mxpxbv82: Jerry, are you interviewing for replacements after Ed Bouchette goes Hollywood on the PG?

Jerry Micco: I'm surprised Ed hasn't had "his people" dealing with me since he became a star. I'm sure since he's dealt with so many agents as a reporter, he'll have no problem finding one to get him his next big movie gig. Seriously, I'm glad Ed had a chance to do this. He discussed it with me last year and it sounded really fun and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He's a deserving guy. He's the best around on the Steelers and one of the best NFL beat guys anywhere. So they got one of the best when the casted Ed in a role he has nailed down tight -- beat reporter. I hope the movie does really well.

mxpxbv82: Now that it SEEMS like Malkin will be here, do you feel another move is coming? Competition is good, but one or two people will be on the outside looking in. What if Oullett, Christensen, and Pivko are all impressive at camp? Does that make it easier to move someone like Malone?

Jerry Micco: If all the above are true, yes, it would make it easier to move Malone. And they may move him even if all three don't impress, but maybe two of them do. But Malone did score 20-plus goals last season so I wouldn't cast him aside just yet. They are still very weak at winger and on defense, so throwing away a scorer who could play wing may not be the best move. We'll be watching that competition closely when camp arrives in a couple of weeks.

Mrbucco: I have heard from various people that the pirates will FINALLY honor Paul Waner with a statue and retired number. Have you heard anything about this and plans to honor the other Pirates Hall of Famers not yet honored?

Jerry Micco: No, I haven't, but it really seems to be an issue among some Pirates fans. If the Pirates are getting that much flak from fans, they should take a serious look at this.

jimmy_g: What is your take on Freddy Sanchez's chances to win the batting title?

Jerry Micco: I think they are very good because he's so consistent. I think since this is the most he's ever played in a season, he's slowing down a little bit. It's hard to take him out of the lineup, but Tracy may consider doing that a couple times down the stretch. I think he's certainly capable of winning it, but my only concern is his getting tired down the stretch.

jimmy_g: Is there any chance that Hines Ward will not be ready for the season opener?

Jerry Micco: I guess there's always a chance, but the Steelers will nurse that injury for as long as they can so Ward can be available to play on Sept. 7. Hamstring injuries are difficult to deal with because it's a large muscle and if you do any type of leg movement you use it. Running and cutting -- like a wide receiver -- just continues to aggravate it. An offensive lineman can deal with it a bit easier than a wide receiver, though if you remember, Dermontti Dawson's career was shortened by a bad hamstring. I think this bears watching and it could be a slow start for Ward if he can't play at all until the opener.

MPM: If Kendall Simmons shows that he can handle playing center if needed, does Chukky Okobi get cut, and is getting Simmons reps at center a precursor to making him a successor to Jeff Hartings?

Jerry Micco: I think they want to keep Okobi around because he plays center and he's not a bad center. If they can get Simmons time there, perhaps that makes sense because he'd then be Okobi's backup. I think the Steelers like some of their young linemen and want to get them some playing time, but I think it'd be premature to cut Okobi at this point.

mxpxbv82: What is happening with Shaun Nua? Three weeks ago, it seemed like he was the next great fit at 3-4 DE the Steelers uncovered late in a draft. Now, he's possibly fighting for a job.

Jerry Micco: It appears from what I've read and heard that Nua just hasn't improved much over last season. And when you have competition at a position, like the Steelers do at defensive end, you had better improve year over year to get a shot to stick with the team. I don't know if the weight he's put on is a problem for him or if he's just getting outplayed by some of the other guys, but if he doesn't show something in the next exhibition game on Friday, he could be one of the early cuts.

jimmy_g: Since football is the one major sport that pays its athletes mostly for what they do and not for what they might do, I was a little surprised with Bob Smizik's column today. Does he really believe that football players are underpaid or was he just being Bob Smizik?

Jerry Micco: Bob being Bob is why Bob is so widely read. So I don't want him to stop being Bob. That said, I think Bob's point was that in football you don't get guaranteed contracts like baseball. The reason it's so easy to cut football players, veteran players in particular, is that their contracts aren't guaranteed. Only their signing bonus is guaranteed and it's pro-rated over the life of their deal. So if you cut a guy, you only have to pick up the pro-rated part of the bonus and maybe a bit of his contract. You do that in baseball, you're picking up the guy's salary even if he's with another club (see the Pirates). That's murder on the club, but great for the player. Bob reasonably argued why NFL contracts are smaller, but his point was that the labor agreement the NFL players have isn't nearly as good as in other sports.

