James_Taipei: Can you explain to me how Greg Maddux at 41 can get $10 million for one season?

Jerry Micco: Because, James, baseball is so diluted for talent, especially among pitchers, that people will pay for a guy who will win probably 10 or 12 games for them. Look at the BoSox and Dice-K. They paid $51 million JUST TO TALK TO HIM! Baseball's crazy, but it's rolling in money, too. At least some clubs are.

James_Taipei: Do you believe that the Steelers are improving and could make a serious run or do you suspect that the Steelers will show their true colors and blow another game to Miami or the New York Jets?

Jerry Micco: I think the Steelers, despite my 9-7 or 10-6 prediction, will probably win 11 or 12 games. I think, though, that you always have to be careful on the road, so if the Steelers do what they are capable of doing, they should do well against the two teams you mention.

matt128: Please tell me why we would hire a manager that has been here and seen the losing ways this team has grown accustomed to? Why can't we bring in a completely FRESH face with a passion and background for winning? Would it have been too much to at least PURSUE Don Mattingly? I mean, the guy KNOWS a winning atmosphere. That would have been the ticket. Not this repeat loser with the same repeat losers.

Jerry Micco: As for who the Pirates pursued Matt, we know of five guys they talked with. Now, that doesn't mean they didn't pursue other folks. But if they were with winners, then they likely wouldn't come here (see the Red Sox pitching coach). Having said that, I'm willing to give John Russell a chance, but there's no denying he was here for part of that losing. But he wasn't running the team, someone else was doing that. But unless there's a sudden increase in talent among the guys on the team, it won't matter who's managing them.

shouldBworking: What are your thoughts on the Penguins who choose to honor the City with the 250 patch compared to the Steelers who honor themselves with the 75 patch? Add that to all the other things they do including attempting to stall the casino, and I think it is obvious the Steelers wish Pittsburgh was a one trick pony town.

Jerry Micco: I don't believe that at all. I think the battle between the Steelers fans and Penguins fans, which from my email, etc., is all coming from the hockey people, is hogwash. I think this is a football town because of the steeped tradition this entire area as for that. But there's no reason it can't -- or isn't -- a hockey town, too. I think fans of both teams want to see everyone do well. As for stalling a casino, didn't the Penguins and the group they worked with, appeal the decision, thus delaying the start of a casino? I think this back and forth Steelers vs. Penguins fans thing is overblown and ridiculous.

altoona_dave: Jerry, any word on why Lambert did not attend the weekend fun?

Jerry Micco: No, but we're working on that.

Art_Vandelay: National broadcasters always seem to express amazement in Ben's scrambling ability, as if it is something they thought he was incapable of doing. None of them point out that he played receiver in high school, and has always been a good basketball player. He?s always been athletic. Don?t these guys do their homework?

Jerry Micco: They do some homework, but you have to admit, Ben was a statue at times last season. Granted, he was banged up, but if you saw him last year you'd wonder where the feet had gone. This year, he looks better than ever. I was more disappointed with the opening by Tony Kornheiser, who is a terrific columnist for the Post. He's talking about the steel industry here and the lunchbox mentality, etc. What era is he talking about? That's hardly Pittsburgh in 2007. Besides that, those guys do a pretty good job.

altoona_dave: Who picks the coaches for the Pirates, the GM or the manager? Do you think that Andrews will get any consideration for pitching coach?

Jerry Micco: The manager generally picks his coaches, though I'm sure the GM has some input. It might make sense to get Andrews, since he coached all those young pitchers the Pirates have on staff currently.

altoona_dave: Do you think that 2008 will be the last year in the Paterno run at Penn State?

Jerry Micco: I think he should step down after that and do something for the University that keeps his fires burning. And while the team isn't an elite team like it once was, I don't think that's all a Paterno's feet. I just think that when you're 82, coaching big-time football has to be tough on you. I think the University has to be a bit nervous that one day he's going to blow up nationally. Not Woody Hayes like, but at a reporter or someone. Your patience seems to leave you when you're older. I'd like to see him step down and let someone else take control. But to answer your question, I think he'll want an extension and coach a few more years.

Art_Vandelay: What do you make of Don Shula's comments?

Jerry Micco: I think he likes being the only undefeated coach. I think he's a bit nervous about this club. The asterisk stuff is not even in the equation. No one has ever cheated? Ever? At any time? I don't excuse the Pats, but then again, I'd be hard-pressed to say past teams didn't occasionally cheat a bit to get an edge.

altoona_dave: Just curious, as a reporter which of our teams are easiest to cover and which is the hardest by the way that the team gives information?

