That Pirates should make the trade for Burnett.

If he replaces Correia in the rotation, he will add about two wins to the team's season total - based upon WAR. And I also agree with Bob that bringing in Burnett will send a winning message to the players.

It will also be a good business move.

Trading for a "big name" Yankee pitcher with an $82 million contract will get even the most casual baseball fans talking about the Pirates - regardless of how little of Burnett's salary the team picks up.

Some of the talk about a Burnett trade will, of course, be negative.

There will be those who faintly croak that it makes no difference or that he is a washed-up, over-the-hill re-tread; a head-case (I know whereof I speak)not just past his prime, but at the end of the line. The contentedly under-informed have already called him "Matt Morris Revisited."

And to all such griping, I respond, "So What?!"

The Pirates benefit from the negativity that is directed toward them. It keeps people talking about the team. And as long as people are talking about the team, the front office has great opportunity to sell more tickets.

So, by acquiring Burnett, the Pirates will benefit from all the of attention the trade inspires. Both the positive and the negative attention.

There are some who say that "all publicity is good publicity." I don't necessarily subscribe to that theory, but the fact that the 2011 Pirates had the fourth highest attendance in the 125-year history of the team says that it sure does seem to be working for our dearly beloved Pittsburgh Baseball Club.

Even if Burnett fails miserably, the negativity directed toward the front office will have little impact on the players. Hurdle manages all of that brilliantly. He acknowledges it and then blows right past it, knowing that it isn't worth his time - or his players' time. He just keeps doing what he does to help the team succeed - with a big smile on his face. That is truly an admirable quality in a manager. It's an admirable quality in any man.

For many reasons, the Pirates need to do the deal.

I am absolutely no WVU fan, but to deny their accomplishments is foolish. In the last 6 years they have won 3 BCS bowls, beating teams from the SEC, Big 12, and ACC. Neither Penn St or Pitt will accomplish that in the next 20 years. With very little fanfare, they are by far the dominant team in the region. It's not even close.

There is nothing horrible about Pitt slipping this season. Even North Carolina throws in a 18-15 season every decade or so. Ben Howland went to 3 straight Final Fours recently at UCLA, and his job may be in jeopardy. The key for Pitt next year is not Steven Adams, but how much this years holdovers improve. Guys like Aaron Gray, Antonio Graves, and Gary McGhee improved drastically from one year to the next, and there's no reason not to think some of the current roster will also.

With the emergence of Redman, and backups like Clay and Dwyer the Steelers will survive without Mendenhall. With the talent they have at WR, they are a passing first team, as they should be. However, they are in desperate need of a change of pace back. If I could get LaMichael James somewhere in round 3 that would fulfill that need.

Bi

I take it you did not read my post on the prior Burnett thread, it coming near the very end.

In it I compared his record over the past three years to Correia's and Kevin comes out ahead nearly across the board, save for possibly some of the really geeky estoeric stats cited in the article Bob linked to.

I'm trying to figure how a guy who had 34 wins for a team that won 295 in that time, should now win more than a guy who won 34 for teams winning a total of 237 games in the same period. And who had a lower ERA, greater control, and fewer HR.

Unlike Seidman who sees an advantage of bringing in such a veteran to show the other players the Pirates are serious about improving, I feel the move could boomerang if Burnett doesn't pitch well and the players say "Yeah, they brought in a stiff for a lot of money just to show they aren't cheap".

Plus, if they give up Jones, that leaves them with a big question mark at 1st while Jones conceivably could thrive in Yankee Stadium with a much better lineup around him. (Of course if the player you get in a trade is successful it doesn't matter as much what the player you gave away did.)

I'm just not convinced Burnett will be an improvement.

Bob in Vegas,

Well stated, on all points.

Rock,

I think you hit the nail on the head regarding why we come to different conclusions about Burnett - I like the geeky esoteric stats.

Thought the iSports.com (link provided in the last bullet point) made some salient points.

With the Pirates' front office -- you can definitely ask "what is your strategy?"

I also thought the iSports.com article made some very good points. Signing 30+ year olds with no future does seem rather stupid. I would think this team should not be signing any outside free agents 30 or older. If they desperately need to fill a hole temporarily, there have to be better options than players struggling to stay in baseball for another year or so.

Even if I wanted the Pirates to win - and I do not - I would not make the trade.

The man is 35, he has had two consecutive poor seasons, his ERA was over 5 (I know- ERA is a meaningless statistic),and he was a head case while with the premier team in baseball, if not in all of sports.

How is he going to react in baseball hell? With a team that struggles to score runs?

My feeling is he'll 'go thru the motions'. Do just enough to collect his salary.

And it is just as conceivable that a McCutchen or Walker will say "They paid $16 million for that stiff, but they won't pay me x million", as it is that they will say "This FO is interested in winning".

On a probably unrelated issue, I would love to know what the 'unofficial-but-oh-so-real' MLB salary floor is. It must have increased with the new labor agreement. I should think the Pirates, with $46 million in salary, are well above it.

No name-calling. -- Bob Smizik

Am I the only person who doesn't think that Ward is a "slam dunk" for HOF enshrinement?

I think he's deserving and a better player than recent HOFers Lofton, Irvin, Monk and Stallworth. However when he's up for enshrinement in 7-9 years his numbers are going to look pedestrian when "very good" players who will never get a sniff at the HOF start blowing by Ward's career stats (think Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, and Vincent Jackson). Plus someone is going to point at the fact that Ward never was able to beat a double team.

I think he gets in, but in no way I think that him getting in is just a formality.



I don't believe anyone thinks he's a ``slam dunk.'' He is worthy of consideration and has a chance. Cris Carter tells us no one is a certainty. -- Bob Smizik

I think the drama some are hoping for between Roethliberger and Haley will be a minor let down to those that want this to be a soap opera.

I know if Haley has the same result with Ben, as he did with the others as far as seeing fireworks, I'll want my money back.

-Tomlin does not deserve the criticism he gets for the most part, but I think the bang the drum chant that Bob refers to, are the voices of a few really loud and continous Tomlin hecklers.

I think if Steeler Nation as a whole was polled, Tomlin would win decisively on the 'pro Tomlin' vote.

I can't say it is 'good news' that any player won't be able to start the season, but in the case of Mendenhall-Redman, I'm certainly not going to qualify it as bad news (given the teams need for a true power back to lead the way).

The guy shivering next to me on the bus actually did ask me:

--I hereby nominate Jim Krug for a Pulitzer. Great stuff!

--If Sid ever returns to form, there will come a point where there is not enough ice and not enough money for both him and Gino. I hope we see that day.

--It's not out of the question that Mendenhall may miss the entire 2012 season. If they don't replace him, the Steelers are a much worse team.

--Tomlin gets criticism because, in part, he lost a very winnable Super Bowl. One of the reasons they lost is that he chose to play injured veterans like Troy and Harrison. They may never get that close again.

--Pitt will miss WVU a lot more than WVU will miss Pitt. This is another example of poor leadership on the part of Pitt AD Steve Pederson. Rather than trying to work with WVU and approach other conferences as a unit, he jumped willy nilly at the ACC offer. THis left Pitt with a nice payday, but no natural football rivals and the very real possibility of just as many empty seats at Heinz Field.

--Regardless of whether they bring in Burnett or not, Brad Lincoln needs to be in the starting rotation when the Pirates come north. As a bonus, should the Pirates trade Jones, he can platoon at 1b when he's not pitching.

Is there anyone out there that will feel that trading for A.J. Burnett shows a commitment to winning? He had a 1.43 WHIP last year. Kevin Correia had a WHIP of 1.39. Karsten had a WHIP of 1.21. Charlie Morton 1.53. Burnett will likely end up being the worst pitcher in the rotation in 2012.

The question is why the owner wouldn't let this winning coach and elite/star QB keep the offensive coordinator that they both clearly wanted? Hines Ward is the same player he was in January 1st, why does this owner continue to permit to flap in the wind? Either sign him or release him but to handle this way is disappointing to say the least!

Burnett will likely end up being the worst pitcher in the rotation in 2012.

@Miami: with Morton and Correia around, there is almost no chance of that. The bigger fear is that Burnett will retire rather than play for the Pirates.

Looks like its time to extend Huntington again. After reading Krug's article, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

I won't miss Mendenahll next year

I think Ward will try to make the Steelers look like the bad guy in this

A.J. Burnett is Lyle Overbay part II. Another washed up $5 veteran that crazy people think will improve the Pirates. Write back during the All Star break and tell me how it turns out this time. Most likely with Burrnett having an ERA of 5+ and a losing record.

@Rock and Scooter

Agree with both of you. This proposed Burnett deal is simply more of Pirate management's smarmy effort to engage the fan base by acting like they are somehow competitive and relevent in MLB when in fact they are once again just dumpster diving on the fringes of big league talent.

By throwing a recognizable name out there to a fan base ravenous for anything positive regarding The Pirates, they've managed to blind some to the fact that Burnett is an aging mediocre pitcher who posseses the added dimension of not being the greatest role model for younger players.

Whatever money they would give to Mr Burnett could be better spent just about anywhere else. Oh, and just as most folks spend time saving up their pennies to buy the things that they really want, The Pirates could put this Burnett money in their proverbial piggy bank for use later when there will be some genuine talent that they need to invest in.
Ten million here, ten million there...eventually it adds up to real money. What The Pirates need to be sure of is getting real talent in return.

Rooney will have to practically kick him out the door.

That of course is the Steeler way. See: Harris; Webster, Woodson.

I agree on WVU. Even though I am a Pitt fan, I enjoyed watching:

1. The beat down that WVU put on Oklahoma the first game after Rich Rod's departure, and the look of disbelief on Bob Stoops' face as it happened; and


2. The NCAA run made by the John Beilein-coached team that featured Mike Gansey and Kevin Pittsnogle. With the 1-3-1 and three-point shooting and backdoor layups, they were fun to watch.



Gansey-Pittsnogle teams and the Slaton-White teams were joys to watch. -- Bob Smizik

Tomlin's fine W-L record must be seen in terms of the situation he inherited. Unlike the vast majority of first time HCs who take over a downtrodden team after the prior HC is fired, Tomlin took over a highly successful team after its successful HC retired. Tomlin never had to suffer through a few losing seasons that would affect his career W-L record for years. John Madden was in a similar situation, taking over a Raiders team that had gone 13-1 and 12-2 when HC John Rauch resigned. Not having to rebuild through 3-13 or 4-12 seasons gives such fortunate coaches a huge head start on building a great winning percentage.

This has nothing to do with whether Tomlin is a good coach or not. But it is only fair to mention it when his W-L record is cited as an argument for his ability as a HC.

There's more factual errors (exs., Maholm had a 2 year option, Burnett is due 10+ million over the next 3 years) than in Bill O'Reilly's recent book, Killing Lincoln.




That is part of the reason I did not run it in full. Those unfortunate mistakes do not fully detract from the message of the article. -- Bob Smizik

That's in Krug's piece. (My error)

I think acquiring Burnett is more for the fans than anything else....
1. He is a yankee... so that says a lot... world series pitcher, etc.
2. It get pirates opening day payroll to be higher than last year...

Therefore, it sends a message to fans that they are doing what they said... if you come to games, they will spend more money.

