At Least He Shouldn't Need to Collect Unemployment

Welcome to the wonderful world of unemployment, Mr. Gary Sheffield. Sheff was cut loose by the Detroit Tigers today, just one home run shy of the 500 mark for his career. Sheffield has been an offensive force in Major League Baseball since the early 90's, when I used to bat him leadoff for the Milwaukee Brewers in RBI Baseball 3.

Not quite on par with the original, but a classic nonetheless.

Sheffield is old and brittle, and is not much more than a role player or occasional DH, which he didn't really want to acknowledge. I'd be surprised if someone takes the chance on him, but it would be nice for someone to throw him a bone and get him that last dinger. No comments have been released yet by the Biggamekilla camp, who selected Sheffield to represent his Innocent Until Narc'd fantasy baseball team for the upcoming season.

It's 12 o'clock....Time for Some News!

Lunchtime thoughts...

-Happy trails to the Pitt basketball team. Pitt was eliminated by conference rival Villanova on Saturday night, thanks to a last-second layup by Scottie Reynolds. Best of luck to outgoing seniors Levance Fields, Sam Young, and Tyrell Biggs, and you may as well say goodbye to Dejuan Blair, it's looking like the NBA is in his very near future. Dry your tears Pitt fans, at least Penn State's hoopsters are still in the hunt for a championship (ouch). And this will be the very last time I write anything about basketball. It sucks. If anyone calls Sidney Crosby a whiner, please take the time to watch a college basketball game. Basketball coaches whine and bitch more than any person I know. Every good call, bad call, non-call...the coach has something to say. It's embarrassing. Fuck basketball, especially the NBA. Play some defense for Christ's sake.

-Marvel Smith signed a multi-year contract with the 49ers over the weekend. Yawn. Is he still playing? Now you realize why teams like the 49ers are bottom feeders, they sign injured scrubs to big contracts who can barely walk, let alone play a 16-game NFL season. Best of luck to you Marvel, you played some good football for the Steelers before you died three years ago.

-Andrew McCutcheon was reassigned to the minors. Smart move by the Pirates (did I just say that?) This team probably isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so why start McCutcheon's free agency clock to play in a meaningless environment? Get him some quality at-bats against inferior pitching and build his confidence. He did bat over .300 this spring, but was still striking out too much for my liking. We'll see him in the 'Burgh sooner rather than later. And another familiar prospect...er I mean talentless scrub has been sent down as well, Mr. Brian Bixler. Good riddance. This guy was supposed to be Jack Wilson's heir at shortstop, but because of his inability to hit major league pitching he'll be languishing in the minors again. If Jack Wilson really is genuine about his wanting to stay in Pittsburgh, he has to send Bixler a thank you card for his repeated failures. If Bixler had shown any promise during his major league stints, Jumpin' Jack would be playing in greener pastures right now.

-Missed the Pens' game on Saturday, the first game all season I haven't watched or attended. Usually I try to DVR the games I'm going to miss and watch them at a later time, but this time I shit the bed. It's a shame, because from some of the text messages I received Saturday I missed a good one. Six games left for the Pens, and things are still looking up.

Rant From The Recliner

From the recliner to you - baseball news...

JUMPIN' JACK FLASH WILSON, the shortstop of OUR Pittsburgh Pirates is reportedly in talks with the Bucco brass about a contract extension.Dejean Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette says the Pirates and Jack Wilson are beginning to discuss a contract extension. Wilson apparently initiated talks this week, indicating a desire to stay with the club beyond next year when his contract could expire.

Wilson is set to make $7.25MM in 2009,

with a club option for $8.4MM or a $500K buyout.

What does everyone think about this? Personally, I like it. Jack has always said that his goal was to turn this 'Pirate ship' around, and we've seen how scary things can be when we put our faith in Bixler - so okay Jack, you're on board from here on out (under one circumstance, you'll have to take a 6.5 million dollar pay cut)

It's late, but how about a little 'FUCK BOSTON FRIDAY'?

Red Sox manager Terry Francona confirmed to reporters this morning that outfielder Brad Wilkerson has left the Red Sox. He doesn’t figure to be in the major league team’s plans heading into the regular season.
Wilkerson, who had signed a minor-league deal, had an opt-out option in his deal that permitted him to leave the team up until April 1. Wilkerson was hitting just .119 in 42 at-bats, striking out 18 times.

Brad was questioned as he was leaving the Red Sox spring training facilities and he said, "I blame everything on Boston. Before I came here, I was a proud journey man who was looking for a chance. Now, since I have spent around these scumbags, I am a terrible person and need to step away from baseball to get my life back where it needs to be." OK, so that part is completely bullshit, made up by me, but I would be willing to bet that I'm pretty damn close.
You're better off Brad - FUCK BOSTON!