Jerry Micco: You'd have to ask the reporters about that. No team is forthcoming with a lot of information. I've had no problems as an editor working with any of the teams. Occasionally they complain about a columnist's take or something, but they understand the drill.

Art_Vandelay: Did Myron Cope receive any type of honor/recognition over the weekend? I know the focus was on the players, but I didn't see anything regarding Myron and it would have been nice to see him recognized in some way, if in fact he wasn't.

Jerry Micco: He was not. The Steelers were honoring an all-time team this week, not the folks who worked for them in other capacities. Myron's received many honors from the Steelers and they are well-deserved. But this weekend was about the players.

Art_Vandelay: What was your first reaction upon hearing of the Russell hiring?

Jerry Micco: I thought, eh, safe, uninspired hire. But I really knew very little about his background. After reading it, I'm curious as to what he can do. But again, you can only do so much with the players he has.

PhillyMarty: Jerry: I have read the chats, the blogs and the columnists and they all seem to question the hiring of Russell. I am not saying I love it. I doubt there are many who really know. But I do know that suggestions like Garner and Pena don't show much either, as any success they had was more short than sweet. And their actually field skills eventually were questioned. The Phils farm system is supposedly as bad as the Bucs, so blaming Russell for 88 losses is hardly fair and he was twice named minor league manager of the year. There is plenty of room for negativity on the Bucs, by why this week?

Jerry Micco: I think a columnist's job is to look at a situation, weigh it, then have an opinion on it. Bob Smizik's article on Russell, I thought, said he's not had a terrific track record, but let's wait and see what happens. And Garner got a team to the World Series. Now, does that make him a great manager or did he have good players? Maybe both. Point is, Garner and Pena have major league track records, good or bad.

PhillyMarty: Jerry: Couldn't McLendon's lack of an endorsement for Russell be taken as a showing of resentment towards the team for firing him rather than a slap at Russell?

Jerry Micco: I really think if this guy worked for you and you enjoyed working with him as well as liking how he did his job, you'd say you were happy for him. Not saying anything, to me, is tantamount to saying there was something there and that he didn't want to discuss it.

PhillyMarty: Jerry: As a fellow PSU alum I have previously shared that I am the rare critic of JoePa. For years he has benefitted from hiding in Centre County far away from the glare of even the Pittsburgh media, let alone the harsher Philly media. But now that the current season has proved to be a disappointment, there are hints of disgust over the handling of the Scirotto and teammates off-campus brawl last spring. In our day, Scirotto is likely off the team or maybe is left on the scout team for the season. It is high time that the heat is turned up on the school administration since pursuing JoePa seems to be fruitless. After all, JoePa is not the chancellor! Or did I miss that memo?

Jerry Micco: You didn't miss it Marty, but you know how things generally work with football at PSU. There have been problems, like in most programs, for years. And I don't recall all those guys getting tossed. He stuck with Rashard Casey a few years back through an entire trial and Casey was exonerated. I think part of the problem is there's no universal code for what happens when a kid gets into trouble. If a regular student is involved in a fight or charged, he's not kicked out of school nor is he asked to resign from a student group. I'm not saying Joe's handled that whole situation well, I'm just saying there may not be all that much anyone can do about it.

_PirateApologist_: *****Jerry, I have added some asterisksto this question in honor of Don Shula***** How would we remember this Patriots team if they went 16-0, but lost in the playoffs or Super Bowl?

Jerry Micco: As a great team who didn't get it done when it had to.

PhillyMarty: Jerry: I agree with Bob Smizik that Sunday's game does give us STEELERS fans hope that NE is as beatable as Indy was in 2005. Do the Steelers have enough talent in their defensive backfield to prevent an early blowout and give the offense an opportunity to compete? Perhaps we will then learn the o-line is not good enough to give Ben a chance. But if healthy, it seems we have enough offensive playmakers to make it interesting. More interesting than the schedule between now and then, at least after this week.

Jerry Micco: The Steelers definitely have a chance against New England, but it will take a perfect game. That's the gap between the teams: As good as Pittsburgh is, they'll have to play perfect to win, particularly on the road. And like you Marty, I share your concerns about the O-line. I think Ben's ability to evade sackers is what keeps the offense alive.

_PirateApologist_: Can you truly imagine any scenario in any sport where they would ever actually place an asterisk on any record or game? The Maris asterisk proved that it is not the right thing to do.

