Keep Wavin' Those Towels

I'll take the good with the bad; Well, when the Steelers win the game, that is.
The game was as nailbitten as any season opener can be, and the defensive fistfight between the Titans and Steelers seemed almost inevitable. The game was really sloppy, and no team had a perfect drive, but I think we all can agree that we saw two very talented teams on the field. Be afraid AFC, be very afraid. Here are my thoughts on the main storylines of the night.
The Good.

Ben: BBR was very much himself. The clutch QB looked sloppy at times, but when he got things rolling, he was essentially impossible to stop. Yes fellow Steeler Fans, I know it feels odd to have so much trust in our passing game. But when one has an elite QB hooking up with two Super Bowl MVP wide recievers, one can't really complain. It's becoming a trademark of Ben's to convert 3rd down passing plays like he's eating peach rings-and in the 4th quarter nonetheless. I'm also getting to the point where I'd rather see the ball in Ben's hands in shotgun on 3rd down and 2, rather than put the conversion into the hands of our offensive line's run blocking capabilities.

WR's: Mike Wallace made a clutch play, and a great move to get open. Hines Ward was incredibly clutch-yes, even with that fumble. And I have a strange feeling that Hines is going to spend the rest of the season making up for that drop-even though we won the game. Oh, and Santonio Holmes was ALWAYS THERE. I don't think i've ever been this excited for our wide recieving corps.

D: The run defense had a shaky start, but they really clamped down after the first half. Keyaron Fox looked right at home, and looks like a very solid backup. He had a fumble recovery after James Harrison's destructive tackle of Bo Scaife. The pass rush didn't get to Kerry Collins enough, but Farrior had a crucial sack to take away field goal range, and KC was rushed often into making some bad throws. BIG SNACK was absolutley tearing it up out there. The secondary was hurting out there, and I'll get to TP a little later, but they pulled it together to stop some crucial drives late in the game.

Special Teams: Isn't it nice to have some talent in our special teams? Stefan Logan looked like he could break out into a TD run at any point in the game. Jeff Reed made the clutch kicks. Sepulveda BOOMED the ball, and Aaron Smith blocked a field goal that proved to be the difference of the game. What more can I say?

The Bad:

Troy:Most guys would put Troy's injury in the ugly, but we're talking about the Steelers. Injuries aren't excuses, they're opportunities for other guys to step up. Troy will be out 3-6 weeks, but he'll be resting and possibly fully energized to take on the post-season if it comes to that. Also, Tyron Carter is one of the best back-ups on the team. He has incredible energy, veteran smarts, and makes big plays. I may be overthinking this, but I think teams underestimate the defense when Troy is out. That gives the Steelers a leg up to catch their opponents sleeping. There are still great playmakers. But boy, the way Troy was playing in the first quarter, I cannot wait for him to get back.

The Ugly

Running Game: There is no way I'm blaming Fast Willie for this running attack. As i've said from the end of last season, the run blocking is the worst element of this Steeler Team. I don't know what the coaches can do, but they need to take some action. The line needs to make opportunities for Willie to run; it was utterly embarrassing to see WP caught in the backfield repeatedly. That being said, Willie needs to break the first tackle. There were times when a little hole was there, but his ankle got caught and boom, there goes that run. The one shining light was Mewelde Moore's runs in the 4th quarter; he can be a real slimy dude when he wants a first down. With that on the table, let's remember that the Titan D-Line is one of the best, even without Hayneworth.

Overall, I wasn't dissapointed with the team in the least. There is definitley room to improve, but they just got one of their toughest foes knocked off the schedule, and got away with a mark in the win column. Although the Bears are a tough team, the matchups really benefit the Steelers. Baltimore will be the next game that could be as tough as this one. Let's all hope that Troy will be back and in great shape for that one.

Here's to the start of another great Steeler season.

Towel Stomper, or Titan Romper? Steelers Titans Preview;

This year's season opener is already proving to be a goodie, and kickoff is still more than a day away. Just thinking about it give me the tingles, and there are some great story lines that are bound to play out.

Unfinished Towel Business: Ever since Lendale White and company laid their dirty, blasphemous cleats on the towel of glory, Steeler fans and players have been itching for some payback. Thinking back to TJ Shoebomber's stomp o' the towel in 05, the B n G got their payback soon after-defeating them in the AFC wild card game, and eventually winning the Super Bowl (insignificant tidbit). But the Steelers didn't get a stab at the Titans in last year's playoffs. they got beat before we got to them. we wont the biggie. ouch.

So now's our chance. The time to say "hey, that towel is our glory rag, and you really need to eat crow." By crow I mean losing the 1st game of the season-never a great start to a team that has already lost its best player, has a deteriorating quarterback and a suicidal backup, and a depleted recieving corp in which Nate Washington can rise to the very top in a matter of weeks.
just sayin.
Lendale White wants to stomp on it again. Let's just see to it that he leaving the stadium with a white towel over his head, and a check in the loss column.

O-Line
Everyone is making nonsensebuzz over Darnell Stapleton being out. Given, he was decent last year, and has great potential, he's not the core of the O-line. It will be interesting to see how the line operates, though. Big Ben certainly looks himself, so hopefully they can hold back the Defense just long enough.

Joystick
Stefan Logan, nicknamed "Joystick," could start for kick and punt returns this week. We all saw what he could do in the preseason against first, second, and third team special teams. If he lights it up in any similar form, the Titans better watch out. The steelers did a great job at finding and picking this kid up. A dangerous return man is just what every other team is fretting-pretty much the only thing that can instantly improve this Steeler team.

Foxy
Keyaron Fox is starting in place of Lawrence Timmons at inside LB. He's been great in special teams and second team defense since he put on a Steeler uniform, and I expect no less from him this week. This is his chance to prove that he deserves to be the go-to-guy in terms of LB reserves. ie. what tyrone carter has done year in and year out for the secondary.

Washington
Nate Washington may not play in his game due to a hamstring injury, but if he does, i'll be excited to see what he can do. He's never been the number one or two reciever, and given the oportunity, he could become a dependable guy. He's always had the speed, but never the talent to rise up in the Steeler system. The Titans really like him, and I hope he gets an applause if he starts. He played some solid years with some clutch catches for Pittsburgh.

There are so many other story lines-the Pittsburgh running game, Kerry Collins, Titans D Line, Chris Johnson. But the aformentioned are my favorites.

The season has really snuck up on us. Here We Go.

[Lebeau]tiful

Dick Lebeau has finally been nominated for the Hall of Fame. He's now being taken into consideration for a seniors' spot in the class of 2010. His role, however unique, deserves a spot in the Hall.

No man has had such an impressive a playing career-7th all time in interceptions and possibly the most consecutive starts for a cornerback-and gone on to change the game as a coordinator. Come on people, he invented the zone-blitz.

Although this nomination is long overdue, it was also easily foreseen. Peter King and Rod Woodson, leading media and player push respectively, are two of the many NFL observers that were shocked by his absence in the Hall.

As Steeler Fans, we've watched his amazing schemes confuse quarterbacks and coaches alike. We've seen him scold and praise players and turn boys into bodysmashing, runstopping, route detecting, o-line rupturing machines. He made the defense a bonded unit that, with ease, touted the league's top achievements for years.

Now his placement in Canton is only a summer's wait away- he's belonged there for quite some time.

Stefan's Speed;Thoughts On Preseason Game 2

Ben was out for this preseason game, and the Steelers got a better look at some of the younger guys-especially against the Redskins' first team. Some guys made a great impression, and some did their job, but no one really made a bad impression this game.

Here's some quick thoughts from yours truly.

