shouldBworking: Jerry, I have figured out the deal with Nutting. He is sick of all the West Virginia jokes lobbied at his state, especially from western PA. So, he took his dad's money, bought a western PA civic institution and decided to make it the joke of all sports. Kudos to him. Your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: Hey, play nice now.

mjp1542: Jerry, just a request. Instead of just having the columnists' heads on the Web site leading you to the general columnist page, can you link daily columns to the front page of sports? I want to know when Bob, Ron and Gene write without having to make two extra clicks. I've missed a few columns the way it is now.

Jerry Micco: I'll talk with our Web folks about it. Thanks for the input.

yzguy431: what's your take on government interfering with sports? specifically the baseball steroid thing.

Jerry Micco: I think the government certainly has the right to do what it wants when the situation merits, but I don't get the steroids interest. They couch it that kids get the wrong message with steroid use, which is a noble thing, but a few hearings before congressional committees probably isn't going to stop that. It's what parents are supposed to do.

mjp1542: Better chance to make the NCAA tournament: Duquesne or Robert Morris?

Jerry Micco: Tough call. I'll say Duquesne only because the NEC will get one member. The A-10 may get 4 or 5 teams. I don't know if in the long run Duquesne is one of those teams, but it has an outside shot. I think a safer bet would be the NIT for Duquesne.

PirateApologist: Hi Jerry, I heard someone on the radio stating that "we (the media) aren't allowed to see Pitt practice." Is this a Jamie Dixon rule or a NCAA rule?

Jerry Micco: That's Jamie's rule, as I understand it, and it's a holdover from Ben Howland's days here. Dave Wannstedt opens practices for some time as do the Steelers. Penn State doesn't open practices at all. I'll have to ask Ray Fittipaldo about player availability. We do get some Pitt players on occasion after practice.

PirateApologist: I am prepared to be ridiculed for this question. A lot of people have a problem with the fact that the Pirates have not made any moves to improve themselves. The Pirates are counting on the fact that last year's crop underachieved. I agree with this and point to the 06 Steelers underachieving as an example. Go easy on me.

Jerry Micco: I don't think there's a reason to fear reprisal for that. There is no question that last year's group underachieved. Bay was way under his 06 numbers. LaRoche came on strong at the end, but 21 homers isn't what you'd expect from him. Sanchez came on and had a solid year. Nady proved he could produce, but injuries kept his production a bit low. The bullpen, once thought of as a team strength, was awful. I think they have to live or die with these guys. A few years ago, they were voted best minor league organization. Well, all those guys are here now, so you have to see if your home-grown guys are as good as advertised.

PirateApologist: It is incredible to me that players like Clemens completely deny the use of steroids. He would be much better off if he admitted to using them, but then lied about the extent of usage (ala Andy Pettite). Then again, maybe they are all clean.

Jerry Micco: All clean or all dirty, does it matter beyond just knowing for ourselves? They were not illegal in baseball and the fact that in the 70s amphetamine use was pretty widespread, that seems to be glossed over. Athletes for years have taken performance enhancing drugs. I think if the sports really wanted it stopped, then they'd better pay millions to stay ahead of the cheaters, which is tough to do.

PirateApologist: Why doesn't Charlie Batch steer Terelle Pryor to Oakland?

Jerry Micco: I don't think his job is to "steer" Pryor anywhere. He's an advisor. I think Pryor will make his decision on his own. A lot of guys leave Pittsburgh to play elsewhere. That's happened for years. It happens everywhere. Pitt has, on paper, had a great recruiting year. I'm always skeptical of these ranking services because it's really like playing the futures market. Looks great, but will they produce? That's true anywhere.

yzguy431: Is Ronny Paulino too fat, too lazy, or just is not that good

Jerry Micco: I think overweight and uninterested explains last season. Again, it's his third year. We'll see how he responds to a new coaching staff.

mjp1542: What are your thoughts on today's piece by Dejan about Nutting? Is he just spewing PR or do you think he'll back up the claim to spend money when the team's foundation is stronger?

Jerry Micco: First of all, I really liked the way Dejan handled that piece. As for Nutting, I don't know. He's really only been in charge for one year. It's hard to say how he'll react if, say, the Pirates are at .500 in July and in contention. I don't doubt he'd like to win here because no matter what, winning brings in more money. But there's pride, too. Better to say you built a winner than a perpetual loser. I'd like to give him a bit more time before I call him on what he said in today's story.

mjp1542: Enjoy the blogs, especially Empty Netters. Will the college hoops blog kick back into gear this winter? I always enjoyed Paul's commentary.

