Tree of Life

17 Aug

Another NHL Lockout MUST Be Avoided by Jon Pennline

published in category: Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday, August 17th, 2012 – 8:53 am

With just a month remaining until a lockout becomes official, the NHLPA and owners are still duking it out to create a new CBA. At this time, both parties appear to be nowhere close to nailing down a deal and a work stoppage seems imminent.

Here we go again.

For those counting at home, this would be the third lockout in NHL history, spanning the last 18 years. The 1994-1995 season saw a cancellation of 468 total games -including the All-Star Game- and the eventual departure of the Quebec Nordiques and Winnipeg Jets. The biggest issue was over the salary cap which Gary Bettman and the owners wanted, while the players did not. Some of the large market teams eventually caved understanding that a lockout would be more damaging to revenue than a cap-free league.

The lockout in 2005 was obviously the big one. A complete season without hockey turned off a large sports fan base and the league also lost their TV deal with ESPN. To dig out of a hole this deep, the league decided to become stricter on hooking, holding, and interference, placing skill in the spotlight. The Sidney Crosby-Alexander Ovechkin rivalry, Winter Classic, and exciting playoff finishes led to a rejuvenation of the sport. Since 2006, the salary cap has risen from $39 million to $70 million per team.

Now, that may all be for not. The NHLPA submitted a proposal to the league earlier this week and it was quickly rejected. According to Michael Grange at Sportsnet, the disparity could be as high as $1.74 billion. When you factor in how that money is supposed to be distributed as well as other concerns in the CBA (player safety, participation in the Olympics in Sochi 2014) and we may just be getting started.

Both sides need a reality check because here is the biggest problem they face: losing fans.

What is the point in arguing how to spread billions of dollars in revenue when the people who supply that revenue refuse to show up? There should be extreme desperation from both sides to get a deal in place. We're talking Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals desperation.

At the same time, that could be the problem. Both sides face immense pressure to get a deal in place and they both want to make sure they aren't left in the dust by the other side. If Gary Bettman locks out the players, it will be the third time he has done so as commissioner. He already owns the prize for being the only commissioner to lock out and NHL season, let alone three. But the smaller market teams need a reform in revenue sharing before they collapse. Teams like the New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers face serious financial problems due to a lack of revenue. At the same time, NHLPA representative, Donald Fehr, is very effective at getting what he wants. He had no issues forcing a work stoppage, and eventual cancellation of the 1994 World Series, in baseball. The players feel they're the ones who brought this league back to popularity and they want a fair shake.

The league definitely has more pressure, especially when fans tend to side with players on these matters. However, both sides need to come up with an agreement and fast. If there's another lockout, the NHL could face extinction. European players will not hesitate to head to the KHL to play and you would have to assume some North American players would follow them. Who would blame them? They just want to play hockey.

Both sides need to reach an agreement and fast because if they don't, the fans may leave. And this time, they may not be coming back.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins

 

16 Aug

Pittsburgh Sports TV Ratings

published in category: Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, August 16th, 2012 – 9:35 am

The top fourteen television shows in Pittsburgh last week were all sports related. #1 was the Steelers preseason game easily beating the rest of the field with an 18.7 rating. The next four highest rated shows were the Olympics on NBC, 11.0, 9.6, 9.4 and an 8.6. #6 and #7 were Pirates games on Root Sports, Wednesday night game against Arizona had a 6.9 and the Tuesday night game pulled a 6.6. The next four were the Olympics on NBC. #11 through #14 were Pirates games on Root Sports. By the way, the first non-sports related TV show last week for Pittsburgh viewers was 60 Minutes on CBS which came in 15th.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Steelers

 

15 Aug

McDonald: It

published in category: Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, August 15th, 2012 – 5:08 pm

