James_Taipei: Two of your staff has recently written articles about whether the Pirates should keep Jason Bay. What is your opinion? Furthermore I think the idea that the Pirates should not spend on Bay because they will not contend is bogus. It is one thing if the Pirates would actually spend the money on scouting prospects but I do not see that happening. Furthermore it does not appear that keeping Bay would block the development of anyone.

Jerry Micco: I think a lot of this depends on if there's interest in Jason Bay from other clubs, and if there is, what is the offer? With Bay, the Pirates are at best a .500 club. Without him, they may be no less than a .500 club. I think for the long term, you have to build up the minor leagues. And to do that, you have to trade off some of your top talent. Might Bay fit in even with younger talent? Sure. But I don't think except for a small core, the Pirates shouldn't listen to what other clubs might offer for their top players.

jimmy_g: Pitching, pitching, pitching! The Pirates lack of it is really holding them back. What are your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I thought Dave Littlefield pounded it into the owners' heads that pitching is what wins you divisions, etc. So he drafted a ton of pitchers. Then fans said that's too much pitching. Littlefield said, you never have enough pitching. He's right, actually. What's missing from this is selecting the RIGHT pitchers. The Pirates lack depth in the minors and the middle relievers are pretty much batting practice. And they have no where to go to get those guys. If the starters could get every game into the seventh or eights, maybe they have not problems. But it's obvious they can't. Pitching still does win for you. But it's hard to come by.

jimmy_g: Too bad that Rocco couldn't pull it off against Tiger. It just goes to show what an amazing athlete and competitor Tiger is.

Jerry Micco: And we just posted a breaking news story: Tiger will have reconstructive surgery on his injured knee and shut it down for the year. He also has 2 stress fractures in his tibia. So essentially, he won the Open on one leg. Amazing, but so was Rocco Mediate's challenge to him. Two guys with a lot of heart.

jimmy_g: That was a good article about John Calipari yesterday. Are we going to live long enough to see Jamie Dixon bring a Parade All-American and perhaps one-year player to Pitt?

Jerry Micco: That's usually not his philosophy, but I'm thinking if there's a great player out there who wants to come to Pitt, and he can out recruit Carolina, Duke, Memphis, Indiana, UCLA, etc. for him, then Dixon would do it in a minute. It's not the only way to win a championship, but it certainly helps to get those guys when you can.

theWellHungarian: Hi Jerry, I proposed this question to Mr. Smizik & Mr. Fruscello last week. Bob hated it (I hate him too though) & Nick liked it (Nick is the man). What would you think about Pittsburgh with an MLS Team. The People want one. Soccer is a more entertaining sport. A soccer team would have a better chance of becoming champions than the Pirates will be. Also, do you buy your stocks high & sell low or do you buy low & sell high? The point I am making is Pittsburgh can get it while the popularity is rather low

Jerry Micco: I like World Cup soccer and Olympic soccer. I pretty much ignore it the rest of the time. Could they get an MLS franchise, I don't know. It's not exactly known as a soccer hotbed. And yes, you would likely win a title in soccer faster than baseball, but would anyone here care? The MLS has been an average league with average attendance. And they've tried to put it places where it can prosper. I'd not be opposed to Pittsburgh taking a run at it, but I don't get where you say the "People" want it. Who are those people?

YeOldeBuccoFan: Will people in years to come talk about Tiger vs Rocco the way the oldtimers talk about Billy Conn vs Joe Louis?

Jerry Micco: It'll go down as one of the great U.S. Opens because of that playoff. And to think if Rocco could have made one or two short putts on Sunday, we'd be talking about his US Open victory over the field.

Do_it_Dooey: Jerry, I know you had budget concerns, but was it eating you up that Gerry Dulac couldn't be at Torrey Pines for Rocco's best performance?