The question is why the owner wouldn't let this winning coach and elite/star QB keep the offensive coordinator that they both clearly wanted?

And the answer is because they couldn't score in the redzone and because the owner was tired of seeing his $100 million QB crumpled on the ground like all of my powerball tickets.

* I don't fully agree with this particular take of Jim Krug of isports.com, but his slicing and dicing of Pirates management is a work of art.

That article was spot on.

The only question that needs to be asked about Burnett is: is he good enough to be in the Pirates starting rotation in 2012?

If you are good enough to start (and win) game 4 of the playoffs, then I think you can start for the Pirates.

Bob - You did a disservice to the masterpiece Krug wrote by not giving it it's own article. It is brilliant and pretty much spot on. It should be distributed to all ticket buyers and printed in both newspapers.

I heard on the fan last night that the Nutting Pennies payroll is dead last by 12 million. This fits nicely into Krugs last point,

"Some wonder whether the timing of this most recent indulgence (prior to Burnett, the Pirates attempted to give both Edwin Jackson and Roy Oswalt paydays in the $10,000,000 range, only to be rebuffed) came from Major League Baseball starting to put heat on the Nutting ownership for yet another league-low payroll.  "

...
Three posts with prominent displays of the individual's website which I am sure provides all the information I need to purchase a seminar right off the bat. I am hoping for some links to Amazon to purchase the book.

I have two bicycles, an older bike rack that fits over the trunk of a car that I am selling. Rather than pay for an ad, I will just post them here.

Jose "Let's Make a Deal" Pagan



The topic of advertisement in reader's identities is under review. I will point out that in the recent past at least one person used this blog to advertise his anti-Pirates website and I do not recall recall any objections. -- Bob Smizik

...
I love these "If, then..." pieces we are seeing about getting Burnett. you know, the ones where "...his ERA, WAR, WXIP, and his Doo-dah-diddy day" were this, therefore when he comes to the NL he will pitch that.

1) Burnett, like it or not, is on the downside of his career. At some point the arm will tell us (if not him) it is time.
2) Run Support. He won't have any here. With the Yanks, he was able to pitch in very different situations then he wil here. A mistake there could be erased by a three run home run. A mistake here might only be erased by drinking several martinis. Being able to pitch without having to be concerned with every inning being a perfect one makes for a much easier time for the pitcher.
3) If, as we are seeing now, the PBC has to pick up $14 or $15 million over two seasons, I have to ask is this guy worth $7.5 million per year?
4) As we have seen written so many times here, just adding $$ to the payroll does not mean improvement. I would have far rather seen the PBC sign Jackson as he is 29 and still has upside over Burnett at 35.

Burnett has shown a decline over the past several seasons in velocity. Coming here, he is going to need all of his pitches, not just his curve. We saw what opposing teams did to Correia and Karstens last season...

Jose

* Speaking of dramas, how about the one that might evolve when -- if -- Sidney Crosby returns to the Penguins lineup and finds Evgeni Malkin firmly installed as The Man? Sid could probably handle the possible role reversal but it might leave his teammates confused

This is a great example of the football-centric attitude in this town.

Hockey isn't full of prima donna's that cry everytime the spotlight isn't solely on their pretty faces.

I'm pretty sure Crosby and Malkin have played together before, including a season where Malkin led the league in scoring. Sounds like a "The Man" to me.

I don't remember the rest of the Penguins being confused with the role reversal, whatever that means.

On the Burnett Thing: if you can get him cheap meaning less than $4MM a year and you don;t have to give up anything, then go get him and advertise that we got an $82MM pitcher for the "publicity" part. As far as him helping the Pirates goes---fahgetaboutit! (sp.). He is a bum with a capital B. Pitchers are in control of their own destiny so if he is that good, then let him prove it in Pittsburgh regardless of how bad they are at the plate.
Other than pub, I say no way to Burnet.

...
BFD: I believe that your post at 7:37A today is very much the case. The PBC is simply adding payroll to keep out of trouble.

One of the main reasons (imho) that they have not signed Cutch is that they want him to sign the stupendously dumb deal that Jose "The Brainiac" Tabata signed. Cutch is not that clueless. He wants (and should get) a contract that is a fair valuation of his worth.

Jose

Bob, that pirate article was sooooooooo reality. I know 3-4 bloggers on this site will disagree and say the bucs are on the right path. They are not and this facade they are pulling will be revealed in about 2-3 years when they still stink. It is all part of the plan. I'll keep saying it, Management was not happy to see the bucs competing last year through july...it called their bluff. now they are left scrambling and hoping for burnett or anyone to come to this team...which by the way, may raise the payroll but it will still be DEAD LAST IN MLB. wow big deal. raise it to 70-80 million and then i'll wake up.

They have no interest in winning. The impending departure of Cutch and/or walker should solidify that. The minor leaguers that everyone thinks is the next ted williams and willie mays will come up to a team devoid of talent.....just as cutch did.

For mr. nutting...when is too much money enough? at what point do you say ok i am worth 500 million i think that is secure, maybe i can spend a little of it? He should watch hoarders, he may have a money hoarding problem.



I disagree. I believe the Pirates are interested in winning. Their commitment to it, however, is not as strong as with most other teams. -- Bob Smizik

...
@ heartbeat: Paul Maholm is qualified to start in this rotation. No one here wants to pay him $7.5 million to do so, including me, and except for K's his peripheral numbers weren't that much different than St AJ Burnett.

I do not think burnett is worth $7.5 million, and the PBC sure as he double hockey sticks is NOT getting him for $ million per season.

Jose

The isports piece does make some good points, and this FO certainly does deserve criticism. He does take some liberties and he also demonstrates a lack of intelligence several times with some of his mistakes.

That is an excellent reason to trade for Burnett, and maybe it is the best reason. It is good that the Pirates also would rather pay Burnett more money rather than lose a prospect of value too.

WVU will not be out of the local sport scene. As far as I can tell Morgantown is still located in Morgantown.

The entire AJ Burnett issue is being overhyped to the nth degree. Aquiring him, or not aquiring him, will do very little to change the outlook for the Pirates this season. The way it is being portrayed, you would think he is the missing piece in the puzzle which will get the Pirates to the post-season, nothing could be further from the truth.

I don't anticipate any problem at all, if and when Sid returns to the lineup this season. Sid is the consumate professional and will gladly accept any role to help the team win. As for Geno, he is maturing with every game, and I feel he is beyond any percieved let down, if and when Sid returns.

As to your concerns about WVU Bob, remember they aren't packing up and leaving the state of West Virginia, they are simply joining another conference, They'll still be just an hours drive down I-79, and I'm sure they will get plenty of coverage in the local media.

As to Rashard Mendenhall. If his being unavailable at the beginning of next season forces the Steelers to go out and aquire another big, fast running back, then it will be a good thing. He is not the answer at running back for the long haul.

Jose, BFD:

Now we all KNOW that TBMTIB would never, ever keep payroll so low as to raise the suspicions of the union, right?

I mean, we keep hearing money will be spent "when the time is right".

The day I saw the particulars of the new CBA, I stated that the Pennies would be forced to spend more $$$. It is now a condition of receiving revenue-sharing.

But I do have a feeling that the Pennies will be throwing money around just to throw money around. I hope that isnt the case..........


This post was brought to you by www.enjoyacorndog.net

johnharding,

With all due respect this sums up your rationale. The Pirates stink and will continue to stink because I said so. So there.

Bob Smizik:

serious question for you today:

Do I get to advertise on here for free about my health conditions, which I feel are far more serious than Richard's??

I mean, it would fit the style of the "kinder, gentler" blog, right?

I could provide a link so that I could reap the benefits of peoples generosity, in aiding me towrd paying my medical bills, etc.


This post was brought to you by www.enjoyacorndog.org

To those bragging about the article being spot on, do you notice how many factual errors were made? Did you see the liberties that were taken? Or is it just spot on because it says very little except to say the Pirates stink. I guess with actual real sites talking up the Pirates you have to hang your hats on something.

Ha! Typical Pro stuff. Now Krug lacks Intelligence. Ridiculous

Bob - I am disappointed that you deleted my endorsement of Shenot Farm Market. WHERE CORN IS KING!
Great VALENTINES DAY GIFTS AVAILABLE TODAY. LOCATED IN WEXFORD.

buccs1960 - that does about sum it up and i am basing this on 19 years of losing, bad trades, payroll dumping, letting talent walk, ect not because i said so.

The article though with some errors was spot on with many things. Things you and other hopefuls are in total denial with. You can continue pointing to the minors and their rankings and that 2-4 years from now the pirates will be good. The 5 year plan ends this year and there has been no improvement with the MLB team. If your right and they win in 2014 then kudos to you. If you are wrong and they still stink and are at the bottom of the payroll ladder I look forward to more excuses from you and a couple more years added to when the pirates will be good.

I understand you are hopeful and give a somewhat balanced opinion of the bucs. I wish i could say the same. I was 15 years old the last time i saw a winning team. In light of last years miracle half season this off season has been a bunch of nothing...and you even agree on that. So why get angry because another article called out the bucs on doing nothing again?

Actually Bob. I do recall some PRo's moaning about the Anti- site. Which bTW. When are you fellas gonna start writing again?

Bob, the individual in question has provided links to Amazon to buy his book. That is taking things even further than advertising a blog.

Jose


That will not happen again. -- Bob Smizik

"I’m still trying to determine if the word that Rashard Mendenhall might not be ready for the start of the 2012 NFL season is good news or bad news."

How could it possibly be good to lose your strarting RB? Even if Redman is better, wouldn't you want them to compete for the starting job? At the very least you need a proven backup. Perhaps Dwyer will turn out to be a great back down the road, but just how bad do you think Mendenhall is? What exactly is the argument for hoping he disappears? That might be the silliest comment on a player injury ever, or just the silliest comment period.

I agree with you comment about your astonishment at the criticism of Tomlin. He is obviously not perfect and I often find myself criticizing his game strategy but does anyone really think we can get a better coach somewhere? Get real. I think we are extraordinarily lucky to have him. I just hope he feels lucky to be here.

The topic of advertisement in reader's identities is under review. I will point out that in the recent past at least one person used this blog to advertise his anti-Pirates website and I do not recall any objections. -- Bob Smizik

But Bob...that would mean that some of the posters are using a double standard!

Perish the thought!

+1

Put yourself in the shoes of Andrew McCutcheon and Neil Walker, two talented young players anxious to win in the major leagues. Then consider the paltry efforts of the front office to bring in talent so they can reach those goals in 2012.

With a wealth of opportunities elsewhere, why would these guys want to stay in Pittsburgh a second longer than they had to?

written by BFD, February 14, 2012 - 08:26 AM
Actually Bob. I do recall some PRo's moaning about the Anti- site. Which bTW. When are you fellas gonna start writing again?

I think he meant that all of you now moaning about the advertisement of BiPolarman's site weren't complaining when it was the Anti site being advertised. And I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure "Mutiny on the Allegheny" existed before he changed his handle.

And besides, as I recall, he changed the handle because you taunted him for posting behind a fake name. Now he's posted his real name, and access to his website...and you'd prefer he go back to anonymity.