*Daniel Sepulveda continues to boom, so I may start calling him "thunder." His consistency will make him a key component to the 2009 team.

*Although Fast Willie ran well, Rashard was definitely more impressive. Mendenhall got several carries against the Redskins first team defense, and he made the most of them. After 2 or 3 carries, he got into a great rythm. More importantly, he was making some great cuts between the tackles.

*Run Blocking, for the second game in a row, was not impressive. Runners are getting the getting the ball only to face a brick wall. We can't expect them to make great cuts every time. They need holes to find if the Steelers want to move out of their embarrasing 23rd rushing offense.

*Mike Wallace continues to impress for two reasons. First-his speed is always lingering as a danger for coverage. He hasn't been covered well downfield in a game yet. Second-he's making great short catches to keep the coverage guessing. He made a great sliding catch and ran decent slants when he was in there. More importantly, he was running routes against first team coverage. No one really expected this guy to come into the league with this much polish. If he had Sweed's height, he'd be the number 3 reciever without question. This WR competition is shaping up to be interesting-->it can only help the team. I'm still giving the 3rd spot to Sweed for now; Wallace will get his chances though.

*Tony Hills needs to get his snap count together. He continued to jump the ball, line up in the wront position, etc. Other than that he protected fairly well.

*Stefan Logan was by far the most impressive player this week. His kickoff and punt returns were the most promising and consistent i've seen since Randel El-->and he wasn't even that great. His cuts and speed make him the danger that we've needed at that position. Although I don't think he'll start at the position, he should make the team if he continues his magic in practice/future games.

*The First Team Defense is full of weapons just waiting to explode. There is so much talent at every position, and all of the guys look like they're in the best shape of their lives. It's really a treat to watch these guys perform for just one quarter. I can't wait until the real deal.

Jets Looking into Receiver Options

Brandon Marshall has been asking out of Denver for a few weeks now but the Broncos have not shown much interest in moving their premier receiver. Their relationship is rocky to say the least at this point.

The Jets, seeing an opportunity, have begun to entertain conversations with Denver to see about maybe acquiring a big time target for Mark Sanchez. Marshall has caught over 100 balls and 1,000 yards the last two seasons and has been refereed to as a "defensive lineman playing wide receiver." He is known as a strong physical receiver which could really add some swagger to the Jets who have seemed to lack some character the last few years.

The Jets are also talking with Kansas City about Dwayne Bowe who followed up a strong rookie season with a breakout sophomore year. He hauled in 86 passes for 1,022 yards and 7 TDs.

At this point the talks are not particularly concrete and we are not sure what pieces the Jets are willing to give up but the talks are promising. Beyond Jerricho Cotchery the Jets do not have a whole lot of talent at the wide receiver position. With the Jets grooming Sanchez to be a superstar having a wide receiver like Marshall or Bowe can make that growth period a lot less tumultuous.

Even if they do not get the deal done as a Jets fan it is nice to see them being more aggressive when it comes to building their team. They are not just sitting back and hoping but going out and getting quality talent to run out there every week.

Goodwill Punting

Daniel Sepulveda could be that extra boom the steelers need-->no pun(t) intended.

But seriously, has the return of a punter ever been so celebrated? Now, let's not forget that his first trot onto Heinz Field turf was in front of many drunk and giddy fans, waiting for something to cheer about during a preseason game; but nevertheless, Sepulveda's first boomer was quite the stomach release for a Steeler Faithful. He could be that extra peptobismol dose the team needs to get over the feared super bowl hangover. Let's face it, no one wants to live through a repeat of 2006.

Sepulveda's punting was greatly missed in 2008, as Steeler Fans were enlightened as to how important punting and field position can be in a close game. Mitch Berger's punting in several games cost us either a comfortable win, and in some cases a tally in the loss column. I'm thinking of the week 8 loss to the Giants, specifically. Although the Offensive Line was labeled as the worst unit in Black and Gold, punting is certainly the worst, and most overlooked part of the team. Berger's punting was wretched and put the defense into horrible holes that, usually, they could somehow escape from. But with Sepulveda launching the pigskin deep into enemy territory, the defense will have a lot more room to play with, and alot more freedom to blitz as they please.

The only caveaut I might add is that the Defense seemed to perform at their best when they were under great pressure. When the opposition was at midfield, or approaching field goal territory, the secondary would clamp down, and black and gold sack machines would turn to extreme mode. So, although other teams will be starting much further back than in 2008 with our new addition, the Defense has got to keep that pressure mentality up to perform as well as last year. This is a small worry of mine, because the the additions and improvements in the defense can only make it a better unit this year. And having more breathing room certainly has more benefits than downsides.

Playing the Ravens 2-3 times in a year, a matchup in which field position can decide games single-handedly, I'm certainly relieved to see Sepulveda booming away in the backfield.

Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week

Those of you that read Sports Illustrated, you know that after flipping through the occasional jibber jabber and ad scatter, there is a high quality-well written article that will turn up once in a while. And although I usually appreciate SI more for their online coverage and large printed pictures in their magazine preface, I really enjoy reading the feature articles that SI digs up.

This week's SI Issue had such a great article, that it was a no brainer for Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week. The article, titled "A Gift from Africa," tells the heartwarming story of a South African Pirates' prospect that goes by "Gift"(his middle name and translated first name). The article follows him as he arrives in Bradenton, Florida and goes back to his struggles as a young child. Gift is still a Pirate Prospect and he's got some great potential to hit a major league field one day.

It's just an amazing story. And to boot, Gary Smith does a great job with writing it. I'm not sure i've read a more high-quality sports article in any magazine of sort. The piece is long, but the story doesn't get boring and the writing flows like koolaid in an ice pitcher. Smith is a veteran SI writer, and he's got some other great stuff in his article bank.

Kudos to SI for digging this story.

Whatchutalkinbout, Wallace!?

O.K. all of you fellow die hard Stiller fans, don't get too excited. Don't go buy his stitched authentic jersey or draft him early on in your fantasy league. Don't place bets on his success and definitely don't get a tattoo of his face on your bicep; But Mike Wallace is looking reaaaaal good in camp.

Wallace was only drafted late in the 3rd round, and wasn't perceived as a wide receiver with much polish or mechanics, but boy, he's been quite the unexpected gem so far in workouts. He ran the second fastest 40 at the combine, behind only Darrius Heyward-Bey (that kid that Oakland drafted 7th overall), and scored in the top 5 for jumping as well. But the biggest surprise has been his route running and finish at camp-he's not just using his speed.

This gives us steeler fans some hope that this kid might be more than just a Nate Washington-more than a guy that can get away with using his speed to stay at the 3 spot. But with Hines Ward aging and Limas Sweed looking to step up, it sure is comforting to see some unexpected talent to break coverage. Wallace is already looking like a threat downfield, as Roethlisberger has hit him several times after he beat coverage on every play.

Jim Wexell has already labeled Wallace the fastest Wide Reciever in Steeler History (uhhhhh),
and much as been made of a possible race between the reciever and Ike Taylor, supposedly the fastest man on the team. In fact, Taylor's summer workout man has touted him as the fastest in the NFL (this guy works with Chris Johnson as well). It's really exciting to have such young speed on the team.

Sometimes we Steeler Fans forget that we have Kevin Colbert at the realms. The guy that found William Gay in the 5th round two years ago, and Willie Colon in the 4th round of 2006. These are two dependable starters going into 2009. Super Bowl Champion-dependable starters, that is.

So watch with me on Thursday, as Tomlin shows off his new toy in Mike Wallace. He'll start the game as the kickoff return man; so don't blink-you might just miss him.