Jerry Micco: Everyone -- above and below me on the totem pole -- wants to cover the US Open every year, regardless of storyline. We're a U.S. Open city. Yes, it was a financial decision. More and more, newspapers have to think that way some. And it's not a new phenomenon. After all, we are a business and if we bleed money, then we aren't in business anymore. That's a fact. That said, I was on vacation last week and dying alive, to quote Jaromir Jagr, watching it. Gerry is an excellent golf writer and he showed that in Tuesday's paper with his piece on Mediate's playoff round. And he'll have another piece on Rocco in tomorrow's PG. He just got through interviewing him. It always hurts when you have to cut something, but it is what it is. We still delivered good coverage, I thought, to our readers.

jimmy_g: A few years ago, Pirate fans were very happy to have Jason Bay on the team. Now it looks like he is trade bait. Will we be doing the same thing with Ryan Doumit in a couple of years?

Jerry Micco: They might if they think there's another catcher they can pay less money to and still get good production. I think a lot depends on where the team is and where it's heading. If it's contending for division titles, then they Pirates will become buyers instead of sellers. If it's a second-division team, then they are still sellers.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Are you surprised that the Penguins have made signing Hossa priority #1, and Ryan Malone priority zero?

Jerry Micco: Well, as much as we like Ryan Malone, he's not Marian Hossa. Malone had his first really good season this year playing with Malkin. Hossa has been good his entire career. If I can get Hossa for $7 million or Malone for $5 million, I'd probably take Hossa.

jimb056: If Snell was to be sent to Altoona ot AAA ball till he gets his game together, who fiils his spot?

Jerry Micco: That's the problem when you have no pitching depth. No one fills it. Well, Bullington or Van Benschoten would, but talk about batting practice. Holy cow. They have few options in the minors, which is why you hear the trade talk.

BlueWendal: Do we have to hear the Hungarian again? He's ALMOST as boring as soccer.

Jerry Micco: Wow, a blast from BlueWendal. The Hungarian is a regular and thus deserves to have his "take" heard and answered.

jimb056: Rocco had his moment in the sun, but Tiger may just be the best ever.

Jerry Micco: Tiger, when it's all said and done, probably will be the best ever. Until one day, there is a new "Tiger."

jimmy_g: Follow up on Bay/Doumit: We all know that it's possible with excellent management for small market teams to win in baseball. In general, however, they are little more than development teams for the big market teams. For this reason, it is amazing that the fan interest (me included) is still very high. What are your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: If you like baseball, you like baseball. And it's not like these guys can't be entertaining. They do hit the ball well and have some nice players. The pitchers aren't very good, but at least this club for the most part is competitive. And while the Bostons and Yankees are always going to pay for their guys and be near the top, look at teams like Arizona and Colorado and see that they are tough, too. The Phillies don't spend like the Cubs, but are probably just as good. And the Marlins are way over their heads. So that's why you're a fan with millions of others. It's still nice to see other teams build into a winner.

Do_it_Dooey: Better putt: Tiger's Sunday to force the playoff or Danny Noonan's to beat Judge Smails?

Jerry Micco: Definitely Danny Noonan's. Come on, it was for the club championship!

jimb056: Have you heard if "Fast Willie" is as fast as he was before last year's injury?

Jerry Micco: No, nothing on that front. My guess is the Steelers will take it easy with him and then slowly open him up at Latrobe. Just a guess, though. Ed Bouchette will be on that story early in camp, I'm sure.

theWellHungarian: My point is baseball is an old man's sport ... I'm young (28) & most people my age could care less about the Pirates, most can't remember the Pirates with a winning season or ever seen them with a winning season, How can there be a 'young' fan base? After the old people die who's going to be there to watch them or support them? My point is if going to the ballpark is just something to do, then an MLS team would also give you something to do & they would even have a chance of winning. I'm sure an MLS team would also be cheaper than a MLB team

Jerry Micco: It would be, but while you talk about old vs. young, when I go to games, my 14-year-old can't wait to go with me. My 19-year-old loves it, too. It's just such a nice night out. Now would they be soccer fans, maybe. But I know they like going to baseball. This is not a big metro area. If you keep adding teams, you're going to slice up a rather smallish fan base as it is. I'm not knocking soccer, but when I'm at Pirates games there are a lot of kids.

