Steelers Draft Preview

Not exactly a man-bites-dog story, but ...
The Steelers need an offensive tackle. For sure, but that's old news.

Today, the Steelers' depth chart lists Flozell Adams and Jonathan Scott as starters, with Tony Hills (?!) and Chris Scott as backups. Yikes. Somehow they made it to the Super Bowl with this crew, but still ...

The Steelers are long overdue for drafting an OT in the first round, although keep in mind this wild card: The possible return of Willie Colon, which is no sure thing (and may not be a good thing, in any case) ... and Max Starks. Given the lack of a Collective Bargaining Agreement, we don't know their status or whether the Steelers truly expect these guys to play. All we know is this: Both Colon and Starks are still on the official roster, as of today, as it is listed on the Steelers' Web site.

Presumably, Trai Essex, who is listed on the roster as a guard, could play at tackle, if needed, as could Ramon Foster, possibly. The only other tackle on the current roster is somebody named Kyle Jolly (6'6", 300, North Carolina), who was on the practice squad last year.

How well the Steelers address this problem at tackle remains an open question. It has to be a priority, though. We're just not sure they'll be able to do it in the draft. Here's why ...

It's supposed to be a fairly weak year for offensive tackles. The NFL Network's Charley Casserly, a former GM, says the best offensive tackle in this year's draft would have been the sixth-rated tackle in last year's draft. Nobody really knows. The Steelers pick 31st, so there's a good chance four, five or even six tackles will be selected by the time they make their selection. Which would mean, if you go by the opinion of Casserly and other draft gurus (namely Brian Baldinger and Mike Mayock) on the NFL Network, they'd be picking a guy the equivalent of, say, the 10th-best tackle to come available in the combined drafts of 2010 and 2011.

In any case, the tackle position is a question the Steelers have to tackle, sooner rather than later.

More generally, it's hard to predict who might be there for the Steelers at No. 31 in the first round. Everybody seems to be bandying about names like nose tackle Phil Taylor (6'3", 334) and offensive tackle/guard/center Danny Watkins, both out of Baylor, and cornerback Aaron Williams from Texas. All three are projected to go late in the first round or early in the second. Taylor and Watkins (who will turn 27! during the upcoming season) both are considered fast risers, while Williams has been projected all along as the third-best corner available (which means he might not even last until No. 31). All three could be gone, easily. Familiar names like Mike Pouncey (G/C, Florida), J.J. Watt (DE, Wisconsin, a guy in the mold of Aaron Smith, but maybe even more mobile), and Gabe Carimi (OT, Wisconsin) all will be drafted ahead of the Steelers' pick at No. 31.

Certainly, everybody would love to see the Steelers draft Mike Pouncey, but he'll be gone. Here's an option -- a poor man's Maurkice/Mike Pouncey, if you will: Florida State's Rodney Hudson, who's name hasn't been mentioned as prominently as some of the other top O-line prospects. Still, here's his profile overview on NFL.com, and it is intriguing:

"Hudson has a well-rounded, polished skill set. Should be an immediate starter at guard or center and could make a few Pro Bowls down the line. He can handle power or speed pass rushers with his outstanding balance, flexibility and wide base. In the running game, he uses great quickness to get himself into position, keeps his legs churning and finishes with authority. Only true negative is his lack of size, but he more than compensates with impressive power, toughness and in-game stamina. Hudson is arguably the finest interior offensive line prospect in this class and could hear his name in the first round."

According to Bob Labriola, writing on the Steelers Web site, Hudson was penalized only once in 832 snaps his senior season. Sounds pretty good. If the Steelers can't get Mike Pouncey, this guy sounds all right, too, for sure.

We've also read Mississippi State tackle Derek Sherrod's name associated with the Steelers, but he we've also read mixed reviews about him -- and that's what you get at No. 31. It bears repeating: It's a weak year for offensive tackles. An early run on OTs may mean only that teams are trying to salvage what they can to fill immediate needs on the O-line.

What About a Cornerback?
As much as the Steelers need help on the offensive line, they might be better served by going with the best player available, especially if it's at another position of need (like cornerback).

Speaking of corners, after Patrick Peterson (LSU), Prince Amakamura (Nebraska), Jimmy Smith (Colorado) and Aaron Williams (Texas), there's supposed to be a marked drop-off. Some draftniks (like Mike Mayock of the NFL Network) project Williams to move to safety in the NFL, which is not an indictment, given the need nowadays for safeties with strong coverage skills.

Joey Porter's Pit Bulls like Williams and would be happy if the Steelers are able to land him. It may be time for the Steelers to abandon the Keenan Lewis experiment, Ike Taylor and Bryant MacFadden aren't getting any younger, and William Gay has the look of a career nickel back, albeit a solid one. Oh, and by the way, Taylor and Gay may be unrestricted free agents (?), depending on what happens with the CBA, and MacFadden, who played well for the most part, still looks like a stopgap fill-in they picked up on the cheap last off-season.

Other cornerbacks on the roster remain question marks (Crezdon Butler) or have the look of interchangeable special team guys or expendable nickel-dime situational players (Anthony Madison, Donovan Warren, Tuff Harris).

Supposedly a Weak Year for Safeties, RBs and QBs
It's supposed to be a very weak year for safeties, and supposedly only one or two tight ends (Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame, and a TE from Wisconsin) grade as late first-round or early second-round talent.

Ditto running backs, with Mark Ingram, Alabama, and Mikel LeShoure, Illinois, projected to go somewhere between picks No. 20-35. If we heard correctly, LeShoure never fumbled during his college career. Interestingly, as reported on CBS Sportsline, Leshoure was born in prison:

"It wasn't anything near certain that Leshoure would become 'the guy' for the Illini until fall camp last year. He's worked hard to, in his own words, 'keep growing' since he was born in prison and spent all but four years of his life without his father, who also spent time in prison."

