pg_jerrymicco: Hello everyone and happy holidays. Let's get started.

mxpxbv82: Getting my questions in early -- If Cowher is gone, and one of Whis/Grimm is chosen to replace him, does the other maintain their position in the org, or feel slighted and look elsewhere?

pg_jerrymicco: If Cowher leaves, and that's still an "if" though he looks to be leaving, I'd imagine the guy who doesn't get the job leaves the organization. I think there would have to be an equal or better job out there for them to do it, but I don't see one staying if the other gets the position.

mxpxbv82: Does Porter's return for the final year of his deal hinge on Cowher returning at all? He said this past season he only showed up to camp for Cowher.

pg_jerrymicco: I don't know if Cowher's staying automatically means Porter stays. He's really dropped off this year, and I can't imagine him being here next season. But he certainly is a Cowher favorite. I think he'll have to take a lot less money to stay, and I don't see Joey Porter sticking around for a lot less money.

mxpxbv82: Pens still need another dman, in addition to Mark Eaton's return, to truly push for the playoffs. Which players on the roster are most expendable, as well as good enough to get a decent return?

pg_jerrymicco: I don't think they have a lot of depth, but if you were looking at guys to move, I guess you'd look at Ryan Malone, Dominick Moore and Nils Eckman. I'd hate to lose any of them, but I'd think they'd get you a solid D in return. Not a great D, but a solid one. I don't think if you dangle Jarkko Rutuu or Chris Thorburn out there you're going to get much. And you wouldn't trade a defenseman for a defenseman. I think the Pens will have to deal a forward to get the D they need.

MPM: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I still fully believe that a new arena will be built and the Pens will stay. However, will the Hill District location still be the site of the new arena now that they have moved on to Plan B, or will other locations be considered?

pg_jerrymicco: They'll build it on the hill because the city has purchased all the land around Mellon Arena. That's where they will have to build it.

PirateApologist: Jerry, It is clear that the Pirates "should" be pretty decent in '08 and '09. But are they taking any steps to be good in 2013? Where is the Oakland/Florida/Minnesota type scouting?

pg_jerrymicco: I'm not sure they are looking much past 2009 because a lot of those guys could be gone after that season. No, their minor leagues are not deep and the scouting and player development is still lacking somewhat. Those are two areas that had developed pretty well a couple of years ago, but have struggled the past couple. You can't fault them for the crew here now (Snell, Duke, Maholm, Castillo, Bautista, Duffy, Paulino, Doumit). All those guys came through the system. But unless the pitchers in AAA get healthy and step up, the only two big-time prospects are Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen.

PirateApologist: Do the Rooney's have a problem with the casino location? It is not like people are going to stop going to Steelers games and the casino instead (they'll go to the casino afterwards -- same thing with Pirate games).

pg_jerrymicco: I think the Steelers had designs on developing some land on the North Shore and the casino essentially eats up the land they had their eye on. Yes, there will be times when the traffic will be bad, but it won't be so bad as to keep folks away from the Steelers games. But it's still, in my opinion, the best place for a casino in Pittsburgh.

PirateApologist: Are the Pens the streakiest team in sports? Last night was painful, tonight they may blow them out.

pg_jerrymicco: Maybe, maybe not. The Pens are a young team and with young teams you get these inconsistent swings. They look like world-beaters one night and the next they can't get a goal. Martin Brodeur, the best goalie in the NHL in the last 20 years in my opinion, was one big reason last night. But with a young team, you will always have those ups and downs. Which is why I think if the Pens contend for the playoffs, it'll really only be for the No. 7 or No. 8 spot. They just aren't good enough to go any higher in the East.

1Hawkeye: What do you think are the keys to West Virginia winning its bowl game?

pg_jerrymicco: If WVU gets Pat White healthy and the offensive line can move the Tech defense around, they should win that game rather handily. Especially with GT playing it's backup quarterback, I don't think the WVU defense, which is the team's weak point, will be tested that much. I'd pound GT all game with White and Slaton and then let the defense hold its own. I look for a WVU win in the Gator Bowl.

MPM: Do the Steelers need another receiver, a big play type receiver, or are the ones currently on the roster sufficient?

pg_jerrymicco: I think you have to see if Santonio Holmes improves next season, which I think he will and if Nate Washington gets better. Both have room to step up. Hines Ward is on the other side of 30 and while still a very good receiver, is not a game-breaker. Never has been, really. Willie Reed is a guy they'd like to look at, but he's really a punt returner who can play some receiver. Cedrick Wilson has been a disappointment here and may not stay around. If they lose Wilson, I look for them to use a draft pick on a receiver, but probably not on Day 1. Linebacker, corner and probably running back or offensive line need to come first in my mind.

