The Angry Fan

Burnett To The Bucs Officially Official, There's Just One Last Question...

2012-02-19T15:01:00.000-08:00

AJ Burnett has passed his physical today and the MLB has approved the trade. Now the only order of business left is to determine what number will he wear. Will Daniel McCutchen give up number 34? Or will Burnett revert to his pre 34 days and wear the initial number he had when he was with the Marlins, 43?

I wonder if Daniel McCutchen will drive a hard bargain . . . In the meanwhile, Neil Walker is looking forward to the new addition telling the Pittsburgh Tribune Review:

"We're looking forward to him joining our team. I think it's a great addition, and I think him coming from the A.L. East, pitching in such a competitive division, he's going to give us a very good chance to win every time he steps on the mound. It seems they're trying to give us the best chance here and take advantage of anything they can, through free agency and trades, and they've made some good additions both on offense and on defense, I think there's a lot of optimism going into this spring training and a lot of good additions to our ball club."

Me too, Neil. Me too.

The AJ Burnett Deal Is Official... Well, Almost...

2012-02-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

It's in the Commissioner's hands and if approved, a physical would be all that stands in the way of the Pirates acquiring starting pitcher, AJ Burnett, from the Yankees. The Pirates will send two low end prospects, more than likely class A level, and the Pirates will pay $13 million in the next two years for Burnett.

The right hander had his best seasons in the National League when he was with the Marlins, going 49-50 with a 3.73 era in seven seasons.

If it wasn't for AJ's wife Karen, who has a fear of flying, this deal would have never happened. The Anaheim Angels offered Bobby Abreu in exchange for Burnett but he vetoed it. In fact, her fear of flying is so intense that in AJ's previous contract with the Blue Jays, he was provided with round trip limo rides from Baltimore (his home town) to Toronto so his wife and kids could visit him on occasion. I'm sure the Pirates will offer him and his wife MegaBus round trip tickets to and from Baltimore.

I think this could obviously benefit the Pirates for a couple of years until the likes of Taillon and Cole are ready for the show. Considering the Pirates starting pitchers' second half implosion last season, he should help the rotation's staying power.

As the song by Sheryl Crow goes, 'A Change Can Do You Good' especially coming from the epicenter of the media spotlight to the most livable city in America, where there won't be as much pressure on Burnett. I see him going out and winning 15 games for the Bucs this year.

Report: "It's Pirates Or Bust For Yankees In AJ Burnett Trade Talks"

2012-02-16T07:09:00.000-08:00

Go BUCS Or Stay Home . . .

That's the word on the A.J. Burnett Street according to the New York Post. Talks with Cleveland have broken up and Burnett will veto any west coast suitors. "Sources" close to the Pirates-Yankees trade talks say the deal will likely get done by the weekend if the two sides can come to a resolution on the money and prospects. The Yankees want the Pirates to ante up more cash and if not, offer better prospects.

But we already knew that.

Here's what Jon Heyman of CBS Sports thinks:

So, we are still playing the waiting game as the stare down between Cashman and Huntington continues.

UPDATE: Sources are now saying the Pirates and Yankees should have an agreement in place in the next 24 hours.

I don't believe for one second that there is another team that they are weighing an offer from, it's just the Yanks being the Yanks.

Latest On AJ Burnett To The Pirates

2012-02-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest in the Burnett to the Bucs soap opera that has been going on for over a week now.

Wallace Matthews ESPN New York: "The proposed trade between the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates that would make A.J. Burnett a Pirate is close, but not quite done, and there are indications that the Yankees are pressuring Pittsburgh to sweeten its offer for the beleaguered 35-year-old right-hander."

NBC New York puts this spin on it: "It looks like A.J. Burnett is going to be Pittsburgh's problem. The Yankees and Pirates are reportedly close on a deal that would send Burnett (and a diminished portion of his salary) to Steel City in exchange for a couple of prospects."

The longer this thing carries on, the worse the chances are for the Bucs acquiring Burnett. Everyone has been saying that this trade was 'close' for over a week.