Quarterback Question Marks
It's also a weak year for quarterbacks (after Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert), but because so many teams need to shore up the QB position, there may be a run on QBs late in the first and early- to mid-second-round. You'd be talking about guys like Ryan Mallett, Arkansas; Andy Dalton, TCU; Christian Ponder, FSU; and then guys who are widely considered to be slightly lesser-tier options like Jake Locker, Washington; Ricky Stanzi, Iowa; and Colin Kaepernick, Nevada, who Joey Porter's Pit Bulls would love to see in a Steelers' uniform, but it ain't gonna happen). We'd be a lot more excited about Kaepernick in Black 'n Gold than we are about Dennis Dixon. We're not suggesting the Steelers will draft a QB in the first three rounds, but it's a position they should reinforce, even with Byron Leftwich returning. Will Charlie Batch even be back?

Which leaves the Steelers, where? Defensive line?
The defensive line in this year's draft is supposed to be very deep this year, and that may be where they're looking. They brought in Baylor nose tackle Phil Taylor for a visit. Corey Liuget, a NT from Illinois, also is projected as a mid- to late-first-rounder. North Carolina nose tackle Marvin Austin is another possibility.

Here's a darkhorse name (third round?) at nose tackle: Kenrick Ellis (6'5", 346) from Hampton, Va., Mike Tomlin's old school. He's been getting a bit of attention on the NFL Network as one of those under-the-radar guys who deserves a close look.

Here's a guy to keep an eye on: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue. At 6'4, 267, he's a bit of a tweener, but so was Lamarr Woodley. For what it's worth, Purdue has a long tradition of sending outstanding pass-rushing defensive ends to the NFL. By all accounts, Kerrigan has the proverbial non-stop motor, and his relentless style of play has been likened to Green Bay All-Pro linebacker Clay Matthews. Kerrigan may or may not get picked in the first round, but he won't last until the Steelers' second-round pick.

How Other Teams Might Affect the Steelers' Draft
With the lockout (no free agents are being signed), it's a tricky draft to project what other teams might do. Many of them are in flux.

The Bengals, for instance, stand to lose Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. The Browns have an entirely new coaching staff. It's no secret the Cowboys (picking at No. 9 overall) need to upgrade their offensive tackle position, but they are also thought to be looking at Prince Amakamura, the cornerback from Nebraska. The Ravens (at pick No. 26) need speed at wide receiver, but they also need help at cornerback -- which would have them looking squarely at Texas's Aaron Williams, especially if they think the Steelers want him.

For what it's worth Mel Kiper's latest mock draft has Colorado CB Jimmy Smith going to the Ravens at No. 26, although Smith is reputed to have had some off-field issues. The Jets pick just ahead of the Steelers, and the Jets are known to be looking to upgrade their pass rush with either a rush linebacker, a mobile defensive end or a stout nose tackle to succeed Kris Jenkins -- which means either Phil Taylor or Corey Liuget could be plucked right before the Steelers' pick.

Then there are the Patriots, picking ahead of the Steelers with picks No. 17 and 28, and right behind them with pick No. 33. There's a good chance the Patriots will trade one or two of those picks -- but we suspect they will keep the No. 17 pick.

All of which will influence what's available for the Steelers at No. 31. Your guess is as good as anybody's.

That's all we have for today, except that ...

With the NFL Draft is just over a week away, we still can't get over the following fact, as galling as it is:

The New England Patriots, who went 14-2 last year, hold three of the first 33 picks -- two first-rounders (No. 17 and 28), and the first pick in the second round (No. 33 overall). The Patriots hold six (six!) of the first 92 picks in the draft.

A pox on the New England Patriots.

The NFL Draft is Just Around the Corner

It's a tricky draft to call.

It's tough to predict the Steelers' pick at No. 31 in the first round. Heck, it's tough to predict Carolina's pick with the No. 1 selection overall.

The Steelers have plenty of holes to fill. At the moment, we're kind of leaning toward Texas cornerback Aaron Williams (if he's available), but we're open to other possibilities, especially on the offensive line and defensive line.

We've noticed Williams in big games the past couple years, however, and he seems to be one of those guys who just jumps off the television screen -- you can't help but see his talent. Granted, highlight plays can be misleading, but Williams seems to have the skills, the physical tools, the mindset and the background of playing in a big-time program.

Williams was featured (along with Nebraska cornerback Prince Makamura) on this week's segment of the NFL Network's "Game Changers" program featuring former coach Steve Mariucci, who sits down and runs through drills with a couple of top prospects every week. Although Amakamura is widely considered a top-10 pick and Williams is projected to last till late in the first round, Williams was every bit as impressive as Amakamura, and maybe more so, during this half-hour show. For what it's worth. Both players displayed humility, a positive, team-oriented attitude, and both came off as studious, serious and coachable. For what it's worth.

The Steelers need help at cornerback, so he just might be a good fit here. You can never have too many good cornerbacks. Of course, you can never have too many good offensive linemen, too, and right now the Steelers don't have enough. And, pretty soon they've not going going to enough defensive linemen, either, considering the age on the defensive line.

In the bigger picture, for some reason, this year's NFL draft seems somehow more unsettled than previous years, and it has nothing to do with the lockout.

What we do know -- galling as it is -- is that the New England Patriots hold three of the first 33 picks -- two first round picks (No. 17 & 28) and the first pick in the second round (No. 33 overall) -- and six of the first 92 picks in the draft.

The Patriots went 14-2 last year.

A pox on the New England Patriots.

The Pirates are Back to Blah

Having lost four in a row, the Pirates are struggling once again. They're not hitting, for one thing.

Granted, we're only 12 games into the season, but the Pirates rank 16th (last) in the National League in runs scored, 15th on on-base percentage and 13th in slugging percentage.

After losing two at home to Colorado and then two more to Milwaukee, the Bucs' season record now stands at 5-7. At some point, hopefully in our lifetime, the Pirates are going to have to figure out a way to beat the Milwaukee Brewers, who absolutely own the Bucs, especially early in the season.

As noted in today's edition of the Post-Gazette ...

"Since 2005, the Pirates are 2-19 in April at home against the Brewers, including an unforgettable, 20-0 loss April 22, 2010.

"Things won't get easier with a four-game series in Cincinnati next. The Reds lead the National League Central Division and are 5-1 at Great American Ball Park. "

After the series in Cincinnati, the Bucs fly to the Miami area to take on the Marlins, then back to Pittsburgh to host the Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants.