...
Also, the individual with the anti-PBC blog did not make the web address part of their poster ID. This made it entirely possible to avoid (or delete) a reference to it as they were individual circumstances.

In the case here we have seen multiple links provided with a recommendation to "buy my book to learn more" and continuous references to the web address.

Jose

For the record...I don't think the guy should be adding plugs for his work in the body of his posts. That crosses the line.

But I don't have to click on the link in his header, and neither does anyone else.



Exactly! And as stated earlier, plugs for books will not long stand. -- Bob Smizik

...
I did not ask anyone here nor have I asked anyone anywhere to post their "real" name.

Jose

I think the only way for the Pirates to win is to strategically decide exactly when to cash in their chips. That time would seem to be in two or three years when they still have the stars from the current lineup like McCutcheon and Walker and surround them with the potential stars like Cole, Bell, Tallion, etc. up from the minors. At that point I guess you start paying out some bucks for some talented FA's to become Bucs. The winning will not last long. Perhaps 1 or 2 years before they leave for "greener" pastures. That cycle will probably last only once every 15 years or so would be my guess. I sometimes think that if I were a GM that I would intentionally lose so I could acquire drafted talent and save some money until the time is right. It is my hope that the Pirates are doing something like this and are not simply inept.

...
I think what said more to Cutch and Walker than trading for Burnett ever could (and keep in mind the primary focus of the trade is how much salry the Yanks will absorb) was the contract that Tabata signed. Yeah, the guy is no All-Star, but the low $$ make it clear what management's preference is for locking up their "young stars."

Jose


Spot on, Jose. That contract could end up hurting the Pirates more than helping them. -- Bob Smizik

heartbeatsings, A.J. Burnett is the oldest pitcher out of the six pitchers who will start in 2012. If acquired he will likely be the worst. His WHIP was only better than Charlie Morton's in 2011.

Count me in the pro-Tomlin camp. I was the biggest Cowher fan out there and I wanted the Steelers to hire Whisenhunt to follow Cowher. But Tomlin has far exceeded my expectations. He accomplished in his first 4 years what Cowher did in his entire 15 seasons with the Steelers, take his team to 2 Super Bowls and win 1. Tomlin is also 2-0 in AFC Championship games played at Heinz Field. Cowher was 1-4 in home AFC title games. How can any objective Steelers fan be down on Tomlin?

As far as Mendy goes, his biggest asset is his speed and the way he bounces to the outside and makes positive yards and sometimes breaks long runs. But I fear he will be another Willie Parker. Fast Willie was never the same after his leg injury. If Mendy loses even just a little bit of speed, his value will be significantly diminished because he has shown little ablilty to bang the ball up in-between the tackles. Steelers would be wise to start to plan for a future without Mendy.

Johnharding,

Where you are wrong is that I am not some blind follower who thinks everything is rosy. I agree with some of Krug's points because he is right. For example there should be a SS ready to take over and there isn't. Mercer and d'Arnaud were drafted a few years back as college guys. They were drafted pretty high too. Neither is ready to play SS for the Pirates. That is a problem.

The crticism in other areas is unwarranted and in some cases flat-out wrong. You couple that with so many factual errors and you can't take the guy's views seriously IMO. In order for me to take someone seriously they have to demonstrate that they know what they are talking about first. There are many people here pro, middle and anti that are far more knowledgable than that hack.

Where have you gone Bud Selig, a Pirate nation turns it's lonely eyes to you.

Help us!

SeanAY - wrong again. I never complained about Bi using a dual identity.
=========
In short, I believe people are asking for consistency. What's good for one poster should be good for all!
==========
back to the article. Krug is SPOT ON

I think he meant that all of you now moaning about the advertisement of BiPolarman's site weren't complaining when it was the Anti site being advertised.

I don't recall the whining months ago when he started using the handle either. The whining has begun since many are opposed to his rosy views of the Pittsburgh Pirates.



Exactly! --- Bob Smizik

Jose--

There was much criticism of BiPolarman some time ago because all his "tough talk" (whatever that was) came from behind an anonymous pseudonym. Now, he posts under his real name.

And I'm aware it wasn't you making the demands. I think even Bob joined in.

Kind of interesting to me that with every passing year, Bob Nutting goes up a couple slots on the all time list of Pittsburgh villains.

Maybe more interesting and alarming is the total blind eye that is turned toward the organization by local politicians. Lest we forget that the backbone of the palace that is PNC Park is taxpayer dollars.

Also, lest we forget, we are nearing the half way point of the 30 year lease, during which Bob Nutting has shown about as much committment to this community as somebody from West Virginia...wait a minute...

Wow, great to see the kids are staying on topic today.

--Tomlin gets criticism because, in part, he lost a very winnable Super Bowl. One of the reasons they lost is that he chose to play injured veterans like Troy and Harrison. They may never get that close again.- heartbeatsings

Also, how about not having BR rest his angle for the remainder of the regular season so that he can be 100% for the playoffs.



The STEELERS lost a winnable Super Bowl, just as the STEELERS won the Super Bowl the previous year.
Attempts to pin the loss on the coach in a three-turnover game only serve to prove my point. -- Bob Smizik

Also, lest we forget, we are nearing the half way point of the 30 year lease

Which means we're going to soon need a new ballpark

The Mountaineers will be greatly missed on the local sports scene.

Maybe in terms of watching them on TV, but not in terms of actually being a spectator.

Ever sit in the stands (football or basketball) in Morgantown? I gave up a few years ago.

Will the Pittsburgh media cover the Hoopies as much now that the Brawl is over?

From a previous poster:
"I'm trying to figure how a guy who had 34 wins for a team that won 295 in that time, should now win more than a guy who won 34 for teams winning a total of 237 games in the same period. And who had a lower ERA, greater control, and fewer HR."

Not saying Burnett is going to come in and kick butt. He may be done as a pitcher. We'll all know soon enough.

That said, it's not really a fair comparison checking Burnett's raw stats the last few seasons pitching in "every-other-fly-ball-is-a-HR" Yankee stadium against the Rays and Red Sox to Correia's, who pitched in arguably the most pitcher friendly park.

Bottom line is - as sucky as the Pirates are, they competed for half the season in 2011. ONE of the reasons they collapsed was because pitchers LIKE Correia got absolutely hammered in the 2nd half. What's the problem with bringing in a veteran guy who can give you (hopefully) 150+ innings. The change of venue, league, and competition can't hurt his results either.

-The Steelers will not make the playoffs next season

-The Pirates will not make the playoffs for many seasons

-Pitt should easily win the Big East now that WVU is gone. They should run away with the conference title and get to a nice bowl game.

-If Bylsma breaks up that Geno, Neal, Kunitz line if Sid comes back, he needs to have his head examined. These guys are rolling and are the best line in the league right now. That means Sid plays with guys like Kennedy(when healthy), Dupuis, Cooke, or Sullivan. The Pens have too many centers and need to trade for a secondary scorer who can carry a second line.

The Crosby-Malkin situation, assuming (and hoping) Sid makes it back, projects to be even more delicate as another possible lockout or at least reduced season ensues next year. Many of the owners want to reduce the amount players get and the $48,000,000 cap number may be reduced.

With other stars to pay like MAF, Staal and Letang, the Pens may actually have to choose BETWEEN Sid and Malkin.

-Pitt should easily win the Big East now that WVU is gone.

Too bad Cincinnati, Rutgers, Connecticut and Louisville aren't gone too.



-- Bob Smizik

...

I disagree. I believe the Pirates are interested in winning. Their commitment to it, however, is not as strong as with most other teams. -- Bob Smizik

That's a pretty strong view!

My son's under-8 soccer team had a stronger commitment to winning on the field.

You people continue to confuse your own definition of winning with a Nutting definition.

The Nutting regime IS WINNING - attendance was up last year. Payroll hasn't gone up.

Bob is winning. People reward him and the PG with 10,000+ hits on Burnett blogs.

...

Speaking of dramas, how about the one that might evolve when ....

Gino is having an outstanding stretch, BUT,

if anyone will have a problem handling Crosby's return, it might be Malkin. He's matured a lot, and seems comfortable in a new country, BUT, he has seemed moody and withdrawn in the past.

If he gets his nose out of joint, starts taking stupid penalties, start to pout, ....

This team is terribly managed. Despite allusions to the contrary, the Pirates have little to no depth in the upper levels of their minor league system. (In fact, the Bucs’ best upper level prospect- OF Starling Marte- was once again a Dave Littlefield draftee. For a GM regarded as a terrible talent evaluator, Neal Huntington sure does seem to have his hands full trying to match Littlefield’s “success.”)
Further, the club clearly makes moves that directly contradict their supposed direction. They’ve spent the offseason stocking the roster with old, declining veterans, yet gush frequently about the team’s youth movement. They let younger, productive players like Maholm and C Ryan Doumit walk for nothing, only to turn around and sign expensive retreads in their stead.
Jim Krug of isportsweb.com

I don't understand. According to the "Pirates fans", they have a terrific minor league system, and the FO is the best in MLB. What gives?

Looking forward to next year when the Clemente family can help the Pirates celebrate "NUMBER 21", and I don't refer to the "Great one".



Where did anyone say the Pirates ``FO is the best in MLB.''
I'd like to see that. Or are you making thing up? -- Bob Smizik

I think WVU and Pitt will start playing again in 5 years or so when new schedules are made.

...

The level of criticism directed at Mike Tomlin by some fans can be considered nothing but astonishing.

Tomlin inherited a young team, 1 year from a Super Bowl win.

True he has put up some great numbers.

BUT...

His smugness with the media, his condescending remarks are annoying.

He urinated away a very winnable Super Bowl.

He hasn't learned much about time/clock management.

And the most astonishing thing is that, according to Dulac quoting Arians, TOMLIN NEVER ONCE IN 5 YEARS ASKED HIM TO CHANGE A PLAY, CHANGE PHILOSOPHY, OR EVEN TALKED TO HIM ABOUT PLAY CHOICE.

That arrogance, along with the bug-eyed, clueless stare on the sideline, is annoying.

But, alas,Art will never fire Tomlin, as long as Dan is alive.

Where did anyone say the Pirates ``FO is the best in MLB.''
I'd like to see that. Or are you making thing up? -- Bob Smizik

I guess you don't read the postings to your blog. I have seen numerous postings talking about how great the FO was.



I do read most of the comments. I do not recall anyone saying the Pirates had the best front office in MLB. Please... stick to the facts. -- Bob Smizik

If no one asked Bob, then CERTAINLY no one asked me, but....

* I know I'm in the vast minority here, but I do not want AJ Burnett. They've signed Bedard, and had a chance at other viable options to bolster the rotation. Why let Burnett eat innings when they could be given to someone we need to know if they can pitch or not. Brad Lincoln deserves an extended look, and then there's Locke who was up in September (hell, even Rudy Owens may deserve a look at some point this season). I know these options aren't great, but are they that much worse than a 35 year old AJ Burnett?

* If Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley can't have a cordial working relationship (at least) then I think it'll speak worlds about both men. Plenty of people don't like others they work with. They still find a way to be respectful and get the job done.

* The Steelers need to sit down with Hines and explain the facts to him. Lay out their case why they think he's past it. If he chooses to disagree, then both parties move on. He'll still always be remembered as a Steeler.