Where in the World is Ronnie Paulino?

Former bucco backstop Ronnie Paulino, who was in a battle for a job with the Filthadelphia Phillies was traded to the Giants for lefty reliever Jack Taschner.

The Giants quickly turned Paulino around in a trade to the Florida Marlins for right-handed pitcher Hector Correa. Ronnie... Nobody loves you, nobody cares. I can't fucking believe you got your very own bobblehead in Pittsburgh. I'll throw that one in the bin with Pokey Reese.

Rant From The Recliner : Hump Night

How about this recliner? So elegant, so impressive.

FANS: We here at Big or Little Ben need your help! Well, I am really the only one needing help - but that should make you even more eager to offer your services. The 'Rant From The Recliner' segment of this blog is now the most read column on the entire internet. I'm serious. What does this mean you ask? It looks like I need to schedule some more recliner time, but also I need help collecting pictures of recliners from all over the world. It might be your favorite recliner that you spend most of your time in. Maybe it's the one you had in college that smells like bong water and Natural Light. It does not matter, BOlB does not care where your recliner came from, or what fabric it is made of - ALL recliner pictures welcome!

Recliners are so important that this guy rocked one at his OWN VIEWING!

Rest in Peace you great Steeler fan. WE will get more rings than you have dead fingers and toes.

It is important that I keep you, the readers, happy. What is better than reading the best blog in the world? Helping with the best blog in the world.

Send your pics to zstynchula@yahoo.com

I am looking forward to seeing the naked pictures of your girl, I mean recliner pictures.

Boo Hoo

nice fuckin shirt

Question... over 20 years a guy averages 10.8 wins a year and 7.3 losses does this sound like Hall of Fame material? I have been abstaining from ESPN television until college basketball is over, so i use the Internet for my sports info lately. Just found out that Curt Schilling has retired via his blog. Outstanding Curt, I figured a guy like you would need a teary eyed press conference, a parade, or someone to carry you around like a king on his throne but you proved me wrong. I always thought of you as a cross between arrogant redneck and straight douche bag. I have heard all the radio stations asking if you should be a Hall of Famer and my answer is absolutely not. I find it oddly curious that your best years were after age 30. Ten times you have posted double digit wins with 8 of them after age 30. In the era of steroids you managed to stay clean? I know you have flatly denied using roids but so did Palmeiro. Some of your favorite teammates which you admit to being friends with on your blog 38 Pitches were steroid users Jeff Bagwell, Ken Caminiti, and Brady Anderson to name a few. (not accusing you just questioning) Why do you belong in the Hall Curt because of your absurd affection with ketchup? (everyone knows that's what was on the sock) looks painful

Most of your teammates admit that they didn't like you over the course of your career. The media certainly has lost no love for you with your surly attitude towards them. Randy Johnson, seen below with you trying to tongue him,wont even acknowledge you existence. If you didn't play with some of the best players in the biggest markets you wouldn't have all those rings fat boy. So long Curt you wont be missed.

Tuukka Rask=The Man.

I'm a big fan of NHL '09 for the XBOX 360 entertainment system. I enjoy playing online as part of the Ebortal Death club team alongside PW Hallstrom, even though we go down in flames more often than not. I also enjoy playing the part of GM and creating a dynasty from scratch, usually taking a random team, trading away all the veterans/stars and building with youth. One of the goalies I usually go after when rebuilding is 22-year old Tuukka Rask, who is currently a member of the Boston Bruins organization.

What a name. What a uniform.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Rask get a news piece on the front page of ESPN.com today. When I clicked on the story, I became even more excited. This is what got him in the news...

Pure unadulterated awesomeness. How long did it take that dude in the front row to clean the shit out of his undies when he got home? How can anyone not love the game of hockey?

No Way Jose

The Pittsburgh Pirates need as much positive publicity as they can get. This is not positive publicity...

Missing 2-month-old Plant City girl found safe

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A missing 2-month-old girl has been found safe. An Amber Alert was issued for Sandra Cruz-Francisco Monday after she was last seen at the Plant City Health Center on Michigan Avenue in Plant City. She was there with her mother getting a check-up. Police believe the suspect, calling herself Janet, may have posed as an immigration official, convincing the baby's mother to turn over the child as a way to avoid deportation. "Basically, what we were told was there was a conversation," said Plant City Police Capt. Darrell Wilson. "I know there's been some stories out there about immigration but we haven't confirmed what exactly was said. There was some story about immigration and some type of official."This afternoon investigators received an anonymous call saying the woman and baby were on a street corner in Bradenton. When deputies arrived they found 43-year-old Amaila Tabata Pereira waiting for them with the child. They say it's possible she's the one who made the call.

