Bob Smizik: Greetings one and all. This is Bob Smizik filling for Jerry Micco. Lot to talk about today. Let the questions begin.

Lord_Stanley: Bob, which acquisition generated more excitement: Pens getting Hossa, or the Buccos signing Chris Gomez?

Bob Smizik: I like to save these tough questions for the end, but here goes. After some deliberation, I will give the nod to the Hossa trade. And that's with no disrespect for the sensational signing of Chris Gomez. Hossa puts the Penguins thick in the middle of the Stanley Cup race. There hasn't been a trade in Pittsburgh this big in a long time.

jimmy_g: How close is Sidney Crosby to coming back to join his new winger?

Bob Smizik: Crosby's return is a bit of a mystery. At any rate, there is no sense to rush anything. To bring him back too soon -- with the team playing so well -- would be the height of foolishness. The object is to be at full strength for the post season. The importance of seeding is vastly overrated. I mishandled a couple of questions about the team's ability to re-sign Hossa so I will answer them here. I don't think they will. I don't think the team's situation, with so many young players needing to be satisfied financially, leaves them in a good position to add someone like Hossa. I'd say its 25-75, signing vs. not signing.

Hossa_HOHOHOHO: Since Jerome Bettis?!?!?!

Bob Smizik: A bigger deal than Bettis. Much bigger. Bettis wasn't as established as Hossa and had, believe it or not, a bad rap coming out of St. Louis. Also, his trade was on draft day, not six weeks from the end of the season.

Lord_Stanley: Is it possible the Pirates haven't hit rock bottom yet?

Bob Smizik: Entirely possible. They could be worse than last year. Their only room from improvement comes from within. And that can happen. But most of the division has improve externally.

Hossa_HOHOHOHO: Thoughts on Myron's career?

Bob Smizik: A fabulous career in every way. He was at the top of his field, whether it was newspaper writing, magazine writing or radio-tv. I could go on and on about Myron but the one thing that always sticks out with me was how hard of a worker he was. Those of us in the print media pride ourselves on how hard we work. He was a guy who outworked everyone in the print media. He was everywhere. Unlike the talk show hosts of today, who sit in a studio and pontificate, he went to events and talked to people.

Ron_Burgendy: Are the Pens' announcers paid by FSN or the team? Since all they do is cheerlead for 3 hours I would suspect their paychecks are signed by Lemieux..

Bob Smizik: The TV announcers are paid by FSN. The radio announcers are paid by the team. It has been my experience that home-town fans like announcers who lean in favor of the home team.

Lord_Stanley: Bob, How much of the NFL Combine did you watch?

Bob Smizik: Proudly I say, none at all.

Hossa_HOHOHOHO: Bob, you know how to use a computer? lol!

Bob Smizik: I think so.

Hossa_HOHOHOHO: Lets hope the Pens go deep into the playoffs and the Pirates stumble out of the blocks as usual so the attendance tumbles even more. That Organ needs to learn a lesson.

Bob Smizik: I don't wish for bad things to happen to people or teams. What could be gained by the Pirates doing poorly?

joe: Do you think that the trade for Hossa had anything to do with Montreal and Ottawa having interest in him?

Bob Smizik: Shero said he expressed interest in Hossa as far back as the All-Star Game. I think he went after him because he thought the Penguins would be better.

Lord_Stanley: Who do you think Pitt will play in the NIT?

Bob Smizik: I think Pitt will win three of its final four and play in the NCAA tournament. If they stumble and fall to the NIT (Not Important Tournament), I hope their opponent is Duquesne.

jimmy_g: Twenty years from now there will be Steeler fans waving their Terrible Towels who might not know who Myron Cope was but it won't matter. He was terrific at what he did.

Bob Smizik: Cope will be remembered 20 years for now, just as Bob Prince is remembered by many Pirates fan. It was be many decades before the memory of Myron disappears.

CrosbyMalkin66: What do you guys think are the chances of Hossa being re-signed. I know the guy wants money but you gotta think he is now in the best possible situation , playing wise, that he could be in.

