Until lata...

Pens Sweep Sens; Go Home Canadians

2008-04-17T10:34:00.003-04:00

What a difference a year makes! The Pens delivered the fatal blow last night in Ottawa as they defeated the Senators 3-1. The Senators never really had a chance in this series, the Pens put forth a much better effort, and it showed.

There were a lot of difference makers out there for the Pens that you could give credit to, but the man who deserves the most praise for his play is the Flower, Marc Andre Fleury. Throughout the first four games Fleury has only allowed 5 goals total. Sure the Sens were a broken down team, but don’t take anything away from his effort. Despite missing a couple months due to a high ankle sprain, Flower has proven to everyone he is the best goalie in the playoffs thus far.

As for the Sens, they looked like a team who had given up. Sure captain Daniel Alfredsson came back in game 3, but he clearly wasn’t 100% and was largely a non-factor in the two games he had played. Superstar Jason Spezza also nursing a injury, couldn’t get it done. Spezza recorded only one assist in all four games. All in all the Pens were just too much for to handle.

Nice efforts from Hossa, Geno, Sid, and the rest of the crew in round one. Now we wait and see who will be next up on the hit list. Should give the players such as Gary Roberts plenty of time to heal up and be ready to go again next week. Lets go PENS!

Top 10 Mike Lange Sayings

2008-04-16T14:08:00.003-04:00

It’s a… HOCKEY NIGHT in Pittsburgh!! In the Burgh we love our Penguins and we also love veteran Pens announcer Mike Lange. Lange was Penguins television announcer from 1975 until 2006. Lange now calls the game’s for Pens radio affiliate 105.9 The X, with the Ole’ two-niner, Phil Borque.

PN@ prefers listening to Lange and his “Lange-isms” as opposed to listening to Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey talking about big sticks….

If your from Pittsburgh and you don’t know about the legacy of Mike Lange then “shame on you for six weeks”. Lange has reached icon status as the Pens announcer achieving a similar level of fame to the late and great, Myron Cope. So in honor of the Penguins upcoming playoff run, here is the Top 10 Mike Lange Sayings…

We at PN@ hope to one day have our faces immortalized on a IC Light can too...

10. (Insert goalie name here) just lost his liquor license.

This quote starts out the list, it doesn’t really make much sense (most of these don’t as you will soon find out). However, it is still funny and the fact that Lange is rumored to love the sauce makes it even funnier. And since our beers are now 10% more expensive thanks to Onorato and his infinite wisdom, this is definitely one that fits where we're at as a city...

9. She wants to sell my monkey.

Of course she does, she never lets you keep anything you like. Like a monkey isn’t practical? Geez. It can help you spell (ala Cartman), steal you stuff and it's a chick magnet. Hmmm, I think I'm seeing why she wants to sell my monkey afterall...

8. Call Arnold Slick from Turtle Creek.

Okay so if you’re from outside the Burgh this one is flying way over your head… (That’s probably the reason why us Burghlers love it even more) If you’re not from Pgh, then this doesn’t rhyme. Conversely if you speak Pittsburghese then it makes perfect sense as Slick and creek (pronounce crick) sounds pretty nice together. And as PNA says - If you're not from Pittsburgh, go %#$@ yourself (thank you Ricky Bobby, who is an honorary Burgher )

7. How much fried chicken can you eat?

It is no secret that there is a ton of fatties in Pittsburgh, and in the Mellon Arena supporting the Pens (just look around next time your there). The mere mention of fried chicken when a player scores a goal gets our fat fans mouths watering, while simultaneously giving them a hunger for more scores.

6. He beat him like a rented mule

Being a rented mule must not be an easy life… still probably better then being a Bucco’s fan though. At least both share the fact that they know a beating is coming.

5. Buy Sam a drink, and get his dog one too.

Again with the drinking, Lange sure knows what us Pittsburghers like doesn’t he? Seeing as how Pittsburgh is the type of place where I actually wouldn’t be surprised to see man’s best friend sitting inside of a bar drinking, this one makes sense. Plus, dogs are hilarious when they're drunk (so I've heard - PNA doesn't endorse the drunkening of dogs for amusement's sake, less we have PETA digging in our asses).

4. He doesn’t know whether to cry or wind his watch.

Simply a classic, and definitely an all time favorite, Mario used to make goalies look so silly and this one was used frequently. Now it’s Sid the Kid and Geno’s turn to make Martin Gerber look like a clown. (By the way, his Rolex is doing fine, so get that SOB some Kleenex)

3. Scratch my back with a hacksaw/ Shave my face with a rusty razor.

Those two quotes give you a nice mental image don’t they? I just wonder where Lange comes up with this crazy nonsense. I guess he's seen Snack's playoff beard (which is glorious). Whatever he is smoking, send some PN@’s way!

2. Get in the fast lane grandma, the Bingo game is ready to roll.

I dare you, no double dare you, to get in the way of a grandma and her bingo game. It would be curtains for you…. Curtains!!!! The Early Bird games begin at 7 and it's 6:45 for the Sens right now...time for them to move it into the right hand lane and watch the blue-hairs fly by..

1. Ladies and Gentlemen… Elvis has left the building.

Ahh this one is music to the ears of any Penguins fans, as it signifies that the Pens have the game locked down and they are coming out with a win. As soon as Mike Lange proclaims Elvis to be gone, then so too are the chances of the other team winning the game, and it’s party time! Which means you can find Lange at some seedy joint in the Strip, sipping on his scotch with his hound dog by his side. LETS GO PENS!

Honorable Mention - He took the heat out of a hot kitchen, Michael… Michael… motorcycle, Look out Loretta, Great balls of fire, Big Ben strikes one, Heeeeeeeee…. Shoots and scores, He’s smiling like a butcher's dog, He’s handing out checks like it’s the first of the month, Book ‘em Danno.

Snack Attack

2008-04-15T19:13:00.004-04:00

Last night's Pens game was one of the best I've seen in a long time - it prolly didn't hurt that we were at lovely Crystal's in the Strip, but the way the game was played and our explosive third period really made it a game to remember. We won 4-1 and took a stranglehold on the first round series, which we now lead 3 games to none.

The Flower was his (I can't believe I'm saying this by the way) usual amazing self, letting in only one goal during a Senator flurry that seemed to last about the first half of the game. Sid the Kid got his first playoff of the season yesterday, as did Marian "it's about f-ing time" Hossa.

The Talbot even had himself one heckuva game, including the tying goal that went five hole on Gerber. Everyone played well, with the exception of Whitney, who I continue to hate on for his poor defensive play. I think that contract may have been jumpin the gun a little bit, but hey, I'm not in charge of the team - I just write about them.

The Steelers schedule was announced today, and we got the short end of the stick again. Not only do we have the "toughest" schedule in all of football, but we also have to play 11 games at times other then 1PM Sunday. Why the hell we'd be playing so many night/late afternoon games is beyond me, but I guess the NFL in their infinite wisdom decided we shouldn't play on Sundays...

And finally, how about our Pittsburgh Pirates, who are now a game above .500 and looking good, despite our horrible, horrible defense. If we keep hitting and pitching like this, and our defense works itself out, who knows, maybe we could be a darkhorse contender in the NL Central...

Until tomorrow, when you will all learn why Mike Lange is a true pimp and playa...

Diego's Links and a Snack Attack

2008-04-14T13:28:00.003-04:00

We're going to give yinz the rare double dipper today of a links section compiled by Diego himself and a verbal beatdown compliments of Snack. Also, this week's kind of a light one for Snack at the butcher shop, so it should be a busy week for us here at PNA...

And we got a new top 10 that'll either be posted today or Wednesday...so keep your eyes peeled...

Diego's Links -

After returning from an out of town trip I was shocked to find out that the Buccos actually swept the series against the Reds. (This is not a late April fools joke) Only April and already we’ve swept a series?? Lets go Bucs and John Russell for mayor!

Here's an article about possible Steelers first round selection, Boston College offensive tackle, Gosder Cherilus. If that isn’t an offensive lineman name, then I dunno what is.

The Bleacher Report believes the Penguins are the team to beat this year in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, PNA agrees.

There is no doubt the Pens' defense is a lot tougher this year then last. One of the main reason’s for that was the the addition of youngin’ Kris Letang to the Pens roster.

Former Pittsburgher and QB legend Dan Marino will speak at the Pitt commencement on April 27th.

Top 10 most miserable sports cities

Snack Attack -

Well first things first; the Pens looked great from our view up in section E32 of the Igloo. And other then me falling all over the poor bastards in the row below us and my piss poor attempts to hit on Diego's girlfriend's roomie (Diego, I , his gf and her roomie all sat together and, consequently, got hammered together beforehand), it was one helluva experience.

Hopefully we get some of the pics we took beforehand so we can show yinz - you won't be dissappointed in them, trust me...

Now onto tonite...

I think this is the game we COULD, and I mean COULD lose. I have complete faith in our boys, but let's face it, if those Canadian jagoffs are gonna make a stand tonight would have to be the night. But it's not gonna be easy for them, unless we make it so, which is something I really hope doesn't happen.

We got a little lazy once we got our 3-0 lead in game two, but I personally think it'll motivate us to not take any plays off at all tonight. But we'll see, it'll be a hard-fought game no matter what, and hopefully we can put a stranglehold on this matchup and end it in four...

