James_Taipei: If the Pirates stay within striking distance of .500 do you see Jason Bay staying with the Pirates for the entire season?

Jerry Micco: From what I've read from ownership, if the Pirates are contenders in their division or for a wild card spot, they'll not trade a marquee player. That said, you have to look long term, too, and a guy like Nady or Bay as well as Grabow could be dealt for a couple key prospects. It will be a tough decision when the time comes.

max: I know Smizik writes a lot (all?) of the columns on the sports media. But given the history of Smizik, Madden and 1250 AM, shouldn't someone else written that piece? Or at least divulged the history? Or is Bob the only one who could write this piece?

Jerry Micco: Bob has covered TV/Radio in Pittsburgh pretty much since my arrival here. If you are going to go through media Mark Madden has torched on his show, I'd be out of reporters. Bob covered the news on this. The news is what we presented today. Let's get this out of the way: Bob didn't fire Mark Madden. ESPN fired Mark Madden. Bob has a ton of background on this matter and since we're the paper that broke this story, his firing, not his suspension, which was broken by WTAE, I think we had the right guy on it.

max: If the worst happens, and the Penguins fail miserably in the finals with Detroit, do you think Theirenn's job is in danger, given the NHL's propensity to fire coaches?

Jerry Micco: Absolutely not.

James_Taipei: Do you think that it is really smart to trade Jason Bay? Isn't it a little risky just to play with only young players and no veterans? Wouldn't it be better to open next year with McLouth, Bay, and Andrew McCutchen in the outfield?

Jerry Micco: Well, again, you look long term. If a team is going to offer a couple top prospects, why not look at the deal?

traffic: I am sure I am one of many who will ask this question, but what are your thoughts on Madden's firing? I think he crossed the line many times, but listeners should know that going on. ESPN even played some warning about Madden insulting his callers. Any chance his overwhelming popularity could get him his job back, or do you think he moves on, to another city?

Jerry Micco: I don't know what will happen with Mark. But in a sense you're right, people know what they are getting with Mark, and his station knows what it's getting with Mark. It got high numbers, but it also got collateral damage from some of the stuff Mark would say. Look, you never want to see anyone fired. And Mark hasn't exactly always said kind things about some of our folks on the air, me included, but I think if people look at the big picture and if Mark does the same, he'll land somewhere. I don't know if that's here, but maybe a change of scenery would be good. Who knows.

traffic: After the last game, Max Talbot made some comment about that it would not matter if the Pens lost 10 to 8 (as opposed to the shut out). But how can he or anyone else think that is true? The Pens have yet to score a goal against the Wings. If they had lost 10 to 8, I would give them a chance to win the series. As it is now, I am just hoping they can win a game. I do think they will be able to score a goal or two at home.

Jerry Micco: I think once they actually score, it may lift a huge load from them. I think they can play with Detroit despite the first two games. But tonight will be the true test. I look forward to it.

PirateApologist: Jerry, how does a fire alarm not get pulled every single night in every single sport in every single visitor's hotel room? I'm surprised we don't hear about this more often and I'm surprised it didn't happen last night.

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure it happens every night to every team. Some hotels are pretty tight with security.

PirateApologist: I hate to be doom and gloom, but, help us all if the Red Wings score first tonight.

Jerry Micco: You might be right about that. The Pens need to score early, or take advantage of power plays. They've had their fair share, it seems.

FreeCandy: What is the point of moving Sydor to the blueline and taking Letang out? It seems like the Pens need to be getting faster, not slower.

Jerry Micco: I've thought, and this is just my opinion, that Letang looked a bit lost out there from the latter part of the Flyers series and certainly the first two games in this one. I think that's a solid move because Sydor has more experience and is good moving the puck. Letang seemed to not know when to shoot or when to jump up in the play and had some turnovers. Maybe it's time to let someone else take a shot at this.

FreeCandy: Why does Smizik use the PG for personal vendettas?

Jerry Micco: He doesn't.

FreeCandy: Do you agree with the Pens claims of obstruction by the Red Wings blue lines?

Jerry Micco: I think there's some of that going on. They remind me of New Jersey in their Cup years. Of course then, obstruction was part of the game. I also think they are fast and anticipate better than any team in the league. So while there's probably something to the complaint, it's not the reason they are down 2-0.

