Tree of Life

23 Nov

A Letter to Bud Selig by Jon Pennline

published in category: Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 – 8:34 am

Mr. Selig,

Under your new CBA, you and the MLBPA have agreed on terms that appear to be unfit for most markets in baseball's highest competitive league. While teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Phillies have been allowed to spend astronomical amounts of money on free agent players at an unimpeded rate, it appears the Pirates, Brewers and Nationals will be forced to limit their spending on the only fathomable process for building a competitive team in their market: the draft.

How is taxing a team 100% of the money they spend on the draft AND removing a future first round pick a fair "punishment" if they spend 10-15% over the allowable amount? How is that going to level the playing field for all thirty teams in the league when teams like the Pirates need to spend on several players while teams like the Red Sox can afford to pour all their money into a few players? How is it fair to create a higher tax rate for spending in the draft (75-100%) than spending in free agency (20-40%? Remember, every team can afford an 18 year old high school phenom; only a handful of teams can afford Albert Pujols.

The truth of the matter, Mr. Selig: It's not fair.

Therefore, I have a new proposal for alignment. Since you were thinking about moving Houston to the American League (which, at this time is a done deal) let me convince you to move them somewhere else. Move them back to the NL Central with the Pirates. How will you balance the league? Simple. Take the Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, Mets, Angels and Cubs, and create your own "superleague". Allow the remaining teams to play under a hard cap which allows everyone to compete at the same level. While you're at it, create a cap floor to prevent the Pirates, Royals and Marlins from spending $10 million total at the major league level. While so many fans will enjoy watching the superleague compete with video game-type rosters, the other 24 markets will be excited knowing each and every season, their team has a chance.

Face it, Bud, as much as you try to talk up the "returning popularity" of baseball, the fact remains that the league's structure is an absolute joke. Under the rules you agreed upon, do you honestly ever expect the Orioles or Blue Jays to win a division title? What about the future of teams like the Rays, Reds and Brewers, whose success has been built upon over-slot spending in the amateur draft? Or do those teams not matter? It has become apparent that your willingness to protect the biggest markets while crushing the smallest ones, has been a decision based on money and greed. While other leagues have a hard salary cap to create parody every season, you continue to keep things the same, leaving most of the small-mid market teams unprotected for decades. Are you so afraid of the owners and union reps that you cannot speak for the little man?

Or maybe it's the fear of another strike.

Please, Mr. Selig, hear my cry. Create another league with baseball's largest markets. Let them spend hundreds of millions of dollars, let everyone have a designated hitter, and let them pay that player hundreds of millions more. I simply do not wish to have my city play in a league where the commissioner holds no power and allows the bullies of Major League Baseball call the shots without any resistance. Realign the teams and allow all markets the opportunity for something to root for. You will still get your revenue with high TV ratings and you could eliminate the luxury tax in the process. Let cities like Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati get back to watching baseball out of love for the sport, not an auction.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Pirates

 

21 Nov

He's Baaaaaack: Crosby to Return Tonight by Jon Pennline

published in category: Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday, November 21st, 2011 – 8:49 am

Sidney Crosby will return to action tonight to face the New York Islanders in what should be the most excited crowd in Consol Energy Center's short history. While his return seems to be coming at the perfect time, considering the Penguins' scoring woes in the last few games, the bigger picture involves the best player in the NHL making his return.

Two hits, coming from David Steckel and Victor Hedman, in a five day span last season, sparked Crosby's concussion. From there, the Penguins' captain began to experience dizzy spells, nausea, and headaches. The symptoms progressed for months and Crosby was kept on the shelf for the rest of the 2010-2011 season. The injury came in the middle of a season in which Crosby was on pace to put up 60+ goals and 140+ points while the team enjoyed sitting on top of the Eastern conference. Two violent hits to the head turned everything upside down.

Sidney Crosby stuck to his normal workout routine over the summer and did not seem to face any set backs. Meanwhile, the media continued to perpetuate rumors of retirement and constantly prodded the Penguins, Agent Pat Brisson and Sidney Crosby for updates. In early September, Crosby held a press conference involving his physicians and GM Ray Shero with the intention of bringing the true situation out to the public. A few weeks later, Crosby showed up to practice with the same helmet color as his teammates indicating he was cleared for contact. Due to the Pens' strenuous schedule in October, the contact practices were far and few between. When November started, the Penguins were off for five straight days, allowing Crosby to receive more hits.

