Pittsburgh Sports Report March 2014 by PSR

PITTSBURGH’S PREMIER SPORTS PUBLICATION

Pittsburgh Sports Report

MARCH 2014

5 www.pittsburghsportsreport.com Time

Golden Quill Award

Winning Publication

Pittsburgh Sports Report

Net Worth

NFL DRAFT NEEDS PEDRO’S FUTURE

U. S. Steel has been a part of Pennsylvania history for more than 100 years. We began making steel here in 1901 and remain committed to building our future in Pennsylvania, while striving to meet and set world-class standards in everything we do.

PSR INTERVIEW

UP CLOSE JAMESON TAILLON The Pirates drafted pitcher Jameson Taillon

prospect in the minor leagues entering this

out of The Woodlands High School in Texas

spring. Chances are that the 6-7 righty is headed

with the second overall pick in 2010. The 22-

for the majors sometime during the 2014 sea-

year-old Taillon has a blazing fastball and a

son. Taillon talked about the possibility at the

nasty curveball that make him the 16th-rated

outset of Spring Training last month.

“We had chills the entire time. Those fans deserved it. They are some of the best in baseball... That entire city came alive.” -Jameson Taillon Q: Now that you’ve reached Triple-

A, has it become a reality that the major leagues are within reach? A: Yeah I saw it right when I got up to Triple-A. In that club house, guys were going up and down every day and that’s something I’d never been exposed to before. So it definitely gives you a feel that you’re getting close, and with some hard work you can be up there and contributing. Q: You’ve got a great fastball and a

curveball that’s considered one of the best in minor league baseball. How are you working on your change-up to add that to your mix? A: Just throwing it, you know. You’ve got to throw it to become proficient with it so I’m throwing it in games, I’m throwing it in catch, flatground, bullpens. I just make sure I keep on throwing it and stay sharp with it. Q: What’s the difference between

your second big league camp this year and your first big league camp a year ago? A: Yeah I remember last year I was pretty rattled, looking at the schedule and just worrying about where I needed to be and all of that non-

sense. But this year I know how to approach it. I know all the coaches, I know all the players for the most part, so this year it’s really about baseball and nothing else. Q: One of your good friends, Gerrit

Cole, made his major league debut last year. What was it like to see him? A: It was cool. I mean, I wasn’t surprised by it. I thought he was ready and there’s no spot too big for him so it didn’t really shock me that he was doing so well, but it was really cool. I think I watched every start of his at least a little bit. He’s the first guy I really know on a personal level that’s in the big leagues, so getting to see him go about his business and succeed was really neat.

big leagues. I think it starts with our coaches and development staff. They are doing a great job and the players are putting the work in. I think what makes it extra special is we have a lot of really high character guys. There are a lot of really good individual guys so it’s cool to see so many doing well and getting that national attention. Q: You’ve been to PNC Park before,

A: I was right here in Pirates City

getting ready to go out to Arizona for the Fall League, sitting with some of the coordinators who have been with us for a long time, and with some players I came up through the system with. We just talked about how we had chills the entire time. Those fans deserved it. They are some of the best in baseball and it was really, really cool to see. That entire city came alive.

but what was it like as a fan to see the excitement in October?

Q: You are one of the top guys in a

Pirates’ farm system that is considered the best by many publications. Why is it so exciting to be a part of this organization, not only at the big league level but coming up in the minors right now? A: Yeah, there’s just a good feeling in the organization all the way around, all the way up from the Dominican and rookie ball, all the way up to the

3 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 3

EDITOR’S DESK 40 Lincoln Way Suite 301 North Huntingdon PA 15642-1887

Asked And Answered TONY DEFAZIO

412.469.9717 Fax 412.469.9847 1.800.945.SPORTS (7767) www.pittsburghsportsreport.com E-mail: tdefazio@psrpt.com

PUBLISHER

Ellis G. Cannon

BUSINESS MANAGER Larry Appolonia

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Michael Betters

EDITOR

Tony DeFazio tdefazio@psrpt.com

SENIOR MEDICAL ADVISER DJ Phillips, MD Sam Akhavan, MD Allegheny General Hospital

WEBMASTER

Tom Ballas BNS Web Creations

BEAT WRITERS

Nate Barnes, Scott Kromko, Anthony Jaskulski, John Krysinsky, Alex Nseir, Joel Peretic, Eric Shultz, Kenneth Torgent

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ryan Bertonaschi, Steve Flinn, Jack Godzuk, Chris Galiszewski, Guilio Gasparin, Kurt Hackimer, Nate Marsh, Kelley Anne McGrath, Tyler Pecyna, Anthony Priore, Erika Schneider, Dan Sostek, Heidi Swanson, Carley Thieret

PSR EDITOR

The NFL is about to have an openly gay player in its ranks. Missouri defensive end Michael Sam—the 2014 Southern Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year—is projected to be drafted in the later rounds this May. Will an openly-gay player be welcomed in a football locker room? The NFL maintains a brutally unforgiving culture that weeds out those not mentally tough enough to deal. Google “Jonathan Martin/Richie Incognito” if you are unsure what that means. Some players—teammates and opponents alike—will have a problem with Sam, whether it’s in their locker room or across the line of scrimmage. Teammates may try to weed him out, as the Miami Dolphins did to Martin. Opponents—even those who are not homophobic—will taunt him. That’s the gamesmanship that exists in the

game. Perhaps that’s harsher than simple gamesmanship, but it’s the reality. And Sam will either deal with those “tests” or he won’t. But if it’s his mental toughness that’s in question, Michael Sam has been passing those tests as long as he’s been gay… for his entire life. Sam's college teammates knew of his sexual orientation last year. He told the Missouri locker room that he was gay in August, when nearly a quarter of the players were literally just months removed from high school. Let’s remember how immature teenage boys are. Anything that even rhymes with the word “gay” causes snickering and giggling, and any personal issue immediately becomes fodder for jokes, gossip and teasing. Yet the Missouri locker room—full of kids, not the grown men who populate an NFL room—was apparently fine with Sam’s homosexuality. The Tigers thrived on the field. Sam’s teammates didn’t merely accept him, they anointed him as the leader of one of the best teams in program history.

NFL players have historically function between the lines with just about anybody. Men of intensely devout religious faith line up next to men who beat women or ignore their children. Yet those men share locker rooms and even win championships together. Then they walk off the field and go their separate ways, leading lives guided by entirely different principles. At the end of the day, these guys are mercenaries. Other NFL players won’t be the issue for Sam. He will deal with them. Their bosses, however, might be a more difficult battle. NFL personnel directors have said anonymously that Sam’s outing of himself as gay will hurt his NFL draft stock. So the question isn’t, “Can an openly gay Michael Sam be welcomed in a locker room?” That’s been asked and answered. A better question is whether or not he gets the chance.

Contents

March 2014 Vol. 18, No.2

FILM CREW

6 BLUE LINE

Shelby Cassesse, Andrew Havranek, Taylor Duncan, Nick Frost

Are the Penguins prepared if MarcAndre Fleury stumbles again? A look ahead to March and the postseason.

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHERS Charles LeClaire, Justin Berl

10 NORTH SHORE NOTES

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Pedro Alvarez blossomed into a star in 2013, but what does that mean for the Pirates? The ‘14 Preview covers the Bucs, the NL Central and all of MLB.

Mark Alberti, Aaron Doster, William McBride, Kris Mellinger, Vincent Pugliese, Nick Susnjer, Ronald Vezzani Jr.

17 PURE STEEL

The draft is still a month away, but the Steelers needs are clear.

Pittsburgh Sports Report is published 12 times annually by Pittsburgh Sports Report, Inc. a Pennsylvania business corporation, Norwin Professional Building, 40 Lincoln Way, Suite 301, Irwin PA 15642-1887. Distribution at selected outlets. This and every issue of Pittsburgh Sports Report, and all contents therein, are subject to copyright protection held by Pittsburgh Sports Report, Inc. (“Corp. 2014 Pittsburgh Sports Report, Inc.”).

