Jerry Micco: Hi everyone. We'll go ahead and get started with today's chat. I've already got some questions to work on, so I'll be pecking away at this end. Thanks for joining the chat!

Chunkles: I dont have a problem with the Steelers draft. I would have liked to see them get a Bettis type project in the later rounds but, you have to trust Colbert and his past success in the draft, and assume there was nothing available. Maybe one of their free agents will stick. The punter is fantastic. He is built like and hits like a DB. The Post Gazette has a link to a site that shows one of his hits in college. Ronnie Lott would be proud! Do you have a read on how the Steelers season will go this year?

Jerry Micco: My problem with the draft is that they didn't get a good RB and they had that chance in the third round. Maybe Matt Spaeth was too good to pass there, but maybe he falls to the fourth round and you get him there. They did get a RB in free agency, a guy from Minnesota who has an upside, but there's a reason why guys aren't drafted. And I don't disagree that Colbert has done well drafting here. Like every class, we have to wait and see a few seasons before we can truly grade this draft. As for the season, the Steelers have that 9-7 feel to me. But it's too early to be thinking about that.

PirateApologist: Hey Jerry, it is going to be a great day at work today - listen to at least 12 innings of baseball and chat with you. Question - Do you think Crosby will win the Hart trophy? I think the voters will snub him figuring that he is young and is bound to win once or twice in the future anyway.

Jerry Micco: I wish I had your job. As long as you can hide from the boss, you should be fine. I think Brodeur will win the Hart. I think Sid's age has something to do with it and you're right, many voters will feel Crosby's going to have multiple chances to win the award. And he'll get the Art Ross, so he's got one for the trophy case.

PirateApologist: Another hockey question during baseball season - Does Staal have a chance to beat his teammate out for Rookie of the Year based upon his defense (especially penalty killing)?

Jerry Micco: No, because Malkin is a better overall offensive player than Staal. And has shown, so far, that he makes guys around him better. Staal is still a bit slow with his passes, which is why he had so few assists. I'm sure Staal will get his share of votes, but Malkin deserves the award.

PirateApologist: I don't think the Pirates really have anyone to bring up, but why haven't they put Nady on the DL?

Jerry Micco: Because they keep thinking he'll get better and if he's healed, they'd like to get him back into the lineup. He was driving in runs before the injury and if you don't have to force yourself to put him on the bench for 10 games or so, then why do it? It gives Doumit a chance to play right field some, too, so just letting it ride isn't a bad thing.

PirateApologist: Is there anything more absurd than watching a baseball game on television and seeing a guy behind home plate talking on his cell phone and waving to the camera?

Jerry Micco: Remember, I came here from the Bay Area and in the late 90s and early 00s, going to Pac Bell Park, now SBC Park, I think, was THE thing to do. And I swear everyone had a cell phone and talked at the same time. When Barry Bonds was on his tear for 73 homers, every time he was up, I think the fans were calling friends and doing phone play-by-play. It was really weird.

jimmy_g: The Steeler draft was interesting mainly for picking a tight end and not a running back. What are your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I'd have traded one for the other, jimmy. I don't mind the 2 LBs at the top, but I think they could have traded down and picked Timmons. Of course, you have to have a partner who wants to move up to do that. I like Woodley. Spaeth, if it makes Miller a bigger part of the offense and if he can block as advertised, is a solid pick. But I'd have rather seen Michael Bush or Tony Hunt there. The punter was a good pick, but I'm in the minority on that. Otherwise, this draft seemed very top-heavy and from the fourth round on, seemed to be pretty weak.

rv: "IF" the pirates hitters hit the way they're capable of, I think the offense will be OK. Bay, Paulino, and Sanchez are showing signs of breaking out. That just leaves the Laroche.

Jerry Micco: And he needs to do something the first 2 weeks of May, or I think you'll see some real concern by the Pirates. If he's hitting .133 on May 20, then there's something amiss with him. He needs to hit for the Pirates offense to really get going.

jimmy_g: The Pirates are still at .500 into May and their hitting is anemic. If they start hitting, it could be interesting.