Every hit Crosby took was published to the world within five minutes of it happening. There was the Deryk Engelland hit in which Crosby went sliding across the ice. The video was played on ESPN and analyzed for a few minutes. Then, there was a practice in which Crosby lost an edge and crashed into the boards. His reaction? A smile. This was fun again.

The public waited anxiously for news on Crosby's return. The question was asked before every game: is this the one? Will he play against Dallas? Will he play against the Avalanche? What about the Canes? Will Crosby play in Florida? The excitement became anxiety as fans began to speculate that he had another setback.

And then…Sunday.

The announcement of Crosby's return spread like a wildfire. Finally! He's coming back and ready to pick up where he left off. Granted, it may take a few games for Sid to get back on track, but for now fans of the Penguins, and hockey in general, should be happy that he's back. Then again, with his skill set and determination, don't be surprised if he has fireworks early on. Crosby possesses talent that has not been displayed in the this league for over ten years. Compound that with what his teammates are saying as well as the videos of his practices posted online, and I say Crosby could make an impact on his first shift tonight.

The only uneasiness with this news involves the first opponent Crosby will face: New York Islanders. This is the same team that called up goons from the AHL to try and bully the Penguins last February. Eric Tangradi received a mild concussion and was taunted by Trevor Gillies as Tangradi barely managed to stay upright on one knee. The game which featured 346 penalty minutes and several ejections was a disgrace to the sport of hockey and nearly led to Mario Lemieux's departure from the sport. Fast forward to today. The Islanders are still one of the Penguins' division rivals and they are in their usual spot of last place in the division, eight points back from fourth place New Jersey. What would they have to lose in taking a shot at Sidney Crosby? Remember, players respect the game, but they rarely respect each other on the ice. Any questions involving a possible lingering concussion issue with Sid could be answered in the first game. At the same time, if Crosby is medically cleared to take contact and participate in an NHL game, then he needs to go out and play. Remember, David Steckel's blindside hit on Crosby during the Winter Classic was a complete accident.

With the Penguins tied for most points in the Eastern conference with the hated Flyers, Crosby's return has the potential to push the Penguins on top. Despite numerous injuries and a very difficult schedule to start this season, the Pens continue to impress. Now, their captain returns as the other superstars, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal, continue to dominate. With James Neal's added scoring touch and Kris Letang's solid play on the blue line, the Penguins are ready to show why they were picked as the Stanley Cup favorites before the start of the season.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins

 

18 Nov

TribLIVE Radio High School Football Athlete of the Week brought to you by Slack Overhead Doors

published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Friday, November 18th, 2011 – 11:02 am

Congratulations to Bishop Canevin WR Bobby Gustine who led the Crusaders with 103 yards receiving and a touchdown in a 16-6 win over Fort Cherry. Now Canevin (11-0) takes on Sto-Rox in the WPIAL Class A Semifinals tonight at 7:30pm. Hear the live play-by-play of that game on TribLIVE Radio. Gustine is the TribLIVE Radio High School Football Athlete of the Week brought to you by Slack Overhead Doors.
Gustine is second in Class A in receiving, he has 41 receptions on the season for 792 yards, a whopping 19.3 yards a catch average. He also has 457 yards rushing, and has scored 12 touchdowns total.

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Posted in Sports Talk Radio

 

17 Nov

Penguins Update by Abby Geisel

published in category: Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, November 17th, 2011 – 10:04 am

The Penguins put on quite a show the other night at Consol Energy Center defeating the Colorado Avalanche 6-3 in their 2011 Winter Classic navy blue uniforms. After going down, 3-1 in the first period, the Pens rallied back with 1 goal in the second and 4 in the third. They spread the puck around getting goals from Jordan Staal, Pascal Dupuis, Brooks Orpik, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, and James Neal. Additionally, Arron Asham was praised as a leader. "Arron Asham played one of his better games and I know was leading the charge," Bylsma said. "We came back pretty hard, both with the room and the guys on the ice, making a statement."

Thus, the questions surface: is Sidney Crosby absolutely necessary to the Pens' success, and what should the Penguins do when he is cleared to play?

Of course Sidney will want to play as soon as he can, but the Pens should consider easing him back into play. Allow him to be on the ice for short shifts until he can get his in-game timing and stamina back.