DEPARTMENTS

PSR FOCUS

21 SPORTS BITES

2014 Pirates Preview

4 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

WWE

22 ON CAMPUS

Pitt, the NCAA Tournament and the Panthers Olympic sports in the ACC.

UP CLOSE WITH PSR

EDITOR’S DESK

Pirates prospect Jameson Taillon Will Michael Sam make it?

PHOTO CREDITS Justin Berl - 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9a, 9b, 10a, 13a, 13b, 13d, 17a Vincent Pugliese - 10b, 13c Aaron Doster - 12, 14b, 15c Charles LeClaire - 14a, 15b, 18, 19a, 22 Pittsburgh Pirates - 3a; Bill Greenblatt/UPI 15a; Free Stock Images - 15d; David Banks/Getty Images -15e; Mike Carter/USA Today Sports 17b; David J Phillip/AP 17c; David Zalubowski/AP 19b; Phil Sears/AP 19c; WWE - 21; University of Pittsburgh - 23; AP - 24a, 24b; Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports - 24c

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 4

210 Racetrack Road • Washington, PA 15301 • meadowsgaming.com

SLOT TOURNAMENT FINALS Saturday, June 14

1st Place $100,000 2nd Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20,000 3rd Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,500 4th Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500 5th Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,000

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL (800) 848-1880

SPONSORED BY:

BLUE LINE

THE

Net Worth

Can the Penguins survive the spring if Flower wilts?

BY JOEL PERETIC

It is the worst case scenario, but it is also the one that played out last spring. Marc-Andre Fleury struggles early in the playoffs. Does Pittsburgh have a goalie who can replace him while realistically keeping the Penguins Stanley Cup hopes alive? If the answer is Jeff Zatkoff, then that answer is no. With nine wins in 12 appearances this season, the first-year goaltender has played well enough to garner hopes of a Cam Ward or Illya Bryzgalov type of rookie playoff run. Neither of those goalies won even half their regular season starts before dismantling teams in their inaugural playoff years. The developing trend simply turned into a fun fad however, as the reemergence of pure goal scoring wings, introduction of hockey analytics and integration of rare talent over the past eight years has left the toughest goaltending to the seasoned vets. That’s why Tomas Vokoun couldn’t have timed his comeback better. “I’m medically cleared to do anything I need to do to perform my job,” the 37-year-old netminder said on his first day back at practice. “I wouldn’t be out here if I didn’t think [I’d play again this season]. You never know what is going to happen. The team showed interest in me coming back.” Perhaps the Penguins urged the Czech product to return because

Marc-Andre Fleury has had another excellent regular season, leading the NHL in wins.

they too have noticed the regression back to experienced performers. Only 22 playoff starts line Vokoun’s resume, but that’s nearly two dozen more than Zatkoff has played. The Penguins postseason starter last year has also posted an impressive .928 save percentage and 2.24 goals against average over those contests. His .933 save percentage in last year’s playoffs was fourth in the league and only .001 behind Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick for

second-best. Olympians Jonas Hiller, Henrik Lundqvist and Jimmy Howard all were looking up at Vokoun’s 2.01 goals against average in his 11 starts. Zatkoff, however, has his own fan club. It is tempting to trust him as the playoff backup with a .909 save percentage and 2.64 goals against average so far this season. A closer look at the 26-year-old’s numbers reveal some uncomfortable ranks, though. While the former Wilkes-Barre

PLAY 210 Racetrack Road • Washington, PA • meadowsgaming.com

6 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014

Penguins star is too old to qualify as a rookie, comparing his statistics to those who do fit the classification results in a mediocre standing. Zatkoff would rank no higher than third in any category. Of the nine qualifying goalies, the Detroit native would figure to be eighth in goals against average and seventh in save percentage. Ward and Bryzgalov may not have see GOALTENDING PAGE 6

250 ON US!

See Players Club for Details

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL (800) 848-1880

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

SPONSORED BY:

BLUE LINE

THE

starts to look like maybe the best option for the Penguins. So, can the Penguins win the Stanley Cup with a backup goaltender should Fleury falter again this postseason? Clearly, the statistics show that Vokoun is preferable to Zatkoff. Of course, health is the primary variable here. “I know what I need to do from experiencing this situation before,” Vokoun said about returning from the blood clot that has kept him out the entire season. “I think I’m pretty fair to myself and looking at my ca-

reer. If I don’t feel like I’ll be helping or where I need to be to play then I’m not going to try to get in and be a burden to the team.” The case can be made for Vokoun to play over Fleury, meaning the Penguins can capture Lord Stanley if the worse case scenario does play out. But, every team needs a goalie that can steal a series, and Pittsburgh only has one of those on their roster.

MGA 20th Annual Sports Memorabilia Auction exactly lit up the league when6they GOALTENDING, from PAGE played the role of playoff hero, but that was eight seasons ago. Since the Penguins last won a Stanley Cup, no goaltender has played their first playoff game in the same season as they played their first NHL game. During that same span, only three rookie goaltenders made their playoff debuts — Howard, Antti Niemi and Tuukka Rask. All three are now established goalies who anchor their teams, but none of them posted rookie playoff numbers better than Vokoun’s career postseason averages.

Vokoun’s outstanding effort last season showed that he is capable of backstopping a Stanley Cup winning team. His playoff numbers during the Penguins run were far better than Fleury’s 2009 championship year’s stats. The former Florida Panther has also bested the Flower’s career postseason averages by a significant margin. In fact, Vokoun’s top single playoff season save percentage of .939 in 2003-04 beats Fleury’s highest career mark from the Penguins 2007-08 Eastern Conference championship season. Suddenly, Vokoun

• EmCee Ellis Cannon • Approximately 100 autographed sports related items will be available. • Many items signed by a variety of local and national sports stars will be on display within the LIVE and SILENT auction areas. • FREE AUTOGRAPHS FROM SPECIAL CELEBRITY GUESTS! • Admission includes dinner Proceeds benefit the Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA

FREE PARKING The Club @ Nevillewood • Doors open at 3:00 p.m. Admission Only $35 Call to Order! 412-566-1545 or email dkalisek@mgawpa.org for more information ADVANCE RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

500,000 DIAMONDS & GOLD GIVEAWAY 5 winners each hour of $5,000 Diamonds & Gold Certiﬁcate Saturdays in March • 10PM and 11PM

210 Racetrack Road • Washington, PA • meadowsgaming.com

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

See Players Club for details

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL (800) 848-1880

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 7

SPONSORED BY:

BLUE LINE

THE

Kicking the Tires

Penguins setting up for another postseason run

BY NATE MARSH

The Penguins have not only surged to the top of the Metropolitan Division but they currently rule the entire Eastern Conference. The Anaheim Ducks held the advantage for the NHL’s best overall record entering March, with the Boston Bruins right behind the Pens in the East. Pittsburgh reached the 40 win mark in a franchise-best 57 games, eight games faster than the previous record of 65, set in 1995-96. Impressive as they are, none of those markers mean anything unless a certain silver chalice updates its address to Pittsburgh. The past several postseasons have been less than ideal for the Penguins. General manager Ray Shero attempted to rent a Stanley Cup last year by adding Jerome Iginla, Brenden Morrow, Douglas Murray and Jussi Jokinen at the trade deadline. The Pens fell short and only Jokinen remains. The team was limited by the salary cap at the trade deadline, but Shero did address a few spots before sending the team on another Stanley Cup run. Since the loss of first-line winger Pascal Dupuis to a season ending ACL tear, Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz have lacked a compliment up front. Promising wing Beau Bennett had been expected to fill the slot but he has not played since breaking his wrist in November and won’t be back until later this month. The addition of Marcel Goc from Florida, though a natural center, may fill that hole.

Kris Letang’s absence puts the pressure on the Pen’s young blue liners.

