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PrintJerry Micco's sports chat transcript
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
| Poll Question: Which would you rather have: Your name on the Stanley Cup, or an Olympic gold medal? | |
| Answer #1: Stanley Cup 91% | |
| Answer #2: Gold medal 9% | |
| mike m: | Why does everyone say the Steelers need to draft a replacement for Farrior when we have Timmons? |
| Jerry Micco: | Well, one reason is that Timmons and Farrior are the starters at inside linebacker. You need 2 of those guys and if Farrior has the same issues he had late last season, then you're going to need to find his replacement. Weatherspoon, the inside 'backer from Mizzou, would be the best choice if they went that route. |
| NuttingButLosing: | What are the odds of Steeler Nation seeing a new face on the starting offensive line come the start of the season (via draft or FA)? Seems like most of the guys on the line have peaked or at least are getting there, and well, is anyone impressed? |
| Jerry Micco: | I think you'll see Kemo, Starks and Colon for sure. I'm not sure if Hartwig will be the center, but unless they draft a center high, there's no one else on the team who would be better. And I think you'll see some of Darnell Stapleton at left guard at some point. He missed all of last year with an knee injury, but I thought he played pretty well in 2008 as a rookie FA. Also, will 2nd-year man Kraig Urbik step up and play some this year? |
| steeltownpride: | The Steelers have many draft needs but normally wont draft just for need. If they feel someone is to good to pass on they will draft them. For some strange reason i think that if C J Spiller is there at 18th the Steelers are going to jump on him. Now im not saying they should do it. Mendenhall landed on this team the same way. But he is a great back, he would take away the need to keep Logan as just a return guy. He is a position on need with Parker leaving. Lets face it there isnt much behind Mendenhall. And to the fact that RR is becoming a 3 down back it might also eliminate the need for Moore as just a 3rd down back. Spiller wouldnt be a starter, just a special teamer and back up RB. Incedible speed some are comparing to Chris Johnson. I rather have other players but you never know |
| Jerry Micco: | Spiller, of Clemson, is one of the top RBs in the draft and would be a great pick if the Steelers needed a RB as a starter. But I think their needs on defense far outweigh what they need on offense. I think O-Line is a bigger need. And they can address running back later in the draft if they have to do it, but unless they look at LB, S, CB and DL first, I think they are not doing what they need to do in this draft. |
| Mr_Xiaoqi: | Jerry - Taylor Mays ran an incredible time at the combine. They say he has coverage issues, but wonder if the Steelers dream of him and Troy in the same defensive backfield? |
| Jerry Micco: | I'd not take Taylor Mays if he's there. I know he's a load to handle at that position, but he has to play strong safety, which is what Polamalu plays. Texas' Earl Thomas would be a better pick, I think, if the Steelers wanted to go safety in the first round. He's more of a free safety type and still packs a pretty good wallop. Not on the order of Mays, but there's enough there. |
| theWellHungarian: | Just heard a report that the Big Ten wants, in this order, 1.) Rutgers 2.) Missouri 3.) Pitt ... I feel more comfortable about this rather than them going after Syracuse, UConn, or WVU. I know from a business standpoint its important, but as a fan, I could care less about the NYC market. What are your thoughts? |
| Jerry Micco: | Pitt or Mizzou are the best geographic fits. And Pitt, academically, has no problem with any of the Big Ten heavyweights. Actually of the 3, Pitt probably has the best academics. I know people say Rutgers delivers the NY/NJ area, but how much is that area into college football? I mean, the old Army-Notre Dame or Fordham-Columbia games of the 30s and 40s are way over. I guess Army-ND this year is back at Yankee Stadium. But I don't see NY/NJ as college football country. I think Pitt is a great fit, but maybe doesn't deliver much as far as a fresh footprint. Mizzou delivers a larger market (St. Louis), but just seems so far west. |
| theWellHungarian: | What position do you see Gilbert Brown playing at the next level, the 2 or the 3? I've been impressed with his improved range this season and always like his athleticism & hops. |
| Jerry Micco: | I don't know that Brown is an NBA player. I think development league or maybe Europe, but not the NBA. If he goes, it would be as a 3 because I don't think he has the consistent range a 2 needs in that league. |
| ch3: | Jerry, what are your thoughts on the Pens recent moves? I think getting Leopold was a good move, not sure about Ponikaraovsky though. Don't know enough him, but the Pens needed a winger to fill the net and it seems he can do that. |