7 to the 4: August 8

Yankees 5 Red Sox 0

After a game like yesterday CC is finally starting to earn his pinstripes. He pitched an absolute gem yesterday; going 8 innings and not allowing a runner past second. He was perfect through 4, no hit through 6 and finished with 9 strikeouts and no earned runs. The Red Sox should be happy with how Clay Buchholz performed but it is not enough to soften the blow being down 5.5 games.


Mets 1 Padres 3

Now that the Mets season is effectively over they are trying out different players to get an idea of what they have to work with next year. They started rookie Bobby Parnell with a pitch count of around 60-75 pitches. He lasted just 2 1/3 and gave up 2 runs and four hits and left with the bases loaded. He said he could not get his slider over which is no surprise considering all he has is a fastball anyway.

That Tomlin Swag

Swag isn't something you can just mimic. It's not easily recreated or transferable through any medium. It's someone's patented and established way of carrying themselves; Of talking, of walking, of acting. But specifically for Mike Tomlin-it's coaching.

Since his emergence into the league as the sultan of swagger, many have tried and failed to mirror his essence, his style, his culture. They've seen those steely eyes when he trots into Heinz Field on game day. They've envied his pat-on-the-back encouragement after first down completions. They've spent nights staring into the mirror, practicing one liners that don't come close to Mr. Tomlin's glorious fire-spits.

Why wouldn't they want to be like him? Tomlin is the leader of the most successful franchise in Football. He won a Super Bowl in his second coaching year, and he became the youngest coach-second ever African American-to win the biggy. The desirous bunch of unaccomplished coaches have plenty reason to follow his every move, but they can't even touch him. Blinded by the reflection off of his pitch-black shades, they struggle to catch a glimpse of Pittsburgh Potentate.

We all understand why teams are hiring these young, defensive coordinators as coaches. We know why they're looking for that guy that doesn't take any nonsense; the man that has a simple plan-one of few words and hard action. Guys like Mike Singletary and John Harbaugh are reasonable attempts for a team's recreation of the Tomlin Aurora. But they fall short in so many ways. Lombardi trophies, like helium, lift Tomlin and the Steeler Organization over the posing potentials.

Singletary proved this past week that he doesn't come close to Tomlin. The main reason?-he tries too hard. His obvious attempt at shooing away Michael Crabtree drama is yet another case of Tomlin mimicry that just doesn't feel right.

Singletary's failed effort sounded like this:
"In terms of Crabtree, when he comes in, he comes in," "Would you love to have him in? Absolutely. You'd love to have him. Do we want him here? Yes, we want to have him in. But until that happens, I just can't sit back and think about the what-ifs. All I can do is concentrate on what is, and control that."

Far too many words Mr. Singletary. It comes no where close to a Tomlin Tag like "Not subscribing to hocus pocus." So much less blabber, yet so much more swagger.

So the posers can pose, the haters can envy, and the hungry can starve. But with Tomlin, "Together we all eat."

His swagger can't be touched.

QB Battle Brewing

The Jets find themselves in the middle of the age-old debate; do you start your new rookie-stud right away or do you put the mediocre veteran under center?

For every Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco there is a Matt Leinart, Ryan Leaf and David Carr. There is no set answer as to how to prepare a QB for the rigors of the NFL. Ryan came in as a rookie and turned around an entire franchise, erasing the memory of the infamous Michael Vick. Carson Palmer sat for a year and came in for his second season and lite it up. David Carr played right away and flopped. You just never know.

For the Jets they have their 50 million dollar arm in Mark Sanchez and their crafty experienced QB in Kellen Clemens. They have to decide which route they are going to take. Sanchez is the kind of QB that can win games and make spectacular plays with his arm. Clemens does not have that type of talent. On his good days he is a game manager.

There is a risk of running Sanchez out there too early. If he gets pummeled and the Jets continue to lose the pressure of New York and the speed of the league can get into his head. He can basically play himself out of the league right away. However, If you sit him you might be sacrificing a special talent at a premium position.

The Jets, however, are a run first team. They do not need a QB to come in and sling it around the field; they do not need Peyton Manning back there but rather Ben Roethlisberger. They need a guy who can hand it off to Thomas Jones and make enough quality throws to keep the defense honest. So why risk your future franchise QB by placing him under center too early. He is still learning the offense and adjusting. There is no reason to take a chance with his health/head by slapping him in there early. Clemens has a strong enough arm that a defense has to respect his ability but for the most part he should be handing the ball off.

Sure a rookie QB can come in and thrive in a situation like that but there is no risk of keeping him on the bench for some time. Whether it be 6 games or 16 games give him time to learn and get comfortable before throwing him into the fire. The Jets are not going to be winning any Super Bowls this year (although in the NFL you never know) but they have a chance to do it down the road if Sanchez pans out as everyone is hoping. Why risk the future for maybe a few wins now?

Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week

This week's Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week might be the last article featuring the Pirates. Given that training camp is approaching, and most have lost interest in the Pirates since the trade deadline, most press has been about them losing, their bad management, or their hiatus until 2011. But after last week's deadline, Jeremy Crasnick, writing for ESPN, featured the Pirates trade moves and movement this year. The article is titled "Pirates 'Clean House' in a very big way."

Crasnick really impressed me with this article-it's the first national article on the Pirates that i've come across that doesn't fully criticize or write them off. He is very much an analyst, rather than an opinion-disher, and he digs deep in his analysis. He goes back several years, reviews the current state of the team, and takes a look at the prospect pool-all with accuracy. It's extremely impressive and refreshing, that a national story on this rebuilding team doesn't have any negative tone or implication.

Check out more of Crasnick's writing here

Top 11 Steelers of the Decade

The decade of the New Milennium has been a momentous one for the Steelers Organization. There have been many highs, lows, changes, and of course, championships. The Steelers Management has a reputation of not overpaying players, and letting guys go when they become free agents. In this decade, it has proven a successful strategy for the team. Relying on the draft has created competition, youth, development, and depth within the organization, but it makes it hard for a player to last. Well, except for the great ones.

These are the players with that Steeler Mentality. The true essence of Black and Gold. The quintessential hypocycloids, if you will. The guys that don't get overpaid, but overperform, so that their contributions lead the team to success year, after year. Based on their attitudes on and off the field, statistic contribution, consistency, and team success while playing, these players have stood out as the best of the BG. Some are gone, some are retired, and some are suiting up as we speak. Given that there are 11 guys on the field for a team at any time, doing 11 guys only makes sense. These guys are the top 11 steelers of this decade.

11. Deshea Townsend-CB
Although not the most talented, nor flashy player on the team at any point in the decade, he made the list because of his hustle, leadership, and most of all consistency. All of these contributions can't be shown through statistics, but he is such a great component to the team because he can be so under-the-radar, yet make big plays at crucial times. Also, his coverage has never been doubted, and the skills he's learned in his 11 years as a Steeler have enabled him to keep up with today's passing game. The skill and leadership that he passes down to younger cornerbacks is unmeasurable.

10. Dan Kreider-FB
Krieder was the player most missed by Steeler Nation, following his release in 2008. The fullback position played a crucial role in the running game from 2000, his rookie year, to 2005. However, Bruce Arians has since devalued the position's contribution. Kreider was a force in front of Jerome Bettis, and his loss hurt the Steelers in the 2008-2009 season, when they suffered the worst running attack since entering the AFC in 1975. Willie Parker was continuously caught in the backfield, and Kreider's blocking skill was hurtfully longed for. Kreider was a tough competitor, who played without recognition. He triumphed when his running attack triumphed-and playing Steeler Football, he got his share.