* His teammates might be confused that Crosby is on the ice in a game setting. They've seen more of him in the training room than on the ice in the past 2 seasons (and that's not any fault of Sid's, just stating facts).

* WVU usually put out good (if not good, then competitive) teams in football and basketball. I'm sure they'll continue to do so in the Big 12. Bob, keep watching....

* I don't understand the logic behind "the signing of AJ Burnett will make players want to commit long term to the Pirates". AJ Burnett was good for the Marlins. He was good for the Bluejays. Now, coming off basically the worst 2 years of his career, and at 35 years old, he's seen as some sort of coveted chip. Well, if it does happen, I'll be the 1st one in line at the "I Told You So" stand

* Well, I can tell you the loss of Rashard Mendenhall is not good news. Bob, you don't understand the criticism of Mike Tomlin. Well, I don't understand the criticism of Mendenhall. I guess some people still are upset at his fumble in the superbowl. Get over it. I'm not saying they won't be able to replace him for the season, but that it'd be nice to have him there. He is a good back, and he will be missed. How much depends on the guys that have to step up.



In MLB you earn ``extended looks,'' and Lincolm, based on his minor-league performance, has not done that. -- Bob Smizik

...
How long before the media starts referring to Pirates losing seasons in roman numerals, like that big game at the end of the NFL season, whose name is copyrighted?

Here we go, Pirates Season XX.

...
Jose -

What size is that bike? Are tires still good?

Bob - respectfully, I think the only reason Pitt fans were able to "survive" the Pitt-PSU divorce was because Pitt-WVU was there to step in. The Notre Dame rivalry is a distant third behind PSU and WVU, and that's all that is left of the "traditional" rivals.

"Judging from the silence surrounding negotiations, the Pirates are not making progress in securing long-term deals with Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker. Improving the product -- and Burnett has a chance to do that -- will make the Pirates a better destination for McCutchen, Walker and all good players."

-The Pirates have 4 and 5 more years respectively of control on both of these guys. Why is it of imminent importance to most fans that the FO gets these guys signed to a long-term deal now? I've never been able to grasp or wrap my arms around the state of panic a lot of fans get into regarding buying out some of their free agent years, when they have more than ample time to do so.



I'm with you, Gotter, although I can see where you might think my stance is otherwise. McCutchen is under Pirates control through 2015. The chance of them buying out some of his free agency years with a multi-year deal now are remote. --- Bob Smizik

...
Holy Cow! How did Max miss it!

The best reason for acquiring Burnett?

MORE COLUMNS TO INCITE THE ENABLERS!

@heartbeatsings

--Tomlin gets criticism because, in part, he lost a very winnable Super Bowl. One of the reasons they lost is that he chose to play injured veterans like Troy and Harrison. They may never get that close again.

Tomlin lost the Super Bowl? I didn't know he was playing in it.

LOL Blaming the game on Tomlin's decision to play both Harrison and Troy.

There were two main reasons why the game was lost and both reasons came on the field of play:

1. Ben throwing picks early in the game

2. A helluva play by Green Bay to cause the RM fumble


If any reasons have to be picked as to why the Steelers lost, it would be those two, not Tomlin and who he "played."

Last week Jose Pagan posted the rules for this blog, which state that posters cannot use this site for commercial purposes.

It seems that this rule applies to everyone except Richard Jarzynka

Why is that?

--Tomlin gets criticism because, in part, he lost a very winnable Super Bowl. One of the reasons they lost is that he chose to play injured veterans like Troy and Harrison. They may never get that close again
---

I especially liked the part where Tomlin threw a pick six, a second interception in to triple coverage before half time and then fumbled while driving for the tying score late in the 3rd quarter.

Look, in football you win as a team and you lose as a team. Tomlin deserves some degree of criticism for losing that SB, as does Ben, Mendenhall, the O-line and most of the defense.

That said, when you lose the turnover battle 3-0 in a big game; 98% of the time you lose. And I don't put any of the turnovers on the coaching staff. That includes the pick six. I know he threw it out of his own end zone. Earlier this year Ben threw a 99 yard TD pass to Wallace out of his own end zone and it was called brilliant.

Tomlin was given a great team...and he's had great success. He deserves full marks for that.

The other day Tampa coach Guy Boucher compared Malkin to Mario Lemieux.

Now at face value, I will never suggest any other player was as great as 66. The point however is that Malkin is dominating ALMOST to Lemieux like levels. It's incredible to see him like this, virtually unstoppable.

He's getting much deserved props that he was often denied in the past while living in the Crosby shadow.

And with that said, I still believe the Pens are one top 6 forward short of being a Stanley Cup team right now. The best case scenario, BY FAR, is that a healthy Sidney Crosby fills that void. If the Pens don't believe he will be healthy by the trade deadline, they need to consider going shopping, likely for a rental.

@Jose: I totally agree with the Pirates FO for getting rid of Maholm for baseball reasons. He was never very good (good, yes, but rarely more than servicable). His best trait was durability which went out the window when he got hurt last year. I think it was time to move on. I would have ideally given his spot to a young pitcher in AAA, though.


Money aside, if you asked all MLB GM's which pitcher they would prefer, Maholm or Burnett, they would all take Burnett.

I don't care about the money since the Pirates have plenty that they choose not to spend, but I think that the fact that Maholm signed for $4.25 tells you his worth. If Burnett hit the free ageny market, he'd command at least 7 or 8 million, maybe as much as $10 per year on a 2 or 3 year deal.

do read most of the comments. I do not recall anyone saying the Pirates had the best front office in MLB. Please... stick to the facts. -- Bob Smizik


Thank you for saying this Bob. It gets very old reading the tired old falsehoods of people who do not support the Pirates.

Natesboro,

I would like to see what Lincoln has as well. I think he should be the long man and I'm sure as the 6th man he will get plenty of starts. Remember Bedard is an injury waiting to happen. Morton is already hurt. McD and Karstens had large increases in their IP and could have some issues this year as well.

The Pirates with a little bit of bad luck could very well end up with the worst rotation they've had a quite sometime. Acquiring another starter is absolutely imperative IMO.

KRAGBOX you said:

That said, it's not really a fair comparison checking Burnett's raw stats the last few seasons pitching in "every-other-fly-ball-is-a-HR" Yankee stadium against the Rays and Red Sox

That is just not true. in 2011 his HR/AB% was 4.4 at Yankee stadium and 4.3% on the road.

Here are some numbers from teams not the Red Sox or Rays:

Orioles 7.46 ERA; 1.5Whip
White Sox 5.84 ERA; 1.45Whip
Rockies 5.68 ERA; 1.89Whip
Twins 10.03 ERA; 2.14 Whip
Blue Jays 4.76 ERA; 1.76Whip

Also his line against at home

241/316/441

His line against on the road a much worse

287/370/497

The team that hit the most HR's against him was the Orioles with 7.

The statistics just do not support the position that his numbers are bad because he is pitching in Yankee Stadium and because of pitching against the Red Sox and Rays.

Bob, obviously Pitt can survive without games with Penn State, WVU, but that does negatively affect interest and the number of season ticket holders in Pitt football, especially in a pro spoorts town. I just don't see any rivalry games with any ACC teams, ever.



If I'm not mistaken, Virginia Tech and Miami both have sold out Heinz Field.
Rivalries are spawned as much by competition as by geography. -- Bob Smizik

Would people be complaining about Richard J. advertising his web site or his book if he were viewed as an Anti?

I didn't think so.

@Max...

Could you please clarify exactly how Tomlin "urinated away" a winnable Super Bowl?

As two of us have noted above, I'm pretty sure I saw the stud QB throw two critical interceptions and the starting RB have a key fumble. I'm also fairly sure the opponent was in the middle of what ended up being a 16+ game winning streak and had the hottest QB in football.

And please, confine it to football related reasons; not your usual comments about his arrogance and vocabulary which have zero effect on the result on the field.

LOL Blaming the game on Tomlin's decision to play both Harrison and Troy.

@ISIS: you are right that the game is decided by the players playing the game. However, it was Tomlin's decision who to play and he chose to play a safety who couldn't run and a pass rushing specialist who could barely stand up straight.

Troy was relegated to playing deep center field. Harrison could not generate any pressure.

As he did with Ben this past season, Tomlin delegated his decision making authority to his veteran players. And that was a large part of the reason they lost.

Heartbeatings,

You make excellent points. Here's my take. Maholm was not worth anywhere near the 9 million or whatever the option was. That has been borne out by his current contract. Burnett is not worth what he will get from the Pirates either.

The problem is the Pirates have painted themselves into a corner. They need SP badly and have missed out on many options. Now they will be forced to ovepay because they don't have good internal options. That was correctly pointed out by Krug BTW.

This ongoing discussion about Wallace is framed with the idea that because of their salary cap situation the Steelers will not be able to afford to sign him. I would ask the question like this: If the Steelers had plenty of cap room should they sign him to a hugh contract?
My answer would be "no". I think he is good but not great. He has average hands, average ability to get open, average running ability after making the catch, and below average blocking skills. He has fantastic speed but never seems to make big plays in big games.
I would prefer that the Steelers keep Wallace but not for a huge price.



Back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons are not `average.

I just don't see any rivalry games with any ACC teams, ever.

Every time Pitt crosses the Mason-Dixon line will be another battle in the Civil War. It's time to change the theme song from "Sweet Caroline" to "Damn Yankees" by Damn Yankees from the album "Damn Yankees" which is available today on amazon.com for $5.99.

As he did with Ben this past season, Tomlin delegated his decision making authority to his veteran players. And that was a large part of the reason they lost.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Obviously, your eyes were blinded to the pick six and other critical turnovers commited by the players on the field.

Those reasons are the main culprit to the loss.

I am certain that the coaching staff knew which players would give the team the best chance to win the Super Bowl, much more than what you or anyone outside of the that locker room believes to have known.

I skipped over Max's ignorant comments (as I refuse to read his comments), but caught a part of it from reading AHab's comments to him.

You both are in the wrong on this matter.

..
I would agree that typically, there is little urgency to signing young stars to contracts that buy out the arb years or try to buy a year or two into the FA years.

The PBC is not the typical franchise.

The management have touted the need to develop talent from within. In such cases where that talent blossoms as it has with Cutch and as it (arguably) has happened with Walker, then I think the management here should been VERY aggressive in siging these guys. More than trading for the AJ Burnett's of the world, showing a commitment to the "young stars" will demonstrate to others within the system and potential FA's that the PBC will reward performance and are interested in building a strong roster.

The stupid deal that Tabata signed only demonstrates that the PBC will do this with players who will "share the risk" or in Tabata's case show an almost total inability to think (see marriage to 40 year old who pretended to be much younger who pretended to be pregnant who kidnapped a baby and presented it to Jose as "his" only for him to be "incredulous" that all of this was untrue).

Anyway, is it more cost-effective to go through the "years of control" and pay the minumums, then deal with arb and THEN try to lock them up? Sure.

But does doing so, particularly with Cutch, just show that the PBC is more interested in controlling expenditures than commiting to proven winners on their roster? And if they won't commit to Cutch, would would a Tier 1 or 2 FA think the PBC will really commit to them?