FreeCandy: How harmfull will this Cup finals series be to the NHL's image? With all the hype surronding it, any casual fans who tuned into the games saw a boring game very similar to that of the "old" NHL...this is like watching the NJ Devils of the late 90's play...extremely boring

Jerry Micco: I'm sure the league would prefer 5-4 and 6-5 games with Crosby and Malkin scoring at will. Yes, that would help the game immensely, particularly with it's US audience. But you win with defense, and the Wings are doing that much better than the Pens.

Ned_Ryerson: Think the Pens can score a goal tonight?

Jerry Micco: I do. I actually think the Pens can win tonight. I do. Really. Keep saying that to yourself enough times and it's believeable.

chooch79: It seems that Smizik is going to take some heat for the Madden firing this week. I'm interested in your perspective of the situation.

Jerry Micco: Bob's been a columnist for Pittsburgh newspapers since 1983. Taking heat is part of his job. I can say -- and this goes for anyone in our business but especially the columnists -- the email is much more hateful and personal than ever before. You want to say that's part of the business, and criticism certainly is, but you will never get me to buy into personal attacks and some of the venom people spew. Public discourse is, well, talk radio. And that's a shame.

FreeCandy: I will say, however, that the recent episode with Madden has made me miss Myron Cope even more. If only they could all be more like Myron...

Jerry Micco: Myron could engage people and what he did was make people think. He didn't insult people and he didn't yell over the top of them. I want people to think about what they say and have a take. No need to yell and scream. Say it, have a debate, and then let others come in and get their share of the argument. That's why I'd be lousy in radio and maybe why Myron would not be as popular now.

Super_Genius: Sydor in, Letang out. Why Letang? Whitney's been horrible beginning with the Ottawa series. Thierrien's panicking.

Jerry Micco: No, I really do think Letang has been lost out there. He just seems so unsure. I think Whitney is at least clued in enough to jump in on rushes and he's not had a ton of turnovers.

PirateApologist: With the Brewers, Indian, Rockies, Padres, and some others not playing as well as expected and possibly looking to trade players, should the Pirates look to move their players earlier?

Jerry Micco: I think you hold on to players until teams begin to get desperate. If a team thinks a Jason Bay or Xavier Nady is what they need to get over the top, then they'll part with high minor leaguers who may be major league ready for a chance at a title. I think the Pirates will listen to all offers.

jimmy_g: The Penguins have been totally outplayed by the Red Wings, whose defense has been absolutely stiffling. As a result, I don't hold out much hope for a comeback. What are your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: Winning four out of five from the Wings looks dubious. It's going to be very tough for the Pens. They need to get a goal first. Then think about winning a game.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Kudos to Bob Smizik for consistently calling out Mark Madden in print. Do you see any other local stations picking him up? Or, hopefully, does he take his tired act to Cleveland or Philadelphia?

Jerry Micco: I don't know the local radio scene that well, so that's hard to say.

jimmy_g: The Pirates offense has taken a large step forward this year (so far) but the starting pitching has taken an equal step backward. Thus it looks like we will have 16 and counting. How do you see it?

Jerry Micco: I think a winning season is a long shot. I think, though, they could be 8-10 games better. But the starters have to get in some type of shape before they even think of doing that much better. The hitting seems to be there most nights, but watching those guys walk batter after batter is mind-numbing.

YeOldeBuccoFan: The penguins look like boys vs. men. Is the Western Conference that much better than the Eastern conference, or is it just a Detroit thing?

Jerry Micco: The West plays, I think, better defense and has more speed. In watching teams like San Jose, Dallas and Detroit play during the playoffs, I'm amazed at their speed. The Pens have good speed, but not across the board. These guys have it across the board. And Detroit has great defensemen.

theWellHungarian: Is there more to the Mark Madden firing than the Ted Kennedy comment. I mean, Ted Kennedy killed someone and got to keep his job as Senator. Mark Madden said something (jokingly) and keep his job as a radio show host ... What kind of society do we live in today? For shame ...

Jerry Micco: There are some who agree with your take. I'm only going off what the ESPN folks told Bob today and that they wanted to go in a different direction. Do I think that comes from one comment? No, not at all. But sometimes, it's a lot of things over a period of time, or there's new philosophy at the top of the organization. Either you get with that philosophy and with the program, or you go.

roninbuc: How big of impact does J Wilson have on the Buccos? When Doumit is back in a couple of weeks, does the team take off if the pitching improves?