So you read the above article and said to yourself, "What does this have to do with the Pittsburgh Pirates?" Take a look at the name of the accused woman. TABATA. It turns out she is the wife of the Pirates' heralded prospect Jose Tabata. This has to raise some red flags. Jose Tabata is barely twenty years old, and is married to a 43-year old baby snatcher. He's had questions raised about his maturity and has had numerous transgressions in his past. Granted, he's only 20 years old, and we've all made some questionable decisions in our own lives at that age. But this has to be raising some eyebrows in the Buccos' organization. Tabata is being counted on as a large building block for the Pirates' future, but right now this guy has Jose Guillen Jr. written all over him.

Pitt is Shitt (but not so much anymore)

I am a Penn State fan. Most of my family (including myself) attended the Pennsylvania State University to further our education. Growing up in the late 80's/early 90's, being a Penn State supporter meant that I was required to hate the Pitt Panthers. After every heartbreaking Penn State football loss, I knew everything was still OK, because come January, the Nittany Lions would be winning a New Year's Day bowl game while Pitt would be getting a head start on their lifting program after another eight loss season. The Pitt-Penn State football games were always heated and competitive, even if one team was more talented than the other. Over time, the rivalry lost steam, and eventually went the way of the buffalo (go ahead Pitt fans, blame it on a stubborn JoePa...I know you want to.)

A salute to Pitt fans everywhere.

With PSU's move to the Big Ten and Pitt's place in the Big East, new rivalries have emerged. Ask any fan under 20 who Penn State's main rivals are, and chances are you'll get Ohio State, Michigan or even Michigan State before you hear Pitt mentioned. For Pitt, WVU and the Backyard Brawl is the #1 draw in town. For me, this hurts. When I was younger, I hated Pitt more than homework, broccoli and the Cleveland Browns COMBINED. If you know me, that's a whole lot of hate.

Fast forward to 2009. Pitt's hoops team is having arguably their best season in their history. If this was young Tom, I'd be seething. Instead, I find myself rushing home from work Friday to catch the second half of Pitt's first round NCAA Tourney matchup with ETSU. Old Tom would have been celebrating Pitt's struggle to barely beat a 16 seed, but instead I found myself rooting for the former rival. After Pitt gutted out the victory, I sat on my couch and thought about what has happened to me. It was one of those self-realization moments, things had come full circle. I could now be considered a Pitt fan (wait, fan is a strong word...let's call me a supporter.)

Now I know by admitting this to everyone I'm opening myself up to the "bandwagon fan" criticisms, but my Pitt support isn't limited to the cagers. I've also had some interest in what the Wannstache is doing on the football field, and not a negative interest. Pitt and Penn State might still be rivals at heart, and if by some act of God they start playing football again (if there is a God, he would make this happen) then I'm sure my hate may reemerge at some level, but it will never reach the levels of my youth. And I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing.

To get a better feel for how others have struggled with this problem, check out this post Mondesishouse did a while back. It's good to know I'm not the only one who's afflicted with this.

Rant From the Recliner

Turns out that I am on the couch instead of the recliner, but you get the point...

How about that hockey game today? Figures that BGK goes Friday and gets to witness a win, but we'll let it slide for the birthday boy - happy belated - I have a Big Mac power play ticket with your name on it.

Observations from the game:

1. Beside me was a girl who I would give a 7 (how fitting, #7, Big of Little Ben) and she happened to be a Pens fan. Her boyfriend, who was a giant douche, was a Flyers fan. When the Flyers would score he would stand up, put his arms in the air acting like we should praise him, and when he wasn't doing that he was texting the whole time. Probably to Billy BEAN...

2. Drinking multiple Sierra Nevadas will catch up to you. Day drinking is a whole different game than night drinking.

3. I saw one girl who in the past, let me penetrate her. I also saw one girl who I've been wanting to penetrate (it sparked me to text her, I'll get that, oh yes I'll get that)

4. Scott Hartnell wins the award for 'Person Who Should Definately Look Into Suicide'. Not only is he inferior, but, get this - he hangs out with people who like the Boston Red Sox. YES FANS, here is the dose of 'FUCK BOSTON FRIDAY' that I could not deliver to you on Friday...

Look closely, the kids with arrows pointing towards them have RED SOX t-shirts on. Bad enough that these kids (who I have blacked out their eyes, for protection, and for punishment) hang out with Hartnell, but they like Boston. Unreal!