Jose

@Heartbeat and ISIS...

I ultimately believe the turnovers killed the Steelers. They were in position to win at the end in spite of three killers mistakes.

And I think most people felt going in that if Troy could walk, he had to play.

That said, I strongly disagreed with Tomlin's decision to play Ben down the stretch this season and it would be hypocritcal of me not to acknowledge this.

Eric Mangini was on ESPN the other day and they started talking about when Brett Favre was playing QB for the Jets and obviously hurt. Skip Bayless was giving Mangini grief for playing an injured QB. Mangini's response was telling.

He said very often the injured guy is still a better option than his back-up, especially in a big game.

To me that applies to Troy in the Super Bowl; he's a better option than the back-up. That's a lot different than Ben in a regular season game against the dreadful Cleveland Browns.

Let's see overpaying for a pitcher the Yankees can't give away, no one else in MLB wants and the Pirates signing him will make the players in the clubhouse know the Pirates are "serious" about winning. I've got some prime ocean-front property in Idaho I'd like to give you a great bargain on Bob.

Eli Manning went to great lengths in Peter Kings recent MMQB article exposing about what an advantage it has been for him to work with the same O-co-ordinator since he came into the league. That OC: Kevin Gilbride of past Steeler OC fame. Not sure if Eli and Gilbride are BFF's but it will be interesting to see how the sometimes DramaQueen Ben and Haley's Comet connect.

Losing the PITT-WVU rivalry stinks. Although it's obvious both landed in superior conferences, it still stinks. It's a good thing for PITT that the ACC calling card came when it did - based on this season's BBall results the ACC may have looked at any other obtion besides PITT. That said, I'm a huge Jamie fan and I think the PITT downslide this season is just a blip. Just hope Pederson doesn't go "Solich" and jettison Jamie to prevent the "program" from slipping into "mediocrity"! PITT's football program under the genuis Pederson is all the "mediocrity" PITT can stand at the moment. By the way Chryst has been on the job about 2 months now which by Pederson standards is an eternity!

McCutch and Walker have market value and even though Walker is a hometown hero I would expect neither to fall for the Nutting "hometown" discount. As with the Ward/Steeler situation it's not personal, it's just business. Freddy Sanchez would NEVER have gotten a World Series ring in Baseball Hell. Hometown discounts are for chumps and Cutch and Walker don't strike me as chumps.

A look at virtually all of the NFL playoff teams and the 2 SuperBowl participants has proven you can win in todays NFL without the "big-name RB". Still astonished the Steelers used a 1st rounder on Mendenhall. The bevy of backs currently in the Steeler's stable will be more than adequate to "carry" the load with or without Mendenhall.

Lots of NHL clubs would love to have the problem of having to "adjust" to having Sid back on the ice. The kid has always struck me that he's a team first guy and I would think he would be the first in line to high-five Malkin after each and every Malkin goal.

@Jose Pagan

The Pirates under the current owner/mngt team have proven to be very cheap.

There are two possibilities as to why they can't/won't sign Cutch and Walker. (1) they want such a huge "hometown discount" that only Tabata would even consider it, or (2) any player with talent, ie., Cutch and Walker, wants out to escape the Pit, or they want to make their FMV.

In MLB you earn ``extended looks,'' and Lincolm, based on his minor-league performance, has not done that. -- Bob Smizik

Ok, I understand your feelings on this. I was basing my statement off of the fact he's our most "MLB Ready" option at AAA and has gotten small looks over the past 2 seasons.

My premise still stands tho. I think we have internal options that can do exactly what AJ Burnett is going to do.

And it would be more beneficial in the fact that the Pirates can learn something about one of (or more depending) their young starters.

A team that is on the cusp of contending goes out and makes a deal for Burnett. Does that sound like the Pirates to you?

To me that applies to Troy in the Super Bowl; he's a better option than the back-up. That's a lot different than Ben in a regular season game against the dreadful Cleveland Browns.

@Ahab: Rodgers stats from the Super Bowl clearly show that Troy and Harrison were not better options than their back ups.

But you are right, the Steelers could have made plays to win the game and they didn't. I think that's a testimony to how good the team was and also why that Super Bowl loss is going to continue to sting more the further we get away from it. You only get so many chances (if any) and you have to make the most of them.

In your order, Bob:
1. The Pirates should sign Burnett because their starting pitching is going to be atrocious, probably the worst in the National League, and he at least has the chance to improve it.
2. Haley and Ben will behave like grown ups. If one doesn't, that one should go. If both don't, Haley goes, and you get a new OC.
3. Hines will probably make this thing get ugly. He has motivated himself for years by perceiving himself as a victim, and now that perception is going to put the Steeler brass in the role of his victimizer. I don't think logic can prevail over this mindset.
4. Sid and Malkin-they may be seething with intense jealousy and swirling emotions, but how would we ever know? Has either ever said anything memorable, or even intelligible?
5. Agree with Buccs1960-WVU is not going to cease to exist. I actually think it will be easier to cheer for them now that they're not directly competing with Pitt, and their fans' jealous hatred of their big city cousins will be a bit blunted.
6. Pitt football will be lucky to win 7 games.
7. Tomlin's critics come in two types-racists and guys who think they know more than everybody about everything. There is, of course, some overlap.
8. Pitt basketball will get a few more tough kids to play Dixon's brand of ball. It will be interesting to see how this style succeeds in the ACC.
9. Cutch will never sign here. Walker, with the added value of being a homeboy and the reduced cost due to his being less of a talent, may opt to be a big fish in a mud puddle.
10. If Rashard takes the season off he'll be able to concentrate on his life's work of politically educating the masses. Let's hope he plays.
11. Pitt vs. WVU would be sorely missed, even though I detest the large numbers of crude WVU fans invading Heinz Field.
12.Regarding Krug's piece-I get tired of national press figures taking potshots at the Pirate management. Not much sport in shooting belly-up fish in a barrel.

I've read this whole blog. I can not figure out, why people here are trying to have intelligent conversations about the Pirates. There is more intelligence being spoken on this blog now ( just some posters.. Not everyone now), then what is being discussed on Federal St. That is a fact, or else you wouldn't be seeing TBMTIB in a pickle right now.

@Heartbeat...

Rodgers has been basically tearing NFL defenses to shreds from about week 16 of 2010 through the end of the 2011 regular season. And the Steeler defense last year clearly struggled against Packer type of offenses with great QBs (New Orleans, New England, Green Bay).

Quite honestly, it was unrealistic to expect to stop Rodgers in that game. The plan was to contain him and not make critical mistakes on offense. Sadly the second part did not happen.

Maybe a healthy Troy steps in front of a ball for an INT and changes the game. Obviously an injured Troy could not. I'm not convinced a healthy Ryan Mundy could have either.

In the end, I still say three turnovers doomed the Steelers. One cost them a TD. One killed a chance for points before haltime. And the last one stopped a potential tying drive and turned back the momentum. You can't overcome mistakes like that...and those mistakes are on the players.

@pghsportsfan,

Right now, looking at stats and not potential, would you want to give Cutch and Walker a huge extension? I don't think at this moment I would.

Both have been explosive at times and have looked like players that can be elite. But other times, including basically the entire second half when the Pirates needed him the most, A.M. was horrible.

I think the next year or two will decide whether they are even worth the money.

@Heartbeat...

I would add this, the great all knowing, all powerful Bill Belichek just played Rob Gronkowski in a Super Bowl where he was clearly hobbled by his injury. Probably for the same reason Tomlin played Troy...he was the best option even while injured.

@Ahab,

I understand about playing Ben against the Browns and really believe the coaching staff must have thought Ben was okay enough to play and was the best choice for winning, but in hindsight, I have to agree with you.

As for Hines Ward:

He definitely needs to remove the chip from his shoulder and retire gracefully. I believe the Rooney's are waiting and hoping for that to happen.

Besides, they went out of their way to get Hines that elusive record. It is time for Hines to pay back - retire gracefully.

I just read some of the other Malkin comments.

I highly suggest you all watch 24/7 last year and/or read the excellent story on Geno in last year's Pittsburgh magazine. Both make it clear that Sid and Geno have a tremendous relationship. There is nothing, I repeat NOTHING to even suggest there would jealousy or other issues. They know they need each other to win a cup.

Also at 123...the Salary Cap right now is $64 Million. The $48 Million number you posted is the Salary Floor. The owners may get the number knocked down a little but I assure you it will not be to $48 Million.

I don't think the Pens will have to choose between Crosby and Malkin. I do think they may have to decide whether they can risk a new contract for Sid if his health remains in doubt.

Maybe a healthy Troy steps in front of a ball for an INT and changes the game. Obviously an injured Troy could not. I'm not convinced a healthy Ryan Mundy could have either.

@Ahab: I think the difference between a healthy Troy and Mundy (or whoever) is significant. I think the difference between a Troy that can't run vs Mundy is a negative in favor of Mundy. Because of Troy's injury (and Harrisons), the Steelers were forced to come out of their normal schemes and strategies.

@jasonpkerr

I agree with most of what you say. However, if the Pirates are going to build from within, they must take chances on players like Cutch and Walker. If they don't pan out, you spent some money on players that is more than they are worth. If you don't spend the money, the downside is that you continue to be below mediocre for the next XX number of years.

Sometimes the only thing that you can do is to take a chance.

written by King Arthur, February 14, 2012 - 10:13 AM
Would people be complaining about Richard J. advertising his web site or his book if he were viewed as an Anti?

I didn't think so.

That is this blog's equivalent of pulling the race card.

I don't have a dog in this fight, but I gotta give bipolarman some marketing credit. In his denial that he was using this sight for advertising his book he mentioned "Amazon address" 5 times.

"And the most astonishing thing is that, according to Dulac quoting Arians, TOMLIN NEVER ONCE IN 5 YEARS ASKED HIM TO CHANGE A PLAY, CHANGE PHILOSOPHY, OR EVEN TALKED TO HIM ABOUT PLAY CHOICE." - Max
=====================================================

If this is true, and I assume it is, this is the most damning allegation, among all allegations, that question Tomlin's head coaching capability. It is beyond astonishing. It is incomprehensible!

And it is also telling of Bruce Arians. The guy is such a self absorbed p***k. He knew he was throwing Tomlin under the bus, just as denying retirement was throwing Rooney under the bus. What a jerk.

Class, thy name is certainly not Arians.

@pghsportsfan,

I agree with you as well but the problem is that many people on this blog b***h and moan about signing average to below average guys that are 30 years old and on the downside.

Well what is the difference if you sign a 26 year old Neil Walker who also isn't consistent and can't give you what you need. The same for A.M. In the next few years those players have to become consistent enough to be able to give them a large contract.

My two cents...

... on the wrong topic follows.

I usually cannot disagree more with bi-polarman's view(s) of the Pirates. However, the way I see it, he will engage you in conversation if you ask him directly. He also supports his claims with those stats he likes so much. He engaged me in conversation a few times, and I have no problem with that. If memore serves me well, we agreed to disagree.

Unless his other "personality" is Robert Nutting, I have no problem at all with him and/or his views. He has the same rights as I do to say what he wants about the Pirates.

Question of the day: What is bi-polarman's WAR as a member of this blog? Must be about +2.7, right?