As for the rest of the sporting world, I have one question - who the hell is Trevor Immelman and why is he winning the Masters? I was under the impression that this was Tiger's year to win everything, or maybe that chubby bastard (and Big Snack favorite) Phil Mickelson would upend him, but certainly not some South African I've never heard of...

And PS - what is it with South African's being so damn good at golf? Ernie Els, Goosen and now this guy. Do they even have a PGA Tour over there (or the equivalent)? I know Gary Player started the whole trend of South Africans being good at golf, but these three are taking it to a new level.

Next up is the Buccos...6-6 really isn't as bad as I thought we'd be, especially with no Jack Wilson, LaRoche playing like crap and Freddy playing sparingly. Gorzo finally pitched well, Snell has looked good all year and what can be said about Nate McLouth that hasn't already been said abotu topless ladies serving you beer in a tropical paradise - he's fantastic!

McLouth and Nady have been carrying us all year, along with Doumit and Brian Bixler...psyche, Bixler sucks, and has already cost us a win, so either we need to trade and get Brent Lillibridge back from Atlanta (peace out Duffman) or Jumpin' Jack needs to return ASAP.

Alrighty, hope you enjoyed my rant and Diego's links...Look for us during the first period down at lovely Crystal's in the strip, where our boy the Swineburna will be bartending. Who knows, maybe we'll even stay for two periods - all I know is with this lovely new Comcast HD Cable at my crib, I will definitely be watchin some of it here...

Until lata, GO PENS!!!

Last night...

2008-04-12T21:03:00.002-04:00

So last night's game was absolutely amazing, with our boys in black and gold winning 5-3 on the strength of Ryan Malone's power play goal with 1:02 remaining.

(Pic from postgazette.com)

Crosby is one happy camper right about now...

We'll be posting a more detailed account tomorrow night - Diego's at a wedding in Crappannatti (you may know it as Cinci), and I figured we'd both write somethin' about it.

Until lata...

PS - I wanna thank Diego's ladyfriend MZP for hookin us up with the tix; I had an f-ing blast with you and your roomie. Now make sure you get on tickets for round two...

Whaddup?

2008-04-10T18:43:00.002-04:00

Hey guys, sorry it's been so long - your boys Snack and Diego have been workin' hard trying to make that cheddar so we can enjoy tomorrow evening's game in style. That's right, look for us in Section E something with some fine lookin' ladies and a smile on our faces as our boys in black and gold face those cowardly Senators.

We'll have an update on Saturday lettin' yinz know how it works out...

For those of you who live in a cave, our boys looked PHENOMINAL last night; they completely outscored, outhustled, and out-cheapshotted the Sens in a 4-0 game 1 victory.

And our man, Gary "I'll Eat Your Children" Roberts showed why he, not Big Georges, is the most feared player this playoff season. Not only did he score two goals in only his second game back, but he completely dominated those poor Canadian bastards. Look for the fear in the Sens' eyes in game 2.

And finally, gotta give some props to Whitney for beating the crap outta some jagoff who was dumb enough to mess with Crosby. We gotta be toughguys in the playoffs, and even this usually mild-mannered was kickin' a lil ass...

Well played sir.

Until lata...

PS - If you listened to WDVE this morning, they were making those funny statements about Chuck Norris into Gary Roberts phrases....hmmmmmmmm that sounds familiar...

A few things...

2008-04-07T19:22:00.004-04:00

First off, thanks to all the people who have been jumping over here from Mondesi's House to read our top 10's. We appreciate yinz reading, and we also love your hate mail/comments...Keep em' comin boys and girls...

Secondly, and unfortunately, our Buccos rallied from a 7-0 beating only to lose our home opener today in the 12th, 10-8. I, of course, didn't get to watch the game as I was out workin' for the man, but from our sources at PNC (our drunken friends), Gorzo looked like crap (except when he struck out Fukudome...USA bitches), our relievers did OK again (until the 12th), and Bixler crapped his pants...

Apparently Bautista tried an uncalled squeeze playin the ninth, which is encouraged if the third baseman plays deep or if there's another opening, and Bixler froze. It's one of those plays that an everyday major-leaguer would have made, but because of Bixler's inexperience (or lack of an f-ing brain), he didn't break, and we didn't score, and we lost.

Jagoff of the Day = Brian Bixler...It's not too often I throw a rookie under the bus like that, but that was a play we even had in Pony and Colt Leagues. It's embarassing really, and I hope good ole Johnny Russell kicks his ass into shape real quick or send him back down to Trent Jewitt in AAA.

(Pic from pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com)

Jagoff of the Day

And finally, some good news - your Pittsburgh Pens get to face the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the NHL playoffs starting Wednesday. Look in the stands for your boys Diego and Snack (with 2 lovely ladies I might add) at Game 2 on Friday - we'll be the drunk ones tackling some damn Canadian down a flight of stairs in Section E. Snack's the big one, Diego's the goofy lookin' one; we'll be hard to miss...

Until lata...

Top 10 #1 Seeds to win the NCAA Tournament

2008-04-04T16:09:00.003-04:00

It is not only uncommon, but it is unheard of for all four number 1 seed’s to make it the to the final four in the NCAA Tournament. This year a record was set as Memphis, UCLA, UNC, and Kansas all marched through the first four games to make it to San Antonio. We are set up for some top-notch heavyweight battles this Saturday.

Since we’ve been slacking a little over here at PN@ Diego and Snack decided to put up a special bonus edition top ten based on the NCAA tournament. Since it is destine to be a number one seed winning it all this year, we bring you… the Top 10 Number 1 Seed’s to Win the NCAA Tournament.

10. 2000 Michigan State Spartans-

I don’t know what it is about Tom Izzo, but the man knows how to coach hoops, especially during the NCAA tournament. 2000’s final four featured a couple surprise teams in eighth ranked Wisconsin and North Carolina. However, MSU faced Florida in the championship, beating them 89-76. The Spartans were led by point guard Mateen Cleaves (18 points and 4 assists) who played on a sprained ankle but still had an outstanding game, and AJ Granger (19 points). Both of which were on the all tourney team. Michigan State also featured future NBA players Mo Peterson and Jason Richardson.

9. 1999 U-Conn Huskies-

After an impressive run through Georgetown and Notre Dame, the U-Conn Huskies won the Big East tournament and advanced on to the Big Dance as a #1 seed. This team had a chip on their shoulder and was eager to solidify their reputation as one of the big dogs in college b-ball, since at the time the Big East was softer then twinkie filling. Having players such as Rip Hamilton, Khalid El-Amin, and Caron Butler made this task a little easier, but facing a Duke team with a 32 game win streak in the title game, did not. With perseverance and a good game plan by long overdue head coach Jim Calhoun (he won his first National Title after 27 years of coaching) the Huskies were able to control the tempo of the game and defeat the Blue Devils 77-74.

8. 1994 Arkansas Razorbacks-

Besides the fact that this one quality NCAA basketball team, there are two other reasons that I included them on the list… One is the nickname of their superstar player Corliss “Big Nasty” Williamson (one of the greatest nicknames EVER) and also the moniker given to their style of play, it was known as “40 Minutes of Hell”. This was because the crimson and white caused nightmares for opposing teams, and if you don’t believe me then just ask Duke star Grant Hill who was held to only 12 points in the title game.

This team beat you with its depth; its second unit was almost as good as the first. They played in your face defense and used full court pressure all game long to disrupt the other team. Despite having a lack of superstars (other then Big Nasty) Arkansas almost won back-to-back titles in 94 & 95.

7. 1995 UCLA Bruins-

UCLA has a legacy in college basketball and has won a record 11 National Championships since 1964. 1995 was their most recent title as they ruined Arkansas’ chance at winning back-to-back championships. This team lacked the depth that was displayed by Arkansas, but still managed to win the contest mostly due to O’Bannon brothers. Outstanding tournament player, Ed Obannon, had 30 points 17 rebounds and Charles added 11 points and 9 rebounds. This team may have been less flashy then other teams on this list, but they were still impressive nonetheless.

6. 1984 Georgetown Hoyas-

Big time teams are led by big time players, and the 1984 Georgetown Hoyas had one of the most talented big men to ever play college basketball, Patrick Ewing. Ewing was an imposing force that controlled the paint on both ends of the court; the Hoyas reached the NCAA finals 3 times with Ewing on the team (losing twice by a total of 3 points). Coached by John Thompson, this G-Town team was one of the scariest of all time, with a dominant steel-trap defense with Ewing at the helm. These were the glory days of the Big East, and Georgetown was the leader of the pack. This was also the year that the tourney field expanded from 48 to 64, and the Hoyas won it all 84-75 over Houston.

5. 2005 North Carolina Tar Heels-

North Carolina is another school with a deeply rooted basketball tradition. This was one of the most impressive starting lineups of any NCAA team ever (Marvin Williams, Sean May, Raymond Felton, and Rashad McCants were all 1st round draft picks the following year). Their fast paced style of play led to many blow out victories. Sean May dominated the championship game against the smaller Illinois team, who had no answer for the NC big man. May’s 21st birthday was the same day as the game and he celebrated in the best was possible by scoring 26 points on 10-11 shots with 12 rebounds, an outstanding player of the tournament award, and of course a National Title.

