PITTSBURGH’S PREMIER SPORTS PUBLICATION
Pittsburgh Sports Report
®
SEPTEMBER 2013
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5
Time
Golden Quill Award
Winning Publication
Steelers offensive front must find consistency for offense to thrive
On The Line
Pittsburgh Sports Report BY TONY DEFAZIO
The talk of Steelers training camp in Latrobe this summer has focused on all the new faces. At almost every spot, rookies and inexperienced young talent are slowly infiltrating what had been a veteran-laden lineup over the past decade. No position exemplifies that overhaul more than the offensive line, where four of the five starters are either first or second draft picks, all under the age of 25. The 2013 Steelers will open the season with secondround picks Mike Adams (23) and Marcus Gilbert (25) joining firstrounders Maurkice Pouncey (24) and David DeCastro (23)—as well as undrafted free agent Ramon Foster (27)—as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s henchmen. The talent and potential up front represents a departure from the last several years for the Steelers. Despite having good—and often great— teams, the conventional wisdom was the organization was winning in spite of their weaknesses at offensive line. Not since the 2005 Super Bowl season have the Steelers had what anyone would refer to a “talent-laden” offensive line. That ‘05 group that led
Maurkice Pouncey anchors an offensive line high on potential but low on experience.
the Steelers to their first Super Bowl victory in 25 years was comprised of three former first-round draft picks (center Jeff Hartings and guards Alan Faneca and Kendall Simmons), a second-rounder (tackle Marvel Smith) and a third-round selection (tackle Max Starks). Surprisingly, the team won another see OFFENSIVE LINE, PAGE 6
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INSIDE
September 2013 VOL. 17 NO. 8
PURE STEEL
2013 NFL Preview PAGE 19
BLUE LINE
Pens Prospects PAGE 15
NORTH SHORE NOTES PAGE 5
ON CAMPUS
High School Football PAGE 10
PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013 1
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PSR INTERVIEW
UP CLOSE DAVEY LOPES
Davey Lopes played 16 seasons in the major leagues, including 10 with the Los Angeles Dodgers where he was a four-time all-star second baseman. He managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 2000-02, and is currently the first base
coach for the Dodgers. PSR Editor caught up with Lopes earlier this summer and talked about Dodgers rookie star Yasiel Puig, former teammate Fernando Valenzuela and how the game of baseball has changed since Lopes' days as a player.
“Fernando was a special talent. He just came up so poised, he came up like he was a seasoned veteran already. And he was so young. People couldn't really associate a guy that young being that poised on the mound.” DeFazio: Dodgers’ rookie Yasiel Puig
Lopes: He was a special talent, num-
came out of nowhere from a lot of fans' perspectives. Has media coverage—the 24-hour news cycle, social media, the internet—made that sort of thing more and more rare? Lopes: There's not too many guys that come under the radar anymore the way the game has evolved. I'm not saying you won't have characters. We have a guy, Puig, who has come under the radar so to speak. I'm sure there's not very many people that knew about him, but they're learning right now. So it does happen. Then you've got the guys like a Bryce Harper that have been talked about since they were in high school. He's the from the United States, Puig's from Cuba so he doesn't have the coverage. It's just that type of thing. Not too many guys fall under the radar, expecially in this country.
ber one. He just came up so poised, he came up like he was a seasoned veteran already. And he was so young. People couldn't really associate a guy that young being that poised on the mound. He really was a seasoned veteran. DeFazio: Did that surprise you guys
too? Lopes: It surprised everybody. Proba-
bly the only person that wasn't surprised was Fernando. But that happens occasionally. DeFazio: Fernando's whole story really
took on a mythical, Ruthian-type feel to it. Are those days gone? Lopes: Well, there might have been a little Hollywood in there as well. Could've been. But that still happens today. That's not going to change.
DeFazio: Did Fernando Valenzuela
DeFazio: Fernando was also legendary
sneak up even on you guys (Lopes was a 36-year-old veteran with the Dodgers when Valenzuela debuted)?
for the number of pitches he threw. He threw 20 complete games in 1986, regularly threw 130, even 150
pitches. That's another part of the game that he's so connected to that has changed - pitch counts. Lopes: From that standpoint, the game's the same but it's played differently. You have a lot of specialists now. Most guys are geared toward going six innings. In the day, that was unheard of. The mentality was to go nine. But because of the way the game is specialized today, you get your guy to six and you've got guys for the seventh, eighth and ninth. You've got your closer, you've got a set-up guy in there, you have a a specialist to get the lefty out. Every team has them, some are good, some are bad, but that's how you set your program up from a pitching standpoint. Pitch counts - there was no such in my day. It wasn't uncommon for Fernando to throw 130 pitches. Nolan Ryan would throw 175 pitches. That would never happen today. Occasionally you'll see a guy, but usually there's something, maybe a reward at the end. If a guy's throwing a no-hit-
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ter maybe he gets a little extra. Maybe you give him an extra day off before his next time out, that type of stuff. But for the most part, that's not going to happen. DeFazio: A lot of ex-pitchers, and fans
as well, label pitchers today as soft because of what you just described. Is that fair? Lopes: What you've got to remember is that's what these guys are acclimated to. Guys in my day were groomed differently, so could they have done that? Well they would have had to if they were going to be successful. They would have had to adjust to that. But now, coming in, it's all set up for them. 110, 112, 115, maybe 120 pitches. That's just the way it is. That's all they know. They talk about a guy who throws 200 innings and say, "Oh my God he's a work horse." Guys were going 275300. That's just the way the game was played.
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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
SENIOR WRITERS Jerry DiPaola, Bob Grove, Anthony Jaskulski, Ray Mernagh
BEAT WRITERS Nate Barnes, Adam Bittner, Scott Kromko, John Krysinsky, Alex Nseir, Joel Peretic, Kenneth Torgent, Zac Weiss
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Josh Carney, Melissa Esing, Steve Flinn, Chris Galiszewski, Mallory Merda, Tyler Pecyna, Anthony Priore, James Santelli, Erika Schneider, Taylor Skaggs, Donnie Tasser, Devon Taylor, George Von Benko, Andrew Williams
No Room In The Lifeboats TONY DEFAZIO PSR EDITOR
Paul Chryst is now in second season as Pitt’s head football coach. It’s the first time since 2010 that the Panthers will have the same head coach for consecutive seasons. Chryst went through a lot of ups and downs in his first year at the helm. He lost to an FCS program, upset a top 15 team, and watched his Panthers push a national title contending Notre Dame squad to the brink of an upset, only to see it slip away after a questionable pass interference call on a fourth down and a missed chip-shot field goal in overtime. That on-field roller coaster was the easiest part of Chryst’s job. The most difficult part of the Pitt football work detail unfolds between January and September, and from Sunday’s to Friday’s during the rest of the year.
The program that Chryst took over was an absolute mess: Seven head coaches in 13 months, 22 players gone from the program since this time last year, five players on the two-deep dismissed or transferred since spring practice. The “weeding out” process that the Panthers are apparently still in the midst of should not surprise anyone, however. Given the unprecedented turnover at the top of the program, we should almost expect to see more players doing their own things with little regard to consequences. After 13 months of not having anyone to answer to, we shouldn’t be surprised to see players constantly pushing the envelope. Of course Paul Chryst is still dealing with personnel problems. And it may take longer for things to settle down than some would like. A few “bad seeds” no doubt slipped through the mammoth recruiting cracks caused by the massive turnover. Some were kids
Contents
September 2013 Vol. 17, No.8
DEPARTMENTS
PSR FOCUS 1 STEELERS OFFENSIVE LINE
FILM CREW
The Steelers offensive line is unproven but full of potential. Can they live up to their billing?
