jimmykat: I don't have a clue why Dave Littlefield is the GM of the Pirates. Just judging him this season alone, he has made terrible free agent signings as well showing he has no clue on his own players. Freddy Sanchez in his opinion was a utility player at best. Ronnie Paulino and Jose Bautista were not ready to be on the major league team in 2006 in his opinion. Ian Shell (the pirates best SP) was a middle reliever in his eyes etc. He has three starting LHP that if they changed numbers on their jersey you wouldn't know one from the other because they pitch the same. Even the batting lineup is loaded with right-handed bats and now the team is trying to acquire Ryan Shealy at 1B for another right-handed bat. Doesn't Littlefield realize you need a few power left-handed bats with the short rightfield fence and pitchers with different mixture of pitches. I just don't have a clue why he is a GM here in Pittsburgh!

Bob Smizik: Littlefield has made many mistakes in his tenure, most of which have been enumerated many times by me and other writers. Why he still has a job tells you a lot about the Pirates. In his defense, it's not easy to pluck players out of thin air. He has tried to address the need for l-h hitting by acquiring Sean Casey and Jeromy Burnitz. Previously, he went after Daryle Ward. He is aware of the need.

MPM: I generally agree with your column on Tuesday. However, isn't it better for the Pirates to deal Roberto Hernandez, Joe Randa, Jeromy Burnitz and even Salomon Torres and Damaso Marte and get something rather than lose with these guys? None of the above players has any future with the Pirates. I know you rarely get lucky with the type of prospects you get in return, but the Pirates did get Jack Wilson for Jason Christiansen (who had a 4.97 ERA when they traded him to the Cards in 2000).

Bob Smizik: I never suggested the Pirates shouldn't try to trade all of those players. Of course, the should. I merely said it might be difficult to deal them and they won't get much in return.

stillers: Hey Bob, Do you think the Steelers are trying to sign or trade Santonio Holmes given his arrest for domestic violence? It just seems like it would taint their reputation to sign him.

Bob Smizik: Under no circumstances will the Steelers trade Holmes. They've had bad boys in the past. Delton Hall, for one, comes to mind. Joey Porter is no angel. I think Holmes sill sign and settle down and be a productive player. He's a young guy who has had money and fame thrust upon him. That's sometimes hard to handle.

Johnston: Do you think there is a realistic shot of the Pirates moving back to the NL East should a team such as Florida relocate west? It seems that Pirate fans would rather see the Mets and Phillies even if it meant competing against teams with higher payrolls.

Bob Smizik: No. Not even an unrealistic chance.

matt: Are the Pens going to sign anyone?

Bob Smizik: They've already signed a couple of players.

slr: What do you think about Brian Graham? The Pirates seem to have very little prospects in the minor leagues...you'd think the Director of Player Development would be held accountable for that.

Bob Smizik: A lack of prospects would be more directly attributable to the director of scouting. But, yes, Graham has to take some of the blame for what has been a mediocre farm system. In fairness, their first draft (2002) is just coming of age. It's really too early to make a full judgment, but from the looks of what they have at Class AAA and AA, the Pirates have not done a good job at this.

slr: I made a bet that Pitt will win the national championship in football within 5 years. My friends think I'm crazy, but I hold out hope for the Panthers! What do you think?

Bob Smizik: If Pitt were in the Big Ten or SEC or almost any other conference, I'd say no way. But they are in a league that is weak. If they get good one year, and teams in other conferences beat up on each other, I could see Pitt getting to the title game. Winning it would be another matter.

jimmy_g: Of all the "rent-a-players" the Pirates may move out, the one I think they should keep is Sean Casey. What are your thoughts?

Bob Smizik: I'm not so sure I wouldn't keep Craig Wilson over Casey. Not much was expected from Casey in terms of power but he's delivered even less He has only three home runs and hasn't hit one in a long time. he is not as good defensively as I thought he would be.

burghfan: Is Malkin going to be with the Pens this year?

Bob Smizik: Yes

matt: Who do you like in the British Open?

Bob Smizik: I pick Tiger Woods to win every title. He's the only golfer I know.

jimmy_g: I know you have backtracked a little on Freddie Sanchez. Do you feel that he has a realistic chance of winning the batting title?