Hope for the best.

Bucs' Bullpen Blows Up!

How's that headline for alliteration?!

About last evening's Fireworks Night game at PNC Park: Perhaps the bullpen was due to let one slip away ... considering that the relief corps of Jeff Karstens, Mike Crotta, Jose Veras, Joel Hanrahan, Chris Resop and Garrett Olson shut out the Colorado Rockies for 11-and-two-thirds scoreless innings Friday night.

It's a shame, though, because the Pirates last night got seven innings from Charlie Morton. Not a great start, but he gave them innings just when they needed a starter to go fairly deep into the game. That's his second innings-eating start in a row. That alone is reason for hope, especially considering the understandably low expectations most of us had for Charlie entering the season.

Although Morton surrendered five hits and five walks, he limited the Rockies to just two earned runs (three total, with the unearned run due primarily to a Ryan Doumit error). So, after two starts, Morton's ERA is just 2.08 (we're pretty sure it was well into double digits after his first two appearances last season). In any case, we're pulling for you, Charlie -- keep it going; ain't nothin' to it.

The size of the announced crowd (25,398 tickets sold) was disappointing, but it's too early in the year for Zambelli fireworks, as spectacular as they were coming off two barges in the Allegheny River.

Of greater concern, on the field, is Pedro Alvarez's continuing struggles at the plate. In 38 at-bats this season, Alvarez is batting just .184 with only seven hits and two walks against 13 strikeouts -- or about one strikeout every three at-bats, which is about the same pace he maintained last season. It's early in the season, but a bit worrisome nonetheless.

It's not so much the Ks that are troubling. Alvarez isn't getting the bat on the ball as much as you'd like to see (just one extra-base hit [a double] among his seven hits, and just one run scored).

Alvarez is pressing, and it is visible. You can see it in his face, and he looks tense at the plate. On the other hand, he's played very good defense, and he deserves credit for that. As much as he's struggled at the plate, he seems to be improving in the field, especially on his backhand and in the consistency of his throwing accuracy.

Still, he's visibly pressing at the plate. It wouldn't be a great surprise to see manager Clint Hurdle sit Alvarez for this afternoon's game, despite Colorado starting a right-hander. On the other hand, Alvarez needs to play through this slump.

Relax, Pedro. It'll get better. We hope.

More Good Signs for the Buccos, Even in a Loss

The most encouraging thing about last night's 3-2 loss in St. Louis? Good starting pitching, again, this time by James McDonald. He didn't go as deep into the game as we would have liked, but he was on a pitch count because he was coming of a minor injury incurred late in spring training. Still, the Pirates held the Cardinals to a mere three runs, with Albert Pujols driving in the winning run. No shame in that.

The other encouraging sign was the continued aggressive managerial style of Clint Hurdle. We had the impression all-time great Tony LaRussa in the other dugout actually had to pay attention, and actively had to keep up with Hurdle's moves. Hurdle seemed to be one step ahead -- little stuff, but perceptible nonetheless to somebody who's played and watched as much baseball as Joey Porter's Bulls have over the years.

We've long had the impression that in years past, LaRussa who has a reputation for unconventional tactics and over-micromanaging (new word!), was content to merely smirk smugly every time the Cardinals went up against the Pirates.

LaRussa's a great manager -- one of the most successful in baseball history -- but he's also one of those people who appears to think he's smarter than everybody else in the room (and he might be). These last 18 years, for sure, sheesh , LaRussa could pretty much go on auto-pilot against the likes of John Russell, Lloyd McClendon, Gene Lamont, et al, over in the Pirates' dugout. They just couldn't keep up, anticipate or out-maneuver LaRussa, and they didn't have enough on-field talent to out-play the Cardinals on merit. You could pretty much take for granted the Cardinals were going to beat the Pirates.

Hurdle, on the other hand, appears to be on the ball, to use a cliche (sorry, we're in a hurry). Over the past decade or so, there's been much hot-air talk in Pittsburgh about changing the mindset and approach from losing to something at least, well, more positive and upbeat. Hurdle seems to be doing that. Today's Post-Gazette has a gem of a little item about Hurdle being puzzled by naysayers carping on Neil Walker's supposed limitations (and, although it went unsaid in the article, some of those naysayers were on the Pirates' management team, including the general manager).

We love this quote from Hurdle, speaking on judgmental people quick to make snap judgments and think negatively.

"I think sometimes we are just way too quick with judgments. We want to be right. But you are never going to say, 'You know what, I was the first one wrong.' "

Love that quote. Words to live by.

We're beginning to get the impression that Hurdle isn't just some old-timey baseball guy spinning out folksy, homespun, down-home, hill-country wisdom. The more we get to know him, the smarter he looks. Smarter, even, than Tony LaRussa? Well, Mr. LaRussa would beg to differ, surely, but Hurdle looks plenty smart enough, and certainly more so than any manager we've had here since Jim Leyland.

Anyway, it was a loss last night, but not a bad, discouraging loss. Afternoon game, today.
Kevin Correia vs. Chris Carpenter. On paper, looks like a mismatch, but this ain't paper.

Go get 'em, Bucs.

Yes, the Pittsburgh Pirates Are Looking Good

That's right: The Pittsburgh Pirates have actually looked good so far this season. Not just decent -- good.

The Pirates have parlayed unexpectedly stellar starting pitching, clutch hitting, and aggressive base running to win three of four games in Chicago and St. Louis. Road wins, all, for a team that won just 17 on the road all last season.

Except for the season opener against the Cubs, all the games have been close and could have gone either way. But the Bucs have found ways to win, and they've looked scrappy, gritty and resourceful in doing it. What a refreshing change.

Jose Tabata and Neil Walker look like seasoned veterans and are playing more like bonafide, legitimate stars than the promising young second-year players everybody hoped to see. The Pirates' broadcast team threw out a couple of eyebrow-raising factoids the past couple of games: After the All-Star break last season, Tabata tied for the league lead in hits, with Colorado All-Star center fielder Carlos Gonzalez; and Walker tied for the league lead in RBIs, with none other than future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols. That is pretty good company.