It is time for James McDonald to start pitching and get back to his old form if The Pirates have any hopes of saving their season and playoff hopes. If he does not, then it's time to send him back to the farm. It is time for him to decide what kind of pitcher he is. And I am not just talking about just this season, but his career.
The best bet for McDonald and the Bucs is that he regains his form and salvages the second half of the season. It would be great if he goes back to that dominating pitcher that had no-hit stuff each outing. If that happens, then there is a good chance The Pirates will make the playoffs for the first time since 1992.
But what if McDonald does not regain his form in two more starts? Then it is time for him to go back to the minors for the rest of the season. There is something wrong mechanically and mentally. His 8.71 ERA since the all-star break is the stat that all points to him having something wrong. The best answer for him would be a trip to Indianapolis. There would be no pressure for him to pitch well and get the win. He could slow down and figure out what is actually wrong. He could then better himself for his career. He could better himself and still be an ace of this staff in the future. Keeping him in the rotation is definitely not the answer. Clint Hurdle came out and said they will only use five pitchers in the starting rotation. Someone has to go and Kevin Correia for once is not the answer. He won his last seven starts until the debacle against the Dodgers and that loss was not his fault. He deserves to be in the rotation. He is a proven veteran. James McDonald is not. It is time for him to start pitching like one, or it is time for him to go back to the farm.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates

 

14 Aug

Taylor pitches in to solve mess by John Harris

published in category: Ike Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers, Sports Talk Radio on Tuesday, August 14th, 2012 – 8:39 am

What if I told you that restricted free-agent wide receiver Mike Wallace not only trained last week with speed and conditioning guru Tom Shaw at ESPN's Wide World of Sports at Disney, he bunked in Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor's nearby home and drove Taylor's car?

How many people would welcome someone into their home while they're away at training camp? Taylor and Wallace are good teammates more than they are best friends, so Taylor clearly took one for the team.

"Mike was supposed to be here three weeks ago," said Shaw, who has trained many high-profile NFL players and has known Taylor since he was a teenager. "The only way to get him here was to have him stay in Ike's house and drive Ike's car."

The Steelers know all about Shaw, who became regarded as one of the early stars in his profession for his work with Deion Sanders, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Shaw was the conditioning coach when the New England Patriots won three Super Bowls in four years.

Shaw has been a guest at the Steelers' practice facility, and he is on speaking terms with coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers are well aware that Taylor, who works every offseason with Shaw and made his home in Orlando, Fla., as a result, didn't miss a game because of injury in his first nine NFL seasons.

Taylor should receive a finder's fee when Wallace receives his new contract. Make no mistake, it's a matter of when, not if, Wallace – who told a Disney official last week he will play in the final preseason game – signs with the Steelers.

Taylor has spoken with Wallace throughout the offseason, in person and on the phone, with Wallace explaining his side of the negotiations while Taylor presented the Steelers' side.

The New Orleans natives got together in June when Taylor was in town to host his annual football camp.

"It's a lot of frustration with Mike, seeing a lot of guys getting signed to big contracts," Taylor said. "Mike feels like he outperformed his last contract. He's telling me, 'I miss being around you boys. But I want my (money).' "

Taylor, who signed a four-year extension last year making him the highest-paid cornerback in Steelers history, capitalized on his close relationship with chairman emeritus Dan Rooney to become a buffer between Wallace and the Steelers.

Check out Taylor's avatar picture on his Twitter page featuring him and Rooney striking one of Taylor's favorite poses, side-by-side with arms folded across their chests. It's a must-see, and a clear indicator that Taylor, who once fell asleep in Rooney's office after a practice, shares a special bond with the Steelers' owner.

"I told him one time that his pants (were) too high," Taylor said about Rooney on his weekly show on TribLive Radio two weeks ago. "So he had to come down on his pants, and he got a whole lot better over the course of years."

Given the relationship between Rooney and Taylor, does anyone believe that Wallace worked out with Taylor's personal trainer while the team is in training camp without the Steelers knowing about it?

"Mike is my guy," Taylor said. "Mr. Rooney and the organization, they're my people, so I see it on both sides."