Jerry Micco: I don't disagree, jimmy, but the question is, when will they start really hitting? And when they do hit, are they going to get the pitching to go along? Last night was a good example. They hit well, got 5 runs, and the bullpen gets smoked for four in the top of the seventh. That inconsistency still troubles them.

smpjcu: So, you guys run a piece on the P today and he is a superior athlete compared with our #1 and Chunkles doesn't have a problem with this?

Jerry Micco: I'm not ready to say Sepulveda is a superior athlete to Timmons, smp. I think Timmons is a terrific athlete. Sepulveda is a bit of a freak in that he's a punter with a LB's body. While I like the pick of Woodley very much, I think Timmons bears watching. Especially how Dick LeBeau uses him. I don't think it'll be in the traditional Joey Porter mode.

jimmy_g: The Milwaukee Brewers are a little bit of a surpirse so far this season. Even though it is early, it kinda shows that spending money sure helps. Then there are the Cubs.

Jerry Micco: The Brewers were the sexy pick by a lot of folks in baseball's weakest division. But they are still outspent by the Cubs, Cards and Astros. But they are at least around $70 million and that makes them very good in a bad division. The Cubs are trying to win now, so they broke the bank. But you know what? You still need some pitching and they have none.

smpjcu: I do not want to toot my own horn, but if you check the transcript, I did state they should send Doumit down to AAA to hit everyday and call him back up when he gets his swing back. Now the question, which of the aliases on the left is DL?

Jerry Micco: Maybe the Pirates should hire you! You could leave Cota there for a while and it wouldn't hurt. But while you're at it, could you convince the Pirates that Doumit should be a left-handed hitter only? He just doesn't look comfortable up there swinging from the right side.

danilo_giglio: Jerry -- as an online journalist traveling through ((cough, cough)) ITALY, I should be worried about where my next delicious meal will be and how much Chianti & Brunello I can get through customs ... instead, I found myself in an Internet cafe Saturday night wondering what in the hell the Steelers were thinking drafting an undersized, underexpereinced OLB when soooooo many better players were availlable ... then to draft a TE before taking Tony Hunt or a lineman!! As the Italians here say that is straight up follia! ... please explain. also, I see that the Pirates are at .500 and in second place. Is this true or am i seeing things after too much wine and La Dolce Vita? Best to all back in Il Borgo ...

Jerry Micco: Say hello to Dan Gigler, everyone, who is vacationing in Italy but still thinking Steelers and the Burgh. Are you sane, Dan? While he's not joining me this week and enjoying the beautiful Italian countryside, his thoughts on the TE vs. Tony Hunt are right on. He, like me, is a Penn State grad, so this may cloud our vision. But to me, the Steelers needed a RB in this draft. Just as they did last year and waited until round 7 to draft Humes then cut him. But I like Timmons a bit more than our traveling online sports editor. Have a great trip Dan. And hurry back!

smpjcu: Mr. PA, 75% of the people attending the games are there for the promotions or to talk on the cell phone. The baseball game is the least of their worries.

Jerry Micco: Well, at some point they have to get baseball by osmosis, don't they? My kids like going for all the other stuff, but they do watch the game and follow it. I think you can't help but follow the game some, even if on the cell.

jimmy_g: Is there a better color man in baseball than Bob Walk? Actually, Steve Blass and John Werner are pretty good too.

Jerry Micco: Walk is good and better yet, he's pretty funny, which I like. And Steve Blass is very good, too. Wehner is still learning. He's better than last season, but Blass and Walk are veterans and it shows. Give Wehner a bit more time and he'll be fine.

Sidney-Crosby--All-Hart: Jerry, Did you have a 'Top 10' player Draft Board last saturday?

Jerry Micco: I did because if you follow the draft, and I do, I like to tool around with that stuff. I did not have Timmons in my top 10.

Sandlot_Wizard: Have the Steelers been in contact with any FA RB? Should they bring in somebody, such as D. Davis, if the price is right? The thought of Willie going down and having to start Davenport for a stretch of games is troubling.

Jerry Micco: To my knowledge, there are not in contact with any FA RBs. That doesn't mean they aren't, but I have no idea if they are. I'm sure they are talking to some folks, maybe to agents, but apparently they like the kid from Minnesota, Gary Russell. He ran with Laurence Maroney there, but missed last season due to academics, I believe. We'll see what he can do in Latrobe in July.