9.Joey Porter-LB
Porter only played in 7 years of the decade, but in those 7 years he defined himself as a player with significant passion, work ethic, and performance. Talking trash was a large part of his game, but backing the trash up was just as important to Porter. He got into people's heads, then he destroyed them on the field. Porter played a signficant role in the playoff runs of 2001, 2004, and the road to the super bowl in 2005. "Peezy," was the team leader in speeches and motivation of all kinds. Possibly his most influential contributions came when he sacked Peyton Manning twice in a row to smother their comeback attempt, leading the Steelers to the AFC Championship Game. Porter also led the Steelers in sacks in 2002, 2005, and 2006. Although he left the team in 2006 to play for the Dolphins, he will always be remembered as a Steeler.

8. Alan Faneca-OL
Faneca was the Steelers most well known offensive lineman, and most recognized for his tough mentality and nitty gritty playing style. He was a six time pro bowl selection with the B n G, because of his consistency, and ability to run block. His most famous block came in the 2005 Super Bowl XL, when he cleared the hole for Willie Parker to make the longest run in super bowl history. His relationship with the Steelers soured in 2007, when he felt he should be resigned, but the Steelers didn't want to overpay him after his playing peak. Faneca signed with the Jets, and continued to produce pro bowl blocking. Faneca makes the list because he held the offensive line together for the Steelers, and established the run blocking game that enabled them to continously run the ball the Steeler Way. His six pro bowl invites are the kicker.

7.. Jerome Bettis-RB
Bettis has made a case as one the best running backs in Steeler History-behind Franco Harris, perhaps, as second best. "The Bus" was quick on his feet but hard on his hits, and could destroy a defense in the 4th quarter. He could run out the clock single handedly, and rushed for a 5th best 13,662 yards in NFL history. Bettis is only 5th on this list because he retired after the super bowl run in 2005, and only has one ring with the Steelers.

6. Ben Roethlisberger-QB
Roethlisberger joined the Steelers in 2004, and made one of the best Rookie Campaigns ever in the NFL. He won 15 straight games as the "manager" of the steeler offense, and led the team to the AFC Championship Game. Although he only played 6 years in the decade, his contributions to win the team's two super bowl wins in the decade surely make him worthy of the All Decade Team. He's defined the Steeler Offense in the past two years, making clutch plays and "getting it done." Roethlisberger continues to make his case as one of the best quarterbacks in Steeler History. He makes the list above Bettis because he has earned two super bowl rings in the decade.

5.Casey Hampton-NT
As the nose tackle in the Steeler Defense, Hampton held together the core of the infamous 3-4 defense for every year in the decade. His ability to take on double teams and move back the line of scrimmaged enabled continous pressure and run stopping year, after year. "Big Snack" earned 4 pro bowl selections, and made significant contribution to the Super Bowl runs of 2005 and 2008. He is a key component to why the Steeler Defense has been elite throughout the decade. Hampton has two super bowl wins, and has played with the team throughout the decade.

4.Troy Polamalu- S
Drafted by the Steelers in 2003, Polamalu improved the Steelers Secondary instantly with his impact. His playing style enables him to be "all over the field," and he consistently makes plays that are unthinkable, and unexpected. He is a nightmare for an offense. Earning 5 pro bowl selections in only 6 years, he has defined him self as one of , if not the best safety in the league. He earned 2 super bowl rings with the team, and made big plays on both super bowl runs. But he makes the 4th spot on this list, because he transformed a below-average secondary into an elite passing defense through his consistency and big plays.

3. James Farrior-LB
Farrior is the current captain of the Steeler Defense, and his perhaps the best Free Agent signing of the decade for the Steelers. Playing from 2002 to the present after being signed from the Jets, Farrior has consistently led the team in tackles, terrorizing defenses as both a pass rusher on the line and a run stopper in the secondary. Although is one of the oldest members of the team, his ablity to stay in shape has made him the Steelers' most consistent tackler of the Decade. He earned 2 pro bowl selections and 2 super bowl rings, and his role as Defensive Captain puts him above Casey Hampton on this list.

2. Aaron Smith-DE
Smith is the most underrated player in Steelers history. Known perhaps only to Steeler fans, this gritty, hard working, and incredibly skilled defensive end has been the core of the Steeler Run defense for 11 years, throughout the decade. He was most recognized when he was injured midseason of 2007, and the Steelers run defense deteriorated. He has two super bowl rings, and sadly only one pro bowl selection. He is recognized league-wide among players as one of the best defensive ends in Football in the decade. He makes the list at number two because of his play without recognition, his consistency through 11 years, and his ability to hold together the run defense.

1. Hines Ward-WR
Ward is the epitome of a Steeler. His tough playing style, work ethic, consistency, clutch play-making, leadership, and personality make him the best steeler of the decade without question, and one of the best Steelers in history. As a wide reciever he is underrated because of his speed, and as a player he is feared because of his blocking. Ward is one of the best blocking wide recievers in NFL history, and is hated for it by un-expecting cornerbacks and linebackers. Playing from 1998 to present, he has showed no signs of decline, given that his skill at route running makes up for his lack of speed at the position. His leadership on the team and among wide recievers is unmeasurable, and his dedication to the Steelers is a large part of why the team has been so successful in the decade. He was MVP of Super Bowl XL, and although he was injured in the 2008 super bowl, he still played, as well as made significant contributions in the road via in 2008.

Honorable Mention: Ike Taylor, Willie Parker, Jeff Reed, Jeff Hartings Larry Foote, Clark Haggans

Looking to the future: Santonio Holmes, Ike Taylor, James Harrison, Lamaar Woodley, Ben Roethlisberger, and Lawrence Timmons

Cutch Got Tha' Powah'

The Pirates don't expect home runs out of Andrew McCutchen. The fans have come to give him a pass in that respect as well. After all, he could go two months without a long-ball, and still be the most significant contributor in a Pirate uniform. He doesn't have the power to hone home run expectations. He has the speed, quick swing, and poised ballwatching to get around the bases the old school way.

But Boy, did we Pirate Fans just get new-schooled.

Mr. Cutch has the swing to knock 'em out once in a while. By once in a while, I mean hitting three home runs in one night, capping off a 6 RBI 4 hit night for the young buc(k). The humble slugger shrugged it off as a good night where he got his pitches, but it was much more than that. It was surprise slugger party for a team that will take all and any pleasant surprises at the moment.

Surprises like Lastings Milledge hitting in RBIs when it counts.

Like Ronnie Cedeno hitting well at the bottom of the order.

I think we're all beginning to enjoy these stint-series with Nationals.

Let's Go Rebuilders

Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week

For the Pittsburgh Sports Article this week, I'm going celebrate the build-up to Steelers Training Camp. In past years, Jim Wexell has been the absolute best when it comes to Steelers beat writing. He has the clutch interviews, inside information, and great writing all packaged into one. I also recommend his book "Steeler Nation," about his hilarious travel around the States to Steeler bars, parents, alumni, etc. It's a great read for a Steelers fan.

Although Wexell writes for a payed-subscription online newspaper at Steel City Insider, this article was released for free as a little treat to preview training camp. The article, Camp Points of Interest, highlights a few of the controversies, battles, and expectations heading into camp. I know I can't wait until things kick off.

Please Do Not Say You're Surprised; Pittsburgh Edition

Sorry for the title thievery, but right now, surprises are like crying in baseball, they just don't happen.

From the big shot teams suffering steroid outbreaks-cough Red Sox and Yankees-to the small market teams trading away their money players-your own Pittsburgh Pirates-nothing has really shocked me.