Shelby Cassesse, Andrew Havranek, Taylor Duncan, Nick Frost
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHERS
5 NORTH SHORE NOTES
Charles LeClaire, Justin Berl
Assessing the No. 1 draft picks
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Aaron Doster, William McBride, Kris Mellinger, Vincent Pugliese, Nick Susnjer, Ronald Vezzani Jr.
10 PURE STEEL 2013 NFL Preview
13 ON CAMPUS Pittsburgh Sports Report is published 12 times annually by Pittsburgh Sports Report, Inc. a Pennsylvania business corporation, 3 South Linden St, Duquesne, PA 15110 Subscription rates: 1 year, $22.95, 2 years $39.95. Additional 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. 2013 Pittsburgh Sports Report, Inc.”)
who were known risks and needed to be watched closely; monitored by coaches who knew them and recruited them. Instead they were turned loose when thpse coaches were fired, arrested or skipped town. And now they are being reeled in by new coaches who knew absolutely nothing about them. After all, Pitt’s coaches couldn’t even be bothered to show up for bowl games for consecutive seasons. Just whose rules are the players supposed to be following again? The answer to that question—Paul Chryst—hasn’t hasn’t changed in 20 months now. This is Paul Chryst’s ship and he is setting sail, with or without Rushel Shell or anyone else who can’t be bothered to follow his rules. The tough-minded kids have stuck around, battled through all the negativity and stayed on board. The others have fallen overboard, and Chryst isn’t wasting his life rafts on them.
High School Football
21 BLUE LINE Pittsburgh’s NHL export J.T. Miller
2013 NFL PREVIEW
4 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013
3
UP CLOSE WITH PSR Davey Lopes
4
EDITOR’S DESK Pitt’s Paul Chryst
PHOTO CREDITS Charles LeClaire - 1a, 1b, 6, 8c, 9a, 9c, 9d, 10, 12, 17b Justin Berl - 4, 5, 8b, 17a, 21 Vincent Pugliese - 7 Nick Susnjer - 13c Keith Allison - 3; Ben Margot/Associated Press - 8a; Georgia National Guard - 8b; AJ Guel - 8d; Woodland Hills HS - 13a; North Hills HS - 13b; University of Pittsburgh - 15a, 15b, 15c; Los Angeles Rams - 16a; Pittsburgh Pirates - 18a, 18c, 18d; Bradenton Marauders - 18b; Getty Images - 22
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Business Trip BY DEVON MOORE
As the sun pounded down mercilessly on a sweltering day at St. Vincent College, LaRod Stephens-Howling looked cool and collected. Perhaps the Pennsylvania heat felt like an ice box after five long summers in the Arizona oven. Or maybe it’s that basking in the afterglow of anything—the sun or a comfortable situation back home—is not Stephens-Howling’s forte. “It feels great to be home,” StephensHowling said after a morning practice last month. “I do have a family full of Steelers fans that had a hard time rooting for me in the red and white. But the excitement of that only lasts so long. Now it’s time to work.” A Johnstown native and Pitt graduate who cut his college running chops at Heinz Field, Stephens-Howling spent much of his post-high school career learning the value of hard work and finding a niche to compensate for perceived shortcomings as a feature back. He was the Panthers’ starting tailback in 2006, averaging five yards-per-carry before being usurped by LeSean McCoy, now starting for the Philadelphia Eagles. Although his touches dwindled, his draft stock stayed high enough to be taken in the 7th and final round of the ‘09 draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Many late-round picks fill up the flights out of town or practice squads by the end of August. But Stephens-Howl-
ing found a roster spot by returning and covering kicks. “Since I came in as a rookie, special teams has always been a big part of my game,” he said. “It’s kind of how I got to the 53-man roster in Arizona. You can’t be a stranger to special teams if you want to make it in this league.” High draft rankings did not matter in the Steelers’ running back stable last year, where former firstround pick Rashard Mendenhall was continually benched in favor of sixth-round pick Jonathan Dwyer and undrafted Isaac Redman. The substitution spree was brought on primarily due to a case of the fumbles that spread like the measles around the entire group, but it’s something Stephens-Howling, with only one fumble in his five-year career, hopefully won’t have to worry about. “High and tight,” he said, when asked about his secret. “Try not to think about making guys miss.” Running backs coach Kirby Wilson thinks Stephens-Howling brings a lot to his new team. “He has proven over time he’s durable and is filling a lot of different roles, so that’s not going to be new for him.” said Wilson. “He’s a quiet veteran with a lot of resolve and great attention to detail. The veterans feed off each other.” Stephens-Howling’s quiet demeanor and lunch-pail mentality sits well with the rest of the group.
LaRod Stephens-Howling’s return to Pittsburgh is all about business
“I am one of the older guys and have some experience,” he said. “But it’s a new team for me, so you can’t say too much. I’m more of a guy who leads by example anyway.” A multi-faceted talent at running back who can set an example on and off the field is certainly something the Steelers organization can use. The team thought they found someone with the former last year in rookie Chris Rainey. But he came in packing an arrest history and a short leash, and another off-the-field issue in January left him packing his bags. Enter Stephens-Howling, an older player with a veteran presence playing in a familiar atmosphere, one that Wilson believes could make him successful, whatever his role may be. “It’s a unique situation,” said Wilson. “He doesn’t show a lot of emotions, but internally he’s probably very excited to
be here. I think it’ll show in his play.” It didn’t take long for the coach with over 20 years of experience to prove himself an excellent prognosticator. As if on cue, Stephens-Howling trotted out for the Steelers first preseason game versus the New York Giants and mowed the Heinz Field grass with a team-high seven carries for 40 yards— an impressive average of 5.7 yards-percarry—and of course, no fumbles. Whether it’s an eye-popping splash play or an overall solid performance, the Steelers hope to become accustomed to success in Stephens-Howling’s old Big East stomping grounds, where the hot air gradually gives way to hard ground. Ultimately, it’s in the cold months, not the hot summer ones, where a long run or special teams play could be the difference between a full locker room or a full La-Z-Boy come playoff time.
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SEPTEMBER BREAKDOWN Sunday Sept. 6 TENNESSEE TITANS, Heinz Field 1 PM, CBS
A 6-10 Tennessee team knocked off Pittsburgh last season with a field goal in the final minutes. The Steelers haven’t lost a home-opener in 10 years. Monday Sept. 16 at Cincinnati Bengals Paul Brown Stadium 8:40 PM, ESPN
The Steelers kick off division play with a nationally televised battle against the up-andcoming Bengals, the trendy pick to win the AFC North. Sunday Sept. 22 CHICAGO BEARS Heinz Field 8:30 PM, NBC
Two legendary NFL franchises, both led by their defenses in 2012, meet on national TV in an early-season matchup that will test both offenses. Sunday Sept. 29 Minnesota Vikings Wembley Stadium, London 1 PM, CBS
The Steelers go to London in Week 4 where 2012’s secondranked rushing defense will meet perhaps the league’s best running back in Vikings’ great Adrian Peterson.