End Of An Era: NFL Network Reporting Ward Done With Steelers

2012-02-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

Jason La Canfora is reporting that Hines Ward will not be back next season according to his sources. One of the most prolific receivers of this generation, he redefined the wide receiver position. A 14 year veteran of the Steelers, Ward compiled 12,083 receiving yards while making 1,000 catches and scoring 85 touchdowns. With those numbers, two championships and a Super Bowl MVP he will be a lock for the Hall Of Fame.

The question is... What's next for Ward?

Jon Heyman: Burnett to Pirates Talk Heating Up

2012-02-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

Jon Heyman of CBSSports is reporting as of Thursday night the Yanks and Pirates were "thought to be a few million apart in the Burnett negotiations, but they were still talking and there is some hope for a deal."

A report earlier yesterday said the Yankees wanted Garrett Jones in the deal, but the Pirates gave them an emphatic NO.

What amazes me is the fact that Burnett has a limited no trade clause of 10 teams and the Pirates are obviously not on that list.

He is considered a goof-ball by many, likes to have fun, and could be a good fit for a young Pirates clubhouse.

5 Pirates Prospects In Keith Law's Top 100

2012-02-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

ESPN's Keith Law ranked Gerrit Cole (10), Jameson Taillon (16), Josh Bell (67), Starling Marte (72), and Robbie Grossman (86) in his Top 100 prospects of 2012.

On Cole: Cole can cut himself off a bit, especially when rushing his delivery. When he's right, he uses his lower half to generate arm speed and gets out over his front side after a strong stride toward the plate. He needs to work on his feel for pitching, since his coach always called his games at UCLA, and on command of his fastball; using his two-seamer more might also help him minimize mistakes up with the four-seamer. But the projection here is that of a No. 1 starter who can miss bats with as many as four different pitches, and who has the size and delivery to handle an ace's workload.

On Taillon: Taillon still has top-of-the-rotation ceiling, but he has pitched so little in pro ball that he hasn't developed as quickly as the typical top-end teenage pitcher would. At 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, he looks like a workhorse starter, and has the plus fastball and future-plus slider to complete the story, sitting in the mid-90s (rarely throwing a fastball slower than 93 mph) with the ability to go back and get 98 when he needs it. He's so big at such a young age that his body control is lagging, and he'll need to continue to focus on pacing his delivery and keeping himself on line to the plate. The Pirates' handling of Taillon's workloads has raised eyebrows across the game. He's been on such tight pitch counts that he faced more than 20 batters in a start just three times all year, never recording more than 15 outs. Despite that, he performed worse as the season went on, with reductions in his command and control. I still see Taillon as a future ace, but at some point, the Pirates will have to take the reins off.

Josh Bell: One of the most exciting high school hitters in last year's draft -- which, for all its strengths, wasn't great for prep bats -- Bell stunned the industry by taking a $5 million signing bonus from the Pirates after claiming before the draft that he wasn't signing at any price and was headed to the University of Texas. As a left-handed hitter, Bell reminds me of Jason Heyward (before the shoulder injury), with leverage for all-fields power and unusual hand acceleration that allows him to let the ball travel deeper before he commits to a swing. His right-handed swing isn't as quick or smooth, and he's probably a left fielder due to below-average run and arm tools. But the bat, while a few years off, has the ceiling of an All-Star even at an offense-first position, with power, average and the promise at least of some patience as well.

Starling Marte: Marte has tremendous tools and has moved aggressively through Pittsburgh's system despite a real lack of polish at the plate that makes him a very high-beta prospect. He could end up a 60 (occasional All-Star), and he could end up a 45 (fourth outfielder), without a whole lot of in between. At the plate, Marte has quick wrists and can hit a good fastball, but he has no stride and limited weight transfer. His hips glide forward, but he is very rotational with good extension, so getting his legs involved could produce above-average power. He's a plus runner but not a good instinctive baserunner yet, in line with his lack of discipline at the plate. His 19 unintentional walks last year represented a career best for Marte in a single season, giving him 44 in more than 1,100 plate appearances since he came to the U.S. Word is that the Pirates and Royals have been discussing a merger not just of franchises, but of players, led by hybrid center fielder Bubba Starling Marte, a player so talented that even his tools would have tools. If that falls through, the Pirates might have a successor to Andrew McCutchen, or just a maddening bench guy who looks like he should be a star.