Freddy Sanchez, Jack Wilson, and Ian Snell were traded yesterday from the Pirates. But before you criticize, before you call the pirates a farm team for the big market, and before throw away your Pirate Parrot Bobble Head Doll-please recognize that the Pirates are on the right track.

The Good: The Pirates are in rebuilding mode, and they're following the pattern effectively. These trades brought them some great potential with low cost upside. Of course, we won't see the return until 2011 as Ron Cook points out in his latest column, but if even half of our prospects turn out as projected, the Pirates could be in serious contention in a few years.

thats right-not fighting for .500 with all our pennies on Jack Wilson and Nyjer Morgan coming through-but in contention with established pitching, depth, and hopefully some good hitting. Signing big names or keeping old players would just put the rebuilding process in jeopardy.

I will admit, I wrote an entry earlier this month praising Wilson and Sanchez and begging to keep them, but that was assuming that the return for Wilson would be very small. Somehow, the Pirates found a way to get 3 decent pitchers, a great prospect in Jeff Clement, and a veteran shortstop to cover Jack's hole. They were also able to get rid of the mess that was Ian Snell.
Later in the day, the rebuilders were able to get one of the Giants' best pitching prospects in Tim Alderson for Freddy Sanchez. He instantly becomes the Pirates best pitching prospect in a depleted farm bullpen.

The Bad:
The Pirates aren't going to win much this year. They've already fell out of contention, and have no veteran leadership on their team. Furthermore, the infield will suffer tremendously on the defensive end. Freddy and Jack held together the double play, and although Delwyn Young can hold his own at the plate, flashy plays are a rarity for him. Cedeno is average at best.

The personalities of these guys will also be missed. Jack Wilson's efforts seemed to revitalize some guys, and inspire them to give their all on the field.

The Ugly:
The fans have been dropping like base hits on Ramon Vazquez. People have walked away from this season, as they rightfully can, given that the team is no longer in or trying to become in contention. Players are also speaking out, or are just speechless. That's what scares me. These guys need to recognize just as well that their organization needs to make changes for the future. It is understandable that they fear for their own jobs, but speaking to the media is no way to change that. Hopefully they keep the drama off the field-something they've been able to do very well this season.

Due to the drastic changes within the Pirate Ballclub, I will now refer to the team as "The Rebuilders." This not a negative nor a positive term, just an adequate label to what the team is pursuing at the moment.

Let's Go Rebuilders.

7 to the 4: July 29th

Yankees 6 Rays 2

Joba went eight strong innings for the second time in his career. When Joba is on he is as good as it gets in the league but that has been Joba's big problem; the consistency is just not there. He is only 23 so you have to think it will come. Teixiera went 2-3 with a HR and 2 RBIs. Cano homered in the 6th and Melky in the 9th.


Mets Rockies- Postponed

Playing two tomorrow.

Please Do Not Say You Are Surprised

If there is one thing we should have learned by now as a baseball fan it is that the entire era was tainted by steroids. Forget all those wonderful feelings of purity and pride and everything else baseball evokes; Major League Baseball did not care.

This morning's report that Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz tested positive in 2003 really does not have the shock value anymore. This list, that was supposed to remain quiet, has torn down A-Rod already and now it has done its share of damage of Ortiz. You have to wonder who else is on there and when the next names will leak... but does it really matter?

All you really all you have to do is look at Ortiz's numbers to know something was going on. From 1997 to 2002 Ortiz never hit more than 20 dingers. In 2003 he hit 31, 2004 41, 2005 he knocked 47, and in 2006 a whopping 54 bombs.

This really cannot taint the World Series titles of the Red Sox because steroids was a apart of the era. Just accept it. The players are not evil; we are talking about their lively hood. If there was a pill you could take that could guarantee you a huge promotion at work your saying you wouldn't talk it because it is unfair? No you bet your ass your popping pills. As Buzz Bissinger put it "If I could take a pill that would make me John Grisham I'm there. I'm f---king there."

The home run saved baseball. Don't kid yourself because Sosa and McGwire's home run race in 1997 brought the fans back after the strike. Baseball made the home run god and this is what we got. So if you really want to point fingers then send them in the direction of the owners and league but you just have to accept it. The league turned a blind eye in the name of profits but freaking out every time a big name breaks out is just pointless.

I stand by the idea that only one name could shock now and it is Albert Pujols. He has constantly screamed that he is clean and fans can trust him. At this point I do believe him because he has put together six of the best all-around seasons right from the start. He has been consistent and basically great and I want to trust in baseball again.

Americans have this idea that athletes should be pure and we turn them into modern Greek Gods. Forget it. If you honestly believe that then you have bigger problems then steroids.

Down with the Vickness

Mike Vick is now free to sign with any NFL team; Well, any NFL team that will take him.

The 29 year old dash-man is well past his prime in the league for several reasons. One being that quarterbacks need to be able to throw with accuracy and composure. With premier safeties and pass rushers dominating league defense in the past couple years-Troy Polamalu, Bob Sanders, Ed Reed, Osi Umenyiora, James Harrison, Albert Haynesworth-it's become impossible to rely on throwing the ball downfield and/or attempting to scramble as an adequate game plan.

The second reason is that scrambling through wildcat offense, perhaps the only organized set up that would incorporate Vick well, is so 2008. The wildcat setup like any music downloading program ever created-we're talking Morpheus, Limewire, Napster, Bit Torrent. They're the best, and easiest things to execute since Sega Dreamcast, and then they get hacked, figured out, and full of viruses and become worthless, unusable space on your desktop. However lost in digression this simile has become, the Wildcat offense is easy to stop once you're prepared for it. And because it was all the hype in '08, it's going to be the first thing prevented in 09.

That being said, people still seem to think Vick will land on a team and possible get playing time as a specialist. Some have even gone so far as to put him in the Steelers' laps. Chris Mortensen seems to believe that Mike Vick would fit perfectly with the Steelers Organization, because they have
1. Great Ownership
2. Great Coaching
3. An Established Veteran Locker Room
4. An Established and Leading Quarterback

Let me tell you right now Mr. Mortensen-it is because the Steelers don't take chances on guys like Michael Vick that they have these, forgive the wordplay, a-four-mentioned qualities. The Steelers do have an established locker room, coach, owner, and quarterback-so although it might be the best situation for Vick, there is absolutely no reason for the Steelers to want this guy. They'd much rather help a younger guy develop into a useful player for the future-not a washed up dog torturer that is stuck in the scramble offense of 1998. A guy like Dennis Dixon, who has the same qualities as Vick, but is much younger and has much more time and potential to learn how to win in the league.


Six V. Lomardis doesn't come from dogshit.

7 to the 4: July 28th

Yankees 2 Tampa Bay Rays 6

The streaking Yanks were halted last night by the Rays. CC was less than impressive, giving up 5 runs over 5.2 innings. The bronx bombers are 11-11 in CC's starts. They haven't been particularly sharp when he is on the mound; often not giving much run support or playing poor defense, as was the case last night. The Yanks got some help from Boston when lost to the A's in the 11th.

Mets 4 Rockies 0

The Mets are begging to look like a team who knows how to play baseball. Pelfrey gave a strong start last night, pitching seven shutout innings for the Mets. Their offense pecked away as Castillo, Francoeur, Murphy and Schneider all drove in runs. These are the kind of wins you should expect to see at Citi Field; strong pitching and timely hitting. This makes 4 wins in a row for the Mets who are 5.5 out of the Wild Card.

Antonio Pierce To Face Criminal Charges

With the Plaxico Burress case heating up in NYC Antonio Pierce finds himself in an unsuspecting position.