Bob Smizik: It has been my experience that athletes, and most other people, consider ``the best possible situation'' to be the one where they are making the most money. Hossa could be different. If he is, there's a chance he'll sign with the Pens. As I said earlier, I don't think it's going to happen.

Ron_Burgendy: Should the Pirates sign Bonds? I don't see why not. Fan reaction would be positive based on the reception he received in his last game here, and his offensive game is suited for PNC Park.

Bob Smizik: No, they should not. He might be an offensive upgrade but not that much over Bay or Nady, the players he'd likely replace. He'd be a defensive liability, particularly in the huge left field at PNC Park. The Pirates are trying to build for the future. Bonds would be counterproductive toward that goal.

Hossa_HOHOHOHO: Bob, if they don't give up the 1st round pick and just give up Army, Christensen and Espo do you look at it as a better deal?

Bob Smizik: Of course, it's a better deal if they keep the No. 1. Duh!

jimmy_g: A year ago I was pretty much against the entire Nutting family but now I believe that Bob Nutting has made some excellent moves with the overall management. The real question is whether he will take it to the next level when the time comes?

Bob Smizik: I will reserve judgment on Nutting's management moves. Neither Huntington nor Russell come with particularly outstanding resumes so I don't understand how you consider them "excellent" hires. That's not a criticism. I just want to wait and see. I think this will work out so the Pirates never get to the next level in terms of salary. They'll keep spinning off big salaries for prospects.

Chunkles: Bob, what a breath of fresh air to listen to Ray Shero's press conference yesterday and listen to him enlightening and engaging the fans with information. Craig Patrick was the polar opposite. I like how Shero touched on the fans and how the organization realizes the loyalty and gave us fans something new to get excited about. Shero had a team that was going into the play-offs and now his moves puts them in contention to win a cup. Do you think Neal Huntington was taking notes?

Bob Smizik: It was an impressive performance by Shero. He's a smart guy. The franchise appears to be in good hands. He was very smart to mention that the franchise owes something to the fans. Patrick was once a top-notch GM, but he clearly lost his touch when he had to abide with a lower payroll. I don't know if Huntington has to take notes. He seems to have a firm grasp on the PR aspect of his job.

Deane: You must have loved friday night. Mt. Alvernia, Serra and Central Catholic all won WPIAL basketball titles. your thoughts?

Bob Smizik: I have commented many times about the advantage private schools have in attracting students, who just happen to be exceptional athletes. That has been a big factor in the football success at Central Catholic. I don't know the composition of the rosters of the teams you mentioned so I don't think it would be fair to comment.

Lord_Stanley: In your opinion who should start between the pipes? Conklin or Fleury?

Bob Smizik: That's not even an issue any more. The job should belong to Conklin until he loses it. Fleury should get some playing time and if he starts playing well and Conklin slides, then he could get his job back. But for now he should strictly be the backup.

Lord_Stanley: Bob, do we need Congress to tell us Roger Clemens used 'roids? I mean the guy's head increased 2 cap sizes and his era went down a full run from his career numbers at age 42. its a slam dunk.

Bob Smizik: I don't get the involvement of Congress. They have better things to do. But I'm for anything that embarrasses Clemens.

Hossaburgh: How bad are the Bucco's going to lose to Manitee C.C. today?

Bob Smizik: Russell will go with his regular for nine innings if necessary.

Hossa_HOHOHO: Bob, what is the best way to find out where kids are "really" from on basketball rosters. I ask because I wonder how a little A school in Hemitage Pa (Kennedy Catholic) can be so damn good year in and year out not to mention have kids 6'5", 6'7" ... etc.

Bob Smizik: It would take a good deal of investigative reporting. There's little doubt in my mind that Kennedy has benefitted from what amounts to open enrollment. It's a shame and I've written about it for years. But nothing is going to change. It's not fair to the school districts who use athletes only from their geographical boundaries. No question, though, Kennedy is one of the main offenders.

Ron_Burgendy: Why is Georges Laraque still on the Penguins' roster? His turnovers and poor defense are going to be costly in the playoffs.