___________________________________

Another topic I was not asked about, but...

I really enjoy the message behind the corndog stuff. Very smart stuff. Please keep it up.

@jasonpkerr

I, for one, only bi__h and moan when the Pirates sign over the hill bums like Lyle Overbay and Matt Diaz. I don't have any problem with the Pirates spending money on players in their 20/s with an upside.

If this is true, and I assume it is, this is the most damning allegation, among all allegations, that question Tomlin's head coaching capability. It is beyond astonishing. It is incomprehensible!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh, I get it, since Dulac stated that (source please) it must be true because Dulac only speaks the truth and because Arians spoke the truth and only speaks the truth.

LOL

Hines should go to the Jets for a year. Sanchez doesn't throw long that often anyway and could use someone with hands. Plus Hines might get Santonio to cooperate. Jets are in 'win now' mode for another year or two.

I think the move to the ACC affects more than just WVU. It'll probably affect ND as well. There will be many, many more empty seats at Heinz.

Get Burnett and be done with it already. It's something. Which is better than nothing. Certainly when considering the numbers, adding Burnett vs. releasing Maholm looks like a wash. But nobody really expected much of Maholm. The time to have traded Paul for value was last July. Adding Burnett may improve the team, probably won't hurt it for about the same price as Maholm.

Regarding Krug's article, there's a Dustin Hoffman quote from Hero that's applicable here (vulgarity warning) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt01...=qt0281507 IMO, Krug is correct in that the Bucs (and Huntington) have not stocked the minors with position players ready to move up and contribute. And that's about all he's spot on about.

I could care less about Ben's feelings or Mendenhall except as it pertains to the Rooney's getting in the way of Tomlin doing what he needs to do to win. And I'm not even a Steelers fan, but the meddling of the FO certainly seems odd and uncharacteristic.

7. Tomlin's critics come in two types-racists and guys who think they know more than everybody about everything. There is, of course, some overlap.- kevin morris

You couldn't be more wrong. Tomlin is not exempt from criticism. Playing BR when he should have rested for the start of the playoffs was a big and calculated mistake. Not having confidence in your back up quarterback is a mistake. Not trusting your field goal kicker is a mistake. Not second guessing some play calls by your OC is a mistake. Not second guessing the strategy by Lebeau on defense against the Broncos in overtime is a mistake (especially since he was a DB coach in Minnesota).
@Ahab
You are the most reasonable person on this site. I respect your opinions even if at times I don't agree with them.

...
@AHab -

Bob's original point was the criticism of Tomlin by fans.

Losing that Super Bowl is one possible reason. Another could be a team crushed in their opening game by their biggest rival.

Another could be losing the second Baltimore game, when clearly playoff seeding was on the line, and the Steelers defense gave up a 2 min 90+ yard winning drive to Joe Flacco.

Another could be nearly losing to Joe's former teammate Tyler Palko.

Another could be mis-managing his injured QB at the end of the season.

Another could be trying to rationalizing the 11 second OT defense in the Denver Debacle.

Another could be the Dulac quote from Arians.

Heartbeatsings largely answered the question how Tomlin bears responsibility for losing the Super Bowl.

He let Troy play, because he had no backup player developed in whom he had more confidence.

He fielded a defense, run by a coordinator, who let the Packers hold the ball more than 9 min in the fourth quarter. After the Steelers had closed to 21-17. The Steeler defense should not have been tired, having a good advantage of TOP the first 3 quarters.

And Tomlin's arrogance and inflated vocabulary definitely are a factor, both in how he relates to his players, and how he is perceived by fans.

How do you think Tomlin talks to the players? Do you think that might aggravate some of them? Sure, they are supposed to be pros, and not let that bother them. But do you think that is always the case? There are a lot of extreme personalities among professional athletes. They always need some little under dog, nobody respects us. Who knows what affect Tomlin's condescending arrogance might have on some players?

Or, you might say Tomlin doesn't talk to his players the same way he talks to the media. And what kind of character does that reflect?

That is this blog's equivalent of pulling the race card.

Comparing anti and pro to racial issues?

Can't make this stuff up.

Bob Smizik, Pirate in Montana.

Thank you.

I have no objection to the Post-Gazette's decision. I greatly appreciate this blog and I will continue to attempt to add to the conversation under my new screen name.

One other thing... comments about the Tabata contract potentially hurting other negotiations. Were the Bucs really supposed to say "no" to Tabata's generous terms? In this particular instance, if anything, Cutch/Walker should be POd at Jose for that contract and for not listening to his agent.

Concerning Hines Ward. As I posted in another thread, what makes us think that Hines is washed up? Is it because Arians refused to play him? Well Arians is gone (retired, fired- whatever). My opinion will be based on how Haley the new OC evaluates him.
I also think that Hines can be turned into the NFL'S new version of a tight end. I believe Hines is just as good as Hernandez of NE.



This does down as one of the all-time great statements on the blog:

Hines Ward will become just as good a tight end as Aaron Hernandez.


You can't make this stuff up. -- Bob Smizik

written by roger roger, February 14, 2012 - 08:09 AM

Now we all KNOW that TBMTIB would never, ever keep payroll so low as to raise the suspicions of the union, right?
I mean, we keep hearing money will be spent "when the time is right".
The day I saw the particulars of the new CBA, I stated that the Pennies would be forced to spend more $$$. It is now a condition of receiving revenue-sharing.
But I do have a feeling that the Pennies will be throwing money around just to throw money around. I hope that isnt the case.
This post was brought to you by [url=www.enjoyacorndog.net

]www.enjoyacorndog.net

I agree with everything that you have written. I didn't comment earlier because I skipped some of the earlier posts when I got on this morning.

Keep up the good work. I think that I'm going to go make myself some (corndogs)lunch.

I will miss the Pitt-WVU series. I am involved in a mix-marriage (I am a WVU grad and my wife is a Pitt grad). Fortunately - we raised the kids to be WVU fans.

@pghsports

I don't have any problem with the Pirates spending money on players in their 20/s with an upside.

Yeah, you and 29 other GM's.

Therein lies the crux of speaking in generalities like you do. That plan sounds great until you look at the number of those players that actually exist and the cost that it takes to get them.

If you're going to use html, please be sure to close your brackets.

...
@pghsportsfan -

Did you forget to pay your ISP bill?

That corndog website won't come up for Max!

But it is funny it fools Bob's joomla, and the software turns the phony link blue!

www.itallstartsatthetop.org

@pghsportsfan,

I agree to a point but after so many years I think a conclusion can be reached on potential and actual production and salary should be paid accordingly.

@pghsport
I don't have any problem with the Pirates spending money on players in their 20/s with an upside.
Yeah, you and 29 other GM's.
Therein lies the crux of speaking in generalities like you do. That plan sounds great until you look at the number of those players that actually exist and the cost that it takes to get them.

NMR: You took my comment about signing players in their 20's out of context, in order to make a negative comment about my statement. I was commenting to jasonpkerr about the signing of Cutch and Walker vs. signing Overbay and Diaz.

Please get your facts straight!

Thank you

@Max

Everything I've seen, read and heard suggests that Tomlin's players love playing for him. He's considered a strong leader and a player's coach. The players seem to be okay with his vocabulary.

I could care less how he deals with the media. And I don't believe its any reflection on his character whatsoever. Would you prefer the Belichek approach to dealing with the media? The man says nothing and treats every question likes its an imposition.

Your comment above was that he "urinated away" a winnable Super Bowl. You sited one reason, posted by somebody else, that might make him partially at fault. That reason may be true but its far less the reason they lost then three turnovers, two by the star QB.

Nearly everything else you sited has nothing to do with that game and is far more on the players than the coach. And I can address everyone of them with this response...in five years he's lead the team to nearly a 70% win %, four playoff spots, two Super Bowls and a championship.



Speaking as a member of the media, I have no problem with how Tomlin handles news conferences. I don't know of anyone who is greatly troubled by this. -- Bob Smizik

@pgh

It wasn't a negative comment, but sorry if you took it that way. I don't bicker with people on here.

You see where it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation, right?

Believe me, I'd love for the Pirates to be signing younger guys, including their own. But they still have 25 spots on a roster to fill.

It's not fair to say that signing a Lyle Overbay precludes them from signing a Neil Walker.

I don't want the next Front Office excuse to be "We're saving money this year in order to sign Insert Name-Here to an extension in 201X."

NMR,

Great point WRT Crosby and Malkin. It isn't like football where one guy is the starter and the other is the backup at a given position. The nature of hockey with its relatively short shifts ensures that there will be plenty of ice time for both of them.

There are two issues, however, that would need to be resolved. Crosby has historically played on a line with Kunitz. I would, however, hate to see the Malkin-Neal-Kunitz line broken up at this point. It will be interesting to see who plays on which lines if Crosby returns.

The other issue I have is the power play. I think that Crosby and Malkin really need to be separated and play on different power play units. They both like to perform the same role on the PP, and the PP as a whole would be better off with them on two separate units. However, that's where they may need to do some "ego massaging". Which PP would be the first unit? I'm sure it could be worked out, though, as both of those guys seem more comitted to winning than to their own egos and individual accomplishments.

@NMR

No problem.

I didn't infer that the signing of a Lyle Overbay precludes them from sign a Neil Walker. I was talking about where I would prefer to see the PBC spend it's money. I would rather see them possibly overspend on Cutch and/or Walker than spend money on an over the hill player like Lyle Overbay.

No harm, no foul.

I would add this, the great all knowing, all powerful Bill Belichek just played Rob Gronkowski in a Super Bowl where he was clearly hobbled by his injury. Probably for the same reason Tomlin played Troy...he was the best option even while injured. -AHab35

You're right. Troy had to play.
But it's also a question of how Troy should have been used in the game so as to not expose his weakness at the time. Having to run all over the field with a bad achilles heel inorder to cover a great wide receiver in Jennings?!
Tomlin/ Lebeau equally gets blamed for this.
Troy's only role in the Superbowl should have been to either blitz the quarterback or cover the run.
Given all this, the Steelers could have still won the game if it were not for better play calls by Arians in the final drive.

I’m still trying to determine if the word that Rashard Mendenhall might not be ready for the start of the 2012 NFL season is good news or bad news.

Well, I'm still trying to deteermine if Ike Taylor signing and staying made the Steelers worse. I believe it is a resounding yes. He added nothing to a defense that couldn't have been gotten by siging any other Free Agent.

Speaking as a member of the media, I have no problem with how Tomlin handles news conferences. I don't know of anyone who is greatly troubled by this. -- Bob Smizik

I would speak with Ed Bouchette on this. Apparently the news conferences are not lasting as long as Ed would like them.


If the media is unhappy with the length of the conferences, it should ask more questions. -- Bob Smizik

i'm a wheeling native living in central pa.; thus i've lived in close proximity to nutting publications for well over 50 years. so i am pretty familiar with the nutting/ogden families. i never fully understood the whole sale of the pirates to mcclatchy and then suddenly to nutting. i don't think nutting is very knowledgeable about baseball and doesn't seem to have the same passion for it as some team owners. that is why he hires a management team to spend the budget and improve the team. so far this approach has not been entirely successful and certainly does not yet merit the-best-management-team-in- baseball declaration. the future pirate success or lack thereof will depend on how the draft produces a team like minnesota, one of a few examples of small market teams that have been successful. to be successful, they need to spend a significant amount of money on the best evaluators of talent available. of course, i'm thinking of certain early scenes in the movie MONEY BALL. i'm not sure that nutting/coonly/huntinton have turned the minor league organization around or have in place those ball players who while not in demand have the potential to succeed at the major league level. or as is the case with the pirates, the near major league level.

