For the rest of the week, four of our staff writers will go division by division to make our playoff predictions, while looking at a major storyline for each team. Our four-man panel includes — Travis Berardi — Pirates beat writer Gar Bercury — Co-Pitt beat writer Michael Waterloo — Co-Owner/Columnist Matt Welch — D-2 coverage/The Times West Virginian. Yesterday, we took a look at the National League West. Today, it’s the AL West. Oakland A's — “ Can the A's ... Read More
Archives for March 2014
Kings hold off Pens
If anyone was wondering why the Pens view Evgeni Malkin in such a high standard, this game was a perfect example. The Penguins fell to the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 after going 0-7 on the power play en route to their seventh regulation loss in 14 games this month. They threw everything they had at one of the best defenses in the NHL but couldn't come up with that last goal to force at least an overtime. To make matters worse, Marcel Goc left the game after injuring his right ankle. Jeff ... Read More
Pirates Option Cumpton, Acquire Keon Broxton
The Pirates have optioned RHP Brandon Cumpton to Triple-A Indianapolis to drop their roster number to 30 with only 4 days until Opening Day. They will need to cut four more players before then -- They can have 26 with Stewart starting the season on the DL. Cumpton threw 20 1/3 innings in spring training with a 1 - 0 record and a 2.21 ERA while striking out 12 and walking 6. It may not be the last you see of the pitcher as he is in line with Jeff Locke to fill any holes in the starting ... Read More
Steelers sign Moats, Blount to visit, RIP Ralph Wilson
- The Steelers signed free agent OLB Arthur Moats to a one-year, $795,000 contract on Monday. Moats was a sixth-round selection of the Buffalo Bills in the 2010 NFL Draft. The 26-year-old Moats started 20 games for Buffalo in his four-year career, including 12 in 2013. Capable of playing both inside and outside linebacker, Moats will bring some much needed depth to the Steelers linebacking corps. - Free agent DE Alex Carrington, who was courted heavily by Pittsburgh, signed ... Read More
Cup of Joe: A look at the NL West
For the rest of the week, four of our staff writers will go division by division to make our playoff predictions, while looking at a major storyline for each team. Our four-man panel includes — Travis Berardi — Pirates beat writer Gar Bercury — Co-Pitt beat writer Michael Waterloo — Co-Owner/Columnist Matt Welch — D-2 coverage/The Times West Virginian. Yesterday, we took a look at the National League Central. Today, it’s the NL West. Los Angeles Dodgers — “ Is ... Read More
ACC, A-10 Land Agreements With Barclays Center
When the Barclays center first opened on September 28, 2012, it was destined to make its mark as the new home of the Brooklyn Nets. Months after it opened, in its first year of existence, the Atlantic 10 held their conference tournament there in March, becoming the first college basketball conference to do so. But it just so happens that the conference and its teams enjoyed playing in the Barclays Center more than anyone thought. With a just-announced new agreement, the Atlantic 10 will hold its ... Read More
Ishikawa to the rescue?
Travis Ishikawa to the rescue? Probably not what Pirates brass planned, but at least for the moment, that looks to be what the Pirates are hoping of the journeyman first baseman after Andrew Lambo was reassigned to AAA Indianapolis. To say that Lambo had his struggles this spring (.095 BA, .095 Slugging, .269 OPS) would be an understatement. After being considered a virtual lock to be the left-handed hitting part of the first base platoon with Gaby Sanchez, Lambo's four hits in 46 plate ... Read More
Cup of Joe: A look at the NL Central
For the rest of the week, four of our staff writers will go division by division to make our playoff predictions, while looking at a major storyline for each team. Our four-man panel includes — Travis Berardi — Pirates beat writer Gar Bercury — Co-Pitt beat writer Michael Waterloo — Co-Owner/Columnist Matt Welch — D-2 coverage/The Times West Virginian. Yesterday, we took a look at the National League East. Today, it's the NL Central. St. Louis Cardinals — “Do ... Read More
Pirates, Marte agree to six-year deal
Worried about the reports from a couple of days ago saying that Starling Marte turned down the Pirates contract extensions during the offseason? Well, worry no more. This morning, Ken Rosenthal broke the story that the Pirates and Marte were "close" on a six-year extension. Sources: #Pirates, Marte close on six-year extension. — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 26, 2014 Less than a half an hour later, Jim Duquette reported that the two sides had in fact agreed to a ... Read More
Today’s NFL is hurting young quarterbacks
Today’s NFL is changing. Back in the day, teams were filled with players like Barry Sanders, Earl Campbell, Eric Dickerson and Jerome Bettis. The game was geared toward the rushing attack. It ate up clock and it allowed a team to control the tempo of the game. There were few two-back systems or air raid offenses. Ground and pound with one work-horse back was the name of the game. Now, the NFL has shifted to an aerial assault. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady highlight the league’s top ... Read More