Marcus Gilbert and Ramon Foster protect Ben Roethlisberger.
OFFENSIVE LINE, from PAGE 1 Super Bowl in ‘08 with a line comprised of Starks and Smith at left tackle, fourth-round pick Willie Colon at right tackle, and a pair of sixth-rounders (Chris Kemoeatu and Justin Hartwig) and an undrafted free agent (Darnell Stapleton) inside. Even more amazingly, the Steelers were back in the Super Bowl just two seasons later with a rag-tag offensive line led by rookie Maurkice Pouncey, 35-year-old Flozell Adams and a collection of moving parts that included
Starks, Kemoeatu, Ramon Foster, Trai Essex, Doug Legursky, Jonathan Scott and Tony Hills. Not so surprisingly, the rebuilding process that began with Pouncey in 2010 continued in earnest after that season. Since then, the Steelers have had 20 different starting offensive line combinations over three years. While they aren't particularly deep this year, management feels the pieces are in place to begin another run similar to the early part of the century, when Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker were ripping off rushing yards in chunks
and Ben Roethlisberger was actually comfortable in the pocket. “We’ll be younger, I think we’ll be more athletic, though, which will give us a little versatility,” said offensive coordinator Todd Haley. “As I said, we’re going to play to our players’ strengths and if you’re limited a little athletically then you’re going to be limited in what you can do.” While the ceiling is certainly high for an offensive line featuring four highly-drafted players, consistency see OFFENSIVE LINE, PAGE 7
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OFFENSIVE LINE from PAGE 6
and cohesiveness often take time to develop. Pouncey’s maturation came immediately, as he developed into one of the AFC’s best and most consistent centers as a rookie in 2010. Adams, DeCastro and Gilbert are still developing, however. All three have shown flashes of greatness, but they have also been inconsistent. “It’s a huge development process,” DeCastro admitted in training camp. “Being here in Latrobe and gelling together and being able to communicate and just becoming a unit together.” DeCastro is accurate about the development process. Unfortunately for him and his line mates, the time for development has ended and the time for results has begun. The Steelers broke training camp lacking a clear starting running back with projected starter Le’Veon Bell on the shelf with a foot injury for at least the first month of the season. All-pro tight end Heath Miller is out indefinitely as he recovers from a knee injury, downfield receiving threat Mike Wallace left as a free agent, and their franchise quarterback is 31 years old and running out of time. The pressure is clearly on the offensive line—no matter how young and inexperienced—to produce. “I am excited,” insisted Foster. “It starts with us. We have to go into every game knowing that we need to carry the team at some points. “We know we are a young team and we know we have to be good on even the smaller things,” continued Foster. “We know we can be one of the strongest units on the field.”
With the exception of Foster, the entire line has battled injury issues over their brief careers. DeCastro lost three-quarters of his rookie season to injury, appearing in only four games in 2012. Gilbert missed 11 games last
want. Everybody can see that from last year going 8-8.” No matter the effort, and regardless of talent, the development process continued for the Steelers offensive line throughout the preseason.
The Steelers are seeking consistency from their line.
season and Adams missed six, while Pouncey has dealt with late-season injuries every year of his career. “It’s one of those things where we need to stay healthy,” Foster said. “Health is one of the things that will keep us on track.” Pouncey further addressed the line’s injury history at the outset of training camp. “Injuries come when you don’t really take everything so serious,” Pouncey said. “I think everybody has been working out hard and really getting after it, knowing that if you mess around, you don’t get the process you
The unit really struggled in the second game of the exhibition season, a 24-13 loss to the Redskins that exposed weaknesses in nearly every starter. DeCastro, Pouncey and Adams all took ill-timed penalties that killed drives, while Pouncey and Gilbert were beaten badly for sacks. “We were highly penalized and that not only put us behind the drive and made conversions more difficult, but we actually converted a couple of third downs that were negated because of penalties,” head coach Mike Tomlin said following the game. “Obviously, we are not finishing drives.
Execution needs to improve in that area.” Tomlin talked about not providing “lip service” regarding the line’s poor execution, but realistically the coach is limited in his options. Second-year man Kelvin Beachum and practicesquad veteran John Malecki appear to be the two best linemen off the bench, but neither is ready to step into an NFL starting line-up. For better or worse, the Steelers will depend on Adams, DeCastro, Foster, Gilbert and Pouncey to pave the way for the offense this season. Ironically, it’s been Foster—the least-hyped member of the line, who signed as an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee in 2009—that has played the best football in the exhibition season. “It is one of those things that you can’t relax on. I am never relaxed,” said Foster. “My position is one of those things where I have to keep a chip on my shoulder.” Pouncey, the lone member of the offensive line who has nothing prove on the field, has emerged as one of the team’s leaders on offense. He’s accepted the challenge on behalf of the entire line. “I’m excited about all the guys. I think everybody has been working hard this offseason and really putting in the effort and the work to go out here and try to win championships,” Pouncey said. “That’s what we’re all here for. I think all the guys that we have, the core group of guys, can really do that. “Not making the playoffs is not acceptable here and I think everybody knows that.”
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PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013 7
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NFL POWER RATINGS 1. San Francisco 49ers
11. New Orleans Saints
Acquiring Anquan Boldin was the league’s best offseason move. It was no secret the Niners needed a playmaker, and nobody knew it better than Jim Harbaugh.
Drew Brees and the Saints are still one of the most talented teams in the NFL. With a solid receiving core and strong running game the Saints won’t be strangers to the end zone.
2. Denver Broncos
12. New York Giants
If Wes Welker had great success with Tom Brady, imagine what he could do with Peyton Manning. Vonn Miller’s suspension and the loss of Elvis Dumervil will sting.
Eli Manning has been in prime form the past few years, and the New York Football Giants will be the beasts of the NFC East.
3. Houston Texans
Arian Foster’s health is the major question mark, but backup Ben Tate could serve as a viable option while Foster eases his way back into his comfort zone.
4. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have the best WR duo in the league in Roddy White and Julio Jones. The defense will be better with Osi Umeniyora.
5. Green Bay Packers
13. Detroit Lions
QB Matthew Stafford is as tough as they come. Reggie Bush adds a playmaker alongside Calvin Johnson. The defensive front is scary-good.
14. Dallas Cowboys
Quarterback? Check. Running back? Check. Receiver? Check. The Dallas Cowboys have the perfect situation to be as good as anybody on offense. They control their own destiny.
15. Washington Redskins
The good news is RG III is ready to play. Waiting for the bad news? There isn’t any. We saw what he is capable of last year, and there is no reason it won’t happen again.
Despite the loss of Greg Jennings there is still a healthy arsenal of playmakers. The defense has made adjustments that should make them even better this year.
16. Indianapolis Colts
The addition of Danny Amendola will help cushion the blow of losing Tom Brady’s favorite target.
The Colts overcame a lot of adversity last season. They are still growing but the potential is certainly there for a duplicate performance.
6. New England Patriots
7. Seattle Seahawks
17. Philadelphia Eagles
Russell Wilson proved he can lead a team. If Percy Harvin returns after hip surgery he will add a threat to an already dangerous offense.
First-year NFL coach Chip Kelly has the tools to make his transition from college to the NFL easier than usual.