4. 2007 Florida Gators-

The first of two teams on the list that won back-to-back titles. The Gators dominated college sports in 06 & 07 winning both the football and basketball Championships, beating Ohio State in both. After winning in 2006 all 5 starters (Joakim Noah, Corey Brewer, Lee Humphrey, Al Horford, and Tauren Green) all got together and decided to give it another run for their money, it was a good decision on their part. All the previously mentioned players were NBA draft choices, and only one was picked outside the first round (Green). This team, coached by Billy Donovan, was an unstoppable force. It may be a long, long time before we see another team win it all back-to-back.

3. 1992 Duke Blue Devils-

Duke is right up there with the New England Patriots and the New York Yankee’s as one of the most hated sports teams in the USA. Regardless of your opinion on Duke, this 1992 team deserves props for it’s stellar season. This Mike Krzyzewski led team had one of the most potent offenses in NCAA tournament history with players like Bobby Hurley, Grant Hill, Cherokee Parks and Christian Laettner (the famous buzzer beating turnaround jumper occurred in the final four game against Arizona).

Also, their D was nothing to sneeze at either. A 71-51 victory over the Fab 5 of Michigan proved this teams greatness, as they won their 2nd consecutive title. The main reason I ranked them higher then the aforementioned Florida team is because back in 1992 people actually stayed all 4 years in college, so the competition was tougher then it is today.

2. 1990 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels-

Also known as “Tumbleweed Tech” cause of its obscure location, UNLV plays in the Mountain West Conference. This team was one of the most dominant, unselfish, hardworking, and tough in college basketball history. They proved this by consistently beating teams by double digits (24 times in the 1990 season). They are also credited with the most lop-sided championship game victory, 103-73 over Duke. The stars of this team were Anderson Hunt (most outstanding player of Final Four), Greg Anthony, Stacey Augmon, and Larry Johnson. The team coached by Jerry Tarkanian was often described as men playing with boys. In my professional opinion, this Runnin’ Rebel team could kick the crap out of all four final four teams this year.

1. 1982 North Carolina Tar Heels-

The year 1982 marked the beginning of the dynasty of a man named Michael “Air” Jordan (easily the most famous and recognizable basketball player in the world), and this game marked his coming out party. Granted there were only 48 teams in the tournament this year I still felt the need to include this team on the list. Legend Dean Smith was coach, and their star player was “Big Game” James Worthy. UNC battled its way to the title game against Big East powerhouse, Georgetown, a daunting and admirable opponent.

James Worthy scored 28 points in the game, but was overshadowed by the young Jordan. MJ’s role started out slowly in the beginning of his freshman year, but by the big game he had established himself as both a playmaker and clutch scorer. The jumper that won the game for the Tar Heels, 63-62, catapulted the young Jordan to nation wide fame and recognition. Once Jordan got his foot in the door he never left the media spotlight and is still prevalent today in his many ad’s (Hanes) and products (his Air Jordan shoe and clothing line).

BONUS LINKS

100 greatest college basketball players of all time

10 Greatest 3-pointers in NCAA tournament history

10 Ugliest uniforms in college basketball

10 Coolest uniforms in college basketball

Until lata...

Link's N'at

2008-04-03T15:32:00.003-04:00

The Pens game last night was pretty sweet; blood, sweat, sucker punches, cheap shots, 2 goals by Sid the kid, a win, and an Atlantic Division Championship.

(Pic from pittsburghlive.com)

How sweet it is...

The Pens have set a franchise record by selling out all 41 home games this season. Translation… good luck getting playoff tickets, unless of course you’re Diego and Snack (we got the hook up).

A Pens- Flyers playoff series would be freakin’ awesome because it is probably the most heated rivalry in the NHL, we hate them and they hate us. Too bad if we beat them on Sunday in Philly they may not even make it to the playoffs. In this article from a Philly newspaper Daniel Briere calls Jarrko Ruutu “one of the dirtiest players in hockey”.

The Buccos bullpen let up 7 runs in the 8th as we went down 10-2. There goes that undefeated season…

Even though we lost last night, cheer up Buc’s fans, here’s a list of 10 Positive Things about being a Pirate Fan.

In a story filed under the too little too late category; the NFL officials have once again apologized to our Steelers for screwing us over with another shitty call (or lack there of) in the playoffs. In related news, Seahawks fans are still waiting for a an apology from the refs for all the calls they were crying about after Super Bowl 40. (crybabies)

(Pic from webdelsol.com)

WE should have won the Super Bowl. WAAHHHHH!!!

I woke up to one of the stranger interviews I have seen in awhile between Chad “Ocho Stinko” Johnson and ESPN’s Brian Kenny. They shoulda changed the title of this segment to the awkward show, because it was plenty uncomfortable. Judge for yourself.

James Harrison had the charges against him dropped by his baby's mama...Apparently he's already done anger management and psychological counseling, which is impressive considering he's all finished with his "therapy" and the incident happened like 2 weeks ago...If I pimp handed one of my many lady friends, you can bet your sweet ass I'd still be rotting down at ACJ...

And finally, a lil more Cinci Criminals news - former WVU player Chris Henry was cut from the team (ala Cedrick Wilson) for allegedly hitting someone with a beer bottle or hanging some dogs or beating up his lady or something liek that...Hell, that crazy hoopie could be slangin crach rocks for all we know. But at least we don't gotta worry about him torchin the Steelers or his family staring down Big Snack at the 2006 Bengals - Steelers game...I won't get into it but let's just say the ushers were replaced by security...

Until lata...

Link's N'at

2008-04-02T11:44:00.003-04:00

Bleacher Report keeps it real with their “different kind of preview” on our 2008 Pirates.

And who knew the Pirates had a bullpen? Apparently they do, so here’s a preview of the 2008 Bucco bullpen (or lack there of).

Bob Nutting believes the Pirates have a “tremendous respected franchise” and also uses the phrase “culture of success” to describe them. This holds true as long as you have had amnesia for the last 15 years that is.

Looks like Nyjer “Monday” Morgan picked the wrong sport as a youngster. I’m sure he’d much rather be playing for the first place Penguins rather then our lovable losers, the Pittsburgh Pirates.

(Pic from mlb.com)

Nyjer please!

The Flyers face off against the Pens tonight at 7:30. Philly is looking to make the playoffs the return of RJ Umberger shouldn’t hurt their chances.

And our man, Old Balls Gary Roberts is eyeing a Sunday return from his broken leg/high ankle sprain...He's going to absolutely murder someone when he finally hits the ice - you know he's pissed that he's missed this run. Whoever we play better watch the hell out because they'll look like giant T-Bone steaks to that crazy old bastard.

Here is some Steelers 1st round draft pick speculation from Fanhouse.

As the off-season in football progresses, the Cardinals continue to make the case to change their team name to the Steelers-West.

(Pic from blogmedia.thenewstribune.com)

Fake ass Steelers...

Until lata...

Top 10 Pitt Basketball Players Ever

2008-04-02T09:15:00.003-04:00

We know the Buccos just won their opener (in true Pirate fashion I might add) and that the Pens are a point away from clinching the Atlantic...we know this. But since it's March Madness and our Pitt Panthers gave us alot to cheer for with their Big East Tourney Championship and Bobby Knight predicting them to win the National Title, we decided we'd pay an homage to them with our Top 10 Pitt Basketball Players Ever...

Keep in mind, however, that Diego and Snack are youngsters - so alot of these old guys on here were placed where they were based on the advice of our respective old men and old people at the bar...So feel free to add your comments tellin us which other old timers we may have missed simply by being 25 years old...

10. Eric Mobley- 6’11” Center, Bronx, NY (1990-1994), Mark Blount- 7’0” Center, Yonkers, NY (1995-1997), Aaron Gray 7’1” Center, Tarzana, California (2003-2007), and Chris Taft 6’10” Center, Brooklyn, NY (2003-2005)-

We lumped these players together because when you think of dominant big men that played at Pitt in recent history, (1990’s & 2000’s) their names come to mind. Not only that, but also all four of these big guy’s had a pretty high shooting percentage, and also made it to the NBA (at least for a little while in Taft’s case). Gray was arguably the most successful player out of this group, after struggling to start his Pitt career, he won most improved player in 2005-06 (also was first team Big East that year). He was also an All American the following season. Taft had the most potential out of all of the above players (he won Big East freshman of the year in 2003-04), but was often criticized for taking plays off and basically being a slacker. Taft opted to go to the NBA Draft in 2005 and his career was a failure only playing one season for the Golden State Warriors.

My ball punk...

9. Sean Miller- 6’1” Guard, Beaver Falls, PA (Blackhawk) (1987-1992)-

Sean Miller is a local guy who grew up in Beaver Falls and went to high school at Blackhawk, he was also was a 4 year starter for Pitt. Miller made an immediate impact for the Panthers earning Big East freshman of the year honors, and leading Pitt to a 24-7 record and the NCAA tournament. Miller’s achievements at Pitt include 3 NCAA births, an 80-48 record, 1282 career points, and a Big East championship. Pitt has had quality point guard’s for just about the last 20 years and Sean Miller was the one who started the run, with his amazing ball control. Miller has also enjoyed a successful career as a coach. He has coached Xavier for four years and has accumulated two 20-win seasons and won an A-10 tournament.

Miller could be Dixon's replacement if he pulls a Howland and heads west...