The Crosby line isn’t the Pens’ only concern. The third line, centered by Brandon Sutter, has seen wingers check in and out all season. In the 2009 Cup season, the team had arguably the best third line in the league. As that reputation has dwindled, so too has the Penguins playoff success. Sutter needs a spark on his wing and the team hopes that Lee Stempniak, acquired from Calgary, can provide it. Goaltending is yet another concern. Marc-Andre Fleury leads the NHL in wins with 32 and is only .002 points off his career best save percentage. He has accomplished this while carrying a majority of the workload. Dan Bylsma has to be wary of wearing out his top goalie.

Of course there is also the issue of Fleury’s large collection of disappointing postseason performances since their last Stanley Cup victory. Backup Tomas Vokoun has been cleared to practice again after missing the entirety of the season while recovering from a blood clot. Considering the success he had last postseason, it is very likely to see Vokoun between the pipes toward the end of the season. The defensive has been impacted by the long absences of Kris Letang and Paul Martin. The sobering news that Norris Trophy candidate suffered a stroke on a February West Coast road trip hit the team hard, but his long-term prognosis is prom-

PLAY 210 Racetrack Road • Washington, PA • meadowsgaming.com

8 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014

ising. Letang’s return this season, however, is doubtful. Martin, who broke his hand in the Olympics, will miss a long period of time in March as well, but the surging performances of Matt Niskanen and rookie Olli Maatta Penguinshave solidified the blue line. Several promising youngsters will be counting on to provide depth behind Deryk Engelland and Robert Bortuzzo. After the stunning collapse of last season’s heavy Cup favorites, many around the NHL agree that another short playoff run could bring major changes to a Penguins core that has remained largely intact over the past five years.

250 ON US!

See Players Club for Details

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL (800) 848-1880

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

SPONSORED BY:

BLUE LINE

THE

March Schedule BY CARLEY THIERET

With the conclusion of the Sochi Olympics last month, the Penguins are back in action featuring a full slate of games throughout the month of March. These games will prove to be crucial for the Penguins to remain in first place in the Eastern Conference approaching the playoffs. March 1: at Chicago Blackhawks 2014 Stadium Series at Soldier Field

The defending Stanley Cup champs enter March in second place in the Central Division of the Western Conference, so although the game is not a rivalry matchup, the outdoor atmosphere will be sure to bring an intense environment. March 10: at Washington Capitals

The Penguins invade the nation’s capital to face Alex Ovechkin and their inter-division rivals. The Caps ended February in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division. The Penguins currently lead the season series 2-0, defeating the Capitals by scores 4-0, and 4-3.

March 15: at Philadelphia Flyers

Another home and home set that will prove to be important in determining the final division standings as the playoffs approach. The Penguins travel to the Wells Fargo Center to take on the rival Flyers in what’s sure to be a loud and electric Saturday night in Philly. March 16: Flyers in Pittsburgh

March 11: Capitals in Pittsburgh

A rematch of the night before as the Capitals will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Pens. The oldfashioned home and home series will bring the intensity and the hitting as Pittsburgh hopes to complete a sweep of the Capitals for the 2013-14 season.

Detroit has struggled in their first season in the Eastern Conference, but the Wings are the Wings. The Penguins currently lead the season series 1-0, defeating the Red Wings in Pittsburgh. March 30: Blackhawks in Pittsburgh

The Flyers were riding a four game winning streak and sat in third place in the Metro heading into the Olympic break. The teams have met twice already this season, with each team winning in the opposing rink. Pittsburgh came away victorious by a score of 4-1 Oct. 17, while the Flyers beat the Penguins 2-1 Nov. 13.

March 20: at Detroit Red Wings

The Penguins conclude the month of March the way they started, facing the Blackhawks but this time in Pittsburgh on a Sunday evening. March is the final full month of hockey before playoff pairings are announced and the quest for the Stanley Cup begins.

500,000 DIAMONDS & GOLD GIVEAWAY 5 winners each hour of $5,000 Diamonds & Gold Certiﬁcate Saturdays in March • 10PM and 11PM

210 Racetrack Road • Washington, PA • meadowsgaming.com

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

See Players Club for details

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL (800) 848-1880

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 9

SPONSORED BY:

Still Filling Holes Pirates enter spring training with questions

BY RYAN BERTONASCHI

It’s been a long time since the Pirates’ starting lineup was decided early in spring training, and the team has their share of holes again this season. The fate of right field and first base remains unsaid, while as many as seven starting pitchers with major league service time will compete for the fourth and fifth spots in the starting rotation. Unless the Pirates make a deal for a first baseman or a right fielder, management will likely implement platoons at both positions. In right field, right-handed Jose

Tabata could play on days when the Pirates face left-handed pitching, while lefty Travis Snider will push for time against righties. Snider had an injury-filled and slump-ridden 2013, hitting just .215 in 111 games. In 106 games, Tabata hit .282 with 33 RBI and six homeruns. When left fielder Starling Marte went down with an injury in August, Tabata played some of his best baseball, hitting .315 with 12 RBI and two homers. John Perrotto, who covers the major leagues for Baseball America and USA Today, said Tabata had some problems

10 10 PITTSBURGH PITTSBURGH SPORTS SPORTS REPORT REPORT •• MARCH MARCH 2014 2014

early in his career that he’s started to overcome. “I just think it’s a consistency issue, consistency with his effort more than anything, but I think he started to overcome it last year,” said Perrotto. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a breakout-type year.” Tabata and Snider have been overshadowed early in spring training by 22year old phenom Gregory Polanco, who is drawing comparisons to Darryl Strawberry. “[Polanco] is already more filled out than I think Strawberry ever was,” MLB.com’s Tom Singer said of the 6-4, 220-pound Polanco. “He is very dangerous when he’s given a chance to extend his arms. He’s got long arms just like Strawberry. I think he’s going to be a Strawberry-type hitter with the power and the size, but I think he’s going to be a more efficient hitter. He can go to all fields.” At first base, the most probable situation will be a platoon consisting of right hander Gaby Sanchez and lefty Andrew Lambo. In 126 plate appearances against lefthanded pitching last season, Sanchez

hit .333 with a .448 on-base percentage and a .539 slugging percentage. Lambo, who hit 31 minor league homers in 2013, has just 30 major league at-bats to his name. “I think they’ve got their eyes open,” Singer said of the Pirates’ interest in adding a first baseman. “If Sanchez looks like he’s totally incapable of being productive against right handers then I definitely think they’ll make a move.” Left-handed pitcher Wandy Rodriguez may take the fourth spot in the rotation, but he was shut down for the last several months of last season with forearm tendinitis. Perrotto said Rodriguez’ situation is a “possible Tommy John surgery waiting to happen.” The Pirates’ main offseason acquisition, 30-year old right-handed pitcher Edinson Volquez, had Tommy John surgery in 2009 and has struggled since. “I think Volquez is a major question mark,” Perrotto said. “He hasn’t had a good season in ages.”

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

SPONSORED BY:

MLB Power Rankings

Compiled by Dan Sostek

1. ST LOUIS CARDINALS

11. PITTSBURGH PIRATES

21. CLEVELAND INDIANS

The Cardinals seem to be at the same level in baseball as the San Antonio Spurs are in basketball and the New England Patriots are in football. They always win, no matter how many changes.

The Pirates will either exceed their surprising 2013 success and be one of the five best teams, or fall way flat of it and be in the bottom half. So this ranking is splitting the difference between the two.

For a team that made the wild card round last year, the Indians have a lot of flaws. Terry Francona will have to work his magic to duplicate their 2013 success:

2. DETROIT TIGERS

12. CINCINNATI REDS

The Tigers were a hanging Joaquin Benoit fastball and a Jose Iglesias error away from a World Series in 2013, and appear to be as strong.

In most other divisions, the Reds might be a clear favorite, but in a crowded NL Central, there is no telling how they’ll fare. Losing leadoff man Shin-Soo Choo hurts, but their lineup is still one of the best.

