traffic: Is it just me, or does it seem like the Steelers DV issue has been swept under the carpet? Where is the outrage? Sure, it was good the Steelers cut Wilson, but to many of us reasonable people, it seems as if Harrison got a pass because he was trying to baptize his kid and/or he was the better player. If Rooney/the Steelers don't tell us what the real reasons are they released one over the other, I and others will think as we do, and think less and less of the Steelers.

Jerry Micco: Well, we've reported -- and commented -- on what was said as well as what was then taken back and restated. I think people much like you are doing, will make their own conclusions. As it should be. We report it, you decide.

baba_booey: Now that he is gone, what is the over/under on cy young's for Todd Redmond? 5? 10?

Jerry Micco: A true Pirates fan. Gloomy to the end. And with good reason, I'm afraid.

baba_booey: Booger McFarland? What, was Dexter Manley not available? Injury prone, and can't pass a physical...sounds like a winner to me...

Jerry Micco: You know, I'm thinking the same thing, but the Steelers must think they can get something out of him. He's likely a backup, so if they can get at least that out of the guy, then maybe he's a nice pickup. Or, if nothing else, he's a guy to look at in camp.

MPM: I am perplexed by the moves the Pirates made today. First, why would they have agreed to a contract with Byung-Hyun Kim that paid him $300,000 in the event that he didn?t make the team? Second, why make a trade for a 30 year old Tyler Yates when Hector Carrasco has pitched well this season, and Jarett Wright has done ok too? As Neal Huntington pointed out, Yates was out of options. If the Braves were willing to trade him that would indicate to me that he was mostly likely going to be released, and the Pirates could have picked him up for nothing.

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure how that works on Yates. Perhaps he has to clear waivers to do that and maybe the Pirates thought he'd not clear waivers. As for Kim, I think they took a flyer on someone in the hopes he could help a thin bullpen. He didn't and it cost them 300K. To me, that's different than taking a flyer on a guy and paying him $6 million guaranteed. Or a pitcher who is fading and you are on the hook for $10 million to him. In the long run, you venture something and it fails. It costs you a small amount of money.

roninbuc: Spring Football is now here. How excited are you to see the QB competition at Pitt? With the Pitt's home schedule an advantage with the top Big East powers playing at Heinz Field, do you think Wanny's breakthrough year is here? The positive momentum from the WV upset is still buzzed about or does it matter once 2008 season starts?

Jerry Micco: I think there will be some carryover from the great win at WVU last season, but it is a new season and with it come high expectations. I think Pitt fans are very excited about this team and are, rightfully so, expecting big things from the Panthers this season. I usually reserve my judgment until we're much closer to the fall, so I'll read with interest our reports out of spring camp.

roninbuc: As disappointing as the Pitt loss to Michigan State was, do you think Dixon and Pitt finally winning a Big East Tourney title will give him the opening to recruit a top rated player? Is Dixon interested in dealing with a one and done type talent?

Jerry Micco: I can't answer the latter question because I don't know Jamie Dixon's philosophy on that. But I know he's produced winners without those types of players. Now should one come there, I'm sure he won't turn them away. Does winning a Big East tournament bring that type of recruit? That's hard to say. Going to an NCAA Elite 8 or a Final Four does much more for you in my opinion.

roninbuc: Making a trade for a serviceable RH reliever from the Braves (Yates)? Cutting a vet (Wright) and another (Kim) by eating part of a contract? Has the culture really changed with the Bucs new management. Wins and losses are the major factor, but what is your take on the new Pirates management team so far?

Jerry Micco: Too early to tell, but from what I've seen it seems more businesslike and it seems they weren't afraid to eat 300K for Kim, so that signals a change to me. Again, that's a tiny number in the overall scheme of baseball salaries, but it shows to me a willingness to cut a guy if he's not producing.

James_Taipei: Was the race for first place virtually over if the Penguins had beaten the Islanders on Monday? Are the Penguins kicking themselves for letting that one get away?

Jerry Micco: They are kicking themselves. And if they aren't, Michel Therrien was certainly doing that to his club.

James_Taipei: What do you think are Malkin's chances of winning the MVP?