Bob Smizik: Absolutely. He's shown no signs of slumping. He's been doing this for five months.

stillers: The Pirates business model of signing old free agents to expensive contracts is broken. Why not go back to the 1997 business model where you have hungry young players? Even if you lose, it is exciting to see these guys. Nobody is going to the park to see J. Randa or J. Burnitz or even S. Casey. I know I don't but I do like the energy Freddie Sanchez has -win or lose!

Bob Smizik: The Pirates business model is so broken they didn't have hungry young players. That's why they were forced to sign Burnitz and Casey. However, right now they are playing a young team. On nights when McLouth plays right field, they have a very young team. Can't get much younger.

Bucco: Hi Bob, Where do you see Pitt football finishing this year?

Bob Smizik: I see they were picked third in the Big East. That's more a factor of how weak the conference is. I see them third or fourth.

Brian: Bob isn't the Steeler coverage in the local media embarrassing? I know it sells, but c'mon. It seems like every outlet has sold out to the Steelers.

Bob Smizik: I think many of the local TV stations have sold out to the Steelers. I know the Post-Gazette hasn't and I don't think the Tribune Review has. The ARE Super Bowl champs and deserve favorable coverage.

jimmy_g: With Steelers training camp starting soon, this may be our last significant chat about baseball (in July). Isn't that sad?

Bob Smizik: Sad, yes but not undeserved. I love baseball and will continue to write about it. It can't be all Steelers all the time.

matt: I also heard Mike Gonzalez is on the trading block, do you think we should trade him too?

Bob Smizik: I doubt Gonzalez is on the trading block Don't believe everything you hear. I can't imagine why the Pirates would want to trade him. Of course, no player in untouchable, but he'd be one of the last go.

matt: Where do you think Marte and Torres will end this season? Middle relievers are in demand are they not? What kind of guys would you want in return?

Bob Smizik: I expect both to be in Pittsburgh at the end of the season. Both are good pitchers and you need good pitchers to have a good team. Both are contractually under the Pirates control next season. They should not be traded for borderline prospects.

Brian: I agree with your remarks about Steeler coverage. Do you feel it is overkill? Do we really need a local Steelers talk show in the morning and anything Steelers leading off the local news every night?

Bob Smizik: If you don't like what you're seeing and hearing, don't watch and listen. There are plenty of alternative shows. As I said earlier, local news has sold out to the Steelers

Johnston: Looking at the Pirates roster, there is no player over the age of 29 that has spent the majority of his career with the Pirates. Do you think we will ever see another player who is truly a long-time face for this club? I have to think Jason Bay will be playing somewhere else when his current deal expires.

Bob Smizik: I think what you are pointing out is probably true of a lot of teams. There is much more player movement these days than in the past. It is very hard for teams like the Pirates to keep truly outstanding players.

Bucco: Speaking of Gonzalez , I do not like him as the closer. he does not throw strikes, he is all over the place. Matt Capps should be the closer. Throws hard and throws strikes.

Bob Smizik: What is it about a perfect saves record that you don't like? Gonzalez has done nothing to lose his job. You're right that he's not as efficient as he might be, but he's in his first year. Pitching the ninth is the toughest job in baseball. Just because Capps is doing well doesn't mean he'll be a good closer.

Brian: What do you make of Lanny Fraterre? I'm not a fan, but he has been there for 30 years and no one ever mentions him in the same category with Cope, Lange, and Prince.

Bob Smizik: It's no disgrace to not be in the same class as Cope, Lange and Prince. I think Frattare is a technically good announcer. It's difficult calling losing games year after year. One thing he does that drives me crazy is he laughs too much. If Blass and Walk are that funny, they should be doing standup.

PittMan: Bob- You cover the media issues. So how do you feel Joe Bendel will do in a full-time capacity on the radio?

Bob Smizik: I think Joe will do well. He knows his stuff, particularly on the Steelers and Pitt. I think he needs to get a little smoother in his delivery but I think he will be an excellent addition to Fox Sports Radio, which appears to be serious, at last, in challenging ESPN Radio 1250.

burghfan: What do you think the chances of the Penguins staying in Pittsburgh are?