Ty_Webb: What do you think of the decision to let Ryan Malone test free agent waters and focus on signing Hossa? Seems to me that Malone is the heart and soul of the team and there is a lot he adds that doesn't show on a stats sheet. Tough decision but maybe one Shero will regret?

Jerry Micco: Well, he has a lot of tough calls ahead. And yes, he could regret it. But Hossa is a proven NHL commodity. Malone bumped along and ran into a good year. Hey, maybe he's just hitting his stride. But there's only a couple years age difference between the two guys, so it's not like you're giving up on a 21-year-old. Losing Malone would not make them a better team, but adding Hossa definitely does.

jimmy_g: Hossa with Crosby for a whole year could be awesome.

Jerry Micco: One of the best one-two combos in the NHL. And add Malkin to the mix with Sykora, and that's not a bad combo, either. A lot of people forgot about Sykora, but he scored what, 30 goals last season on the wing with Malkin? And was dynamic on the power play.

Ty_Webb: Since you were on vacation maybe you had a chance to watch a lot of the US Open coverage. How awesome is Johnny Miller? He gives so much insight on the course, the pin placements, player's mindsets, etc. The best as far as I am concerned.

Jerry Micco: He's pretty terrific. Can get a bit over the top at times, but if you want honest commentary, he's the guy you want to take a moment to watch. One of my favorites was when Tiger had a 2-footer for birdie on Sunday and Dan Hicks, I think, said something about Tiger having to make that putt. Miller says, the last time he missed that put he was one-and-a-half years old and it was on a public course with bumpy greens. That's good stuff. He was telling Hicks, come on, no drama here, move on.

jimmy_g: Hey Jerry, it's about a month until training camp and we are almost half way through the chat without any Steeler questions. Wow!

Jerry Micco: Well, we did have one, jimmy. I'm sure as Latrobe looms, and if the Bucs do their normal June swoon against the powerful American League, then you'll see the Steelers become frequent in our chat room.

rolaids_spells_relief: When can we expect Bradley, Bullington, Van Benschoten, and Lincoln to become our Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine, and Avery?

Jerry Micco: When Phil Mickleson stops trying to out-think himself and the rest of the golf world and just plays golf. Those guys you mention, three are first-round picks. But everyone knew they were No. 3 starters at best in the bigs. So if you miss on them, you have long relievers in the bigs. And even then, not that good. Lincoln is still a work in progress. He's doing better coming off his injury. The jury's still out on him.

BlueWendal: Any thoughts on Santonio's complaining? He can think it, but I don't see any reason to say it.

Jerry Micco: Just Santonio being Santonio. He's a pretty outspoken guy. Like most athletes, I pretty much judge their performance on the field. Say what you want, fine, just go prove yourself to fans and all's well.

Do_it_Dooey: Should Pirate starters throw underhand?

Jerry Micco: Only if they bring Teke back. Or if they want to sign Jenny Finch.

theWellHungarian: Ok, I'll rest my MLS in Pittsburgh case until a later day ... What are the chances Hossa returns next year in a Pens jersey? From what 'm reading it looks like about 75% ... Thoughts?

Jerry Micco: Well, I won't tip you to what we're working on, but it may not be that cut and dried. There's a process to go through with Hossa and his agent. I'd call it 50-50. And don't give up on the MLS. More pro sports makes us an even better sports town.

