Homey: This may have been covered somewhere, but I missed it. Anyway, I waited since 1992 to hear Mike Lange again say "Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, get me the brandy." And then after the Pens won, I don't think he ever said it. Was he ever asked why he dropped that famous call?

Jerry Micco: I didn't hear any radio during the Cup run, watching the games either in-person or on TV, but maybe we can get Mike to answer that question.

shouldBworking: First, I understand the Morgan trade, and I like it. Nice guys like Morgan finish last, as the Bucs have demonstrated. My question is, if the Pirates mgmt/coaches couldn't get to Snell, why should we believe they can get to Milledge? Much is on the player, but doubts exist in PBC mgmt.

Jerry Micco: That's a legitimate question to pose to the Pirates. It might be, and this is a guess, that this could be Milledge's last chance. He's 24, which is young, but this is his third team in four years. At some point, if the Pirates don't want someone, who would. Also in Snell's case, he's a pitcher that has an upside. Pitching rules in baseball. And since he's only had one team under his belt, some clubs might feel they can get something out of Snell in a trade. And make no mistake, the Pirates are likely trading Snell.

James_Taipei: How is it possible that our Pittsburgh Pirates actually traded a player (Morgan) at what is probably going to be is peak value?

Jerry Micco: I've not been against that trade, though I still am puzzled by the McLouth trade. But I could see the Morgan trade to take a shot at Milledge. I'm not sure Joel Hanrahan is going to do much for them based on his early showing, but he's a bullpen part. If he fails, you lose a part and you replace it with Tyler Yates when he's healthy. If he turns it around, you have a closer that could replace Capps or you have a dynamic set up guy. But I think he'll need some time and some work with Joe Kerrigan.

Jacque_Strap: When coming up with his batting order, does John Russell just throw nine names in a hat and then draw them out? Teams that win generally send the same eight guys out there, night after night, and generally in the same order.

Jerry Micco: I've been mystified as to why all of a sudden Russell is moving guys round. I realize without Sanchez he's in a bit of a bind, but Wilson batting 2nd? He's more comfortable hitting 8th, I think. And it would be nice to see Brandon Moss every day. His defense is very good and at some point, he's going to hit. And he can only do that if he's playing every day. Del Young is a good fourth outfielder and pinch hitter, and you might as well look at Garrett Jones while you can. At least until Milledge gets here, which may be later this month. I'd like to see less tinkering and more consistency in the lineup myself.

James_Taipei: How much production do you see the Steelers getting out of Limas Sweed this year? 30, 40, 50 catches?

Jerry Micco: I'd be happy with 30 catches, 600 yards and 3 or 4 TDs. Those are Nate Washington numbers and if he can do that, he will have effectively replaced Nate. To expect much more might be pressing it a bit. Maybe those numbers are pressing it a bit, too.

Jacque_Strap: Have any knowledge of where Stan might end up on TV (or care to make a prediction?)

Jerry Micco: I really have no idea what Stan will do, but aside from FSN, there's not much left out there on local television. I don't think anyone will do a nightly sports show like Sportsbeat anymore. I never watched it much because I was at work, but I saw occasional snippets and it was a well-done show. Stan's a pro's pro. He will apparently continue in radio and who knows, something may open up for him soon on TV. Stan is a good guy and good reporter and there are always spots for guys like that. Or there should be.

James_Taipei: Do you think the Steelers will try to use Dennis Dixon this year? Could they possibly trying putting him on the field with Big Ben?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure that's what they have in mind for him, but maybe Bruce Arians will surprise me. He doesn't seem like much of a gadget guy. Dixon may need more time to learn to play QB in this league because at some point, he'll be Ben's backup. Maybe as soon as next year. And given Ben's propensity for getting banged up, he may be needed as the straight-up QB rather soon.

Jacque_Strap: Have you seen PSU's football schedule? It would have been fun to see their AD or JoePa release it with a straight face.

Jerry Micco: Which major college doesn't play cream puffs? I don't have a problem with them playing who they play because those schedules are set so far in advance. The Big Ten, despite the postseason, is a tough conference. I remember Pitt folks hammering PSU for playing Youngstown a couple years back. Who is Pitt's opener with this year? Oh right, Youngstown. Penn State has its share of easy opponents, no doubt, but Alabama is in the offing in a few years, so maybe it's going to be a better OOC schedule down the road.

Artie_Lange: What do you make of the Pirates latest rebuilding project? Fans are angry but its a new front office and they have to do this, right?

Jerry Micco: You are not going to win with the guys you have. As I said, I'm still puzzled by the McLouth trade, but giving McCutchen a chance to play has been a blessing. Either way, Morgan or McLouth probably had to go. They could never get a good package for Morgan, so that's why both guys had to go. I'd like to see them keep a couple veterans, but I don't think that's in the cards.