Jerry Micco: He's got a chance, but a lot of folks will look at Ovechkin and say it's hard to deny a guy with his talent that trophy. The one thing that could hurt Ovechkin is if the Caps miss the playoffs. It's hard to give the Hart to a guy who couldn't lead his team to the playoffs. In that case, you may see a lot of folks look at Malkin, particularly the way he stepped up in Crosby's absence.

roninbuc: With the Pirates recent moves/cuts, does it seem like they are finally taking the best 25 players north? Littlefield always sold that line, but it was really hollow. Does Sean Burnett make the bullpen?

Jerry Micco: As I said before, I think there has been some change at the top in philosophy, but I want to see more and it needs more time. I think Burnett has done a terrific job this spring. If the Pirates aren't going to use him very much, though, I'd rather see him either start or go to the pen in Indianapolis. He needs to pitch.

roninbuc: Did you sense Pitt was in trouble with Neitzel coming off a bad shooting performance in Round 1? Does Dixon start trying to get quicker guards, or would that make no difference with a hot shooter like Neitzel?

Jerry Micco: Hot shooters are hot shooters. Georgetown is a very good defensive team. Stephen Curry just shredded them. I think Dixon is always looking for quick guards, but guys like Neitzel are special players. He can do a lot with and without the ball and when he's hot, he can go off on you.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Do you agree with The Smize? Did Pitt burn itself out in the Big East Tournament?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure I buy all of that. North Carolina and Kansas won their tournaments and they are tearing it up. I think where I agree with Bob is that a team with little depth -- like Pitt -- has a hard run to win a conference tournament and then get right into the NCAAs. Deep teams like UNC and Kansas can afford to rest guys and still can win their conference tournaments. If Pitt were deep and could play more guys, maybe they can give their stars rest. But that bench wasn't very deep at all.

roninbuc: I know fans have trashed the contributions of the Pitt newcomers this year other than Blair, but shouldn't they wait an see on the other young players? Pitt has a great history of developing good talent and making guys better the longer they are in the program.

Jerry Micco: I think with any young player, unless they come ready for college ball and leave after a year or two, needs at least one year to learn the college game. You have to be patient with guys you hardly saw get any minutes this season. We have no idea how they'll develop.

roninbuc: Dejan is reporting that Bay is back to hitting with authority and would have been the backup CF if Morgan was sent to AAA? If he gets back to being a top five NL LFer, do the Pirates surprise the competition in the NL Central in 2008?

Jerry Micco: Bay's bat is very important to the overall success of the club. But they need more than that to surprise the competition in a weak NL Central. The pitching is the key. Bay, LaRoche, Nady, Sanchez all need to contribute in big ways, but without the pitching, they are doomed. Again.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Do you think that the way the national media totally ignores the Pirates (except for tired jokes) is 100% justified, or is it lazy and irresponsible journalism? After all, the Pirates are still in the league, with a former Rookie of the Year and a batting champ on the roster, and with a long, storied past.

Jerry Micco: Media covers stories that people want to hear. Most people outside of Pittsburgh could care less about the Pirates. So nationally, we get the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, Dodgers, Angels, etc. Great teams who will go deep into the season as contenders. Media covers what's hot. And if it's not, it gets less coverage. Just the way it goes.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Is this Cedric Wilson/James Harrison debacle the most embarrassing episode of Dan Rooney's tenure as Steeler Boss?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure of every utterance or thing Dan Rooney has ever done, but I've only been here for four years. It certainly was embarrassing and caused the type of reaction Dan and the club didn't want. But don't misunderstand, not for a minute did I think he or the club was condoning the assault of someone.

PirateApologist: Hello Jerry, is there any other industry besides baseball where you can do your job as bad as Kim did and get paid $300,000 to leave?

Jerry Micco: Enron. World Telecom. Any number of mortgage companies.

roninbuc: How concerned are you about Freddy Sanchez's pain while throwing? Doesn't seem to have affected his hitting, so maybe he won't get off to a slow start at the plate like 2007. Are you surprised at Doug M. making the bench?