MUNHALL_MAN: Jerry, is the Post-Gazette going to do a high school football preview this year?

Jerry Micco: Yes we will. It will be published on Aug. 30.

JPeezy: Do you think Joey Porter will be back with the Steelers next year?

Jerry Micco: I think if he can come close to his 2005 performance then he's back. But the Steelers have some very good young linebackers who could step into that spot if needed. Porter, though, can do some things some of the younger backers can't. For instance, he can drop into coverage, get wide to get a running back or come from the outside on a pass rush. He's a very good player, so you don't want to let a little contract flap guide you here. Folks get way too upset in Pittsburgh when a player barks about money. Let them bark. The bottom line is how they play and whether or not they are holding up their end for the team.

jimmy_g: Is the Bill Cower situation being over-dramatized or could this very well be his last year?

Jerry Micco: I don't know that it's being over-dramatized, Jimmy, but I wouldn't be surprised if this is his last year. Some signs point that way, but it's too early to speculate very much. Let's see how this season goes and how he feels at the end of it. He's got a year left on his contract after this one and he's the type of guy who would honor that commitment. As I said last week, Cowher can be a tough read. He may surprise everyone and re-up for another couple of years. Nothing he does would surprise me.

mxpxbv82: When final cuts are made, will extra (more than five, possibly six) WRs be kept at the expense of say, TE, or RB/FB? Does say Sean Morey make the team, strictly as a special teams guy, in place of Charles Davis or Cedric Humes, who they'll try and stash on the practice squad?

Jerry Micco: Cowher loves special teams, so a guy like Morey could be a seventh WR (Ward, Wilson, Washington, Holmes, Reid, Morgan, Morey). What you might see are fewer running backs and perhaps just three tight ends. I think you also have to look at whether you keep Chidi Iwuoma to play just special teams or do you keep Morey? That's a lot of specialists, but again, Cowher likes guys who can play special teams. And of the above receivers, at least four (Morey, Morgan, Reid and Holmes) will likely have a big role on special teams.

MPM: Do you think the Pirates are going to sign Freddy Sanchez to a long-term contract after the season, or will the go the one-year route with him?

Jerry Micco: I think he'll probably get a long-term deal because he's had such a terrific year and he started to come on late in 2005. I think they are going to do a go-slow with all the pitchers to see who continues to improve, then try to lock them up in 2007. I'd like to see the pitchers have one more year to improve. The only one they may want to move on is Zach Duke, who while he's had an up-and-down season, has shown he can do some very good things in his two seasons. But if they are cautious with their money, that's a good thing. No sense spending if they don't have to especially if they aren't sure on someone. I think Sanchez is a pretty sure bet.

JPeezy: Do you think Pitt football could diappoint again this season?

Jerry Micco: Depends on what "disappoint" means for their fans. If 7-5 disappoints, then yes, they'll disappoint. I think Pitt can go 7-5 or 8-4 because their defense will be very good and the Big East is a pretty weak football conference. And while Virginia and Michigan State are good clubs, they are middle to bottom of the pack in their leagues. I think if Pitt goes below 7-5, it'd be a disappointment.

mxpxbv82: More of a political question but...how disheartening is it when you see, as the PG reported last week, all the connections to Mayor O'Connor and the Harrah's/Forest City group? It almost makes the idea of IOC (or Don Barden) having a chance VERY minor. Looks like outgoing Mayor Murphy new more than we all thought with his "The fix is in" quote.

Jerry Micco: Politics and political contributors have been around for hundreds of years. Nothing surprises me, but in reality, the mayor and city has little say on who gets the license. The State Gaming Board is the final arbiter. And all the groups donated money to political campaigns. Believe me, no one wants to be left out if there are goodies to be had. I'm willing to see how the process goes before indicting people and saying "the fix is in."

wooyeah: I love the minor league reports you provide every day. It's great to know what's going on down on the farm. One question, though: Why is Bradenton not included this year?

