Big Snack

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Go Bucs

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...

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

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....

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...

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...

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!!!

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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...