Derek Markovitz — The 2013 season ended with a lot of what ifs? What If Maurkice Pouncey doesn't get hurt eight snaps into the season; what if Le'Veon Bell and Heath Miller were ready to go in week one; what if Keenan Lewis was retained. Lewis was one of three starters that the Steelers let walk in free agency. Two of them are in the prime of their careers. That being said, Mike Wallace was as good as gone as soon as he turned down the offer that Antonio Brown accepted. However, Lewis should ... Read More
Archives for February 2014
Baseball is Back as the Pirates Begin Spring Training
The day has come, baseball fans. Spring Training is officially upon us as pitchers and catchers -- with a handful of position players -- took part in the teams first workout of the 2014 season. All 36 pitchers and catchers invited to spring training were in attendance while position players Chase d'Arnaud, Chris McGuiness, Jordy Mercer, Neil Walker, Jaff Decker, Jose Tabata and Gaby Sanchez attended as well. Only Kyle McPherson and Wandy Rodriguez didn't participate due to rehab from ... Read More
Burnett to Philly: Will he be missed?
With the signing of A.J. Burnett by the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, the seemingly never ending saga of whether or not Burnett would be a Pittsburgh Pirate in 2014 came to a merciful conclusion. A one-year offer worth $16 million predictably changed Burnett's tune in regards to his claims of "Pirates or retirement." With Burnett moving on, its fair to say the Pirates offseason, which began with promise and excitement fans have rarely experienced in over 20 years, has reached a point of ... Read More
Ennis sinks Pitt at the buzzer
Syracuse freshman point guard Tyler Ennis played a major role down the stretch the last time No. 1 Syracuse and No. 25 Pitt hooked up, but that was nothing compared to what Ennis had in store for the Panthers when the undefeated Orange visited the Petersen Events Center Wednesday night. Ennis drained a walk-off three-point shot at the buzzer from just inside half court as Syracuse remained unbeaten with a dramatic 58-56 victory. Talib Zanna, who led Pitt (20-5, 8-4 ACC) with 16 points and ... Read More
Duquesne Falls Behind Sharp-Shooting Spiders Early in 75-58 Loss
Ovie Soko finally got the momentum going in Duquesne’s favor midway through the first half, likely providing himself with another Sportscenter Top 10 play, as the 6-8 forward caught a long alleyoop pass from Desmond Ridenour and stuffed it home over the outstretched arms of a defender, drawing the foul to boot. But the Spiders (16-8, 6-3) kept Duquesne’s (10-13, 2-8) newfound momentum at bay with strong shooting, especially from point guard Kendall Anthony. “He’s a quick little guy, he’s so ... Read More
A.J. Burnett Signs With Phillies
Multiple sources have reported that A.J. Burnett has signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies worth $16 million. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has reported Burnett turned down a $12M offer from Pittsburgh. #pirates offered aj burnett $12M. very fair offer, yet still blown away by #phillies' $16M bid. — Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 13, 2014 The news comes hours after the Pirates opened up spring training for pitchers and catchers. After last season, Burnett told 93.7 ... Read More
Engelland’s value can’t be overlooked
A few months back, we had asked the question of whether the Penguins lack grit heading into the season. While this club could still use some of that intangible as we inch closer to the playoffs, Deryk Engelland has proven that he will answer the bell when push comes to shove. Last month, we rated Engelland as one of the ten best fighters in Penguins history. In 2011, former NHL enforcer Jim Thomson selected Engelland as the best fighter in the NHL, calling him, "the hardest puncher by ... Read More
Is Pitt’s James Robinson the most under-appreciated player in the nation?
If you’re around this Pitt basketball team frequently, then you likely have a high appreciation for exactly what Panthers' point guard James Robinson brings to Jamie Dixon's team. If not, you probably just see a guy averaging only 8.3 points and 4.0 assists per game and don't have a full appreciation for exactly how good of a season Robinson is having. If that's the case you are not alone as Robinson could be the most under-appreciated players in all of college basketball. But make no ... Read More
Joey Porter returns to Steelers as defensive assistant
One of the most controversial and beloved players of the Pittsburgh Steelers early 2000’s teams is returning to his old stomping grounds. The team announced on Tuesday that four-time Pro Bowl OLB Joey Porter has been hired as a defensive assistant coach. The Super Bowl XL champion will help mentor young outside linebackers in the 3-4 scheme of Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau. “We are excited about having Joey back with the Steelers family. Joey spent a number of years with Pittsburgh ... Read More
Duquesne’s Strengths Were Its Weaknesses Against George Mason
Coach Jim Ferry isn’t ashamed that his team handed George Mason (8-15, 1-8) their first win as a member of the Atlantic 10 conference. Nor is he going to make any major changes to Duquesne’s lineup after the tough loss. Star forward Ovie Soko backed him up: “To be honest with you, every single team can beat anyone in this league. They’ll win more games, this isn’t the only win they’re going to get,” he said. The worst statistic from Saturday afternoon may not lie in the final score, but in ... Read More