3. LOS ANGELES DODGERS

22. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES Rather than attempt to get younger, GM Ruben Amaro marched on with his “win now” mentality, signing Marlon Byrd, A.J. Burnett, and Carlos Ruiz, further delaying an inevitable rebuilding project.

23. COLORADO ROCKIES

The Dodgers have the most talented pitcher the league has seen since Pedro Martinez in Clayton Kershaw, and the most exciting young hitter since Vladimir Guerrero in Yasiel Puig,

13. BALTIMORE ORIOLES

4. ATLANTA BRAVES

14. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

There might not be a team with fewer holes across the board than Atlanta. Their success hinges on getting more consistent play from their outfield of Jason Heyward and Justin and B.J. Upton.

Another big sleeper, the Diamondbacks are led by one of the best young hitters in baseball, Paul Goldschmidt, and one of the best young pitchers, Pat Corbin.

The Padres have been a somewhat popular pick as a 2014 sleeper. While sporting tons of young talent and a strong farm system, the Padres appear poised to dwell in the basement of the NL West for another year or two.

15. OAKLAND ATHLETICS

25. NEW YORK METS

Since Bob Melvin has been at the helm, pundits have learned better than to question any lineup or rotation puts out. The job he has done is vastly unappreciated.

After the past few seasons where the Mets seemed like a franchise without a plan, it appears that the team has a solid groundwork to build upon. Without Matt Harvey this year, however, the team won’t be able to do much until 2015.

5. BOSTON RED SOX The reigning World Series champions are receiving an influx of youth in 2014, with Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr. as everyday starters.

6. TEXAS RANGERS

GM Dan Duquette fulfilled his promise of achieving a $100 payroll, improving the team by acquiring Ubaldo Jimenez, Nelson Cruz, and Jemile Weeks.

16. KANSAS CITY ROYALS

It’s the fairly typical Colorado Rockies roster: loaded with offensive firepower but lacking a clear-cut ace, although Jhoulys Chacin is a dependable starter.

24. SAN DIEGO PADRES

This team is a huge sleeper. The lineup, highlighted by underappreciated Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer, is very capable, and their rotation and bullpen is extremely polished.

26. CHICAGO WHITE SOX

17. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

27. MIAMI MARLINS

After an inexplicably bad 2013, the Giants return most of their key players, and with a core of Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, Sergio Romo and Hunter Pence, they should bounce back nicely.

It’s a shame that Cuban phenom Jose Fernandez is stuck playing for a hapless organization like the Miami Marlins; in a bigger market or on a better team, the historical greatness of his rookie season would have garnered more appreciation.

18. SEATTLE MARINERS

28. CHICAGO CUBS

Despite a disappointing 2013, hopes should remain sky high in our nation’s capital thanks to Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper.

The Mariners made the biggest splash of the offseason, signing 2B Robinson Cano to a $240 million deal. Although as the Angels have proven, that doesn’t always translate to success.

It would not be exactly going out on a limb to predict that the Chicago Cubs’ 105-year World Series drought will be alive and well following the 2014 season.

9. NEW YORK YANKEES

19. TORONTO BLUE JAYS

The Yankees put together a trademark dynamic offseason, acquiring Jacoby Ellsbury, Masahiro Tanaka, Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran.

Last year’s spring training darling parlayed a huge offseason into a mediocre summer. With lower expectations, this über-talented roster could surprise in a tough AL East.

Prince Fielder might lead the AL in homers transitioning from spacious Comerica Park to hitterfriendly Globe Life Park. Shin-Soo Choo and Yu Darvish make the Rangers clear contender.

7. TAMPA BAY RAYS Never count out Joe Maddon. What he has been able to do in Tampa is nothing short of remarkable. Reigning Rookie of the Year Wil Myers and the young arms are the stars.

8. WASHINGTON NATIONALS

10. LOS ANGELES ANGELS With Mike Trout, Jered Weaver, CJ Wilson and even lesser versions of Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, they’ve got to win at some point. Right?

20. MILWAUKEE BREWERS Ryan Braun’s return from a PED suspension will be a boon to this team, and Matt Garza rounds out a solid front three of him, Yovani Gallardo, and Kyle Lohse.

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

The Sox are at least a more intriguing team than their fellow Chicago franchise, with Cuban import Jose Abreu manning first base and top 10 pitcher Chris Sale on the mound.

29. MINNESOTA TWINS After years of doing more with less, it seems GM Terry Ryan and manager Ron Gardenhire may have reached a low of their stays in Minnesota.

30. HOUSTON ASTROS The highlight of their entire season will likely come on April 5, when they honor recently retired former Astros Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman.

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 11

SPONSORED BY:

The Future of Pedro BY KURT HACKIMER

In 2013, the Pedro Alvarez experiment finally started to pay dividends for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Alvarez, who was chosen second overall by the Pirates in 2008, hit 36 homeruns and drove in 100 runners en route to an All-Star appearance and a Silver Slugger award. “The Pirates have stayed very patient and you’re starting to see those benefits,” MLB Network analyst and former major league general manager John Hart said. “Pedro has as good or better raw power than any third baseman in the league.” Of course, for all of the successes Alvarez and the Pirates have had and will have in the future, the gloomy reality of baseball’s unbalanced economic landscape continues to loom over this small market ball club. Alvarez is eligible for free agency after the 2016 season. And, considering his agent Scott Boras’ reputation for procuring oodles of cash for his clients on the open market, Alvarez will likely be dipping his toes into the free agent pool rather than signing a team-friendly contract extension with the Pirates. “Any time you can get 30-plus homers and a chance for 100 RBI, I’m in. I’d take him,” Hart said. “Power is at a premium in Major League Baseball today and it’ll be difficult for the Pirates to bring [Alvarez] back.” While many fans and media continue to clamor over whether or not the Pirates are going to resign Pedro Alvarez,

blogger Charlie Wilmoth of Bucs Dugout questions if the Pirates should even consider extending his contract at all. “There are certain kinds of players who make good candidates for extensions. The Pirates should do that with players who are young, athletic and have a broad base of skills,” Wilmoth said. “Players who are one dimensional, aren’t super athletic; these are the players who you probably want to avoid giving extensions to.” Recent baseball history is littered with strikeout-prone power hitters who failed

12 12 PITTSBURGH PITTSBURGH SPORTS SPORTS REPORT REPORT •• MARCH MARCH 2014 2014

to remain productive late in their careers. Formidable sluggers such as Cecil Fielder, Mo Vaughn and Ryan Howard have all seen their production dip massively as they hit their thirties. Alvarez, who turns 30 in 2017, very much fits that mold. He has struck out in more than 30 percent of his plate appearances, which is more than three times as often as he’s walked. His paltry .296 on base percentage ranked 129th in the majors and more closely resembled a struggling shortstop than an elite third baseman. “In five years or so, the most likely

outcome is his strikeouts are going to consume him and he’ll move to first base, which will decrease his value in the field,” Wilmoth said. “It’ll be in the Pirates’ best interest to take these three years through the arbitration process.” Alvarez is making $4.5 million in arbitration this year, and the next two seasons will be even more expensive. But keeping him year-to-year might prevent the Pirates from making a long-term commitment they would end up regretting.

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

SPONSORED BY:

Alvarez: Crunching the Numbers BY RYAN BERTONASCHI

Heading into his fifth season as a major league third baseman, Pedro Alvarez has blossomed into a doubleedged sword. The 27-year old led major league third basemen last season with 36 homeruns, but he certainly has room for growth in areas not defined by power hitting.