Jerry Micco: We will get Paul going shortly. Glad you like empty netters. Our Seth Rorabaugh does that. He's a big hockey fan, knowledgeable and keen on the subject. And the blog is a lot of fun. Thanks for the compliment!

yzguy431: will marc andre get the start when he is healthy, or does mike keep playing the hot hand

Jerry Micco: I think Therrien will play the hot hand, but make no mistake -- if the Pens are to contend down the road for a Cup, Fleury has to be the guy. His upside is huge and he's still young. Conklin has proven he can be a terrific backup. But when Fleury is healthy, he'll be worked back in slowly.

yzguy431: how are you doing with your diet so far?

Jerry Micco: So far, so good. Lost 7 pounds in week 1. But a long way to go. Thanks for asking.

mjp1542: Any new work on whether the Steelers will stick with natural grass or go to FieldTurf?

Jerry Micco: My gut reaction is to say grass because that's the Rooney way, but now I'm not so sure. Because the field has so much traffic once late November hits, that field will be ripped up again. I can't believe players like playing on it in December. I know they don't like the turf, but if you look at the Steelers greatest seasons, there were on the concrete that was the surface at Three Rivers. I'll say they'll stick with grass, though, because that's the safe bet.

10001: A 6:30 kickoff in Green Bay on January 20. Will it be above 0 at kickoff?

Jerry Micco: Probably a degree or two. Man, that's really cold.

yzguy431: do you believe that once guys get paid their production falls off, take shawn alexander

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure about that. Look at Alexander's carries in college and the NFL. He's always carried the ball a lot. He may just be worn out. He'd not be the first running back to have that happen. That's why a guy like Willie Parker my have a longer shelf life in the NFL, even with a lot of work. He hardly carried the ball in college. All that wear and tear isn't there. Running backs just wear down because of the tremendous battering they go through. That's why you need a lot of them.

PhillyMarty: Jerry: I see a troubling trend developing regarding Tomlin. He is showing the classic Jim Tracy trait of never admitting being wrong about something. He still would go for two-points after the penalty set the team back to the 12 and he says he did not have the right key players to make his special teams work. Does he not realize how statistically tough the 2-pointer is from the 2 and how important being up more than 2 points is? You only chase that 2 pointer very late in the game. And didn't he have much to do with picking who his special teams players are?

Jerry Micco: I thought going for 2, from the 2, was a good call, Marty. Not from the 12, however. I think Tomlin said at the top of his season-ending presser that he didn't do enough in his first year to make the team better. I think he takes that stuff very seriously. And you can lay all those things you mentioned at his feet, that's where they ultimately belong. But chalk some it up to a rookie coach. Maybe he let the assistants have too long a leash in year one. Don't you think he'll tighten it in year two? I do. More confidence in his ability, I'm sure.

mjp1542: I went to a Pens game a few weeks ago at Mellon Arena. It's hard to believe the facility will hold up for two more full seasons. Do the Penguins have a plan in case of an emergency?

Jerry Micco: I think the old arena will be fine for a few more seasons. I don't think the Pens are planning to relocate for a year because of it.

mjp1542: Don't need to post this, but wanted to say Dejan does a terrific job covering the Pirates, today's piece being one of his best.

Jerry Micco: I will post it because I think it's true. He does a great job trying to bring a variety of stories to his readers. He and his editor, Donna Eyring, work together to develop those stories. And thanks for the kind words!

DC_Burgher: Have you heard anything through the grapevine regarding Cowher and the Redskins?

Jerry Micco: Nothing through the grapevine or any other vine. I still think Cowher wants to take some time away from coaching. Maybe that's just me, but I think he likes the TV gig and hanging out at home.

mjp1542: How long before Duquesne has to show Ron Everhart the big bucks or watch him leave for a bigger job?

Jerry Micco: I think Duquesne will always be a jumping off post for guys who want a bigger job. I don't know if someone big comes calling from a major conference that they'd have the cash to pay Everhart. I think you give him this season and maybe you try to extend him a couple more years. But as we all have seen, those contracts mean little once a big-time team gets involved.

Marty_Funkhauser: Do you see any of the remaining 3 teams beating the Patriots?

Jerry Micco: Not really. Won't be the Chargers as banged up as they are. The Packers maybe because they are very balanced and have a Brett Favre, but I think the Patriots, when they bring their "A" Game, can handle anyone with relative ease.

yzguy431: Do you think the Giants have anything for Green Bay?