8. Ricardo Greer 6’5” Guard/Forward, New York, NY (1997-2001)-

Unfortunately for Ricardo Greer he kinda got the poop end of the stick. Meaning, he got to Pitt a little too early and missed out on playing for the quality Ben Howland led Pitt teams of the early 2000’s. Ricardo didn’t get a whole lot of help during his tenure at Pitt, but he still managed to score 1753 points, 6th most in Pitt history, which is impressive. Greer was top 10 at Pitt in assists with 373 (9th), rebounds with 888 (6th), and field goals made with 672 (6th). Not too shabby considering the he didn’t have all that much help on the court.

A face only a mother could love...

7. Julius Page 6’3” Guard, Buffalo, NY (2000-2004)-

Julius Page was one of the leaders of the most winning four-year class in Pitt history. From 2000 to 2004 Pitt and Page went an impressive 107-30 (a winning percentage of .781). Page also scored 1512 points in his career made it to three sweet 16 appearances. Page had awesome offensive prowess with the ability and quickness to beat players off the dribble and score. He also had exceptional leaping and dunking skill, and had the range to drain three pointers consistently. In 2003 Page won the Big East Tournament most outstanding player, leading Pitt to a championship over U-Conn, the crowning moment for this Pitt team. This was the last Big East tournament championship the Panthers had won, before this year's win over Georgetown.

The other JPizzy...

6. Carl Krauser- 6’0” Guard, Bronx, NY (2002-2006)-

Carl Krauser was a polarizing figure at Pitt, either you loved his “street ball” style play or you hated it. Either way, the point guard accomplished a lot. He definitely improved his play as he matured, as his 2003-04 most improved player in the Big East award proved. Krauser also was an all American that year as well. Carl Krauser was best known for his ball handling ability as well as his clutch shooting (and also his forearm crossing X celebration to pay respect to his home town and homeboy’s in the Bronx, NY). He was the only player in Pitt history to score 1500 points, have 500 rebounds, and 500 assists (1642, 526, 568). He currently is playing for the Pittsburgh Xplosion (where I am sure they appreciate the X celebration).

No, you can count, on me, waiting for you in the parking lot...

5. Jerome Lane- 6’6” Forward, Akron, Ohio (1985-1988)-

This man is responsible for the greatest and most replayed Pitt basketball highlight of all time, everyone who watches Pitt sports has to have seen this highlight at least a couple hundred times, easy. Of course I am referring to the highlight of Jerome Lane shattering the backboards with an earth shaking slam-dunk. (see below) Although Lane is probably most known for this dunk he also had a very successful career at Pitt winning two Big East championships and being named an All-American twice in 1986-87 and 1987-88. At only 6’6” Lane was a rebounding machine (much like current Panther Dejuan Blair) and actually led the nation in rebounding averaging 13.5 a game in 86-87. Jerome made it the NBA as a first round selection in 1988.

4. Brandin Knight-6’0” Guard, East Orange, NJ (1999-2003)- PN@ ranks Brandin Knight so high on the list because we believe he was the catalyst which spring boarded Pitt hoops from mediocrity to NCAA powerhouse. Versatile point guard Brandin Knight played for Pitt during the same tenure in which Ben Howland turned the team around, from 1999 to 2003. Knight bought into Howland’s philosophy of tough psychical play, stout defense, and unselfish and controlled offense. Knight was an expert at controlling the tempo of games by slowing everything down in order to execute and take teams out of their game plan. He excelled when the pressure was on, and he gave 100% effort, hustling on every play. He won many awards during his stay at Pitt; including Co-Big East player of the year, most improved player, and All-American in the 2001-02 season. Brandin Knight was one of the smartest basketball players to ever take the court for Pitt, and he is now utilizing his hoops IQ as director of basketball operations for Pitt.

Everyday I'm hustlin'...

3. Billy Knight- 6’7” Forward, Braddock, PA (1971-1974)-

We showed love to players of the 1980’s, 90’s and 2000’s. Therefore its only logical we gotta give props to the best player to play for the Panther’s during the 1970’s, and that player is Billy Knight. Knight is a hometown guy hailing from Braddock, PA. In only 78 games for Pitt he managed to score a whopping 1731 points, that is an average of 22.2 points per game. Knight was a solid all around player breaking the 1000 point, 600 rebound, and 200 assist plateau for Pitt (1731, 938, and 206). Knight led Pitt to an imposing 22 game win streak in 1973-74, and also led the Panthers to their last elite 8 appearance also in 1974.

Smooth criminal...

2. Charley Hyatt- 6’0” Forward, Uniontown, PA. (1926-1930)-

We are throwing it way back for this one to the days of super duper short shorts, wild hair, and high socks. Hyatt led Pitt to not one but two national championships in 1928 & 1930 (hitting the game winner in 1930). Hyatt won so many honors and awards it’s hard to mention them all; he was a 3-time All American, a 2 time National scoring leader, National player of the year in 1930, led Pitt to a record of 60-7, and is a member of the Naismith basketball Hall of Fame (1959). It may have been a very long time ago, but Hyatt was the caliber of player Pitt needed to win it all. If only this year’s team had a scorer like him we mighta made it to the 2nd weekend of the tourney.

1. Charles Smith-6’10” Center/Forward, Bridgeport, Conn (1985-1988)-

Charles Smith is responsible for revitalizing the Pitt program in the 1980’s and bringing the team into a national spotlight. He made Pitt a household name in the sport of basketball. Smith holds the Pitt record for scoring with 2,045 career points (in only 3 seasons) and also was named as number 8 of the 50 greatest Big East players of all time. Smith was the only Pitt player ever to be a member of the Olympic basketball team in 1988, he also was named Big East player of the year, and brought home a Big East title, that same year. Charles was honored as Big East freshman of the year and was a two time All American. Along with Jerome Lane he terrorized Big East teams, dominating the glass and paint (he had 987 rebounds). Smith also was the first Pitt player to become a 1st round NBA draft pick, and he enjoyed a 10-year NBA career.

Numero Uno...

Honorable mention - Jerry “Ice” McCullough, Chevon Troutman, Jaron Brown, Clyde Vaughn, Sam Young and Vonteego Cummings

Until lata...

Big Snack's 2008 Bucco Preview

2008-03-31T15:11:00.004-04:00

It's opening day for our beloved Buccos, and your boy Snack is here to tell ya how it's gonna go for our boys this time around. They double stink this season, but we'll still root for them; what the hell, they're the Buccos, what else should we expect?

I'm going to break it down from my optimistic point of view - and it's still not particularly pretty...so enjoy, and feel free to tell me why I'm a jagoff or why I'm "the shiznit"...

Basically, this season breaks down to one word - expectations. Last year, our boys fell WAAAAYYYYY below their and our expectations. Since management did NOTHING to address this, it's all about these guys filling their potential. Especially the pitching staff.

Ian Snell and Tom Gorzo are both expected to continue their strong play from last season, and Zack Duke and Paul Maholm have looked impressive this spring. Hell, Matt Morris even had a nice outting in his last start before breaking camp. But as young and inexperienced as we are in the rotation, that's not the area of the pitching staff I'm the most worried about...

(Pic from mondesishouse.blogspot.com)

The 2008 Pirate's Pitching Staff...

The bullpen is my main area of concern. Capps, while not possessing overwhelming stuff, is a pretty effective closer, and I personally think Damaso Marte is about as good a setup man/lefty specialist as there is in the league. After that, it's mighty slim pickin's...

Grabow is pretty solid, although he's at the very least metro sexual looking (see pic above with Zach Duke), but he's the only other known entity on the team. Osoria, Yates, Dumatrait and Meek are all trying to break in or make their marks, and having so many questions with a young pitching rotation does not bode well for the Bucs. The starters are going to have to go into the seventh a lot of the time, or one or more of these guys need to step up - one way or the other, something's gotta give if the Pirates want to be successful this season.

As for the batters, I think the best way to put it is we're no Detroit Tigers, but we should be able to put the bat on the ball. Everyone seems to think McLouth is in for a good season, and Bay is bound to bounce back from the worst season of his career. Xavier Nady looked impressive last season, and if he stays healthy, can possibly hit 25-30 homers. And I think Adam LaRoche is going to have one helluva season. Since, unlike last year, no one will be counting on him to be a savior, there's no pressure, and as you could be by his much improved play at the end of the season, he plays better with no pressure.

Steady Freddie Sanchez can probably be expected to hit about 300 with around 10 jacks, and Jose Bautista could MAYBE hit 20 if the sun and stars align just right. Ronny Paulino will be looking to improve on his pathetic 2007, and Jumpin' Jack Wilson will prolly hit around .280 or .290...

The lineup is OK, and like I said, I think it can keep us competitive. Our bench players are also better then they have been in past years, with Morgan being able to pinch run, and Doug "I can't spell your last name - awitz" and Gomez are pretty good pinch hitters and will provide much needed fire and leadership. Doumit is our backup catcher/outfielder, and we all know about his bat and potential. If he stays healthy, he could be a very nice piece of the puzzle. Luis Rivas rounds out the bench and has some pop and has also been a pretty decent defensive replacement at second base...

(Pic from postgazette.com)

Flyin' Freddy Sanchez...

We also have some MLB-ready players in AAA, including power hitting outfielder/first basemen Steve Pearce, and lefty pitcher Sean Burnett, who will be called up as soon as ANYONE falters in the bullpen. Veteran Casey Fossum is also down there, and don't forget about Andrew McCutcheon, Neil Walker and Brian Bixler, who are all creeping their way into shape and may be September call-ups.