| Jerry Micco: | I actually like the Ponikarovsky trade because he's a bond fide scorer. I know he can sometimes get in a funk and he disappears at times, but I can't believe playing on a line with Geno Malkin that he'd be capable of doing that. Besides, he's playing for a big contract as a FA (probably not here, though). And I like Leopold because he's a puck-mover and can jump up on plays. I wish they'd have found a guy more physical, but he's got nice size. I think these moves strengthen the team where it needed to be strengthened. |
| theWellHungarian: | Big test today for the Yanks in an international friendly vs the Netherlands at 2:30pm on ESPN2. I can see them shocking the Dutch in Amsterdam, but the Dutch are loaded with talent, especially up front in the attack. Their defense is somewhat suspect and I think Landon Donovan may be able to exploit this weakness. Some players to watch on Oranje ... Arjen Robben, Wes Sneijder, and ibrahim Affelay. Affelay is a youngster but is a wizard with the ball. Hopefully, we'll see him today. Fans should enjoy his superb footwork. |
| Jerry Micco: | Here's what I remember about the Dutch: Back when I was a cub reporter at a paper in Manassas (Va.), I would cover on my own time Washington Diplomats NASL soccer games. I knew little about the sport, but it was pro soccer and what the heck, in 1980 the way you moved up was to get clips at pro events. So I covered the team at home for a season and actually enjoyed it. The Dips, as they were called, had a guy named Johann Cruyff, who was a tremendous soccer player and one of only 2 Euros allowed on the team (NASL rules). Anyhow, after a game, he'd sit on the trainer's table smoking a cigarette and rip all the American players for how lousy they were. That is my knowledge of Dutch football. |
| theWellHungarian: | I love the Ponikaraovsky move. Geno needed a winger. I am disappointed to see Luca Caputi go, but I was never really impressed when he was called up and he wasnt exactly killing it in Wilkes-Barre. I think Tangradi will be better in the long run. |
| Jerry Micco: | I think you win now and you restock when you need to restock. I think the Pens have some decent wingers in W-B, so losing one to get a guy of Ponikarovsky's talent is well worth it. I'm sure he'll be with Malkin when he arrives, which will be Saturday, not tomorrow night (Visa problems, we're reporting). I'd like to see Fedotenko matched with them because I can see Feds' game getting stronger down the stretch and the playoffs, as is his way. |
| Pl2: | What do you think about the ovation the crowd gave Miller last night compared to Crosby? Crosby seemed a little agitated by some of the boos. |
| Jerry Micco: | I'd be agitated if I were him, too. I've got no problem with the Miller cheer. I think that's great. He was the best player in the Olympic tournament and fans at Mellon showed their class in giving him a rousing cheer. But Crosby has done an awful lot for the fans in this town and to boo his highlight goal was uncalled for. You don't have to cheer it, but for goodness sakes, don't boo it. In essence, you are booing Crosby. I know they cheered when his name was announced, but I'm sure he'll not forget those boos for some time. |
| theWellHungarian: | Class move by the Pens fans giving Ryan Miller a stand ovation. I was a little shocked hearing the jeers directed at Sid, but whoever the genius was that decided to show his GW goal against the USA (twice) on the JumboTron is an idiot |
| Jerry Micco: | It doesn't matter. Still, he's a Penguin and I think people forgot that part of the equation. As I believe I imparted to all of you last week, I was quite surprised at the reaction of more than a few of our readers to what they considered "overcoverage" of Crosby at the Games. They wanted all USA all the time. But that's not what news organizations do, especially when perhaps the most recognized athlete in your city carries the weight of his country, which invented the sport, on his shoulders. |
| ch3: | Jerry, did you catch any of Dorin Dickerson workout at the combine? He seemed to have made himself some money. How do you think he will do in the NFL? I see him as a receiving TE, like Dallas Clark. Both are small for a TE and have good speed. |
| Jerry Micco: | I know our Gerry Dulac said he did a good job and opened some eyes, but I wonder if he is such a tweener that teams pass on him until very late. If he can put on some weight and not drop speed, he'd be a nice pickup say in the 4th or 5th round as a flex TE. But we'll see how he carries that extra weight. |
| theWellHungarian: | Haha - that is typical "Dutch voetbal." Great book to read about Dutch soccer, "Brilliant Orange - Neurotic Genius Dutch Footbal," Highly recommend it. |
| Jerry Micco: | I was just amazed that he was chain smoking after the game. |
| theWellHungarian: | Someone asked me about Crosby being boo'ed and said that it wasn't right. I don't think Pens fans were booing Crosby they were booing the fact they showed the replay of his goal (twice.) If the Cards had beaten the Steelers in the Super Bowl and at a Pitt game if they showed Larry Fitzgerald's TD, it would have been met with boos as well. |