Jerry Micco: We get that information from Web sites for the teams and perhaps Bradenton doesn't have one. I'll ask about it, but in my way of thinking, from Williamsport up is where the good prospects are playing. But I'll check with Dejan Kovacevic as to why Bradenton isn't included.

mxpxbv82: This might not be something you can even touch on...but your thoughts on the Gronkowski ruling? Seems a little silly of the father, after giving quotes to the PG stating the kid transferred for football reasons, to then claim he was set up.

Jerry Micco: I can't speak for Gordie Gronkowski, but we certainly stand behind Mike White's story. I have no opinion on this specific case. I'll leave that to the WPIAL board of control and the PIAA, which will hear the case tomorrow.

jimmy_g: As a follow-up to the Smizik column, I agree with the relative pay scales for the major sports athletes but it is hard to argue that football is the most successful professional sport by a wide margin and a big part of it is the overall balance and competitiveness.

Jerry Micco: There's no doubt, Jimmy, and that's one reason why they often go for labor peace rather than let a strike possibly dim that enthusiasm. But to have labor peace, you often have to make sacrifices. Some owners hate the new agreement because they think the players got too much. The players probably wanted more. When billions are tossed around, folks always want a bigger piece of the pie. Baseball was nearly wrecked by the strike that killed off the World Series. It took years to rebuild the fan base. If it happened again, that might really hammer baseball. So sometimes you have to compromise to keep the big picture, the success of your sport, squarely in front of you.

mxpxbv82: Do you play fantasy football at all? My draft is tonight...what kind of hot tips do you have?

Jerry Micco: I played years ago, but haven't at all lately. Tips? Have fun at your draft party and draft running backs early. And Peyton Manning's not a bad pick.

JPeezy: Do you think Cowher is just trying to get more money?

Jerry Micco: I don't think Cowher is trying to get more money. I think he's taking things a year at a time to see where he is after the season. When you do a job in one place for a long time, the longer you do it, the more you reflect after a year. People change and circumstances change. When you're younger, you just roll along and do what you need to do to grow in your profession. When you hit the pinnacle, like winning a Super Bowl, you start to reflect. I'm not saying Cowher's not working as hard as he did some years ago, but you tend to put your job into context as your life changes.

jimmy_g: Because I like pain so much, I've been a Pitt football fan for most of my life. What is your prediction for their record this year?

Jerry Micco: As I said before, I look at 7-5 or 8-4. I would not be shocked it they were 9-3, but would be shocked if they were 6-6. There's no way playing in the Big East, and having WVU and Louisville at home, they should be anything but at least 7-5.

Yourewithmeleather: Jerry, what do you think about the WPIAL's transfer rules? Is there a bias toward private schools, or does the Sunseri case have details that the public doesn't know about?

Jerry Micco: I think the PIAA needs to look at every governing body's transfer rules to make it very difficult for someone to transfer. I have no doubt, good schools recruit. Maybe not the coaches, but certainly the alumni of that school. And it does go on, make no mistake about it. You curb that by putting limits on what a kid can do. For instance, maybe he can't play for the first half of a season or for a grading quarter. Maybe the parents (or parent) have to move with the athlete to show non-athletic intent. Central and other private schools get hammered for this, but they aren't the only ones who have alums who look for kids. You have to keep two very important things in mind in a rules change: the effect it has on the kid and the effect it has on the competitive balance. I just want things to be fair and balanced, nothing more.

MPM: Should Pitt move Darrell Strong back to wide receiver since it seems that after Derek Kinder and perhaps Oderick Turner, no one appears to have made a claim for playing time at receiver? Also, will we see more three tight end sets from Pitt because of the inexperience at wide receiver?

Jerry Micco: I think Dave Wannstedt is already going to some three tight end sets because they are proven guys who Tyler Palko is comfortable with. I don't know if Strong will move back, but Paul Zeise might be a better guy to ask that question to. He can address it in his weekly Q&A. Pitt's going to need someone who can catch the ball and the wide receivers, right now, aren't moving along as they'd hoped.

Yourewithmeleather: Do you think the Steelers are going to release Duce Staley?

Jerry Micco: No, I think they'll keep Staley because if Parker goes down, Verron Haynes hasn't been an every-down back in the NFL. Staley has done that. I think Duce will be fine once the season starts. Sometimes veterans don't look great in exhibitions because they aren't going all out. They're trying not to get hurt. I think Staley will be the backup tailback and will get his share of carries both short-yardage and as a change-up to Willie Parker.

jimmy_g: OK, the Pirates have gone with youth and have played .500 ball since the All-Star Game. Is this any reason for optimism?

