Jim_from_Michigan: Good Afternnon Jerry! I have a Steeler question, Is Dick LeBeau stii the defensive coordinator? I thought he was going to retire after the 2007 season. I haven't heard that he did, I hope he didn't retire.

Jerry Micco: Dick LeBeau is still the defensive coordinator.

Jim_from_Michigan: I like the lookup of the Pirates right now, except for Jack Wilson not being in the lineup. But I'm not sold on Jose Bautista, I always feel like hes going to strikeout or bounce into a doubleplay. Am I alone on this?

Jerry Micco: Bautista remains an enigma for Pirates management. One day, he's banging home runs and knocking in runs, another day he's doing as you describe -- fanning and bouncing into DPs. His glove at times shines. At other times, he blows a simple play. But he's still a fairly good bargain contract wise and will be for another year, I believe. But my thought is he's going to have to be at least a 20 homer, 80 RBI guy to hold down third. Maybe that's a lot to ask, but that's a power slot. And once Neil Walker develops like the Pirates think he can, Bautista's days at third may be numbered.

James_Taipei: It's a beautiful day in Pittsburgh, a beautiful day in Pittsburgh won't you be my neighbor. Isn't it truely a beautiful day, the Penguins are one win from the Stanley Cup finals and the Pirates are only one game under .500?

Jerry Micco: Well, if each can get one more victory, there might be a pretty big celebration. The Pirates will have some work to do catching up to the Pens success, but the fact that they are sniffing .500 is an improvement. But it's the Pens who pretty much own the city right now. And rightfully so.

James_Taipei: Will Nate McLouth represent the Pirates in the All-Star game?

Jerry Micco: He'll certainly get a lot of consideration as will Xavier Nady.

James_Taipei: Could we be experience a over .500 record 21-20 and a Stanley Cup berth Thursday evening?

Jerry Micco: Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves, especially with the Pirates. The Pens, too, have to win a fourth game and that's not always so easy. Remember Game 4 against the Rangers? Probably their flattest performance in weeks. I'm sure the Pens would like to sweep and get ready for the finals, but there's work to be done.

Jim_from_Michigan: I'm still mad at the Pirates and Dave Littlefield, he was a joke! Trading Ramirez to Cubs in the same division, because we couldn't afford him should never have happened. The team could have got better players for him if they shoped him around. Rule 5, dum trades, bad FA signings, etc. he had no clue.

Jerry Micco: Well, the Ramirez trade was born of desperation and that's how it was handled. What I'd always heard was that Kris Benson was the guy they wanted to trade and actually had some suitors. But if you remember, he injured his shoulder about 10 days before the trade deadline. That deal fell through, and my understanding is that the Pirates had to dump either Ramirez or Benson for salary. Ramirez is who they dumped. As for who offered what, knowing how desperate the team was, I can't imagine much more was offered from anyone.

Jim_from_Michigan: One final complaint about Littlefield and I'll have everything off my chest. He pegged McLouth as 4th outfielder at best, Sanchez has a utility player, Snell as a middle reliever at best, terrible drafts.................I'm sorry but I feel better now, THANKYOU for letting me get it off my chest.

Jerry Micco: No question, the Dave Littlefield era as Pirates GM was something that most fans would like to forget.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Do you think that a Detroit-Pittsburgh final is the nHL's dream come true? Do you think it might catch the attention of the general sports public nationally?

Jerry Micco: I think you are seeing the best 2 teams if that final comes to fruition. Whether it catches on nationally is up for debate. Hockey still is not a national sport for many people. I can't imagine folks outside of Detroit and Pittsburgh caring all that much, but maybe I'm wrong. The TV ratings were up a bit and NBC signed on for another year, but until the sport gets off Versus and onto ESPN, it's going to struggle in the U.S.

YeOldeBuccoFan: I hate to be a killjoy with all the Cup talk around here, but Detroit looks like a buzz-saw.

Jerry Micco: They are very good and I'm sure in a Pens-Wings matchup they'd be favored by most experts. Detroit did lead the league in points and has an excellent, veteran team. They know how to play together and if they get any type of goaltending from Osgood, and they are now, they are very tough to beat. They aren't as big as the Pens and probably not a physical, but they are fast and skilled. It'll be a terrific matchup if it comes to pass.

J.D.: When the Pens win the Cup the NHL should etch Steve Downie's name next to the rest of the Penguins names because his turnovers have been a big part of this series.