Sidney-Crosby--All-Hart: Are the rumors that Shero wants a 10-15 year contract for Sid true?

Jerry Micco: I have no idea. I can't imaging Crosby wanting to be tied up that long on a deal. Maybe 5 to 7 years, but not 15.

smpjcu: I still think we are headed towards 9-8 games when the hitting comes around and the pitching, well, you know where I am headed with this. Happens every year en route to a 68-94 season

Jerry Micco: For a team to reach .500 and beyond, they have to be much more consistent than this team seems to be. Win 5, lose 3, win 2, lose 4. It's how they've done things for a while now. I think consistency is what they lack and that's because even their good players go into slumps. And there aren't enough good players around them to lift the team. I'll still stick with my 75-87 predicition for this year.

jimmy_g: Follow-up on the Pirates: They could be on the verge of winning breedting confidence and more winning IF Adam LaRoche starts doing what he was brought here to do.

Jerry Micco: No doubt, LaRoche is a key. He makes that lineup a lot better and more dangerous. Right now, though, he's scaring no one.

Sandlot_Wizard: Should the Pirates go after a LH hitter for RF to boost the lineup sooner rather than later? Why not run this team like you are a player now?

Jerry Micco: If that guy's out there, which he probably isn't, they might do that. That's why they want to see what Doumit can do because they've always loved his bat. But he has to stay healthy and be consistent. He's done neither in his career yet.

smpjcu: All I want to say about Timmons is that he plays on a defense that overloads blitzes, which pad their stats. They are not fundamentally sound football players and have trouble making the adjustments to the NFL. I hope I am wrong, but this pick scares me, especially when there were better options on the board.

Jerry Micco: Well, it depends on need. I liked Darrelle Revis at 15, but he was gone at 14. Maybe Ben Grubbs, the guard from Auburn, but you do have some young O-linemen to look at. Leon Hall might be a good player, but I had questions about him, especially after seeing him toasted in big games. Not that Timmons is a world-beater and probably could have been had 10 picks later, but he may fit what they want to do, so they grabbed him. And you never know how he'll be used. He may be a cover linebacker more than a blitzer.

danilo_giglio: Ciao Jerry!

Jerry Micco: Ciao, Dan.

BobSmizik: Jerry, good day! I would be willing to bet a couple decent RB's will be released throughout the off-season. What are your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: There are always guys available (See Najeh Davenport) but you get what you pay for. I'd say Steeler Nation had better hope Willie Parker stays healthy.

BobSmizik: Did you have Sepulveda in your top 10?

Jerry Micco: No. Did you?

BobSmizik: Do you see the Steelers showing any interest in Dhani Jones or Keyshawn?

Jerry Micco: Not really. They tend not to go after castoffs unless they really need that person. And while Davenport was a cast off, he's still pretty young. And he can play special teams, proven last year by his very solid kickoff returns.

BobSmizik: Jerry, will they play the rest of the game today or just until Pit gets as many at bats

Jerry Micco: They will finish the game.

Sandlot_Wizard: I was at my first Pirate game of the season Monday night and went to over 25 last year. The Pirates to a TERRIBLE job of creating a cool baseball environment and really ruin it w/ all the gimmicks. Potato races, plinko, players painting, firing hotdogs.... Meanwhile, the drama of the game was quite exciting. Why don't the Bucs show clips of clemente running, throwing, and hitting instead of this foolishness?

Jerry Micco: I think the Pirates to "trick up" a lot of stuff, probably too much. Sometimes you want to say "enough," but part of their business is knowing when to bring out the ancillary stuff besides the game. I think for most fans, that stuff is just that, stuff. Getting shot with a hotdog isn't the highlight of your day, but if your kid gets on the Jumbotron, it makes his day. So you have to take both, I guess. And it'd be a thrill to see those old Clemente clips.

donton: I know it's not over yet, but blowing a 5-2 lead with 2 outs hurst doesn't it?