Bob Smizik: The Penguins propaganda machine has done a good job of scaring the public about the team leaving. It won't. Stop me if you've heard this one: What did Mario Lemieux find when he reached in his pocket? Three talks show hosts and two sports anchors.

whiterage: If you were to play World Series Baseball on the Sega Genesis, would you start Bob Walk every time? Even with fatigue turned on?

Bob Smizik: Every time without question.

Cecil_Espy: What are your thoughts on the Islanders' hiring of Garth Snow as their GM yesterday? Has anyone in the history of sports gone from active player to GM in one offseason?

Bob Smizik: Absolutely ridiculous. The Islanders are a joke. I read this morning the owner doesn't believe in scouts.

Bucco: Do You Think WVA will take the Big East title?

Bob Smizik: WVU or Louisville. I'll take the Mountaineers.

jimmy_g: Did Floyd Landis maintain his lead in the Tour de France today?

Bob Smizik: Who's Floyd Landis?

burghfan: Which Pirates do you not expect to be here after the deadline?

Bob Smizik: Regardless of who's here after the trading deadline, all of the rental players will be gone by 2007. I think C. Wilson, Casey and R. Hernandez have the best chance of being traded. Also Kip Well is he continues to pitch well.

Cecil_Espy: If you're a Pittsburgh strip club owner, who would you rather see walk through the door, Bronson Arroyo or Kevin Stevens?

Bob Smizik: Cecil: Why didn't you make a better try on that ball in the ninth inning of the playoff game against Atlanta in 1992. I've never forgiven you for that. Bronson Arroyo.

Brian: How do you think Penn State will do this season?

Bob Smizik: That's a good question. I would not be surprised if they slipped back to the middle of the Big Ten back. Much depends on how well the QB plays.

Johnston: Bob- Do you remember Craig Patrick? Has anyone heard from him? Do you think the Islanders considered him in the 5 minutes they spent looking for Garth Snow?

Bob Smizik: I remember him, but wish I couldn't Patrick might be the only man in hockey who would not have been a better choice than Snow.

Johnston: If Dave Littlefield had a time machine and went back to this past offseason, do you think he would still hire Jim Tracy? Do you think he misjudged what Tracy would bring to a team this young (namely passing blame to the players)?

Bob Smizik: I think it's too early to pass judgment on Tracy. I have not been thrilled with some of his actions but I'm a firm believer that blame and credit should go to the players. If Littlefield had it to do all over again, to answer your question, I'm hoping he would take Ken Macha.

jimmy_g: I take it cycling is not your thing Bob. I checked elsewhere and Landis is still leading the Tour.

Bob Smizik: What's cycling?

Bucco: If Craig Wilson is traded and Sean Casey is traded, who will play 1st?

Bob Smizik: Best question of the day. Stay on the line to receive your prize. They'll find someone, I'm sure. I'm sure at least one of the deals they make will involve a first baseman of some sort. Let's not forget the great Jose Hernandez.

burghfan: I live in the extreme northern part of the state and would kill for more Steeler coverage on the local news up here. You should be thankful for it.

Bob Smizik: How ever the local TV stations want to cover the Steelers is fine with me. That's their business. I just choose not to listen. You can get great coverage on the Internet at a place called: post-gazette.com.

Cecil_Espy: I'm sorry about that fly ball, but come on, I forgave Mark Madden for the column urging the Penguins to move Alexei Kovalev to Defense... Speaking of which, will the Penguins be dressing any wingers this season? Or are Penguin wingers treated like right-handed pitchers on the Pirates?

Bob Smizik: Who's Mark Madden? I'm guessing the Penguins will dress six or seven wingers next season, some of whom will be able to skate.

dabigman: Bob, it seems like John Steigerwald hates everything. Why doesn't he just retire if everything is so bad? He should feel lucky to have a job watching sports.

Bob Smizik: I have it on good authority that John does not hate the Penguins. His act about the Pirates can get tiresome at times. But that's the way John is. He's been very successful in this market. I think he's one of the best sports anchors this town has ever had. I'm sure if someone would guarantee his salary, he'd be happy to retire.

