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Jerry Micco's sports chat transcript: 2.24.2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


Poll Question: If you were a pro hockey player which would you rather have:
Answer #1: Olympic gold medal (13%)
Answer #2: Your name on the Stanley Cup (87%)
Mr_Xiaoqi: Hi Jerry...What do you make of the "dynasty" statement by Pirate President Coonelly yesterday? I personally find this ridiculous.
Jerry Micco: You have to have at least one winning season before you can even start a "dynasty." Sometimes people can get themselves in trouble by promising too much or making statements that history can't back up. That said, Frank Coonelly is saying in a sense that the next great Pirates run starts this year. Only wins on the field and championships will prove that statement correct.
theWellHungarian: Looks like Penguins fans loyalties between the two superstars will finally be exposed tonight... I'm going with Geno and the USSR for two reasons. 1.) We already beat Canada and beating USSR as well for the Gold would be awesome, especially on the 30th Anniversary of Miracle on Ice. 2.) If Sid wasn't a Penguin, I would call him a whiny cry-baby pretty-boy. The easy thing to say or do is to root for them both, but deep down everyone will be pulling for one over the other. Who will you be rooting for?
Jerry Micco: I'm a huge Malkin fan, but I like Canada, so I'd like to see them win. I certainly wouldn't mind seeing a Canada-US gold medal game, though I think if Canada gets that far, they will be very hard to beat. Should be a tremendous game tonight. Both teams are loaded. It'll come down to the goaltending, as it usually does.
theWellHungarian: I called off work and am gonna try to set a personal record and watch 12 hours of hockey from 3:00pm til 3:00am, 3pm: USA-Swiss; 7:30pm: USSR-Canada; 10:00pm: Finland-Czech; 12:00am: Sweden-Slovakia... This is like March Madness only with hockey instead of basketball. I love Olympic Hockey and think this is awesome, but what do you think the chances are of the NHL returning its players to the Olympics in 2014? I say -0%-
Jerry Micco: I think there's a good chance that they will ask players to play in Sochi. I'd say it's better than 50-50. But you are right. If you're a fan of the sport and you love international hockey, this is the day to set the TV and park yourself in front of it. And for all the criticism NBC is taking, I find their coverage very good and the fact that I can get all those games tells me that they are doing what I want them to do. All hockey, all day is great.
Jacque Strap: Yes, also regarding Nutting/Coonelly comments - is there drug testing for GMs and/or owners?
Jerry Micco: You have to remember that these guys aren't going to go out and say, "well, looks pretty much like losing season No. 18 with this bunch." I think you have to measure comments, but I'd rather have a boss that promises too much than too little. Of course, history tells us that this franchise likely will do too little. And that's a shame. People want good baseball in this town. I'd at least like them to compete and not see the team "blown up" any more. Live or die with these guys.
theWellHungarian: There's an old saying in European Football, "Country before Club." I was at a bar on Sunday watching the USA v Canada and couldn't believe American people were rooting for Canada/Sid.
Jerry Micco: We've had a couple readers call or email asking why we're covering Team Canada and Crosby and prominently featuring them on our Sports front page. Actually had one woman call me "unpatriotic" for doing it. But we're a newspaper, we cover news. The Canada-Russia game is going to be a big deal for us in tomorrow's sports section. There are four players in that game (counting Fleury) who are Penguins. And it's Geno vs. Sid. You really can't beat that. As for who you root for overall, of course you want the USA to win gold.
Jacque Strap: Based on the fact that Pitt hoops is overachieving this year (based on fan expectations, not theirs), how far would they have to go in the Big East tourney, and field of 64, to have the season be considered a success?
Jerry Micco: I think their season, should they pretty much win out the regular season, already is a terrific success. I'd say if they can get at least to the Big East semis and the Sweet 16, then a team that was picked ninth in the Big East has had an incredible season. Jamie Dixon should get some looks for national coach of the year.
Jacque Strap: Despite all of their success, do you think Pitt hoops will ever change their recruiting strategy if they continue to fail to make the Final Four and win it all?