Jerry Micco: It's the team's problems in a nutshell. They just have a hard time doing ALL the things you need to do to win. You need to close out a team that's struggling, especially because if you do, there's a good chance the weather will shorten that game and now you're 13-12 with a chance to sweep with your best pitcher on the mound today. Now, well, now they have to kind of play 2.

jimmy_g: How about an update on the arena construction project?

Jerry Micco: I'll talk to our Metro desk about it, jimmy. They handle that story. As far as I know, the demo work is going on. When cranes aren't falling on cars, that is.

BobSmizik: Jerry, I see a lot of "experts" are picking Ruff for the Jack Adams? I think that's ridiculous.....his team went to the East finals last year and have a ll the talent in the world on both sides. Thoughts?

Jerry Micco: That award should belong to Michel Therrien. I like Lindy Ruff a lot as a coach, but the job Therrien did this year was remarkable. I know he's got Crosby and Malkin, but he got a lot out of marginal players, too.

donton: I know it is early May, but I think this upcoming 4-game set in Milwaukee is important.

Jerry Micco: I agree donton. They need to at least get a split there because if they do, they lose no ground to Milwaukee, a team that has given them problems the past couple years. It's nice to talk about an important series this early, isn't it? It'd be even better if they could come back in the first game today and win behind Snell in the second. That'd be a 7-2 homestand.

Clark_Griswald: Do you think the NFL should suspend Mike Vick for his off field conduct this offseason? Every week it is something different with this guy?

Jerry Micco: I'm only somewhat familiar with what he's been involved in. I know the Miami Airport thing turned out to be nothing. The animal cruelty thing was a family member, not him. I don't know, there are a lot worse guys in the NFL than Michael Vick.

BobSmizik: What's your favorite food at PNC park?

Jerry Micco: I'm always partial to nachos.

Sidney-Crosby--All-Hart: In your opinion (Don't cop out!), Who is the best nightly sports anchor on Pittsburgh television?

Jerry Micco: I don't watch the 11 o'clock news. I watch it at 10 on the CW. And I think Bob Pompeani does a very good job with all his many duties. I may be partial to Bob because he does the Steelers call-in show with me after games and has really been a steady hand there. I'd never done much TV at all before that but he makes it very easy for me. And he puts up with me being an amateur as an on-air talent.

donton: do you think ron cook made any new friends in the steelers locker room with his column yesterday

Jerry Micco: Those guys don't have to be Ron's friends. He covers them as part of a beat. Those guys understand what Ron's job is. They also know he won't write a tough column and hide. That's not his, or any of our columnists', style. They are right back in the locker room the next day or the next opportunity.

1Hawk: Do you think Bill Cowher will return to the NFL in a few years?

Jerry Micco: Yes, probably as a coach and GM. But I think he's going to enjoy retirement for a while and just relax. Not many of us can do that when we're 50 (case in point right here).

PirateApologist: Jerry, why are the Steelers upset about potential traffic problems with the casino? They will sell out no matter what.

Jerry Micco: I think they are unhappy with where it landed because they are on the record as not wanting a casino on the North Shore. And it got in the way of potential development, too. But I agree. Traffic on Steelers days is pretty rough anyhow. I think most folks will know that and plan their casino trip around it. I give people credit for being smart about such things.

mtw247: If Don Kelly wasn't from Pittsburgh, would he be on the 25 man roster?

Jerry Micco: I've got to think that a team as desperate as the Pirates for good players, that they can't afford many luxuries. Especially geographic ones. I think he had a very good spring and made the club on merit. Now he has slowed down up here and maybe he'll head back to AAA at some point, but I don't think the reason he made the team was because he's from the area.

BobSmizik: jimmy_g the buildings beside and behind the church are down. I work at UPMC at chatham and have a birds-eye view of it

Jerry Micco: I thought you worked in my office, Smize?

Sandlot_Wizard: Don't you think that the Pirates bullpen lines up better with Capps at closer and Torres as an everyday setup man? Torres' value goes up b/c he can pitch everyday, I think, and that's not what a closer does. I say make Capps closer not b/c Tores stinks there necessarily but b/c the bullpen is aligned better overall.