Jerry Micco: Well, the young guys give you reason for optimism, but you have to be a bit apprehensive because you're not sure if they'll continue to progress. If they do, especially the pitchers, then they are going to be one terrific staff and a very good team down the road. If guys like Bautista, Paulino, Duffy and Castillo improve then it'll be a really fun and competitive team to watch. But you have to be patient, like 14 years isn't long enough, because they are young and unproven. Next season will be very interesting, especially if Littlefield gets that lefty power bat he wants. So don't fall in love with all the young guys. You may seen one or two of them dealt for a proven left-handed bat in the off-season.

JPeezy: What's taking the Pirates so long on deciding on whether to switch to Clear Channel or KDKA? I think going to Clear Channel would be the best choice.

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure what the delay is, but they are in negotiations and sometimes those can drag on for a long time. Maybe Clear Channel would be the best choice, but when you have a long-time partner like KDKA, you want to give them every chance to work their offer to you. You appreciate the loyalty and working relationship so you allow them more time, perhaps, to come up with a better offer. But I know we're following this story and as soon as something happens, we'll let you know.

mxpxbv82: How old do you think that 6-foot-8 "kid" from Saudi Arabia in the Little League World Series really is? Older than/younger than 30?

Jerry Micco: Let's say younger. There's enough sleaze in sports, and there has been in the LL World Series, that I want to believe this kid is legit. It'd be nice to see for a change.

jimmy_g: Jerry, that was a real stretch with the Peyton Manning suggestion.

Jerry Micco: Jimmy, you must learn sarcasm doesn't always translate well in the written word.

mxpxbv82: Given Ben and Batch both have a history of injuries, are the Steelers crazy to even consider keeping only two QBs?

Jerry Micco: You can always pick up a QB if you need one, and I'm sure if one or both of these guys are a late cut, they'll be told to keep in shape, you may get a call back from us. I think they'll eventually keep three, but with the WR situation the way it is and some of the rookies playing well, it may come to two QBs.

mxpxbv82: Malkin is the easy choice, but is there a young guy you are expecting to break out for the Pens this season? Is it Fleury's year? I personally like Erik Christensen; that heavy shot has goal-scorer written all over it.

Jerry Micco: I'm going to go with Fleury or Ryan Whitney. I think that Fleury shows fans this year why he was a top draft pick. If you get him playing the way he's capable, and he'll have a pretty weak D in front of him again, he's a game-changer. Nothing like having a great goalie to make your club an instant contender. As much as you'd love to have Joe Thornton on your team, wouldn't you be better if Martin Brodeur were in goal? I look for Fleury to have a very good season.

JPeezy: If the starters give up two or three runs, some games they score only one. They NEED a nother power hitter, right?

Jerry Micco: Seems that's what Littlefield was saying the other day about a left-handed bat. They are very right-hand oriented. But you have guys with some pop besides Bay: Nady, Castillo, Bautista all come to mind. None of those guys are 35 HR guys, but they are all 20-25, and I think Bautista can do better than that. But none of them are proven. That's why you may see some good young players go in exchange for a proven lefty power guy. They aren't easy to get, so you have to give up something in return.

Yourewithmeleather: Have you played Madden '07?

Jerry Micco: Nope. I can't play video games. My two boys (17 and 12) can pick up how a game is played in a half day. I can't even follow them. And neither of them play the sports games, so I never even see them except on TV in an ad.

Sandlot_Wizard: I read a report that the Steelers are shopping Staley. Besides Haynes, who do they think can replace Duce?

Jerry Micco: Well, I don't know how many takers there would be for Duce, but if that's the case, then Humes is the guy they think can be a Duce replacement. I think that would be a poor decision, especially since a guy they wanted, TJ Duckett, has just been traded.

JPeezy: Do you think Ben is the third- or fourth-best QB in the league?

Jerry Micco: I think he's one of the top 4...maybe not top 3....but he did win the Super Bowl, so you could argue he's No. 1. But Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are rated above Ben in most expert's eyes. But Roethlisberger is a terrific franchise QB. The Steelers got a great deal at No. 11 in the draft a couple years ago, didn't they?

Jerry Micco: Hey folks, I gotta run. Great questions today. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me. See you next Wednesday.