TOwens81: Bob, do you wear a helmet when you ride your motorcycle?

Bob Smizik: I don't own a motorcycle. But I made my kids wear a helmet when they rode their bikes. I always wear my seat belt.

jimmy_g: Bob, you are an excellent columnist because you are very knowledgeable, crusty, opinionated, experienced, and a general pain in the butt. Somehow I feel that you agree and even relish this assessment.

Bob Smizik: I have no problem with that description. In fact, thanks.

jinb056: How much did the Nuttings pay for their share of the Pirates, and what is that share worth today in your opinion?

Bob Smizik: I don't know what the Nuttings paid for their share of the Pirates. I'd say their shares have at least doubled since they bought into the team. There was a report in a West. Va. paper that they are interested in buying more of the team.

PensFan: Bob - what is your outlook on the Carnegie Mellon football team this fall? Do you think they'll be able to keep up their streak of 30+ non-losing seasons?

Bob Smizik: Under the tutelage of Rich Lackner, the Tartans will continue their winnings ways.

Cecil_Espy: What are your thoughts on the Pirates wearing the All-Star Game logo in every game this season, even after the game itself? Will they be wearing a 1-year anniversary logo all next season?

Bob Smizik: I thought it was ridiculous before the game and more so after it. It's not like the players did anything to get the game. And the only thing the franchise did to get the game was stink so bad baseball threw it the All Star Game as a lifeline.

TOwens81: Bob, I saw Tom Hanks at the Bucco game last night and do you think he was planning on getting Geena Davis and the gang from "A League of their Own" together to beat the Pirates since everybody else does?

Bob Smizik: I heard Geena is waiting to see if Madonna and Rosie O'Donnell are in before she makes a move.

dabigman: Bob, I think that the Pirates and Jason Bay should pay their VP of marketing and sales a bonus for the job he did in promoting Bay to start in the All Star game. Your opinion?

Bob Smizik: Tim Schildt did a great job in starting the campaign and keeping it going. He has not received enough credit. But he was only doing his job. I don't think Bay or Sanchez owe him anything but thanks.

Brian: Bob do you think Bill Cowher will retire when his contract expires?

Bob Smizik: Cowher is sure making signs that he could be thinking of leaving the Steelers. The fact his wife and daughter are reportedly moving to North Carolina says something. I can see him walking away after this contract and coming back a few years later with another team, or even the Steelers if his successor doesn't work out.

TOwens81: Bob, Can Ron Everhart save the Titanic a.k.a. Duquesne Basketball? Gotta like some of these recruits but can they play?

Bob Smizik: I think Everhart can turn Duquesne around. He has amazing contacts in the basketball business. He's in a league where he can succeed. I'm not saying he'll do it next season. But as I wrote a few months ago, Duquesne will have a winning season before the Pirates.

Bucco: Why don't the Pirates have a team captain?

Bob Smizik: It's a meaningless position and you don't want to appoint one unless your absolutely sure he's the right guy and will be with the team a long time. The Pirates have no one who fits that description.

jinb056: Do you think Duffy will be next year's centerfielder?

Bob Smizik: I think it would be in the best interest of the Pirates that Duffy be the CF next year. He's excellent defensively and that would allow them to move Bautista to right. That would be a terrific defensive outfield. The question on Duffy is: Can he hit? I expect he'll be back this season, at least by September, and he might be able to reclaim his old job.

Johnston: What do you think we will happen with the next baseball CBA and during its negotiations? Do you think small market teams realize that a cap is now out of the question? Do you think baseball will have more access to see how teams are spending revenue sharing money? Will there be anything that helps the Pirates?

Bob Smizik: I think small market teams already realize a cap it out of the question. All they can hope for now is a continuation of the same leve3l of revenue sharing. Baseball is in good shape, even if the Pirates are not.

jimmy_g: Good chatting with you Bob, even if there is a "slight" amount of sarcasm in the conversation.

Bob Smizik: Sarcastic? Me? What are you talking about? It's been fun. Hope you enjoyed it, too. Jerry Micco will be back next week.