With the recent departures of James Farrior, Hines Ward and Aaron Smith, Taylor is taking charge. He's become a mentor to cornerbacks Keenan Lewis, Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown. Allen was a guest in Taylor's home when Allen trained with Shaw this summer, as was wide receiver Antonio Brown, who tussled with Taylor at the end of Sunday's practice but considers him a friend.

Taylor's direct involvement in Wallace's contract negotiations – while unusual, to say the least – will be worth it when Wallace and the Steelers agree to terms.

John Harris is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached
at jharris@tribweb.com.

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Posted in Ike Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers, Sports Talk Radio

 

13 Aug

Barmes Grand Slam Could be Turning Point by Jon Pennline

published in category: Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, August 13th, 2012 – 8:41 am

It was the third inning and the Pirates looked to be in a very familiar position that had plagued the last 19 seasons.

They were losing -getting crushed- by a team that was out of the playoff hunt for three months now. The Padres, winners of ten straight at PNC Park, took a quick 1-0 lead on the second pitch of the game thanks to a Chris Denorfia solo homer. The Padres plated three more runs in the first, capped off by a two run throwing error by Clint Barmes.

The Pirates looked nervous, they played rattled, and they looked well on their way to getting swept at home and possibly starting a long losing streak. They already blew a 7-1 lead on Friday and were brushed aside on Saturday. Their lack of focus and wide-eyed appearance was on grand display in the second inning after Headley's dribbler rolled fair along the first base line. The Pirates recorded the out, but nobody covered home to prevent the fifth run from scoring. A few batters later, Pedro Alvarez and Clint Barmes collided on a routine ground ball. The 35,000-plus crowd groaned in pain over a play that had defined their demise since 1992.

Same old Pirates.

But then, something happened; a moment, if you will, that could hold the weight of a season 162 games long. The moment you think of when Scott Hatterberg hits the walk off home run against the Kansas City Royals in "Moneyball".

Clint Barmes, on a 2-2 count with the bases loaded, down 5-2, drove a ball down the left field line. The ball was obviously crushed as it rapidly approached the left field corner. The crowd stood, collectively holding its breath, almost like a sub-conscious fear of blowing the ball foul. Did he really do it?

Dongggg*

6-5 Pirates.

From there, the Pirates took control scoring nine runs in the fourth inning before cruising to an 11-5 win. It was a much needed win, snapping a three game losing streak (their first since mid-June) while also gaining a game on St. Louis for the Wild Card.

Barmes's home run led the charge for Sunday's outcome, and it could be the defining moment of the season, the same way Jerry Meals's safe call turned the tide in a negative tone last year. In a 2012 season highlighted by AJ Burnett pitching at a Cy Young level, Andrew McCutchen emerging as the clear-cut favorite for NL MVP, and Starling Marte contributing mightily as a rookie, it could be Clint Barmes who goes down as the season hero. Yes, Bedard's double opened the scoring; yes, Michael Mckenry's bases loaded walk put more pressure on Ross Ohlendorf to throw strikes. But, Barmes, the 8th hitter in the lineup, batting .215 heading into the game, abusing the left field pole was the defining moment.

At least it could be.

The Pirates will face the Dodgers and Cardinals in their next seven games and both teams will be looking to climb over them in the standings. They needed a spark to breakout of the recent streak of futile hitting and poor pitching performances that had shown for the better part of two weeks. After Barmes's grand slam, Bedard and the bullpen allowed three total base runners in the final five innings of work. If it carries over, the Pirates could gain a firm grip on the Wild Card position, the same way John Milner's grand slam on August 5th, 1979 propelled the Pirates to a NL East title and World Series.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Pirates

 

10 Aug

Moving one step closer to game day by Ike Taylor

published in category: Ike Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, August 10th, 2012 – 9:00 am

Hey readers!

Thanks for all of your great feedback on last week's column. I'm really excited to get your thoughts and opinions throughout the season. Don't forget to tell your friends to read every week for the latest inside scoop on the Steelers.