Impressive, to say the least, and both Tabata and Walker have picked up right where they left off. Both are torrid. Scorching, in fact, with both hitting well over .400. Batting at the top of the order, Tabata (.429) and Walker (.412) are setting the table for the hitters behind them, particularly Andrew McCutchen, and both are pounding the ball with authority.

Walker, especially, has been driving the ball and has demonstrated consistently that he has a knack for hitting in the clutch. Last night in St. Louis, Walker went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. With his two-run double in the sixth inning, he passed Philadelphia slugger Ryan Howard for the league lead in RBIs. He's also played generally excellent and occasionally superlative defense, as he did last night when he ranged far behind second base, slid on his knees to snare a sharp grounder, and snapped a strong, accurate throw to nab the runner at first.

For all that, the star of the game had to be the formerly woeful Charlie Morton, who pitched six strong innings, allowing just three hits and one earned run. Although he surrendered five walks, 60 of his 97 pitches were strikes. He attacked hitters and pounded the plate consistently with a heavy, biting sinker and a fastball clocked at 95 mph. He kept his poise when runners reached base and retired Pjuols on grounders to third all three times the two squared off.

Morton finally is showing confidence in his long-balleyhooed "stuff" and, all of a sudden, looks like the emerging star that everybody hoped he would become. It's as if he told himself, "Screw it, this is my last shot. I'm going to give it my best." Give him all the credit in the world, but apparently (based on some of the things he's said), new manager Clint Hurdle and pitching coach Ray Searage deserve a ton of credit, too, for their direction, guidance and encouragement.

So far, so good. This edition of the Pirates look positively animated in contrast to last year's dispirited group led by the apparently somnambulent John Russell. Hurdle actually shows confidence in his players, which Russell and his predecessors most decidedly did not. Hurdle has let his pitchers pitch well into games, and they've rewarded his confidence with truly quality starts.

Tonight in St. Louis, James McDonald takes the mound for his first start of the year. At the beginning of spring training, McDonald looked to be pegged as the team's number one starter, based on his fine performance toward the end of last season. Now, by dint of a minor injury sustained this spring, he is the fifth starter. If McDonald pitches like he did late last season, and if the other four starters pitch nearly as well as they did in their first turns through the rotation, the Pirates could actually be legitimately competitive for long stretches. Granted, it's early, but it's nice to have a bit of hope for a change.

The team has warts, of course, and it's not good enough to overcome too many bonehead plays (Ronny Cedeno) and botched bullpen appearances (Evan Meek). Still, things are looking up, and the team has shown any number of pleasant surprises, from rookie reliever Mike Crotta's steady poise and efficient sinker, to Hurdle's intuitive and aggressive managerial style, to the aforementioned starting pitching and exciting play from Tabata, Walker, McCutchen and the promising Pedro Alvarez.

As much as Joey Porter's Pit Bulls bleed Black 'n Gold for the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins, we'll call a situation as we see it. We'll lambaste the Pirates when they stink, as they have so badly for so long, but we are more than happy to praise 'em when they do well.

It's been all too rare these past 18 years, and we're happy to see them show signs of life and play spunky, aggressive, legitimately competitive major league baseball. It's all we ask, really. It may not last, but give 'em credit. We're happy to do so.

The Battling Bucs.

A Good Start for the Buccos!

Congratulations to the Pirates for winning two of three games in the season-opening series in Chicago.

Unexpectedly excellent starting pitching highlighted all three games, as Kevin Correia, Paul Maholm and Ross Ohlendorf all pitched masterfully.

The Bucs also displayed timely hitting and aggressive baserunning, particularly yesterday, when Neil Walker raced home from second on an infield hit by Pedro Alvarez. It was a bang-bang play, but Walker made it happen. Walker also deftly turned a nifty double play to end the game on another close play. If he hadn't pivoted nimbly and fired a quick, strong and accurate throw to nip the runner at first base, the tying run would have scored from third. The runner was on third base only because on the previous play, Ronny Cedeno had misfired a throw to second. A close game, but it went the Pirates way.

Fact is, the Pirates could have -- should have -- won the second game of the series, too, had the bullpen not blown a 3-0 lead in the eighth inning. It won't be the last time this season the bullpen blows a lead, and we are sure to see plenty more defensive miscues, too.

On the plus side, the starting pitching certainly was encouraging, the hitters seemed more patient, and the baserunning was perceptibly more aggressive, but not out of control.

So far, we like what we see of Clint Hurdle's managerial style and how he has handled the pitching staff and lineup. A good start.

On to St. Louis.

Play Ball! ... APRIL FOOLS, Pirates Fans!!!

Hope springs eternal in Springtime. Well, degrees of hope, anyway, if you're a fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

We'll take what we can get! ... which ain't much.

As Pirates fans, we will settle for glimmers of sporadic excellence and just enough entertainment -- good and bad -- to keep us interested throughout the season.

So far as the anticipated record in 2011, expectations are low. It's unrealistic to expect this crew to improve much. There was no major influx of on-field talent during the off-season, unless you count new manager Clint Hurdle and some of his coaching staff, and they don't play.

The pitching looks absolutely abysmal. Depth is non-existent. The fielding could be problematic. Hitting is likely to lack much punch. Speed is so-so. There you have it.

This could be a long year. Again.

Will they lose 100 games? 105? 110? 115?

Losing "only" 99 games would require at least 63 wins, an improvement of six wins over last season. That sounds reasonable, doesn't it? Or does it?

We could possibly see a slight improvement over 105 losses, which is what they had last season. But we could also see them losing, say, 115 games.

One could certainly make the case they didn't improve themselves much at all in the off-season, and that their pitching staff could be even more of a disaster than it was last year. Already, the Pirates have scrambled to sign castoffs shed from the 40-man rosters of other teams in late spring training! NOT an encouraging sign.

One thing the Pirates (and the more optimistic of their fans) seem to be banking on is continued improvement from the young position players thrust into starting roles last year. Granted, those players -- Pedro Alvarez, Neil Walker, Jose Tabata -- all show considerable promise. It is unrealistic, however, to expect all three to improve dramatically in all phases of their game, especially at the plate.