DEFENSE

27 ERRORS: Tops in MLB .941 FIELDING PERCENTAGE: 2nd Lowest Among 3B

Alvarez led the majors with 27 errors in 2013, a number some blame on the Pirates’ high ground ball rate. Last year, Pirates pitchers induced more ground balls (2,177) than any other team in the majors. In addition, they also led the league in ground ball to fly ball ratio (2.02). But Alvarez was still second-worst among third basemen in fielding percentage, which is determined by calculating putouts and assists and

POWER

36 HR: Tied for Tops in NL 15.5 AB/HR Ratio: Tops in NL

Alvarez’s ability to hit for power and touch bases is unprecedented. In 2013, Alvarez was fifth among third basemen in slugging percentage (.473) and seventh in on base-plus-slugging percentage (.770), while leading the league in at bats-to-homerun ratio (15.5) and lead the league in extra bases per at bat (.240). Alvarez was also third (.330) in a statistic called secondary average, which is the sum of extra bases gained on hits, walks, and stolen bases per at bat. A player’s intentional walks are an indirect way of gauging the league-wide respect opposing teams have for him. Alvarez was third among third basemen in this category, drawing seven intentional passes. Alvarez’ sabermetrical stat line is dividing that total by putouts plus assists plus errors (.941). John Perrotto of Baseball America says Alvarez gets most of his errors on plays he should not be attempting. “He has such a strong arm that I think he believes he can make every play,” Perrotto said. “I think he could cut down on [errors] if he decides to eat the ball instead of trying to rush.”

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

unique in that it doesn’t draw comparisons to other third basemen. In terms of age and his numbers from the plate, though, Alvarez can be compared to 28-year old first baseman and outfielder Mark Trumbo. Trumbo was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks during the offseason, but in three seasons with the Angels, Trumbo hit .250 and averaged 33 home runs per season. Trumbo’s numbers came down last

STRIKEOUTS

186 STRIKEOUTS: Most in MLB .26 BB/K RATIO: 3rd Worst in MLB

At the plate, it is likely that Alvarez will never hit for a high average. He also strikes out too often and walks too little. “He’s a lot more effective when he swings early in the count,” said Singer. “So maybe sometimes he tends to be almost too patient with the at-bat, and then he gets in the hole, and he’s not very good when he gets behind in the count because the pitcher then has an advantage.” He was second-to-last in batting average last season (.233). Alvarez was also third-worst in the league in walk-to-

season with the Angels. He posted a .250/.299/.469 line, nearly-identical to Alvarez’ .233/.296/.473 line. A common trend for power hitters with big frames (Alvarez is 6-3, 235; Trumbo 6-4, 235) is that they tend to pan off at or around the age of 30 because it becomes too difficult to maintain a physically dominating presence. Yet, Tom Singer of MLB.com said that Alvarez is a candidate for peaking at that age. “I project him reaching his prime at 30 to 31 rather than starting to go downhill,” Singer said. Singer added that Alvarez is in the “best [physical] shape” he’s ever seen him in this spring. *All positional stats are from ESPN.com; each positional stat chart contains the 20most used players at each position

strikeout ratio (.26), behind just Manny Machado of the Orioles and Chris Jacobsen of the Braves. “I don’t know if he can sustain being a productive hitter with his strikeout rate,” Perrotto added. “Every power hitter strikes out, but he takes it to the extreme.” Alvarez was also one of just three third basemen who did not amass a .300 on base percentage in 2013, which ties in with his low walk rate and speed, among other factors.

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 13

SPONSORED BY:

Roster Breakdown seen as useful arms in relief for the Pirates in the upcoming season. Bryan Morris, Vin Mazzaro and Jeanmar Gomez return after strong 2013 campaigns, while youngsters Stolmy Pimentel, Duke Welker, Casey Sadler and Zack Thornton will compete with veterans Cody Eppley, Dan Schlereth and Jared Hughes for the middle-relief spots. The team’s No. 1 draft pick in 2010, Jameson Taillon, will likely begin the season in Triple-A Indianapolis, but his time there may very well be limited. BEHIND THE PLATE

BY CARLEY THIERET

After the most successful seasons in 20 years, Pirates fans began anticipating the 2014 season shortly after the loss to the Cardinals in the NLDS. The Pirates open the 2014 season on March 31 against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. ON THE MOUND

Left-hander Francisco Liriano will get the start on the bump for the Bucs on Opening Day after finishing the 2013 season with an overall record of 16-8 and an ERA of 3.02, earning him National League Comeback Player of

the Year honors. Emerging star Gerrit Cole moves to the front of the staff after posting a 10-7 record an ERA of 3.22 in 2013. Righty Charlie Morton will take the third spot, and if healthy, lefty Wandy Rodriguez is the fourth starter. Lefty Jeff Locke will battle righties Edinson Volquez, Brandon Cumpton and Phil Irwin for the final spot. Familiar faces return to the bullpen with Jason Grilli,and Mark Melancon— both All-Stars in 2013—reprising their roles as the closer and set-up man respectively. Southpaws Tony Wilson and Justin Wilson will team with also be

14 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014

Russell Martin, who hit .226 with 15 homers and 55 RBI last season, is back behind the plate. He’ll be backed up by new acquisition Chris Stewart, who hit just .211 for the Yankees in 2013 but is strong defensively. The tandem of Martin and Stewart should give the Bucs perhaps the strongest defensive pair of backstops in the NL. Tony Sanchez is third on the depth chart, but had a strong 2013 at both the Triple-A and major league levels and will likely spend some time with the big club again this season.

INFIELD AND OUTFIELD

Gaby Sanchez will get at least a portion of the starts at first base, likely joined by either Chris McGuiness or Andrew Lambo. The other corner will be manned by Pedro Alvarez, while Neil Walker, Jordy Mercer and Clint Barmes return in the middle of the infield. Center field and left field belong to reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen and surging star Starling Marte respectively, while Jose Tabata will be joined by Travis Snider in right. Gregory Polanco could be on the same path Marte followed in 2012, starting the year in Triple-A but getting the major lead call-up if his progression is rapid. OFF THE BENCH

The bench spots are an open competition between veterans Chris Dickerson, Jaff Decker, Matt Hague, Travis Ishikawa, Brent Morel and Josh Harrison. Dickerson and Harrison may have an edge due to their versatility, as the veteran Dickerson can play all three outfield spots, while Harrison can play infield, outfield and adds speed on the base paths.

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

SPONSORED BY:

National League Central

BY DAN SOSTEK

1. ST LOUIS CARDINALS

2. PITTSBURGH PIRATES

The defending National League champions are still the class of the NL Central, thanks in large part to their superior player development. Despite losing Carlos Beltran to the Yankees and trading David Freese to the Angels, don’t expect the offense to lose ground. Defensive ace outfielder Peter Bourjos arrived in the trade with LA, although it’s possible that elite prospect Oscar Tavares will supplant him before the season ends. The pitching is among the best—and youngest—in baseball, headlined by ace Adam Wainwright and burgeoning stars Michael Wacha and Shelby Miller. Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly, frontline starters on many teams, round out the rotation. Phenom Trevor Rosenthal will remain closer after replacing Edward Mujica, who departed for Boston in the offseason, in the playoffs. Manager Mike Matheny is only getting better as he gains experience.

The Pirates will need to prove that their success in 2013 was no fluke. The best case scenario is that the franchise follows in the footsteps of Joe Maddon’s Tampa Bay Rays, who continually field contending teams despite a miniscule payroll. The worst case would be to follow the path of manager Clint Hurdle’s former employer, the Colorado Rockies, who shocked the nation and made the World Series in 2007, but haven’t found their footing since. It helps that the Bucs have the reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, as well as one of the best bullpens and farm systems in baseball. Much of the season depends on number one pitcher Francisco Liriano and blossoming ace Gerrit Cole. If Liriano can duplicate a terrific 2013 season that garnered him the NL Comeback Player of the Year award, the Pirates will thrive. If not, the team could falter.