Jerry Micco: He's had a tough series, no question. Just a part of the frustration the Flyers have had since the series started.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Who in the world has got into those two Duquesne kids' heads that they should quit school, hire agents, and expect to be drafted by the NBA?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure but from what I'm reading, some folks close to them are giving them bad advice. I don't see either one getting drafted. James might if he put on 25 or 30 pounds, but they both will be either NBA D-League candidates or in a foreign league.

theWellHungarian: Crosby & Hossa are really starting to click ... Pretty scary, eh?

Jerry Micco: It's what the Pens had hoped for from the beginning. And yes, that now gives them two lines that are humming nicely and at the right time. The Pens as a team are humming. There's not a weak unit among the lines or defensive pairings.

theWellHungarian: MVP of the Pens thus far in the playoffs, MAF, Malkin, Crosby, or Hossa?

Jerry Micco: I'd have said Malkin, and did, a week ago. I'm not sure now if Crosby isn't going to get more looks because his playmaking has really stepped up. I'd say Fleury, except I think the defense is playing so well, his job is made easier. Having said that, he's certainly stepped up when he had to.

J.D.: I think the most remarkable thing about the Pens is that even though they have so much firepower they are outworking their opponents every night. Therrien is an outstanding coach, plain and simple.

Jerry Micco: Your opinion would be considered a minority opinion of many Pens fans as early as a month ago or so. I don't hear that sentiment anymore. I've always thought Therrien was just the coach they needed and he's proven that. He's straightforward and gets the most out of his team. They respect him, they may not love the guy, but they play for him, which is all you can ask. And remember, he had a lot of these guys in the AHL and from the beginning of their NHL career. He's worked well with them, too. Shook them up when needed and praised them when it was called for.

theWellHungarian: I watched your video last week with Bob Smizik about Mike Lange returning to TV and Smize said it's 70/30 ... Did he mean 70% chance of Mike Lange returning to TV? if so, thank God ... Steigy is horrendous

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure how Bob broke that down, but you can email him at bsmizik@post-gazette.com and he can answer that question. I won't venture a guess here.

theWellHungarian: I still can't believe the commentating crew Versus assigned to the Pens-Flyers series. There guys stink. Any hints on how to sync up Lange & the Ole 29er to the TV broadcast?

Jerry Micco: Well, the Pens would have to let them go to Versus, which probably won't happen. I don't know, that's Versus' backup crew and while they aren't Foster Hewitt and company, I don't think they are that terrible. I listen to our nightly sports call-in show on the CW and a ton of fans seem to think the Versus commentators and studio guys are anti-Penguins. This phenomenon, by the way, is only found in Pittsburgh. I've lived a lot of places and there are occasional gripes, but here, it's common. I think folks here, being die-hard fans, think the networks need to be die-hard, too. But they play it down the middle. I've heard the vast majority praise the team for its composure and fine play. Maybe I'm missing something.

YeOldeBuccoFan: National analysts keep saying that they are surprised that the Penguins never seem to get rattled? Who should get credit for that? Thierrien? Sid?

Jerry Micco: Therrien and his staff. And the fact that Sid is wise beyond his years helps, too. But don't count out guys like Malone maturing this season. Or Sykora, who has his name on the Cup. Or a guys like Gary Roberts, Ruutu and even though he hasn't played in the playoffs, Darryl Sydor, who is another guy with his name on the Cup. It's a terrific blend of vets and young guys who play well together. So in some way, Ray Sherro should get some credit, too.

J.D.: Have we finally heard the end of spygate?

Jerry Micco: I think we have. And it's gone out with a whimper. Though I guess if you're the Pats, a heavy fine and a draft pick isn't a whimper. I'm not sure why everyone just took this in stride. I wonder if the Pats are the only team to do this? I mean, the outcry from the Steelers and the other teams victimized by the cheating is been a whisper. Maybe Arlen Specter will have something to say today, but I doubt it.

YeOldeBuccoFan: If they set up a big screen outside Heinz Field for Steeler games (in decent weather), how many people do you think would show up?

Jerry Micco: Probably 10,000, maybe a bit more. The Pens are limiting the number of fans they allow in for the games. And no alcohol. Wait, that might take the Steelers crowd to about 1,000.

J.D.: John Challis is the story of the year and I don't care if its only May. Any one who got through the article with a dry eye isn't human.

Jerry Micco: Even the people who edited it, and I was one of them, couldn't help but be moved by that story. We can be a very cynical and questioning bunch in journalism that's part of our job and our makeup, but that wonderful piece by Mike White moved a lot of people. We're glad we could tell John's story in our pages and on our Web site. John's message is so powerful and that's what makes this story so great. We're like a lot of folks -- our thoughts are certainly with John and his family in his battle with cancer.

J.D.: What did you think about the Boston newspaper issuing an apology to the Patriots?