JohnRussellsPersonality: Jerry, what do you think about the moves that the Bucs have made thus far-do you see any reason to be hopeful?

Jerry Micco: If Milledge pans out, that's a great trade. If they can get 20 and 85 out of him with the defense and speed he's got, then Huntington is brilliant. If not, you tossed away a guy who is a nice guy, will hit probably .275 with 5 homers and 50 RBI a year. Plays pretty good defense and has no arm to speak of. Big "if" though. I like Charlie Morton, but again, I didn't like trading McLouth, especially that early.

Jacque_Strap: Regardless of the circumstances surrounding his death, my condolences to the McNair family. He always played the Steelers very tough.

Jerry Micco: One hell of a tough guy who played the sport the way it should be played. Tragic ending and I'm sure we'll read more as it comes out in dribs and drabs.

James_Taipei: Does Snell turn into the next Jason Schmidt? How many All-Star appearances will Snell make when he arrives in LA, San Francisco or whereever?

Jerry Micco: He still has to learn how to pitch. Schmidt has a few more years under his belt and people knew in the right situation, he was going to mature into a good pitcher. And he had the size to do it. I've always been surprised at how Snell can throw that hard at his size. I don't think Snell will soar like Schmidt did in San Francisco, but he still could be a 12- to 14-win guy.

theWellHungarian: Hi Jerry-- Was thinking about this over the weekend... What would you say is the best rivalry in sports... Yankees-BoSox, Pens-Flyers, Michigan-Ohio State, Kobayashi-Chestnut, UNC-Duke, or Celtics-Lakers?

Jerry Micco: Kobayashi-Chestnut for all the marbles with hot dogs? Tough to beat. But seriously, Michigan-OSU is tough to beat in football. UNC-Duke equally tough in basketball.

James_Taipei: Jerry, you are puzzled by the McLouth trade. I am not really that puzzled. Hopefully I am proven wrong but McLouth may have reached his peak last summer.

Jerry Micco: Maybe, but my guess is before this season's over, he'll have 22-25 HRs and 85 RBI or more. I think he was capable of putting up those numbers for a few years. Maybe I'm wrong about that, but why not hold on to him at least until the trade deadline? What flummoxed me (Lloyd McClendon word) was trading him so soon, not necessarily that he was traded. Wait until the deadline and see who knocks on the door.

JohnRussellsPersonality: Has science progressed to the point that possibly John Russell could actually express some sort of emotion? Is a personality transplant in his future? :p

Jerry Micco: Wait, didn't he get tossed recently. He must've spoken above a monotone to have that happen. Hey, it's the way the guy is. Can't fault him for that.

James_Taipei: Jerry, you are puzzled by McLouth. I am still puzzled why the Pirates never offered Jason Bay a contract? Yes, he may have cost $15 million a year but his salary would be offset by McCutchen and McLouth's low salaries. And, yes I know he might not have agreed to stay in Pittsburgh but give it a chance at least. Not to mention that a Bay, McCuthcen, and McLouth outfield might actually be something to build a team around.

Jerry Micco: Well, this is the point you and many Pirates fans talk about. Why not have that great player, at least one, to build around. I'm finally getting around to reading David Maraniss's book on Clemente. These guys sound like the 1950s Pirates of Branch Rickey. Eventually, he traded Ralph Kiner because they were in last place with him. The Pirates were with Bay, too. But, at some point, you do need to keep core guys, pay them, and build with youngsters around them. That's what Joe L. Brown did after Rickey failed way back then. And they got a pennant and WS in 1960.

Artie_Lange: Speaking of schedules, why does Pitt keep playing these road games against MAC schools? Haven't they learned their lesson?

Jerry Micco: I do give Pitt credit for playing those games because the MAC is tougher than a lot of people give them credit for. Pitt will have its hands full at Buffalo, but I'm glad to see them schedule that game. Didn't PSU play Buffalo a few years back to the hew and cry of many fans? Wait, that was 2007. Maybe Pitt and PSU are more alike than either wants to admit.

James_Taipei: Outside of Crosby and Malkin, which non-goalie do you see making the biggest impact in 2009-2010?

Jerry Micco: Fedotenko or Kennedy, who likely will be Malkin's linemates until Talbot comes back healthy. And I'm very interested in seeing how Alex Gologoski plays for a full season. I think his offense is excellent. His defense needs much work, however.

Artie_Lange: I think one of the biggest problems that Huntington and Coonelly have to overcome is the contracts that they have to work around. Sanchez and Wilson are nice players, but not at what they make. It's laughable that two middle infielders with no power are making close to $8 million per year. Wow is that poor money management.