Pink flowers

“It seems like everything is going good for us,” Fleury said. “We’re having more fun. We’re happy, smiling, and the team is improving.”

Goodbye to Another Pittsburgh Sports Legend

Sad news for Pittsburgh sports fans today...Vince Lascheid, longtime organist for the Pirates and Penguins has passed away at age 85. Any fan who has attended a game at Three Rivers, PNC Park or the Civic/Mellon Arena over the years was familiar with Vince's immense talent on the electric ivories. Vince retired from his work with the Pens in 2003, but still played at the occasional Buccos game, and helped keep some of the nostalgic feel at a baseball game, which in my opinion was a fresh alternative to the lousy alt-rock/rap blasted during the games today. Hopefully the Pens realize the immense impact Vince and his organ had on local sporting events, and keep the organ at their new home across the street as an homage to a local legend. So rest in peace Mr. Lascheid, you will not be forgotten.

Rant From the Recliner

From the makers of 'FUCK BOSTON FRIDAY', for your reading pleasure - Big (or Little)(but never little if you are asking me - I accept the fact that #7 is a boss) Ben brings to you, 'Rant From the Recliner'.

For the first edition of 'RFTR' I thought long and hard about a catchy opening line. I could take the Jim Rome approach and let you know what I'm burning on (but you know damn well what I'm burning on), instead I'll just let it all hang out.

Team USA - FUCK OFF. I have been watching as much World Baseball Classic as I possibly can, and I love it. What most people are finding odd is who I am rooting for. It's not so much who I am rooting for, but instead who I will not root for - Team USA. I'll tell you why - 89% of the players are complete and total douchebags. For instance, the Ambiguously Gay Duo - David Wright and Kevin Puke-i-lis.

Youk just left the WBC because he hurt his ankle, probably from the manpile after beating Puerto Rico last night. David Wright said that this has been the most exciting baseball he's ever played - well, NO SHIT dickweed. He fails to get the Mets to the show every year, so I guess I can see where this is awesome for him. Youkilis? This piece of shit was just bashing Americans for not showing enough support for the team. Youk, let me explain something to you. We, the real team USA, are going through a recession - people are not going to drop bucks to go see you play baseball before the regular season. Better yet, why support you when your squad pulls a Hector Macho Kamoncho and tries to get in a fight with the Netherlands? What about the mercy rule the other night? I'm not anti-USA, I am anti douchebag though - go VENEZULA.

I recently found out that the Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane was gay(you can thank BGK for this nugget of informatioin). I did not know this, and it doesn't discount any of the work he has done - he's one of the best at what he does (putting together a good team in a small market - not gay things). Being that I had no idea about Beane...

'okay, I see it now..."

... how many other men in sports are swinging the other way? I am curious to know who you think needs outed. I'll start the debate by showing you a picture of my picks...

How Do You Like Your Sports

ima seein an ima likin

Is there anything worse than female sports? I mean seriously have you ever turned on a women's college basketball game and watched for just 30 seconds, its horrendous. Men don't try to give birth so why would women try to play sports. Today i was listening to Stan and Guy on ESPN 1250 and they were trying to act interested in the Lady Panthers, its bad enough that we are subjected to the men's March Madness but give me a freaking break already. Probably the only thing worse than actual female athletes are female sports reporters. Currently i am watching Around The Horn and this battle ax Jackie MacMullen is on the show flapping her gums just sounding stupid. This used to be one of my favorite shows but when this lady is on there my blood pressure rises above its normal high state to borderline stroke limits. If you are going on a TV show shouldn't you be at least somewhat decent looking and at the very least mildly entertaining? Jackie this isn't 1987, dump the Pat Summit look and get a new stylist. Don't get me wrong there are some good women athletes/reporters but for the most part its garbage. I mean there are great Tennis players because I believe this to be a sport taylor made for women, from the little skirts to all the screaming and playing with fuzzy balls that's what women should do. (Unless your Billie Jean King or Martina Navratilova) The whole reason for this post was that whack job Jackie on Around the Horn so blame it on her if you don't like it.

News at 12...

Some lunchtime thoughts...

-The Pittsburgh Steelers resigned Trai Essex and Fernando Bryant yesterday. Who cares? It's March, I know the Steelers just won the Super Bowl and a fair chunk of the Steeler Nation cares more about the signings of a backup lineman and a retread member of the secondary more than their own children's well being, but save it for July, not now. (Go to Mondesishouse if you need your Steelers fix.) There's so much more going on in the world of Pittsburgh sports as we speak. Such as...