Jerry Micco: Nope. The records are the records and you move on. I've never believed in asterisks. If you question how it got done, then prove it wasn't done properly at the time it happened. And if a baseball or player is in the Hall of Fame, the Hall has the right to write history as it happened, including the accusations, etc. People can read it and judge for themselves. Sports fans have a way of being able to make their own calls on those things. They don't have to be told or shown an asterisk.

_PirateApologist_: The best thing about the last three Pitt games is that I feel that they can compete with their next three opponents. Three weeks ago, I would have said they were going to go 2-10. Do you think 6-6 is realistic?

Jerry Micco: No, because I don't think they can beat WVU. I think Rutgers and South Florida are beatable, but I think Pitt will have to create more offense to beat those two. I think 4-8 or 5-7 is more realistic.

PhillyMarty: Jerry: Is the Pens' slow start a function of the long season and the lack of early season urgency as much as anything else? Once the Mario led teams established their legitimacy as an annual playoff threat, they were very consistent in strong early season play, so they could weather a mid-winter slump and never really had to endure a tough March in pursuit of a playoff spot. Perhaps this team is too young to have yet learned that lesson and the advantage of having fresh minds come April, having not endured the strain of playoff pursuit. While mentally toughened teams have done playoff damage, it is rare that a run like the recent run of the baseball Rockies leads all the way to the Holy Grail.

Jerry Micco: That is so well composed, Marty, I'm just going to put it up for all to read. I think they came out slow for a number of reasons, one being teams are not caught by surprise by them. But I think these young Pens are getting the message that those November and December games are vitally important and you're seeing better play now.

_PirateApologist_: Good thing Dejan is on vacation - I bet his email inbox crashed after the Pirates announced their new manager. My only problem with the hire is that they are eating Tracy's 1 million dollar salary. If you are a team strapped for cash, and you do not think you can win in the next few years, why is it so important to change the manager?

Jerry Micco: Because maybe you think that a different guy and a different philosophy is needed even if your players are not that good. And what is Russell making? Bet it's less than Tracy.

_PirateApologist_: Do NFL teams have advance scouts like baseball, or do they just rely on watching film?

Jerry Micco: I believe they pretty much watch film. Since you can't attend practice, you can't get much more from going to a game and sitting in the box. But I'm not 100 percent sure on that.

PhillyMarty: Jerry: Has JoePa gone soft on misbehavior not so much because he has mellowed with age, but more because he is dealing with the reality that it has become much harder for him to recruit the kids he needs to compete? And throwing these kids out would only make that chore even tougher not to mention there is a lack of depth in talent to fill the void on the current squad?

Jerry Micco: It's the latter, Marty. Kids are somewhat different today, though back in my days at PSU (main campus 76-79) there were guys who got in trouble, too. You've got different values in some of today's players. Look at Dan Connor and the trouble he got in a couple years back. That was awful what he did. But are you going to toss him off the team? Not if you want to win and get the other Dan Connors of the world.

jimmy_g: What are your thoughts on the new Pirate manager?

Jerry Micco: I wish they'd gone with someone totally outside the organization, but like anyone who's new, I'd like to give him a chance first before firing any bullets.

Evans_City_Steve: Jerry, In your opinion, do you see the Pirates making a major off season move?

Jerry Micco: I don't think anything major, but they may have one big trade in them. If they do, it'll be Wilson, Nady or Bay, because there's some salary to trade there. I don't think there will be any takers for Matt Morris and his $10 mil, though.

jimmy_g: The Steelers looked really good (in the air) on Monday and the Patriots kept their unbeaten season going. I very much dislike the Patriots and Bill Belichick but you just have to admire Tom Brady. This guy is amazing.

Jerry Micco: Incredibly good QB and someone who no one really thought would be a good QB in the NFL. But he does his homework and he has gotten better every year. No, you'll never find me saying anything but great things about Brady. I think even with Peyton Manning in the league, Brady's the best QB in the NFL.

altenmi: Hey Jerry - I wanted to get your thoughts on the Hockey Hall of Fame induction class this year. I am heading up to Toronto for some of the activities this weekend. Also do you know of any way to get tickets to the Leafs/Ranger game on Saturday?

Jerry Micco: You know, I don't even remember who's going in, so I apologize for not being up on that. Contact one of the teams to see what they've got for tickets. Or go though a broker.

jimmy_g: It is still way too early to fully evaluate Mike Tomlin but based on the way the team is playing and the way he handles himself, it is easy to see how he impressed the Steeler leadership.