If anything, as the history of baseball has shown repeatedly, there is such a thing as "the sophomore slump," and these guys may very well fall victim to it if they fail to adjust to the adjustments to be made inevitably by opposing pitchers.

Alvarez has the most upside for power, but he definitely also has the most potential for a prodigious number of strikeouts -- 119 strikeouts in 337 at-bats last season! That's a lot of whiffs, and the number will increase with more at-bats, if he stays healthy all year. He absolutely has to get better in the field, too (17 errors in just 276 chances last year). His fielding has to be a concern, and if the Bucs are banking on the team's overall infield defense to improve based on Lyle Overbay digging out errant throws all year (from third, short and second), they are expecting too much.

Here's what ESPN has to say about Alvarez and his strikeouts vs. power potential:

"Only 16 players in the history of baseball have struck out 100-plus times in a season and averaged at least 1.25 whiffs per contest, and only three did it in 2010: Adam Dunn, Mark Reynolds and Alvarez. So when you're evaluating Alvarez's seemingly limitless potential, keep that in mind as a significant trouble spot for him entering his sophomore year. He'll be a liability in terms of batting average as long as he maintains a strikeout rate well over 30 percent (it was 34.3 percent in 2010). That, combined with his struggles versus lefties (.228/.302/.342 rates in 2010), could be exploited to the point where he'll slump enough to require an assignment back to the minors. Everything else about Alvarez's future, however, remains bright. His power upside is immense; he swatted 27 home runs in 126 games in the minors in 2009, then 29 between the majors and minors in 161 games in 2010, and his .201 isolated power was the 51st best in the modern era(1901 and later) among rookies with 300-plus plate appearances."

Overall depth is another concern: If any of the starting position players go down with an injury for any length of time, there's almost zero depth (proven depth) behind them. Say, for example, Neil Walker goes on the DL for a month -- and keep in mind that he sustained a pretty nasty concussion last year in an outfield collision with everybody's favorite, Lastings Milledge. If Walker were to go down, heaven forbid, who plays second base? Who? Who?

You could ask the same question about just about any other position, really. Third base, first base, left field, center field, catcher. Take your pick. A lot of question marks. Too many.

One of the biggest question marks already is that gaping black hole at shortstop. Unless Ronny Cedeno somehow has a breakout year -- and he's given scant evidence that he will -- the Pirates must find somebody else to play shortstop. Cedeno may be on a short leash, but there is nobody to take over. Oh, and by the way, Cedeno had 18 errors last year.

The team starts the season with, essentially, three new positional starters, at catcher (Chris Snyder, when he gets off the disabled list), first base (Lyle Overbay) and right field (the Matt Diaz/Garrett Jones platoon).

Snyder was awful at the plate and disappointing behind the plate after he came over from Arizona in the deadline deal July 30. Maybe he's good with pitchers, but that's hard for us to evaluate in any case, and especially with a pitching staff that is, ahem, uneven at best. Given his health issues, he may be damaged goods n any case.

Overbay batted .243 last year for Toronto and signed with the Pirates as a free agent only after receiving scant attention from other clubs.

Considering all this, the more it seems like the over-under should be right where they ended up last year -- at 105 losses. And Joey Porter's Pit Bulls wouldn't be at all surprised if they lose 110 or more.

For all that, here's what the Post-Gazette's Dejan Kovacevic had to say on his blog recently ...

The Pirates again will finish last, though they will fall short of 100 losses.

The mere math of turning 57-105 into something respectable is daunting. But the team made very few noteworthy additions in the offseason, and none of impact. This means that the young players have to improve and pretty dramatically. That sounds swell when people say it, but the reality is that Neil Walker and Jose Tabata both batted .300 last year. Their ceilings cannot be a whole lot higher than that. Pedro Alvarez does have big-time room for growth, but one player getting better will not do it.

More than anything, though, this is about the pitching.

If I could have seen any one thing in my week in Bradenton that could have even begun to make me think the Pirates were on the cusp of some big turnaround, it would have been seeing the starting pitchers look a lot better. Instead, to a man, they all looked the same. Same issues, same problems, same inconsistencies and, yes, almost all of the same names. And, fact is, my one week was not all that different than all the weeks of spring that preceded it.

Analyze the Pirates all you want, but nothing about them will change until the starting pitching does.

Just one more thing, and that's a quote from new infield instructor, Nick Leyva (yup, the former manager of the Phillies who once famously had an all-time profanity-filled meltdown in response to reporter's question during a post-game news conference):

Leyva quickly pointed to an offseason pick up as a reason for improvement anticipated to transcend from spring into the regular season.

"Here's the biggest reason we are better: Lyle Overbay," Leyva said of the first baseman with a .995 fielding percentage. "Nothing against the guys who played the majority of the games at first base in the past, but this is a true first baseman over there who doesn't get the recognition he should because he didn't play in New York or somewhere like that."

Dream on, Nick. Overbay can do only so much. He can't snag errant throws that are 11 feet high and wide, and he can do nothing to help the other infielders not botch plays. It's just asking too much.

The forecast? Cloudy, with a good chance for 105 losses and possibly even more.

As for today's opener in Chicago, maybe the Buccos can play a little April Fool's joke on The Little Cubbies. Hope springs eternal, doesn't it?

Happy Birthday, Manny Sanguillen!

Happy Birthday, Manny Sanguillen!

Or, as the Gunner would call him, the Happy Panamanian!

The Pirates WFC Blog offers a great write-up on Sangy's career here.

It's Just Starting to Get Drafty in Here

The NFL is in lockout mode, so there's not much to discuss. Unless, that is, you're the Post-Gazette and actually thought it worthwhile to work up a headlined article about Hines Ward practicing for "Dancing With the Stars." That's really scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Aside from an possible "labor" settlement, the next major event on the calendar is the NFL Draft, which starts Thursday, April 29. Joey Porter's Pit Bulls expect a Collective Bargaining Agreement to be in place by then. If not, the draft will be held, anyway, so it's not too soon to begin looking at potential scenarios.

