About 20 minutes before each game at PNC Park, the scoreboard rolls the player introductions. During the Saturday Night Live themed entrances, it's no surprise that Andrew McCutchen receives the biggest pop from the fans. It's only fitting that the first player since Barry Bonds, who was showered with "MVP, MVP" chants last year, would be the fan favorite. There is, however, one player that comes close in rivaling McCutchen for the title of most popular Pirate. No, it isn't A.J. Burnett, ... Read More
Archives for May 2013
Travis Snider is hitting his stride
When Travis Snider was quickly making his way through the minor leagues, scouts raved about his raw power. One of the more known scouting reports said he was “dripping with power.” Yet, in the Major Leagues, he has yet to produce the long ball. But that might be starting to change. Snider was drafted out of high school by the Blue Jays. He hit double digit home runs in his first two minor league seasons. Then in 2008, he crushed 23 home runs between high A, AA, and AAA. This led to his major ... Read More
Steelers Have Successful 1st Day of OTA’s
The Pittsburgh Steelers started their off-season training program yesterday with the first day of OTAs or “organized team activities.” These team workouts are the first look at how the team is shaping up for 2013 and are just a stepping stone towards the start of the 2013 season. Training camp will be the best indication of where players are; especially young players and rookies, but these OTAs will give us some insight into what the team’s looking like moving forward. Here are some important ... Read More
Snider’s home run lifts Bucs over Cubs
Through five innings, Matt Garza was nearly perfect on the mound, and at the plate. Unfortunately, the relievers behind him, were not. A pinch-hit grand slam from Travis Snider off reliever Shawn Camp spoiled Matt Garza's 2013 debut as the Pirates won 5-4, Tuesday night. Garza had a no-hitter through 4 1/3 innings before Clint Barmes's one out single in the fifth inning and a two-rbi double in the second inning. The Cubs got out to a 1-0 lead on Darwin Barney's two out RBI. With runners ... Read More
Steelers Expecting Much Better Play from Offensive Line in 2013
The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line has been one of the biggest weak points on the team over the past few years. Injuries and inconsistent play have taken a toll not only on the line, but on the offense as a whole. Over the past three years the Steelers run game has continued to drop in production. That number could be targeted at the offensive line’s play over the past few years. Last season, the Steelers ranked 20th in the league in rushing attempts. That is their lowest league ranking ... Read More
It’s Vokoun’s Net to Lose
After Marc-Andre Fleury was pulled as the starting goaltender of the Pittsburgh Penguins against the New York Islandes, I was riding high on the Tomas Vokoun bandwagon. Ray Shero didn’t bring Vokoun in for two years at the price he did to be another Brent Johnson. Vokoun was brought to Pittsburgh in case Fleury faltered again in the playoffs. When Vokoun assisted in leading the Penguins to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, I was okay with sticking with him until he lost a ... Read More
Breaking Down the Zone Blocking Scheme
The 2013 offseason produced multiple coaching changes for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Special teams coach Danny Smith, wide receivers coach Richard Mann, and offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr joined the Black ‘n Gold. And with the hiring of Bicknell, rumblings of a switch from a power to zone blocking scheme. We’ll look at the Steelers vs Chiefs, Bicknell’s former team, from last year to see specifically what changes could occur. The zone blocking scheme, created by Howard Mudd, has two ... Read More
Pittsburgh Passion Sweep Season Series vs Columbus Comets
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Passion pull off their second win against the Columbus Comets this season on their journey to the playoffs. The Passion won 35 – 14 against the Comets tonight. Passion Quarterback, Lisa Horton, lead the offense again this week with 217 passing yards. Passion Wide Receivers, Rachel Wojdowski, had 101 receiving yards and 5 receptions with a touchdown, and Angela Baker with 5 receptions and 95 receiving yards also, with one touchdown against the Comets. Passion ... Read More
Plaxico Burress May Struggle to Earn Roster Spot with Steelers
Last year the Pittsburgh Steelers chose to only carry four wide receivers on their 53-man roster to start the season. More receivers came in later on due to injuries, but Todd Haley’s offense uses two-tight end sets and pass-catching running backs, which makes four to five receivers plenty. With some younger and less experienced receivers expected to play a role for the Steelers in 2013 it seems likely they will carry five receivers this year to have some extra depth. Right now the Steelers ... Read More
Bad Umpires Control Baseball
It should have never happened Saturday night. The Pirates shouldn't have relinquished an eighth inning lead to the lowly Astros, nor should they have allowed Jose Cisnero and Jose Veras to shut them down for the final 4 2/3 innings. But they did and the Pirates lost 4-2 in 11 innings. The most frustrating thing to me though, was the way Home Plate Umpire C.B. Bucknor conducted himself after making the controversial call at the plate in the top of the 11th that allowed Jason Castro to score on ... Read More