James_taipei: Will the Big Ten have any non-conference wins against top 25 teams this year?

Jerry Micco: Do they play any Top 25 teams non-conference this year? Not many programs schedule non-conference Top 25 teams because their conference schedules are already tough. But the Big Ten is certainly down this year, no question. But it's a long season. Let's see how the conference fares as it gets near the end of the season. I think a lot of folks are judging the entire conference on Michigan's performance this season alone. It's a mistake to do that.

goQuips: I really like the high school preview show Mike White and Colin Dunlap do and I have two questions. has that show been received well and are you planning any other shows like it, like a steelers or pens one?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure how the show is being received, but we do have some rudimentary measuring tools to get us that information. We are batting around a couple of ideas, but nothing firm yet. I think Mike and Colin do a very good job and the show gets better each week. I'm glad you enjoy it.

James: Last week you blasted my suggestion about Xavier Nady playing third base next year. Well, I don't see where else he will play next year unless the Pirates make a trade. Bay should be in left and Pearce should get a shot in right. Nady will have to play third or centerfield!

Jerry Micco: I blasted it? Are you sure? I think Nady should be in the lineup whether it's in right or at third or even center field. I've always thought he was a big part of the team success, his ability to stay injury-free might be the biggest thing, but he's capable of 25 and 90 any year. Why Pearce? He's played pretty well, but not so much so that you have to have his bat every day. What about Doumit? Fans clamored for him in right for his bat, but he can't stay healthy. I'd certainly not bench Nady for Pearce. That's just not bright.

ronin_buc: Good to hear Coonelly will target Sanchez and Capps for new contracts to buy out some arbitration years. Do you think that after the new GM is hired, LaRoche and Nady will also be approached this winter, or should management wait to see if Adam gets off to a good start in 2008, and X can stay healthy?

Jerry Micco: I think they'll wait a bit on both of those guys, but I'm not sure why they are in a rush to get Capps signed. He's been a closer for half a season and there have been times when he's been hit. I wouldn't mind seeing him do it for a full season and then look to sign him long range. Sanchez is a no-brainer. I think LaRoche and Nady could be too, but I'd like one more year out of both.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: When do we officially find out what type of a team the Steelers are?

Jerry Micco: This may be a thing where we find out over a series of games that will be tough, but not killers. At Arizona and at Denver will be tough, but not games where you live in fear of the opponent. Even a game in Cincinnati on Oct. 28 could be tough because while their defense is atrocious, that offense can score on just about anyone. If the Steelers play defense like they have so far, though, we may not see a tough game until Dec. 9 at New England.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: Jerry, where was Ed yesterday?

Jerry Micco: Covering the Steelers. Did you miss his chat? His transcript is posted at Post-Gazette.com.

ronin_buc: Kudos to Wanny pulling out the Wildcat offense to emphasize Shady even more on Offense vs. Mich. St. Do you think this game could be a turning point for Pitt? They had chances to win with bad QB play and the Defense looks like they could carry the team this year, if the O still struggles, your take?

Jerry Micco: I loved their defensive performance in that game and McCoy is, well, the real McCoy. He's a freshman, so there might be times when he skids a bit, but make no mistake, he's a terrific player. The defense looks good with a lot of speed. But the backers and corners are young in some spots (not McKillop who looked very good), so again, there may be some rough spots. But QB is a problem unless Kevan Smith learns on the job, which is always tough. Let's see if they work Bostick into the UConn game, one they should control early and throughout.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: Jerry, Any explanation why the NHL would "reserve" tickets to the Winter classic for the Blue Jay and Leafs season tickets holders? I know it's not your fault but just wondering if you have any reasoning?

Jerry Micco: None at all. It's why the NHL is buried on the sports landscape in the US. I'm not saying the Pens are buried here, but the league as a whole doesn't do a lot of things well.

ronin_buc: Gorzy is 30 innings over last year's total, is it really a good idea to keep running him out there to get 15 wins? Do you think upper management steps in if another 5 inning 107 pitch outing in his next start?

Jerry Micco: You've got to get him more innings every year to build some stamina. That said, he's become tough to watch. He has a really hard time putting guys away. How many guys got a hit with 2 strikes last night? Or kept fouling off a number of pitches on their way to a walk? I went to a game earlier this year at PNC vs. Arizona. He had a 7-1 lead and couldn't hold it. His pitch count was way up and his control was terrible. He seems to pitch worse with a lead. But he's young and young pitchers sometimes do that. Let's see how this year translates in 2008. I think he's going to be a consistent 16-, 17-game winner, but young pitchers just take time to develop.

jimmy_g: After the Michigan State loss, with very good defense and lousy offense, should we be optimistic or pessimistic about the Panthers?