-March Madness is here. The area is well represented in the two college basketball postseason tournaments. In the NIT, Penn State (can't spell Nittany without NIT...that joke was funny the first 367 times I heard it) held off George Mason last night in OT, and the Dukes of Duquesne open postseason play in Blacksburg against VT tonight. Friday is the big day for local teams in the NCAA Tourney, with WVU, Pitt and Bobby Mo kicking off their trip to the Big Dance. Productivity in the workplace around the nation will be considerably reduced this week.

-Your Pittsburgh Pirates continue to plug along in Florida, but big news was made today, with the demotion of Tom Gorzelanny to Triple-A. Gorzo was once upon a time looked to be a lock at the Buccos rotation for years to come. Lately, not so much. I attribute his downfall to two things...the Pirates don't need another goofy looking pitcher in their starting rotation, and he has terrible taste in music.

-Saving the best for last...the Pens continue to roll. Evgeni Malkin exploded for five points in a 6-2 "thrashing" of Colby Armstrong's Atlanta Thrashers, fighting off questions of illness and a slump in the process (if you consider two games without a point a slump.) Everyone has been all over Chris Kunitz (who scored AGAIN last night) and Billy Guerin's balls during the Pens' hot stretch, but how about the rejuvenation of Jordan Staal? The guy has suddenly transformed into the beast some people (excuse me while I pat myself on the back) thought he was capable of becoming. Good thing Ray Shero doesn't listen to ignorant bandwagon fans. And I officially have a man crush on Sergei Gonchar, as I do with most puck-moving offensive defensemen not named Whitney. That dude is all business.

Vote for Pedro

If you're a long-suffering Pirates fan like most of us are here at BOLB, yesterday's performance by Pedro Alvarez has to at least get you a little excited for the future of your Buccos. Alvarez dropped a three run bomb in the ninth inning of yesterday's exhibition to help the Bucs battle back and earn a tie with last year's AL champion Tampa Bay (don't call us the Devil) Rays. By most accounts, Pedro's blast was awe-inspiring, travelling at least 500 feet to deep center field. The Bucs are on TV tonight for the first time all spring, and I hope that John Russell puts guys like Alvarez, Tabata and McCutcheon in the lineup to give us a rare glimpse into what hopefully is a bright Pirates future.

The Ray Shero Love Fest (continued)...

I know BGK just did a post on this, but you cannot give GM Ray Shero enough credit for the work he's done over the past month or so. He has taken a team that was stuck in neutral, going nowhere fast, losing bandwagon fans faster than the car industry has been losing money. Shero was taking shots from all angles, unfairly criticized for overseeing an underachieving team only months removed from a Stanley Cup finals appearance. Shero knew work must be done to turn things around, so he put on his hard hat and went to work.

Can we fix it? Yes we can!

First on the agenda was head coach Mike Therrien. Yes, he did take this team to the Stanley Cup finals only two years after being one of the worst teams in the league. But his trapping, overly conservative system was cramping the style of the freewheeling superstars the Pens employ. So out goes HCMT, in comes Baby Pens coach Disco Dan Byslma.

No more grammar lessons needed at post game press conferences.

Bylsma's first order of business was to unleash the hounds, so to speak. The Pens hit the road and jelled from the start, finishing a five-game road trip with five much-needed victories. During the trip, Shero went back to work, sending off another Pens staple in the process.

The amount of booing heard at Mellon Arena was just cut in half, at least.

Shero sent Ryan Whitney to Anaheim for new fan favorite (and Stanley Cup winner) Chris Kunitz and a stud prospect in Eric Tangradi (yes, he's a Philthadelphia native, but let's give the guy a chance.) He also swung a HUGE deal for Bill Guerin (another Stanley Cup winner, and for a third round pick, at most.) The Pens are 10-1-3 since Byslma took over, and have gained points in eight straight games, sitting in 5th place in the Eastern Conference today, a long cry from the 10th place standing they owned just a few days back. Things are looking up for the Pens, and with the top teams in the East like Boston and Washington losing momentum, I'm foreseeing a bright spring for the Pens once again, all thanks to our main man, Ray Shero.