It's impossible to say who the Steelers might pick. We can look at positional holes to be filled -- and there are plenty -- but when your team picks 31st (too bad it's not 32nd), it's pretty much a waste of time at this point to get overly excited about individual players the Steelers might draft.

The University of Florida's Mike Pouncey -- Maurkice Pouncey's twin brother -- is perhaps the guy that tantalizes many Steelers' fans. Maurkice's success with the Steelers as a rookie Pro Bowler has elevated the level of scrutiny on Mike Pouncey, who (like his brother) can play either center or guard. He might last until pick No. 31, but it's unlikely.

Naturally, the Steelers' coaching staff attended the NFL Scouting Combine and college pro days such as the one conducted last week by the University of Wisconsin. At least two Badger players are considered first-round prospects: tackle Gabe Carimi and defensive end J.J. Watt.

Either player would fit perfectly with the Steelers, but neither is likely to last until pick No. 31. The NFL Network's Jon Jansen, a former tackle himself, compares Carimi to longtime stalwart Jon Runyan, a former Eagle, and that looks about right. A lot of mock drafts have Carimi going either to Philadelphia or Dallas.

Watt also drawing high praise, and understandably so. From what we saw of Watt on video, he's cut in the mold of longtime Steelers' standout Aaron Smith. That kind of player is rare in the extreme, and the Steelers would be lucky to get him. The Steelers need a successor to the aging Smith, but Watt is projected as a top-20 pick.

If Watt somehow lasts until No. 31, we wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers draft him.

What would be interesting is the choice the Steelers would have to make, if somehow two of these three players -- Pouncey, Carimi, Watt -- are somehow still available at No. 31. Then, the Steelers really would have to make a decision.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

"If You're Lucky Enough to be Irish ...

You're Lucky Enough."

An Irishman walks into a pub in a small town in Ireland and orders three beers. The man takes the beers to a table where he sits alone and polishes them off in about an hour. He gets up, orders three more and does the same thing. Another hour later, he gets one more round of three, drinks them and leaves.

This scene repeats itself the next evening and then the next, and pretty soon this pub is abuzz about the man they're now calling Mr. Three Beers. When he comes in again, the bartender's curiosity is overwhelming, and he asks his new favorite customer what the deal is.

He replies that he has two brothers who are no longer in Ireland, they're worlds apart, and they all vowed that each would order an extra two beers whenever one of them went drinking to keep the brotherly bond.

The bartender and the tavern regulars bought the story, admiring the brotherly love, and Mr. Three Beers became a pub favorite.

But one day he came in and ordered only two beers. The bartender poured them and the pub crawlers took immediate notice, thinking the worst -- that one of the brothers had passed away. This went on for several days.

One day, the bartender offered his condolences on behalf of himself and the pub regulars. The man thanked him for the thoughtfulness but said his two brothers were alive and well.

So what's with ordering only two beers? the barkeep asked.

"It's Lent," the man replied. "And I, myself, have decided to give up drinking until Easter."

It is National MS Awareness Week

The AM-radio sports station in Pittsburgh, 970-ESPN, this week broadcast an interesting and informative public-service interview about this being National MS Awareness Week.

The interview was with a group of Pittsburghers living with multiple sclerosis or involved in conducting research to find treatment for it.

Multiple sclerosis is incurable, but it's not unbeatable. Still, it's awfully tough to live with, or to know somebody who has it. Multiple sclerosis is one seriously nightmarish, horrible, insidious and mysterious disease. So, we're spreading the word.

The radio station hasn't saved a podcast of the interview on its Web site, but you can learn more about MS by visiting the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Allegheny General Hospital Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all people affected by MS and also, of course, to all victims of the tragic events in Japan.

It's Ash Wednesday: What might Charlie Sheen give up for Lent?

Block Out The Lockout!

Lockout? What lockout?

Joey Porter's Pit Bulls are pretty much tuning it out, as if it never will happen. And it probably never will.

"Nevermore," quoth The Ravens. There's too much money at stake.

In this era of rampant unemployment, continuing crises overseas, skyrocketing gas prices, chainsawed government services, ongoing layoffs, non-existent health insurance, transit cutbacks, burgeoning inflation and an uncertain future for so many, why should we worry about how $9 billion annually will be split among the likes of Jerry Jones, Peyton Manning, Roger Goodell, DeMaurice Smith, Daniel Snyder, Michael Vick, Bill Bellichek, Adam "Pacman" Jones, et al?

Why, really, should we fans care about so few arguing over so many billions?

As we explained in correspondence with our blogging friend Gordon over at UK Black and Gold, Joey Porter's Pit Bulls feel ill-equipped to speculate how it will shake out. There's almost certainly more going on behind closed doors that any of us could possibly know.

Granted, it's more complex than money. Then again, usually when somebody tells you it's not about the money -- it's about the money.

The NFLPA isn't really even a union (not a real union like, say, the Teamsters or the United Steelworkers). Still, it does represent the players ("labor"), and they do, or should, have some rights with respect to working conditions. Issues other than money presumably include: the number of games played per season (and pre-season); player safety; health insurance and other benefits, roster size, pensions for retired players, etc. And, for what it's worth, Commissioner Goodell, Joey Porter's Pit Bulls HATE the idea of an 18-game season.

Whatever. We'll turn to the Post-Gazette's Gene Collier for perspective, as he presents his typically cogent take in Thursday's column titled, "Fans, reality not part of NFL spat."

Running With Scissors

In Sunday's edition of the Post-Gazette, Ed Bouchette offered the following tidbit about the Steelers' running game:

"Since 1970, when the NFL merged with the AFL, the Steelers have more yards rushing than any other team -- 87,624. The Cowboys are second, 5,000 yards behind. The Steelers also have more yards rushing than any other team since 1992, when Bill Cowher took over and rediscovered their running game. And even with the presence for most of the past decade of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers still rank third in this century in rushing yards with 22,884, a mere 502 behind leader Denver.”

That's interesting, even if we don't know what it signifies, if anything. One thing for sure: Those stats cannot be dismissed as a "small sample size."