| Jerry Micco: | Yes, but Crosby didn't beat the Penguins, he beat Team USA. I think you are likely right about what they were actually booing. As I pointed out in my answer, they cheered Sid when his name was announced. But as a Team USA fan, like most folks, I was disappointed that they lost. Felt great they won a silver, but really thought they could take out Canada again for gold. Still, one hell of a hockey game, eh? |
| Homey: | Why do you think universities have non-revenue sports, other than for Title IX compliance? |
| Jerry Micco: | Because part of a university's mission is to attract a wide array of students. And if some of those students happen to play lacrosse, field hockey, run track or play baseball, then there is one more reason for them to go to your university. Sometimes a kid wants to go to a school for academics and the sport they play is secondary. But if you don't offer their sport and someone else does, then they won't go to your school. And you don't want to lose that prospect if you don't have to lose him or her. |
| PirateApologist: | Hi Jerry. I am not expecting Garrett Jones to hit 40 homeruns this year, but I don't think it is absolutely out of line for him to hit 25+. So far, I have not found many people who even think he can do that. What do you think? |
| Jerry Micco: | Jury's still out on him, even after last season. Everyone has a full season of tape on him so they'll pitch him differently and he'll have to make adjustments. That said, I think he's a 25-HR guy, at least he possesses that type of power, and I think he can knock in 80 runs or more. But like so many of the Pirates, and this leads to a lot of fan frustration, he's a work in progress. And there's no telling how he'll do because there is no real record of his work. |
| Chunkles: | I always thought the Steeler Nation was hit or miss.The Pens fans have always been well educated, sober, loyal fans. Just look at the sellout streak, its not near the Steelers, but in hockey, its impressive. The problem is, last night, there were imposters sitting in a lot of seats. I'm all for USA but to not give Sidney the love he deserves is classless! That "Kid" along with his Landlord saved hockey in Pittsburgh. SHAME on anyone who jeered him. Sober up and appreciate one of the greatest hockey players ever and be proud that he plays in Pittsburgh! |
| Jerry Micco: | No imposters, those were Penguins fans or did they just give away tickets to a game that was following the Olympic break? Look, I agree with what you say, but I'd argue that the Pens have some fans, like any other team here or across the country, who don't always act the part. I'm not ready to say any fanbase is perfect or the "best." Everybody has their good and bad. |
| PhillyMarty: | Missed you the last few weeks, hate to trot out an old issue...but the TW story really bothers me. And my angle is a bit different. Because of limited access, the media represents their readership in dealing with athletes. I have always greatly resented TW's attitude, arrogance is an understatement. I wish he took Nicklaus' advice and stayed off the tour. But since he does want to play, and because our advertising dollars have made his wealth and reputation, he has an obligation to open up. Not to the paparazzi but in a respectable way with the media. My question for you is why is the media not accountable to the readership for not pressing TW to give back and if he won't, to expose his arrogance. The arrogant Bonds does not have a sliver of the endorsements that TW has. Or perhaps the media is de facto an accomplice because TW helps you sell papers so you do not want to damage the little bit of a relationship you do have. I also find it hard to believe that no one knew about TW's second life. |
| Jerry Micco: | There's a lot there, Marty, so let me see if I can figure it all out. As for anyone knowing about Tiger's philandering ways, I'm sure someone did. Was it worth writing about before his incident in December? Why write about a guy's personal life if it doesn't affect him on the field or cause problems off of it. Once it did in Tiger's case, everyone wrote about it. As for how the media treats him, I think you have to honor the guy for his work on the field. I'm not a big fan of his because I do think he's arrogant and acts like a child on the course sometimes. But people have written that part of it, too. As for him giving back, he can talk to media or he doesn't have to. He's forced to do it at Tour events, but I think the media was pretty solid, at least the Golf Writers were, at not attending his "press conference." I don't know that our role was not served. We present the story, people can make up their own minds. |
| Mr_Xiaoqi: | If the Pirates have 50 losses by the fourth of July-Will John Russell still be manager? |
| Jerry Micco: | I'd think Russell is on a bit of a short leash and if the team starts out poorly and it's into June, there may be a change. |
| Mr_Xiaoqi: | Any updated thoughts on the Colbert & Tomlin contract situations? |