Kudos Ray Shero

What a great game the Pens played today, the only thing that i had a problem with was no FSN HD, in this day and age that is totally unacceptable. Now onto the point of my post...Ray Shero made an excellent trade acquiring Chris Kunitz and a prospect for BOLB lightning rod Ryan Shitney.(Totally hit the wrong key by accident but I'm leaving it Shitney) Did a little research earlier to see how our old friend Ryan was doing, turns out he still blows. Kunitz is on fire right now he has 6 goals and 6 assists while averaging around 17 min. Shitney on the other hand has 3 assists no goals while averaging around 22 min. That's right 3 points, now to his credit they are playing right now so this could change. There is always a chance of him scoring 6 goals tonight and totally ruining my post, but c'mon its Ryan Whitney. I was very critical of the coaching change in an earlier post and was even called a Therrien lover by elite-Tom, if you read the post i was simply saying that i did not agree with the timing of the move that coincided with a loss to the lowly Islanders. I would like to now applaud Ray Shero for the move along with the Kunitz, and Guerin deals. This team is really starting to gel and while none of these guys are Marian Hossa i believe that once in the playoffs this team could return to the Cup Finals. Go ahead call me crazy but to put 5 goals on goalie Tim Thomas is pretty unlikely and this current streak the Pens are on was even more unlikely. One side note here did anyone know there is a forum called Ryan Whitney Sucks?? Thats awesome!

FUCK BOSTON FRIDAY:SUNDAY NIGHT EDITION

Just like herpes, I always come back.

After getting beat by the Senators the PENS stepped up and beat the Boston Bruins - with OUR (Yes Tom, I said our because I am a part of the Pittsburgh Penguins just as I am part of the Steelers, Pirates, Kansas City Royals, D-Generation X, and the Netherlands baseball club) backup goalie. SUCK A DICK BOSTON!

I was thinking about giving the fans what they want, a nice lengthy rant and a half - but the truth is, I am hungover as shit. Mega hungover. Mega huge extremely fucking hungover to the 10th power. Back to the tube, but before I leave -

remember, JOHN is watching you...

Who Cares Really?

I am as big of a sports fan that anyone will find. However with that being said I do not enjoy basketball at all. The endless coverage of college basketball has me at wits end. It has reached a point that it is on every sports talk show, tv show, newspaper, and even blogs that i enjoy to listen, watch, or read. I will make it my sworn duty to trash any type of basketball on this blog as long as i live. I know there are people out there who feel just like i do. Who fucking cares how many teams make the NCAA Tournament or what team got snubbed and who is on the bubble..NEWS FLASH not everyone enjoys this mind numbing bullshit. Yes i will fill out a bracket just like 90% of the USA but I only do it because of my gambling problem along with my competitive spirit. I could not care any less if Pitt or any other local team makes it to the Elite 8 or Final 4. Maybe I am alone in this but for the love of Christ there is more going on in the sports world than fucking basketball. The NHL regular season is almost over and there are some serious playoff implications on the line yet not one mention of any of these games. The NHL trade deadline was non-existent unless you watch TSN. The MLB season is right around the corner yet you wouldn't even know spring training is going on because of the absolute bias that ESPN gives to college and pro basketball. Lets face it the steroids are more important for ESPN to report than the actual game. I used to give ESPN the benefit of the doubt as a credible sports coverage broadcast but how can something be credible if you have 24 hr coverage of sports with very little coverage of one of the 4 major sports in this country. The NBA coverage is overwhelming on tv, 2 hour shows before a game featuring Michael Wilbon, Stuart Scott, Steven A Smith, and some has been former basketball players slurping Kobe Lebron Shaq and quite honestly don't really care who else. I don't have an answer to the problem other than don't watch ESPN for the next 3 or 4 months by then all this garbage will be done and the NFL will start. IF you do want to catch some awesome highlights check out the NHL Networks show NHL on the Fly, not only do they give highlights they also show coverage of some live games throughout the show. I hope Pitt loses early in the tournament so we can get back to entertaining sports coverage instead of constant babbling on the same topics over and over again.

We vs. They, revisited.

I never had a lot of respect for ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning, a syndicated radio show you can hear from 6-10 AM on ESPN Radio or ESPN2 (the Deuce, as it was once affectionately known.) I listen to ESPN Radio at work, because I can't stand the musical taste of most of my coworkers. Mike and Mike are two of ESPN's most recognizable broadcasters, but I will not count myself as a fan. As 6th Ward once told me, they're popular among housewives, which usually means that their version of sports talk is probably more style than substance.

They're so damn cute.

Over the past few days, Mike Golic and ESPN College Basketball analyst Doug Gottlieb was giving "Greenie" the business about him referring to his alma mater Northwestern's basketball team as "we" which some of you know is one of my biggest pet peeves. If you actually played for the team you were rooting for, as Golic pointed out, then I can see yourself being allowed to refer to that team as "we." "Greenie" used the excuse that he was an alumnus of Northwestern, which I can possibly allow as a plausible excuse. After some bantering, they both realized that fans live and die with their teams, therefore granting their permission for fans to refer to themselves as "we" when referencing their favorite teams. Lame. Do people need to feel like they're a part of something special because their life is sorely lacking in other areas? I've been a Steeler fan my whole life, but other than some celebratory shots after the big victory over Pittsburgh West, I was already in full-fledged hockey mode the next day. This is why wives get beat, and why the suicide rate would have gone up exponentially in Pittsburgh if Santonio doesn't make that catch...people become too attached to their rooting interests. Sports are a great escape from the daily grind, but they aren't life or death. "We" are not Steelers, "we" are not Penguins, and thank God "we" are not Pirates.