Jerry Micco: I still think they can be anywhere from 5-7 to 7-5. Key games at Virginia and home games against Cincinnati and South Florida are ones to watch. The defense can keep them in games and McCoy can keep the other team off the field. But at some point, the offensive line's pass protection must improve and the QB play has to become consistent. Those are keys.

skeez: What is it about some "steeler fans" that talk about them one interception Ben threw and not his 5 td throws?I guess there's always going to be some fans who aren't satisfied enough.

Jerry Micco: It's Pittsburgh and it's the Steelers. Criticizing the QB is a sport in our city. Roethlisberger's playing well. The competition hasn't been much, but no matter. You play who's on the schedule and he's doing a nice job with the offense.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: Your thoughts on the Steelers substituting so much on Defense? I think it's great and will help them this year and in the future.

Jerry Micco: Any time you can run fresh guys in and the level of play doesn't drop is a bonus in the NFL, where attrition is sometimes your worst enemy. It seems to me that particularly in the early season warm weather, that's important. It's supposed to be 80-plus on Sunday. They'll need all their guys playing to keep fresh.

jimmy_g: I feel reasonably comfortable with all of the Pirate position players (assuming we will not acquire a $10 million free agent) except center field and catcher. That leaves those two positions and the pitching to concentrate on. What are your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I think some guys need a tough evaluation: Bautista, Paulino, Doumit, McLouth and Morgan. I'm not saying tough as in say bad things about them, but really look at where they fit. Paulino, I still think, could be a good catcher. It's only his second season here. But his work habits have to be be better. Bautista teases with power, but is he a 20/80 guy who you can play at third? He seems to be wearing down. Doumit has promise, but is always injured. McLouth seems to play better when he plays, but how would he do over the course of the whole season? And Morgan, while he's spectacular in the field, is hitting little and will be 28 by next season's end.

Chunkles: Its great to see the "Ice Bowl" sell out. I look forward to seeing Sid and the boys instead of some crappy parade or college football game. I hope this is a sign that hockey is back and will get more exposure. Do you think this will be a yearly game since it sold out?

Jerry Micco: It depends on the venue and the teams. Edmonton and Buffalo work and having Sid and the boys doesn't hurt, either. But would this game work in, say, New York? Maybe. I think they should hold it every couple of years or even longer because part of the charm is it's different and rare. If you do it yearly, then the rare part wears off.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: Do you suspend Fields now or wait til he's found guilty? My thoughts are at the very least he was involved in a confrontation so I think he should be suspended in some capacity.

Jerry Micco: Those are always tough. Duquesne suspended Baldonado from the team and he's only been charged. Sometimes, athletes find escape on the court and you can keep an eye on developments after an incident like Fields'. Of course he's not been convicted of anything, but that could take months. You have to be consistent and the University has to look at what it would do to any student who is arrested in this type of incident. If it's a bio major in his third year, is he suspended or can he still go to school? If it's a band member or field hockey player, what's the policy?

ronin_buc: Ed B. makes a great point on Troy's "slow" start with the Steelers with only 2 tackles, the guys up front are stopping players before they even get to Troy to make a play? Does it seem LeBeau is more aggressive this year running the Defense?

Jerry Micco: Much more aggressive and that's good news that Polamalu isn't getting a lot of stops. It means the LBs are making them. I think the front seven has played quite well so far. The secondary can then do its thing and not have to worry about backs running free. Frank Gore, the 49ers back, will be the best back they've faced so far. Let's see how they hold him in check. I think LeBeau's aggressive approach and the speed of the defense is causing teams to get out of sync against the Steelers.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: Jerry, do you attend the Steeler Games? If so, do you get free food and beverage?

Jerry Micco: There is a media brunch offered so yes, since I'm there from 11-8 I partake. And I attend all home games.

ronin_buc: If Duke bounces back and claims the 5th starter spot behind Gorzo, Snell, Maholm, and Morris, do you see the Pirates keeping JVB and Bullington in the bigs in the bullpen? They don't have much trade value at this point, might as well get some value from them in an area of need, your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: Depends on if they can be relief pitchers. Remember, the long reliever should be the guy who you can go without the most. Unless they think one or both of those guys would be an effective set-up guy or a long reliever, why would they keep them around? Just to say you got something from them? No, they'd have to prove they could do what the team needs.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: Yeah, I did miss it but there wasn't an active link that I saw to click on. My bad.

Jerry Micco: If there's a link problem, let our Web site folks know. As we adjust to our new Web look, there are some bugs we're continuing to work out.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: What about the Seattle game, Jerry?

Jerry Micco: I'm not as concerned about that game. For some reason, I don't think Seattle is as good as its been over the past few years. I think they can win that game. Not in a rout, but it has 24-13 written all over it.

jimmy_g: Bruce Arians offense seems to be quite diverse and a significant change from the past. I like it. How about you?

