MPM: It?s nice that the Pirates are trying to acquire power arms, but shouldn?t the emphasis be on acquiring guys who get batters out instead of who can register the highest speed on the radar gun? Neither Tom Glavine nor Greg Maddux have fastballs that register very high on the radar gun, but each has over 300 wins. Todd Jones has over 300 saves without the benefits of a scorching fastball. Too many times it seems the Pirates look for specific attributes of a player instead of bottom-line results.

Bob Smizik: Good afternoon one and all. This is Bob Smizik filling in for Jerry Micco. Let's go to the first question. Of course, the object is to acquire pitchers who can best get batters out, Pitchers who throw hard have the best chance. They are going with the percentages. Obviously, if a talented finesse or control guy comes along, I;m sure they will develop him, too

PirateApologist: It is very early, and they will probably turn it around, but is there any chance that Leyland's job may be in jeopardy?

Bob Smizik: If MLB were the NHL, he might have been fired by now. Leyland has a great relationship with his boss, Dave Dombrowski. I don't see that happening. But if Leyland sees he is not effective, he might walk away. However, I doubt that will happen.

malkin71: Okay Smiz, who's it going to be in the NHL Finals?

Bob Smizik: Penguins and Detroit

James_Taipei: Bob, playoff hockey tonight!!! Will you be at the game tonight? I wish I could be there but will have to settle for watching it online.

Bob Smizik: I will not be there. I am off the rest of the week. However, I will have a better seat than anyone covering it -- in front of my 42 inch TV. Being there is overrated.

chooch79: Do you think the NFLPA will be successful in ousting Upshaw before his contract expires?

Bob Smizik: The insurgent move is in its early stages. I don't even think the leaders hope for an early ouster of Upshaw. He's been too much of a company man for my taste but I think he's safe for a good while.

Todd_Blackledge: Don't you think that the majority of the blame for the base running goof belongs with Bixler? I understand that he is a rookie, but he has been playing baseball for at least 15 years.

Bob Smizik: Absolutely. Not just the majority of the blame, but all of the blame. Baserunning is a skill learned early. Bixler simply blew it. A case of nerve, I guess.

Todd_Blackledge: What took the Pirates so long to realize that McClouth is a very solid ball player? I saw Nate play 20-30 games at Altoona and I thought he was twice the player overall when compared tO Duffy.

Bob Smizik: You are in a minority on McLouth-Duffy but it looks like you are right. No one disputes Duffy is faster and a much better outfielder. The intangibles were not there for him. They are there in abundance for McLouth, who is a neat guy.

SDWC: Hi Bob, I noticed in your column this morning a line stating "It's nice to see a coach with his eye on the real target ". Was that meant to be a quiet dig at Jamie Dixon and the Pitt BB philosophy?

Bob Smizik: Yes, it was a reflection on how Pitt proceeds in the post-season. It was refreshing to see Therrien have his eye on the big prize and not the conference title.

chooch79: It was nice to see that you came to your senses in your March 23rd article when you referenced your previous "total mindlessness" in predicting a winning Pirate season in 2008. Can we assume that you had been spending too much time with Brian Bixler?

Bob Smizik: Bixler and I are not close. I take full blame for my mindlessness but I could see how you felt the way you do. Two rockhead calls.

PhillyMarty: I agree with much of what you wrote this morning. But the series likely goes 6 or 7 just because the Senators finally have something to play for. If Alfredsson and Fisher were not hurt, an upset would not be unthinkable. Hockey has long been a post-season sport and the last 20 years are littered with examples of how home ice is of minimal advantage, sometimes even a disadvantage. To expect the Sens to continue to play at the same emotionless level they have played at for the last 5 months will be a huge mistake for the Pens. Reality shows that the Sens virtually had a playoff spot locked up in mid-November. With truly meaningful games back on the schedule for last year's Cup finalist, I expect a much better effort from a team that has proven they know how to beat us.

Bob Smizik: And your question is?

Todd_Blackledge: Back to Penn State, Do you think that anyone close to Joe (family, former players) might soon be telling him that he is starting to tarnish his status as a living legend?

Bob Smizik: I don't think he listens to anyone. Perhaps his wife, but if Joe leaves, her son might also be forced out. She doesn't want that to happen. Clearly, his image is being tarnished and it was tarnished further by a player pulling a knife on another player.

Todd_Blackledge: Bob, I am curious about your process. Do the articles generally come easy based on what is happening, or do you get a direction to do a specific piece on a player or team?

Bob Smizik: The hardest part of the job is coming up with ideas. Sometimes, they are obvious but most of the team that is my greatest concern. Once an idea is hatched, the execution can be the easiest part -- although not easy.

PhillyMarty: Are you enjoying the LaRoche version of the movie "Groundhog Day?" Was it a blessing LaRoche did not sign his contract offer. How long will it take management to realize that our 1B of the future is Pearce? Though he is a righty hitter, we do have outfielders that can take advantage of the short right field poke.