New manager John Russell and his staff have been recieving high reviews from the players for the way they ran spring training. I realize they all have to say that, but some of the local newspapers and talking heads have said they notice a difference. And judging by the way some of the regulars have played this spring, I think they've been a good addition - so far. Obviously, it all comes down to how they do starting tonite and lasting 162 more games...

Until lata...

Pens win, Ruutu for President

2008-03-28T09:10:00.003-04:00

The Pens won last night against the hated (and horrible) Islanders, 3-1. Ruutu netted three points, on a goal and two assists, which was his highest offensive output ever in a single game.

Everyone was psyched to see Crosby and Hossa play together, but Hossa kept getting knocked out of the game, with the final blow to him being a cheap shot from behind in the beginning of the third, which sent him off the ice for the final time. He also got sent off by a low hipcheck which took out his already ailing right knee, but he returned. No timetable has been released for him yet, and neither has an injury - let's hope this is just playoff manuvering (like the Steelers do when the flat out lie on the injury report), and not us covering up something serious.

Crosby and Hossa were both shut out of the scoring.

There was also the addition of the new look power play, which had Sid the Kid running the point with Gonchar, and Malkin, Hossa and Malone. The potential from this PP is ridiculous - three of the best scorers in the league, with one of, if not the highest scoring defensmen and a power forward on the cusp of 30 goals is perhaps the most talent EVER assembled on a line.

There will be more on this subject to come as Diego thinks the old PP of Malone, Malkin, Sykora, Gonchar and Whitney is better. I told him to lay off the crack rocks but apparently he didn't listen, so look for our conflicting views to be rather evident throughout the rest of the season and playoffs...

But back to Ruutu; Georges Laraque and him were absolutely handling business last night. On Geno Malkin's opener, Big Georges leveled some poor bastard in front of the net, allowing Geno's shot to squeek past. Rutuu then scored the second goal on a wrap around, where he flew up the boards and swooped behind the net so quickly that he beat not only the goalie but all the defenders as well to the net. And finally, Ruutu set up the final goal by shuffling a sweet saucer pass to Big Georges, who then flipped it in and did his patented "jump into the glass move" that he makes when he scores. The crazy SOB almost squashed some poor Isle against the glass during his celebration.

So congrats to Big Georges and Ruutu - keep it up men, we need ya to play like this in the playoffs.

In their honor, I'm going to post a couple of clips of what these two gentlemen are more known for...

Enjoy!

See Yinz in da Playoffs!

2008-03-26T17:54:00.002-04:00

With a win over division rivals, New Jersey Devil’s, the Penguins clinched their second straight playoff appearance last night. Not one of the most exciting games of the year, but the bottom line is the Pens got the job done. With the win the Penguins also climb to the top of the Atlantic division with 95 points, that is 4 points ahead of the 2nd place Devils (91). It is only one point behind the Eastern conference leaders Montreal Canadians (96).

The Penguins were led last night by flower power, as Marc Andre Fleury stopped 31 shots to record his 4th shut out of his injury shortened season. The Flower looked sharp, especially one day after Ty Conklin looked shaky giving up 4 goals to the Islanders. Fleury looks ready for the playoffs, but we have seen flashes of brilliance from him before followed by mediocrity.

Malone got his career high 27th goal of the year last night and Marian Hossa added an empty net goal at the end to give the Pens a 2-0 win. Next up for the Pen’s is the Islanders at home Thursday night. Look for Sid the Kid to possibly make his return to the lineup in this game.

The Flower looks playoff ready...

A couple links

Dejuan Blair is is crying about the officiating in Pitt’s Saturday night loss to Michigan St. (He better get used to the refs calling the games tighter in the NCAA tourney cuz it happens every year).

We had a Booger McFarland and Greg Warren link all ready to go, but apparently we didn't sign Booger (and no one cares), so there goes that. We did sign Warren though (and no one cares)

The Pirates have one of their few pitching prospects for second-rate Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever Tyler Yates. Bucco’s also released pitcher’s Jaret Wright and Byung-Hyun Kim.

And finally, we had another link about the Red Sox winning the baseball opener in Japan yesterday over the A's, but since the A's won today (thus meaning they traveled thousands of miles to go 1-1), I figured it wasn't even worth a link. Screw the American League - if it ain't the Buccos, I don't care.

Well, at least until we're 20 games under .500, then I'll prolly get back on my Red Sox bandwagon I've been on since I was 10. But for now, we'll leave it as simple as this - the city of Boston sucks and I hope Gillette Stadium burns to the ground with Belicheck inside...

Until lata...

Pens Suck...

2008-03-25T08:57:00.003-04:00

What can be said about last night's game that hasn't already been said about Afghanistan? We looked bombed out and depleted as we fell to the hapless New York Islanders 4-1.

We looked like dog crap overall, and Ty Conklin reminded me of a younger Flower, letting in softies and not playing the puck well at all. Hell, he didn't even see one of the shots at all - his head was turned to the other corner when he got one lined right over his shoulder.

Luckily for the Pens, they don't have much time to ponder this beatdown, as they return to action tonite against the Devils, and have a home rematch with the Isles on Thursday night. The rest of their games are against Atlantic Division teams, so while we may only need 2 points to get in the playoffs, it could be a tough day come seeding time if we don't pick it up a notch. Where's the 7 goal outburst when we need it?

In other news, the Buccos sent five players down this morning, including Jonah Bayliss, Casey Fossum and Elmer Dessens. They also added Luis Rivas to the 25 man roster, all but assuring him a spot on the club.

The Pirates break camp next week, and as soon as the final team is announced, look for PNA to write a preview of our upcoming season. I mean honestly, we can't lose 16 years in a row, can we?

Until lata...

Updated Mock Draft

2008-03-21T19:44:00.005-04:00

Once again, thanks to our boy JG for his updated mock draft...hopefully we get another one or two before draft day, but if not, Diego and Snack will handle all of your draft needs...

1 Dolphins - Chris Long DE Virginia

The best they have at QB right now is Josh McCown, so Matt Ryan has to be running through Parcells’ mind. But unless he believes Ryan will be mentioned in the same sentence as at least Brees or Palmer, then he should shy away from choosing the Boston College standout.

2 Rams - Jake Long OT Michigan

If Miami does take Matt Ryan, then Chris Long should go to St. Louis, but they need an offensive lineman and Jake Long is the ideal candidate for the job.

3 Falcons - Matt Ryan QB Boston Coll.

If he doesn’t go to the Dolphins, the Falcons should take Ryan. They’ll probably look to Glenn Dorsey the quarterback has already been selected.

4 Raiders - Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

Oakland needs to improve in many areas, and though running back is one of them, they should probably focus on the defensive and offensive lines. Glenn Dorsey could make a major impact for the Raiders, but after they signed DT Tommy Kelly to a huge deal, it‘s hard to believe they would invest this much more money in another defensive tackle.

5 Chiefs - Glenn Dorsey DT LSU

Kansas City may have a tough decision to make. Will they overpay for Boise State’s Ryan Clady? Will they trade down? Or will they take the best player available?

6 Jets - Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State

If I had to guess, the Jets are probably hoping the Raiders fill a pressing need, rather than taking McFadden. Who better to lead they way for the rookie than newly acquired FB Tony Richardson. Ask Vikings’ RB Adrian Peterson. A line that includes Alan Faneca, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, and Damien Woody would help get McFadden to the second level quite often.

7 Patriots - Leodis McKelvin CB Troy

The Patriots have Vernon Gholston in their sights, but Leodis McKelvin would be a nice fill-in for Asante Samuel.

8 Ravens - Aqib Talib CB Kansas

With their top two cornerbacks on last year’s injured reserve list, Baltimore will look to add a little depth in their secondary. But if they don’t like their available options, they are in a perfect position to take Sedrick Ellis away from Cincy.

9 Bengals - Sedrick Ellis DT USC

The Bengals are filling many of their needs in free agency, but are having a little bit of trouble finding a defensive tackle. They would like to see Ellis on the board, but there is a chance he could already be gone. OT Ryan Clady is a possibility if the top defensive lineman have already been chosen.

10 Saints - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tenn. St.

They could use an OLB like Keith Rivers, but Rodgers-Cromartie is the hottest name in the draft right now, and where better for him to play than New Orleans. With the addition of Jonathan Vilma and Dan Morgan, the defense is slowly catching up to their explosive offense. Just think what Rodgers-Cromartie could bring to the table.

11 Bills - Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma

It’s no secret that Buffalo wants a tall receiver and Texas WR Limas Sweed caught their attention, but Kelly is considered the top receiver in the draft and has the size they are looking for. He is probably a safer choice at pick 11.

12 Broncos - Ryan Clady OT Boise St

Clady may not drop this far, but Denver will even settle with Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams or Pitt OT Jeff Otah.

13 Panthers - Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt

If Clady, Williams, and Otah are already taken, they would most likely make a decision between one of the remaining first-round defensive ends (Harvey, Merling, Campbell).

14 Bears - Limas Sweed WR Texas

Even though they recently signed WR Brandon Lloyd, Chicago can’t pass up the chance to get a solid deep threat. This is a little high in the draft for Sweed, but with his height, the Bears should take a chance on him. Lovie Smith Looks to be satisfied with Cedric Benson, but if not, Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall could take his place.

15 Lions - Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh

They Lions are looking for an offensive tackle or a cornerback. They can’t go wrong with the Otah as he’s sure to be a premier lineman in the NFL. Kansas CB Aqib Talib could wind up in Detroit if he’s not chosen in the top ten.