And who will be on his line when he returns? Just imagine him and Neal on the same line. While Sid is a great goal scorer, he is also an incredible teammate who would love nothing more than to rack up the assists. Add Dupuis on the other side and this line may be the best in the NHL in scoring.

In other Pens news, Pens dads were at the arena this morning to watch practice as part of the Sixth Annual Dads' Trip. Each year fathers of the players, coaches, and staff are invited to participate. The trip includes watching practices, traveling with the team to two road games, and take part in all the day's activities. Hockey is such a time consuming sport, so this is a great time for the organization to spend time with integral members of their families. With Dan Bylsma at the helm, the Pens are a perfect 4-0 on Dads' Trips, 7-3 overall. General manager Ray Shero instituted the trip.

According to the Pens, Crosby will not play on Thursday in Tampa Bay, but he will be making the trip. Will his dad be in attendance on this trip? Troy Crosby, a former NHL goaltender has made all five previous Dads' Trips with his son. Other seasoned trip veterans include Henry Staal, Andre Fleury, and Rick Orpik.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins

 

17 Nov

Why the Pirates should be Shopping Joel Hanrahan by Jon Pennline

published in category: Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, November 17th, 2011 – 9:27 am

Earlier this week, WEEI Boston reported the Boston Red Sox were interested in Joel Hanrahan as a potential closer to replace Jonathan Papelbon who recently signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.

If I'm the Pirates, I name my price and go for it.

Now, before you show up on my lawn with torches and pitchforks, consider this:
Joel Hanrahan is 30 years old, coming off the best season of his career, and plays the most erratic/inconsistent position in baseball. The closer position requires the endurance to throw in consecutive games while possessing the arm strength to throw in the mid-to-high 90's on a consistent basis. The risk of blowing out their arms, or flaming out, appears to be so high that it is almost expected.

From 2002-2004, Eric Gagne had the greatest string of saves in the history of baseball. Since then, Gagne has had major reconstructive elbow surgery and back surgery and hasn't been an effective closer since. Now, at age 35, Gagne appears to be somewhat of a forgotten player. He has simply "flamed out" and now is nothing more than a middle reliever, at best. The same can be said for Fransisco Rodriguez who, three years ago, had 62 saves with the Angels. The following season he signed with the Mets for three years $37 million and hasn't had more than 35 saves since.

With Hanrahan, it is worth a risk to take a look at some offers from other teams.

The truth about closers and their value lies within the book, "Moneyball". Author, Michael Lewis, states Billy Beane discovered that poor teams were easily able to find closers for cheap while rich teams overspent. During the Oakland's run of four straight playoff appearances, the Athletics used Jason Isringhausen, Billy Koch and Keith Foulke as their closers. Ironically, Koch was used to get Foulke who was, eventually, released in free agency. When the Red Sox signed Foulke in 2004, the A's received their first round pick. While the Red Sox paid $3.5 million for the closer, the A's received a free pick to help rebuild their farm system.

Again, the rich teams overspend.

Another example, Rafael Soriano is signed a contract worth $35 million over three years with the Yankees to be the team's setup man. While the Yankees have Mariano Rivera as their closer, the Red Sox have no one. If they're willing to give up a solid prospect for Hanrahan, or overpay, it is worth the trade. The Pirates' best seasons are still 2-3 years down the road and, while they wait for Cole, Taillon, Heredia, Grossman, Marte, etc. to develop, what would be Hanrahan's role on a team that is not ready to compete? With all of the investments in young, projectable pitching over the last few years, it may be time to move a major league-ready piece for someone that can help the team when it matters most: the future.

Did the team make significant strides last season? It has been argued by several fans and media members that they did. I am still skeptical and so far it has been pretty clear that upper management is not going to spend money to bring in a big free agent. With the subtractions of Paul Maholm, Ryan Doumit and Chris Snyder, the Pirates are slightly downgraded from last year. While the winter meetings have yet to take place, it hardly seems possible that the Pirates will improve their big league club from last year. I ask: what is the worth of a closer on a losing team? The answer: not as valuable as a potential impact bat or starting pitcher.

