Some sporting thoughts before sunrise …
>> I understand that Joel Hanrahan had quite the escape there in the ninth, with three straight Ks after putting Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder aboard. Good for him. He deserved something like that after how terrific he’s been all summer.
Me, I saw none of it. Had a tooth removed. Might not be very talkative for a while, but I’ll be functional enough to conduct our weekly chat today at noon.
>> It’s amazing, the percentage of people who expressed really strong feelings about my Sidney Crosby’s silence column yesterday, only to then admit they hadn’t actually read it.
What is that?
>> On that note, good for Crosby, his agent and the Penguins that they were able to get together to put out that press release last night. Our Rob Rossi has the details.
To repeat what I wrote yesterday, I couldn’t care less if he ever spoke publicly or if the information ever became public. That wasn’t the point of the column. Rather, it was to underscore a lack of communication between the captain, the team’s officials and even his teammates, one that I can assure you — emphatically — was beginning to frustrate many on the Penguins’ end.
It’s encouraging that they put out the release, one that clearly was done in lockstep. And, without playing doctor here, I thought it was kind of encouraging to read that reference to Crosby being on the path to a “full recovery.” Unless I’m mistaken, that’s a new one on this front.
>> I’m working on a Friday column about Pitt QB Tino Sunseri, one I hope you’ll like. His is an interesting case, of a QB who really didn’t perform as well as his numbers last year and now is the centerpiece of an entirely different offense.
>> See you in the chat.
I had to leave work for a doctor’s appointment after the 8th so I listened to the Brewers’ broadcast of the top of the 9th during my drive because I live in Northern Illinois. Two comments:
1. Bob Uecker repeatedly commented on the “gas” Hanrahan was throwing. For example, “wow, that last pitch reached 98, Hanrahan’s really bringing it today.”
2. Bob Ueker is probably the most positive announcer I’ve ever heard. Every batter during the inning Mr. Baseball would have several positive things to say. For example, “Yuni has the power to reach the seats, all we need is one swing here.” Two pitches later, “he can catch up to this gas, you don’t have to swing harder, just start your swing earlier.” And so on.
DK, I hope you heal fast.
DK: Thanks. I already feel fine, actually.
It seems to me that a Pirates player is headed to the DL at least once a week. A lot of the replacements from the minors have worked out pretty good, but how long can this continue. Just wondering how many times the Bucs have used the DL this year and what the team record is (if there is such a thing)…..stay healthy guys!
JAL’s Time of the Season Morning Links
GENERAL DAILY UPDATED BASEBALL SITES
1- MLB Transactions
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions
2-MLB Trade Rumors-Pirates
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/pittsburgh_pirates/
3-Pirates Prospects
Draft Picks Signing Tracker
http://players.piratesprospects.com/2011-pittsburgh-pirates-draft-pick-signing-tracker
4—Pirates Prospects
Pittsburgh Pirates Prospect Watch 8/24/11
http://www.piratesprospects.com/2011/08/pittsburgh-pirates-prospect-watch-82411.html
Game 129 Recap: Bucs Toss Combined Shutout Against Brewers
http://www.piratesprospects.com/2011/08/game-129-recap-bucs-toss-combined-shutout-against-brewers.html
Figueroa’s Tribe Debut Spoiled By Clippers
http://www.piratesprospects.com/2011/08/figueroas-tribe-debut-spoiled-by-clippers.html
Developing Pitchers, Not Throwers
http://www.piratesprospects.com/2011/08/developing-pitchers-not-throwers.html
Josh Harrison Has a Chance to Prove He Belongs
http://www.piratesprospects.com/2011/08/josh-harrison-has-a-chance-to-prove-he-belongs.html
Irwin Dominates in Altoona’s 6-2 Win
http://www.piratesprospects.com/2011/08/irwin-dominates-in-altoonas-6-2-win.html
5—McEffect
Pedro Alvarez Update
http://www.mceffect.com/2011/08/pedro-alvarez-update.html
Aaron Thompson August 24 Pitch F/X
http://www.mceffect.com/2011/08/aaron-thompson-august-24-pitch-fx.html
6 Three Rivers Burgh Blog
Game 129 Recap – Pirates 2, Brewers 0
http://threeriversburghblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/game-129-recap-pirates-2-brewers-0.html