Jerry Micco: He's very even and very businesslike. That's a key to his success. But you see him interact with players and he lets that businesslike veneer down some. He loves doing the job, too. Now ask him if he still loves it a few years from now and after a couple of losing seasons, and he might give you a very different answer.

sly: Don't you think that even though the Patriots and Colts are the class of the AFC and NFL,tht the Steelers have what it takes to beat them?

Jerry Micco: Maybe, but again, I think the Steelers have to play a perfect game to beat either team. Those teams, to me, are on a level above the Steelers. Could the Steelers beat them? Of course. I think playing them at Heinz Field would help, too.

jimmy_g: One thing that was overlooked in the Steelers easy victory is that it took until late in the game to get a first down by rushing. This is a significant negative to what was otherwise an excellent victory.

Jerry Micco: The Ravens are tough to run against. So the Steelers took what was there, no problem in doing that. Get some turnovers, convert through the air, and the run becomes very secondary. Teams for years could never run against the Steelers. Still can't, but the Steelers do get beaten by those teams. How is that? Well, a couple turnovers (see loss to Denver) and some timely passes, and you've got the keys to a victory.

Art_Vandelay: Has Ray Lewis stopped crying yet?

Jerry Micco: Really. Cry me a river, Ray-Ray. Go out and win the game and then you can talk about it.

_PirateApologist_: Do you think Wannstedt will stay in the box for the last three games regardless of his condition?

Jerry Micco: I think if he can get back to the sidelines, he will. He may enjoy the view he gets up there, but I think he'd rather be down on the field with the players.

shady4heisman: what do you think of Pitt's chances next weekend against Rutgers? They have had a lot more success against pro-style offenses (which Rutgers runs), and i have a feeling this offense is improving every week.

Jerry Micco: If the game were here, I'd say better than on the road. And Rutgers is still a pretty good team. Not what they were last season, but pretty good. I think Rutgers probably wins that game, but Pitt will play them tough. The Panthers have gotten better as the season rolls along.

altoona_dave: Back to your answer on Paterno, I agree that he will want an extension but I think that Spanier will finally be bold enough to say no based on alumni frustration at PSU's failure against OSU and Michigan. I also agree that if he blows it will be with a reporter. Listening to his press conferences are like watching a high wire act without a net.

Jerry Micco: And the University fears the latter more than losing to OSU and Michigan. Trust me. PR is everything to a school the size of Penn State. And love him or hate him, you'd not like to see Joe melt down like that. He really has done a lot for the game and for the school. But he should know that as much as he enjoys this, it's probably time to let someone else handle things.

jimmy_g: All indications are that Shady McCoy is the real deal. Now if Pitt could get about 10 more players like him they might return to respectiblilty.

Jerry Micco: If they got 10 more McCoys, they'd win a national championship. He and Bostick are wonderful building blocks, though.

Sal_The_Stockbroker: Baltimore looked old and unprepared Monday night. Do you think this is it for Billick?

Jerry Micco: I think if they have a 6-10 season it may be the end for him there. But they were 13-3 last season, so who knows. Just shows that teams can get old overnight and I think the Ravens have. Especially McNair, who was a tremendous QB in his prime and just really tough to deal with. But all those hits over the years combined with age have taken a toll.

Scuba_Steve: In what capacity was Bill Cowher on the field on Monday night? I was a little surprised to see him out there.

Jerry Micco: I don't know except he may have had an invite from the team to be there. Maybe they invited back old coaches, but maybe Noll couldn't make it for physical reasons. The players seem to like seeing him again, though.

Art_Vandelay: Jerry, do you know of any of Ryan Tollner?s clients (other than Big Ben?) Just wondering what other big-money contracts he may have obtained. Do you think Ben will squeeze every possible dollar out of the Steelers or leave some money on the table to help in keeping the team competitive.

Jerry Micco: I don't know about Tollner, but Ben's going to get a bit payday. He's going to point to guys like Romo and say, "make me a better deal, I'm a better QB." He's going to want his money. Managing the cap isn't his job, is the Omar Khan's. That's not to say Ben won't restructure if they need some help, which I think he'll do, but he's getting his money, first.

sly: Can you explain how Skip Bayliss has a job on ESPN?He says the Steelers are overrated and were "lucky" to beat Baltimore.

Jerry Micco: I don't watch that show, so I don't know. But if he said that, he watched a different game than I did.

jimmy_g: I remember Adrian Peterson putting up big numbers in college (Oklahoma I believe) but what he is doing in the pros is amazing. It's almost like he's running through high school defenses.