8. Cincinnati Bengals
18. Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson said he was going to break Emmitt Smith’s single season rushing record. Christian Ponder made some big steps last season.
Who Dey? Adding James Harrison to a stellar defense makes it better. Second year WR Mohamed Sanu will be fun to watch alongside A.J. Green.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers
The loss of Brian Urlacher is big emotionally but this is still a top five defense. The big question, once again, will be how Jay Cutler performs.
The relationship between quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley will play a key role in the offensive success this year. Youth and uncertainty have expectations low.
9. Chicago Bears
10. Baltimore Ravens
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Faced with some key losses on defense, the Ravens also got some nice additions in Chris Canty, Elvis Dumervil and Daryl Smith. Anquan Boldin was a big loss on offense.
Tampa Bay looks to have a solid offense with Doug Martin and wideouts Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams. Darrelle Revis and Dashon Goldson shore up the secondary.
21. St. Louis Rams Can rookie Tavon Austin make an immediate impact? He could be a dangerous weapon for Sam Bradford and the offense. Chris Long and James Laurinaitis lead the D.
22. Cleveland Browns
The Browns showed glimpses of potential last season. With the amount of young talent on both sides of the ball, Cleveland may be back.
23. Carolina Panthers
With the best running game in the league, the Panthers will cause havoc for any defense, but their defense will struggle. Second year MLB Luke Kuechly leads the D.
24. Miami Dolphins
The addition of a downfield threat in Mike Wallace bolsters the passing game, but can QB Ryan Tannehill make the move worthwhile?
25. Kansas City Chiefs
New quarterback. New head coach. Same old Chiefs? Andy Reid and Alex Smith could lead KC back to respectability.
26. San Diego Chargers
After the offensive debacle last season, can Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates rebound?
27. Arizona Cardinals
Do the Cardinals finally have a QB for Larry Fitzgerald? Carson Palmer has been capable, but he just isn’t the same guy he was in Cincinnati.
28. Tennessee Titans
Can running back Chris Johnson rebound from his mediocre performance from a year ago?
29. Buffalo Bills
There must be something in the water that the AFC teams from New York are drinking because the Bills have questions at quarterback, just like the Jets.
30. New York Jets
Same story just a different chapter for the J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!
31. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags have been rebuilding for many years. That hasn’t changed. .
32. Oakland Raiders
It shouldn’t come as any surprise that the Raiders are entering the 2013 season at the bottom of this list. Their only weapon is Darren McFadden and he hasn’t been able to stay healthy.
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AFC North Preview
Cincinnati Bengals: New Favorites Heading into their third year together, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green have cemented themselves as a lethal tandem, and this year figures to be no different. Cincinnati finished the season in first place at 10-6 a year ago. Green and Dalton were key contributors in Cincinnati’s 24.4 points per game average. Green finished the season with more than 1,300 yards receiving while pulling in 11 touchdowns, numbers good enough to earn him a spot on the pro bowl roster. Dalton had a stellar second season as well. He threw for 3,600plus yards and 27 touchdowns. They had a solid run game behind the “Law Firm” Benjarvis GreenEllis. Second-year receiver Mohamed Sanu will pair with Green this year to cause havoc for any opposing secondary. Sanu saw minimal action last season, but still managed to snag four touchdown passes. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bengals are looking better than ever. Bringing in James Harrison from Pittsburgh could be one of the better off season acquisitions in the league. Critics say Harrison is washed up, but if HBO’s “Hard Knocks” was any indication, Harrison appears ready to bring it with full force. Harrison should team with Vontaze Berfict and Geno Atkins to lead what could be a dominant Cincinnati defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Too Many Questions Coming off a disappointing 2012, the Steelers don’t have high expectations this season. Too many questions linger around the black and gold, the most important of which is how the relationship between quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and offensive coordinator Todd Haley will affect the overall production of the offense. To this point we have heard things seem to be going well, but that could change come the start of the regular season when all the attention will be on how they work together on Sunday afternoons. How will the loss of James Harrison, Casey Hampton and Mike Wallace impact the team? Each of these players leaves big shoes to fill, and the Steelers have inexperienced replacements. The brightest spot of this team going into the season might be the promise of the offensive line. But will potential equal results or will injury and ineffectiveness turn it into the makeshift lines of years past? The Steelers have potential to make an impact this season, but with so many unanswered questions and so much youth scattered throughout the lineup, it could easily be a long year.
Baltimore Ravens: Hangover Year With more subtractions than additions in the offseason, the 2013 Baltimore Ravens don’t look much like the team that won last year’s Super Bowl. Signing a very lucrative $120 million, sixyear contract, quarterback Joe Flacco will be under immense pressure now that he’s being paid like the best in the league. It didn’t take long for the critics to bash Flacco and question whether or not he deserves such a contract. This season will be an indication of whether he is ready to live up to the hype that surrounded him after the Super Bowl run last season. Replacing receiver Anquan Boldin is a big issue. Torrey Smith has proven that he is a solid down field target, but no receiver on the roster has proven to be the tough-nosed clutch performer that Boldin was. Losing tight end Dennis Pitta for the season will be a blow to offensive production as well. The additions of Chris Canty, Daryl Smith and elite pass rusher Elvis Dumervil should help a rebuilding defense, but youth at key positions may take some time to gel.
BY CHRIS GALISZEWSKI
Cleveland Browns: The Rebuild Continues A possible surprise team this season, the Cleveland Browns have made great strides. Trent Richardson picked up right where he left off in Alabama and proved that he can handle what it takes to be a successful running back in NFL. The Browns have some great young talent, and have the potential to be relevant in this division. Wide receiver Josh Gordon is one of those young talents, and like Richardson he showed last season glimpses of what he is capable of in this league. New offensive coordinator Norv Turner is the perfect guy to have running the offense. He has the ability to run a scheme to use Cleveland’s weapons to their best potential. Quarterback Brandon Weeden enters his second season after a mediocre but respectable first year with over 3,000 yards passing and 14 touchdowns, and veteran Jason Campbell provides a solid option behind him. Last season, the Browns’ defense allowed 23 points per game and was near the bottom third of the league in total defense. After tuning up the defense in the offseason, expect those numbers to improve. Cleveland will make a strong case that they deserve to be in the conversation.
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PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013 9
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Steelers 2013: Old Guard Still Key BY DEVON MOORE
The Steelers enter the 2013 season with fresh faces, but the crafty old veterans on both sides of the ball are still the primary determining factors in how far this team will go. According to Ben Roethlisberger, it’s been a long time since his knee didn’t bother him. After offseason surgery to repair it, and 2012’s shoulder injury a non-issue, Roethlisberger says he’s healthier than he’s been in years. It was just through mid-season last year that Roethlisberger was on pace for the best statistical output of his career before the shoulder injury knocked him out of commission. As the Steelers floundered down the stretch, losing three of their last four, it became apparent that while this team is always a contender with Roethlisberger at the helm, the margin of error is much smaller without their franchise quarterback in good health. What could help is a young cohesive offensive line that stays healthy through the season. While they have the young part down, consistency and health have been problems. Center Maurkice Pouncey anchors a group full of both potential and questions. While the line is a group in progress, the tight end position has gone backwards. That could change, depending on when Heath Miller effectively returns from a serious knee injury. The Steelers brought back Matt Spaeth, but his foot injury will keep him out at least two months. That leaves veteran blocker David Johnson, coming off an ACL tear, and young David Paulson.