BlueWendal: What did the Steelers see in Timmons that makes him a better inside linebacker as compared to an outside linebacker?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure. I think, and I've always thought this, that he compares to another FSU player, Derrick Brooks. He plays inside, though he's not a big linebacker. But he's versatile and they can move him around. He can cover passes, blitz and take on the run pretty well. I think eventually Timmons will replace Farrior because Farrior's position is one that does all those things. Foote's position is more of a two-down, run-stop position. It also could be that the Steelers would rather outside backers be in the 250-plus range. Makes it easier for them to take on tackles and big tight ends.

rolaids_spells_relief: Is he really proposing trading MAJOR league baseball for MINOR league soccer? I don't even think a primer league team could draw here

Jerry Micco: You never know on those things. Yes, it's not soccer as it's played in countries that have it as their national sport, but people know that. That said, it's not awful, either.

theWellHungarian: Are the Pens regretting signing Whitney to that long-term deal? $4.5 million/year seems like quite a bit, especially for the season he had last year

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure they regret it, but they have a guy who might be better in the minors, Goligoski, who they need to get up here, and Letang proved to be a very nice player, too. Too many like guys, they have to deal one. And Whitney's harder to move with a $4.5 mil price tag. If indeed they are trying to move him.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Which decade is better for sports champions: Pittsburgh in the 70's, or Boston in the...what do we call this decade, anyway?

Jerry Micco: The 00's? Boston gets the slight edge because of the Celtics, but the Steelers won more Super Bowls in the 70s than the Pats have thus far in the 00's. The Pens didn't win a cup back then, so the Celtics may give Boston a slight edge.

jimmy_g: OK, back to the Pirates: How do you see the signing of their first round draft pick playing out?

Jerry Micco: From what I've read, it'll be late and probably a bit contentious. But it'll get done. And he'll probably go to low A ball and get in a half season. Then maybe instructional league. But Alvarez is nearly major league ready. He may need one full year in the minors, then he'll likely be up. Whether he plays first or third is down the road a bit. Neil Walker is a more gifted athlete and could be switched again if Alvarez can only play third. It's actually a good problem to have if both prove they can play up here.

jimb056: Is Charlie Batch still on board as QB backup and if so will he see action when unprotected Ben gets knocked out?

Jerry Micco: He's still there and if Big Ben is running for his life and gets the worst of it, he'll be ready. He's an excellent No. 2.

Ty_Webb: I really like how your local beat writers have their own commentary sections in Sunday's edition. I've enjoyed Ed Bouchette's opinions throughout offseason, in particular.

Jerry Micco: It's a thing I started a couple years ago and think it's worked out fine. I'm glad you enjoy it. I think we have to tweak some things here and there, but otherwise, they seem to be popular with readers.

jimmy_g: I went to a Crew game in Columbus and it was a lot of fun with loads of young people, but there are lots of young people at Pirate games too.

Jerry Micco: Again, do you need one without the other? What Columbus has going for it is it's a one-team pro town. The Crew can be that summer team. It might be tough to compete against baseball, but it would be interesting to see.

Ty_Webb: Can you shed some insight on how a school like Duquesne, with a long history of losing, in a conference with no TV exposure and with horrible facilities, is attracting transfers from Kentucky and Louisville and Michigan's 2nd rated HS senior?

Jerry Micco: Only that Ron Everhart came here with a great reputation for recruiting and he's proving it. Sometimes, too, kids go to a big-time school and find they aren't up to that level of play. So, you go down a notch and you become a good player. At least that's the thinking of the players, Everhart and his assistants.

Ty_Webb: Is Kobe even half the player Jordan was? Jordan would have found a way to win this series by himself.

Jerry Micco: Kobe is an excellent player, but he's not Michael Jordan. At least not yet. And Jordan couldn't beat the great Detroit teams early in his career, either. I don't think Kobe is as good a defensive player as Jordan, but again, that could come in time. Make no mistake, Kobe is in Jordan's orbit.

rolaids_spells_relief: With Tiger out for the rest of the year who do you like in the british open?

Jerry Micco: I'll tell you who's due, either Adam Scott or Luke Donald. Now whether they can win it is another matter, but you'd think at some point, their games would be good enough to win a major. Of course, with Tiger out, my guy Phil should have a leg up, but he's terrible in the British Open. Of course, I've not forgiven him yet for mailing it in on No. 13 in round 3. I'm sorry, but if I fail on the first try, I bomb it up on that green, take my bogey or lucky par, and move on. It's the Open. You're going to make some bogeys. Don't even get me started on that.

jimmy_g: Charlie Batch is not only an excellent backup QB, by all indications he is an A+ human being.