Bob Smizik: I think it's too early to give up on LaRoche, although I can see why people feel that way. He's had productive major league seasons. Pearce has had productive minor league seasons. I remind you Pearce did not homer in more than 60 at bats in Sept.

Todd_Blackledge: Just a guess but I think that if Penn State wanted Bradley to take over, they would have clearly put him in as the #2 by now. I believe that either they do not want him as their next coach (Schiano anyone?) OR Joe is holding out for Jay to get the job.

Bob Smizik: I think it is a combination of both. Joe won't accept a No. 2 and the administration is not certain Bradley is its man and wants to conduct a national search.

James_Taipei_: You wrote that the Penguins will win in 4 or 5 games. I can't see it being that easy. Do you think the Rangers will win the Devils/Rangers series?

Bob Smizik: The Penguins are streaking, the Sens are collapsing. Why not four or five. I have no take on any other series. Check Dave Molinari's predictions in today's P-G

chooch79: The list of draft prospects that are visiting the Steelers headquarters appear to be all over the board. Do you have any insight on what direction they are headed?

Bob Smizik: I do not and I doubt anyone does at this date -- not even them. They have a lot of needs. Virtually any position in the first round would not surprise me.

James_Taipei_: Why do you see it being a problem if Jay is forced out? I am sure he can find a position somewhere else even though I don't know that he has earned it.

Bob Smizik: I am not sure he can find a position anywhere, particularly at a program of Penn State's status.

jimmy_g: OK, we are 7 games into the season and the Pirates main problem (besides the fact that Bay and LaRoche are not hitting) is pitching. Does that sound familiar?

Bob Smizik: I don't know that their main problem is pitching, The bullpen, which I thought would be a major weakness, has been much better than I expected. Snell and Maholm have done reasonably well. Their problems are many. They don't have enough good players all over the field.

avp: What would you have Dixon do at the Big East tourney - coach them not play as hard? Winning the conference tourney brought their seed from a 8 to a 4 - and that helps your chances in the NCAA tourney.

Bob Smizik: I suggested he lengthen his bench in the tournament, using McGhee and Wanamaker more. I never said they should not play hard. Yes, winning the Big East improved their seed. And what good did that do them?

jimmy_g: The second worst thing about the way Memphis lost the championship game was hearing Billy Packer predict it. Your thoughts?

Bob Smizik: I did not see all of the game. I had a TV commitment and missed the first 15 minutes of the second half. I am in a small minority that likes Packer. I think he's honest and informative. If you're looking for a showman, he's not your guy. If you're looking for useful information, he is.

Todd_Blackledge: The best thing for Jay, Joe, and Penn State would be for him to go to another program and work his way up. He has no chance of ever succeeding Joe. Wouldn't he be an interesting option for a program that is trying to make a name?

Bob Smizik: He should have left a long time ago. He needs to expand his resume. I don't think it's good to stay in one place so long. Even Bradley might have benefitted from going elsewhere. No school of any large stature would take risk on a coach with so sketchy a resume as Jay Paterno.

jimmy_g: How would your rate these factors in keeping Pitt basketball from moving to the next level: Jamie Dixon's style; the inability to recruit top notch players; the ability to recruit top notch player because of the coaching style?

Bob Smizik: There's no question Pitt has had trouble recruiting big names. It's possible that Dixon's no-star philosophy hurts. They have really been remiss on not capitalizing on what they did with Aaron Gray to get another big center. Gray should be a great recruiting pitch for them. They took a raw product, developed him into a unanimous Big East player and then got him to the NBA.. They've got to take better advantage of things like that.

Squeeze_Play: How does a no talent hack like Dick Vitale get into the HOF?

Bob Smizik: I'm not a big fan of Dickie V, but he's a fabulous ambassador for the game. He also has a big heart and thousands of important friends.

Baxter: Bixler's baserunning error aside, it was nice to see the Pirates call him up to give him a chance to play. Do you think the old regime would have called him up when Wilson went down. If the old regime was still in place would they have lacked any vision and brought up Matt Kata?

Bob Smizik: I think Bixler was the call regardless of who was the GM. He's their top infield prospect. It's possible Josh Wilson, who has major-league experience at SS, might have got the call from Littlefield.

Squeeze_Play: If/when the Bucs lose tonight and the Astros win their game, the Pirates will be in the basement. Will they remain there the rest of the season?

Bob Smizik: They might end up in sixth place but I don't think another loss will put them there for the remainder of the season.

Baxter: Who has had the more successful basketball program over the past several years? WVU with two sweet 16 appearances and one elite 8 appearance with an NIT title in between or Pitt and its early exits from the NCAA tourney.

Bob Smizik: Pitt, with its Big East TOURNAMENT championship, probably feels it has been more successful. I also think it has the better record, although I don't have those numbers in front of me. But based on NCAA play, the big prize, I'd say West Virginia has the more successful program.

jimmy_g: The emergence of Nate McLouth has been a great story. Let's hope he keeps it up. As for Xavier Nady, if he continues to play lights out, the Pirates can't dump him for prospects, can they?