Running behind a newly-implemented zone blocking scheme is a questionable stable of backs in open competition for the starting job. Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer return to a group that was among the league’s most inconsistent in 2012. The Steelers addressed the concerns by drafting Le’Veon Bell in the second round, hoping he can eventually perform as a three-down back. But Bell went down in the second preseason game and is expected to miss significant time with a mid-foot sprain. Pitt product LaRod Stephens-Howling will primarily serve as a kick returner and third-down back, and Felix Jones was brought in during camp to provide depth.. The offense lost the explosion and quickness of Mike Wallace, but rookie Markus Wheaton has had a strong preseason. Antonio Brown is the consensus top receiver and Emmanuel Sanders returned after a long offseason flirtation with the Patriots.
Defensively, living in a giant shadow cast by decades of excellence, the Steelers find criticism where other units might get praise. Many teams would appreciate having the No.1 defense in yards-per-game four times in the past six years, but a lack of big-play ability has been a glaring weakness. The pass rush, the life-blood of a turnover-hungry 3-4 unit, has faded into obscurity in recent seasons. With James Harrison gone to Cincinnati, the Steelers turn to first-round pick Jarvis Jones out of Georgia, who has so far come as advertised. Lawrence Timmons heads up the middle coming off a season in which his potential came to fruition. He will play alongside aging veteran Larry Foote, who shoved blockers and doubters aside last year with a solid performance. If there’s another older player hoping to prove others wrong, it’s defensive end Brett Keisel, who leads a group in flux after years of consistency from the
likes of Aaron Smith and Casey Hampton. First-year starter Steve McClendon takes over at nose tackle, and he must produce, along with ex-first-round picks Ziggy Hood and Cam Heyward. The secondary may be the deepest unit – if it can stay healthy. It’s been no problem for safety Ryan Clark, who dispelled any misconception the past two years that his solid play was merely due to playing next to Troy Polamalu. He turned in another solid year without the help of his partner, who battled a calf injury for much of the season. Promising young safety and fourth-round pick Shamarko Thomas fills a void as a backup as he develops. Cornerback Cortez Allen steps into a starting role opposite Ike Taylor, with William Gay returning after a season in Arizona to fortify the nickel position. It seems every year the Steelers miss the playoffs, the coach is on the hot seat. The amount of warmth under Tomlin is unknown, but the team took a step back last year, and many questioned the locker room leadership void left by the departures of James Farrior, Hines Ward and Aaron Smith. With so much turnover, all eyes are on Kevin Colbert’s draft pull. His newest class will see more playing time this year than any other in Tomlin’s tenure. Still, with a healthy quarterback and a healthy Polamalu, the Steelers are always a threat to contend for the postseason. Without those two, however, the rookies’ progress might not matter that much.
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Host-City of Champions BY MELISSA ESING
Over the years, Pittsburgh has hosted many national sporting events. Three Rivers Stadium hosted Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in 1974 and 1994, the National Hockey League played their all-star game at the Civic Arena in 1990 and hosted the 1997 draft there. The building also served as the site for NCAA’s March Madness in ‘97 and again in 2002. Oakmont Country Club has hosted eight U.S. Opens, five U.S. Amateurs, three PGA Championships and two U.S. Women’s Opens. In recent years, however, the list of major sporting events heading to Pittsburgh has increased dramatically. New facilities that take advantage of the city’s highlights are serving as a backdrop for everything from gymnastics to hockey. PNC Park, located along the Allegheny River shore, gave fans a scenic view of the city’s skyline for baseball’s all-star game in 2006 and uptown’s grand new Consol Energy Center was the host for the NHL Draft last year. Within the past few years, and the next few to come, the Petersen Events Center and Consol Energy Center will have hosted NCAA Tournament games, National Gymnastics Championships and the NCAA’s Frozen Four. The Fox Chapel Gold Club has become a de facto site for the PGA’s Senior Players Championship. Brand new Highmark Stadium, the home of pro soccer’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds, is one of six FIFA 2-star certified fields in the country. Even Consol Energy Park in Washington County hosted minor league baseball’s Frontier League AllStar Game this summer. Next August, the U.S. Gymnastics
section and a scenic view of Pittsburgh’s skyline. The stadium recently finalized an agreement to host the WPIAL Soccer Championships in 2013-14, a move that Pittsburgh Riverhounds CEO Jason Kutney says was an important step for youth soccer in western Pennsylvania. “Bringing these championships downtown for the entire city to see means enhancing the soccer experience for players and spectators alike,” said Kutney. “This is extremely important to us.” The WPIAL considers the move on par with the football championships being played at Heinz Field every November. “The addition of Highmark Stadium for soccer adds another top-notch venue to go along with Heinz Field in football,” said longtime WPIAL administrator Jim Collins. The stadium has intentions to stay open year-round, hosting soccer training programs and competition, as well as tournaments for soccer, lacrosse, rugby, football and softball. Although Pittsburgh’s days as a steelproducer are long gone, the die-hard sports tradition that was born out of that era lives on. "There's no doubt that our sports teams bring tremendous economic value and excitement to the city," said Craig Davis, president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh, the official tourism promotion agency for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. "The more opportunities we have to showcase Pittsburgh through interviews, features and visuals, the greater our chances are to bring more visitors here from across the country."
Pittsburgh is becoming a destination for national sporting events Championships will be held at Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center for the first time, while the neighboring David L. Lawrence Convention Center will stage the USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show. “Pittsburgh is known for its loyal sports fans and traditions,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “We were impressed with the commitment, outreach and leadership support demonstrated during the bid process, and we believe this will be the perfect partnership for staging an incredible event.” According to Penny, the competition needed a host city that could help celebrate the sport of gymnastics. “We’re utilizing David L. Lawrence Convention center,” said USA Gymnastics’ Ron Galimore. “It’s the centerpiece for our most important event. The city is building up a very good track record based on the past events.” Contributing to that track record was Robert Morris University, which served as a host for the NCAA Frozen Four at Consol Energy Center in 2013.
12 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013
Senior associate athletic director for RMU, Marty Galosi, said that the Frozen Four was an important step for the city’s potential as an NCAA host. “We opened some new ground and territory, especially for the NCAA with college hockey,” said Galosi. “I thought it was received very well from a fan and corporate point of view.” The venue wasn’t even finished prior to Pittsburgh being awarded the bid. “The venue certainly put us over the top,” said Marty. “I think the fact that a national championship was competed in Pittsburgh was the most exciting thing for us as an institution.” Galosi doesn’t think the 2013 Frozen Four will be a one-time thing. “We don’t have a dome here in Pittsburgh, but we want right in that mix,” he said. “We’re in a nice area demographically for it to happen and for us to be in the rotation.” Highmark Stadium is another important asset to Pittsburgh. The recently-opened facility has seating for up to 3,500 spectators, with 15 corporate suites, as well as a standing-room
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BY JOSH CARNEY
High School Football Top Five All-Time Winningest Football Programs in WPIAL History New Castle 703 Jeannette 685 Greensburg Salem 674
Aliquippa Monessen
648 638
Top Five Winningest Active Coaches in WPIAL
TOP5
Jim Render
Upper St. Clair
364
Joe Hamilton
Blackhawk
Top Five All-Time Winningest Coaches in WPIAL History Jim Render, Upper St. Clair Joe Hamilton, Blackhawk Jack McCurry, North Hills Chuck Wagner, Oakmont,
364 336 281
Riverview, Fox Chapel, Springdale Pat Tarquinio, Beaver Area
270 269
336
George Novak
George Novak
Woodland Hills and Steel Valley
268
George Smith
McKeesport
197
Bill Cherpak
Thomas Jefferson 192
Jack McCurry
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Sponsored By:
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Schedule Aug. 30 Greensburg Central Catholic at Washington Sept. 6 Norwin at Penn Trafford
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CoGo’s sponsors the best in WPIAL High School Football action all season, featuring games across the region every Friday night. Local CoGo’s stores will make a generous monetary donation to the athletic departments of the host schools, as well as donate cups and iced tea to the concession stands. The Pittsburgh Sports Report high school writers break down the games beforehand, and the PSR video crew documents the highlights online after the games.
