Pirates Opening Day.

Not much to talk about game wise it was pretty crappy, but there was a fan on the field first time I’ve ever seen that live. Well here you go some pictures and videos I got from the game

Frank Coonlley on 105.9 the X

My Seats, Man I Love PNC

Pre Game from the Rotunda

Alvarez At Bat

Good ol' GFJ in Right

Who Does Pittsburgh Hate the Most?

This is something I’ve always wanted to find out and discuss. What Pittsburgh Rival is the most hated? Each team in Pittsburgh has its own rivals, but which rival draws the most hatred out of Pittsburghers? That is what I’ll examine here I am going to pick the biggest rival for each team in the Burgh, and determine which one should be considered the Most Hated Team in Pittsburgh.

Steelers

I Think this was the easiest one for me to pick. Although you can say the Steelers have many rivals the Browns, Bengals, Patriots, my pick is the Baltimore Ravens. I think this rivalry initially stemmed from the Ravens actually being the Browns. Yes back at the beginning of the Ravens they were just the Browns transplanted to another city, and that gave Pittsburgh a reason to dislike them. Then it turned out they were actually pretty good. Through the first four years there wasn’t much competition as the Steelers Went 6-2. In 2000 however the Ravens won the Superbowl only adding fuel to the rivalry. I think this rivalry has really shot off since Ben Roethlisberger has been here. Not only because Ben is 9-2 against the Ravens in his career including playoffs, but also because we’ve won two Superbowls & beat them twice in the playoffs. Plus all the HUGE hits, Smack talk, and Dirtiness in the games fuels it even more.

All Time Record– Steelers up 22-12 (playoffs included)

Pirates

This one was little harder for me to pick seeing as the Pirates have been perennial losers for 19 years and haven’t been on anyones radar as a rival.  I mean obviously I think that there is a natural rivalry between you and anyone in your division. What teams does that leave us with Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, and St. Louis Cardinals. I suppose you could put the Mets or Phillies here too, but I think those were more relevant when they played them more often. Anyways my choice is the Brewers. I feel as though that this is probably how the Browns feel about the Steelers, not a huge competition they pretty much beat us every time and that’s why we hate them.  Look at just last season and you can see some of the reasons of course there is the 20-0 loss the worst loss in franchise history. Then of course the 22 game losing streak at Miller Park that was finally broken last year.

2010 Record- Brewers 13-5

Penguins

This one was also a little harder for me to figure out but it is because I’m not a huge hockey follower, but I do know a lot of people who are huge hockey fans so I figured I’d ask them. Like I’ve stated before there is a natural rivalry with any team in your division, and for the Pens these teams are The Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and New York Rangers. It’s obvious out of those that the biggest rivalry is the Flyers. With the Pens though there are also some other teams who are rivals that aren’t in the division a huge one being The Washington Capitals, but also you could put the Ottawa Senators here too. My choice came down to the Caps and Flyers and my final choice is the Flyers. When these two teams get together there is pure hatred. Plus since both Teams are excellent right now it’s like the Ravens & Steelers rivalry it could go either way at any time. In their two most recent playoff  meetings the Pens have beat the Flyers, which is huge in a rivalry.

All Time Record- Flyers Up 136- 80- 30 Playoff Series Flyers up 3-2

Pitt Football/Basketball

Lets just take a look at the Teams in the Big East in Football you have Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville, Rutgers, South Florida, Syracuse, West Virginia. I don’t think there is any real competition here as to who I’m gonna choose here obviously it is the WVU Mountaineers. This is probably one of the biggest college football rivalries.  The Backyard Brawl has so much history behind it and each year it’s a great game.

All Time Record- Pitt Up 61-39-3

Now Lets take a look at Pitt basketball, the Big East has a few more teams that play basketball but I think the biggest rivalries are WVU, U Conn, Notre Dame, and Georgetown. Out of these The one I think that is the biggest is Pitt Vs. U Conn Huskies. I think it could go either way here, but in my eyes some of these games have been pretty awesome and intense. This rivalry really sprung from the Big East Championships they played the Panthers in the Big East Tournament championship game in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Power

Seeing as the Pittsburgh Power have only played two games, they don’t really have a rival yet. However there’s the divisional rival thing, which consists of the Cleveland Gladiators, Milwaukee Mustangs, and Philadelphia Soul. I would call the Philadelphia Soul the biggest rival of the Power, Since I hate all things Philadelphia.

All Time Record- Soul up 1-0

Hines Ward Shines on Dancing With The Stars.