Jerry Micco: Well, if the NL had a DH, I'd feel a bit better. I'm somewhat concerned if Sanchez can't play in the field. A slow start by him last year really hurt. That should be a big concern for the club. I'm not surprised by Mientkiewicz making the team. I think he'll be a very nice addition to the club. He's versatile and can hit some. Nice guy to have in the clubhouse, too, I understand.

theWellHungarian: How do you fit the following players on 2 power play lines: Malkin, Crosby, Sykora, Malone, Hossa, Staal? What is the oppositions best chance in stopping the said lines?

Jerry Micco: First unit: Malkin, Sykora, Malone; Second unit: Crosby, Hossa, Staal. Pretty scary if you're the opposition.

James_Taipei: Can anyone tell me the logic as to why the Pirates even added Byung-Hyun Kim to the roster? He had a 6.08 ERA last year.

Jerry Micco: Because you think that if he's still got something in the tank, you get a guy who has proven over the long run that he's pretty effective for an inning out of the pen. You take a risk because you don't have a lot of pitching in the minors, either, so you have to scrounge a bit.

roninbuc: Nice to see The Stash is keeping Shady humble in spring ball. Will McCoy be on the Heisman watch radar in the preseason? Do you think a big year means a jump to the pros with the Fitzgerald prep school loop-hole?

Jerry Micco: Heisman? I don't think so. But he's a special talent. I think he'll stay 2 more years. No one's telling me that, just a feeling I have.

theWellHungarian: Mike Vick abuses dogs, James Harrison beats up his girlfriend ... Vick is in Jail & Harrison still has his job. Am I the only one that sees something wrong here?

Jerry Micco: Nope. Not to excuse what Mike Vick did, that was horrible, too. But you certainly raise a good point. A real conundrum for the commish.

OBAMA_: I couldn't agree more with Bob Smizik's comments regarding Pitt yesterday. Why in the world would Jamie Dixon emphasize that meaningless title when it had the possibility of tiring his players in the games that really matter. As soon as I saw Pitt had to fly to Denver and play in altitude I knew they were done. Wouldn't it have made more sense for Dixon to lengthen his bench in the BE tourney?

Jerry Micco: Any time you can rest star players and win, you have a great program that is deep. Few teams can do that. Sure, in hindsight, maybe Dixon should have done just that. But I didn't hear many people calling for that while Pitt was rampaging through the tournament. And it's not like Michigan State is a walk-over. They were a top 10 team for a big part of the year and they play tough. Memphis will have its hands full with them. And Tom Izzo is one of those coaches who really does well when he has 1 day to prepare.

Winfrey_fromthesouth: If the Pirates send Sean Burnett down, it will be a shame. Phil Dumatrait brings nothing to the table, Burnett has pitched well this spring and has a pedigree. Why the love for Dumatrait?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure, except Dumatrait is another lefty who, like Burnett, can probably be a swing guy. No problem looking at both of them and then making a decision.

OBAMA_: What do you think about MLB opening the season in Japan? I long for the days when the season started on a Monday in noon in Cincinnati.

Jerry Micco: As do I. I know what MLB's trying to do and you can't fault them for bringing a global game and the world's best players overseas, but something in my wants the baseball season to start in our country. I guess that's not very forward thinking, but it's how I feel about it.

jimmy_g: As a Penn State grad do you think it is time (or near time) for JoePa to pack it in?

Jerry Micco: That's a tough question and one I can't answer from where I sit. You hear stories about things. Working from home. Not making recruiting visits. Game-day last-minute plan changes. I think if you want a job then you do everything associated with it. Including where you work and recruiting. I hope it doesn't get ugly. Paterno, and some here absolutely loathe the guy, doesn't deserve that. But sometimes you have to face reality. And if you don't, then someone has to do it for you.

PirateApologist: What do you think about US sports teams playing games that count in different countries?

Jerry Micco: I've got no problem with that.

OBAMA_: Why would the Pirates sign Sanchez to his long term deal when he traditionally starts the season on the DL? This reeks of a move to make the bobblehead/fireworks crowd happy.

Jerry Micco: I think Sanchez is a very good player and a two-time all-star. Won a batting title. Plays a very good second base and can play shortstop or third. I don't know, getting a guy like that in the fold for a good price isn't a bad step in my opinion.

jimmy_g: Congratulations to the Pitt women's basketball team and Agnes Berenato. Obvioualy they are not in the top tier yet but they are making steady progress and are fun to watch.