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Oct. 4 Knoch at Franklin Regional Oct. 11 Fox Chapel at Baldwin Oct. 18 Butler at Fox Chapel Oct. 25 Hampton at Mars
Catch the highlights at www.cogos.com
PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013 13
Olympian Effort BY DONNIE TASSER
Over the past decade, the University of Pittsburgh has made huge strides to update their athletic facilities, beginning with the construction of the Petersen Events Center in 2000 on the former site of Pitt Stadium and culminating in 2011 with the opening of the Petersen Sports Complex for the Panthers’ baseball, softball and soccer teams. But those were not the only improvements the university made. In a series of multi-million dollar renovations, Pitt’s Olympic sports facilities—once considered out-of-date and ill-befitting a school of Pitt’s stature—now look to be among the best in the region.
“When I came to Pitt 15 years ago, the situation was bad,” head Olympic sports strength and conditioning coach Kim King said. “The weight room was a s*** hole, if I can speak frankly. There were limited free weights, plates were scattered everywhere, they had the wrong machines, the cords were busted and on top of that it was dirty, dusty and just disgusting.” The old Olympic sports weight room occupied space which is currently part of the wrestling room in the Fitzgerald Field House. Over the next five years, the university spent nearly $4 million to renovate the locker rooms, athletic training facility and weight room. The weight room was moved upstairs where an auxiliary basketball court used to sit,
Extensive renovations have readied Pitt’s Olympic sports facilities for the ACC overlooking one side of bleachers. “When they decided to redo the Fitz, (athletic director) Steve Pederson gave me free reign to design the weight room how I saw fit for all of the Olympic sports teams. Now, the weight room is state-of-the-art, one of the best in the country. We have everything you need to make our athletes bigger, faster, stronger, better. We have six multi-purpose racks that I designed myself, plus six power racks, plus conditioning equipment, several machines and nearly 9,000 pounds of free weights.” Relocating the weight room opened up space for the wrestling room to be updated and expanded for the first time since the Fitzgerald Field House opened in 1951. The wall separating
the old weight room and wrestling room was torn down, and in addition to doubling the available space, the facility was given new wall and floor mats, a balcony for cardiovascular equipment, new lighting and ventilation and a video and recruitment room. “The biggest upgrade was the added space,” head wrestling coach Jason Peters said. “Before the renovations we had to wrestle in shifts because we didn’t have enough room, but now with the added room and up-to-date amenities I feel confident saying it’s one of the better rooms in the country.” In 2008, a further upgrade saw $1.4 million go toward new volleyball see FACILITIES, PAGE 15
Xfinity High School Football Game of the Week Schedule 2013 August 30 – Mt. Lebanon at North Allegheny September 6 – Central Valley at Montour September 13 – Greensburg Salem at Hampton September 20 – Yough at Washington September 27 – Seton-LaSalle at South Fayette October 4 – North Catholic at Avonworth October 11 – Bethel Park at Upper St. Clair October 18 – New Castle at Moon October 25 – Woodland Hills at Penn Hills November 1 – First Round WPIAL Playoffs November 8 – WPIAL Quarterfinals November 15 – WPIAL Semifinals
Xfinity TV subscribers with Digital Starter and above packages get free access to the XFINITY High School Sports Game of the Week through the “Get Local” and “Sports” folders on their On Demand menu beginning the day after the game. Join Comcast’s high school sports team, including play-by-play man Chris Shovlin, color analyst and PSR Publisher Ellis Cannon and sideline reporter Kati Lightholder. Former Steelers’ quarterback Charlie Batch joins the team for the playoffs.
14 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013
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courts, updated seating and electronic equipment. The swimming and diving and gymnastics teams, housed across the street at Trees Hall, were not left out. In 2004, a $5.1 million renovation left Pitt with a 12,000 square foot gymnastics training facility, the second-largest in the East Atlantic Gymnastic League (Neither the Big East nor the ACC sponsors gymnastics and all affiliated schools compete in the EAGL). “The Pittsburgh gymnastics facility is very spacious, fairly new and has everything a gymnast could ask for when it comes to training equipment,” Oklahoma native Kelsey Ainsworth, a Pitt gymnast from 2008-12, said. “There are two complete vaulting set-ups, three sets of uneven bars, five balance beams and floor exercising equipment like an in-ground trampoline and tumbling pits. Coming from a club gymnastics team and seeing many other facilities throughout the U.S., many cannot compare with what Pitt has to offer. It is one of the nicer facilities not only in the conference but in the entire NCAA.” When it was built in 1962, Trees Pool was considered the largest indoor pool in the country, as well as one of the first
to feature a 10-meter high dive and underwater windows. It underwent little additions until 2002, when a new Daktronics scoreboard was added. In 2008, a $2 million upgrade included a new bottom logo, new 1-meter diving platforms, new pool deck and a reduction of the pool length from 55m to 50m. The track and field teams, however, have mostly been left out of the recent upgrades. While they benefited from the updated weight, training and locker rooms, Pitt has yet to build an outdoor track for the program. Initial plans were for a track on the site of the previous baseball and softball fields behind the Cost Center. It is unclear if this is still in the works, but Pederson said in June that finding a long-term solution for track is the “number one priority.” Still, Pitt has come a long way, and with the Panthers beginning ACC play in all sports this fall, not a moment too soon. “I feel like the university’s attitude towards the Olympic sports programs has improved tremendously over the past decade or so,” King said. “With all of the updates to the Fitz and Trees, plus the new (Petersen) complex, the administration has really thrown a lot of support behind every single one of the athletic programs.”
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PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013 15
Mon Valley History Lesson: Donora H.S. Football BY ANDREW WILLIAMS
Hard work has historically defined the western Pennsylvania towns along the Monongahela River. This commitment existed not just in industry, but also in sport. The high school football teams at Donora and Monongahela exemplified that work ethic for the better part of the twentieth century. In 1970, the schools merged to form an equally impressive athletic program at Ringgold High. For more than 50 years, Donora football was the epitome of stability. The 1945 Donora Dragons, coached by the iconic Jim Russell, were considered one of the best high school teams in the nation. Led by quarterback Arnold “Pope” Galiffa,
In 1948, the the Dragons went highly contested undefeated on their rivalry between way to a WPIAL Donora and championship. Monongahela Galiffa continued came with more playing at West than just anticiPoint and went on pation in the air. to induction in the At Legion Field College Football in Donora, Hall of Fame. Monongahela The following defeated the season, Galiffa was Deacon Dan Towler Dragons in what replaced by Lou “Bimbo” Cecconi, who teamed with became known as the “Smog Bowl.” all-state fullback “Deacon Dan” A thick, dark smoke from the zinc and Towler—who later played profession- steel stacks across the river blanketed ally for the Los Angeles Rams—to Donora and prohibited much of the lead the Dragons to another unde- crowd from viewing the game. Punts feated record. The defense allowed were lost in the thick smoke, and the teams could only run the ball. just 13 points all season.