The Giants linebacker who accompanied Plax to the club on the night when the receiver infamously... well "Plaxicoed" himself, is now facing criminal charges from a somewhat overzealous DA. Apparently after Burress shot himself Pierce took the gun from him and brought it to Burress's home.

The New York DA appears to be going after a weapons possession charge which carries a minimum sentence of 3 1/2 years.

John Mara, the co-owner of the Giants, has thrown his support behind is player:

While we in no way condone Antonio's decision to be in a nightclub in Manhattan less than two days before a game, we cannot understand the DA's position that Antonio is subject to criminal charges. When this incident occurred, Antonio reacted out of concern for the health and well-being of Plaxico Burress. His first priority was to make sure Plaxico received proper medical attention for what very well could have been a life-threatening wound. There was no criminal intent on the part of Antonio, who was thrust into this predicament simply because he accompanied Plaxico that evening and because he made the decision to immediately take Plaxico to the hospital.

Mara is making the right move here. It does seem like a stretch to go after Pierce in this case and I'm sure it helps him out to know that the Giants are throwing him under the bus. Apparently an upcoming DA election is having an effect on these cases as the District Attorney is trying to appear tough on crime by using these highly public cases as a medium.

If charged with a crime Pierce could also face more punishment from the league. Although it is hard to believe that these charges will stick. We will keep you posted.

7 to the 4: July 27th

Yankees 11 vs Tampa Bay Rays 4

A.J. Burnett has continued to shine as he racked up his 10th win tonight against the Rays. He went 7 innings and only allowed two hits while on the mound. Nick Swisher did his part with two homers, one from each side of the plate and A-Rod added a two-run double on his 34th birthday. The Yanks are now 10-1 since the All-Star break and have a 2.5 game lead on the Sox

Mets 7 vs Colorado Rockies 3

Fernando Tatis is easily the hero of this game. With the score locked at 3-3 in the bottom of the eighth and the bases loaded Tatis came in as a pinch hitter and blasted a rare Citi-field grand slam home run. This win gives the Mets three in a row and they now sit 6.5 back of the NL Wild-Card with three more games to go against the Rockies, who have the lead in the Wild Card.

Can Minaya Do Anything Other than Spend?

It seems almost everyday that Omar Minaya's seat as GM of the Mets gets just a bit hotter. With the often-cited injuries the Mets have shown an extreme lack of depth within the organization and Minaya has taken most of the blame. This morning the Mets fired Tony Bernazard, their vice-president of development for an alteraction with a minor leaguer and issues with Francisco Rodriquez. At the press-conference Minaya got into an argument with a Mets beat writer over one of his articles about Bernazard. It showed an extreme lack of professionalism on Minaya's part and it begs the question whether Minaya has the organizational and leadership skills to run the Mets club through this tough time.

Without a doubt you cannot deny that Minaya can create headlines and bring in star power. He helped an attention-starved Mets team compete with their cross-town rivals, the Yankees, on the sports pages. When the Mets hired Omar Minaya he immediately made a splash with the signings of Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran. He went on to sign Billy Wagner and Francisco Rodriquez, trade for Carlos Delgado, Johan Santana, John Maine and JJ Putz. He helped turn the Mets into an immediate contender but from what we see now it seems he only built a contender on the surface.

Minaya has yet to have any of his draft choices make any type of impact on the major league level. Granted hes only had about four drafts to get it done but his picks have left much to be desired. All Minaya has to show is under-performing prospects Bobby Parnell and Fernando Martinez. Steve Phillips, the Mets old GM boasts Jose Reyes (signed at 19), David Wright and Scott Kazmir (Phillips also has Mo Vaughn under his belt).

It is unfair to blame Minaya for all of the problems the Mets have been facing this year but this unprecedented run of injuries has exposed the holes in his club. The Mets have been unable to plug in their minor leaguers for any type of success. They also lack those platoon players that can shift around the diamond. The Mets seem to be more about flash than fire.

Minaya's professionalism has also been cited as of recently. He mishandled the Wille Randolph firing last year when he canned him just one day into a west coast road trip. Randolph's job had been in question for a few weeks but Minaya called him in his hotel room after a win over the dodgers and informed him of the firing. Many Mets players and staff found out through media outlets rather than from the organization. Then there was the debacle at this morning's news conference. You don't see Brian Cashman and Theo Epstein, the gold standard of GMs, pulling something like that.

Whether its missing third-base, falling flat on your face in center field or calling out a writer the Mets always seem to make themselves look like a second class organization. Minaya has proved that he can spend money and create headlines with the best of them but when it comes to the nuts and bolts of an organization Minaya just flat out is lacking.

The Double Play; Good and the Bad

Getting a double play in baseball is like...

realizing that your ice cream sinks all the way down the cone

getting a superhero figure in your wheaties box

finding money in the laundry

getting free shampoo in the mail

i could go on, and on

The point is, a double play is not only relief, but a pleasant surprise. Seeing a guy on first base disappear-and consequentially their prior hit made irrelevant or, at least, less damaging-is incredibly satisfying, exciting, and relieving.

But, statistically speaking, is turning a lot of plays a good thing in baseball? Although this statistic does imply that your defense is on point and efficient, it also suggests that the defense allows guys to get on first base a lot.

So does leading the league in double plays mean that the team has great shortstops and second basemen duos, or that they don't have the pitching and infield defense to keep guys off base?

let's look at the stats.

The Pirates, with 107 DPs, are tied with the Indians, and second only to the Astros who have turned 109 DPs.

The Pirates, Indians, and Astros are all in the top 10 team fielding percentages in the MLB-the Pirates in 2nd, Astros 5th, and Indians in 8th

However, NONE of these teams are in the top 10 for Pitching ERA

and ALL are in the bottom of the league in On Base Against Average for Pitching-the Indians and Pirates are in the bottom 5, and the Astros are 19th in the league.

These teams are great at fielding, but they let guys on base far too much.

And, although this tendency does translate into a lot of double plays, the earned runs average speaks for itself.

Because so many hitters reach the base with these three ball clubs, and not all of them are stopped with double play groundouts, the pitching ERA suffers drastically, and translates into losing games.

Although the Double Play is certainly a satisfying thing to watch and execute-it's not necessarily a good stat to lead the league in.

Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week

I went to what turned out to be a great Pirates game this past Wednesday-

5 homers, a Brandon Moss walkoff, the Garrett Jones phenomenon continuing, several lead changes, and burnt knees as always at PNC Park. I was a bit confused as to why Mr. Garrett Jones was playing 1st base, until a fellow gamewatcher back-a-row filled me in on the Adam LaRoche trade that happened earlier that morning.

Finding out that the Pirates found someone to take the old slugger actually made the game even better.

Anyways, I was going to blog about the trade, but Pat at WhyGavs wrote a follow up post that said everything there is to be said about Adam LaRoche, management, salary, patterns, trades, etc.-in eloquent bucco fashion. It's a long post, but it reads smooth, even when you're not. like keystone.

Therefore, i've decided to feature that article, titled "Why might the Pirates be dumping salary?" as the article of the week.

Whygavs is a great blog with updates, follow ups, reactions, game recaps, and just about anything else Pirate-ish. And the fact that a Pirate blog can flourish in these days is more than respectable.

So check out this article, and be sure to bookmark the blog.

Like Myoplex, NOW i'm done.

Blair Force Juan

The nickname controversy has been, perhaps, the most elaborate topic concerning Dejuan Blair in the past week. His play, of course, usually speaks for itself. In my last post, Dejuan Blair; Space Eater Extraordinaire I made a pretty good case for his space eater self.