I must admit I don’t know much about ballroom dancing, but I have watched Dancing With the Stars before & Hines looked a lot better than some people I’ve seen on there. I really feel like he has a chance to win this because not only is he a guy that if he tries hard enough can get what he wants, but also because like he said coming off the loss of the Superbowl he wants to take home the Mirror Ball Trophy. Not to mention I really like his partner Kym Johnson I think she’ll be able to whip him into a dancing star.

The judges seemed to really like him too, Carrie Ann Inaba said “You are just exuberant and your smile lights up the whole stage.” Len Goodman also said “It was clean, it was crisp, you were confident.” I mean Obviously he wasn’t perfect yet and has to make improvements as the judges told him. He did score the third highest at 21 and I can see him only improving as the show goes on.

Why I Want to See Harris in a Steelers Jersey.

This is the second installment of  Why I Want to See _____ in a Steelers Jersey. You can read the last article about Jonathan Baldwin here. This time I decided to pick a guy on the other side of the ball, and a guy who fits the team needs . Brandon Harris is the man I want to see in a Steelers jersey.  Now I must say I don’t feel like I know as much about Harris as I’d like, but I’ve read up on him & I’m starting to like what I see.

Brandon Harris Future Steeler... Maybe

It is clear why they should draft him, because CB is their weakest position in my eyes. I know some would say that the offensive line is the worst part of the team, but I think of the O-Line like I do a bullpen in baseball you can assemble one that isn’t great but will get you through the season. Plus think about this does another O-Lineman get them a win in the Super  Bowl, nope, but I think a better secondary does. Let’s take a look at what they have assuming they resign Ike Taylor he is clearly the top CB on the team, and in my eyes he is an elite cover man, he is getting older though plus there is no guarantee he comes back.  Next you have Bryant McFadden who sometimes looks like a legit #2 CB, but most of the time looks like well nothing. Then you’ve got William Gay who I don’t even want to speak about, and the younger guys Crezdon Butler and Keenan Lewis who could be serviceable players or could be nothing.  Drafting Harris would not immediately improve that, but he could probably be a nickel guy until he improved enough I do think he’d be the #1 CB with time though. Like I said in my last article they clearly won’t be able to get the top guys like Patrick Peterson, Prince Nakamura, or even Jimmy Smith unless they trade up. Another reason I like the idea of Brandon Harris in Steelers jersey is because of the great NFL players the University of Miami has already produced.  Just take a quick look at this list Frank Gore, Devin Hester, Ray Lewis, Brandon Meriweather, Ed Reed, Jonathan Vilma, Reggie Wayne. That is not even all the greats I could have mentioned, anyway what does this have to do with Harris well if this many great players came from Miami then doesn’t that make the chances of him being good. It also is always good to hear that a guy has good character or work ethic, that’s what I’m seeing about Harris while I have seen the exact opposite talk about Jimmy Smith. Finally wouldn’t he just look magnificent in Black and Gold?

From NFL.com

Harris is a true gamer that is at his best when the lights are on and he has the tools to become a starting cornerback at the next level. He excels in man coverage, as he is explosive with an elite closing burst and he has very fluid hips to maintain speed in transition. He also shows very good instincts when lined up one-on-one, but he seems confused at times in zone coverage and can get caught out of position. His press skills are still raw, but he is a strong kid with a tireless work ethic and he should be a mid-to-late first round pick.

Quick Look at Brandon Harris

Height- 5’10”

Weight- 191 lbs

40 YD Dash- 4.53

Vert Jump- 35.5″

College Career Stats: 129 Tackles, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 4 inteceptions

Why I Want to See Baldwin in a Steelers Jersey.

Well it is once again time to speculate who will get drafted where and what team will take who. I know a lot of people make mock drafts, but I simply don’t patience or time. So I will simply do a series of why I want to see (Insert Steelers first pick worthy player) in a Steelers jersey. In the First installment here I want to talk about one of my favorite receivers ever Jonathan Baldwin.

First of all I think the main reason I want to see Baldwin in a Steelers jersey is just because I like him so much. I’ve followed this dude since he was in High School, and he was in probably my favorite football games of all time. This was a High school game but boy was I impressed, It ended being pretty much Terrelle Pryor Vs. Jon Baldwin. Then of course I’ve followed him in college, since he played for my favorite school. He didn’t disappoint me there either all be it he didn’t look as great as he could have, but I blame that on Pitt being unable to recruit a legit QB. However my strong obsession does not give the Steelers a legitimate reason to take Baldwin, but there are many other reasons why he would be a smart pick.