"Given all this, the Steelers could have still won the game if it were not for better play calls by Arians in the final drive."
---

On one of the plays on the final drive, Mewelde Moore was standing wide open, uncovered in the middle of the field. If Ben hits him, its an easy frist down and Moore might go 20 to 30 yards.

Ben chose to force a ball to Wallace that was incomplete.

In the AZ Super Bowl, Ben completed a similar pass to Moore when he was wide open.

That is not play calling...its play execution. It's another example of Steeler fans blaming Arians for everything that goes wrong.

Jim Krug couldn't be more correct in his comments. Thanks for the post, Bob

...

I would add this, the great all knowing, all powerful Bill Belichek just played Rob Gronkowski in a Super Bowl where he was clearly hobbled by his injury. Probably for the same reason Tomlin played Troy...he was the best option even while injured. -AHab35

If you don't understand the difference of Gronkowski on OFFENSE being a decoy that the Giants still had to cover,

and Troy 10 yards deep on DEFENSE, allowing the Packers some free yards . . .

Was Troy responsible for being the 'best available" player even though injured?

Should Troy have signed more capable backups?

Should Troy have developed his backup better?

And one last thing, please let ISIS know he has hurt Max deeply.

...

If the media is unhappy with the length of the conferences, it should ask more questions. -- Bob Smizik

WOW! You learn something every day.

I thought the Steelers decided when they would stop taking questions, and sometimes even walked out when they didn't like a question.

Who knew they stayed until all questions are answered!

Max or roger roger

Don't know which of you to thank for mentioning "healthy corndogs". I was just searching the net and found recipies for healthy corndogs.

Since I can make my own healthy corndogs, I loaded 230 Rock CDs on my MP3 player, and I bought fireworks in Ohio, I won't need to go to PNC Park this year to watch a AAA BB team play against Major League players, and pay top $$ to do so.

Thanks again!

I thought the Steelers decided when they would stop taking questions, and sometimes even walked out when they didn't like a question.

@Max: I have to admit when listening to the Tomlin weekly presser I get the distinct impression that the reporters and coach can't wait for it to be over.

But Tomlin has far exceeded my expectations. He accomplished in his first 4 years what Cowher did in his entire 15 seasons with the Steelers, take his team to 2 Super Bowls and win 1. Tomlin is also 2-0 in AFC Championship games played at Heinz Field. Cowher was 1-4 in home AFC title games. How can any objective Steelers fan be down on Tomlin?

Unbelievably dumb statement. Cowher vs. Tomlin, especially in the playoffs comes down to 1 thing, who was their QB.

If Cowher had a top tier QB during most of his seasons as HC, there would have been more SB appearances and championships. Good QBs win in the playoffs, and win championships.

Until Ben, Cowher had Tomzack, O’Donnell, Grahm, Kordell, Maddox, etc.

Hines Warnandez
===============

The Steelers should resign Hines for one more year as a player/coach .... he can still play as a backup slot receiver and while NOT a TE, could line up as a 2nd TE in passing situations if necessary .... and with the "coach" designation, he could be gracefully deactivated some Sundays as necessary and has the graceful path out and up the Steeler org.

Beyond that, his brand of playing WR is something that Wallace/Brown/Sanders need to embrace...they're soft and only Brown seems to have the type of hands/mentality going over the middle consistently requires.

WR is an important role in today's NFL and no WR exemplfies work ethic like Ward, he's a valuable resource the Steelers should keep.

ybgmh

written by Max, February 14, 2012 - 12:15 PM

...

If you don't understand the difference of Gronkowski on OFFENSE being a decoy that the Giants still had to cover,

and Troy 10 yards deep on DEFENSE, allowing the Packers some free yards . . .

Was Troy responsible for being the 'best available" player even though injured?

Should Troy have signed more capable backups?

Should Troy have developed his backup better?

---

This entire post is more justification for Max's anti-Tomlin bias which is only slightly less obvious than another poster's hatred of the D coordinator. Max will blame Tomlin for everything and has done so for three years on this board.

What Belichek did was exactly the same thing Tomlin did. He played the player he thought was best suited to help him. And the Giants' defensive success was in large part because they did not have to apply full resources to covering Gronkowski.

I assume Belichek is every bit as responsible in your mind for not having quality STARTING WRs or RBs as Tomlin is for not having a good enough back-up safety?

The other issue I have is the power play. I think that Crosby and Malkin really need to be separated and play on different power play units. They both like to perform the same role on the PP, and the PP as a whole would be better off with them on two separate units. However, that's where they may need to do some "ego massaging". Which PP would be the first unit? I'm sure it could be worked out, though, as both of those guys seem more comitted to winning than to their own egos and individual accomplishments.

You must be joking. Does Vancouver split up the Sedin’s? Does Detroit not play Zetterberg and Datsyuk on the same unit?

On the PP, you put you best offensive talent on the same unit, especially when you are talking about maybe No. 1 and No 2 in the world, when health.

Best PP with a health Sid, Letang and Sullivan on the points, Neal net front, Sid on the side of the net, Geno on the half wall, right side. Sid is almost automatic on the redirect from the side of the net.

Three posts with prominent displays of the individual's website which I am sure provides all the information I need to purchase a seminar right off the bat.

Don't click the link? What's the problem here?

People have linked different blogs on here for a long time. AHaberman, for example, linked something in the comments a few months ago and nobody called for his banning. Just because you don't agree with this particular poster's viewpoints doesn't mean you should get so petty.

It actually exposes that you can't beat him in an argument, so you'd rather have someone else just make him go away. This goes for more posters than just you, Jose.

Ha! Typical Pro stuff. Now Krug lacks Intelligence. Ridiculous

Well he's not exactly writing for Sports Illustrated. He didn't break any new ground or expose any new facts.


One point that needs made - Littlefield may have drafted a few of these guys (I wonder in 2015 how many Huntington guys will sitll be coming up?), but Huntington and his staff got them to the majors. Walker would probably be playing third base in the Dodgers' organization if Littlefield was still around.

Thanks Dan1283.

I close my eyes. I think AJ Burnett...I see....I see.... Matt Morris!

Criticism of Tomlin considering an absolutely fabulous first five years again makes a mockery of the "knowledgeable" Steeler fans. That and Hines Ward as a tight end!!!

Hines Ward will become just as good a tight end as Aaron Hernandez.
You can't make this stuff up. -- Bob Smizik

Starting as TE for the Steelers of 2012...
the one and only...Hines Warnandez


When you're a good athlete Bob, you can play multiple positions. Belichick does it all the time with certain players. Why would you doubt that Hines can play TE? He is much quicker than H. Miller.

When you're a good athlete Bob, you can play multiple positions. Belichick does it all the time with certain players. Why would you doubt that Hines can play TE? He is much quicker than H. Miller.

Hines Ward is (generously) listed at 6-0, 205 pounds. Probably more like 5-10, 190.

Heath Miller is listed (perhaps generously) at 6-5, 256.

I'm sorry, am I missing something?

The absolute best take I've read on the Burnett situation was posted by cramden yesterday under the article about Goodell's salary:

"Just look at that chump that the Yankees are trying to pawn off on the Pirates. He's been lousy the last 3 years & the Yanks OWE him 33 million dollars."

I agree 100%. It's like the high school bullies trying to swindle you out of your lunch money. Compare the management of the two organizations. Who do you think is going to get the short end of the stick in this ill-fated deal?

That is not play calling...its play execution. It's another example of Steeler fans blaming Arians for everything that goes wrong.- AHab35

I blame BR and Arians equally for that last drive.
That Superbowl was the start of a decline for Ben that continued into this year.
Like you said, Ben forces a throw to Wallace when he had an open M. Moore. I believe Ben tried to throw three times towards Wallace on that final drive!
And how many times has it happened this year where Ben is looking downfield when all along he has the option to throw to his running back who is open. Instead Ben gets sacked or he fumbles the ball or he throws an interception and if lucky will sometimes throw for a TD.




And so this makes it the fault of Arians and Tomlin? -- Bob Smizik

BSwanson,

I know splitting Geno and Sid on two PP units is unconventional, but both are best suited to playing the right half boards. I would actually prefer seing Neal move out from in front of the net to a position where he could better use his shot. My two PP units would be:

Points: Letang plays both units (ala Gonchar a few years back), Sullivan on unit 1, Martin on "1A"

Net front: 1. Kunitz "1A" Staal
Half boards: 1. Malkin "1A" Crosby
Trigger Man: 1. Neal "1A" Kennedy (when healthy)

By trigger man, I would refer to a forward who floats from the left side into the high slot to be set up for one timers by Geno/Sid if/when the point shot is not available. I realize that this is an unconventional way to split the talent, but after the first minute of a PP, when guys like Staal, Kennedy, Kunitz and Martin take the ice, that does not seem like a particularly dangerous unit. Adding Crosby to that mix makes it much more deadly.

Ahab,

I always enjoy reading your posts, even if we don't see eye to eye.

I've noticed today that you were willing to attribute blame to Ben for his lackluster play in the super bowl loss against the Packers. You've cited a couple instances in particular (forcing the ball to Wallace & the 2 picks).

You continue to defend Big Ben over and over especially when discussing the old "elite" conversation.

So Ben has tanked in 2 of his 3 SB appearances, yet you continue to shower him with praise. What gives?
I'm not picking a fight, but I found your criticism of Ben today... a little out of character for you.



Ahab can answer for himself but maybe his belief in Roethlisberger has something to do with GETTING to those Super Bowl. Roethlisberger has played over 100 games in his career. --- Bob Smizik

And so this makes it the fault of Arians and Tomlin? -- Bob Smizik

The decline of Ben R. is on Ben.
The decline of the offense is/was on Arians.
The downfall of the Ben + Arians show is/was on Tomlin.
@SeanAY
You so easily removed two inches from Hines Ward's height that since we're at it, we may as well remove five inches from H. Miller's height too!
If Ward's height is an issue or was an issue, why was he even a WR? As for weight...how much does Hernandez weigh?

Steelcity--

OK, fine. Have it your way.

6-0, 205 vs. 6-5, 255.

Which one looks like a tight end? No offense to Hines - I'm sure he's a tough guy - but he would get MURDERED playing tight end.

There have been, and are, shorter/lighter receivers than Ward to excel in the NFL. Some are still playing, even.

Name me one - ONE - tight end with that height/weight.

And Aaron Hernandez is listed as 6-2, 245. A little short, but bulky enough to be a tight end. Your best comparison has 40 pounds on Ward.

I can't believe this is even a point being argued.



Nor can I. -- Bob Smizik

Out-N-lfield...

Fair question.

I believe when you look at Ben's overall track record he is an elite QB. When you look at the big picture of his career and what he's accomplished, it compares with elite QBs throughout the Super Bowl era. I don't think its a coincidence that the Steelers went to the next level when Ben became the QB.