I know you all must want to know what's going on at camp and how we are feeling now that we have two weeks under our belts out here. I'll tell you that there is some really exciting stuff going on out here. Players are really stepping up, and I'm seeing a lot of incredible progress from both the veterans and the younger guys. I'm really excited for what this upcoming season will bring. I have two Super Bowl rings with this organization, and I would love to make that three this year.

During the first week of camp, a lot of the younger guys come out with wide eyes, not knowing what to expect, with a blend of excitement and nerves keeping them on their toes. Our veterans do an excellent job of making everyone feel comfortable and making sure that everyone is a part of the family.

Typically by the second week we are all pretty comfortable with each other, with the playbook and workload out here. I can tell that the offense and defense are already getting comfortable playing with each other and now we are working on consistency. Everything starts to come together during the second week, but that is not to say that it's easy. In fact, week two is when we are really put to the test.

Week two is a transition week for us; I like to compare it to a work week Wednesday – a hump day, if you will. We have all put ourselves to the test physically, pushing our limits beyond your imagination and exercising our physical toughness. Our bodies are exhausted, and now it's time to push even harder. This week is all about mental toughness. You have to be mentally tough to get over the hump. Once we get past the second week of training camp, it's all downhill and one step closer to game day.

I have to say, there is an extra element out here that helps us get over the hump and keep pushing ourselves: the fans. You all have to know how great it feels to have you out here pushing for us and cheering. We know that without you guys there is no us, and it gets us pumped up for the season when you are there watching us and cheering us on.

I try to spend some time with you all when you come out and sign some autographs to show my appreciation, but I know that doesn't express how truly grateful I am for you all.

Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor is a contributor for Trib Total Media. His column appears Fridays. He also hosts a talk show
Tuesdays from 2-3 p.m. on TribLiveRadio.

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Posted in Ike Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers

 

10 Aug

A Down Year for Steelers in 2012? by Jon Pennline

published in category: Ike Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, August 10th, 2012 – 8:41 am

In Pittsburgh, a "down" year for the Steelers means a year without another Super Bowl ring, parade, or championship banner.

This season, it may mean something worse; missing the playoffs, an 8-8 record.

Is it blasphemous to say the Steelers will be a mediocre team? In Pittsburgh, absolutely. However, I still stand by my prediction and if I was going to lie and say this team had another long playoff run in them, this blog would be pointless.

The Steelers are implementing a brand new offense, with two rookie offensive linemen, and without their biggest deep threat. Willie Colon is already dinged up while rookies David DeCastro and Mike Adams continue to learn after missing OTA's.

The offense will also miss Rashard Mendenhall which may be a bigger deal than most people believe. Mendenhall had a rough season before tearing his ACL in the final game against the Cleveland Browns. Isaac Redman is a fan favorite due to his tough running style and productivity as a starter in the playoffs against the Denver Broncos. But, is he ready to carry the load for a full season? That remains to be seen and if he does go down with an injury, the Steelers will be forced to turn to Jonathan Dwyer. Yikes.

Ben Roethlisberger is another question mark heading into this season. He certainly hasn't been shy about voicing his opinion of new offensive coordinator, Todd Haley. Also, at the age of 30, can Ben's body hold up after taking a pounding over the last 8 seasons? Can he adapt to being more of a pocket passer than a gunslinger? Who will his weapons be? Mike Wallace still hasn't come close to signing a tender or negotiating a deal, leaving Antonio Brown to face the difficulties of being double teamed. Jericho Cotchery is a solid veteran but after than, the wide receiver corps falls off. Emmanuel Sanders is a terrific talent, but can't stay on the field. Derrick Williams, the fourth receiver on the depth chart, has been a bust since coming out of Penn State three seasons ago.

While the offense is still trying to learn, the defense is looking for the fountain of youth. The once-legendary rushing defense fell to 8th last season after being shredded by the likes of Ray Rice and Arian Foster. With Aaron Smith and Chris Hoke retiring and Casey Hampton likely starting the year on the PUP list, the defensive line could drop off this season. Ziggy Hood has been average while Cameron Heyward is an unknown, playing in just his second season. The Steelers have praised Steve McLendon but he won't be able to replace the likes of Casey Hampton.