Bob Smizik: If the team is floundering, anyone can be traded. I think, though, we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves. April, May and even June trades are rare. If Nady is still doing well in July and the Pirates are out of it, sure he could be traded. He's a Scott Boras client and sure to leave for free agency after the 2009 season barring a monster offer (ha ha) from the Pirates.

jimmy_g: Regarding Dickie V. there is no doubt that he is very passionate about college basketball. My problem with him is that he is obsessed with the superstars so we hear about them over and over and over again.

Bob Smizik: In all honesty, I pretty much refuse to listen to games he's announcing so I can't comment on particulars. He is, though, way, way, way over the top.

Squeeze_Play: Bob, you do the sports on TV pieces for the paper. How about a column on the Pirates' terrible announcing team, other than Walk?

Bob Smizik: I have no great problem with the Pirates announcers. There's no Vin Scully there but I think they all do a capable job. It's not easy doing a losing team every years. My biggest complaint: John Wehner talks too much.

Squeeze_Play: First seven games are in the books for the Buccos. We've seen horrid baserunning, miscommunication in the outfield, five walks in one inning. Has anything changed?

Bob Smizik: Doesn't look that way, but it's early. They are only one game under .500 (3-4), which is about what would be expected. Let's see what they're doing at the end of May.

jimmy_g: Even though parity is much less in women's basketball (Tennessee, Connecticut, etc.), does Agnus Berenato reach the Final Four before Jamie Dixon?

Bob Smizik: Your point about parity is accurate. Based on that, I'd say Dixon will get their first.

malkin71: A reporter in Ottawa said someone on the Sens should two hand Crosby's bad ankle to help them win. Maybe you could write something about Laraque beating down a jerky Canadian reporter.

Bob Smizik: Sounds like a good idea to me -- Laraque going after the reporter. What an idiot that guy must be. It's a stain on journalism and a stain on hockey. Can you imagine a football writer -- even one in Ottawa -- suggesting such a thing?

malkin71: Its the first day of the NHL playoffs and we're talking Pitt basketball and Pirates?

Bob Smizik: That poses an interesting question: Which sports or team is second to the NFL and Steelers? Is it the NHL and Penguins or MLB and Pirates. My guess is the Pirates still have a slight edge around here but hockey is closing fast. If the Pirates ever got good (ha ha), the interest would be exceptional.

chooch79: I was a bit surprised by your response that "being there is overrated." Having covered so many World Series, Super Bowls, Final Fours , etc. I would have expected a different response. Please don't take this the wrong way, but are you ready for retirement?

Bob Smizik: About 10 years ago Sports Illustrated had an overrate/underrated section. It listed being there as overrated and watching from home as underrated. If I'm working, of course, I want to be there. If I'm not, why shouldn't I want to be able to see the action better and have expert analysis on the spot?

PirateApologist: Do you know if FSN is going to run a tape delayed Pirate game after the Penguin game tonight? Count me in as one of the 5 people in the city that would actually watch it.

Bob Smizik: I don't know but doubt it. Covering a game is expensive. I don't think they'd go to that expense to show the game only on a tape delay.

Bill_H: I would say that the Pens hold the edge for my sons' generation(ages 21/25)

Bob Smizik: I agree. Hockey definitely has the grip on the under-30 crowd. Like I said, it's coming fast. But baseball is not as dead as some suggest. A lot more kids play baseball than hockey,

malkin71: If the Pirates really are second to the Steelers with the Pens being third, then that is really sad. The Pens have had the best athlete(s) in their sport since 1985

Bob Smizik: It's not sad. The Pens have made great stride and came from nowhere. Baseball has a long established tradition. Hockey has definitely closed the gap -- and may have passed baseball.

jimmy_g: Gues on Pittsburgh fandom: Most fans-Steelers with no doubt; second most fans-probably the Pirates; most passionate fans-Penguins with no doubt.

Bob Smizik: I will say the most passionate fans are the Steelers, with the Pens a close second and the Pirates a distant third.

jimmy_g: After the Penguins early exit from the playoffs last year, people may be waiting a little this year.

Bob Smizik: I don't see anyone waiting. I think the anticipation is huge, and it should be. It's been an amazing season. For the team to do what it has with all the injuries is really special.

James_Taipei_: Do you think that their is more interest in the Pirates due to the fact that it is a more accessable sport to the average person? You just need a few dollars to buy a wiffle bat and ball.

Bob Smizik: No question, baseball is easier to get into. It's my understanding hockey is very expensive. I think the age of Pittsburgh -- we're old -- also is a factor. Older fans are more in touch with baseball.

James_Taipei_: Bob, if you are the GM and it is July. Bay is hitting .230 and Nady around .300 with 15 homers, what do you do?

Bob Smizik: I trade either or both for what ever I can get. Thanks for all the questions. It's been fun for me. Jerry Micco will be back next week.