Jerry Micco: Sanchez is maybe worth that money. He hits over .300 fairly consistently and will knock in 70 runs in a good season. Now, maybe that's not $8 million worth of player, but in today's market, it probably is. Wilson, who is a very good shortstop and isn't hitting all that badly this season, is not worth $8 million. But again, they tried to keep a core together in keeping those guys, but they still are losing.

PirateApologist: Is there anyone on the Pirates other than Cutch who will be featured on any promotional material, commercial, etc. next year? They are going to market him like crazy.

Jerry Micco: They should. They should market Doumit (if he can stay healthy) and I think if Freddy stays, they'll certainly market him. How about Capps, as much as I don't think this guy is the closer of the future, he's still one of their top pitchers.

Jacque_Strap: Did you see Kris Letang and Tyler Kennedy doing the weather on KDKA? I only saw a screen cap but I heard it was funny, in a painful way.

Jerry Micco: It was those 2 goofing off and John Burnett was really funny working with them. KDKA did this on their noon show, so I don't know how many people saw it. I did see it, thought it somewhat funny, and those guys (as well as the KDKA folks) were good sports about it.

PirateApologist: Now that the Penguins have won, and Hossa has moved on to Chicago, does he still get booed when he plays here? (For the record, I never booed).

Jerry Micco: Unfortunately he probably will. And you know what, that team is like Penguins West. I could see them with a guy like Hossa making another run to get to a Cup final. So if they didn't boo Hossa during the regular season, they'll get their chance in another final, provided both get that far.

Jacque_Strap: C'mon Jerry, drink the Kool Aid. We got CHARLIE MORTON, for cryin' out loud!

Jerry Micco: Don't get me wrong, Morton is not going to be a bad pitcher. He's young and has to get better, but he's not a bad pitcher. Again, if you get a guy who has upside and starts to realize it, then trading McLouth isn't a bad thing. And Gorkys Hernandez is starting to hit in AA ball. So maybe this works out, but we don't know for a couple years. And I still think they could have waited.

Jacque_Strap: How about Jim Tracy with the Rockies? I never liked him in Pittsburgh, but of course he's won everywhere else.

Jerry Micco: Maybe, just maybe, there was more talent in Colorado and Los Angeles. Just guessing here.

OldSchoolPatriotFan: Hi Jerry.

Jerry Micco: Hello.

PirateApologist: How do you think the new casino is going to affect the atmosphere on gamedays for the Steelers and Pirates? I'm not talking about traffic; do you think the area might tend to get a little less "family friendly?" Not that Steeler games usually are anyway.

Jerry Micco: The casino is pretty far from PNC Park and the Steelers games, as you say, aren't normally what I'd call family friendly. Let's not assume that the casino automatically attracts gambling degenerates who will prey on the denizens at the sporting venues. A lot of folks I see at slot machines are on Medicare and board a large bus to go home.

OldSchoolPatriotFan: Is this the year Roethlisberger is finally voted as the Steeler's MVP?

Jerry Micco: Let's see if he gets enough protection from the O-Line and if he can get rid of the ball so he's not killed by onrushing linemen and linebackers. If he can do that, he's the key to that team. He'll get that award one day.

James_Taipei: Jerry, I know it is all in hind sight but the Pirates could be starting Bay, McLouth, McCuthen, 3B(who knows), Wilson, Sanchez, Adam LaRoche, and Doumit. They could also have a rotation of Duke, Malholm, Vasquez. Maybe I am a foolish fan but it seems that the Pirates could have been one or two starting pitchers away from contenting in the NL Central?

Jerry Micco: The lineup you mention, without McCutchen and Vasquez, is what they had for more than a year. And they still did not contend. You had Nady for McCutchen, who has more power and was having a great season. You had Maholm, Duke, Snell and Gorzo, in the middle of winning 14 games, in the rotation. Still, they lost. I'm not saying what the Pirates are doing, or already done, is right. Just that they can't seem to get the consistency they need to win. They can't put together enough winning streaks to be consistently good. I don't know the answer, but I do know that with all those guys, they were not winning.

Jacque_Strap: This is silly but I'd like to offer a prediction on the winner of the 2010 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Sam Young takes it on his final attempt with a 50, after he incorporates a full court somersault routine into his last dunk. And naturally he works a few verses of his own poetry into his victory speech.

Jerry Micco: OK, I'll keep that in mind when I see it. Memphis will be pretty pleased with him, I think.

iceman_39x: Mir or Lesnar in the MMA fight on Saturday night?

Jerry Micco: The only Mir I know is that satellite. I do know Lesnar from his WWF days. I have no clue who is better in those fights.

mickyparise: What's your take on Stan Savran, hes a true Pittsburgher and for Fox to cancel is show makes no sense.