| Jerry Micco: | I think the Steelers are in a bit of a pickle because of the Whisenhunt contract. Gerry Dulac wrote about this and Ron Cook had a column, but basically, if you double Whiz's contract, what do you do with Tomlin, who has beaten Whiz in a Super Bowl and has 3 winning seasons? The Steelers are eventually going to have to pay the going rate, problem is, they usually don't do that with a coach. They didn't want to do it with Cowher and he left. This is one we'll watch closely, but my guess is they'll get something done to keep Tomlin. |
| Homey: | Since hockey was the biggest sport at the Winter Olympics, why wasn't Molinari sent to Vancouver? Not that I'm complaining about the coverage - just curious. |
| Jerry Micco: | I think anyone who reads Dave regularly in his job as Penguins beat reporter, knows why he was recently inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. But the Olympics is more than hockey and we covered more than hockey. A lot more. Dejan Kovacevic, who was a hockey writer here for years, also has covered an Olympics (Athens, 2004). And that combination was what we were looking for in Vancouver. I think our coverage was first-rate and Dejan's work ethic and talent was the main reason for that. |
| ch3: | With the 18th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select......... |
| Jerry Micco: | Sean Weatherspoon. In a 3-4 defense, you need LBs. Of course, ask me in 3 weeks and I may say Earl Thomas of Texas or, and this isn't out of the question, Jared Odrick of Penn State. |
| theWellHungarian: | Do you think Evan Meek will eventually be the Pirates closer in 2010 given Octavio Dotel's history of injury? The way I see it, if Dotel stinks, they'll need someone else. If he does well & impresses, the Buccos will surely deal him to the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, etc for a few low-level, marginal prospects.... |
| Jerry Micco: | Meek, I believe, has what it takes to be a closer. But he was injured part of last year, and he had just gotten into being a sixth, seventh inning guy. I'd like to see him perform in that type of role with the team this year, then become closer. I'm in the minority, but I do not miss Matt Capps. |
| theWellHungarian: | What do you think of LeBron changing his number from #23 to #6? #23 in my mind will always be Mike so I think it's a good idea to establish his own superstar legacy and create his own number to be associated with. |
| Jerry Micco: | I guess Julius Erving or Bill Russell won't mind him grabbing ol' No. 6. I guess that's fine. I never equated him with Jordan, who in my mind was the best ever. LeBron needs to win a few titles first. |
| felcher: | how far does Pitt go in the NCAA tourney this year? |
| Jerry Micco: | I'm thinking Sweet 16. And if they do, Jamie Dixon should get some serious love for national coach of the year. |
| PhillyMarty: | I think it is almost shameful that any media bothered to show up at TW's statement. Again he totally controlled the event. If he is truly suffering from an addiction, a 12-step program requires him opening up. The media should totally dis him until he makes proper amends. But not doing so, they are becoming somewhat of a co-conspirator in him continuing his deceitful arrogant ways. Arnie always gave back. He was one of the pioneers that made the PGA. TW needs to be forced to learn that message. |
| Jerry Micco: | Well, you can't ignore what went on when he spoke. I'll bet nearly everyone at work stopped to watch what he had to say. Any 12-step program has a "confession" if you will. Most of the time, that's done privately because of the nature of the apology. But this couldn't be that way. In a sense, he had to lay it all out to millions at once. And I don't compare him to Arnie, who was the first great marketing athlete in the nation. Arnie is an all-time great, but you know what, he also didn't have the media scrutiny Tiger did. |
| born2run: | I don't pay much attention to awards banquets, but was a bit surprised to see the Penn State women's volleyball team get the Dapper Dan award. Really? What do they have to do with Pittsburgh sports? Who in this town even knows that they exist? |
| Jerry Micco: | We have honored PSU athletes, whether they are from here or not, in the past, including Joe Paterno being honored with a Lifetime Achievement award. Anyone with any love or knowledge of sports could deny the accomplishment of this team. No, there is no Pittsburgh connection, but DD had gone outside this area to honor athletes, particularly at Penn State. In the past, however, many kids from Western Pa. have played volleyball at Penn State. Some folks may not like it, but hey, I'm comfortable we honored a great team that has a college with a pretty big footprint in Western Pa. |
| theWellHungarian: | born2run-- i'm not the biggest PSU fan, but even I knew about the PSU women's volleyball team. Grow up. |
| Jerry Micco: | And with that, I'll end this terrific hour. A programming note: I'm going to be out of town next week and will not have a chat. I will be back and ready on March 17. Thanks for taking the time, everyone. I'll see you in a couple weeks. |
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First published on March 3, 2010 at 1:30 pm