But it has to be worth the price. The Pirates cannot afford to receive Andy Laroche type players in return for one of the best closers in the league. Given the Red Sox organizational depth -they were ranked second by Baseball America- the Pirates may strike gold with a solid prospect. On the other hand, the organization has constantly tried to shake the perpetual stigma that they are a cheap team that could not care less about winning. Moving Hanrahan would probably result in severe backlash by the fan base. While this may look like a tight rope for the organization to walk, fans of keeping Hanrahan will be happy to know the Pirates only have one bobblehead giveaway this year.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Pirates

 

15 Nov

Sack-happy Steelers LBs ready to reunite

published in category: Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, November 15th, 2011 – 9:27 am

By Scott Brown, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, November 15, 2011

It won't be a novelty when the Steelers line up two of the planet's top pass rushers at opposite sides of the field.

It may, however, qualify as an uncommon occurrence when outside linebackers LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison are on the field at the same time.

They have done that and both been healthy in just three full games this season – and not since late September.

Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is optimistic that the two will resume tormenting quarterbacks together Nov. 27, after the Steelers return from their bye and play a night game in Kansas City.

"It's going to be a very new experience," said LeBeau, following the Steelers' 24-17 win at Cincinnati on Sunday. "We haven't had 'em for so long I forget what it feels like, but we're looking forward to it."

Injuries are why Harrison and Woodley's alliance has been an on-again, off-again proposition this season.

Harrison fractured his right orbital bone in the fourth game of the season. He played through the injury in a 17-10 loss at Houston, but eye surgery promptly shelved the four-time Pro Bowler.

Woodley went on a tear during Harrison's absence, registering 7 1/2 sacks in four games and becoming the first player in Steelers history with multiple sacks in four consecutive games.

But the 6-foot-2, 265-pounder went down with a hamstring injury while chasing New England quarterback Tom Brady on Oct. 30, and he has missed the past two games.

Harrison, meanwhile, returned two weeks ago and sacked Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco three times. Last Sunday, the 6-foot, 242-pounder drew a Bengals holding penalty while bearing down on Andy Dalton, but he wasn't able to sack the rookie quarterback.

The Steelers were tied for 10th in the NFL in sacks after Sunday with 23. Woodley and Harrison have combined for 14, but there has not been a game in which both have recorded at least one sack.

That happened seven times in 2010, including the postseason.

The Steelers can only imagine the dimension they will add to their pass rush when Harrison and Woodley are healthy at the same time and complementing each other, as they have done so well in the past.

The two have combined for 98 sacks since 2007, making them one of the most prolific pass-rushing duos in team history.

"You can't double both," Harrison said on why he and Woodley have been such an effective pass-rushing tandem. "It gives us a pick your poison, where you've either got to (double team) right or left."

Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel agreed.

"Both those guys are freaks of nature, they really are," Keisel said. "When they're both out there playing ball, we're a very tough defense."

What may make the Steelers even tougher is that Harrison and Woodley have a friendly competition when it comes to taking down quarterbacks.

Harrison doesn't have to be reminded that, trailing Woodley, 9-5, in sacks, he has some work to do.

"Gotta catch him," Harrison said. "He took off."

Notes: The starting time of the Steelers' Nov. 27 game at Kansas City will stay at 8:20 p.m. There had been speculation that the game would be moved through the NFL's flex scheduling so NBC could have a more compelling prime-time matchup. But the league confirmed Monday the starting time of the Steelers' next game will not be moved. … Coach Mike Tomlin gave the players the day off Monday. The Steelers will practice Tuesday and tomorrow and then be off the rest of the week. They will return to practice next Monday. The new collective bargaining agreement requires that players get four consecutive days off during their bye week.

Read more: Sack-happy Steelers LBs ready to reunite – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_767299.html#ixzz1dmgRw1bV

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Posted in Pittsburgh Steelers

 

14 Nov

TribLIVE Radio High School Football Athlete of the Week brought to you by Slack Overhead Doors

published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Monday, November 14th, 2011 – 4:00 pm

The Top Four Candidates for High School Football athlete of the Week on TribLIVE Radio brought to you by Slack Overhead Doors-

1.Sto-Rox Sophomore QB Lenny Williams who threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-0 win over Brentwood. Now Sto-Rox (11-0) takes on Bishop Canevin in the WPIAL Class A Semifinals this Friday night at 7:30pm. Hear the live play-by-play of that game on TribLIVE Radio. Williams has 1,981 yards on the season.