Some suggested "The Black Hole"

For others, is was "Grizzly Blair." This was started at Pitt

His nickname growing up was "Big Fella," and will always be his hometown nickname.

However, spur fandom has seeked a new and fresh nickname. Blair Force One has emerged as the favorite, but let me introduce a marvel of the english language. Hidden in the pronounciation of his first name is, in fact, the sound of "one" in "Juan." Dejuan-->de"one"

whoa. meant to be?

Blair Force Juan* utilizes both his first and last name, while maintaining the integrity of the metaphor.

Feel free to spread the nickname like mom does your peanut butter in the morning lunch prep.

Let's not stop until we get an endorsement for him to do "Honey Dejuan Mustard-->A must for all Big Fella Burgers"

*credit to a Mr. Jules Coulson for the nickname ingenuity.

Big Ben-thats a [w]rap(e)

Here come the rape nicknames

Rape-lessburger
He tried to "force it up the middle"
He "took over in the huddle"
He "rammed it into the endzone"
He wanted his "clock ticked" a little too much.

Whatever you want to call it, Ben is being accused of rape.

This not a kobe-esque circumstance, because there are absolutely no criminal charges against Ben. These are simple accusations, and i'm not saying they're false, but they're definitely not backed.

-And until they are, this is just a desperate girl wanting attention and money. Am I sexist now? yikes. But all things considered, I wouldn't put it past Ben. He's quite the d-bag, a-hole, cocky bastard. And he's been known be a sleezeball when it comes to women. Could be because he's ugly, cocky, has money, has fame or all of the above.

but he's a great quarterback. and she's a gold digger. let's move on.

T(i)rades

Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson talk is floating around like sex talk in middle school computer labs. The duo is being labeled the only proven core of the Pirate Ballclub by some, and a large expense by others.

As far as media goes,

Gene Collier will lose all hope in the Pirates organization if they leave.

Mark Madden will be disappointed if we pay big bucks for the duo.

Both guys have valid arguments-->

Freddy and Jack are incredible defensively, and Freddy is a hit machine when his mole is healthy. But if we keep them, are the Pirates merely wading in the waters of rebuilding? Do they have one foot in, and not have the balls to jump in the cold water. 'Lord knows there could be success in the deep end-or a drowning victim.

I personally would like to keep the duo intact and inburgh.

The D: These guys turn double plays like it's the seventh inning stretch. Their defensive efforts have kept the Bucs in several ballgames, and their limited errors hold together the infield, and have played big part in this year's pitching improvements.

The Bats: Jack Wilson is not a slugger by any means(he's in a bit of a slump right now), but his bat can be dangerous at the bottom of the rotation. Many-a-time he has the extra spark to drive in runs and get the bases moving. Freddy Sanchez is the best hitter on the team. That would be "nuff said," but he is also a master at ball placement. He can put the ball at the right place at the right time to squeeze runs. Hitting the other way, hustling, bunting-you get it all with Freddy.

The Bucks: There is no reason the Pirates shouldn't negotiate with Jack Wilson. Even if based solely on the fact that he is much more valuable to the Pirates than to any other club-Firstly because we have no replacement for him, and secondly because he isn't seen as an above average player to anyone in the MLB. Teams will only look to acquire him for defensive purposes, and the Pirates will not get a sufficient replacement for him from within the organization or from trading him. Freddy's negotiations are much more tricky, because he is worth a lot of money, and teams do see him as a great player-he has a batting title to prove it.

This duo wants to stay in Pittsburgh. It's great to see that from guys, and if you look at the way they play, it's evident. To boot, isn't it great to see Jack Wilson playing so well late in his career?

In the end, rebuilding has its counterarguments, and "unrefuseable trades" can take their toll; but this duo has me convinced that this is one trade that the Pirates should not make.

7 to the 4: July 20th

Instead of doing long (somewhat pointless) individual posts about the Mets and Yankee games from the night before I'm going to start doing a short analysis of last nights action and call it 7 to the 4; an ode to the subway trains that run from Citi Field to Yankee Stadium.

Mets 6 Nationals 2

The Mets roughed up Nats starter JD Martin on their way to an easy win. If the Mets want to salvage any type of respect this season they will need to pummel the teams they are supposed to beat; such as the Nationals. Murphy went 2-4 with two RBIs as did Francouer who added a 9th inning homer to seal the deal.

Yankees 2 Baltimore 1

The Yankees uncanny ability to hit walk-off homers continued last night; this time it was Hideki Matsui. Tex also came up with a huge defensive play when he gunned a runner at the plate on a hard hit ground ball in the 8th inning to preserve the 1 run lead. This win keeps the Yankees tied atop the AL East as they continue their series with the struggling Orioles.

The "What-If" Roster; An Alternate Universe

Baseball is much different than most other sports because college athletes do not make the jump from college star to the professional ranks within a few months. The minor league system develops the players over time and during those years there is bound to be a lot of change. Prospects are dealt all throughout the league and often times they wind up starring for a different club than the one that drafted them.

This is a possible roster for the Mets using players that they either drafted or traded for/away as prospects. It does not take into account whether or not the trade was good or bad for the team but just the fact that the player was once a minor leaguer for the Mets. It also factors in players that the Mets drafted but never signed due to player choice. No free-agent signings are included (aka no Beltran or Delgado).

Depth Chart

Catcher- Jesus Flores

Jesus Flores had a tremendous 2006 season in the Mets Minor League system but was drafted by the Nationals in the Rule 5 Draft. In 2008, his first full season, he hit .256 with 8 homers. He was hitting .311 with 4 homers this year until his year was cut short by an injury just 26 games in. He is considered a young player with a lot of upside.

First Base- Garrett Atkins

Atkins was selected by the Mets in 1997 but elected to go to college. He hit .301 for the Rockies in 2007 with 25 homers.

Second Base- Melvin Mora

Started off in the Astros minor league system but was signed as a free agent to the Mets organization in 1998. He made his major league debut with the Amazin's in 1999. He was traded to the Orioles and has been a two-time all star since (2003, 2005).

Shortstop- Jose Reyes

Signed by the Mets out of the Dominican Republic in 1999 and made his Mets debut in 2003. Hes been a two time All-star for the Mets.

Third Base- David Wright

Drafted by the Mets in 2001 Wright made his much anticipated debut in 2004. He has been a three time all star selection for the Mets. He has also won two gold glove and two silver slugger awards.

RF- Aaron Rowand

Drafted by the Mets in 1995 but elected to go to college instead. Rowand broke out with the white sox in 2001. He is a career .284 hitter but made the all-star game in 2007 with the Phillies.

CF- Carlos Gomez

Signed by the Mets in 2002 he made his debut with in New York in 2006. He was considered the Mets top prospect along with Fernando Martinez. Gomez came up with Reyes and Jose has often said that Gomez is faster than he is. Gomez was traded away to Minnesota in the Santana deal and has since taken over roaming center field for the Twins.

LF- Jason Bay

Bay spent just a few months with the Mets in 2002 before being dealt to the Padres; the team with which he would make his debut. He is a three time all-star with both the Pirates and the Red Sox. He has hit over 20 homeruns in each of the last three seasons.

Starting Rotation

#1 Scott Kazmir

15th overall selection by the Mets in 2002 he was infamously traded away by Jim Duquette in 2004 at the deadline for Victor Zambrano. Kazmir has a career record of 51-41 with the Rays. He is a two time-all star but has struggled this year due to injury.