Jerry Micco: Well, the apology to readers is the most important thing it had to do. Those readers obviously got a story that wasn't vetted as well as the Herald should have vetted it. I'm not excusing what they did, but in our business occasionally, you have people lie to you. But it's our job to keep digging if we don't believe the original source. As for apologizing to the Patriots, I'm not sure that was necessary, but it's not the first time a newspaper has apologized to the injured party in print.

chunkles: Jerry, I dont see why people are so set against our FSN Penguin broadcasting crew. Yes, I would rather see Lang on TV but Paul is really good and he calls it down the middle, even though he is a Pittsburgher. Those guys on Versus are pulling for Philly. They keep shoving Umberger down our throats. Yes, he is from the Burgh but Pens fans could care less. Its not like Marino. He was always mentioned as a home town boy during Steeler games but Dan played for Pitt. R.J. is from Plum and thats it! Wheres Edzo?

Jerry Micco: Well, don't you think Philly fans want to hear about their players too? That's exactly what I mean. How can you say because they are highlighting Umberger that they are pulling for Philly? I mean, the guy scored 9 goals in the previous series. Why wouldn't you talk about him? And we did an Umberger story about his split allegiances. It's a natural story. I think there's plenty of Pens stuff on Versus, too. As for the local FSN guys, I watch them and think they are fine. I listen to radio broadcasts at times, too. Lange's a legend. But I don't see where the FSN crew is so bad that you can't still enjoy the game.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Hearing John Challis talk on the video clips on your website leaves no doubt that he is a genuine Pittsburgher-both in accent, and in his values. He represents the best that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Jerry Micco: He's a great kid with a wonderful message. Our video is getting plenty of visits from our readers and is being bought by national outlets. Again, our job is to inform and tell stories about our community. And when we get a story like John Challis and see how it has moved people, it gives us great satisfaction. It makes us feel like a necessary part of people's lives. And in an industry that a lot of folks think is "dying" it reminds those of us in it why we got into it -- to tell great stories and inform people about what's going on.

PhillyMarty: Just to give you the Philly perspective (tough living out here), they think the Versus broadcasters are anti-Flyers. You must know that the Flyers' broadcasters have not seen a legit penalty call against their team all year. Biggest homers in any league. Seems to me the Pens really took their lessons to heart in losing last April to Ottawa. A multi-year maturation process seems to have compressed. Does not hurt that we have lots of skill, beyond Sid and Geno. My question, do you think Orpik's brief stay in the Coach's doghouse will make it tougher to re-sign him? He has matured greatly.

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure where Orpik is on that, Marty. I think that he's going to see what offers he'll get and he may opt to leave. I think, though, that if they are this good and can stay this good for a some time, a guy like Orpik might take a bit less money to stay with a winner. I think he's a really nice, physical player and one they need. So you may see them make a play for him in a meaningful way. I don't know if his dog house days will make him reconsider staying. I think winning may trump that.

PhillyMarty: Either Versus or NHL Network ran a piece on the Wings last night, it is amazing that most of their stars were drafted AFTER the first round. You look at the Pens and it is quite the opposite.

Jerry Micco: It was Versus. A neighborhood kid, friends with my kids, came over to watch the game last night. I knew about some of those players being lower round picks, but he didn't. He wondered how that happened. It's why Detroit has been a terrific team for the past 10 years or so. They have always drafted well. The Pens have done well when they are at the top of the draft, obviously. And it didn't hurt winning the Crosby lottery. They seemed to be bad when good players were there to be drafted, too. Remember the year they lost Ovechkin to the Caps and had to pick No. 2? Not bad to have Malkin there to take. How could you miss in that draft. But Detroit is always drafting low and still comes up with guys. They scout Europe like crazy, too. And do it well.

PhillyMarty: Perhaps it has helped the Bucs that for the most part they are out of focus right now. Their results the last week surely caught me by surprise. Maybe they feel less pressure with less focus.

Jerry Micco: Could be, interesting take, Marty. I think the big part is that the starters are finally getting their act together. I don't think there's any question these guys can score some. But their starters have been atrocious. Until about 10 days ago. If they can get into the sixth or seventh, they've proven they can usually shut a team down late. Of course, it's helped that LaRoche is finally waking up and that Bautista had driven in a few runs. And Bay seems to be doing much better at the plate. But if flying under the radar helps them, then management over on the North Side probably hopes for a long Pens run into the Cup finals.

Jerry Micco: I need to get back to work folks. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me. Not many folks today, but as usual, you had good questions to move things along. I'll see you next Wednesday at noon. By then, maybe we'll be talking Stanley Cup finals and who knows, an above-.500 Pirates team?