Jerry Micco: That he is. Does a lot for the community and in his old community. A great guy to have on the team, by all accounts.

Ty_Webb: I noticed Ronnie Paulino has a few passed balls in Indy already. Is his time in the big leagues done?

Jerry Micco: If he can hit like he did a couple years ago, he'll have a place in the bigs. He'll never be a great defensive catcher, but you can live with that. If nothing else, if he hits he may be someone you can trade. A throw-in guy, but he'd sweeten the pot.

Do_it_Dooey: Jerry, the New England Revolution has also appeared in 4 MLS Cups during the 00's, so that's another advantage for Boston. They haven't won 1 and nobody cares about soccer anyway.

Jerry Micco: Wow, that's great knowledge on your part. That fact that you know that means we probably should look at MLS soccer for Pittsburgh.

Ty_Webb: Maybe it's just me, but Sanchez is having a worse season than LaRoche but it seems like he gets a free pass compared to the abuse LaRoche gets. Am I off base here? LaRoche at least is producing with the glove. Sanchez's shoulder is so bad it's tough for him to turn a DP.

Jerry Micco: I mentioned Sanchez as being a culprit this season three weeks ago here -- along with LaRoche -- and feel he's now become even more of a problem. And how bad can his shoulder be? He's thrown two great relays in the last week or so to nail guys at home. But he's trying to lunge at every pitch and he's not even trying to take pitches. Again, this guy has hit every year he's been in baseball, but it looks like a couple good seasons and a big contract have made him kind of his own guy. Maybe he needs to keep working a bit harder, or maybe he needs to bat further down in the order.

Ty_Webb: The Pirates big offseason moves were signing Sanchez and Snell. That's really paid off.

Jerry Micco: Right now, those look dubious. But again, you're looking long-term here. And Snell is young, so there's time. I'm a bit more concerned, as you can see from my earlier answer, about Sanchez. He seems so undisciplined at the plate it's almost unnatural. He's a good hitter, everyone knows that, but he sure isn't putting it to use this season.

ajt123: Are you aware of any second tier free agents that might be a good fit for the pens, a la Petr Sykora ...

Jerry Micco: None that come to mind.

Do_it_Dooey: Ron Everhart, savior of basketball on the bluff. Book it.

Jerry Micco: So far, no one would disagree with you.

Do_it_Dooey: Kobe is a terrific player, but King James is the best player in the game right now. Boston stifled both in the playoffs but at least LeBron put up for 45 against them. Plus, he's 23 years old, there is no ceiling for LeBron.

Jerry Micco: LeBron has to work on his defense, too. And he has to show the leadership skills Jordan did and Kobe seems to be coming into. But you're right, he's very young and his future is tremendous. What a talented guy. Scary good.

ajt123: The Pirates biggest need is obviously pitching. Seems like our only legit prospect is Brad Lincoln. Can you please give an update how he is faring after the injury?

Jerry Micco: We did a short item on him a couple Sunday's ago. Dejan Kovacevic said he's pitching in the low minors and showing good control and getting strikeouts. But I don't have any stats in front of me. We'll keep updating him from time to time as we do every minor league team daily on our Pirates page.

Do_it_Dooey: Greg Brown's home run calls include: Lalalala-Laroche, Bay Day, Do it Dooey, and Jack Jack. Can you think of anything more lame than these?

Jerry Micco: I don't comment on what guys who broadcast for a living do. Everyone has to find a niche. Hey, I'm sure many people wonder what the hell I'm doing in this job, but you do your best and you keep working at it. I met Greg for the first time this spring in Bradenton. He's a good guy and I think he works hard at what he does.

Jerry Micco: Folks I need to run. I'm going to be out of town next week, so I'll get a replacement set up. Great chat today. Nice number of people here and excellent questions. For you newcomers, welcome. We're happy to have you and want you to come back. For my regular chat folks, you are the glue that holds this together. I can't do it without you. Thanks.