Jerry Micco: I earlier said that Stan is a pro's pro, a good guy and a good reporter. FSN has to make it's own decisions, and I guess they thought a half-hour sports show just about Pittsburgh was something that cost too much to produce. Media companies are feeling a pinch, and have been for 2 years. Some things, even if they are well-done, sometimes lose out in the bottom line.

James_Taipei: With the Pirates track record is there any hope that they can actually develop Charlie Morton? I would be worried if I was Morton.

Jerry Micco: I think Joe Kerrigan is a very good pitching coach and for once, there seems to be consistency through their minor leagues so everyone's learning the same things. I think Morton can be a good pitcher, maybe No. 3 starter, but solid enough to keep you in games.

Title_Man: Jerry...my compliments to Mike White on the piece that he did recently regarding Butler's Matt Clement...

Jerry Micco: That was a good piece by Mike, who did some good reporting to set up the story. Matt is an interesting guy and Mike captured the many sides of him. Thanks for the kudos. I'll pass them along to Mike, who is taking some well-deserved vacation time.

James_Taipei: Interesting comment on Jim Tracy. I doubt Bobby Cox or any great manager could win with the Pirates level of talent. With that in mind they could just hire me and pay me $200,000 a year to do the job.

Jerry Micco: You can be a great manager, but if you have below-average talent, you can't win. Players win games, managers rarely do. Maybe they win a few, but it really helps when you can pencil guys like Texiera, Jeter, ARod and Posada into the lineup card every day. Makes life a whole lot easier.

Jacque_Strap: In contrast to the Buccos, here's a little love for Ray Shero. Granted there is a cap to even the competitive balance, but it's not like he's working with oodles of money, and he has pretty consistently pushed the right buttons.

Jerry Micco: And he had a tough choice on Scuderi, and while he and the fans wanted to keep him, they just can't in the cap era. Ask this question: would you want to lose Malkin or Crosby because you didn't have $3.4 million left over to make sure they are happy? I'll be sorry to see Scuderi go, but there are guys out there who can fill in. Not as well, but he's easier to replace than Geno and Sid.

Jacque_Strap: After watching the US Open, I might be just as impressed with BB's 81 than I was with his SB performance.

Jerry Micco: If that course was that soft for his one round, it didn't surprise me he shot that number. Still impressive, but remember the first couple rounds, there was a danger that the Open would be won by someone shooting 15-under. The weather dried up a bit, the rough to thicker and the greens were mowed for rounds 3 and 4, thus making the Open what it should always be: the toughest and best test in golf.

Burgh15: The Pirates have a winning home record and are terrible on the road. Why do you think our road record is so bad?

Jerry Micco: Inconsistent play, mostly. And I think when the Pirates get down on the road, it's tougher for them to come back for some reason. They need to get much closer to .500 on the road and still win at home to break this losing streak. But I'm not thinking that's happening this season.

OldSchoolPatriotFan: In next year's NFL Draft...1) Who is the 1st player taken? 2) Which team picks #1?

Jerry Micco: Maybe Kansas City or Detroit is No. 1. First player? depends on who needs what, like every year. Maybe Tim Tebow if KC wants a big QB who may not be the best passer, but has been a consistent winner. Say Cleveland sneaks up there to No. 1? I'm not sure who the big defensive players are out there, but I'd imagine they'd go defense.

James_Taipei: Jerry, simply the Pirates pitching staff was terrible last year. The Pirates could have been more patient to see if Duke and Gorzo turned it around. Where would the Pirates possibly be with the starters I mentioned and this year's pitching? The Pirates could still have Bay and keep this year's pitching staff together.

Jerry Micco: But you'd not have Ohlendorf unless you traded Nady. And are you including Morton, who you would not have unless you traded McLouth. Yes, if Duke had turned it around and pitched well last year and Gorzo duplicated what he did a couple years back, why they'd be pretty good. But you wind up having to give away parts to get parts. But at some points, you need to keep parts and then down the road, be a buyer for better parts when you know you can contend. I want to see the day that ownership has to do that. I've heard they will. I want to see it.

littlethieve: How much does Ryan Doumits hitless rehab stint concern you?

Jerry Micco: A little, but I'm more worried about his defense. I've gotten used to Jaramillo being a really good defensive catcher. It's going to take Doumit some time to hit consistently. Wrist injuries are tough to overcome and he may need a bit more time in rehab. No need to rush him, in my opinion.

Burgh15: Excluding Timmons and Mendenhall, who is a potential breakout player for the Steelers this season?

Jerry Micco: Well, that eliminates the best 2, so maybe we need to look at Sweed or how about William Gay, who should start opposite Ike at corner. I think Gay can be a very good NFL corner.

Jerry Micco: Well folks, that hour flew by. Time to get to other things. Thanks for the excellent questions and for the wonderful turnout. Great to see so many folks in the room. I appreciate you taking the time to join in. See you next Wednesday at noon.