Jerry Micco: So far, so good. Hey, you score 60 points in two games, what's not to like. They move the ball around to people and they use multiple sets to confuse folks. Whisenhunt did some of that, too. Remember, it's not a new playbook it's a condensed one. And Ben Roethlisberger isn't coming off a near-fatal accident, an appendectomy and a concussion. That will make any offensive coordinator look like a genius. That said, so far, Arians has a very good plan in place.

jimmy_g: What did Mario call the NHL several years ago, a garage league?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure, Jimmy. My only guess would be because of all the clutching and grabbing going on at the time. Maybe he felt it was bush league play. I wasn't here when he made that statement.

skeez: Do you think the AFC North is there for the taking?

Jerry Micco: I think it is now. But don't count out Baltimore just yet and Cincinnati still can score. The Steelers, though, are probably feeling pretty good about where they are now.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: This Steelers schedule seems to be building up from a competition standpoint which is great for the maturation of the offense. Thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I agree. And it helps that off of an 8-8 season, you don't get those tough schedules reserved for Super Bowl champions and division winners. It allows the offense to grow and the defense to be aggressive without too much fear.

mtw: What type of pick will the steelers end up losing for Rossum? I don't think he's provided much added value over Holmes or Wilson. Did Reid's injury from last season cause him to lose a step?

Jerry Micco: I'd imagine it'll be a low-round pick for Rossum. One thing about Rossum is that he holds onto the ball and he's had a couple nice kick returns. Holding onto the ball is a key, though. I think what last year cost Reid was game experience. He's a year behind in developing so he's getting that more in practice. He may be active more the second half of the season.

Steely_McBobblehead: Do you think Levance Fields will get any significant suspension?

Jerry Micco: I really don't know.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: WHO CARES ABOUT THE PIRATES! Jerry you should name this chat "Sports (EXCEPT THE PIRATES) with Jerry Micco

Jerry Micco: Well, we have many loyal chat customers who love to talk Bucs. I'm not chasing them out of the bar.

mtw: Jerry i was getting some unusual java error that prevented me from entering the chat, that might explain the low attendance.

Jerry Micco: I'll alert the Web folks about that, thanks, mtw. As for low attendance here, my high numbers are around 15 or so. I'm pretty steady between 7-12. But you guys ask high quality questions.

James: I would make sure I got Pearce's bat in the lineup. How can an organization like the Pirates not try to get Pearce in the lineup?

Jerry Micco: Again, it depends on who you want to play where. He's not beating LaRoche out at first. He's a fledgling outfielder who can probably only play in right field. So he's limited by what he can do in the field. And if you think you want him there, you have to be prepared to give up on McLouth, Morgan or Bautista. Because Nady's going to play either right, center or third.

mtw: How are the Bucs going to win with a 40-45 million payroll as mentioned by the new president? They have a number of potential FAs after 2009 and 40-45 might allow them to keep one or two.

Jerry Micco: I think that payroll may approach $50 million when it's all said and done. And they can win on that amount, but probably can't contend on that amount. Again, it depends on the pitching, the young pitching, and how much it comes through. Eventually, you're going to have to see who you want to lock up long term among the starters and that's going to cost you some. But I think the days of veteran pitchers with high price tags is over with Morris. You're going to need to sign these young guys or cut them loose.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: Jerry, you're not as popular as Ed! He gets over 40 people. I like your chats though because you switch it up.

Jerry Micco: Hey, Ed's the man when it comes to this stuff. He's got the best beat at the paper and most popular in town. And he's a true insider, having covered the team for 20-plus years. My chat is broad based and touches on a lot of things. That was my preference over 2 years ago when I started and remains that way today.

jimmy_g: It came up again yesterday about Pat Bostic's personal problems. Just what are they?

Jerry Micco: We really don't know, jimmy. And if we did, we'd be very cautious about printing what they are. You have to remember he's 18 or 19 years old. And while he's a prominent figure, he's not even 20 yet.

mtw: Parker has looked good so far, but its hard to believe he wouldnt be better with Krieder leading the way. If Davis isnt going to catch the ball or get any carries, why not stick with Krieder?

Jerry Micco: Because I think Davis will get carries down the road and he's not a bad blocker himself. But Kreider will continue to play and his lack of playing time certainly hasn't held Parker back has it?

Steely_McBobblehead: What's your vote for what to do with the Bonds home run ball?

Jerry Micco: Hall of Fame so everyone can see it.

jimmy_g: The Steelers have looked very good, but the Patriots have looked downright awsome.

Jerry Micco: And everyone thinks they have the best team in the NFL. I'm not arguing with them, either. San Diego is a good defense and the Pats shredded them. Cheat or not, the players are very good on that team.

ronin_buc: First Impressions of Coonelly after his media blitz last week? Do you think a Duquette or Greenberg would have attracted the same rising star GM candidates that Coonelly has reportedly interviewed? Any chance both LaCava and Jack Z could be enticed to come here?