Lets get to the real reasons why I think he should be in a Steelers jersey. Well my first reason would that the Steelers need WR help. They may not need this a direly as OL or secondary help, but help at the WR position is needed. Lets take a look Hines Ward although once our #1 receiver has lost a step and is on the downside of his Career, next is Mike “THE FLASH” Wallace he is one of the top young guys at his position however he can’t do it alone he’ll need help (Baldwin), and the other two guys

Manny Sanders and Antonio Brown

Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown looked OK last year but just ok gets you a bunch of losses in the AFC Championship game. I think if they took Baldwin he would instantly be the 2nd or 3rd best WR on the team, and after a while he’d be their #1. Another strong reason why I want to see JB in a Steelers jersey is because I think he may be the best player available when they pick at 31. I think most want to see the Steelers pick an O Lineman or a Cornerback, but there may not be one available that is the worth taking in the first round. While on the other hand Baldwin is definitely worth a first round pick. Next I want to see him in a Steelers jersey because he is from Pittsburgh. Isn’t this a classic story that everyone loves to see, a hometown fella that becomes a superstar for his hometown team. Plus isn’t the NFL a business all about making money, I think it’s a good PR move. Finally wouldn’t he just look magnificent in Black and Gold?

Quick Look at Jon Baldwin

Height: 6-5

Weight: 225

40 YD Dash: 4.50

Vert Jump: 42.0

College Career Stats: 128 Rec, 2337 Yards, 16 TD

My 2011 Pirates Predictions.

I Love the Pirates, I have no idea why as I have never seen a good Pirates team in my life. Could this be the year that changes? Who knows, I mean it probably won’t be but a boy can dream right. There are some things that I want to predict that I  most certainly believe will happen. So here its is Mine and Brando’s list of What will Happen  to the Pirates in 2011.

1. The Pirates Will Not lose 100 games. It Simply won’t happen two years in a Row. As bad as they were last year you have to believe they improved enough to win 7- 10 more games and only lose in the 90 game range. I’m not saying they only win 63 games as I believe anything could happen with this young core, but I do know they won’t lose 100.
   

   It's a Major Award!

2. Andrew McCutchen will Win a Major Award. Andrew McCutchen is a great player and despite playing for the Pirates, I believe that he will win a major award such as the Gold Glove award. We’ve seen it happen in the past and I don’t see any reason that the best outfielder the Pirates have had in years couldn’t pull it off. Could he even win the Batting Title or Possibly the MVP? We can only hope that he brings some watchable ball to PNC.
3. The Best Pitcher will be… Rudy Owens. This may be the boldest of my predictions, but I really think it may be true.  Most are going to disagree with this and say it will be James McDonald. I do think that J-Mac will do pretty good this year, he did have some good stats in his time with the Pirates. He went 4-5 with a 3.52 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and averaged 8.7 K’s/9 in 64 IP. As we know though Pirates Starters have had problems repeating success in the past. Plus this will be his first year where he’ll be expected to carry a major load in the majors. Why do I think Owens will do so good well I really like what I see in him I think he’ll do great in AAA, be up in the majors by mid-season, and really show he deserves it.
4. The Pirates will hit more home runs this year then in the last five years. They were 6th worst in the league last year with only 126. Before that  they hit 125 in 09, 153 in 08, 148 in 07, and 141 in 06. Lets face it last year they had Jones as their scariest home run threat, This year looks a lot different. First off Pedro Alvarez will be the main power man in my eyes he has 40 Home Run potential, will he hit that many this year probably not but with 25-35 it sure will do. Next I look at the platoon of Jones/Diaz to be the second biggest source of power. Jones isn’t good against lefties but he does great against righties, and the exact opposite is true for Diaz . Jones had a .282/.359/.495 line against right-handers, and Diaz’s  career line against lefties is .335/.373/.533. I would expect around 20-30 from the Jones/Diaz platoon. Lyle Overbay will be a good addition to the long ball department. Although he is on the downside of his career I can see him doing alright for the Pirates being a lefty in PNC is always a plus. He should hit around 15-25. For my prediction to come true they’d have to hit at least 154, can it happen.
5. A Pirate Pitcher will win the Cy Young. Ok so we all know this isn’t going to happen, but I figured I’d make one really crazy prediction to go with my other somewhat crazy predictions. I mean what are the actual chances that someone from the group of Maholm, Ohlendorf, McDonald, Correia, Morton can beat out some of the guys like Lincecum, Halladay, Lee. Well I think those chances are about 1 in a billion, but that’s big enough for me to make this prediction.