#2 A.J. Burnett

Drafted in 1995 by the Mets he was traded away to the Marlins in the Al Leiter deal. Has a career record of 95-80 and a 3.81 era. He is 8-4 with the Yanks this year

#3 Jeremy Guthrie

Was selected by the Mets in 1997 but elected to go to BYU. He has a career record of 25-23. His breakout year was in 2007 with the Orioles when he was in the running for rookie of the year when he started 26 games with a record of 7-5 with a 3.7 ERA

#4 Brian Bannister

Drafted in 2003 and made his Mets debut in 2006. He was traded to KC for Ambriox Burgos, who is now a free agent, in 2007. Bannister has gone on to post a 29-33 record with the Royals with a 4.5 career ERA. His breakout season was in 2007 when he went 12-9 and was in the race for the rookie of the year award (finished 3rd)

Bullpen

Scott Proctor

Drafted in 1995 by the Mets and traded to the Yankees in 2003. He made his debut in 2004 but became a very reliable late inning option for the Yanks in 2006. Torre relied on him heavily, often pitching two days in a row. He signed on with the Marlins for 2009 but has opted to undergo Tommy John surgery.

Octavio Dotel
Signed by the Mets in 1993 and made his debut 6 years later for the Mets. He has bounced around as starter, closer, relief pitcher for the Mets, Yankees, Marlins, Astros and A's.

Matt Lindstrom

Drafted by the Mets in 2002 and traded to the Marlins in 2006. He has since emerged as the closer for the Marlins.

Other Notable Players

David Dejesus

Lastings Milledge

Darin Erstad

FAIL... Like only the Mets Can Provide

I honestly just feel bad for the Mets now. They really just cannot catch any type of break this season. With a four game series against the lack-luster Atlanta Braves the Mets needed to start winning in order to try and salvage this once promising season. They, instead, went the complete other way.

On Thursday Oliver Perez took the mound and actually was not awful. He gave up three runs through six innings in his second start back from the DL. It was very promising outing for Perez, who the battered Mets could use as they push to get back in the race. However, the Mets, still found a way to lose when Mr. Live Arm (aka fastball down the middle) Bobby Parnell and Pedro Feliciano could not hold down the ship.

Friday Night they lost 11-0. Need I say more? Yes I do... Mike Pelfry Sucks. Oh and Shef got banged up on a play in the outfield. He wont be making a DL trip but will be sitting a few games.

Saturday we were saved by the Spanish-superman who goes by the name Johan Santana. He dominated the Braves for seven-innings. The offense even came to life; which is rare behind Santana and the Mets won 5-1.

Sunday night just summed up the Mets season. Fernando Nieve, the Mets starting pitcher, strained his right quad when he raced down the first baseline in the top of the second. Nieve had been a rare bright spot in this injury ravaged season. He had come in and pitched well. Compiling a record of 3-3 but with a 2.95 ERA. He had been a surprise asset that the Mets were counting on to excel in the second half. But as it has gone all year he found his way onto the 15 day DL. Redding came in and held down the fort for a few innings but it was not last as the Braves put up 5 in the 5th on the way to a 7-1 rout of the Mets.

With every game it becomes more and more evident that this team needs to try and unload some players before the deadline. Feliciano is probably the only player any team would want. Minaya should really try and unload Castillo, that won't be an easy task, however. Considering the trend of offensive 2nd basemen in the past few years the Mets could use more production (and a cheaper option) at second.

Mr. Jones, Are You For Real?

Hype is a funny thing. As is rooting for the Pittsburgh Pirates

As Pirate fans, we're forced to do two very contradictory things.

1. Remain hopeful, and therefore sane. If you don't have any hope, then there's really no reason to be a Pirate Fan at the moment. And hope is really the only way to convince yourself that you're simultaneously a pirate fan and sane.

2. Deny large hype-->aka we can't get our hopes up, because that will ultimately lead to drastic disappointment, and therefore a downfall, due to not being able to accomplish the aforementioned task 1.

These two tasks beg the question at the present moment-->what do we do with Garrett Jones?

Our Dear Mr. Jones has only played in 12 games for the Pirates. Yet in these 12 games, he's managed to hit 7 home runs. In the past 4 games, he's hit 4 Home Runs. That includes last night, when he hit 2 HRs, one walkoff, that counted for the Pirates only runs.

But you know this.

What you don't know, is whether beginners luck has teased us Pirate Fans yet again.

Well Pirate Hopefuls, I'm here to announce that I know for a fact that...................

he has potential!

I know, classic answer, but really, there's no way to tell if Jones will be able to develop into a true power hitter in the league. The truth right now, is that pitchers just haven't figured him out yet and/or are underestimating him, and Jonesy is taking full advantage of that.

Andrew McCutchen did the same thing, with much less power but more hits, when he went on his 11 game hit streak. Then he struggled for a while after pitchers picked up a little more on him. I think we're seeing Cutch come out of that cycle unscathed and ready to grow even more, but there's no telling if Garret Jones will do the same.

As of right now, i'm going to enjoy is slugger streak; he's certainly earned his starting job, and will perhaps provide some competition for Brandon Moss. But i'm not going to act like I don't hope he develops into a Nate McLouth type contributor. And i'm not going to assume that as fact either.

Because I'm a pirate fan.

Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week

People, people, people! It's time for our Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week. This week, i'm going with the Pittsburgh Tribune Review for the very first time. I don't read the trib much, as I have found their sports section not really up to par with the PG in the past; but with the topics that Ron Cook and Gene Collier are choosing for their columns, I found much better writing/subject matter in the Trib.

This week it was Joe Starkey's "Morgan's Lasting Gift; Passion" that stood out for me. Starkey takes an interesting side on the Pirates' Nyjer Morgan trade. He loved Morgan's passion for the game, as did I, but he looked more at the fan reaction to show that the team is headed in the right direction...sort of. He also recognizes that the trade was a good move for the Buccos. He writes:

"So, what's the good news in the wake of dealing Morgan and Sean Burnett to Washington for outfielder Lastings Milledge and reliever Joel Hanrahan?

Two things:

1. It was precisely the type of potentially high-yield trade the Pirates need to make.

2. The outrage proved that people in these parts still have a Morgan-like passion for baseball.

I really like his take-->not because I agree, necessarily, but because its not skewed to one side. It is, perhaps, a farewell to Nyger Morgan, without being negative towards the organization's move.

"Pittsburgh desperately wants to enjoy baseball again. Morgan jostled the zombies."

Good stuff from Joe Starkey. Maybe I'll check up on the Trib a little more nowadays.

@News: Mets Injury Update, Knicks Shopping Robinson, Lee

Mets and Knicks news from around the Tweetosphere:

Looks like injuries will continue to dog the Mets into the second half. Omar Minaya gave a health rundown today, and there is very little help on the way.

via The Daily News’ Adam Rubin:

- Carlos Beltran: The center fielder’s right knee bone bruise is preventing him from doing anything rehab-wise. Minaya said that he hasn’t even begun jogging yet.

- Jose Reyes and John Maine: Maine threw Rayes batting practice today, and Minaya said that the pitcher could be back by the end of the month. He was optimistic about Reyes too, but popular thought is that he will be out past the end of the month. He’s still unable to make sharp cuts on his recovering hamstring.

- Fernando Martinez: The outfielder underwent surgery on his right knee. He will be out 6-8 weeks while his torn meniscus heals.

- Carlos Delgado: Delgado is swinging a bat now, but his return is still slated for August.

- Also, Angel Berroa worked out at shortstop today after being called up in place of Argenis Reyes.

via ESPN Radio’s Andrew Marchand:

- The Knicks are trying everything to give Nate Robinson away, says one NBA executive.

- New York is also looking into a sign-and-trade with David Lee. The most logical destination is the Utah Jazz, though those plans hinge on whether Utah retains forward Paul Millsap.