PirateApologist: What is it going to take for Pitt to recruit the "go to" guy that everyone says they need?

pg_jerrymicco: In my mind, getting to a Final 4 or Elite 8 would go a long way toward helping the Panthers get the guy they need. Everyone who has followed the program knows the team has been very good for several years and plays in one of the best, if not the best, conferences in the country. So what holds Pitt back behind UConn, Syracuse and Louisville in getting those game-breaker recruits? Success in the NCAAs. The other teams have either won titles or reached the Final 4 in the past few years. But Pitt can't seem to make it to the Sweet 16. Kids need to think they can win a championship when the are recruited. I don't know if they feel that when they come to Pitt.

bethelparkn8: To be honest, I think Pirate fans think too much of Mike Gonzalez. Yes, he's a nice young lefthanded pitcher but I wouldnt give up Adam Laroche for him. Any thoughts on that deal?

pg_jerrymicco: Well, I'd have taken LaRoche for Gonzalez in a minute as would a lot of Pirates fans. Depending on who you believe, the Braves (or the Pirates) pulled the deal at the last minute. Did the Braves think Gonzo wasn't enough? Did the Pirates not think LaRoche was a good long-term investment? Who knows. I think the Pirates would be willing to trade Gonzalez for the right player, but that player may not be available now.

bethelparkn8: A lot of fans have been critical of Willie Parker. I think they just need to use him better. Obviously he is not Jerome Bettis, but thats a rare player that doesnt come around often. Why not have Willie return kicks or go out to the slot occasionally?

pg_jerrymicco: Why get your best running back on a team that is lean on running backs, return kicks? Only Brian Westbrook, who is a terrific athlete, returns kicks and starts at runningback. I can see slotting Parker occasionally, but I've never seen him run a downfield route or see what his hands are like. Can he run routes and catch? LaDanian Tomlinson can, but you could see that in college at TCU. Maybe Parker isn't suited for that. But he's suited to be a No. 1 back in my mind. And he's capable of putting up 1,100 or 1,200 yards a year. But he can't carry 300-plus times. The Steelers need a second back, and it's not going to be Najeh Davenport or Verron Haynes, to complement Parker. Haynes is fine on 3rd down, but that big back is part of the Steelers mix. I'd not change the entire offense to focus on Parker. He seems to be doing just fine in the old offensive scheme.

MPM: Does Ben Roethlisberger?s performance, keeping in mind the accident and the appendectomy, this year hurt Ken Whisenhunt?s chances of succeeding Bill Cowher if Cowher decides to retire?

pg_jerrymicco: I don't think so. Do you think it hurt Mark Whipple's chances at the Boston College job? Again, I don't think so. I think when you look at hiring a head coach you look at a guy who can be the CEO of the team. Who can see big picture, both sides of the ball. They also have to handle us in the media horde as well as league stuff and front office decisions. It's a huge, stressful job. And a big step up from coordinator.

h7skeets: Do you think Whipple will work with Ben on his mechanics this offseason? He's 6-5, but he had at least 5 tipped passes at the line Sunday. And hes also thrown too much off hisd back foot.

pg_jerrymicco: He may throw off his back foot because defenders are pouring in on him. I think Ben can use some work on mechanics and Whipple and others will do just that. Ben Roethlisberger is still a very good QB. He's not, nor will he ever be, Tom Brady, but you don't need him to do that. He's got a lot of talent but like other players, he needs time to develop. Hines Ward said of Ben after Sunday's loss that next season will be Ben's fourth and that's the year when "a light goes on" in a player's head. I think as Ben moves forward Steelers fans will be very happy he's here.

Jumbolaya: Predict Pitt's conference record: Mine is 13-3

pg_jerrymicco: Oh boy, that's hard to say. I might say 12-4 or 13-3. If it's any lower than those two numbers, I'd be surprised. They don't have to play at UConn, which is a nice break. And no road game at Louisville, another nice break. Their tough road games are Georgetown, Syracuse and Marquette. And DePaul may not be an easy game in Chicago. So you are probably very close at 13-3.

bethelparkn8: Do you expect the Steelers to sign Polamalu to an extension this offseason?

pg_jerrymicco: I think they'll sign him because he's the one guy on the defense you can use so many ways. He's not been 100 percent most of this season and that, along with Ike Taylor taking a step back and the outside linebackers doing a David Copperfield and disappearing most of the season, has just killed the defense. I think Polamalu is a mainstay here.

