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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