The linebackers, however, will make or break this defense. Last year, Lamarr Woodley came into camp out of shape and virtually ended his season in late October with a hamstring injury just as he was starting to get back to old form. James Harrison may be a "young" 34 but he is still 34 years old. He will start the preseason on the PUP list and may have future issues down the road thanks to chronic back problems. Lawrence Timmons needs a bounce-back season after being downright invisible last year. At 32, Larry Foote is no spring chicken, but he should provide better services than James Farrior from last year. Three of the four linebackers have elite playmaking talent, it is all a matter of putting it together for a full season.

The secondary is a big question mark heading into this season as well. Troy Polamalu is still an elite safety and future hall of fame player, but, at 32, he may have a tough time getting through a full season. Ike Taylor should have another solid season; however, the other cornerback position is still up for grabs. The Steelers rave about Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen, but they're still too inexperienced to hold a starting cornerback position. Keenan Lewis will get a shot but he has been dealing with an injured shoulder.

The schedule doesn't bode well for the Pittsburgh Steelers either. Not only do they have to play the Baltimore Ravens and much-improved Cincinnati Bengals twice, they also have to face the defending Super Bowl champion, New York Giants as well as the Dallas Cowboys and Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos; all on the road.

I hope I am wrong. I hope the offense improves in its first year under Haley while the defense enjoys maybe one last season with some of its cornerstones. But, for this team, this season, it appears there are too many questions that provide very little evidence of positive answers.

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Posted in Ike Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers

 

09 Aug

Pirates: Playoffs or Bust by Jarred Treshock

published in category: Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, August 9th, 2012 – 7:47 pm

The Pittsburgh Pirates have no excuses for not making the playoffs this year. I am talking playoffs and playing in October: words that have not been said for nineteen years. If the Pirates do not make the playoffs, then the season is a bust. Even if they only make the wild card and play the one game playoff that is new this season (still technically playoffs), then the season is a bust. If the Bucs only finish at .500, than the season is a total bust and an absolute waste everyone's time.
I can safely say the latter will not happen. The Pirates would have to experience a collapse worse than last season. They only need to go 18-34 the rest of the way to have a winning season. Of course, the city of Pittsburgh wants more than that. The pitching is still pitching pretty well and the bats are still surprisingly hitting enough to go at least .500 the rest of the way.
The other reason why the Pirates cannot finish just at .500 is that their schedule the rest of the way is not terribly difficult.The only teams that are .500 that the Bucs play are the Reds twice, Cardinals twice, Braves, and Dodgers. The rest of their schedule is full of teams under .500, with 22 games left versus the Cubs, Astros, and Brewers. As long as the Pirates take care of business against those teams, they will be in great shape.
Now if the Bucs take care of business, they should have no problem on winning the wild card. The division is a different story. I am not giving up on them winning the division over the Reds because the Pirates have six more games between the two teams. But the Reds have an easier schedule than the Bucs and three of those six games will be at Great American Ballpark, which is not an easy place to play. Plus, Joey Votto is returning soon, so the Reds will only be tougher to beat. So realistically the Pirates have the best chance at the wildcard. They are on a crash course to play a one game, winner-take-all matchup against the Braves. The Braves have a similar schedule to everyone else, but really the schedule or records do not matter when it comes between the Bucs and Braves. It would just be one game so all the Pirates would have to do is put out the best team. All they would have to do is throw A.J Burnett and the Bucs have a great chance of winning. The two teams have great bullpens and similar offenses so it all comes down to starting pitching, which the Pirates have the upper hand. So the Bucs should win the game and make the playoffs for the first time in nineteen seasons.
So the Pirates really have no excuses for not making the playoffs. If they don't, then it is truly time to panic because the future is now.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates

 



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