16 Cardinals - Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois

Mendenhall and Edge together could tire defenses out, but they will have to consider taking a corner with their first pick. Mike Jenkins and Rodgers- Cromartie are possible options. If they happen to lose Fitzgerald, they’ll have to look at receivers as well.

17 Vikings - Phillip Merling DE Clemson

Minnesota needs to find a solid defensive end and should have plenty of options still available, including Florida‘s Derrick Harvey and Miami‘s Calais Campbell.

18 Texans - Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon

The Texans could use a guy like this to carry the load, but he may already be taken. Alternate possibilities include S Kenny Phillips, or any of the top cornerbacks still available.

19 Eagles - Derrick Harvey DE Florida

McNabb needs more production out of his receivers, but the Eagles may try to find one in free-agency, or in a later round of the draft. They have more pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball anyways. Phillip Merling and Calais Campbell are other options that may still be available for the Eagles.

20 Buccaneers - Mike Jenkins CB South Florida

Tampa needs to add some youth to their receiving corps, but there may already be a handful taken. If this is the case, they should look to build on their defense, whether it is cornerback, defensive-end, or even a d-tackle.

21 Redskins - DeSean Jackson WR Cal

As much as they have invested in wide-receivers over the past few years, Washington will most likely end up using their first pick on another one. If this isn’t the case, look for them to choose a defensive-end instead, such as Calais Campbell or Derrick Harvey.

22 Cowboys - Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech

The Cowboys are in need of a corner and it very well could be Flowers. Reggie Smith should be another option still available at this point, but anyone of the previously mentioned corners could wind up falling into the Cowboys‘ hands. If Stewart and/or Mendenhall are still not chosen, Dallas may take a corner with their next choice.

23 Steelers - Branden Albert OG Virginia

If the Steelers do decide to go with the best available player, as Tomlin has said, then they might stumble upon some serious talent. To keep it within a realm of possibility, I am eliminating their chances of drafting Jonathan Stewart or Rashard Mendenhall. Willie Parker is more than capable of being the starter, and newly acquired Mewelde Moore should be a solid 3rd down back, so it is highly improbable that they would use their first pick on a running-back.

If Pitt OT Jeff Otah is still available they will probably draft him, but his stock is rising into a top-two, or three, lineman status. The Steelers have shown interest in Otah, and he could definitely help their offensive-line problems.

WR Limas Sweed has a great chance of falling this far in the first-round, and could complete a great corps of receivers. He is 6’4” and has the build to be a #1 receiver in the NFL. A 6’5” James Hardy would be a nice choice as well. Pittsburgh is in need of a WR, and if they are really excited about someone still available, they won’t hesitate to give him a Steelers uniform.

CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is the most talked about player in this years draft, and it‘s well deserving. If he is still on the board, the Steelers will take him. They have to--it’s as simple as that. They could still get a solid lineman in a later round, such as Kansas OT Anthony Collins. Rodgers-Cromartie is going to be a great corner in the NFL, and Deshea Townsend is past his prime. The only problem is that other teams are noticing his superior talent as well. CB Brandon Flowers and CB Mike Jenkins are other strong possibilities for Pittsburgh.

The Steelers will also have their sights set on this class of defensive-ends. It will most likely be a later pick, but if someone catches their eye, you never know. Phillip Merling, Calais Campbell, Derrick Harvey, and/or Quentin Groves may be available.

24 Titans - Mario Manningham WR Michigan

Even though Manningham had a bad workout at the combine, scouts know he is a playmaker, and that’s what Vince Young needs. Indiana WR James Hardy, LSU WR Early Doucet, or WR Devin Thomas are all late first-round possibilities, and Limas Sweed may still be around as well. If he is, he will surely be the choice. Once upon a time, Young and Sweed were teammates.

25 Seahawks - Kentwan Balmer DT N. Carolina

Balmer could go higher in the draft, and the Seahawks would like to take an OT, but with all the top names off the list, Balmer would be the best choice for Seattle.

26 Jaguars - Calais Campbell DE Miami

It looks as though Jacksonville‘s offense is in place, and now it‘s time to focus on adding depth to the defensive line. They could choose a DT instead, but either way, they should find a player they can immediately plug in their defense.

27 Chargers - Sam Baker OT USC

The Chargers will look to take the best available player, but would like to take a right tackle to clear holes for L.T. They also need to replace Drayton Florence in the secondary, but all the top cornerbacks may already be taken. There only option at that position may be Oklahoma’s Reggie Smith.

28 Cowboys - Felix Jones RB Arkansas

If they choose a running-back with the 22nd pick, the Cowboys would definitely use their 2nd first-round choice on a CB, but they’ll probably focus on that need first. There will be many good running-backs for the Cowboys to choose from. McFadden’s college backup will work well in the Dallas offense.

29 49ers - James Hardy WR Indiana

Even though they signed I. Bruce, they are still in need of a receiver. There are many with exceptional talent and San Francisco should be able to find Alex Smith’s go-to-guy.

30 Packers - Fred Davis TE USC

The Packers would like to see Rodgers-Cromartie fall this far, but may settle for the best remaining CB, and it could be any one of them. If most are taken, TE Fred Davis or TE Dustin Keller could really help Aaron Rodgers in his first year as the starter. They may even choose an OT to protect him.

31 Giants - Keith Rivers OLB USC

He may go as high as tenth, but not many teams are focusing on linebackers as their top priority this year. ILB Dan Conner could be another choice for the Giants.

Other First-Round Possibilities - Brian Brohm QB Louisville, Early Doucet WR LSU, Devin Thomas WR Mich. St, Dustin Keller TE Purdue, Chilo Rachal OG USC, Gosder Cherilus OT Boston Coll., Jerod Mayo OLB Tennessee. Reggie Smith CB Oklahoma, Kenny Phillips S Miami, Quentin Groves DE Auburn, Trevor Laws DT ND, Dan Connor ILB Penn State.

Other Notable Players - Colt Brennan QB Hawaii, Ray Rice RB Rutgers, Jamaal Charles RB Texas, Chris Johnson RB East Carolina, Owen Schmitt FB WVU, Peyton Hillis FB Arkansas, Jacob Hester FB LSU, Andre Caldwell WR Florida, Eddie Royal WR Virginia Tech, Lavelle Hawkins WR California, Donnie Avery WR/KR Houston, Dexter Jackson WR/KR Appalachian State, John Carlson TE ND, Carl Nicks OT Nebraska, Anthony Collins OT Kansas, Roy Schuening OG Oregon St., Mike Pollak OC Arizona St., Steven Justice OC Wake Forest, Cody Wallace OC Texas A&M, Curtis Lofton ILB Oklahoma, Ali Highsmith OLB LSU, Xavier Adibi OLB Virginia Tech, Erin Henderson OLB Maryland, Wesley Woodyard Jr OLB Kentucky, Tracy Porter CB Indiana, Antoine Cason CB Arizona, Dejuan Morgan S NC St., Lawrence Jackson DE USC, Pat Sims DT Auburn.

PS - This is our 200th post...thanks to everyone for reading, and we'll catch ya'll tomorrow...

Diego's View

2008-03-21T19:35:00.003-04:00

Fancy Footwork

The Pens were back in action last night at the Mellon Arena in front of yet another sellout crowd. They didn’t disappoint the fans in a high paced, high scoring effort against the basement dwellers of the Eastern conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Diego scored some tickets and it was a star-studded event as Pittsburgh celeb Mayor Luke Ravenstahl was in the house (sitting behind Diego may I add) and so were Steelers sophomores Lawrence Timmons and Matt Spaeth (in front of Diego) all sitting in the West Igloo Club.

Diego, please introduce me to your scalper...

The action started out slow in the first period as the Penguins were playing sloppy, but still managed to get the lead on a goal by that crazy Fin Jarrko Ruutu (who happened to be the star of the game but I’ll get to that later). It was no pain no gain for Ruutu as he was slashed in the face, which was split open instantly and required 10-15 stitches before he could return to the game.

In the second Vinny Lecavalier tied up the game early on 1-1, but the tie wouldn’t last long. About 6 minutes or so later the Pens managed to control the puck in the Tampa zone and Geno Malkin buried a backhand rebound to give the Pens the lead 2-1. The best part about this goal was the crowd at the Igloo saw how hard the Pens were working and starting a enthusiastic “Let’s GO PENS!!” chant, seconds later we were rewarded by the Malkin goal and the place went nuts.

The final period was ALL Pen’s as the Staal scored a goal within the first minute. The Pen’s announcer was just getting to the assists on the previous goal when Sykora buried a wrist shot on a couple pretty passes from Geno and Bugsy Malone (two goals happened 16 seconds apart). The final score was 4-2, but Mike Smith robbed multiple Penguins on what seemed liked an unlimited amount of scoring chances in the third.

This was probably the most fun I had at a Pens game all year long, and the main reason for that is a man named Jarrko Ruutu. In the 3rd Rutuu’s stick was whacked out of his hand, but he managed to dribble the puck all the way down the ice at full speed, soccer style. He then made a beautiful heel kick pass, through a defender, right to Dupuis (I believe it was him) who missed the scoring chance. Ruutu was rewarded to a standing ovation and chants and screams of ROOOOO TOOOOO! He was the #1 star of the night in my book.