Robbie Grossman: Signed for $1 million out of high school, Grossman labors to some degree under the label that he was a "tools guy" when, in fact, his game is much more about polish and instincts than raw physical ability. Grossman has an outstanding eye at the plate -- although he was repeating the Florida State League last year -- with the hand-eye coordination and direct path to make hard contact from both sides of the plate. He's an average runner with good instincts on the bases and should be above-average defensively in either corner outfield spot -- most likely right. He is more of an emergency guy in center. His power ceiling is limited, although he has good hip rotation hitting left-handed. He's most likely a good corner outfielder with OBPs in the high .300s and 15-20 homers a year, with some upside in both of those offensive categories.

If you are a subscriber to ESPN Insider you can read the article here.

Could the Pirates Land A.J. Burnett?

2012-02-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

After being rejected by Edwin Jackson and Roy Oswalt, the Pirates have reportedly amped up their efforts to acquire a starting pitcher. The rumor mill picked up steam yesterday saying the Bucs have had talks with the Yanks on A.J. Burnett. Burnett however does have a 10 team no trade clause. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that a source has told him that the Pirates are not one of those teams. How about that?

Rosenthal says that The Yankees, want to clear money so they can re-sign both free agent infielder Eric Chavez and add a left-handed designated hitter such as Raul Ibanez, Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui.The report goes on to say that Burnett would benefit with a move to the NL.

But one has to admit, you have to admire the aggressiveness that the front office has had at going after a couple of FA pitchers the last couple of days. A couple of years ago, we would have laughed if someone would have mentioned that we offered a free agent a $3 year 30 million contract.

Now with the talk of Burnett possibly joining the Bucs, they obviously aren't giving up after being rejected in consecutive days.

Rejected Pirates Resort To Trying Out...

2012-02-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

The Pirates have been trying to bring in a top of the rotation starter, but the two that they offered contracts to have declined. The first being Edwin Jackson who signed with the Nationals on a one year deal for $11 million. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that he turned down a 3 year $30 million offer from the Bucs. The latest is Roy Oswalt, who rejected them in an abrupt manner. I asked the Trib's Dejan Kovacevic on twitter about the possibility of it being a publicity stunt by the Pirates. Something he doesn't believe is the case.

On Tuesday, the team is scheduled to work out former Tiger, Red and National first baseman Dmitri Young. He is a career .292 hitter with 171 homers in 12 big league seasons. But, he hasn't played since 2008.

With the report on Young trying out for the team, it just goes to show that nobody wants to play for the Pirates. The team is relegated to try and get 'talent' off the streets. Derek Lee, who rejected arbitration from the Bucs, obviously doesn't want to sign here, and he just might very well retire.

I feel like the Pirates are a couple of players away from contending but if they can't entice players to sign, how far away are we really?

Pirates Prospect Tony Sanchez Breaks Jaw In Bar Fight

2012-01-31T05:38:00.000-08:00

Pittsburgh Tribune Review is reporting that catching prospect Tony Sanchez is in trouble once again, this time it was a bar brawl earlier in the offseason during the Florida Instructional league. The report goes on to say that no charges were filed from the melee.

This isn't the first time Sanchez was in trouble with the team, in May of last year he criticized the umpires after a game via Twitter, saying: "Sometimes the umpires just decide to blow a game. Never seen a winning teams crowd go silent as the game winning run crosses the plate." He was benched three games for that incident. After the tweet, Sanchez deleted his account.

How Far The Mighty Have Fallen...

2012-01-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

At this point last year, Pitt was undefeated in the Big East with six wins already in their pocket. Fast forward to this year and they are completely opposite. Going into tonight's game against number 1 ranked Syracuse, they are 0-5 in the Big East. David vs Goliath? Yeah, pretty much! Clearly, Syracuse is without a doubt the best team in all of college basketball, there's not even a close second says Villanova coach Jay Wright.