Jerry Micco: They need the pitching to go anywhere. Wilson helps because his defense helps. Doumit helps because his bat was going great guns. I wonder if he can duplicate it after missing a month?

jimmy_g: While watching the first two games in the Stanley Cup Championship, whenever there are closeups, it looks like the men (Red Wings) against the boys (Penguins). Perhaps this is the reason the series has been so lopsided so far.

Jerry Micco: Experience does count for a lot in a series like this. It should not be discounted that many of the Pens players have never gotten this far and Detroit has guys who have three Cups. It's not the only thing, but it certainly helps Detroit.

Chunkles: Jerry, first let me say that Malkin is a great player. However, he is showing Jagr like tendencies. You know, playing when he wants to play. He said he is tired. You know what, I saw a guy at the grocery store last night mopping the floor. HE looked tired. My question to you is, should the Pens trade him? I say let him go. That way the Pens have one #1 Superstar and they have the money to keep Hossa, Malone, Fleury, Staal, and Orpik.

Jerry Micco: I'd not get crazy on this one. Malkin is tremendous and his upside has not even been realized. He doesn't have to be the leader of this team, so that mantle won't be bestowed on him. He can just play. And he may be tired. Remember, he didn't miss a game this year, or if he did, it was just a couple. I'm sure a lot of guys are tired. No, you don't trade Malkin.

traffic: Sydor over Letang--can anyone stop the Red Wings from getting a goal? Personally I blame for Fleury for less than half the goals.

Jerry Micco: Fleury has played well in this series. Not great, but he's done very well. He's not getting a lot of help.

Fluffo: I was never a fan of his lewdness or rudeness, but behind his schtick there was an intelligence and creativity that is sadly lacking in those who remain on the air in Pittsburgh. He will land somewhere, but probably not on his feet.

Jerry Micco: Mark had the ability -- and remember, he worked for me for a short time -- to write and opine on things in an intelligent manner with great wit. He chose what he chose to do. What can you say?

chooch79: I really enjoy the weekly golf instructional videos with Dulac. Does the PG actually do the videos or do you contract out the taping?

Jerry Micco: We do the videos ourselves. I think all in the same day.

Super_Genius: When will Jeff Andrews take some heat for the Pirate starters lack of control. Say what you want about our starters, but good control had been a staple until this year.

Jerry Micco: I'm sure Andrews takes that heat upon himself. But you can only work with guys so much then they have to go out and prove they can do it. Again, it's not like the team has a lot of options when it comes to pitchers in AAA. You can only keep working with what you've got.

James_Taipei: I agree trading Nady for a few prospects is a good idea since Boras is his agent and the Pirates cannot afford to resign him. But wouldn't it be wise to keep one All-Star caliber player around?

Jerry Micco: I think they'll keep most of their players, but deal one or two, again, if they get the right prospects. I don't see a house cleaning unless the team fades horribly and is way out of it at the All-Star break. Then you may see a few guys go.

jimmy_g: How can anybody possibly defend Mark Madden? Short and simple, he is a total jerk.

Jerry Micco: Mark, like other on-air personalities and like journalists, had his supporters and detractors.

traffic: Question about the JoePa story on Friday. A sentence read that he was not interested in renewing the Pitt-PSU rivalry, but JoePa's subsequent comments did not directly say that. Was that just editing?

Jerry Micco: I didn't see the original story, but you can gather from what he said that it's not a priority for him. It may be a paraphrase of several comments. But make no mistake, Paterno is not interested in renewing the rivalry. And as a PSU alum, I think that's a shame they don't play.

Super_Genius: Surefire solution for the Pens to get a goal tonight: suit up #66.

Jerry Micco: You know, he might get one if you put the uniform on him. He looks great.

Mr_8.7: If Smizik is taking heat he brought it on himself. It seems we couldn't go a week without hearing him say something negative about Madden. It simply comes as sour grapes because Smizik used to be the guy in town who was considered the most controversal media figure. Just my 2 cents.

Jerry Micco: That's fine, but let's get a fact straight: Bob writes an occasional media column and he wrote many without even a mention of Madden. When controversy arose over something, then Bob might write about it. That's his job. I know. I edit those columns.

Super_Genius: As much criticism as Malkin is getting, which is somewhat deserved, how about Crosby? 4 goals in 16 playoff games. For all of us spin moves and playmaking, that equates to 20 goals over a full regular season. Not good enough. He's basically a better Joe Thornton. Shoot the puck Sid!