PirateApologist: Is it crazy for me to think that the Pirates can be a lot better this year without having to make a major move or signing?

pg_jerrymicco: Well, they should be if, and it's a big if, all those young pitchers step up. And if Jose Castillo gets his head into the game for an entire season. And if they think Jose Bautista can play right field and hit 25 homers. And if Xavier Nady can get 20-25 homers and play solid first base. And if Chris Duffy doesn't start out slow and go home. And if Ronny Paulino repeats the most stunning hitting performance of any Pirates. And if Freddy Sanchez doesn't slump and can drive in 80-plus runs again. And even with all that, they may not make it to .500. See, a lot of ifs there.

1Hawkeye: Do you honestly see next year's Pitt football program improving on its 6-6 mark of this year?

pg_jerrymicco: Yes I do, only because I think the offensive and defensive lines will be better and the running game will follow along. However, with road games at Louisville, WVU and Rutgers, it will not be easy. Dave Wannstedt said at season's end it may take a couple or three years to get the team where the fans expect it to be, which is atop the Big East. I look for 7-5 next season and that would be a nice step up given the loss of Tyler Palko and the tougher schedule.

h7skeets: I think the Steelers need a a dominant offensive tackle to select in the draft more than an olb. dont you think?

pg_jerrymicco: If you can find a great offensive tackle, you always get him, but I don't know if drafting from, say, 11-16 the Steelers will get that person. And in the 3-4 defense, you need blitzing linebackers that can do damage. Look at Adalius Thomas of the Ravens. He's what Alonzo Jackson was supposed to be here. 6-3 and 270 and he can run. And he's a free agent. How much would you pay to have that guy on your team? I'd bet the ranch the Ravens franchise him. I think Marvell Smith has played pretty well this year. Starks has not. But if you're going high on a draft pick, left tackle is preferred.

bethelparkn8: I heard if the Steelers hire from within, the Rooney Rule does not apply. If it does are their any minority coaches out there you think the Steelers will talk to?

pg_jerrymicco: I couldn't name names because I'm not that familiar with a lot of the coordinators in the league. But even if they are not required to interview a minority candidate, I think they will because it is the Rooney rule after all, and because it's the right thing to do. I'm sure there are many talented minority coordinators out there who'd be a nice fit here. And I also think the Steelers would be well served to look at guys from outside the organization. A fresh set of eyes never hurts.

MPM: What kind of a chance does Penn State have in the Outback Bowl against the Volunteers?

pg_jerrymicco: I'd say given Joe Paterno's bowl record and the fact that they have six weeks of extra practice time, they have a pretty good chance to win that game. I don't know if they will, they are still a pretty good team, not a very good team, but I think they can handle Tennessee at least to the point that the game will be close. If they win it won't be by much.

h7skeets: Did you hear Dan Rooney's comments that they need new and bhetter players?

pg_jerrymicco: I did not, but he's right. They will have some new players and he can only hope they will be better than the players they have now. You always hope to do that in any season. This year, the Steelers will have a lot of time to scout out free agents and scout the draft. That's what happens when you stay home in January.

PensMustStay: In your opionion what are the odds the Pens stay here?

pg_jerrymicco: I'd say 75-25 that they stay. I think they will because I think the city and county will give them a very comparable deal to the Pirates and maybe even a bit better. And to the folks who say the Pens should get an almost-free deal because they are not the primary tennant like the Pirates are at PNC Park are wrong. The Pens with 41-plus home dates are the one entity who will use the building more than anyone else. You can't look at each individual event and charge them like it's 200-plus dates. If the Pens can get what the Pirates got at PNC, that'd be fair and it should keep them here.

h7skeets: Jerry, where can you find a freddy jersey? is it because the pirates are bad? or is he still an unknown?

pg_jerrymicco: I usually don't hunt for jerseys of guys we cover, but you could try the specialty stores around the area that have Pirates stuff. I know you can get a Crosby jersey just about anywhere. And they'll have a few at FanFest, I can guarantee that.

1Hawkeye: Prediction: The Pirates will still finish ahead of the Cubs. :-)

pg_jerrymicco: Wouldn't that be something, considering the Cubs held up Fort Knox for their payroll this season.

h7skeets: Stan Savrab said that Dave Littlefield told him on Dec. 15 that he would be making a trade in two weeks time. He has two more days.

pg_jerrymicco: That's why you never give anyone a timetable with an end to it. He may have wanted to make a trade, but maybe there were no takers. Or maybe someone called him and he wouldn't make a move. I don't think timetable is important, what's important is who you get. I don't care if it's during spring training.