Donora football had a strong resurgence in the late 1960s under former player Rudy Andabaker, who coached the Dragons to undefeated seasons in 1967 and ‘68, led by brothers Ken and Fred Griffey. Ken went on to fame as a major league ballplayer. Donora also produced the great Stan Musial, one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Ringgold’s most famous athlete, of course, is Joe Montana, class of 1974. Montana quarterbacked the Rams for two seasons before continuing to Notre Dame where he won a national championship before going on to his Hall of Fame NFL career. In 2006, Ringgold renamed their football stadium “Joe Montana Stadium” after the Monongahela native.
Upcoming Games Friday Aug. 30 Uniontown at Belle Vernon Saturday Sept. 7 Woodland Hills at McKeesport Friday Sept. 13 Laurel Highlands at Elizabeth Forward
Friday Sept. 20 Monessen at Clairton Friday Sept. 27 Bishop Canevin at Monessen Friday Oct. 4 Baldwin at Woodland Hills
Friday Oct. 11 Elizabeth Forward at Ringgold
REGIONAL Friday Oct. 18 HIGH SCHOOL Uniontown at Thomas Jefferson
FOOTBALL
Friday Oct. 25 Thomas Jefferson at West Mifflin
TOUR
Catch the best high school action across the Mon-Val-
well as providing pregame coverage and postgame
ley with the US Steel High School Football Game of the
highlights. See the highlights every weekend at
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a generous monetary donation to the host teams, as
16 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013
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Collapsing History team buys in. And with that mindset, multiple Pirates have come through in situations—especially those of high-leverage.
worst team in the National League according to Baseball References’ Simple Rating System, Pittsburgh fell behind by multiple runs in each
The 2013 Pirates look to erase two straight collapses... and 20 losing seasons
BY NATE BARNES
The Pittsburgh Pirates enter the final month of the regular season this month, and have made it through five months without a collapse. If anything, the month of August has proved these 2013 Pirates as ones that are not going to collapse. Despite posting their lowest total of wins of any month, the Pirates still managed to go deep into August battling for the top-spot in the National League Central. If anything would ever provide tangible proof of the philosophy manager Clint Hurdle brings to the clubhouse, the admittedly clichéd, “one game at a time” mantra, it was this last month of August. “You have a mindset to go out and win the game you’re playing that
day,” Hurdle said. “That’s what we’ve tried to create here and I think we’ve worked to put a roster together that has more talent and has more depth than the clubs we’ve had in the past. We’ve built into this.” And for another specific moment, look back to the Pirates’ 13-0 loss to the Cardinals close a five-game set in which the Pirates won the first four games. What did Hurdle say to the team after that game? “Absolutely nothing.” Of the 19 clubs the Pirates have played this season, the Bucs own winning records against all but three teams. Pittsburgh has lost no more than four games in a row, but their longest winning streak of nine games is no eye-popping number like the Atlanta Braves’ 17-games It’s another thing, too, that the
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In high leverage situations, four Pirates own OPS percentages over .900. Some may call it clutch hitting, which is debatable, but the mindset of staying “locked in to every pitch,” as Hurdle says, may just have something to do with that. “We’ve got guys that can contribute at key moments, it’s going to be somebody different every day it seems like,” catcher Russell Martin said. “We’re prepared, we’re ready to go out there and compete, we have fun doing it. We enjoy it, this is the 2013 Pirates.” While Martin’s numbers in high leverage situations are not the best, he has come through with four walk-off hits in 2013. Martin’s statement came after his pinch-hit single completed a sweep of the Miami Marlins in early August. While the Pirates were playing a Marlins team ranked as the second-
game, but came back to win them all. “One of the signs of a good team is when you get an opportunity, you move upon it,” Hurdle said. That’s been something the Pirates have done this season, primarily by staying locked in all the time. Take it from someone who’s been under scrutiny after a number of rough starts following an All-Star appearance, young lefthanded pitcher Jeff Locke. “I just have all the trust in the world that these guys are going to play behind me every single night,” Locke said. “Inevitably you’re not going to win every single game you go out there and play, but I’ll continue to say I’ve never been around a group of guys that plays this hard for the entire game.”
PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013 17
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Prospect Watch
Jameson Taillon Top Overall Pitching Prospect Jameson Taillon
The lanky righty is the top overall prospect in the Pirates organization and the 11th best in all of baseball according to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com. Taillon finished his stint at AA Altoona with three dominant starts and 110 1/3 innings pitched to warrant a promotion to AAA Indianapolis in July. He’s expected to stay there at least for the start of 2014 where he’ll work on his secondary pitches. He currently has a major league ready fastball that can hit 97-98 MPH, but lacks the confidence to throw his off-speed pitches regularly. He does have a plus change-up, and his curve ball has tremendous movement but mechanical issues while throwing it have caused some control problems. Top Position Player Prospect Gregory Polanco
A breakout season in 2012 jumped the five-tool Polanco into one of the top outfield prospects in all of baseball according to Mayo. Polanco has a ceiling that is expected to be higher than that of current left fielder Star-
Gregory Polanco
ling Marte. He’s displayed power, posting a .446 SLG in the minors this year, and speed, with 37 steals as well as great defensive range with 2.31 putouts per game. He also has hit for average at .290. The lefty has an .807 OPS this year and could arrive in Pittsburgh as early as next season. Top Bullpen Prospect Victor Black
Black made a brief appearance for the Pirates this year, pitching in three games in late July before being optioned back to AAA Indianapolis. Possessing a tremendous fastball that reaches the upper 90s, Black was moved to the bullpen to maximize his arm strength and in 2012 for AA Altoona, he struck out 12.75 batters per nine innings. He saved 17 games at triple A this year and posted a 1.05 WHIP. The 25-year-old will be in the mix for a bullpen spot out of spring training next year. Top Power Hitting Prospect Josh Bell
A torn left meniscus 15 games into his career killed much of the excite-
18 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013
Austin Meadows
Josh Bell
ment around the switch-hitter after the Pirates convinced him to break his commitment to the University of Texas. His talent hasn’t gone anywhere, however, and if he can stay healthy he should be a great source of power. Bell’s 6-3 body is still growing which means more power is likely on the way. He can hit for average as he posted a .288 clip in 109 games this year at mid-A West Virginia and also has a very strong arm. The downside for Bell is that he plays the same position as Polanco and recent No. 1 pick Austin Meadows, which will create a dilemma come his expected 2016 debut. Top Average Hitting Prospect Alen Hanson
Hanson is the top infield prospect and third-best overall in the Pirates’ system, according to MLB.com’s Mayo. He has incredible speed, stealing 28 total bases this year, and projects as a perfect leadoff hitter. He has used that speed perfectly on defense, showing tremendous range, but still needs to work on his technique on the base paths. He also has a very strong but in-
accurate arm that may force a move from shortstop to second base by his expected 2015 call up. Top Lower Level Pitching Prospect Luis Heredia
Heredia is just 19 years old but has already developed a plus fastball hitting 95 mph and changeup which has a sharp break. His control is also far above the average pitcher at his age, which is promising. He’s also hurling from a 6-6 frame. All the tools suggest he is a front line starter who could join Cole and Taillon as early as the 2016 season. Top Lower Level Hitting Prospect Austin Meadows
The 9th overall pick in the 2013 draft has gotten off to a quick start and has already jumped to the 4th overall prospect in the Pirates organization, according to Mayo. He should be a five tool player as displayed in 34 games this year in the Gulf Coast league where he is hitting .315 with a .407 OBP, .531 SLG, and .947 OPS.