Bob Smizik: As near as I can tell, he's there to lend the team a ``physical presence.'' That is so much rubbish. Why don't other sports do the same if that works? Hockey has traditions that are all its own and I don't get it. I think fighting should be outlawed.

Ron_Burgendy: Is there anything more scary in Pittsburgh sports than seeing John Fedko in HD?

Bob Smizik: I have found it a good policy not to comment on the personal appearance of other people. What was scary, though, was seeing Fedko at the Penguins news conference yesterday. His out-of-office appearances are rare.

Worst_Time_Caller: Any chance Mike Lange will be back on TV next year? Steigerwald and Errey can't compare to the radio team.

Bob Smizik: Lange burned a lot of bridges at FSN so I doubt it. However, new ownership is due to take over at FSN in a few months. Who knows what they think? Also, Steve Tello, the man who fired Lange, has left FSN for a similar job in Houston. Still, I'd say the chances of Lange returning to TV are slim.

Hossa_HOHOHO: Bob, do you still feel the Pens have a little bit of a weakness on Defense? Nothing the offense cant take care of, huh?

Bob Smizik: Their defensive corps is not one of their strong points, but the record speaks for itself. They win a lot of games. Maybe Gill will help. But they way they've been playing overall they don't need a lot of help.

PirateApologist: Hi, Bob. I have a question that is not related to a current event. I was at the USFL game that Cliff Stoudt got beaned with snowballs. I was pretty young and didn't remember his tenure with the Steelers. Why did he get beaned? Was he a jerk, or was he just not Terry Bradshaw?

Bob Smizik: I was in spring training with the Pirates at the time. Stoudt was a good guy. He was coming off a bad season with the Steelers. That's an unpardonable sin with Steelers fans. Stoudt may have said some things, but, for the most part, the treatment was tremendously unfair.

Worst_Time_Caller: Who would win in a fight - Mike Lange or Paul Steigerwald?

Bob Smizik: It would go to a shootout.

Hossa_HOHOHO: I wonder if the Penguins were aware that the audio feed (prior to yesterday's news conference) was on for about 15 min. on the Pens web site. I could hear all the Pgh media BS'n like it was behind closed doors!

Bob Smizik: Did I say anything that could get me in trouble?

jimmy_g: I agree with the no fighting in hockey suggestion. Look how much better the game became when they eliminated the red line. Hockey doesn't need fights to keep interest.

Bob Smizik: The sport clings to the past. It's afraid to give up fighting. It likes those TV ratings that are lower than softball and poker.

Hossa_HOHOHO: Who would win in a fight: Mark Madden or Bob Smizik?

Bob Smizik: Ha ha.

Hossa_HOHOHO: Conkiln's performance last night? He is so calm in net, even on spectacular saves!

Bob Smizik: The guy is on an incredible roll. It doesn't make a lot of sense since his resume indicates no such brilliance. But the Penguins can only hope it continues for a few more months. They also need to get Fleury in something approaching his best game condition by giving him a chance to play more than Sabourin did when he was in the backup role.

Deane: Tired of Terrelle Pryor yet?

Bob Smizik: He's pretty much fallen out of the news, other than his brilliance on the basketball court. I say take as much time as he wants. It's an important decision. There's no need to rush. The colleges rush so many of these kids into decisions, it's nice to see one player turn the tables on them. I hope he goes to Penn State. I want to see him play for four years.

Hossaburgh: Is Lawrence Timmons a bust, or can we look forward to a All-Pro caliber linebacking core of Harrison, Timmons and Woodley when they finally go to a 4-3 D?

Bob Smizik: How about somewhere in-between. It's much too early to tell on Timmons, although his first season was a disappointment. I wouldn't be so sure about them switching to a 4-3. It's not something that can be done quickly. They'll have to start drafting to fill those positions and that can be dangerous.

Hossa_HOHOHO: No seriously though Bob, Mark was on his show yesterday and knew it was a matter of time before he brought the Steelers into the Pens trade. Wouldn't you know it he says "See the Pens go out and get that player to put them over the top unlike the Steelers" It may be true but why does he hate the Steelers so much?