Jumbolaya: Penguins home opener next season: Where will it take place?

pg_jerrymicco: At home...at Mellon Arena.

bethelparkn8: Any luck for the Steelers that Steve Mcnair will retire after the season?

pg_jerrymicco: Doubtful. He certainly is a Steeler killer and an unhearalded guy. What a terrific athlete and competitor he is. Did you see him stand in the pocket on Sunday and take his shots, then deliver beautiful passes. Some touch, some rockets, but he makes all the passes. If he hadn't been injured so much, he'd have been even better. But if I had a Hall of Fame vote, I'd put him on my ballot.

h7skeets: What's your prediction on wvu vs. georgia tech>?

pg_jerrymicco: I don't do scores or predictions well, but I think it's a game WVU should, and will, win.

kv: out of all the free agent big backs in the nfl, which one should the steelers go after, if they decide to do so, who would be the best compliment to parker...

pg_jerrymicco: I have no clue who the big free agent back are out here, so I can't answer the question. But it should be someone who doesn't have a lot of miles on him. You'd have thought Davenport would fit that bill, but he still seems at times to stutter step into holes and that's not what you want a big back to do.

h7skeets: Im actually intersested in the pirates upcoming season if only because i want to see what freddy does and how the youn pitchers perform given theyve had 2 years now with tracy and his staff. you?

pg_jerrymicco: For all the same reasons I'm curious to see how this team steps up. Are they going to be like the A's and Twins or like the Brewers, who made it to .500 then fell back. If their pitching holds up and the bullpen remains strong, they can approach .500. Not saying they can make up 15 games, but they can approach it in 2007 then try to keep rolling into 2008. I'd just like to see them still competitive at the All-Star break. I mean 30-60 last year was just terrible. If they are close to that again, then it's another lost year at the midway point.

bethelparkn8: Jerry, give us a Super Bowl matchup and your pick.

pg_jerrymicco: Goodness, I don't know if i know enough about all the teams to do that. The popular choich is San Diego and New Orleans, which would be a very good football game. And excellent game on paper. But I kind of like the Ravens in the AFC because of that defense and the Eagles as a sleeper in the NFC because of their defense and the fact that Jeff Garcia is a good QB in that system. As a fan, I'd root for the Chargers-Saints just because it'd be a really fun game to watch.

h7skeets: If Cowher does retire, is it because he couldn't get a deal done during training camp/

pg_jerrymicco: That could be it. Or it could be he just wants to take a year or so off from the game. I remember him talking on NFL Films about the moment after the Super Bowl when his daughter, and I forget which one, hugged him and said something like daddy, we won. As he recounts that story, you can see his chin, that mighty chin, quivver with emotion. He loves his kids. He probably wouldn't mind spending a year just hanging out and watching them play basketball and maybe doing a nice TV gig. Then when he returns, it's as coach and GM for a lot more than the Steelers would -- or should -- pay him.

ZK: I like the idea of the stelers drafting michael bush. he could fdall to us due to his injury. What do you think?

pg_jerrymicco: He could, no question and he's a powerful back. They'd really have to look at his knee, though, to see if he's capable of playing up to his old self. But again, free agency or draft could yield you that complement to Parker. But this person has to agree to be the No. 2, which perhaps a rookie would fit in better than an established veteran.

bethelparkn8: Fred Taylor might be available

pg_jerrymicco: I'd think if a guy like Fred Taylor is available he'd get a hard look from the Steelers. Then again, others will be looking at him, too.

kv: did you post cowhers recent press conference transcript this week, i can't seem to find on your site..

pg_jerrymicco: We've got some folks out on vacation, but I'll look into that for you kv. Thanks for letting me know.

h7skeets: Are you glad the pirates didnt sign Suppan? I dont think he would have made a huge difference for them, but what would it have hurt?a 15th consecutive losing season?

pg_jerrymicco: It would have cost them probably $20-22 million for two years and at best he's a No. 3 starter on the team behind Duke and Snell. Now would he have been a nice pick up, sure. But you have to look at a team that doesn't have much money and wants to keep some of its younger players committing $10-11 million a year for four or five years to a guy who is a No. 3 pitcher. I don't know, but unless I knew I could get 13-15 wins a year from the guy, and I was going to make some big money down the road to take care of my younger guys, I'd do it. But the Pirates can't be a player in that game.

pg_jerrymicco: Great hour, folks. I need to run but I appreciate you spending the time today with me. Have a terrific new year and watch as many bowl games as humanly possible. It's one of the great times of the year! See you next Wednesday at noon.