Jerry Micco: I think the Giants will play them tough, but lose in the end. I like the Giants and how they've played down the stretch. But that was an emotionally draining win vs. Dallas. I don't know how much is left for Green Bay. But they are a nicely balanced team, too. Just not as good as Green Bay, in my opinion.

mjp1542: Jerry, how do you determine which of your writers goes on shows like the Sports Showdown and onto talk radio shows? Are they paid? Do they do it on their own?

Jerry Micco: The Nightly Sports Call is done as part of a partnership with KDKA. Ron and Bob each do two nights and we rotate Dejan and Paul Zeise throughout the year. That was the way it was done before I arrived here, and KDKA is happy with that. As far as the Showdown, that's limited to columnists. The PG pays the guys to go on at 10:30 live every night. The Showdown is paid for by KDKA. Guys who do radio have separate agreements, which we review, and are paid by those entities, not the PG.

Marty_Funkhauser: Bob Smizik said told Colbert should start taking some heat. What do you think? It wasn't that long ago that the Steelers won 15 games in a season, the Super Bowl in the next and a division title this year. I'd say he's doing fine if his biggest problem is finding special teams guys on the 2nd day of the draft.

Jerry Micco: I don't think Bob is saying Colbert should be taking some heat. I think he's pointing out that Colbert, like everyone else, should be reviewed. Nothing wrong with that, and I'm sure that goes on over at the Steelers. Bob is pointing out that now is Colbert's time. It's about evaluating players and signing/drafting guys. That's what Colbert's job is and it's his time to shine. Or be in front of the glare of the media and fans.

PhillyMarty: I thought other than the co-ordinators that some of Tomlin's assistant hires were weak on experience. Surprised he is not making any changes now that he has a year under his belt. The special teams if nowhere else.

Jerry Micco: I agree with you Marty. When I saw their resumes, I thought, "not the most stellar group on paper." But if he's comfortable with them, that's half the battle. I think he said he'd keep them, but that it was an ongoing process. Who knows that as he and Colbert meet they won't lose a couple of assistants. I'd not rule that out completely.

Pickman: How can the Pirates hold their players accountable when there is no depth in the bullpen, bench, or starting pitching? (can't exactly threaten Zach Duke or Malholm with a benching when Van Benschoten is there to replace them)

Jerry Micco: Because the players who weren't injured didn't produce like they have in the past. The players have some accountability as to how they perform. I think you can go top to bottom in any organization and say that. All of them have a piece of the success -- and failure -- of a franchise.

PhillyMarty: Conklin has more experience than Sabourin and his save % is off the charts. Yes I can see giving Fleury a start every few games, but until Conklin cools off, don't know how you bench him for Fleury, his numbers are that good. Also his stickhandling skills suggest he could be a valuable mentor for Fleury.

Jerry Micco: That's what I was saying. I think when Fleury comes back, Conklin still starts, but Fleury will be worked back in a few games. He's your investment in the future, you can't just let him sit if he's healthy, in my opinion. And no doubt Conklin is having the season of his life. But can he sustain it? If he does, ride him as long as you can. But Fleury is their long-term guy. Conklin would be a fabulous backup.

Marty_Funkhauser: Do you think Rich Rodriguez destroyed those files?

Jerry Micco: I have no idea. When people leave jobs they often get rid of paperwork they don't need anymore. But I have no idea what he destroyed or if he destroyed anything.

PhillyMarty: I think Selig is in a very strong position with the players regarding the drug issues. After all we have laws against it, so what difference does it make if in the past there were not specific baseball rules against it. I say take a hard line make it non-negotiable. Don't see how the players can bargain against it.

Jerry Micco: I think MLB holds all the cards, though the Players' Association is very powerful in the sport. I think in the next CBA the players will get on-board with any type of language against steroids or HGH. It'll be even stronger the next time around, no doubt.

mjp1542: Thanks for all your answers this week, Jerry. Always very enlightening. Time for lunch!

Jerry Micco: You're welcome. Enlightening? Just one guy's opinion, really. I enjoy this time every week, so if you're enjoying it too, then that's my goal. Enjoy lunch.

PirateApologist: I remember the day that John Russell was hired, Bob Smizik did a chat and there was some talk about how Lloyd McClendon gave a "no comment" to his reaction to the hiring. Did any story ever come out of that?