I do not think he played his best game in that SB against Green Bay, but I don't think he was bad in that game either. There are two examples, the second interception he threw (in to triple coverage) and the forced passed to Wallace (rather than Moore) that were bad decisions. The pick 6 was more on the O-line since they did not pick up the rush.

My larger point is that you can just as easily blame those mistakes...by an elite QB...as you can the work of Tomlin or Arians. Which is to say that great players make mistakes, as do average players, as do coaches. It's never as simple as just saying, its the OC's fault.

I'll give you he was bad against Seattle. Remember though he was a second year QB; the youngest to ever start in the SB. And his play in the playoffs was a critical reason they got to that SB.

@SeanT and BSwanson...

I'm personally not in favor of splitting Sid and Geno on to separate power plays. And most teams today don't split their stars due to lack of depth. HOWEVER...if you look at the mid to late 90s both Detroit (Yzerman and Federov) and Colorado (Sakic and Forsberg) did use that strategy. Those teams had more depth pre salary cap so they could build two great power play units around elite centers.

That said, while the Pens power play has underachieved the last few years with 87 and 71 together, they've been fine in the post season (08, 09, 10). So I prefer to make it work with them. There could be some occassions where they split them up but on the whole, I prefer them together, with Sid playing closer to the net (as he often did in the 09 playoffs).

I'm also okay with putting Kunitz back with Sid. The Pens are a one line offensive team right now. Yes it will hurt the Malkin line to take away Kunitz but that will be offset in two ways; a better Crosby line and Geno not always playing against the other team's top defensive players.

I hope, really, really hope, we have to worry about this before the playoffs. The Pens are a legit cup contender with 87 back.

I'll give you he was bad against Seattle. Remember though he was a second year QB; the youngest to ever start in the SB. And his play in the playoffs was a critical reason they got to that SB.

He wasn't as bad as his stat line, however. He made plays that helped them to win. That gets overlooked at times.

Your overall point stands, Ben is the difference maker and his contribution got them into the promised land.

-If Bylsma breaks up that Geno, Neal, Kunitz line if Sid comes back, he needs to have his head examined. These guys are rolling and are the best line in the league right now. That means Sid plays with guys like Kennedy(when healthy), Dupuis, Cooke, or Sullivan. The Pens have too many centers and need to trade for a secondary scorer who can carry a second line.

...something tells me that Sid will survive, flourish even, as he previously lit up the league all while skating with stiffs like Kunitz 1.0, Pascal "Skates-o-Lightning/Hands-o-Stone" Dupuis & "Grandpa" Guerin on his wings.

As for leadership, fact of the matter is that there will be no confusion in the room as to who the anointed leader truly is. Geno has been in North America for over half a decade now and is closer in age to 30 than he is to 20, yet his grasp of it's prominent language is still a disgrace, as his inherent laziness in applying himself to mastering the language of choice is hardly that of a true leader, in any sense of the word...

Off the charts talent? Check!
Great guy/teammate? Check!
THE man in the Kid's room??? C'MON!!!

The level of criticism directed at Mike Tomlin by some fans can be considered nothing but astonishing. Tomlin’s five seasons have brought four playoff appearances, two Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl championship. Among coaches five years or more on the job in the post-Super Bowl era, Tomlin has the third-best winning percentage. John Madden is first.

Bob, I thought the PLAYERS were the ones who were most responsible for playoff appearances, championships & winning percentages...OOPS, except of course for QB's ?!?

AHab35, Does M.T. have pictures of you stealing candy from a baby or something? Good Lord, it generally takes all of about 45 minutes after any post which calls into question even an iota of doubt regarding any aspect of coaching ability as it pertains to him, before you fire up the spin doctor defense cannon...geesh, give it a rest, the dude is far from the second coming of Lombardi, Noll or Walsh...matter of fact, with the current state of Steeler salary cap affairs, we're gonna find out how good he truly is IMO

...same as it ever was!

Can hear it already, the same ole apologists will be cryin' outta the other side of their mouths (the one opposite the side that lauded him above all others for their success when the talent he inherited was already in place upon his anointment) that he just doesn't have the talent & cooperation from the front office...lol

* "I’m still trying to determine if the word that Rashard Mendenhall might not be ready for the start of the 2012 NFL season is good news or bad news."

It's good news Bob. If the Steelers are serious about emphasizing the running game, they can never have too many good running backs.

* "I’m still trying to determine if the word that Rashard Mendenhall might not be ready for the start of the 2012 NFL season is good news or bad news."

"It's good news Bob. If the Steelers are serious about emphasizing the running game, they can never have too many good running backs."

OOPS! I meant to say it is "bad" news that he might not be ready.

"* The level of criticism directed at Mike Tomlin by some fans can be considered nothing but astonishing. Tomlin’s five seasons have brought four playoff appearances, two Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl championship. Among coaches five years or more on the job in the post-Super Bowl era, Tomlin has the third-best winning percentage. John Madden is first."

Bob, I love your naive approach to sports. Thank you for your, I believe, sincere response to the vitriol directed at Tomlin.

But if you realistically factor in that Tomlin is Black, then the negative response and lack of appreciation of him makes perfect sense.



I am well aware from where much of the Tomlin dislike stems. -- Bob Smizik

BBD...

Welcome back, thought you retired from posting.

I have said this to you, SteelerMark, Max and others in the past. I have no issue with legitimate criticism of Tomlin's work as a coach. For example, questioning a decision in a game or use of a player, etc. I think its realistic to criticize playing Ben the last two games or questionable time managmeent.

And if you read my first post above, I make it clear Tomlin bares a degree of responsibility for the Super Bowl loss. Teams win and lose together, coaches and players.

HOWEVER...

I have issue with the ridiculous blanket criticism of Tomlin from people who say things like, he can't coach. And there are several on this board who regular do this. I have issue with people who blame Tomlin or Arians for every single thing that goes on with this team. And there are several on this board who regularly do so.

That is not raising an iota of doubt. That is people flat out saying the man can't coach. And we both know there are several people on this board who regularly state that.

Coaches are judged over the long term by wins and losses. This coach has been terrific in this area for five years.

As long as people insist on irrational blanket criticisms of a man who wins 70% of his games, I will defend him.

I always find it interesting how rational arguments are so often called spin doctoring by those in opposition to it.

written by AHab35, February 14, 2012 - 11:33 AM

@Max

Everything I've seen, read and heard suggests that Tomlin's players love playing for him. He's considered a strong leader and a player's coach. The players seem to be okay with his vocabulary.

I could care less how he deals with the media. And I don't believe its any reflection on his character whatsoever. Would you prefer the Belichek approach to dealing with the media? The man says nothing and treats every question likes its an imposition.

No doubt, most players do indeed seem to love playing for M.T. just not nearly as much as media LOVES lauding BeliCHEAT, in case you haven't noticed...

Name me one - ONE - tight end with that height/weight.- SeanAY

The new NFL says that you can plan around the players you have. Usually the tight-ends block for a split second and then they take their route to make a catch.
Hines Ward does that now as a WR. I don't see what he has often done as a WR that he cannot apply this as a TE?
I'm not saying that he takes the place of H. Miller in normal sets but if you go with the two TE set, I can see Hines creating problems/confusion for the defense.
We can have Hines put on some weight in the offseason if that's the concern.

AHab,

Thx. dude! But, unfortuanately for Bob, I've taken the Favre approach & have not as yet filed my papers, although I'm sure I came a bit closer than I intended to with my final comment last evening...Thx. Bob!

I've either not found time enough to devote or chosen that discretion is the better part of valor, as most times the same arguments tend to get infinitely regurgitated. I still try and pay attention to Bob's fine blog when time allows, most often choosing to merely be a silent observer to the comments of those I've always considered to be the most knowledgeable sports fans...keep up the good work to all of you!

...oops! should read;

FORTUNATELY for Bob

Bob, I really enjoy your "nobody asked me". I look forward to reading all the comments, but let me just say that I thought that all your darts hit the board. You articulate what many of us are thinking on a daily basis. Not only is it great to be a Pittsburgher, it's great that we have such diverse sports teams and personalities. Thanks for providing us your expertise.



Much appreciated. -- Bob Smizik

Just to wrap things up Ahab/Bob...

I'll agree that there is no way the Steelers make it to any of the Super Bowls without Ben during his tenure and I'll also give in to the fact that he was a second year QB against Seattle.

I think he is an ELITE TALENT who is underachieving. He is not an ELITE PERFORMER.

Elite QB's don't get sacked as much as he does, and I don't want to hear about the OL. It's amazing how bad the OL can look when the QB holds onto the ball forever and misses chances to unload it. In the age of the salary cap everyone has to make tough choices.

We spent most of our money on the Defensive side of the ball. After Ben and a couple skilled positions, there isn't much left to sprinkle around.

This is why I blame Arians, Ben & Tomlin for the offensive production (points, not yards) during the Arians years. When your team is constructed as it has been (Defensive focus in terms of $ allocated) you have to find ways to minimize turnovers and lost yardage plays.

Call it a lack of game planning and or scheme inadequacies. Call it Ben being Ben, which means taking sacks and losing field position. This so-called "elite" QB has not been playing at the same level or even close to the likes of Brady, Brees, Rodgers, Manning et al.

Throw in his off the field exploits (that many Steeler fans choose to ignore because we have won 2 SB's) and I refuse to sing any praises for the guy. I could care less how he "feels" about the OC situation. ART II obviously doesn't care about his feelings either.

Ben isn't even smart enough to realize that management is trying to protect his long term interests by suggesting a tweak in his game and going out and hiring someone they think can make a difference in his development.

Instead he chooses to make comments in the public that suggest he is unhappy instead of keeping things in house and handling the situation like a pro. The upcoming months will be very revealing about a lot of things, but I am at the end of my rope with Ben from the standpoint of how he goes about his business. Either he decides he is going to be great or he can get on with it elsewhere. I am tired of his theatrics and rhetoric.

It will be endlessly interesting and entertaining.

Probably too late to put this out there, but I see the race card has been played. Sure, some of the anti Tomlin stuff, just like the Kordell stuff, is race related. but I think it's way overdone. Last I saw, Arians is white, and he was, if anything, less popular than Tomlin. There are racists (some who post on this blog), and probably always will be, but to try to "explain" why some people don't like Tomlin by just relying on race (or considering it the major factor) is ridiculous, and kind of an insult to Tomlin, and the Steelers. He makes mistakes like everybody, and he gets criticized for stuff he didn't do, like everybody. If he was white, would he be hailed as the second coming of Vince Lombardi (or Chuck Noll)? I doubt it. IMHO

WVU will not be out of the local sport scene. As far as I can tell Morgantown is still located in Morgantown.

Buccs1960

Yep, when I went outside today everything was still in the same place, though that could change given Oliver Luck's record.

Ahab and BSwanson,

Then maybe a better idea would be to keep Sid and Geno together on the PP and maybe have Staal and Neal on the 2nd unit. I just get tired of watching the first unit not score and then seeing a bunch of grinders out there on the second. Does a power play with Matt Cooke, Pascal Dupuis, etc. really scare anyone?