***NOTE FROM DIEGO***

With the win the Pens are now tied for the lead of the Atlantic division (with the New Jersey Devils) with 91 points.

With a goal and an assist last night, Geno Malkin pulled within three points of the scoring lead in the NHL with 99 total points. (Ovechekin has 102) Malkin would be the second Penguin in two years to break the 100-point mark. (Crosby did it last year with 120 points and in 05-06 with 102)

Foot-eye coordination

Keep on Dancing

Pitt is finally healthy, it may have taken all year, but they finally have a full roster for both practices and games. It showed yesterday in Denver as the Panthers destroyed Oral Roberts 82-63. Pitt has been in rare form lately taking the lead early on in games and holding onto it throughout. Earlier in the year Pitt would let teams back in the game late, but that hasn’t been the case lately.

Pitt has been getting solid production out of the starting five, and sixth man Gerald Brown, GB, has also provided a spark on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Fields has been amazing lately, and was an offensive machine last night scoring at will, putting up 23 points total, 16 in the first half. Freshman Blair gave Oral Roberts headaches all day long keeping them out of the paint with that huge frame of a body and also limited 2nd chance opportunities by grabbing 10 boards.

Pitt went on an 18-0 run early on and this one, and Oral Roberts never had a prayer of coming back. This game was so bad of an ass whooping that CBS actually switched over to the Marquette game instead. If Pitt keeps playing the way they are a long run in the tournament is possible. Next on the hit list are Michigan State and that twerp Drew Neitzel at 9:10 on Saturday night… LETS GO PITT!

*** NOTE FROM DIEGO ***

At first I was a little concerned that Lavence Fields decision to switch from his traditional cornrow hairstyle to longer braids would affect his play (and possibly jinx us). After dropping 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists in 32 minutes played I decided I was wrong and the braids are A ok in my book Lavence, good call!

He's one nappy haired...

Until lata...

Pitt Wins Again...

2008-03-20T18:50:00.002-04:00

Good start to the tourney for the Panthers, beating up on good ole Oral Roberts is a nice way to continue our postseason unbeaten streak...I didn't get to actually see the game, as I was stuck at work, but Diego did, and he assured me we looked good.

Look for more details from him tomorrow, and the Panthers will now face Michigan St. in the second round. I'm a little concerned about this game, but that's just because Tom Izzo has a way of winning games he's not supposed to. Guess we'll find out Saturday - I hope Pitt has a lil more magic up it's sleave...

As for our Pens, who suffered a horrible defeat to the Rangers Tuesday, they will be back in action in about 30 minutes against the Lightning. The Flower is in net, and we need to drop another 7 spot on these guys and get back in the flow of things...

And the PG is also reporting that Sidney will miss the next two games...Just a lil food for thought...

Until tomorrow, when I have the day off and can hopefully find five minutes to write something....

Link's N'at

2008-03-19T14:35:00.005-04:00

Being a closeted Michigan fan, I'm mega pissed about Pryor going to Ohio State - that being said, since he's not going to Pitt, I personally don't give a damn. Go Panthers!

With Levance Field healthy and playing his best ball of the season, does Pitt have what it takes to make another run in the NCAA tourney?

The Steelers re-signed two more o-lineman yesterday, as Trai Essex and Chris Kemoeatu inked one-year tenders. Is it just me or do the Steelers have a whole o-line filled with 2nd string lineman? Hope Big Ben stuffs some of that money from his contract under his pads to help ease the pain of getting sacked multiple times every game.

(Pic from nationalpost.pa-sportsticker.com)

Now he can afford a haircut...

Speaking of O-line, the Steelers made another move yesterday, signing free agent center Justin Hartwig to a two-year deal worth $4 mill. I think I speak for all of Pittsburgh when I say thank you for not making us watch another season of the Sean Mahan as center experiment.

The Steelers have been impressed by the workouts of Pittsburgh native Justin King. We know from high school that he looks good in the black and gold.

The Pens lost last night to the Rangers, and boy did they look like butt in the process. They need to get it together, and quick, or they could be looking up at the Eastern Conference instead of being on top. (Luckily, New Jersey lost last night and Montreal only gained one point, so as of now we are only one point outta first place in the East)

Until lata...

When it rains it pours...

2008-03-17T10:21:00.003-04:00

Well boys and girls, it was quite a weekend of sports here in the Burgh. Pitt won the Big East tourney on Saturday, and followed it up by being announced as a 4 seed in the NCAA tourney, matching up against Oral Roberts in Denver.

It's been a very impressive run for our Panthers - no one predicted they'd win the Big East Title, let alone be named a number 4 seed. Levance Fields has really stepped his game up, as has Biggs (I know I'm having trouble believing it too) and of course, the man, the myth, the piano-playing legend, Sam Young.

Young was the player of the tournament, absolutely shredding everyone that got in his way. Him and Levance are the main reasons we've been playing well, bringing that veteran intensity (at least Fields) that we need.

Super-frosh Dejuan Blair has played OK, but has been in foul trouble, much like he has been a lot of the season. When he's on the court, he's a hoss - but playing 9 minutes like he did in the semi-finals isn't gonna work in the Big Show.

And a little side note about Pitt that I thought yinz would be interested in - Bob "The General" Knight (and if you don't know who this is get off my site, now) predicted Pitt as the national champs last night on ESPN. He loves our mental toughness, which is something sweet coming from the man who is so tough he's thrown chairs and/or basketballs at referees, choked a player, and probably (not 100 percent sure) killed a man.

And what can be said about the Pens? They've been on a two game tear, scoring 14 goals over the span. They won 7-1 yesterday over the hated Flyers.

Geno Malkin scored twice, as did Petr Sykora, and we looked like the team everyone has expected us to be all year. Marian Hossa also got his first score as a Penguin, launching a nifty wrister from the slot into the bottom corner off of a great screen (can't remember who it was, but I wanna say Malone since it's always f-ing Malone).

Fluery played well in net, and the defense played perhaps their best game of the year. And my man, monster Hal "the Gill-a-tine" Gill, played a strong defensive game AND got to rub someone's face in the ice without getting a penalty called on him. I just keep thinking about the playoffs when Gill will be on the backline and Gary "I'll Eat your Children Come Playoff Time" Roberts will be on the frontline. If that doesn't strike fear into those stupid Canadians (not the team, the entire country), I don't know what will...

Until lata, and I promise that updated mock will be up soon - lil bro is in town till after Easter, so there's been lots of running around to do and the such. And I think Diego may have a MMH for yinz, but knowing my lazy ass, it'll be up tomorrow...

Sorry guys...

2008-03-14T16:52:00.003-04:00

Hey guys, real quick note from your boy Snack...

I wanna personally apologize for our lack of posts in the last few days. My grandmother has passed on, so I've been busy with that and work and such. And thanks in advance for all the condolences I've receieved/am going to recieve...you guys are the best readers in the biz, and my whole family appreciates it.

We'll be back up and running full time on Monday - so bear with us, and we'll have new content and a new top 10 list soon (not to mention an UPDATED mock draft!).

Catch ya'll on the flip side, and see you on Monday...

Snizzle

Link's N'at

2008-03-12T18:02:00.003-04:00

Looks the already shorthanded Penguins (Talbot, Sykora, Hossa, etc) will be hurting even worse tonight. Pens captain Sidney Crosby will miss tonight’s game against the Sabres with pain in his right ankle.

It is definitely a little premature to think about this considering he hasn’t even played a full game for us yet. However, Scott Taylor from the Canadian National Post is already asking, does Hossa have a future with the Pens?

Pitt looks for redemption tonight against Cincy at 7 PM (and throughout the Big East tournament for that matter) as they play at their home away from home, Madison Square Garden.

More Big East awards for Pitt hoops players. Sam Young has won most improved player, Dejuan Blair won rookie of the year, and Ronald Ramon won sportsmanship award.

Ex-baseball star Lenny Dykstra is a Wall Street tycoon worth about 150 million. How does that work? According to Dykstra himself, he doesn’t even like to read because it “hurts your eyes” and “makes you think too much”. Did Lenny go to Pgh public school?

Everyone is Irish on St Patty’s Day, except for Luke Ravenstahl that is. St Patty’s Day (parade is this Saturday) is one of the few times it actually pays off to live in Pittsburgh, and that little punk, Luke Ravenstahl,is trying to ruin that. It’s ok for him to go to country music concerts and party in publicly owned vehicles, or be drunk and disorderly at Steelers games, but when the rest of us wanna do it he tries to put a stop to it. You suck Luke, fun ruiner! I am pretty sure Bob O’Connor or Tom Murphy never woulda done this nonsense.

(Pic from blog.kreedphotography.com)

Hater of the Irish and Jagoff of the Week here at PNA...

Monday Morning Hangover...

2008-03-11T10:22:00.005-04:00

Note from Snack - Sorry it's a day late, Diego got it to me on time, my fat ass just fell asleep after work yesterday so I didn't get it posted. My bad. But enjoy, all the links are still relevant, and I think it'll be a nice lil addition to your Tuesday...

It is March again which means two things for Diego, March madness NCAA hoops and St Patty’s day drunken mayhem. Neither are quite here yet, but both are on the horizon. This weekend wrapped up the regular season of NCAA basketball, so that means that this week is conference tournament week. I also got a chance to see Pitt live this weekend so lets start the Hangover with some hoops talk.

