theWellHungarian: Crosby needs to match Geno's intensity. I understand he has Zetterburg on him at all times, but (watch closely) Geno has a couple of guys shadowing him at all times too. I think Crosby is still going to erupt and hope he does just that on Thursday night .... Thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I think Crosby's intensity is not in question here. He's playing hard, but a big part of Detroit's success is that they are great 2-way players all over that team. And the best of them all, Pavel Datsyuk, hasn't even played in this series. There is going to be one game where Crosby makes his mark. Game 4 would be a good time for that, don't you think?

theWellHungarian: I made it up to D-Town on Saturday night for the game. I keep hearing on the radio about how intense the Detroit crowd was. In my opinion I didnt see it. Considering it was Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, I thought their crowd could have been much better. In my opinion Mellon Arena's roof was about to blow off last night and blew Joe Louis Arena out of the water .... Hats off to all the Pens fans last night!

Jerry Micco: I can't speak to the fans at The Joe because I wasn't there, but I was at Mellon Arena last night and it was tremendous. Their aren't many franchises where you have an extremely loud crowd inside and a few thousand more outside. I think Pens fans are pretty special and they've certainly risen to the occasion to support this team the past couple years or so. In Detroit, maybe they are just used to being in the final and they wait until a clinching game to get excited. I don't know.

James_Taipei: Are there any signs that would lead us to believe that the Penguins can still reverse the results of last year's Stanley Cup?

Jerry Micco: Well, last night's win is a good first step. Detroit probably outplayed the Pens and the Red Wings are probably the deeper team, but if the Penguins can attack Osgood and get some ugly goals who knows? And Fleury has to play out of his mind, much like he did in period 2 last night. That absolutely has to happen. No more soft goals.

theWellHungarian: Big World Cup Qualifier tonight for the USA vs. Costa Rica ... Just want to give everyone a heads-up... Should be a good game. Players to watch for those who aren't familiar with the "Beautiful Game" Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, & Jozy Altidore

Jerry Micco: Consider them notified.

James_Taipei: Do you think that Andy LaRoche will end up as the Pirates second baseman if Alvarez is as good as advertised? Is the Pirates future infield Alvarex, Wilson, Andy LaRoche, and a big question mark at first?

Jerry Micco: I've been pleasantly surprised by Andy LaRoche. He's on pace to drive in about 70 runs, but right now doesn't seem to be more than a 10-15 homer guy. Those offensive numbers equate better to second than to thirdbase in my opinion. And you have to make room for Alvarez, maybe as early as next year, in the lineup. As for firstbase, I know Adam LaRoche will be gone but there is really no one to back him up. Brandon Moss can play there, thus opening up a spot for Andrew McCutcheon. And you can leave Doumit at catcher, though you wonder about how often he's injured. I still think right now, LaRoche is your best player at firstbase. And I don't know how much you'd get back in a trade.

theWellHungarian: Do you think the Pens "out-physicalled" the Wings last night? I think so, aside from that penalty, Orpik was a beast! Also, it looks like Hossa is very hesitant going through the neautral zone

Jerry Micco: The Pens took more of the body last night and besides Orpik, who was terrific physically, Chris Kunitz and Matt Cooke were looking to hit anything that moved. If the Pens can do that, the Red Wings will be in for a long series. Not that Detroit can't dish it out, they can, but the Pens are beating on a team that's a bit older and maybe that makes a difference in a long series.

tooleman: Jerry, Pittsburgh is hosting the APSE conference later this month. With everything that is happening in the newspaper industry, how does it look like attendance is going to be?

Jerry Micco: The attendance will not be good because of the economy, but we'll have a terrific program for those who can make it. I've always said you need to weather these storms in any industry and hope to come out ahead on the other side of the bad weather. Our group will still do a terrific service for those who attend, and the Post-Gazette and myself look forward to hosting the event.

Homey: Last year during the finals, I felt the Wings were the better team, and the Pens were fortunate to win the games they did. This year, I feel the Wings were fortunate to win the ones they did. Who do you think is the better team at this point, regardless of the score in the series right now?

Jerry Micco: I think Detroit is better, considering they have a lead in the series, pretty much outplayed the Pens last night and are doing it without Datsyuk and Chris Draper.

BVLepFan23: Hi Jerry. Just want to thank you for the great job you guys do in your zone editions. My son was featured in a track story and it meant the world to him and his family. Good writers in there too. Guys like Brad Everett and Chris Adamski, will we be seeing more of them in the daily?