Jerry Micco: It's been a great year for them and Agnus has done an outstanding job with the program in a relatively short time. Yes, the next step is the toughest, beating an elite team. But that same step has yet to be taken by the men, too. At least at tournament time.

James_Taipei: Jerry, do you see any indication that the Penguins can make us happy and get deep into the playoffs or are we looking at a first round disappointment? I am not expecting them to win a Stanley Cup but they need to at least take it to the next level by winning a playoff series.

Jerry Micco: I think they are good enough to reach the conference final. I think they certainly get by the first round. But you know what has to happen don't you? Fleury has to play well and stay hot. Everything else will fall into line if that happens.

jimmy_g: Regarding Pitt young basketball players, Gilbert Brown has the potential to become another Sam Young in improvement and growth.

Jerry Micco: He has played well, especially in the second half of the season in in the Big East tournament. He'll be a fun player to watch develop over the next couple of years.

OBAMA: Is Pitt women's hoops hot? It seems to be getting front page coverage and no one outside of the family and friends on the players seems to care.

Jerry Micco: I think the public takes notice of the success of that team. Is it the same as the men doing it? Probably not. But it's a terrific story and worthy of that type of play, in my opinion.

PirateApologist: Are there any media outlets locally or nationwide that are picking the Pirates to finish anywhere but last place this year?

Jerry Micco: I thought I saw them fifth in some magazine.

PirateApologist: Do you have any hunches on Pirate players that may surprise this year (either good or bad)? I have a feeling Doumit will have a decent season, and I am not sold on Duke at all yet.

Jerry Micco: I think Maholm will surprise and win 14 games. I really do. I think Snell will rebound and win a similar number. I'm not sure Gorzo can repeat last season's success. I think McLouth will have a very nice season. Nady may slide a bit, but if he plays well, he'll likely be dealt unless they are (gulp) contending. Doumit is hitting well, but again, can his body hold up? LaRoche, I think, will have a bigger, better season.

OBAMA: What happened to Art Rooney? I thought Dan was stepping aside a year or two ago and now he's at every press conference.

Jerry Micco: A lot of folks are asking about that. I'm not privy to those things.

OBAMA: What about the move Therrien made last night with Whitney? Making him a 4th line winger means he's available for the PP but isn't on the ice enough to turn it over or get pushed around the net. Brilliant.

Jerry Micco: I actually liked the move. But in the big picture, is shows that Therrien is very unhappy with his play on defense. He's logging much less ice time as a fourth-line winger, and it says to me that when they have 7 D dressed, he's the seventh guy. Kind of a long fall for a guy they paid pretty good money too in the off season.

jimmy_g: I don't care if the Pirates win this year (not really a true statement) as long as management holds up its accountability standard. No more dogging it by Ronnie Palino and no more using warm bodies to fill out the line-up would be nice.

Jerry Micco: I think that's what most fans want, jimmy. They want a team that competes and if you stink, you get booted. Again, there's not much wiggle room for this club because the minors have few players who are ready for the big team. But given time, that will fill out, too.

Chunkles: Its really getting tougher to watch the NFL. There is so much greed and violence [off the field] Cedric Wilson hits women. Chad Johnson is pouting and wants out of Cincy. Terrelle Pryor already has a bad reputation and someday will be a multi-millionaire who will be in trouble and will cry because he is under payed or this or that was not his fault.. I encourage people to watch hockey. Yeah they still fight but the kids are so much better behaved and are almost always good role models for the kids. Jerry, your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I won't question you on the NFL stuff. Terrible things, not good guys. And by and large, I think hockey players are terrific guys. But I've also seen hockey players take a stick and nearly kill a guy by hitting him over the head. And I've seen guys hit from behind and nearly paralyzed on a cheap shot. And it's the only sport if you fight, you still get to play. I don't know. Role models? I'm with Charles Barkley on role models. There are a lot better people than athletes for kids to look up to.