Jerry Micco: Another thing I've been thinking about. Sid's great, but he's been kind of absent, too. I know he's had more chances and taken more shots and I think he's played better than Malkin in this series, but Sid's not been huge, either. I don't think this is all on Malkin.

theWellHungarian: Who should I listen to from 3-7pm now? Any recommendations?

Jerry Micco: Joe Bendel's show is pretty good. I usually don't listen at that time as I'm just getting out of work. Ellis Cannon is entertaining, too. He calls Jose Bautista "Joe Bautista." I know that irriates some folks, but I actually find it funny. And Joe is relatively new to talk radio. His show is more like I'd do a show. Some debate but a lot of just good sports talk. Again, I don't listen to either on a regular basis because of work schedule, but there are alternatives out there for Mark's regular listeners.

Mr_8.7: How can Geno Malkin be tired, as he told a reporter last week? Long season for sure, but he's 21 and it's not like the Pens have had to grind out some 7 game series leading up to the finals.

Jerry Micco: Some guys just get tired, I guess. But if you polled every Penguin, as well as Red Wing, if they were candid they'd say the same thing. Everyone's a bit tired at this point. They started in September and it's nearly June.

jimb056: I really enjoyed the Stets Geek today. Great article

Jerry Micco: Brian doesn't do that column anymore on a weekly basis for us. His decision and I respect that. He's got a local column he needs to do three times a week. But it was nice to get him back into sports. I hope he gets the time to do more of those down the road.

Super_Genius: I'm willing to bet that most, if not all, of the people that support ESPN 1250's decision to fire Madden are old yinzers who long for the good old days when the 70's Steelers ruled the world and the Pirates were relevant. No wonder the city loses most of its young and vibrant population.

Jerry Micco: I think that's more because jobs here are scarce. If you want a great place to live, this is it. But if there are no jobs for the thousands of college and high school grads to take, then you move away. Take it from someone who lived everywhere but Pittsburgh for 25 years after growing up in this area: Pittsburgh is a great city to live in.

Mr_8.7: Why not start Gary Robets in game 1? You don't want to break up a winning lineup, but it was almost a week between games. Momentum gets lost.

Jerry Micco: Maybe Roberts was the answer, but the only thing I remember from game 2 was the shot at Franzen's head. Maybe tonight we'll see more from him.

jimb056: Great to see jack Wilson last night. The Bucs have really missed this guy

Jerry Micco: No question, especially his defense. Now if he could only be a starting pitcher....

Mr_8.7: Wouldn't it have been a good idea to go to Detroit a day earlier and work on the puck bounces from the boards? Everyone complained about how lively it is. Well don't the Pens have scouts who would have instructed the coaches to work on this?

Jerry Micco: I think I read, or heard, that the Pens practiced this on game day, so they knew this was how the boards reacted. I don't think this caught them by surprise, though things are always different under game conditions.

James_Taipei: Won't Wilson be quite an offensive upgrade over Bixler as well?

Jerry Micco: That's not hard to do, but yes, he'll be an offensive upgrade.

PhillyMarty: I have to add to the "Maddeningly" discussion. In Philly, there is also a controversial sportstalkie. And while he regularly abuses his callers, he usually is smart enough not to assassinate those that are the topic of conversation. It is truly a sad commentary on our society that the general public prefers the insulting rants of Madden over the classy musings of Stan Savran. Madden got what was a long time coming. In the long run, Pittsburgh will be better off without him. I am not one of Bob Smizik's great supporters. But shooting the messenger is hardly the proper response either. Maybe now that the StatsGeek has returned, maybe he is interested in Madden's spot!

Jerry Micco: Marty, as always, there's not much more I can add to what you say.

chooch79: Isn't it amazing that we haven't heard any complaints about the NHL's "master plan" to have Crosby win the Cup over the past 5 days?

Jerry Micco: Really. I think "master plan" conspiracy theorists may have gotten this one wrong. Like most conspiracy theories, it's much more developed in someone's mind than in reality.

James_Taipei: If the Pirates draft Pedro Alvarez, will he get chance at the starting thirdbase job next spring?

Jerry Micco: If he gets the major league contract that apparently he and Scott Boras want, then I think the Pirates will take a good, long look at him in spring training. If you're paying the guy major league money, might as well play him here.

byebyemark: Hi Jerry. I also wanted to say thanks to Smizyk for calling Madden out. The guy is a disgrace to talk radio, and he should've been fire long before now. His sports knowledge is questionable at best (I thought that when he was employed as a writer at the P-G). I don't think his Kennedy comments were that bad, to be honest -- he's said much worse. So, I look at this as something that's been long overdue.