Jerry Micco: Brad and Chris are freelance writers who generally write for our zoned publications. Occasionally you'll see them in the daily paper when we do high school game stories or roundups. Assistant Sports Editor Terry Shields runs that operation with an assist from Rich Emert. They are top-notch guys who have years of experience in this area. Our zones are one of the strongest parts of our complete sports report.

Homey: I see the Hungarian and I are conspiring to bring soccer to the consciousness of these weekly chats. It is the most popular sport in the world, after all.

Jerry Micco: Everywhere but in the USA, which is a problem. Soccer seems more popular at the youth level, but it's not caught on professionally like they'd hoped here. I think it's getting better and more popular, but it's tough when you put it up against pro football, baseball and basketball as well major college sports.

James_Taipei: Do you think Freddy Sanchez gets traded after the All-Star break?

Jerry Micco: I'm thinking they will trade him because they can probably get more for him than LaRoche or Wilson. And if Andy LaRoche can play second, then they have a ready-made guy for the position. There are also some guys in the minors who are middle infielders who can come up in the future and play, too.

James_Taipei: Jerry, I agree that the Pirates should hold on to Adam LaRoche, I just don't see them doing so!

Jerry Micco: I don't either, but I think that's a shame. He's a fairly consistent 25/85 guy and while those aren't great numbers, those are very good. And he's a good glove over there. Again, who in the minors is going to play first base? Steve Pearce? Come on, you are making a huge leap there. And they won't trade for a power guy. The only other scenario is if they think Hinske can play there and they sign him long term. But I don't think he's better than LaRoche.

PirateApologist: Are there "assigned" seats in the press box, or does your staff need to get to the arena early enough to make sure somebody from some no-name newspaper with a press pass isn't sitting where they can see the action?

Jerry Micco: The NHL assigns us seats in the press areas. I believe we have 7 seats total, but we often have more people. A couple of us (Seth Rorabaugh and I) generally stand in the auxillary press box near the TVs. Dave Molinari, Shelly Anderson, Gene Collier and Ron Cook take the main press box seats. Folks like Bob Dvorchak and Ray Fittipaldo join Seth and me in the aux box.

James_Taipei: Do you think that Robinzon Diaz could get a longer look and Doumit might end up at first next year? Assuming Adam LaRoche is not around.

Jerry Micco: That could happen, but I'm not sure a position change is good for Doumit at this point in his career. He'd need some time to work over there and if he's concentrating on that, he's not concentrating on what he does best -- hitting the baseball. I'd love to see this guy play a whole season to see what he can do. I think he was on pace for a 25/90-plus year. Put that with McLouth and the LaRoches, you have a decent group of hitters. Still need more HRs out of this lineup.

Secret_Screen_Name: What can you say about Max Talbot. There are more talented players on the team, but he bring intangibles like no one else.

Jerry Micco: He knows his game and what his strengths are. And I think he's found a home as a winger. It certainly helps when Evgeni Malkin is your centerman, too. I think if Max can keep improving and plays with Geno all season, he can score 25. If that's the case, guys like Sykora and Satan won't be needed next season.

PirateApologist: Did anyone notice that the Pirates beat the best pitcher in the National League last night?

Jerry Micco: I did. I had the game going on my Blackberry and was surprised when I checked in by inning 5. I was at a game last August where Santana just throttled the Bucs, and I believe Duke was the starter that game, too. And not to take away from the win, but no Delgado, no Reyes and no Beltran. The Mets are not the same team without those guys in the lineup.

Jacque_Strap: Just wanted to say congrats to Dave Molinari. Great writer, and I never met him but everyone says he is a great guy.

Jerry Micco: Dave is as hard a worker as I've ever been around. It's a great honor for Dave and the Post-Gazette. Dave is more of a quiet worker. He doesn't trumpet what he does and you rarely hear him on other media outlets. He just does his job -- extremely well -- and interacts with readers when he gets that time. And he always takes the time to help folks understand the game of hockey. He's one of the best hockey writers in the country, and now he's being recognized with this tremendous honor. I'm very happy for Dave and his family.

James_Taipei: What do you think about my prediction for next year's post All-Star break starting lineup? (OF-Morgan, McCuthchen, McLouth INF-Alvarez, Wilson, Andy LaRoche, ? C-Doumit)

Jerry Micco: Well, we need a first baseman, don't we? Would you plug in Brandon Moss there? I might, because I think he's a pretty good player who can drive balls into gaps. He has to play a year to get used to life in the bigs, but he could be your answer there if LaRoche is traded or goes as a free agent.

ajt123: Predict a game 4 hero, and make no bones about it, we win tomorrow night!

Jerry Micco: How about Billy Guerin, getting 2 deflections past Osgood for goals. There, I'll stick with that.