Pitt has won the last six consecutive meetings against Syracuse, with their last loss to the Orange coming in the 2006 Big East Championship game. Stranger things have happened, but I don't see Pitt going into the Carrier Dome and pulling off the upset. In fact, I don't even see this team making it to the NCAA tournament. For them to make it, they would have to win the Big East Tournament. And they will have no chance to do that if they turn the ball over 17 times in a game like they did at Marquette on Saturday.

Panther fans have been spoiled to say the least, watching their team dance into March Madness 10 consecutive years. But hey, even Syracuse misses the tournament every now and again.

A Bunch Of Cool Links To Get You Over Hump Day

2011-12-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

The Global Language Monitor says that 'Tebowing' is officially a word which is the act of ‘taking a knee’ in prayerful reflection in the midst of an athletic activity, has been acknowledged as an English language word. I just wish ESPN would stop talking about this guy. We get it! It has to stop at some point.

NY Observer: Mr. Jeter is wining, dining, and screwing people in his penthouse of the Trump Hotel…and then sending them home with gift baskets! What is that, something to remember him by?

Sean Payton commented on the phantom whistle that two Titans players accused the Saints bench of blowing to distract the Titans offense. Coach got jokes!

Such B.S! Harrison dealt 1-game penalty, Should have just got a fine. Colt McCoy did look like he tucked the ball and was attempting to run, and he lowered his helmet. Harrison's LOL

Looking at Pirates roster, payroll.

Miami Marlins following Pirates' failed blueprint. The Marlins front office did 'promise' they would significantly raise payroll once stadium is built.

Stuff That Makes Me Shake My Head... Pa Man prints fake obit of mom to get time off.

Boneheads! It didn't take Police in Maryland long to arrest a pair of siblings accused of holding up a bank on the same block as their home.

Man arrested for DUI while wearing 'I am a drunk' t-shirt is dumb ass of the week.

Baby Elephants Enjoying In Pool

Pirates Acquire Casey McGehee From The Brewers

2011-12-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

The Pirates have acquired third baseman Casey McGehee from the Brewers for reliever Jose Veras. McGehee batted .223 with 13 homers in 2011. He had his best year in 2010 when he batted .285 with 23 Homers and 104 RBI. Expect McGehee to challenge Alvarez at third. He will also get some time at first base. The Brewers had to move him because the team had just signed former Pirate Aramis Ramirez. I'm glad to see Veras go, his late inning struggles in 2010 made this move a popular one with Pirate fans who cringed the second he stepped out of the bullpen.

The team also signed reliever Jason Grilli on a one year 1.1 million dollar deal. Grilli had a 2.48 ERA in 28 games.

Others that were tendered contracts include; Joel Hanrahan, Evan Meek, Chris Resop, Jeff Karstens, Charlie Morton, Garrett Jones and the newly acquired McGehee.

Pirates Sign Starting Pitcher Bedard, Nate McLouth To One Year Deals

2011-12-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: The Pirates have signed left handed starting pitcher Erik Bedard to a one year 4.5 million dollar deal. Bedard has spent time with Baltimore, Seattle, and Boston. He has had numerous injury problems in the past including his elbow, shoulder, oblique, and hip. I say this is a risky deal, but when healthy he could be a dominant pitcher. His best year came in 2007 when he won 13 games for the Orioles to go along with 221 strike outs. To make room on the roster for Bedard, the Pirates designated catcher Jason Jaramillo for assignment.

The Pirates have officially signed Nate McLouth to one year deal worth 1.75 million, all that is in the way is a physical so it's basically a wrap. In other news, it looks like the Bucs are becoming the Pittsburgh Rockies as they signed Jose Morales to a minor league deal. Morales, 28, played with Colorado last year and spent three seasons with Minnesota. He has a .289 career batting average and can provide depth at catcher as well as first base.

In addition to Morales, the Pirate have already signed former Rockies shortstop Clint Barmes to a two year deal and are said to be in talks with starting pitcher Jeff Francis. They both played for current Buccos manager Clint Hurdle, a sign that he is taking on more of a role in personnel decisions.