How Far Will Pitt Go?

As we all know it’s that time of year again Tourney time.  What seems as common as the Tournament is the Pitt Panthers being in it. Then again as common as that they seem to disappoint.  That brings us to the big question how far will they go this year? I think this could be the year they show they are a real deal team and really do something in the tournament. I will use my final Bracket to explain why I believe they make it to the Final Four. First of all I think Pitt may have gotten the easiest region to succeed in and that helps them a lot. I think the southeast is just full of upset potential, and that gives Pitt an even easier road.

Ashton Gibbs

I usually don’t like saying something is a sure thing but if you pick Pitt to lose in the first round then you’re wrong its plain and simple it has never happened won’t happen this year, and may never happen.  Out of the two possible teams they’ll play in the second round I see it being Old Dominion. Don’t ask why I did my research, and Pitt’s second opponent will be Old Dominion. However after pulling the tiny upset of a 9 over an 8 they most certainly won’t pull out the big upset by beating number 1 Pitt. Either way though if I end up being wrong, and there is a chance, They will beat Butler too they will make it to the Sweet 16.  Now let me explain why in the Sweet 16 they will play 13 Belmont. In the first round I’m calling two big upsets in the southeast region 13 Belmont over 4 Wisconsin and 12 Utah State over 5 Kansas State. Those are Pretty bold predictions, but like I said before I’ve done some homework and I really feel like these can and will happen. If I’m right here this makes the road for Pitt a lot easier, I mean would you rather play the winner of a 12 & 13 match up or a 4 & 5 game. However if I am wrong the only team out of these four that I don’t want to see Pitt play is Kansas State, because even though I think they are overrated and will lose in the first round I think they play a type of basketball that can beat Pitt. The other game I see happening in the southeast Sweet 16 is a 6 St. Johns Vs. 2 Florida, and out of that number 2 Florida wins it.

In the Elite 8 of the southeast region Pitt will Play number 2 Florida. This will be the toughest game so far and this could be were their journey, or should I say tourney, ends. Being a Pitt fan though comes into effect here and I pick them to win it, however you can question this decision no evidence just guesses/hope/gut feeling. What a magical idea Pitt in the Final Four, well if you are as crazy as me you can see it happening. Who do I have coming out of the southwest region to play Pitt you ask, I have 1 Kansas. I just don’t see another team out of that region being able to oust Kansas. This However I believe will be the end of a Fantastic Tournament for the Pitt Panthers. My heart says pick Pitt but my mind and money says don’t. I just can’t envision a scenario where they can beat Kansas. Hopefully both for my money and heart all my predictions are right. A Final Four appearance would be great, So Good Luck Pitt.

Free Agents I’d Love to See in a Steelers Jersey, but Probably Won’t.

There is so much uncertainty going into free agency in the NFL , and with the Steelers there can never be much expected as they like to build from within and worry about their own free agents. However as a fan my job is to speculate, hope, and dream. Here ya go then the free agents I’d Love to see in a Steelers jersey, but probably won’t.

Santonio Holmes

Reasons Why I want Him

Santonio Holmes is a guy I’d love to see Back is a Steelers Jersey. I think we all know that the Steelers receiving corp is ok, but adding Santonio who had a great career as a Steeler, would give us a Great offense.  He is an explosive playmaker, and would be a great addition

Reasons Why it Won’t Happen

Well We all know how the Santonio as a Steeler era ended, with him throwing drinks at people and tweeting about his “Waken & Baken” . Plus I can see him wanting more $$$ than the  Steelers would offer. One other thing would be him not resigning with the Jets, and I don’t see why he wouldn’t

Reasons Why I want Him

Plaxico Burress

Well here’s yet another former Black and Gold wearing WR that I’d love to see wear the Jersey again. One reason here is that ever since he has been gone  the Steelers have lacked a big receiver , a threat in the red zone.  Looking at their 2010 season they scored only 24 TD’s in 49 red zone trips.  Plus if you look at his stats Plaxico was a great WR over his career with 505 Receptions 7845 Yards and 55 TD’s.

Reasons Why it Won’t Happen

Well with him just getting out of Prison it is questionable what th NFL will even do with Him. Then you have to imagine that even though he was never much of a problem as a Steeler he did have problems afterwords, and we all Know the Steelers are unlikely to sign someone like that.