Jerry Micco: I think Coonelly is a good hire because those candidates know him and I'm sure MLB is pushing those guys to at least talk to the Pirates and help Coonelly out. He's an MLB guy and has connections. I think any of the candidates they are talking with will be very interested in coming here. And being a New Castle guy myself, it'd be nice to see a fellow NC guy here. But LaCava and the other guys have impressive resumes too.

jimmy_g: Follow-up on Arians offense: three of Ben's five TD passes have gone to tight ends.

Jerry Micco: Big guys near the end zone are hard to cover. And Miller is a really good player. Use everyone seems to be the mantra for the pass offense. So far, that's working just fine.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: I was watching Stan last night with Tunch and Tunch was showing 4 different plays (2 run/2 pass) that they run out of the same formation with different personnel. It was very interesting and almost appeared as though it's easy for the steelers offensive players but keeps defenses guessing.

Jerry Micco: The trick is always to look the same then run different plays. From high school on, that's the goal of any offense. And with the talented defenses in the NFL, you must work hard every off season to stay ahead.

goQuips: Is anyone even three touchdowns within Southern Cal this year or should they just get mailed the BCS trophy right now?

Jerry Micco: Hold on there. I think Florida and LSU are very good. And watch out for Oklahoma, too. WVU would be there, too, but I don't think their defense gets them close to USC.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: I know I'm getting ahead of myself but how does nay team stop all those WR's in New England?

Jerry Micco: Pressure on Brady and at at least one good lock-down corner to try to negate Moss some. But Stallworth and Welker don't concern me as much. Nice players, very good players, but not game breakers. Welker scares me more as a return guy, actually. But the guys who has always scared me the most: Tom Brady.

skeez: Do Cook,Collier and Smizik rotate in covering Pitt and PSU football every year?

Jerry Micco: The four of us generally meet every May to discuss a football travel schedule. We try to select games we want to use a columnist at and then try to give those guys games so they can see all three teams at some point.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: 3 players on offense, 3 players on defense the Steelers can ill-afford to lose?

Jerry Micco: Offense: Marvel Smith; Willie Parker; Ben Roethlisberger Defense: Aaron Smith; James Farrior; Troy Polamalu

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: Thoughts on the Throwbacks?

Jerry Micco: My son's football team (Pine-Richland) played at Greensburg-Salem last year and the throwbacks reminded me of Greensburg-Salem. Except the Golden Lions are brown and yellow. You know, I really didn't mind them at all. Kind of liked the new look.

James: Well, I think the Pirates should go with a McLouth/ Bautista platoon next year! Nady could change positions or the Pirates could move Bautista back to center!

Jerry Micco: That's not a bad thought, James. But do you get enough from that platoon or do they both take a step back because they aren't playing daily? If one doesn't think so, then that's not a bad idea at all.

James: There has been a lot of talk about running Parker too much, do you think the Steelers could win with Davenport if something happens to Parker?

Jerry Micco: It'd be tough to win without Willie Parker. But I like it when they are ahead and you see a guy like Davenport pound out yards. Get him 10 carries or so a game and you can save Parker for later in the season.

mtw: The Big East has 4 ranked teams (WVU, Rutgers, Louisville, USF) with Cincy just outside the top 25. That said, when is Pitt going to join the party? They have a great stadium and great facilities. R-Rod had WVU in the Gator Bowl his second season. This is Wanny's 3rd season and he might not break .500.

Jerry Micco: Next year, mtw, Pitt will be ranked and I think stay there all season. Maybe not top 10, but probably top 20. This year is a transition. But with Bostick likely ready to play later this season and McCoy being what he is, they are loaded next year. They should be ready to challenge for a conference title.

Best_Editor_In_The_Land: Jerry, Great chat and you are very prompt with your answers! See ya next time!

Jerry Micco: Thanks, BEITL. I try!

James: Why did you choose Roethlisberger as the player the Steelers can ill-afford to lose? Isn't Faneca more important as long as the Steelers have Batch as their backup? I think Big Ben will possible be a Hall of Famer but I think the Steelers could go 10-6 without him.

Jerry Micco: Faneca is a terrific player, but Kemoeatu could fill in for him. Everytime Marvel Smith is out, they get killed at left tackle, unless them over Faneca there. And while I love Charlie Batch as a backup, Roethlisberger is a franchise type QB. Not Brady or even Carson Palmer, but he's very good. And you have a chance to go 12-4 with him, but not without him.

Jerry Micco: Folks, I need to run. Again, thanks for coming to chat. It's always my best hour of the week. See you next Wednesday at noon for more sports talk.