3. CINCINNATI REDS

4. MILWAUKEE BREWERS

5. CHICAGO CUBS

The last game the Reds played was their Wild Card loss to the Pirates. The 2014 Reds will feature a different makeup than that team. First, former pitching coach Bryan Price replaces Dusty Baker as skipper. Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo left for the Texas Rangers as a free agent, taking his .400 on base percentage as a leadoff hitter with him. Franchise mainstay Bronson Arroyo, a workhorse since signing with the Reds in 2006, left for Arizona. Homer Bailey, who agreed to a long-term deal in the offseason, joins Mat Latos, Johnny Cueto and Tony Cingrani in a still strong rotation. Their offensive prowess hinges on slugger Joey Votto, whose power numbers have been on a downward trend the past two years. In another division, this team would be a favorite, but they are in for a battle in an ultra-competitive NL Central.

Once it was announced that outfielder Ryan Braun would be suspended for the remainder of the season, the 2013 Milwaukee Brewers season was basically over. This is not a great team, but there is enough talent on this roster—with Braun returning, second baseman Jean Segura, breakout outfielder Carlos Gomez and a solid big three of starting pitchers in Yovani Gallardo, Matt Garza and Kyle Lohse—that they could contend. The outfield, with Braun, Gomez and youngster Khris Davis—who thrived late in the season after being called up from the minors—could be one of the best in the National League. If the starting pitching can last deep into games, they could take advantage if the Pirates or Reds slip.

Unfortunately for the tortured fans of Wrigley Field, the Cubs are the only team in the NL Central with practically no chance of a playoff berth in 2014. Shortstop Starlin Castro, already one of the poorest defensive shortstops in baseball, took a dramatic step backwards offensively in 2013. Castro needs to find some semblance of his previous offensive ability to warrant his role as a keystone of the franchise. Starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija showed flashes of brilliance, but too often had poor showings, and could be a trade candidate at the July deadline. The only real excitement for Cubs fans is currently in Triple-A Iowa, where top prospect infielder Javier Baez is waiting in the wings.

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 15

SPONSORED BY:

Draft Targets: Skill Positions BY NATE MARSH

The Steelers secondary needs an upgrade as age has taken a toll on several long-time contributors. And with the team’s second and third wide receivers both free agents, a receiver is a distinct possibility in the early rounds of May’s NFL Draft. Here are some possibilities at receiver and d-back.

Defensive Backs

Ryan Clark, Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu are all on the wrong side of 33, and adding bodies in the secondary is a given. Cornerback Darqueze Dennard from Michigan State is at the top of all the boards this draft. The 5-11, 179-pound Jim Thorpe Award winner has all the aspects of a Pittsburgh corner; he’s a great in coverage, and, even better for Pittsburgh fans, very physical. His speed and athleticism is questioned by some who don’t consider him a top-ten pick, but his ability to help with run support is huge for a LeBeau defense. The Steelers would potentially have to trade up to get Dennard. Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert and TCU’s Jason Verrett are the next two corners off the board. Calvin Pryor, the 6-2, 208-pound safety out of Louisville, is a definite possibility in the Steel City. He is a hard hitter and not afraid to play up on the line to cover the run. However, his covering ability needs some improvement. Analysts say that Pryor has the skill sets to be a starter in his first year.

Wide Receivers

In what is being hailed as the deepest receiver draft in over a decade, there are four first-round givens: Clemson’s Sammy Watkins, Texas A&M’s Mike Evans, USC’s Marquis Lee and Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin. At 6-5, 234, the Seminoles’ Benjamin is the big receiver of Ben Roethlisberger’s dreams. He may not be fully developed yet, but he has incredible potential as a physical receiver with big-play ability. His sure hands might be hard for the Steelers to pass up. Another big-bodied receiver is Mike Evans out of Texas A&M. After playing with Johnny Manziel for two seasons, the 6-5, 225-pound Evans is used to working with a scrambling quarterback like

Also at safety is HaHa Clinton-Dix out of Alabama. At 61, 207, his athleticism sets him up as a first-rounder. He’s a versatile player and played a roaming-style of safety in college, much like Polamalu does now. His run-stopping ability is a question mark with some analysts, but his ability to defend the long ball is a definite.

Roethlisberger, which is a big plus. Placing him on the opposite side of Antonio Brown could lead to some big gains. Southern Cal’s Marquis Lee doesn’t have the size as the others, but is a pure burner. Clemson’s Watkins is a little bigger than Lee and is considered the top receiver in the draft. He won’t last until 15, however. Two later options are LSU’s Odell Beckham, Jr. and Penn State’s Allen Robinson. Beckham (511, 193) could use some polishing but is extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands and adds an extra dimension as an explosive returner. Robinson brings good size at 6-2, 210 and is dynamic in traffic. His lack of great vertical speed will push him down to the late-first or early-second round.

www.eqt.com www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 17

SPONSORED BY:

RECEPTION AND SILENT AUCTION BUFFET DINNER PANEL DISCUSSION

Draft Needs Departures to Impact Decisions BY NATE MARSH

April 1, 2014 Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown Can the Pirates repeat their success of 2013? Who will the Steelers take in the upcoming NFL Draft? Can the Pens get to the Stanley Cup round this year?

ou’ll hear answers to those questions and more at the second annual Pittsburgh Sports Report Spring Roundup at the Wyndham Hotel on April 1 – the day after Opening Day for the Pirates. Ellis Cannon leads a great panel again with Steve Blass, Tony DeFazio and Rick Dayton. Our sports experts bring their own insight, humor and commentary to a very timely look at the upcoming season for the Pirates, the challenges in the NFL Draft for the Steelers, and the Pens quest to take their roster of talent all the way to a championship. The guests at the first Roundup in 2013 were unanimous in their praise for the entertainment factor, and enjoyed meeting the Pirates and Steelers personalities who attended. EVENING SCHEDULE Reception ...........5:00-5:45 p.m. Buffet Dinner.....5:45-6:15 p.m. Panel ....................6:15-7:45 p.m. Q&A ......................7:45-8:15 p.m. Silent Auction ....5:00-7:45 p.m. All proceeds from the Roundup benefit Neighborhood Legal Services Association (NLSA), which has provided civil legal services to more than 26,000 low-income, elderly and abused individuals each year in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties.

Table sponsorships are available, and individual tickets are $75 each. Reservations are required, so please contact Lynn Ramsey at NLSA for more information or to make your reservation. You can reach Lynn at 412-586-6133 or ramseyl@nlsa.us. For an entertaining night discussing pro sports in Pittsburgh, join us on April 1, 2014, and bring your friends, clients and co-workers too.

Neighborhood Legal Services Association

18 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014

The Steelers steady rebuild continues after two consecutive nonplayoff seasons. The team answered questions at running back last year with the addition of Le’Veon Bell, and 2012 first-round pick David DeCastro has teamed with Ramon Foster to turn the interior of the offensive line into a strength, especially if center Maurkice Pouncy returns to health. While many mock drafts have the team adding an offensive tackle in the first round, the late-season success of tackles Kelvin Beachum and Marcus Gilbert—and the lingering potential of Mike Adams—will give new offensive line coach Mike Munchak some tools to work with in 2014. The defensive side of the ball, however, has needs at every level. Defensive ends Ziggy Hood and Brett Keisel are free agents. Hood’s relative low production and Keisel’s age mean the team needs to look into upgrading the defensive line. Nose tackle Steve McLendon is a better fit at end, which could solve one problem but would leave the defense still searching for a body in the middle. Both inside and outside linebacker are question marks. Jarvis Jones and Jason Worilds are back, but LaMarr Woodley’s contract has the team in salary-cap hell – no matter what they decide to do with the former All-Pro. Likewise on the inside, where Lawrence Timmons is only sure thing

in 2014. Thirty-four year old Larry Foote is coming off a season-ending injury and was released, while Sean Spence is still battling to save his career after a devastating injury in 2012. Does the team trust the future of the buck linebacker spot to Vince Williams? In the secondary, age has taken a toll. Free agent safety Ryan Clark will be 35 this coming season, future Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu 33 and cornerback Ike Taylor 34. Clark will likely be allowed to walk and Taylor almost surely will have to sign a new deal if he is to return. All this makes the bench for the defensive secondary very short. Cornerbacks are plentiful in this year’s draft class, however. Offensively, the depth at wide receiver is very much in question with Emmanuel Sanders and Jericho Cotchery both up for free agency. Second-year burner Marcus Wheaton may still work out, but his rookie season offered more concerns than reasons for hope. www.eqt.com

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

SPONSORED BY:

Draft Targets: Front Seven BY NATE MARSH

With needs across the entire defense, speculating what position the Steelers will focus their attention in the early rounds of the 2014 NFL Draft is difficult. There are players at nearly every defensive position that fit the team’s needs, however. PSR takes a look at some potential early-round targets along the defensive front seven.