Jerry Micco: I'll let your comment stand on its own.

chooch79: What did you think about Burnside's recent column calling out Mario?

Jerry Micco: I heard him on Junker and Crow this morning. I know our Chuck Finder had no luck getting Mario to talk to him for a piece we did a few days ago. Hey, Burnside has an opinion, but I've not read the column so I don't feel comfortable commenting on it. I think more than anything, Burnside said he feels Mario should do interviews for the league and the sport. I think anyone can talk when they want and to whom they want. We always want access and interviews. But hey, no one is forced to talk to us.

Super_Genius: Trade Malkin? After a lackluster few games? After he single handedly carried them when Crosby was injured for 20+ games? After a Hart Trophy type season? After exploding through the first 10 games of these playoffs? Wow. I love the over-reaction in this town. The Jagr reference made it priceless. The 2nd greates player to ever wear the uniform, key contributor on 2 cup teams, and a guy that carried them post-Lemieux. Unbelievable.

Jerry Micco: Again, this is one I'll let stand. I agree, s_g.

Super_Genius: Will the Pirates blow it again next week during the draft?

Jerry Micco: I don't think so. I think they have 3 really good prospects to look at and they draft second. I think, from what I've heard, Tampa really likes the catcher, Posey. So that means the Bucs have Alvarez and the high school shortstop from Georgia (his name eludes me) who is supposed to be just great.

theWellHungarian: a bit off topic, but who do you like today in the friendly at Wembley Stadium, US or England?

Jerry Micco: I know nothing about soccer. But isn't taken seriously in England more than in the US? I'll pick England.

James_Taipei: Too bad that 66 didn't have better health and could suit up with this young Penguins team! But if he was not injury prone we would have never drafted Crosby!

Jerry Micco: Perhaps you're right. Just think what a healthy Mario would have been like. Tremendous, maybe the best ever, already, imagine him totally healthy for his career. Wow.

PirateApologist: What is the atmosphere like for a game in a press box? Do all the media people know each other pretty well?

Jerry Micco: Yes we do. It's workmanlike with a bit of sarcasm thrown in. We are a bit jaded, you know. But it's work. And for people like Dave Molinari, Shelly Anderson and the columnists, game's end is a frenzied time of writing stories and filing them immediately after the game is over. Then getting some quotes, and refiling them within an hour for later editions of the paper. It's hard work that has to be done in little time, but readers want that information and it's our job to provide it. And I like to think we do an excellent job of doing that. As far as I'm concerned, the PG hockey writers deserve my Stanley Cup.

jimmy_g: General comment on Bob Smizik: The "heat" will have absolutely no effect on this crusty veteran.

Jerry Micco: Bob's used to this. He'll do what he does for us: provide insightful, knowledgeable opinion. I've enjoyed working with him since I've arrived and look forward to more of his work both in print and on our Web site.

PhillyMarty: Does a writer like Dave Molinari feel any pressure, suttle or otherwise to endorse the home team. I know he tries to stay neutral. He wrote all spring that he thought the West was best. I was quite surprised that he then predicted Pens in 7. Expected him to pick the Wings.

Jerry Micco: No pressure at all on that front, Marty. Like most good beat reporters, and Dave's a great one, they play it down the middle. A lot of folks thought this would go seven. And as well as the Pens have played, hey, why not Pens in 7?

FreeCandy: Georgia SS's name is Tim Beckham I believe, Jerry.

Jerry Micco: Thanks for the knowledge, FreeCandy.

FreeCandy: Just wanted to say that Seth has done an excellent job all season with Empty Netters...I really enjoy the sports blogs on the your website..it's nice to get the offbeat analysis from knowledgable people

Jerry Micco: Seth has really added to our Pens coverage with his blog. I'm proud of him and his work. His job for us is news assistant. He does the scoreboard page as his regular job as well as other clerical duties. But he approached me and Donna Eyring, (my right hand and who really handles the Web stuff more than I do), about this and took off with it. I appreciate the fact that you read it and our blogs. We're working on making them even better.

Jerry Micco: Folks, this has been tremendous. I still have 20 questions left but just no time to get to them. I can't thank all of you enough for taking the time to come in this week. This is why I love Pittsburgh and sports here: passionate fans, even if they don't live here anymore. I've got to go get my credentials for tonight's game. I'll go to the next couple here and who knows, maybe the Pens can scratch back into this. See you next Wednesday at noon.