The first rule of Pitt football is to love the game. The second rule of Pitt football is to love the school. Just ask Rushel Shell. This week when Shell asked to be reinstated to the program after a change of heart coach Paul Chryst and his staff decided they no longer needed him. Shell, a Pittsburgh native, requested a transfer to UCLA only to change his mind to stay close to family. The words Pitt Panther football and mediocre are one in the same. Over the past decade, the Panthers have ... Read More
Archives for June 2013
Determining the fifth starter for the Pirates
When AJ Burnett and Wandy Rodriguez went down with injuries, the general consensus around Pittsburgh was "uh oh". Instead, the Pittsburgh Pirates have gone on a tear, going 7-2 on a nine game road trip thanks to a six game winning streak. Now, Rodriguez and Burnett are close to returning, with Wandy already on a rehab assignment in AAA Indianapolis. He could be back within a week while Burnett's status is still unclear. Nevertheless, the Pirates should get both of these pitchers back ... Read More
Thomas Mayo embracing new opportunity in the NFL
Last season, Thomas Mayo had an opportunity to go from Cal U and make the Oakland Raiders' squad. Unfortunately he was released when the preseason came. After a brief stint in the Arena Football League, Mayo, again, finds himself on an NFL roster, this time with the New York Jets. Mayo was picked up by the Jets back in March, but was waived by the team in the beginning of May. Five days later, he was re-signed and has been working out with the team all summer. On his Twitter handle, Mayo ... Read More
Go West Young Man: Pirates Sweep Mariners, West Coast Trip
Who says going out West is a bad thing? After sweeping the Angels in Anaheim, the Pirates traveled up north to take on the Mariners in a two-game series. For the second time on the season, the Pirates would have to face arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Felix Hernandez. While Hernandez held the offense at bay for the most part, some late game heroics (are you surprised?), allowed the Pirates to sweep the West Coast trip and the Mariners, 4-2. "It's what you have to do. You follow a ... Read More
Ban the DH….or not?
If you've watched the Pirates in the past couple of years, you've heard ROOT Sports announcer Bob Walk utter the phrase, "Ban the DH." He's of course referring to the designated hitter position that is so prevalent in the American League. Since 1973, pitchers don't bat in the game played at an American League park, but there is a player that is, well, designated to hit. Depending on who you talk to, you'll get different opinions on the topic. Some, like myself, prefer the traditional style of ... Read More
Locke shines again, bats power Pirates over Mariners
SEATTLE - On the shoulders of an early offensive explosion, and another fantastic outing from Jeff Locke, the Pirates knocked off the Mariners tonight by a score of 9-4. The game started off with a bang, as the first hitter of the game, Starling Marte, lead the game off with a triple. He scored on a Jordy Mercer ground out, and the Pirates finished the inning up 1-0. The second inning was a huge one for the Bucs, as three players hit home runs. Russell Martin hit a solo shot to lead off ... Read More
Smith allows six runs, Wild Things fall 7-5
Shawn Smith sure knows the ins and outs of taking the mound, but he didn't have much luck tonight against the Florence Freedom. Smith struggled early and often and the Wild Things weren't able to fight their way back, despite two strong half innings in the middle of the game, as the Wild Things fall to one game above .500 in a 7-5 loss. The Freedom came out of the gate swinging. Literally. Freedom shortstop Junior Arrojo started the bottom of the first inning off with a double. Two batters ... Read More
All 22: The Importance of Film Study
No matter what position you play, study film until see it in your sleep. It’ll pay off Sunday. Mention Peyton Manning and one of the first things you’ll hear back is his devotion to film study. And it’s his ability to prepare for that week’s opponent that makes him so successful. The end results of players who don’t take the time to break down film are all too common. But it isn’t just quarterbacks that need to grind away in front of film during the week. All 53 men on the roster stand to ... Read More
Steelers Top Training Camp Priorities
The Pittsburgh Steelers will open their 2013 training camp in just over a month. As things stand now the Steelers are trying to get back on track after a disappointing 8-8 season in 2012. To do so they will have to rely on some old faces and some new ones. As we move closer to the beginning to the 2013 NFL season here are important keys for Steelers fans to keep an eye on: Big Play from the 2007 Draft Class Last season the Steelers had only two players left from their 2007 draft class in ... Read More
Manny Ramirez to the Pittsburgh Pirates?
Manny Ramirez recently quit the Taiwanese baseball league to attempt a comeback in Major League Baseball. With the Pirates in need of outfielders, is Ramirez worth the time of a phone call for Neal Huntington? At the time of Ramirez's last MLB game he ranked number one in all time post season homeruns and post season RBIs. He is 41 years old and in 49 games with the EDA Rhinos of the Chinese Professional Baseball League he has hit .352 with 8 homeruns and 43 RBI’s. His drug suspension ... Read More