Defensive Line

Defensive ends Brett Keisel and Ziggy Hood are both free agents. Nose tackle Steve McLendon may be a better fit at end. Consequently, the Steelers will be forced to test the waters of defensive line talent in the upcoming draft. Notre Dame has two definite options to fit Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 scheme in Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix III, both of whom are projected to go early. At 6-7, 313-pounds, Tuitt is hailed as being one of the most versatile linemen this draft. He combines the size and strength to be productive on the interior, but also the speed and quickness to be a force to be reckoned with off the edge, making him an excellent choice for LeBeau’s intricate defense. He’s considered a first or second-round pick. Nix would be a bit more of a gamble for the Steelers. At 6-2, 342-pounds, he is a pure nose tackle and would be a perfect replacement for Casey Hampton to clog up the line that Pittsburgh has been missing since Big Snack’s departure. Also, coming from a 3-4 defense in South Bend would make for a natural transition in Pittsburgh. However, his massive size poses an issue as it significantly limits his playing time. He is also coming off of knee surgery this offseason. He is considered a sure fire first-rounder.

Linebacker

Lawrence Timmons and Vince Williams return on the inside, while Jason Worilds and Jarvis Jones come back on the outside. What's not known, however, is the future of LaMarr Woodley and the health of Sean Spence. The team needs to add depth at both linebacker spots, but it's unclear how urgent the team feels those needs are. C.J. Mosley out of Alabama is a great fit at an inside linebacker spot in the first round. At 6-2, 232-pounds, he comes from a 3-4 defense in Tuscaloosa so he some experience with the Steelers system. He has great closing speed and shows good tackling ability. If Mosley falls to 15th, this may be a no-brainer for the Steelers. Christian Jones, an inside linebacker out of Florida State, is a middle-round option. Listed at 6-4, 231,

Ra’Shede Hageman from Minnesota is also an opening round option for the Steelers. Hageman is one of the most athletic defensive linemen in this draft class at 6-6, 311pounds possessing the ability to play up and down the entire line. He is a great pass rusher and completely manhandles offensive linemen at timesbut, his consistency is very much in question.

Jones is another all-around linebacker who shows great pass and run defense. Playing multiple positions at FSU would give the always creative LeBeau the added option of throwing some interesting wrinkles into the play-calling. At outside linebacker, UCLA’s Anthony Barr, Buffalo’s Khalil Mack, Auburn’s Dee Ford and Stanford’s Trent Murphy are the first-rounders. A later option is Louisville’s Marcus Smith. The converted defensive end shows big upside rushing from the outside, finishing second in the nation in sacks this past season with 14.5. The 6-3, 258-pounder has great speed to get to the backfield, but lacks hand technique to shed blocks and his coverage ability is also a bit on the weak side. Those weaknesses are correctable with coaching, however, which the Steelers surely have.

www.eqt.com www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 19

EQT is one of the leading energy companies in the country, and we are serious about creating jobs, operating safely and securely, and showing a deep respect for the land and the people who share it with us. With integrity, accountability and transparency EQT and its employees are fueling the growth of our country as a source for clean, abundant and environmentally responsible energy, and helping our local communities reap the rewards.

SPORTS BITES

Rumblings of Discontent By Jack Godzuk In sports, the crowd can affect the outcome of the game. In pro wrestling, the promoters try to dictate the crowd reaction. At the WWE Royal Rumble Pay-PerView this past January, the Pittsburgh crowd told WWE what they thought of the direction of the product. It was far from a ringing endorsement. WWE (formerly World Wrestling Entertainment and World Wrestling Federation) staged the Royal Rumble, their second biggest pay-per-view of the year, at CONSOL Energy Center before an announced crowd of 15,715. The highlight of the event is the Royal Rumble match itself, where 30 participants enter the ring at 90 second intervals. Competitors toss their opponents over the top rope onto the floor until only one remains; that man gets a title shot at WrestleMania (this year, in New Orleans on April 6th). What made the Pittsburgh crowd turn hostile? The matches, for the most part, were better than average. The almost-ageless New Age Outlaws defeated Goldust and Cody Rhodes to win the WWE Tag Team Championship. The prophecy-spouting Bray Wyatt beat uber fan-favorite Daniel Bryan. Brock Lesnar (former UFC and NCAA wrestling champ) beat the 7-foot Big Show. Randy Orton successfully defended the WWE World Heavyweight Title with a pinfall win over John Cena. In the Rumble itself, muscleman Dave Batista, returning to WWE after a four year absence, won after last eliminating Roman Reigns. The wrath of Pittsburgh may have arisen from many fans rejecting WWE "booking" (matchmaking and storylines in the male soap-opera). Fans wanted

to see Daniel Bryan get a title shot. They were tired of seeing Orton face Cena. They were also disappointed by Batista winning the Rumble; he was portrayed by WWE as a returning hero, while fans didn't seem very impressed or interested. Daniel Bryan is an extremely talented worker who is the hot commodity in WWE. Fans clamor for him to run with the title, but management ("The Authority") intervened to take the title belt off him twice last year. Folks hoped he'd be in the Rumble (he was never officially announced to participate), but when Rey Misterio came out as the last entrant, he was booed mercilessly. Mainly because he wasn't Daniel Bryan. Counting a non-title match two weeks later on television, Orton and Cena have faced each other 16 times in the last seven years. They've also been in back to back PPVs... overkill, any-

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

one? Many were chanting during the match about any and all things except the match. Batista's return was triumphed by WWE, but some didn't savor him getting the win and the title shot, with cheers barely offsetting the booing. Fans favored the menacing Roman Reigns, a superstar in the making who personally eliminated a record 12 participants. At least one of the wrestlers was just as disappointed as fans with the direction of the product. Less than 24 hours after the Rumble, former champ C.M. Punk (who lasted 49:15 in the ring before being eliminated) told the company he was quitting. Although he hasn't addressed it publically, others suggested that Punk, another fan favorite, doesn't like the direction of his character. Contractual disputes quickly vanish if the money is right for both sides, but Punk carries the image of someone who may

value image as much as money. Whether he reconciles with WWE by the time you read this is anyone’s guess. Don't get us wrong: it was an exciting night of action that entertained for three hours. The spectacle of the Rumble itself is usually enough for most wrestling fans. Crowd members craving action over character development probably had few complaints, other than “bad guys/villains” winning all the matches (with the ostensible exception of Batista). WWE may not react immediately, but the message was received. People aren't happy and the status quo isn't acceptable, a view shared by many on the internet. We'll see if WWE gets the message by WrestleMania. It won't be as if they weren't warned in Pittsburgh.

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 21

Short Spring Break BY RYAN BERTONASCHI

With March Madness on the horizon, a couple of factors have kept Pitt fans optimistic for a potential run in the NCAA Tournament. The emergence of go-to scorer Lamar Patterson has been noted the most. Since adding an extra step of speed and an additional layer of muscle in the offseason, Patterson has become Pitt’s most dynamic player, and at 17 points per game (sixth in the ACC), he’s in line to become one of two Pitt players in the Jamie Dixon-era to post that high of a single-season average. Recently, when the Panthers needed baskets at Syracuse, Miami and Maryland, Patterson displayed his 1.54 steals per game to score in transition, while coming off screens in Dixon’s halfcourt offense, getting opportunities to rack up points off his .456 field goal percentage and exhibit his 4.3 assists per game. Advanced statistician Ken Pomeroy’s computerized site, KenPom.com, has pegged Patterson as its most efficient ACC offensive player for the majority of the season. “I think people nationally don’t give him enough credit because Pitt is plays at a very slow pace,” Pomeroy said. Pitt ranks 304th of 351 Division I teams in Pomeroy’s adjusted tempo stat. “So when you look at counting stats, he’s not going to fare quite as well as someone who plays on a fast-paced team. But given the framework that he has to survive in, he’s a very efficient player.” Pitt only has one Lamar Patterson, though. Mike DeCourcy of the Sporting News explained that if a defense implements enough extra help, double-teaming and face-guarding, a scorer like Patterson can easily be held to minimums.