As noted here shortly after Super Bowl XLV, although Joey Porter’s Pit Bulls were uncharacteristically sanguine about the game, one question still bristles in the “woulda, shoulda, coulda” department. And that is, why did the Steelers seem to take so long to even try to run the ball on consecutive plays? … against the league’s 18th-rated defense???

Yeah, the Packers won. The Packers played the better game. The Steelers lost. Blah, blah. The Steelers made too many mistakes, including (maybe especially) Mendenhall’s fumble on, yes, a running play.

Still … you can’t help but wonder, what if the Steelers had tried to run the ball consistently, emphatically, from the get-go. Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

We’re mostly over the loss, but it still rankles. We’re still wondering what might have been, and we’re still haunted by that one play that never did happen on that last, desperate drive (and, by that time, forget about the run).

One such useless, wayward thought occurred last night while watching a bit of the NFL Network’s “Greatest Games” program, this one featuring the classic playoff game between the Miami Dolphins of Dan Marino and the San Diego Chargers of Dan Fouts in the 1980s. Among the many highlights of that game, one still stands out:

The Dolphins resorted to an old playground trick, the hook-and-ladder, to spring one startling, totally inspired touchdown that made you sit up and take notice and, yes, we can’t help but wonder … “Damn! That worked beautifully. What if the Steelers had tried the hook-and-ladder on that last drive? It coulda worked. Yeah, suuure …”

Coulda, shoulda, woulda. Just like trying to establish the run.

Well. It’s over.

Time to move forward. The NFL Scouting Combine starts on Thursday, and that will be an interesting diversion for a few days, and then the draft (we’re assuming there will be some sort of collective bargaining agreement and a 2011 season).

As for the Super Bowl, we’re over it. Mostly.

As Charles Barkley once said, “If ifs and buts were beer and nuts, we’d have a hell of a party!”

______________________________________

Note: The above photo of John Henry Johnson is courtesy of this site, UK Black and Gold, which states that it appeared originally in a Steelers game program for a match-up at Pitt Stadium vs. the Cleveland Browns, Oct. 28, 1962. Joey Porter’s Pit Bulls have no particular reason for including this photo, other than we like it ... and, possibly, to suggest that, yes, lest we forget, the running game in today's NFL still can be dangerous -- kind of like running running with scissors.

A Valentine's Day Love Song: "I'll Kiss a Pit Bull"

With Valentine's Day upon us, Joey Porter's Pit Bulls thought we'd share an appropriate song for the occasion: "I'll Kiss a Pit Bull."

Performed by Mem Shannon, New Orleans bluesman and taxi driver, this tender little ditty probably goes well with a candlelit dinner.

Oh, well.

It's a good song, with a good title, one that gets your attention. We all know, in any case, our four-legged friends are likely to kiss first.

Joey Porter's Pit Bulls try to be neutral about Valentine's Day, and at least we try to resist the temptation to be snarky.

Valentine's Day is fine for other people, but that's just it: Valentine's Day is for other people.

We're neutral because: One, if you're in a relationship, you're obligated to make the day especially special (not to be redundant). And, two, if you're not in a relationship, you feel like a loser. Either way, you can't win.

Oh, and another thing: Thinking of going out to dinner? Bad idea. Valentine's Day and Mother's Day probably argue with each other over which rates as the worst day of the year to go to a restaurant.

And, please, spare us the treacly, sappy television commercials for crappy jewelry from the likes of Kay Jewelers, Jared, Zale's, etcetera, ad infinitum, ad nauseum.

All of which leaves us rather uninspired about the whole concept of Valentine's Day, which we suspect is a glorified excuse to drum up business for greeting card companies, chocolate confectioners, jewelry purveyors and, naturally, florists. It's amazing, isn't it, how flower prices prices are sky-high one day, and back to earth the next.

For all that, we do try to avoid snide, snarky sarcasm (and how's that for alliteration?).

If Valentine's Day enriches some relationships and enhances meaning for some couples, well, good for them. Whatever works.

We're neutral. We're Switzerland.

Meantime, this calls to mind our only previous Valentine's Day post on this here blog. Here's an excerpt:

Valentine’s Day was always for other people, anyway. For me, it was usually the day I was reminded that other people do, in fact, actually do that sort of thing — but only when I’d walk into my favorite neighborhood cocktail lounge, Le Mardi Gras, in the early evening and see couples canoodling while they waited for their reservations to be called at the overpriced, overcrowded restaurant next door.

“Who are these annoying people? What are they doing here?", I'd wonder, and then I'd remember, "Oh, yeah, it’s Valentine’s Day.”

And then I’d go over to the jukebox and play “Dead Flowers” by The Stones.

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A Mixed Bag of Suggested Listening for Your Valentine's Day

First, a tip 'o the hat to Wrett Weatherspoon, host of the Big Town Blues show at WYEP-FM, for turning us on to Mem Shannon's "I'll Kiss a Pit Bull."

On to the music. Put on a blindfold, throw a dart, and you'll surely find something to suit your mood this Valentine's Day ... happy, wistful, ebullient, brokenhearted, contented, sentimental, or just ready to move on.

Some people swear by Barry White. Some prefer The Velvet Fog (Mel Torme) and some, The Velvet Underground. Still others find inspiration or comfort in the likes of Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Joni Mitchell, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Frank Sinatra, Lucinda Williams, Henry Mancini, Al Green, Bonnie Raitt, Dinah Washington, Etta James, and a multitude of others.

The following set should contain something to stir your sipstraw. A little something for everyone. A mixed bag. Just like life.