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Pittsburgh is the model NHL organization. The Penguins have everything that makes them the envy of the league. Humble superstars? Check. Classy and effective front office? Check.
Behind the Net round pick to contribute more than 25 games to the NHL club over the last seven years. Thanks to Jeffrey, the Penguins are clicking at an abysmal two percent success rate with their later-round draft picks. There is good news
Feeling a Draft An impressive past, a bright future and the current spotlight? Check, check and check. But there is one thing that the Penguins don’t have: a strong draft history. Only four Penguins selected after the first round played for the club last season. For comparison’s sake, consider that none of the top three scorers for the 2013 Eastern Conference champion Boston Bruins were first round selections. That list doesn’t even include Olympian Milan Lucic. In fact, four of the Bruins top five scorers were selected by the organization outside the top 44. So how have the Penguins done with their last 44 draft picks? Not well. Just six selections since 2006 have played more than 25 games in the NHL, but half of those picks were first-round selections and two more played all, or most, of their games with other organizations. Dustin Jeffrey is the franchise’s lone non-first
though. Pittsburgh’s prospect pipelines are stocked with blue chippers. The Penguins boast perhaps the best defensive core in the minor league systems—even with last year’s trade of top prospect Joe Morrow. It’s common conjecture that recent picks Olli Maatta, Derrick Pouliot and Scott Harrington will all make the jump to the NHL with relative ease. But there are other, lesser-known talents who are ready to take advantage of their opportunities – and some of them are late round offensemen looking to push the Penguins into to Boston’s draft class. Teddy Blueger headlines Pittsburgh’s young forwards. The 2012 second-round choice made an immediate impact last year at the Penguins prospect camp with his supreme hockey IQ. At just 19 years old, the Latvian project currently playing college hockey at Minnesota State-Mankato has time to add much-needed muscle. And while he
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Matia Marcantuoni
won’t impress with his speed or shot, his heady play and defensive presence translates nicely to the NHL level. Another 2012 draft pick makes the list based on his skill alone. Matia Marcantuoni was once viewed as a top ten draft pick before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Unbelievable speed and uncommon tenacity are the trademarks of Marcantuoni’s style. His offensive game isn’t polished, but he has plenty of tools to work with. Completing the trifecta is center Oskar Sundqvist. Aside from his potential, not much is known about the Swedish prospect. All accounts point toward the 19 year old having offensive talent to spare; obviously his country thought so, as he was invited to the 2013 Swedish World
Junior Championship tryouts. Winning USHL Rookie of the Year wasn’t a bad start for 2013 draftee Jake Guentzel. The American-born player totaled a 21-game point streak, finished sixth in the league in scoring and rounded out his season with an invitation to USA’s National Junior Evaluation Camp as a possible selection for the World Junior Championships. Last is Tom Kuhnhackl. Injuries, suspensions and tentative play have plagued the German prospect. The only one holding Kuhnhackl back from becoming a solid NHL forward is Kuhnhackl. He has the hands, shot and vision to make an impact at the next level – but does he have the head?
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Every day more and more Pittsburgh born or developed hockey players are making it into the upper levels of their sport. Established—and Pittsburghborn—NHL players such as RJ Umberger, Ryan Malone, Mike Weber and George Parros have already made it to the big time, while younger players like
on to higher levels of play. More junior hockey opportunities have begun to present themselves as well, giving local players more options than ever. “I’m not going to be biased on either one [college or juniors],� Rangers’ prospect J.T. Miller said. “I was committed to college for a brief moment and then the best route to go was juniors.� Before Miller even thought about
Rangers’ Miller Part of Pittsburgh’s Growing NHL Exports Brandon Saad and Matt Bartowski participated in this year’s Stanley Cup Final between Boston and Chicago and appear primed for long careers. Another group, led by J.T. Miller (New York Rangers), John Gibson (Anaheim Ducks), Vincent Trocheck (Florida Panthers) and Riley Barber (Washington Capitals) are top-tier prospects. Guy Gadowksy, head coach for the men’s ice hockey team at Penn State, weighed in on western Pennsylvania’s home-grown talent. “We already have great players coming out of Pittsburgh,� Gadowsky said. “I believe having another (college hockey) team in the state will help keep college hockey on the minds of PA hockey players and supporters.� With the college hockey scene on the rise in western Pennsylvania between up-and-coming Robert Morris and Penn State, more local players than ever are developing their skills and moving
playing in the NHL, he developed his skills with the Pittsburgh Hornets amateur team from 12 to 16 years of age. “Whenever you’re younger you think about scoring goals and being flashy as a player. They have good coaches there, and they helped me with how to play more defensively, more than an offensive player,� said Miller. “I think I just have more natural ability being the first one to play really in my family and they helped me take it to another level and taught me things I couldn’t learn anywhere else.� After developing his talent with the Hornets, Miller moved to Michigan to participate in a two-year program with Team USA's National Team Development Program. He was drafted in the first round by the Rangers in 2011 and went on to play junior hockey with the Plymouth Whalers of the highly respected Ontario Hockey League. Fast forward to 2013, when Miller was invited to represent the United States in
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22 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • SEPTEMBER 2013
the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he won gold alongside fellow Pittsburghers Barber, Gibson and Trocheck. “It was an honor,â€? Miller said. “The juniors before that I got to represent my country for the national team in Michigan, and putting on that sweater means so much to you. To represent on the WJHIC is something I was pushing for since I was 12-13 years old, and to make that come true and win gold last year is something you can only dream about‌ You’re playing against the best players, and just to be a part of that can only make you better as a hockey player.â€? For hockey players in western Pennsylvania, the development opportunities are abundant and seem to be getting better. Between teams like the Pittsburgh Predators, Allegheny Badgers, Pittsburgh Viper Stars and Pittsburgh
Hornets, as well as NCAA hockey, elite western Pennsylvania natives no longer have to leave the area to hone their skills. The Pittsburgh Penguins, who offer tremendous support for local youth, high school and college teams, play a large role in the region’s youth hockey development. The organization takes pride in the fact that Pittsburgh isn’t just a football city anymore. “I was born in raised in Ohio, but I put all my hockey into Pennsylvania. Up until the draft I was always a big Pittsburgh fan and I tried to represent it the best I could. If anyone asks me about the Pittsburgh region, about their hockey, I have nothing but good things to say,� said Miller. “You have all types of players here and whatever they’re looking for I think they can find it here in Pittsburgh.�
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