Follow me on twitter @theangryfan as I will have all the Bucs winter meeting happenings updated constantly

Pirates Talking Contract With Nate McLouth

2011-12-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Pirates are reportedly talking contract with former Bucco Nate McLouth. If the two sides agree to terms they will use him as a fourth or fifth outfield option. In two seasons with Atlanta, McLouth was limited due to injury and lack of quality play. Last year he batted .228 with 4 homers. He only appeared in 81 games for the Braves in 2010.

In 2008 with the Bucs, McLouth batted .276 with 26 homers and 94 RBI. The Pirates are probably thinking that he can return to his old form by coming back to the Burgh but given the injuries and lack of production the last three years, I think they are putting a big time gamble on it. To me the move doesn't make sense due to the same type of outfielders this team already has on the roster. By adding McLouth, it's just a glorified Alex Presley, which they already have enough of those type of players.

McLouth was dealt to the Braves in 2009 for Gorkys Hernandez, Charlie Morton, and Jeff Locke which at the time angered the Pirates clubhouse. Now it's safe to say who got the best of that deal... The Pirates obviously, as some baseball writers and league officials call it one of the worst Frank Wren deals ever.

Memorable Thanksgiving Day Games

2011-11-24T05:42:00.000-08:00

Leon Lett Ultimate Blunder:

Leon Lett was already living in infamy after losing a sure turnover turned touchdown to an ill advised early celebration that was broken up by Don Beebe of the Buffalo Bills during the Super Bowl - which would have given Dallas the all-time lead in points scored in the Super Bowl, by the way. He couldn't beat that, right? Wrong. During the Thanksgiving Day match up against the Miami Dolphins on the snow laden field of Texas Stadium, with just seconds left in the game and the Fins lining up for a field goal that would either win or lose it with the Cowboys leading 16-14, the silver and blue came through with a block. The exhilaration of victory was short lived however, as Leon "Big Cat" Lett ignored the 10 other teammates on the field yelling stay away from the dead ball, knowing that the blocking team could act as a defibrillator, bringing the ball back to life if they touched it, and he snowplowed his way into the pigskin giving the Dolphins another chance to kick the wining field goal. And they did. Way to outdo yourself, Leon. Check out the video:

Controversial Coin Toss:

1998's Thanksgiving matchup between the Lions and the Steelers is most known for the infamous overtime coin flip. Jerome Bettis took the coin flip, stuttering while calling tails and referee Phil Luckett said "the Steelers called heads; it's tails." This caused an uproar from Pittsburgh, as replays seemed to show that Bettis clearly called "tails." Although Luckett did not make a mistake in this incident. A week after the game, the tape was enhanced by KDKA-TV and Bettis is clearly heard saying "hea-tails." A sideline microphone also clearly had Bettis telling Coach Bill Cowher that he had said "hea-tails." The Steelers never got to touch the ball again and went on to lose 19–16. They would lose their next four games and would end up finishing 7–9. The winning quarterback for Detroit? Pittsburgh's own Charlie Batch. Click here to view video.

Pirates Officially Sign Barmes To A Two Year Deal

2011-11-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

It's official. The Pirates have a new SS as Clint Barmes signed his name on the dotted line of a 2 year contract worth 10.5 million. Barmes spent last year with the Astros and batted .244 with 12 homers and 39 RBI. He is excellent on defense and has really shown it in the last couple of years.

Barmes also spent time under manager Clint Hurdle in Colorado. His best season came with the Rockies in 2009 when he hit 23 homers.

In 2005, he suffered a freak injury as he was lugging a package of deer meat up the steps and he fell and broke his collar bone.

The Pirates beat out the Brewers and Giants for the services of Barmes.

Pirates Close To Deal For Free Agent Clint Barmes

2011-11-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

The dude with the funny looking bow-ties, Ken Rosenthal, is reporting via twitter that the Pirates appear to be in the lead for the services of Clint Barmes. Barmes spent last year with the Astros and batted .244 with 12 homers and 39 RBI. He is excellent on defense and it has really shown it in the last couple of years.

Barmes also spent time under manager Clint Hurdle in Colorado. His best season came with the Rockies in 2009 when he hit 23 homers.

In 2005, he suffered a freak injury as he was lugging a package of deer meat up the steps and he fell and broke his collar bone.