Jerry Micco: He's a tremendous back and folks knew he'd be terrific in the pros. His deal has always been staying healthy. If he can do that, he'll be a great back for years. But he has a ways to go yet. This season, he is absolutely lights out.

Sandlot_Wizard: Can Neal Huntington really do much in the way of trades if his evaluation system isn't in place?

Jerry Micco: He may be able to do some trades, but he's likely done a lot of evaluating by this point. I don't look for a blockbuster, but maybe one of the big three salary guys gets traded to bring payroll down a bit.

Sal_The_Stockbroker: There is no doubt that crowd noise is enhanced at the RCA Dome, correct? I remember Ed Bouchette bringing it up 2 years ago and now you have more questions after Sunday's game. Where there is smoke there is fire, as far as I am concerned.

Jerry Micco: CBS took the hit for the problem on Sunday. We didn't have room for that in the paper, but I saw it somewhere, perhaps on our Web site.

Chunkles: I loved the fact that the old school coach, Don Shula would come out and comment about New England and their need for an asterisk next to their season. He said it was "Bonds like" Priceless!

Jerry Micco: Well, he's also scared because that's a record he fiercely guards. And there are no asterisks in sports.

Sal_The_Stockbroker: Is the James Harrison bust ready for Canton? That was some performance on Monday.

Jerry Micco: Certainly one of the finest I've ever seen from a linebacker. We were using the names Jack Lambert and Lawrence Taylor in the office on Tuesday morning. Now don't get me wrong, he's not in that class, but for one night, he was the most dominant linebacker I've ever seen in one game.

altenmi: Any trade rumors on getting a winger to play with Crosby?

Jerry Micco: Not yet, but I'm sure Ray Shero is always on the lookout.

PhillyMarty: The ESPN guys enlightened me that Derek Anderson was originally a Raven draft pick. That is terrific as I like most STEELERS fans have no love for the smug Billick. But we are probably better off if he keeps his job. Should we be concerned that Ravens management may finally be ready to dismiss him?

Jerry Micco: Well, Billick is a fun guy to not like if you're a fan. He's not always great with media, which is ironic because that's how he broke into the league, in media relations with the 49ers. I think if this team just fades to a really bad record, he may get the boot. But again, 13-3 last season is hard to ignore.

Bucco_ned: I'd love to see some of the Pirate names from past, people like Teke, Richie Hebner or others brought in some capacity to bring a bit of great Bucco tradition to the team. Any chance? What is Al Oliver up to?

Jerry Micco: I don't know though, if those guys can coach and make the players better. It's great to have tradition, but if you can't coach, then what good are you?

PhillyMarty: Jerry: Has the PSU defense underachieved or have we been misled as to their talent level?

Jerry Micco: A bit of both. They have two great linebackers and two who are OK. A couple of good DEs, but the interior line is a work in progress. Scirotto, and this may be from off-field stuff, isn't close to what he was last year. I think Lydell Sargeant is a serviceable corner, but not great. Justin King is still very good, but I think he's a better cover-2 type corner at this point in his college career. So I think they are capable of playing very well, but they are young in spots and it has shown some this season.

_PirateApologist_: I'm sure it is against NCAA regulations, but what is to stop a school like Michigan or OSU from approaching Shady and suggesting he sit out a year and then come play for them? Although, I guess as Ben proved, if you are going to go pro, it may not matter where you went to college.

Jerry Micco: Why would McCoy do that even if approached (and I think you aren't allowed to do that directly). He can be a star at Pitt. At OSU or Michigan, he may be behind some other guys who are pretty good in their own right.

No_VA_Burger: For all the deserved grief ESPN gets about getting their nose a bit too brown, they did a fabulous job of showcasing the city and the Steelers on Monday. Did you happend to hear any feedback?

Jerry Micco: Not so much. As I said earlier, I thought Kornheiser's opening would fit in 1970, but not so much now. It was well done, just not in my mind an accurate reflection of our city. And this city always looks good nationally. It really is a great area to live in.

Sal_The_Stockbroker: What time do you stop working after a Steeler Monday night game?

Jerry Micco: We left the stadium around 1:10 a.m. I got home around 1:50 or 1:55.

Jerry Micco: Guys, I have to run, but this was great. I'm honored to have so many people in the room! Thanks to all for participating and for the usual great questions. I'll see you next Wednesday at noon. Let's do another great turnout!