Jacque_Strap: I'd like to see the percentage on the number of times pulling the goalie at the end of a game actually works, vs getting an empty netter scored upon you. I know when you do it you're in desperation mode, but it seems to backfire way more often than it works.

Jerry Micco: It's the ultimate gamble because if you can put pressure on the other team, you might get a goal. But all they need to do is get a clear shot and there's nothing stopping a goal from center ice. I just think if you don't pull the goalie, the team with the lead will sit on the puck for the last minute or so. Ice it, hold it along the boards and slow things down. The advantage with the extra guy is it's hard for a team to do that and deal with the extra attacker. Better chance to score six-on-five than five-on-five. Unless you're the Pens, who had that advantage for 20 seconds last night and didn't score. Oops.

ajt123: Whats your opinion of Nyjer Morgan, he seems to have pleasantly surprised many of us, and sure plays with some fire and personality!

Jerry Micco: He's been a very pleasant surprise and he's been a nice spark at the top of the order. His defense has been good, too, but a part of that has been how the Pirates coaches position him. All that said, I want to see him in September to see how he's doing. I like his speed and I think he's a nice defensive player, but he's at .275 now and doesn't draw a lot of walks. Kent Tekulve pointed out recently that pitchers are pitching Morgan differently. More inside so he can't flick hits into left field. Until he learns to get around on that inside pitch, he's not going to be a complete hitter.

James_Taipei: What happens to Brandon Moss when McCuthchen and Alvarz arrive? Does he wind up as a decent fourth outfielder, something the Pirates have lacked since the days of R.J. Reynolds?

Jerry Micco: I think the Pirates want Moss to play and as I said earlier, first base might be an option for him.

Chunkles: Jerry, did you think it was a big deal that Sid didnt talk to the media after Sundays game? I didn't. I enjoyed hearing from other players. Yeah, Sid is the captain, but give him a break.

Jerry Micco: I wondered why Sid came out last night. I'd have rather heard from Cooke or Geno (though I know he's limited by English). I guess the NHL wants him out there as much as possible, and I'm sure national media wants some postgame access to him. But Detroit had no players at the podium last night, just Babcock.

James_Taipei: In regards to beating Santana, Duke is also one of the top 10 pitchers in the NL this year. Hopefully he can keep it up!

Jerry Micco: He looks very good and has all his pitches working. The Pirates need a guy like that and he seems to be filling that role. Maholm had been doing that, but has pitched in tough luck lately. He may always be that type of pitcher though, because while Maholm has great stuff, he can't close guys out. Duke doesn't strike guys out, but his sinker and change are out pitchers. I think Maholm tries to finish guys off, but an 89 MPH fastball isn't good enough for that. But if he gets some runs, I think you'll see a Duke-Maholm duo that's pretty tough on other teams.

JimnBigD: Any chance Detroit will start to wear down? The Pens are younger, at least the stars, and appear to be the more physical team.

Jerry Micco: I think Detroit is wearing down a bit as evidenced by how many of them were slowed by big hits last night. But rest assured, they will be ready to go by Game 4 and if the Pens don't put pressure on them and take the body, the Red Wings will prevail. They are just a deep, excellent team.

James_Taipei: Any word on why the Pirates have yet to make an offer to Jack Wilson? It seems like a no brainer to me.

Jerry Micco: Especially since they have no shortstop who can come up any time soon. My guess is Wilson, who I believe will make $8 million next year on an option, may be too highly priced for what he produces. Now on a team with a $90 million payroll, he'd be just fine. But when you're at $50 million, that's a big hunk of salary.

Homey: A few weeks ago, I asked about readership after wins compared to after losses. I didn't really mean purchases of papers, but hits on the website. I know that I, for one, couldn't even visit this site after the Game 2 loss. Now I'm back on and reading all the articles, after the Game 3 win. I wonder if that's a common trend.

Jerry Micco: We do daily checks of numbers and you are probably right, more people want to read the good news stories than the bad news. I mentioned paper sales because that's usually always reflected that way. I've not seen numbers, but you're likely correct when it comes to the Web.

Jacque_Strap: By the way, since hockey is full of assists, how about an assist on the award to the Post-Gazette's assistant managing editor for sports?

Jerry Micco: Dave's honor from the Hall? No, that's all on Dave. My job here is to make sure hurdles are out of people's way so they can work. If I can remove a hurdle, then they are the ones who produce what you see everyday. The real talent is always in the staff you have. Doesn't mean you don't work with them and -- hopefully -- make them even better, but the folks who work for me are terrific journalists. I'm lucky in that sense.