Santana Moss

Reasons Why I Want Him

When I think of Santana Moss I see a less talented version of Santonio Holmes and a much more talented version of Antwaan Randle El. He’d be a great addition to a Group WR that are pretty good. He’s had a great career so far and being 31 could close up his playing years with the Steelers.

Reasons Why it Won’t Happen

Out of my three suggestions so far I see this as the most likely.  He might command a high pay-day, but nothing too big and as far as I can see he is a model citizen exactly Steelers material. The only thing I see that would make this not happen is the Steelers Simply don’t sign a lot of FA’s

Reasons Why I Want Him

Nnamdi Asomugha

Well its simple in my eyes Nnamdi Asomugha is the best CB in the league and the defensive back field may be the weakest part of the Steelers defense.  Also think of this would it be smarter to keep Ike Taylor for big bucks or add Asomugha for big bucks. Either way I really think the Steelers DB’s will still be the weak point because the depth is horrid

Reasons Why it Won’t Happen

Also a pretty simple explanation he will be one of the most sought after FA’s and he’ll command huge bucks.  How often have the Steelers went out and snagged one of the biggest names on the market, off the top of my head never, and that won’t  change even though Nnamdi is perfect Steelers material.

Others I’d Like to See

Alan Faneca – Isn’t it always cool to see a familiar old face again.

Antonio Cromartie-  A great CB and like I stated above that’s the Steelers weakness.

Haloti Ngata- Not going to happen but it’d be sweet.

Paul Posluszny– I’ve always liked Paul, plus Farrior is a little old.

David Akers- Although Suisham did alright this year I’d love to see someone better.

Adam Vinatieri- Knows how to kick in weather and Hienz Field surely has it.

You Go Steely

You Go Steely

Oh Boy I can’t wait to see this game GOOOOOO STEELERS!

Top Ten Steelers of the 2010 Regular Season. (Part Two)

So here we go our top five Steelers of the regular season. I knew these were the five that deserved to be up here but putting them in a particular order was tough for me, and well here it is

5. Rashard Mendenhall

I think a spot in the top 5 is well deserved just due to his stats, however it was hard for me to decide where in the top 5 to put him. Finally though I decided he belonged at number 5. As I just said his stats were great, He carried 324 times for 1,273 for an average of 3.9 and 13 rushing TDs.  He was also a small help in the passing game catching 23 pass for 167 yards. I think his touchdowns alone are a spectacular stat 13 is tied for second most in Steelers history by a running back. I think that he was robbed of a spot in the Pro bowl.

4. Maurkice Pouncey

WOW! Would be the first thing I have to say about Pouncey. Who thought after pick 18 of the 2010 NFL draft that we would have a star rookie center. He is a Pro Bowl center as a rookie that is amazing . He is the first rookie O lineman to do so since tackle Frank Varrichione for the 1955 season.Now that is quite an accomplishment. Plus he has done well with a crew of misfits beside him on the line

3. Mike Wallace

Mike "The Flash" Wallace

Faster than the speed of light, Mike “The Flash” Wallace, takes the third spot in our top ten. Everyone thought with Santonio Holmes gone we would have big problems in the WR position but we didn’t miss a beat with Wallace. One reason I put him on here is because with the stats he has, he should be a Pro Bowl wide receiver. His stats include: 60 catches for 1,257 yards and 10 TDs. Also amazingly 26 20+ yard catches and 10 40+ yard catches. We can’t forget his 7 100+ yard games either.

 

 

 

2. Ben Roethlisberger

A QB is the leader of a football team. That is exactly what Ben has been this year a leader even through good and bad situations. I mean we all now how the year started with him in a little trouble with the league, but once his suspension was over he stepped in lead the team to 9 wins. His stats weren’t to shabby either he thew for 3,200 yards and 17  touchdowns. The best thing I liked out of Ben was seeing sort of a maturing on the field he threw only 5 interceptions and was only sacked 32 times. The thing I like the most about Ben is he just knows how to win, and that’s what he’s done this year.

1. Troy Polamalu

Who knows who the best player is better than the team? Well no one, they voted Troy Polamalu as their team MVP so in my eyes that automatically gives him this spot. That however is not alone why I gave him this spot, another reason would be that he is a game changer at any point of the game (Like in the Ravens Game) he can make a play that wins the game. The third reason would be his stats, he didn’t get into the Pro Bowl for no reason. His stats were 63 tackles 1 sack 1 forced fumble and 7 interceptions, which was tied best career year.