Jerry Micco: Eventually, yes, you want to win the whole thing. They were poised last year to do that. Maybe. But then again, you had 2 NBA players in the starting five, and they were recruited like Jamie Dixon has always recruited. I wouldn't change my style if I were Pitt. They have had such a great run that what you are doing must work pretty well. Not everyone gets a national title, but one day, I think Pitt could very well do that. Keep winning and kids want to come to play for you.
Mr_Xiaoqi: I noticed in Ed Bouchette's article this morning about Hampton ... For the first time he mentioned the Steelers drafting a LB to replace Farrior. Is word starting to circulate about this type of move? Farrior is going to be 35.
Jerry Micco: You are referencing Gerry Dulac's article in today's PG (just for the record). I think if you follow the draft and how it works, and you follow the Steelers, you saw that while Farrior can still do a lot of things well, he looked like he was 35 late in the season. I think the Steelers need to go defense at least the first couple picks, and I would not be unhappy to see them go linebacker first round. A lot will depend if a veteran CB or S is gobbled up in free agency. If not, they may go that way in the draft, too.
Mr_Xiaoqi: More than ever, I feel the Pirates need new ownership. In all seriousness, how can we fans express this the loudest and most effectively?
Jerry Micco: Well, the best way to do it is not to buy the product. Don't go to the games. However, I remember a couple years back when they tried an organized boycott and it fell flat on its face. It's like anything else: If you don't like a certain type of soup then don't buy it. But I think people like baseball in this town and the Pirates is not an expensive night out in comparison to the Pens and Steelers.
Jacque Strap: If it were to happen, where would you rather see the Winter Classic, PNC or Heinz Field? Heinz would obviously generate more $$$ based on ticket sales, but I think PNC Park might be a better venue for watching the game, a little more of an intimate feel.
Jerry Micco: I think PNC Park far and away would be a better venue. You can put in a few more seats and get to close to 40,000 for the game. And with that backdrop of the city, wow, what a sight that would be.
theWellHungarian: Do us Pitt alums/fans get a pass on missing the game tonight due to the Canada vs. USSR game? I'm gonna flip in breaks, but hoping Pitt takes it to them early so I can relax and watch the hockey game. Do you think with ND lacking the big-man, Harangody, that this should be a lay-up for the Panthers?
Jerry Micco: That's the beauty of TIVO or video tape. You can tape the Panthers and watch hockey live. Or you can switch back on breaks as you say and watch whichever one you aren't watching. I don't think any Big East game is a layup, especially on the road, but not having Harangody in the lineup makes things a bit easier for Pitt. But it will be a fairly close game. One that Pitt will win, however.
Jacque Strap: I saw where Anthony Morelli is trying to get back into the NFL after 2 years away, or something to that effect. I think he'd be better off trying to get into the UFL first. I had to laugh where, in the article, he said he was "jumping a lot better".
Jerry Micco: I remember seeing the item on Morelli, but I thought it said he did go to the UFL. Perhaps I'm thinking of someone else. I'm not sure if he's NFL material or not (jumping strength aside) but at least some teams will look at him. Why not? He does have a big arm, but I didn't think he'd be and NFL QB based on what he did at Penn State. Still, guys mature and they improve sometimes. It can't hurt teams to take a look.
Jacque Strap: What's your take on Tiger's statement? I don't mind reading word for word, but at least try to appear a little more human. No need to read so slow and pause so often. Also, probably not the best time to be asking/demanding that people leave his family alone (although I think they should).
Jerry Micco: First of all, his family should be off limits. Second, Tiger's been programmed all his life, so why not when he has to make a mea culpa? I don't know if I'm all that interested in what he does in his personal life. My goodness, would anyone like to have that type of scrutiny? To me it was awkward and forced, and I didn't think he needed to do it. I think next time I hear from him is when he tells us he's coming back to play and what tournament he'll be in.
Mr_Xiaoqi: According to Bob Smizik (on his blog today), Frank Coonelly has written several angry letters to columnists. Touchy subject I'm sure, but your thoughts as an editor?