Bob Smizik: Since the Steelers won a Super Bowl two years ago, I guess they also went out an got the player they wanted. That's the beauty of Madden. He has you and his listeners fooled. That's a classic example of how he distorts the truth. The Steelers have been much more successful than the Penguins since 1992. Obviously, they've done a better job of getting players. I don't think he hates the Steelers. I think it's an act.

Ron_Burgendy: Timmons=Huey Richardson.

Bob Smizik: Check back in 3 years. I say no.

Ron_Burgendy: Thank goodness the Steelers had the foresight to lock up Travis Kirchke before the free agency period began. Would've hated to see him get away!

Bob Smizik: There's nothing wrong with locking up good backups if they can be had at the right price. He did a decent job filling in for Aaron Smith. It's not like they blew the salary cap on the guy. You're way off base.

Hossa_HOHOHO: Who will be better Malkin or Crosby? I think Malkin was considered a "goal scorer" but truthfully I think his passing has impressed me more. He knows where everyone is on the ice.

Bob Smizik: I'll take Crosby, although Malkin might turn out to be the better goal scorer.

shdave: Great trade IF the Pens win the cup or sign Hossa ... A risk you have to take ...

Bob Smizik: Absolutely. And if they don't win the Cup, it's not the end of the world. What if Hossa helps them get to the conference final. That's get they a step closer and also brings in tons of revenue. Considering the young talent still on the team, it's a trade they had to make. To not have done it would have been wrong.

roninbuc: How big of cap hit would the Steelers take if Mahan is just cut. He was pushed around all year at center, or does he move into Faneca's spot if the Steelers draft a real center?

Bob Smizik: I don't have the salary information in front of me. I don't see him being cut. He'll either start at center or guard or be a backup at both places.

Hossa_HOHOHO: I didn't hear you, just heard somebody speaking of an Aruban vacation and a couple minor vulgarities!

Bob Smizik: Considering the crew that was on hand, I'm surprised you didn't hear more than a couple of vulgarities.

Danny_B: Do sportscasters receive compensation from outside sources? I cite Isle of Capri possibly paying Madden and John Steigerwald during the casino selection process

Bob Smizik: I doubt either was compensated by IOC. Why should they have been? They were only too glad to serve as PR men for free. It would be highly unethical to do such a thing.

pensfan: Do you think Crosby will rush it a ittle to get back now that Hossa is here and that Malkin is doing so well?

Bob Smizik: I think Crosby is a very mature young man. I doubt the fact that Malkin is doing well is a blow to his ego. I'm sure it would be nice to rush back to play with Hossa, but hopefully he'll look at the big picture and realize it's important he be 100 percent healthy for the playoffs.

Ron_Burgendy: Did you see those Chris Berman videos from a few weeks back? What a jerk that guy is.

Bob Smizik: Missed the videos.

roninbuc: If Bay has a great start this year and gets back to his previous All-Star levels, do the Pirates automatically trade him, even if they are around .500 at the time of the All Star Break? Or is Nady more likely to go in that scenario?

Bob Smizik: It will be interesting to see how Pirates management reacts to a team that is competitive. Although I don't think they'll have to worry about that. I've always believed the best time to get the most value for a player is in the off-season. That doesn't mean they wouldn't trade one of those outfielders during the season if they thought the package was the right one.

Ron_Burgendy: Tiger Woods the best athlete of this era?

Bob Smizik: Michael Jordan is the best athlete of this era and it's not even close. Woods is competing against mediocre to average athletes. Jordan was competing against the best athletes in the world. Woods might be more dominant but he is not the best athlete. Not even close.

pensfan: I didn't mean it as being a blow to his ego. I was just thinking he may rush back to lay with Hossa, contribute to what Malkin is doing and help cary on the winning ways.

Bob Smizik: Sorry if I misinterpreted what you said. I just don't think he'll rush back under any circumstances. It would be counterproductive.

joe: How do you decide which questions to answer?

Bob Smizik: I only answer the most literate one.

Bob Smizik: It has been a blast. Thanks for your time and the good questions. Jerry MIcco will be back next week.