The Brewers and Giants are also interested in the SS but according to Rosenthal the Pirates seem to be the only team willing to offer a 2 year deal.

Pirates Showing Interest In Rafael Furcal

2011-11-18T06:04:00.000-08:00

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated tweeted yesterday that the Pirates are interested in free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal as well as a bunch of other options at the position. The tweet by Heyman goes on to say that the team wouldn't be interested in type-a free agents such as Jose Reyes or Jimmy Rollins which is only stating the obvious. Furcal is said to be looking for a 2 year deal at around 16 million. St. Louis and Milwaukee are also vying for his services.

The 34-year old shortstop would be a great veteran edition for a young team. Let's hope that the Pirates are for real this year when it comes to free agents. The fans came out last year, it's the least the brass can do.

Pirates Sign Free Agent Catcher Rod Barajas

2011-11-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

The Pirates have announced they have signed free agent catcher Rod Barajas to a one year deal. Over the last 3 seasons he has hit the third-most home runs (50) among Major League catchers. Barajas played with the Dodgers last year and batted .230 with 16 homers and 47 RBI in 98 games.

The 36 year old veteran catcher is average to near slightly above average defensively. He has played for six teams during his 12 year career.

The signing of Barajas should and will help the young catchers such as Mike McKenry.

Cleveland Radio Host Is Very Angry About His Beloved Browns

2011-11-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

And guess who got dragged into this conversation? You guessed right, Pittsburgh.... The city that stinks? Child Please!! I have been to your scum of a city and haven't smelled anything worse in my life. Anyone who has ever landed at the Cleveland airport knows what I'm talking about. Maybe you guys should sign up for the UFL, you might be able to compete in that league. Just kidding, probably not!

Keep on whining!! You guys suck and will forever suck.

And we all know that the people of Cleveland are weird... Just check out this guy...

Pitt Football Lands Biggest Win Of The Year

2011-10-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

Some scouting services have ranked him among the top five running back in the country and he was offered scholarships from Florida, Virginia Tech, Oregon, North Carolina, Alabama and Penn State.

But Rushel Shell the WPIAL all-time rushing leader at Hopewell High has chosen Pitt. It's probably Todd Graham's most important win of 2011. He made the announcement about a half hour ago during a press conference at his school. He is supposed to sign his letter of intent with Pitt sometime in February.

Lots Of Links: Don't Mess With Meghan Rees Edition

2011-10-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

Coach Tomlin says he loves the salty play of his subs! Well, I wonder how salty Bryant McFadden is feeling about all of that.

Meet Troy Polamalu the wax figure unveiled in New York. With video goodness of him scaring the crap out of people.

It's funny how the Pittsburgh media always gets on the Steelers' O-line. But when they have a good game, you don't hear a peep from them. TYPICAL!

Roethlisberger named AFC Offensive player of the week, after he thew for 5td's against the Tennessee Titans. Who's talking now O-line?

Tomlin on Mendenhall: "We expect him to participate this week, and we will see where that participation leads us" It sounds to me like someone is in the doghouse and after the performance from Redman and Dwyer. Why change things?

Former NHLer Roenick talks smack on media and Sidney Crosby. Maybe Roenick should check his own head.

On the Red Sox Epic collapse: Beckett, Lester and Lackey got into the habit of drinking brew, eating fried chicken and playing video games in the clubhouse during games. We all know that the American League is a softball league anyway, so what's the problem?

Theo Epstein signs 5 year deal with the Cubs making their fans believe that the goatslayer has arrived. The Cubs suck and they always will. It doesn't matter who the GM is.

Dumb Ass Alert

Some woman pretends to be a concession volunteer, allegedly stuffs several hundred dollars into a popcorn box, popcorn still missing. After supposedly stealing the money, she walks away with the popcorn box and returns to the bleachers to watch the game. She was followed by someone who witnessed the theft. Police were called, women arrested. Mugshot goodness.

The sister of Notre Dame starting quarterback Tommy Rees (Meghan Rees) was arrested on charges of being drunk as a skunk at Purdue over the weekend. She allegedly got into a fight in the stands, and to make it more interesting the game wasn't even through the first quarter. My oh my can this girl party. With once again, mugshot goodness.