BGK is Back

With NFL free agency in full swing and me having nothing to do on a Monday night here is a quick look at what the AFC North has been up to.
Pittsburgh Steelers have been business as usual, no free agency moves other than to retain some talent on the current roster. Last year the Steelers only signed Mewelde Moore and its shaping up to be another dry year of free agents coming to Pittsburgh. Currently on their radar is the very seasoned vet Joey Galloway. While Joey has been a very good WR his whole career, and a very average fantasy player, age is catching up with this guy. His 2008 campaign was dismal at best having only played 9 games and grabbing 13 balls, none for touchdowns. I for one would certainly prefer that this position be addressed via the draft. Also James "Silverback" Harrison's contract talks have currently hit a snag with the standout LB wanting a reported cool 25 million guaranteed. The Steelers are believed to be offering 15 million guaranteed, not bad for an undrafted free agent from Kent State. Some losses Nate Washington, Bryant McFadden, and Anthony Smith. I really don't see any of these as key losses. Limas Sweed can and will be as consistently bad as Nate Washington, i mean seriously Nate get over yourself. McFadden might be the biggest loss so far of the off season not because he was a great cornerback but because he has a ton of upside. Unfortunately he is not worth the 10 million he got from AZ yet. Now we come to loud mouth Anthony Smith, not a big loss here either at least his teammates wont have to look over their shoulders in practice anymore. The guy just didn't get it and probably never will, lotsa luck dip shit. Who knows what the draft will bring but an upgrade at offensive line will almost certainly be addressed as well as defensive line, lets face it Casey Hampton and Aaron Smith aren't getting any younger.

The Cleveland Browns. What the fuck are you guys doing? You hired a retread coach who is reportedly standoffish with his players, traded away your best receiver in Kellen Winslow, and pissed off your best defensive player. Although the nickname "Mankok" will never get old the continued failures of this team soon will. It seems as though every 3 or 4 years a new regime takes over and has a rebuilding plan, well that's great but what are you rebuilding. Definition of rebuilding is to restore something to its original state. News flash Cleveland you keep rebuilding a losing team. Oh almost forgot the key signing of Robert Royal to replace Winslow. As far as draft goes this team needs to address the defensive side of the ball and also the aging RB position. The Browns select 5th overall and if LB Aaron Curry is there they need to take him.


The beloved Baltimore Ravens. Although i am partial to the defense, for fantasy football purposes only, i must say FUCK YOU! I am so glad you lose free agent after free agent while signing no one of real impact. Matt Birk is a nice pick up but you lost Jason Brown who many think will be one of the best lineman in the NFL. They also let Bart Scott, Matt Stover, Chris McAllister, and Jim Leonhard go into free agency. Just when Baltimore seemed to get on the right track on offense it seems like the defense could be the let down for a few years. Yes they signed Ray Ray but he is a shell of himself, Ed Reed will continue to ball hawk and dodge contact, and T-Sizzle will belly ache about his contract until they trade him. Ravens select 26th in this years draft, need to go defense or wide receiver. If USC LB Rey Maualuga is there they gotta take him if he is gone take WR Hakeem Nicks.



Oh Cincy, Cincy, Cincy!!! You lose your best WR via free agency while you have another WR who doesn't even want to be there, some how decided to keep your head coach after a terrible season, and lost another number one draft pick for the season after Hines Ward knocked him silly. This team needs to get tougher all around. There are so many glaring holes on this team i don't even know where to start so i wont. Draft analysis take Crabtree / Maclin on offense or Aaron Curry if you stay at 6, if not Aaron Maybin with a trade down in the draft around pick 10-15. Done wasting my time on this pathetic team.

Lost at Sea...

Breaking news here at BOLB...we have found the reason behind the lack of blogging from 6th Ward and Biggamekilla. The two writers were part of the doomed fishing trip with NFL players Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith. Thankfully the two were found floating 50 miles off the coast of Florida yesterday, alive and well. Hopefully they will return to their blogging duties as soon as possible.

ESPN...the Worldwide Leader in Suck.

Your (almost) daily lunch update from the world of sports...