Jerry Micco: Like any reader, Frank has a right to fire off a letter to a columnist or me or anyone at the newspaper. Doesn't mean we agree with him or that it will move the opinion line much for a columnist, but I don't mind the fact that Frank corresponds with our newspaper. We're big kids down here, we can handle criticism (we like a little praise occasionally, too). It's part of the job.
The Frenchman: Jerry, sorry to interrupt your 3 buddies here, but would you like to comment on the Pirate playoff attendance issue from last week. I sent you some info that thoroughly debunked the idea that people didn't go to those games. (Also, can someone tell Hungarian that there hasn't been a USSR since the Pirates were in the playoffs.)
Jerry Micco: I got several emails letting me know that the attendance at those games indeed was very good, and I appreciate all of them. The playoff games were very well attended. And as for the USSR, well, you just told him.
Jacque Strap: I was interested to hear what Tiger had to say, but the fact that most networks broke into their regular coverage to show it was ridiculous at best.
Jerry Micco: Well, what bigger news was there at that time? I'd be curious how many people watched it. There probably isn't a bigger name in sports than Tiger Woods and while I didn't think much of his presentation, a lot of folks probably tuned in.
The Frenchman: Jerry, how does it work when a sports columnist takes a full time job with a radio station? Is Ron Cook expected to produce the same number of columns as he has been doing prior to his full-time radio gig? I know Starkey and Prisuta left the Trib when they realized they couldn't do both writing and radio full time. I assume you had to approve Ron doing both roles. Does the PG somehow benefit financially from this arrangement?
Jerry Micco: Ron's work a the P-G is not affected by his work on The Fan. Ron is asked to write 4 columns per week for us, and he's never missed the mark. Actually, sometimes he does 5. When Ron was discussing this with The Fan, I and others above me were brought into the discussion. As for the money, that's not my department.
Jacque Strap: Good old Rich Rod. Do you think he got away with the same thing at WVU?
Jerry Micco: Well, there didn't seem to be any complaints when he was at WVU, so you can't make that assumption. But this is a pretty good wrist slap for Michigan. And when you have losing seasons and then get slapped by the NCAA, you have to wonder how Michigan is feeling about that hire.
theWellHungarian: Who has been your favourite athlete in the WInter Olympics thus far? I really thought Shaun White was impressive with the Double McTwist 1260, but my favourite was Sven Kramer of the Netherlands until his coach screwed him yesterday. My least favourite was John Shuster of the US Curling Team. Yes, I think I have watched way too much Winter Olympics.
Jerry Micco: My favorite athlete is probably Julia Mancuso. A delightful person and a hell of an Alpine skier. I love skiing (don't it myself) so I tend to lean that way when I think of favorite winter sports and athletes. And I'm a big fan of Cheryl Bernard the skip of Canada's curling team. I've come to really watch the sport a lot (started doing it during my stay in Detroit for Super Bowl XL when it was on Canada's TSN all day). She's absolutely great at what she does and that team is excellent.
Jerry Micco: What I meant to say above about skiing is "don't do it myself."
theWellHungarian: Can I finish this chat with a U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! for the Men's team at 3:00 p.m.?
Jerry Micco: Well certainly. I think that nation will be watching how they do. Maybe not so much this game because they should win it, but down the road as the tournament gets to the medal games, it'll be a must-watch. I think the only thing that's bad about this is that USA fans will be disappointed if there's not a gold medal for this team. I think any medal is good, but when you are the top seed, the expectations rise quickly. I'll be rooting for gold, but that team has accomplished a lot already.
Gino3109: Jerry - the Texas released Dunta Robinson today ... think there will be any interest from the Steelers? We could surely use another solid corner ...
Jerry Micco: I liked Dunta Robinson in the draft, but the Steelers drafted too late (as I recall) to snag him. I'd take a very hard look at him, and I'm sure Kevin Colbert will do so. I think another solid veteran corner is an essential for this team.
Jerry Micco: Well folks I need to run back to my other stuff. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me today and for all the questions. Enjoy the rest of the Olympics, and I'll see you next Wednesday at noon.
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First published on February 24, 2010 at 1:49 pm