Some marathon runner cheated by taking the bus so that he could clinch third place. What a douchebag!

The Booty Bus Is No More. A party bus that was operating as a strip club for Lions fans at a popular tailgating spot in Detroit has gotten the boot from the city.

Cool Videos

I love cats and the reason I do love them is found in the cute video below. And another reason I love these creatures is that when you call them, they look at you like yeah right, I'm coming and they never move.

Cats in water, very cool!

And finally, a cat vs a hair dryer!

This is one crazy Antelope! I am on your side Mr. Antelope, I don't like bikers either.

Hey, At Least It's An Improvement

2011-09-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

Hopefully with a win today the Pirates will finish with 73 wins, before the season began I predicted them to go 75-87. Either way you look at it, it's a success. A 15 win improvement from last year. Andrew McCutchen who has 87 runs, 89 RBI and 89 walks, has a chance to become the franchise's 10th player to go 90-90-90 in those categories since RBI became a statistic back in 1920.

Ryan Doumit more than likely played his last game as a Pirate, after complaining of concussion like symptoms earlier in the week when he took a few foul balls to the mask. I don't see any chance of him returning next year since the Pirates have 4 other catchers on the roster. Mike McKenry, Chris Snyder, Jason Jaramillo, and Matt Pagnozzi who was recently claimed off waivers from the Colorado Rockies.

I also don't expect the Pirates to offer pitcher Ross Ohlendorf arbitration which will make him a free agent. In 9 starts, he had a 1-3 record with an 8.15 ERA.

"It's out of my hands what happens, but I would like to be back, I feel like I can help the team. This was a tough year, but I feel like I'm going to have a really good year next year. I'd like for it to be here."

Maybe we should ask Ross to define good year? He was 1-11 last year, and plagued by injuries. And his stats weren't any better this year. Of course you want to be here Ross, no other team would want you with statistics like that.

Think About This...

2011-09-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

Derrek Lee's unbelievable September continued with a 3-for-4 day that included two ribby's and a monster home run, high over the 413-foot wall in Chase Field. The Pirates would love to keep Lee as a free agent, but he doesn't know what wants to do. On the other hand, Garrett Jones continues to depress the Pirates brass with his inconsistent play. He had an effective August, but he's back to batting .182 over his last 20, including the 2-for-14 output on the most recent road trip. The inconsistency will make offering him arbitration a tough decision. I say, don't do it! Whatever it takes to keep Lee for a couple of years, do it!

Pitt running back Ray Graham is now at fifth in the nation in rushing after he failed to reach 100 yards against Iowa. Going into the game he was number 1. In the last four years, Pitt had LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis reach the 1,000 yard mark twice, and now Graham is on pace to reach the milestone. He has the right coach to get there as Todd Graham had five 1,000 yard rusher in four years at Tulsa.

Gibsonia native, and Blackhawks winger Brandon Saad will play his first NHL preaseason game tonight for the Blackhawks at the Consol Energy Center. Saad is one of four Pittsburgh-area players who were selected in the draft, J.T. Miller, John Gibson and Vincent Trocheck.

The Steelers have shutout 28 opponents since 1960, the second most in the NFL behind 'da Bears'. They lead the all-time regular season series against the Colts 14-6. They are 1-2 at Indy during the regular season. This will be their first game at the new Lucas Oil Stadium home of this year's Super Bowl. The Steelers only regular-season victory at Indy came way back in 91. They lost their most recent game against the Colts at home in 2008, 24-20. Roethlisberger is 0-2 against them in the regular season. Hopefully they get running game finally gets on track this week, because it definitely hasn't been there in the first two games. And for Pete's sake will someone please tell Mendenhall to stop spinning at the goal line.

Video of 2 Year Old Who Loves The Steelers... This is amazing to me, yeah I may be a little biased because he is my nephew but this is unbelievable. I never met a two year old who will sit still and watch a baseball game, or an NFL game. Then there is this little guy. Watch how he says Hines Ward... This little guy is going viral.