-The NHL trade deadline came and went yesterday, and other than the flurry of deals right at the 3 pm deadline, there wasn't that major blockbuster that tends to happen every year (unless you count Olli Jokinen, but a trade involving a player who's considered a cancer and has never been in the playoffs in his 10-year career isn't what I call a blockbuster.) The Pens and Ray Shero didn't listen to the numerous insane asylum escapees who clamored for the trade of Crosby and Staal, instead settling on a couple guys with grit, leadership and Stanley Cup rings (Guerin and Adams) without giving up much in return (a third round draft pick at the very worst.) If you've ever watched playoff hockey, you'll know that guys like Guerin and Adams are vital, especially when you know the refs are going to swallow their whistles and things are gonna get a bit chippy. Guerin also will also bring a solid leadership presence and ease the burden on 21-YEAR OLD Sidney Crosby.

-A player that I thought would look good in Black and Gold was former Toronto forward Nik Antropov. The man has tons of size and upside, and I thought playing alongside Sid would give him a kick. Many said he wilted under the intense spotlight in Toronto, so they gave him a change in scenery and sent him to another place with an intense spotlight, New York. I don't see much benefit for either sides in this trade.

-Unless you count the ageless Mark Recchi as a monster deal, many Eastern Conference teams didn't do much to shore up their teams heading into the playoffs, which could bode well for your Pens. The Panthers holding onto Jay Bouwmeester is a huge gamble, I think it shows the players there that they're committing to winning this year, but I don't see them making it past the second round, if they get in the playoffs at all. And if Bouwmeester bolts via free agency this summer without a Cup in Miami, you have to consider that lack of a move to be a giant mistake.

-God bless TSN. It's almost impossible to be a hockey fan in the US. There was absolutely no coverage of one of the biggest days in hockey on any of the major sporting networks yesterday. ESPN thought that Shaq flopping in a meaningless NBA game was the biggest story of the day yesterday. What a joke. Does anyone watch the NBA? I'd watch it if I was suffering from insomnia, cause it would put me to sleep in less than 10 minutes.

-In NFL news, Ray Lewis finally signed, and he's decided to stay in Baltimore. I applaud both sides for keeping him where he belongs. Well, he really belongs in prison, but that's another story. I'm glad he's staying a Raven, because it keeps the hate level high for me. And Terrell Owens was finally cut by the Cowboys. I've got fifty bucks Al Davis has a #81 Raiders jersey waiting for him.

-Don't look now, but you're Pittsburgh Pirates are 6-1 this spring, with another impressive 2-1 win over the Twins yesterday. There was an Andy LaRoche sighting, his two-run homer provided all the offense your Buccos needed. What's been most impressive is the pitching staff. Hopefully for all of us the Bucs can keep this going into the regular season, but I'm sure none of us are holding our breath.

All Pens. All the Time.

There's only one news story that I care about right now...no, it's not the two NFL players missing at sea or Jay Cutler and his hurt feelings...it's the Pittsburgh Penguins. A huge week for the Pens, with wins over the Isles, 'Hawks and Stars the Pens have moved into eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Most noteworthy among these three victories was not the reemergence of MAF, Jordan Staal and Miroslav Satan making apperances on the score sheet, or even the instant impact of newcomer Chris Kunitz (three points in two games) but the fact that the Pens won all three games without captain Sidney Crosby.

I don't know who Adam Burish is.

Three huge wins without Sid the Kid. He's definitely expendable now. I'd trade him in a heartbeat. Come on Ray Shero, you have three days to make this happen! Ok, back to reality now...any human being who considers themselves a hockey fan and thinks that the Pens should trade one of the top three players in the world is insane (I guess that means Bob Smizik isn't right in the head, go figure.) I cannot take the fact that fans ride guys like Crosby and Staal so hard. THEY ARE 21 AND 20 YEARS OLD, respectively. Let me reiterate that, in case you missed it. 21 AND 20. What were you doing when you were that age? Probably skipping your Pysch 101 class because you were too hung over from the beer pong tournament the night before. Take a look around at the rosters from other teams. Not too many teams have kids that are this age putting up numbers and playing vital roles for their teams. These guys can't even see their prime yet, and yet they have their team primed to make another playoff run, one year after reaching the Stanley Cup finals. Patience my friends. These guys are still learning on the fly, learning what it takes to win in this league. I have utter faith in Ray Shero, the man is learning which types of players he needs to assemble to play with these guys. Crosby, Malkin, Staal, MAF...these guys are the core, the future. Dan Bylsma seems to get it, and is letting these kids play the way they need to play to gain confidence and be successful. There's still a part or two missing for the Pens to compete this year, but to do away with one of the vital cogs would be suicide.

Ryan Whitney watch:

Saturday, 2/28. W @ Dallas. 0 G. 0 A. +1. 20:34 TOI. 1 hit.