Pitt gives the DePaul hoops team a chance to enjoy their spring break

Pitt finished its season yesterday with a 98-79 victory over Big East team DePaul, at home at the Pete on senior day. The loss for DePaul means they will not be making an appearance in this years Big East tourney at Madison Square Garden. This was the last home game for seniors Ron Ramon, Keith Benjamin, Mike Cook (out with injury), and Maurice Polen.

(Pic from post-gazette.com)

Introducing the newest members of the Pittsburgh XPlosion!!!

After losing three in a row, the Panthers have bounced back to win three of their last four games to end the season. It was mostly all offense on Sunday at the Peterson center, as Pitt managed to score 98 points (their 2nd highest point total all year) with six players kicking in to score double digits (all 5 starters plus Gilbert Brown). DePaul stayed in the game due to freshmen Dar Tucker who scored 23, and gave the Pitt defense trouble all game long.

The balance of the offense was key in the victory for Pitt, but their defense is still suspect. Allowing a team like DePaul to score almost 80 points is never a good sign. Still the Dixon led Panthers will be making the big dance for the 7th straight season, which is an impressive accomplishment. It is easy to complain about Pitt never making it past the sweet 16, but this basketball team stunk for so many years (in the 1990’s) it’s good to see that they have turned the program completely around.

-Levance Fields is feeling better, finally. Fields had his best game since injury, and arguably best game of the season yesterday. He had 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 11 points. Fields was looking very Jason Kidd like hustling, making plays on both ends, and leading the Pitt offense.

- Dejuan Blair is a monster. I know I have been saying this all year, but this kid has game. He snatches up every rebound near him, and just looks bigger and stronger then his opponents. He plays psychical and I like it. I’ll keep the NBA comparison’s going and say he’s got some Elton Brand game for sure.

- There are times when Sam Young is unstoppable out there. Young is a gifted scorer and playmaker, if he doesn’t take his talents to the NBA next year, Pitt may have a candidate for not only Big East player of the year, but player of the year period.

*** Pitt’s Sam Young has been voted to first team All-Big East team, while freshman Dejuan Blair received honorable mention (aka he got shafted).***

NCAA and Conference Tourney News

Pitt has Cincinnati in the first round of the Big East tournament Wednesday at 7 PM.

Robert Morris lost Mt. Saint Mary’s 83-65, killing their chances of a NCAA tournament bid.

Duquesne has a first round match with LaSalle also on Wednesday in the A-10

Penguins- Time to get down to it.

For once we are on point here at PN@ and have already posted a recap of yesterday’s Pen’s action, so here is just a few thoughts about the team…

-Fleury is the man. The Penguins higher up’s have shown that their allegiance lies with the Flower. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing wrong with this as he is our franchise goalie. On top of that, Fleury’s ego is more fragile then Conklin’s is so it's better to give him his PT (playing time) so it won’t mess with his head.

-There has been debate about what to do with the power play lines once Hossa returns from injury. I like the idea of splitting up Malking and Crosby, and giving each their own PP line. It seems Malkin plays with more confidence without Crosby by his side. Also, keeping the two separate will drive opposing coaches crazy, as they try to match up their top penalty kill units against each superstar’s line.

Goodbye Wire

In un-sports related news, the series finale of The Wire aired last night on HBO. The Wire is my favorite TV show of all time and after 5 seasons, it concluded in true Wire fashion, conveying the message that the more things changed, the more they stayed same. I won’t snitch as to what happened, but if you haven’t seen it already you need to get on demand and check it out ASAP. The Wire will be greatly missed here at PN@.

(Pic from hbo.com)

Is it Slim Charles' time to shine?

(Pic from hbo.com)

Or is Cheese in charge?

(Pic from flowtv.org)

Or is Marlo still the man?

Until lata...

Pens Win 4-2

2008-03-09T18:37:00.003-04:00

The Penguins battled against an eastern conference team. the Washington Capitals, early on Sunday. Before the game even started, when the TV cameras where panning the crowd, I saw almost the same amount of Penguins fans as I did Capital fans - it was as if the game was to be played at home in Pittsburgh. The first period ended scoreless and it was looking as this game was going to be won by fighting hard for the puck down deep in the corners.

The second period started out much like the first period ended. After a hard hitting beginning to the period the Capitals took the lead when Brooks Laich scored a power play goal. Not more than Ninety seconds later did Geno Malkin send a beautiful pass to Petr Sykora, who fanned on it but still scored to tie the game at one. Ten minutes later Geno had another great pass to Sid "the Kid" Crosby who scored with a low line wrist shot. It looked as if the Penguins would enter the locker room with a one goal lead, but they were penalty plagued and allowed the Caps' Alexander Semin to score another power play goal with only seconds left in the period.

(Pic from img.timeinc.net)

First goal since he returned...

At the beginning of the 3rd period both teams seem to have a little more jump in their skate, and both teams had great goal scoring chances in the gridlocked game. With less than thirty seconds left to go, it looked to me that both teams would get at least one point and the game would go to overtime. Sid the Kid threw the puck to the front of the net hoping that something would happen……. And something did! Trying to clear the puck the Capitals' Nick Backstom ended up putting it into the back of his own net, which gave the Penguins a one goal lead with seconds left. With an empty net Geno showed how unselfish he really was by taking another assist on the night and handing the game ending goal to J Staal.

PS - This was our boy Danny "Tteado" Hahn's recap of the game. Not too shabby, me thinks. So thanks buddy.

Until lata...

Quick Thanks...

2008-03-07T18:05:00.002-05:00

Hey guys, sorry about there not being a post today - I just worked a ten hour shift and Diego got swamped at his place of employment. I'm going to try and post something worth a damn tonite or tomorrow, depending on how it goes (got another 10 hour run tomorrow too, so I may just go get hammered afterwards, you just never know).

But on thing I wanted to make sure I mentioned was a big thank you goes to our boys over at the hailredskins.com 2008 Mock Draft Database, who posted our link and has made this crappy Friday into our biggest day ever at PNA. As of this post, we've already TRIPLED our highest traffic day ever! So thanks a ton.

While I'm at it, I should also thank my boy Don over at Mondesi's House, Pittsburgh's number 1 sports blog. He's really helped turn our site into something worthwhile - hell, without him, we'd only be known by the people we tell to look at our site at the bar. And writing for his site has turned us into Pittsburgh legends (in our own minds), and it impresses the ladies when Mondesi's House is dropped on the radio and we can say "yea, we write for that site." So we owe him a lot too.

And last, but certainly not least, Snack would like to thank Jake and Alex over at Bucco Blog for letting him (try) to drop some knowledge on the yinzers about his beloved Buccos. It's the hardest to write for (as they kinda suck), but definitely the most fulfilling. They're giving me a shot at "the bigtime" with them, and I really appreciate it. Who knows, with Snack on their side, maybe they'll break .500 this year...maybe.

I know, this isn't what you guys expected to be reading today, and I apologize. But seeing as this was a lazy Friday for us, and our biggest day in history, I felt the need to let yinz know who brought us here. So check out their sites, and enjoy the weekend.

PS - Let's hope the Pens don't crap themselves like they did last night again on Sunday. Good Lord did they stink the place up.

Until lata...

Pierogi's N'at

Big Snack

Go Bucs

Couple of Prospects...

Weekend Wind-Down

A Tale of Two Coaches....

Holy Crap They Won Again...

Bye Bye Whitney...

MOCK DRAFT!!!

Don't Call it a Comeback...

Penguins Update

Here We Go...

Quickie for yinz...

Go Steelers...

Mid Week Review

Pens and Steelers Talk

Pens N' Ends...

Ben, Among Others, Poops Their Pants

Why Hello There

Monday Mahem

Hi Everybody

Some stuff for ya

Diego's Burgh Randomness

Snack's Tuesday Thunder

Diego's Screw the All-Star Game Report

Free Agency

Monday Links

Buccos Suck, other stuff

Our Bad

Wednesday Links

Top 10 Best/Worst Sports Celebrations

Pens Trade Rumors and Snack's Analysis

A few things...

Links and such...

Nice little Sunday...

State of the Buccos

Do or Die...

Summer Concert Preview

So you're tellin' me there's a chance...

WOW

Weekend Pens Links

One Hall of a Night

Down but not out...

It's Almost Here...

Snack Attack -

***Breaking News***

Hockey Madness

Detroit Suck City...

Orange Crushed

Put the brooms away

Quickie for yinz...

Some Links for ya...

Top 10 Most Outrageous Statements Made on the Philadelphia Flyers Message Board

Pens Link O Rama

Snack Attack

Go home Rangers, Bring on Philly - Random Steeler sightings

Top 10 Reasons the NHL Playoffs Rock

Pens Win, The Playoff Beard Continues...

Monday Morning Hangover...

Snack Attack

Sean Avery is a WOMAN

NFL Draft LIVE BLOG!!!

Steelers' Schedule Breakdown

Jagr is a Tool

Quickie

Pens Sweep Sens; Go Home Canadians

Top 10 Mike Lange Sayings

Snack Attack

Diego's Links and a Snack Attack

Last night...

Whaddup?

A few things...

Top 10 #1 Seeds to win the NCAA Tournament

Link's N'at

Link's N'at

Top 10 Pitt Basketball Players Ever

Big Snack's 2008 Bucco Preview

Pens win, Ruutu for President

See Yinz in da Playoffs!

Pens Suck...

Breaking News