Jacque_Strap: I love the fan unity behind the white out nights, but I've always thought that the fans facing the opposing goaltender should be wearing black. Crazy idea (I'm full of them) but I'd like to see everyone bring a white shirt and a black shirt, and switch colors when appropriate.

Jerry Micco: You know, some of the folks I saw there last night, I want them to keep a shirt on at all times. And I don't care if it's white, black or blue.

James_Taipei: Who has the say on Jack Wilson's option? Is it him or the Pirates?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure, James. Dejan Kovacevic is the guy to ask that question. I thought it was a club option, but don't hold me to that.

James_Taipei: Wouldn't Wilson's replacement cost almost as much? Unless they just let Bixler play. If that happens, I am sorry for the Pirates pitchers.

Jerry Micco: Well, that's the point. You might be able to get a younger FA or a guy who is a veteran and on his way out, as a one-year replacement. He won't cost you $8 million. Bixler isn't the answer. I think he's had a couple chances and not done the job.

Homey: After the Pens' series is over, are there good reasons to check the PG Sports page until training camp?

Jerry Micco: Well, that's a six-week window. I'd like to think we do some pretty good work even in the offseason. And hey, the Bucs are only 4 games under .500 and are competitive. Most of the time. Also, the NBA draft is coming so we'll have some stuff about the Pitt players (read: DeJuan Blair and Sam Young) who likely will go. So there's a reason to read us every single day. At least I hope people think that way.

PhillyMarty: One difference I do not quite understand. Wings might be a bit quicker/speedier on the attack, but surely not more skilled. Yet our D gives them room to make plays on the rush, whereas we are forced to dump and chase unless we have an odd-man situation. Then to compound, officials allow Wing D to obstruct and generally swallow the whistle.

Jerry Micco: The Wings are much quicker to attack out of their own zone, while the Penguins seem to always circle back or make short, choppy passes out of the zone. The Wings do obstruct and the Pens are doing some of that, too. If the officials won't call it, then why not? The Wings like 2-1 games. They don't want to get too involved in a game with lots of penalties and have a 6-5 outcome. The leauge would love it, but that's not Detroit's style. And I don't think the officials will start calling that stuff. For the Pens, to beat that system, you need to overload one side when you attack the zone. That opens up more space.

Homey: I was saddened to see the news that Miles Dieffenbach verballed to Penn State. I knew him when he was a kid, and I was coached by his dad on the Pitt tennis team. I would have thought PSU would be the last place he'd go, with a father so loyal to Pitt for so long.

Jerry Micco: Well, going to Penn State to compete in football, or to compete academically, isn't really a sad affair. The kid had a few good schools, including Pitt, on his list. You know, sometimes you are around something all your life and you want a change. Did you want your parents on the same campus with you while you were at school? I know I wouldn't. And Penn State has always gotten players from here. It's a good place to go to school, live and play football. And as far as the rivalry, they haven't played in so long, I doubt Miles knows much about the rivalry, except stories he's heard. And don't fear, Pitt will always get its share of good players. It, too, is a good place to go to school and play sports.

Yucko_the_Clown: I saw Charlie Brown throw out the first pitch Sunday afternoon at PNC Park and I think I saw Neal Huntington on the phone with Chuck's agent. maybe we have a replacement for Snell.

Jerry Micco: Talk about a nosedive. I guess if you get 2 or 3 quality innings out of this guy now it's a good thing. But he's not been a very effective pitcher for 2 years now. He keeps making the same mistakes and quite frankly, seems not to care all that much that he's making them. I know when I hear from readers on him, they don't think much of Snell's attitude. I don't know him and I don't cover the team, but I've heard this about him for some time now.

PhillyMarty: Two months in, biggest Bucco surprise so far, biggest disappointment?

Jerry Micco: Hmmm, surprise could be a couple guys. Nyjer Morgan or Zach Duke. Disappointment has to be Snell and only because he's hurt again, Doumit. I know you can't blame him, but geez, every year it seems to be something.

PhillyMarty: I'm thinking biggest surprise is Duke, biggest disappointment is Snell.

Jerry Micco: Then we agree. That sometimes is rare, Marty.

PhillyMarty: Morgan started fast, seems to be slipping bit by bit. Don't know that anyone saw Duke's turnaround coming.

Jerry Micco: I didn't think Duke could turn it around this quickly, but I also didn't think Morgan could hold a starting job and actually do it pretty well. And it seems the Bucs play much better with him in the lineup. But between the 2, Duke has been the bigger surprise.

Jerry Micco: Well folks, I need to get back to my other stuff. Again, thanks for taking the time to join me today and for all the questions. I always enjoy our hour together. Have a great week and keep an eye on the Pens. Should be a great next couple of games.