2.Bishop Canevin WR Bobby Gustine led the Crusaders with 103 yards receiving and a touchdown in a 16-6 win over Fort Cherry. Now Canevin (11-0) takes on Sto-Rox in the WPIAL Class A Semifinals this Friday night at 7:30pm. Hear the live play-by-play of that game on TribLIVE Radio.

3.Jeannette QB Demetrious Cox rushed for three touchdowns and passed for another to lead No. 2 Jeannette to a 35-14 victory against Shady Side Academy in a WPIAL Class AA quarterfinal Friday night. Jeannette (11-0) will play No. 3 Seton-La Salle (11-0) in the semifinals this Friday. Cox rushed for 155 yards in the game.

4.Knoch QB Ky Kenton threw three touchdowns in a 31-9 win over Thomas Jefferson in the WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals Friday night at Plum.
Knoch (11-0) will play No. 2 Franklin Regional (11-0) next week at a site to be determined. It will be the Knights' first semifinal trip since 2007.

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Posted in Sports Talk Radio

 

14 Nov

Last Season for Ward, Farrior and Smith? by Jon Pennline

published in category: Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, November 14th, 2011 – 2:40 pm

For the Steelers, 1983 marked the last season for the remaining players of the legendary "Steel Curtain" defense that dominated the 70's. Jack Lambert and Mel Blount were on their way to Canton as their careers came to an end. While Lambert was only 31 years old, his constant battle with turf toe ultimately led to a premature retirement in what was a brilliant career. Blount, at age 35, was simply too old to play at the same speed and physicality that defined his career for over a decade.

For the current Steelers, Hines Ward, James Farrior and Aaron Smith all fit the same description.

Ward, age 35, has just 26 catches for 258 yards and 2 touchdowns in 8 games this season. The underdog of the NFL has made a hall of fame career out of his toughness. Not only has Ward made great catches over the middle while taking multiple hits, he has laid out several defensive backs and linebackers on running plays. Now, however, those characteristics seem to be nothing more than a memory. We haven't seen any of Ward's signature blocking and he certainly has been more prone to injuries on hits over the middle. Is this the last season for Hines Ward? That's up to him, but the numbers don't lie and the Steelers have already found three young, lightning fast receivers who are way ahead of the curve. Ward's contract expires at the end of the 2013 season and the 13-year veteran still believes he can play. The numbers, and cameras, suggest his time is coming to an end in this offense.

In a franchise rich with elite level defensive linemen, Aaron Smith was one of the greatest linemen in Steelers' history. He was also one of the most underrated defensive player in the NFL for the last ten years. Smith anchored the left side of Pittsburgh's stingy 3-4 defense since he was given the starting position in 2000. A fourth round pick out of Northern Colorado in the '99 draft, Smith's numbers suggest above average play. However, he constantly occupied two offensive linemen on running plays which allowed the linebackers behind him to make plays. What resulted was one of the most dominant, consistent rush defense in NFL history.

Unfortunately, Smith has been plagued by injuries over the last three seasons, including 2011. Since 2008, Smith has played in only 15 games due to injuries to his biceps, triceps and foot. When he started this season, the rushing defense struggled mightily and it was clear Smith was no longer the dominant force he once was. It would be very surprising if we saw Smith in a Steelers uniform next season.

A free agent signing in 2002, James Farrior has been the captain of the most dominant defense over the last decade. In 223 career games, Farrior has racked up 971 tackles, 11 ints and 35.5 sacks. The University of Virginia product actually played against Mike Tomlin when the head coach was a player at William and Mary. Farrior, 36, has been slow this year. To his credit, he looked slow two years ago only to have a great season last year. This season, Farrior, again, looks slow and his pulled calf may be a sign of breaking down. While the Steelers are still waiting for Stevenson Sylvester to learn the system, Farrior will be a free agent by the end of next season which gives Pittsburgh a small window to fill his position. While the Steelers need help with their offensive line, cornerbacks, and nose tackle, they would not pass up a top-tier inside linebacker in the first round of the draft if one was available.

The difference between these Steelers and the team in 1983 is their youth on offense. Their quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, is the second oldest player on the offense at age 29. Their youth allows GM Kevin Colbert to shift his focus on restocking the defense. Troy Polamalu, Brett Keisel, James Harrison, Casey Hampton and Ryan Clark are all over 30. While they still have a few years left in the tank, the replacement plan is already underway.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Steelers

 



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