• "A Song for You" -- Leon Russell
• "It Makes No Difference" -- The Band
• "Save Room" -- John Legend
• "Leavin' On Your Mind" -- Patsy Cline
• "Are You All Right" -- Lucinda Williams
• "Unforgettable" -- Nat King Cole
• "I've Got Dreams to Remember" -- Otis Redding
• "I'm Gonna Forget About You" -- Billy Price
• "You Ought To Be With Me" -- Al Green
• "In a Sentimental Mood" -- Duke Ellington & John Coltrane
• "Thank You" -- Bonnie Raitt
• "Thank You Too" -- My Morning Jacket
• "You Don't Know Me" -- Ray Charles, or the cover by Maceo Parker
• "That's How It Is" -- Billy Price and Otis Clay
• "At Last" -- Etta James
• "Tired of Being Alone" -- Al Green
• "Love Has No Pride" -- Bonnie Raitt
• "I Still Miss Someone" -- Johnny Cash
• "Have a Little Faith In Me" -- John Hiatt
• "It's Your Turn to Cry" -- Billy Price
• "Lean on Me" -- Bill Withers
• "I'm Still In Love With You" -- Al Green
• "I Wonder" -- Robert Cray
• "Glad It's Over" -- Wilco
• "Still I Long for Your Kiss" -- Lucinda Williams
• "A Case of You" -- Joni Mitchell
• "Walk on By" -- Isaac Hayes
• "It Ain't Me" -- Bob Dylan's classic covered here by June Carter and Johnny Cash
• "When I Fall in Love" -- Nat King Cole
• "Still Got the Blues for You" -- Gary Moore
• "The Thrill Is Gone" -- B.B. King
• "The Shadow of Your Smile" -- Tony Bennett
• "I Believe When I Fall in Love (It Will Be Forever)" -- Stevie Wonder
• "You Blew It Baby" -- John Lee Hooker Jr.
• "Mood Indigo" -- Charles Mingus
• "This Guy's In Love With You" -- Herb Alpert
• "To Love Somebody" -- Little Milton
• "I Can't Quit Her" -- Blood Sweat & Tears led by Al Kooper
• "Sail Away" -- David Gray
• "Ain't No Sunshine" -- Bill Withers
• "Today" -- Jefferson Airplane
• "A Rainy Night in Georgia" -- Little Milton
• "That Sunday, That Summer" -- Nat King Cole
• "Ruler of My Heart" -- by Irma Thomas
• "Leaving New York" -- R.E.M.
• "True Love" -- Rosemary Clooney & Bing Crosby
• "Sentimental Lady" -- Fleetwood Mac
• "Please Forgive Me" -- David Gray
• "Urge for Going" -- Joni Mitchell
• "Comin' Back to Me" -- Jefferson Airplane
• "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" -- Bob Dylan, covered by Johnny Cash
• "L.O.V.E." -- Nat King Cole
• "Girl From the North Country" -- Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash
• "Be Mine" -- David Gray
• "Let's Stay Together" -- Al Green
• "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" by Al Kooper
• "The One I Love" -- David Gray
• "Essence" -- Lucinda Williams
• "A Good Day for the Blues" -- Ruth Brown
• "Diamonds & Rust" -- Joan Baez
• "When the Stars Go Blue" -- Ryan Adams
• "In my Time of Need" -- sung by Joan Baez, covering Ryan Adams 

And, finally, one last song for closing time ...

• "One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)" -- You can't go wrong with either Billie Holiday's version or Frank Sinatra's version of this classic composed by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer.

With a Valentine's music set like that, you just can't go wrong. Even if you did.

Postscript: As noted in a previous post, great Blues music always serves as an effective antidote to The Blues. We've also recommended listening to just about anything by any number of Pittsburghers (such as Billy Price, for instance) and any of the numerous jazz greats born and raised in The Burgh, including Ahmad Jamal, Art Blakey, Billy Eckstine, Stanley Turrentine, Roy Eldridge, George Benson, Billy Strayhorn, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Mary Lou Williams, Benny Benack, Errol Garner, Kenny Clarke, Gene Ludwig,and others.

In the News ...

Now that football season is over, Joey Porter's Pit Bulls thought we'd see what else is going on in the world. It's confusing. And complicated. Here are some headlines from a quick scan of this morning's news:

Crooksville to cut positions; realign schools

• This town, Crooksville, Ohio, sounds like a nasty place. Too many crooks. You just can't trust fans of the Browns or Bengals.
  

Prehistoric Cemetery Reveals Man and Fox Were Pals

• Have you seen Megan Fox? That's her in the photo above. And, yeah, we'd be pals with her, too, so to speak.

Making the L-Word Real After the Big-D

• For some reason, this headline caught our eye, mainly because it seemed like some sort of code for something we know nothing about. Which is true. This op/ed column in The Huffington Post is written by a woman, Candace Walsh, whose lead line is, "If only I were a lesbian." Whatever works for you. Immediate tune-out for us, although a friend once joked he was considering a sex-change operation so he could become a lesbian and meet more women. Hey, Megan Fox is out there somewhere ...

Smartphone Sins: Catholic Bishop Approves Confession by iPhone

• This can be interpreted so many ways: Does this mean confession can be exculpatory, even if you're committing sin by iPhone? With Megan Fox? No, that can't be it.

Report: iPhone 5 Will be 'Completely Redesigned'

• Of course it will. The newest iteration supposedly will be available in June, in line with Apple's regular, predictable-as-phases-of-the-moon release cycle. So, if you want to go to confession with your iPhone, you may just have to wait. And, we must ask, just why should we rush out to buy the arguably obsolete version of the iPhone to be made available next week, finally, by Verizon Wireless and Apple? Besides which, there's no evidence yet that the Verizon Wireless network can even broadly support the iPhone 4, or are we mistaken.
  

Experts warn of 'Death by GPS' as more people visit remote wilderness

• Something else to worry about. This story reports how a growing number of people using vehicles with GPS devices are getting lost in the desert, woods and other remote locations -- where there is no GPS tracking or cell phone coverage. Idiots. There should be a "GPS Users Lost and Found" where relatives can find these people. Or something.

Pirates Seize Greek Tanker off the Coast of Oman

• Apparently the Pittsburgh Baseball Club continues to explore creative ways to find talent. Spring training is just around the corner!

The Tea Party Is Revolting

• Nice double-entrendre. At first glance early this morning, though, this headline played a trick on our eyes and seemed to say, "Tea Bag Party Is Revolting," which really would be disgusting. But this turns out to be a "man bites dog story" and not really news at all, except to certain folks in the Republican Party and at Fox News.

So-called real-world news can be so confusing, tedious and depressing. When does football season start again? What? There's a simmering labor dispute?

As Charlie Brown would say, "Sigh."