Josh Harrison is a ballplayer. That's what they say, right? He's gritty, hustles and plays the game the right way. For the past two months, Harrison hasn't only been playing the game the right way, but he's been playing the game really, really well. Actually, it's a little too well. Let me start by saying that I absolutely love Josh Harrison. When it comes to interacting with the media, Harrison was up there with Michael McKenry, Jared Hughes and Andrew McCutchen as far as being willing to ... Read More
Archives for July 2014
Pirates Unable to Sweep Diamondbacks with 10-2 Loss
Vance Worley and the Pirates were able to hold the Diamondbacks hitless through five innings, but a seven-run ninth proved costly as the Diamondbacks avoided the sweep with a 10-2 victory on Thursday night. The loss drops the Pirates to 0-8 when having a chance to sweep a series. The Pirates (44-41) gave Worley a lead scoring once in the third and fourth. Jordy Mercer doubled to start the third, advanced to third on a Worley groundout and scored on a Gregory Polanco groundout. Neil Walker ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 7/3: Hurdle Discusses Recent Pitching Success, Jordy Mercer
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (44-40) look for the three-game sweep --their first of the 2014 season-- of the Diamondbacks (35-51). Vance Worley (2-0, 1.74 ERA) will oppose Brandon McCarthy (2-10, 5.11 ERA). Injury Update Francisco Liriano threw a successful sim game yesterday and will now make a rehab start with AAA Indianapolis on Monday (5 IP / 85 pitches). Andrew McCutchen is in tonight's lineup after leaving last night's game after fouling a ball off of his left ... Read More
The Pressure is on Jarvis Jones to Produce
As the Pittsburgh Steelers sit just weeks away from reporting to Latrobe for training camp, all eyes should be on one player. That would be 2014 first-round pick Jarvis Jones. There have been many reasons for the Steelers decline over the course of the past three seasons, but one of the biggest issues has been the disappearance of the Steelers pass rush. As the Steelers begin to transition to a younger, faster and more athletic defense, to avoid a third straight disappointing campaign, ... Read More
Polanco Leads Pirates Over Diamondbacks 5-1
Pittsburgh-- Charlie Morton pitched six innings of one-run ball and Gregory Polanco hit his third career home run as the Pirates defeated the Diamondbacks 5-1 on Wednesday night. The Pirates (44-40) got off to a fast start in the first against Diamondbacks starter Chase Anderson when Gregory Polanco hit a double off the Clemente Wall. The ball was misplayed by Gerardo Parra allowing Polanco to reach third. Starling Marte then knocked him in with a groundout to short. The Pirates added on ... Read More
McCutchen Named NL Player-of-the-Month
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen has been voted Budweiser Presents National League Player of the Month for June. Budweiser, the official beer sponsor of Major League Baseball and sponsor for 24 of 30 MLB clubs, is also the presenting sponsor of the American League Player of the Month Award. "I'm definately honored and grateful and I thank God for the opportunity to be able to put forth a good month and to get the award is really good, but I definately couldn't do it without the ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 7/2: Liriano Update, Walker Discusses Walkoffs
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (43-40) look to build off of last night's improbable come-from-behind victory against the Mets in the second game of the three-game set. Charlie Morton (4-9, 3.41 ERA) will take on Chase Anderson (5-3, 3.63 ERA). Francisco Liriano threw a sim game (1 IP behind L-Screen, 3 IP w/o screen) prior to batting practice today. "I saw three of the innings that he pitched," said Clint Hurdle. "He's thrown all of his pitches. Working out of the windup ... Read More
Penguins sign Steve Downie to one-year deal
Day two of free agency hasn’t been nearly as busy for Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford, but he has still been able to add to the current team. On Wednesday he was able to add another forward to the mix when he inked Steve Downie to a one-year, $1 million deal. Downie, who played parts of last season with both the Colorado Avalanche and Philadelphia Flyers, racked up 24 points (four goals) in 62 games played. The Pens will be the fifth franchise Downie has suited up for ... Read More
Pittsburgh Steelers should get back to using play-action pass
One thing that has been lost in the shuffle the past couple seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been the play-action pass. To be more accurate, the play-action game has been more like extinct. However by the looks of things that should all change this season. In addition to seeing some more of the no-huddle offense, we could also see the play-action pass back as a real weapon in the Steelers’ offense. That alone is good news for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as he has long excelled ... Read More
Jim Rutherford passes early test in free agency
Pittsburgh Penguins’ general manager Jim Rutherford made it clear that he planned on keeping busy on the first day of free agency. He certainly kept his word. The Penguins were among the most active of all teams yesterday, and after yesterday's signing bonanza, there is no doubt the team will have a much different look this upcoming season. With just under $15 million in cap space to utilize, Rutherford was given the daunting challenge of deciding how to spend limited resources in order ... Read More