Jerry Micco: The thing about Torres is that he may get better as the season goes on because his arm will tire and the sinker will be more effective. I don't know that Capps is ready to close yet. He'll be the future closer, probably, but for now, I'll keep Torres there.

jimmy_g: General comment: Why can't hockey just name all of their awards by what they are instead of naming them after someone. I am clueless as to what most of them are.

Jerry Micco: It's one of the traditions of hockey. It's how they honor the founding fathers of the sport. It's also a reason most sports fans in the US don't follow the sport. It's tough to figure out sometimes and people don't want to have to work at it.

donton: Have you watched any of the NBA playoffs?

Jerry Micco: Sure have. I'm bleary eyed because I'm a Warriors fan from my days in the Bay Area. I'm sick about last night. Phoenix sure looks terrific. San Antonio I admire because every year people say they can't do it and every year, they seem to be there. The East games are snoozers.

jimmy_g: Wow. last week we had JerryMicco in the chat and this week we have BobSmizik. Who will be next?

Jerry Micco: Gene Collier needs to make an appearance to add some humor and irreverance. He lightens and brightens any room.

Sidney-Crosby--All-Hart: Just imagine if it's the Bucs who get swept today -- All the built-up 'good feelings' as of late, go straight down the tubes...

Jerry Micco: It's what happens when your team is inconsistent. You can't get too pumped because you know a slump is right around the corner.

BobSmizik: Pompeani has some awesome suits too! It looks like his cleaners uses a can of starch on each. VERY NICE!

Jerry Micco: Someone outfits the KDKA folks. And I do like some of those suits.

jimmy_g: Jerome Bettis has thanked Bob Pompeani for helping him get to the big time (in broadcasting that is).

Jerry Micco: As I said, Bob's a helpful guy. You don't always find that in our business.

donton: Did you buy anything at Cohwer's autction?

Jerry Micco: A spitoon.

mtw247: The Pirates should have invested some of that extra 15 million in a better bench. until Doumit was recalled, it was Kelly, McLouth, Cota, Castillo, and Eldred. Is it the weakest bench in baseball?

Jerry Micco: Pretty close. Though Eldred at least can run into a pitch and drive it a mile. Not often, but the chance is there. I like McLouth, but other than that, it's a pretty weak bench.

Sandlot_Wizard: When will we see Bryan Bullington taking a regular turn in the rotation?

Jerry Micco: Maybe early June. Depends on how Armas and Maholm do in their next few starts.

BobSmizik: Doumit just dropped the damn ball!

Jerry Micco: As I said, they love his bat. His glove is a whole other issue.

mtw247: Why do the Bucs seem to be so against Saturday day games?

Jerry Micco: Because night games draw better. Many families have day plans, kids' sports, yard work, whatever. So night games are a good way to allow them to do what they need and still attend a game.

1Hawk: What was your reaction to no WVU players being selected in this year's draft?

Jerry Micco: I was surprised about Dan Mozes, I thought someone would take him. But otherwise, no surprises.

donton: Just curious:In what area is it where all the PG writers and columnists sit when they are on the Nightly Sports Call?

Jerry Micco: It's at our Metro desk in the newsroom. We finally got a chair for them to sit on. They used to sit on someone's desktop. I do the Steelers post-game call in show for away games there, too. The camera is remote, so we just talk into a camera and there's a small monitor, too.

jimmy_g: Gene Collier is a funny guy, and didn't he co-write "The Chief" which was excellent?

Jerry Micco: He is and yes, he did co-write The Chief. If you've never seen it, you should. It is one terrific play.

patrick: How can you be so sure Saturday afternoon game won't draw. I know plenty of fans with families etc. that long for Sat day games. Bob Walk wants them too. Isn't that enough?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure they won't draw, but Saturday night games are a proven draw. And it sounds like Bob wants a Saturday night off occasionally. I have no problems with Saturday day games, but to me, Saturday night isn't a bad deal either.

Jerry Micco: I need to run folks. Awesome chat. Really great stuff. I'm headed for vacation next week. Bob Smizik will be filling in for me. So Gene will need to fill in for Bob Smizik the chatter. Have a terrific week and I'll see you next on May 16.