Don’t Expect a Deep Run for the 2013 Panthers DeCourcy added that a defense is most vulnerable when that elite scorer is complemented by another dangerous threat: something that Pitt lacks. “When a team only has one weapon, it doesn’t matter if that weapon is Michael Jordan,” DeCourcy said. “That player can be elite and can still be stopped, and that’s been Lamar’s most significant problem.” With Patterson playing through an injury in Pitt’s double-overtime win against Virginia Tech, guard Cameron Wright recorded 18 points, but hasn’t done much scoring since. ACC teams with big backcourts have mostly restricted center Talib Zanna from getting clean looks at the basket, and point guard James Robinson has

22 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014

not seen much of a change in scoring since the loss of swingman Durand Johnson to a knee injury. “Right now, heck,” DeCourcy said when asked if there’s a second player who could help propel Patterson and the Panthers through a deep NCAA Tournament run. “It doesn’t seem to be likely. I don’t know who the player would be to emerge.” ESPN’s NCAA Tournament projections currently had Pitt as a No. 9 seed as the season wound to a close, though a poor finish could easily push the Panthers to the bubble and into the NIT. Pitt lacks a signature win. They have just one top-50 Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) win, although all but two of Pitt’s losses have come against teams

in the RPI top 20. Nonetheless, NCAA Tournament selection committee chair Ron Wellman stressed the value his Committee places on signature wins. “We look at the overall schedule and we look at good wins and bad losses, and good wins against top-25 types of teams,” Wellman said. Wellman added that this year’s playing field of quality teams the deepest it’s been in recent history, meaning the Panthers desperately need a big win to help their seeding. “Every year, it seems as though there is more balance and equity in college basketball,” Wellman said. “And this year is another one of those years.”

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

Full Transition BY HEIDI SWANSON

The conference realignment frenzy going on in college athletics these days is centered around schools positioning themselves for the best place to play football—and to a lesser degree, basketball—in the near and distant future. However, those are only two out of dozens of sports affected by such a move. "We feel the move to the ACC was important in finding a home for all our sports," outgoing Pitt chancellor Mark Nordenberg said at the time. Pitt’s move from the Big East to the ACC impacted hundreds of athletes in sports such as swimming, soccer, baseball and many others. Athletes have to travel much farther for road trip competitions, and certain sports face a huge upgrade in competition, which can sometimes be overwhelming. That does not seem to be a concern at Pitt, as many of its Olympic sports head coaches have already expressed their excitement with the new conference shift. Pitt's current offering of Olympic sports include women's basketball, men's baseball, men's and women's swimming and diving, men's and women's track and field (including cross country), men's and women's soccer, men's wrestling, women's gymnastics, women's tennis, women's softball, and women's volleyball. The transition into the ACC was seamless for the Pitt wrestling team, as the Panthers grapplers won the conference regular season title in their year in the league, the first ACC championship of any kind for the university.

Pitt’s Olympic Sports Transition to ACC Athletic director Steve Pederson feels Pitt is already in position to compete in Olympic sports in the ACC and does not anticipate adding Olympic sports in the near future. "Our overall sports offerings are very similar with the rest of the ACC so I think we come in being very complimentary to what they're already doing," Pederson said. "For our Olympic sports, we think this move will enhance every single opportunity for those athletes to compete and achieve at every level." Here's what some other Pitt Olympic sports head coaches had to say after learning Pitt was moving to the ACC:

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

"We're in a great position to move right into a conference that does very well in Olympic sports. This will be great for recruiting for us and the ACC is very competitive. Virginia, North Carolina and Florida State are all nationwide powerhouses." – Chuck Knoles, head swimming coach “The ACC is arguably the best baseball conference in the NCAA. It will be a great challenge for us. – Joe Jordano, head baseball coach “It’s a change of pace in seeing new opponents. We know respect is earned and we have a lot of work to do to earn the respect of the teams in the ACC.” – Suzie McConnell-Serio, head women’s basketball coach

“From a soccer standpoint, it's probably the best conference in the country and will pose another challenge for us as we get to test our strength.” – Sue-Moy Chinn, head women's soccer coach “Just when you thought Pitt athletics couldn't get any better, it does so by joining the ACC. From a volleyball standpoint, the league is highly competitive and rich in success.” – Toby Rens, head volleyball coach “The ACC is one of the premier track and field conferences in the country and is strong each and every year.” – Alonzo Webb, head track and field coach

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014 23

March Madness NCAA TOURNAMENT FAVORITES

FLORIDA GATORS

Trust your heart to the best of hands. At Allegheny Health Network, our heart care is built on a foundation of innovation. Some of the greatest advancements in heart care were pioneered in our hospitals. Today, we’re building on that legacy by pioneering new ways to see inside the heart, new technologies to achieve healing once thought impossible, and new procedures that bring hope to patients where none existed before. Because helping hearts beat healthier is a commitment we take to heart.

SYRACUSE ORANGE

Billy Donovan's name seldom gets mentioned among the best coaches in the country. Four Final Fours, three championship game appearances and two national titles should earn the guy more respect. The Gators have made three consecutive Elite Eight appearances and seem poised for a fourth. Casey Prather and Patric Young are rolling through the SEC, and they have yet to lose with their full line-up intact. WICHITA STATE SHOCKERS

Fresh off last season's Final Four run, the Shockers enter March as the nation's only unbeaten team. They've only played one game against a team in the RPI Top 30, and while the Missouri Valley Conference is weaker than usual, there is still something to be said for never losing focus. Cleanthony Early is a bonafide star with tourney experience. ARIZONA WILDCATS

412.DOCTORS

AHN.org

24 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • MARCH 2014

Jim Boeheim said last month that the Orange have been “perfect” in the last three or four minutes of games. But perfection seldom lasts in college basketball, and the magic ran out for the Orange during a late-season 1-4 stretch. Still, Tyler Ennis, Jeremi Grant and C.J. Fair are dynamite waiting to explode, and Rakeem Christmas and Baye Moussa Keita underneath make that vaunted zone D devastating. DUKE BLUE DEVILS

Perhaps no team in the nation has more talent on the floor at any given time than the Blue Devils. Jabari Parker and Rodney Hood are NBA lottery picks and the fun doesn’t stop there. Rasheed Sulaimon and Amile Jefferson are NBA talents, and the emergence of Marshall Plumlee and the glue of Quinn Cook make Duke a threat every night. KANSAS JAYHAWKS

Sean Miller's Wildcats were clearly the nation's best team early in the season, and despite a pair of February losses they haven't exactly slowed down. They have big wins at home, on the road and on neutral courts and they don't have any bad losses. The entire line-up has star potential, and the addition of Duquesne-transfer TJ McConnell gives the Cats an added dimension.

If anyone can match Duke’s talent, it's the Jayhawks. Eyebrows were raised when they lost three times in two weeks after Thanksgiving, but Bill Self has them jelling. Freshman guard Andrew Wiggins elevates his game in big spots, and Perry Ellis is a capable secondary scorer. The NBA sees Wiggins and center Joel Embiid as the nation’s top two talents.

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

for being your money’s MVP' Create a budget. Save on the ﬂy. Grow your money. And make the most of it. pncvirtualwallet.com

The Ofﬁcial Bank of the