Jerry Micco: Nope. Not that we may not pursue that in the spring, but at this point, it seems McClendon didn't want to go beyond the "no comment."

PirateApologist: Here is a completely irrelevant question, but it would be interesting if someone knew the answer - Did the Patriots go undefeated in the preseason?

Jerry Micco: Good question ... I'll throw it out there. I have no idea.

Pickman: After listening to most of the congressional hearing yesterday (and by doing so turning my brain to mush), I pulled the following out ... Tejada is in some serious trouble and may be in a County Jumpsuit sooner than an Astro Uniform ... that if MacNamee isn't telling the truth about Roger, he is going to be in a jumpsuit as well ... and that most Congressmen/women can't pronounce any of the players' names right (or Selig's for that matter)

Jerry Micco: Tejada could be in some trouble. Lying to Congress is usually pretty frowned upon by those guys and ladies in the suits. And if MacNamee is lying, then yes, he's in trouble, too. But I'm going to hold judgment until I hear a lot more on both issues.

DC_Burgher: Re Cowher, I think he's going to go to the Redskins. Dan Snyder overpays for everyone, and it'll be tough to turn down 10 mill/yr. Cowher would have been with the Steelers this past year if the Rooneys would have met his price.

Jerry Micco: Maybe, but it'll take that kind of money to move him out of Raleigh. And maybe he gets it. Or, he knows he'll get that a year or two from now and maybe it's the Panthers job. He could commute. Well, kinda.

Pickman: With an obvious increase of difficulty in the schedule next year for the Steelers, could they have a worse record and still be a better team? (considering the easy schedule when we look at it the end of this year)

Jerry Micco: That's very possible. I had them 9-7 for this season. I think if they go 9-7 next year against a tougher schedule, then they would be a better team. But being in a division where there is only one other decent team certainly helps them. If they can go 5-1 every year in the North, then you only have to find 4 or 5 wins in 10 games to be in playoff contention. But the schedule is much tougher, so that may not happen.

DC_Burgher: Just an observation: Us Stillers fans are fortunate to have owners like the Rooneys. The buffoonery that goes on with the Redskins starts with the owner, which is why they'll never win anything.

Jerry Micco: Like any ownership group, the Rooneys have their faults, too. Maybe too conservative, maybe they don't spend like they should, but by and large, they are one of the top ownership groups in the league. Being steady and solid has been their hallmark and that stability is attractive to coaches and players. Fans like the winning seasons, too.

PhillyMarty: You think we will get the BCS changed into at least one extra game? I still have a problem with that! Not sure that would have solved this year's troubled outcome.

Jerry Micco: I think you're going to have to figure a way to include those bowls and still do a miniplayoff. There are two plans floating out there like that. The key is how do you seed the top 4? I have a crazy idea: How about no polling until after the regular season is over. Then, you don't have a team that starts way down at, say, No. 20, having to move up so fast -- and maybe too soon -- to justify an unexpectedly good season. Then, count the polls like you do now in the formula. Just don't rank them every week, unless you're the AP, which doesn't count in the polls. Just a thought.

Julius_Erving: The Pats went 2-2 in the preseason, losing to the Titans and Bucs.

Jerry Micco: Thanks, Doctor J.

Dr. J: Am I the greatest dunker of all time?

Jerry Micco: Next to Connie Hawkins and Dominique Wilkins, yes.

CDoctor: How does Pacman Jones ever stand a chance for reinstatement if he actually did hit that woman?

Jerry Micco: What a sad, pathetic story that is. If this is true, he just can't straighten himself out. He's going to cost himself a lucrative career because he can't be mature and control himself. Note to Pacman: Stay away from strip clubs!

Pickman: Countdown to Spring Training is on...so too unfortunately is the countdown to the most consecutive losing seasons in professional sports (or at least a tie for it I think)

Jerry Micco: I think a lot will have to happen for this team to have a winning season. Too many ifs to not think that No. 16 is on its way. I think they'd be happy with getting something in the 70s, like 76 or 77 wins, just to show they can win and get close to .500. Because they will get a lot of scrutiny as they go for No. 17. Everyone will be covering that and that's not the publicity you want for you club.

Jerry Micco: Folks, I need to head back to work. Thanks again for taking the time to talk sports with me. I always enjoy our hour together. And PhillyMarty: I realized last week that I'd never gotten back to you on an email you sent. Thought I had. My apologies. I usually do try to get back to my chat regulars in a timely manner. I whiffed on this one! See you all next week at noon.