PopFly: We are all aware of the Pirates' pitfalls of the past 15 seasons, my question is: To what degree is team ownership at fault for not being able to yield a single average (.500) baseball team in the last decade and a half?

Jerry Micco: As much as the players and coaches. It's a shared thing. From top to bottom.

OBAMA: How about the job Bob Knight is doing for ESPN? It's refreshing to see some real analysis coming from that network, as opposed to the ramblings from Phelps and Vitale about absolutely nothing concerning basketball.

Jerry Micco: I think it's funny that Knight, who despises media, is in media now. Shows how forgiving big media like ESPN is when they think they can land a guy that'll bump a rating. Of course, he did pick Pitt to win the tournament, right? I think you have to cut through what Vitale and Phelps say to get the point. Knight is more straightforward, but that's his personality.

PirateApologist: March is probably one of the best months for sports. What do you think is the slowest month for sports? I was going to say February, but the Super Bowl is now in Feb. I guess it would have to be July, right? Why am I even asking this????

Jerry Micco: Used to be June and July were times when we could sit back and relax some. And that's still the case, but not like it used to be. We had the US Open last June. The June before that, Ben Roethlisberger decided to ride his cycle without a helmet. And in July, hockey's offseason starts with trades, free agency, etc. At the end of that month, the Steelers crank it up in Latrobe. It's a year-round business now. But March and September are our busiest months.

fish: whats the latest word on Crosby's and Robert's injury status?

Jerry Micco: We hope to hear today whether Sid will play tomorrow or not. Not sure on Roberts.

fish: Inconsistant penalty kill and power play on the road. Going in the tank against a bad Islander team. I want to be excited about a long playoff run but this team still has issues dont you think?

Jerry Micco: They are far from perfect, but look at last night's game and you can see they are able after a bad game to play very well. Been their trait all season. And you need to do that in the playoffs. You don't need to sweep every series, just play well in at least four games and win them.

Fan_Since-The-70s: This may seem like an odd question but "Do think it really matters to Malkin if he wins the scoring title?

Jerry Micco: I'm sure he'd like to win the title because it's quite an honor. And the Pens, even in their relatively short NHL history, have won many of them.

James_Taipei: I really wish there was regulation in Major League baseball so that the Pirates could take their rightful place in Triple A!

Jerry Micco: O ye of little faith, james. Fans are frustrated, that's for sure, but I think if a couple things click this year, they can be competitive. Not win a division, but not finish last, either. It's a weak division and that alone might allow them to creep up in the standings.

Winfrey_fromthesouth: How come Crosby can't come back from an ankle injury in two months but a guy like T.O. comes back in 3 weeks?

Jerry Micco: Different skill sets are needed in hockey. Much more stop and start, cutting, lateral movement. And you have to play more than one game if you're Crosby. TO had to play one game on a bum ankle. I'm sure some painkiller and a good taping did the trick. Still pretty gutty on TO's part, but these are two very different things.

Winfrey_fromthesouth: If the NFL played 12 months of the year, I'd watch every second. Its the most popular sport in America and it isn't close.

Jerry Micco: No argument here. It's is now our national pastime.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Sad to say as a Pitt fan, but I think WVU is headed to the Elite 8 again. What do you think?

Jerry Micco: Be a very close, even game with Xavier. A very winnable game for WVU. Xavier is tough inside and might be able to do some damage there, but as hot as Alexander has been for WVU, he can negate that. Be a terrific game to watch.

James_Taipei: In regards to the Penguins making it out of the first round I hope they don't have to play Ottawa or they might not be able to make it to the second round of the playoffs.

Jerry Micco: I think Ottawa is in a bit of a slide. They score a lot, but defense and goaltending are weaker this season. I think if the Pens and Sens meet again, it's a series the Pens definitely can win.

James_Taipei: In regards to football players being bad role models is it reasonable to say that part of the blame is on us fans and society? If we stopped attending games and buying NFL gear, these players would not be so pampered!

Jerry Micco: A lot of people can share the blame, but the bottom line is we're all responsible for our actions.

Jerry Micco: Folks, I need to get back to playing sports editor again. Thanks for taking the time to talk sports with me. Great crowd in the room today and good topics. See you next Wednesday at noon!