7 Rumbunter
Pirates Aaron Thompson Brings 10,000 Angels to His ML Debut
http://rumbunter.com/2011/08/24/pirates-aaron-thompson-brings-10000-angels-to-his-ml-debut/
8 Ohio Valley Athletics
Bucs Shutout Brew Crew In Thompson’s Debut
http://www.ovathletics.com/home/bucs-shutout-brew-crew-in-thompson’s-debut/6978
9 WHY GAVS
Game 129: Pirates 2 Brewers 0
http://whygavs.com/pittsburgh-pirates/august-2011/game-129-pirates-2-brewers-0.html
10 Bucs Dugout
Aaron Thompson Comes Up Big In Pirates’ Unexpected Shutout Win
http://www.bucsdugout.com/2011/8/24/2382232/aaron-thompson-comes-up-big-in-unexpected-shutout-win
11 Green Weenie
Buc Arms Prevail 2-0
http://oldbucs.blogspot.com/2011/08/buc-arms-prevail-2-0.html
12 Raise the Jolly Roger
That’s why they play the game
http://raisethejollyroger.com/2011/08/thats-why-they-play-the-game/
NEWSPAPERS and MAGAZINES
14 Altoona Mirror
Rookie helps Bucs best Brewers
http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/552984/Rookie-helps-Bucs-best-Brewers.html?nav=751
15 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wednesday game report: Brewers at Pirates
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/128362993.html
Brewers sluggish in loss to Pirates
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/128317618.html
16 Utah Daily Herald
Exchange Club (Vern Law)
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_05e88d34-ce6d-11e0-90d3-001cc4c03286.html
17 Centre Daily Times
Relievers hold own in loss to Jammers (Stetson Allie)
http://www.centredaily.com/2011/08/24/2887639/relievers-hold-own-in-loss-to.html
18 Beaver County Times
Grill’s fire: 34-year-old notches win in comeback
http://www.timesonline.com/sports/pirates/grill-s-fire-year-old-notches-win-in-comeback/article_af298c64-bcf5-5e3f-b71d-ef709a867aad.html
19 KMOX
Pirates-Cardinals Preview
http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2011/08/25/pirates-cardinals-preview/
20 Washington Post
Former Orioles pitcher Mike Flanagan reportedly found dead
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/former-orioles-pitcher-mike-flanagan-reportedly-found-dead/2011/08/24/gIQAjvjecJ_story.html
SPORTS WEBSITES
21—PBC Site
Pirates blank Brewers in Thompson’s debut
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_24_milmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=pit
Hague among potential September callups
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110824&content_id=23676238¬ebook_id=23676242&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit
Cardinals, Pirates try to end second-half slumps
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_25_pitmlb_slnmlb_1&mode=preview&vkey=preview_web_away&c_id=pit
22 CBS Sports
Cardinals-Pirates Preview
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/preview/MLB_20110825_PIT@STL/piratescardinals-preview
Steelers Blogs
1-Behind the Steel Curtain
Jack Butler Gets Overdue Call from Canton, Named One of Two Seniors Committee Nominations for 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/8/24/2382891/pittsburgh-steelers-hall-of-fame-jack-butler
For Troy Polamalu, Steelers’ Cash Flow Concerns Likely Culprit For Delay in Reaching New Contract
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/8/24/2381925/troy-polamalu-contract-lawrence-timmons-pittsburgh-steelers-salary-cap
2-Steeler Depot
Omar Kahn Strikes Again With New Timmons Contract
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/08/omar-khan-strikes-again-with-new-timmons-contract/
3-Steelers Gab
Steelers #4 in Power Rankings According to PFW
http://www.steelersgab.com/2011/08/23/steelers-4-in-power-rankings-according-to-pfw/
Pitt Blogs
Pitt Blather
Patterson to Expunge Knucklehead Moment
http://www.pittblather.com/2011/08/24/patterson-to-expunge-knucklehead-moment/
Cardiac Hill
Jon Baldwin Not To Blame In Thomas Jones Fight?
http://www.cardiachill.com/2011/8/24/2382639/jon-baldwin-thomas-jones-fight-kansas-city-chiefs-football-training-camp-pitt-football-pittsburgh
PENGUIN BLOGS
18—Pensburgh
Penguins Officially Comment on Sidney Crosby: He’s had headaches, but a full recovery eventually expected
http://www.pensburgh.com/2011/8/24/2382849/penguins-officially-comment-on-sidney-crosby-hes-had-headaches-but-a
Well, I don’t like dentists, a necessary evil. Hope you’re well on the road to recovery DK.
Don’t really care if the Pen’s were becoming frustrated or not. Ray Shero and Dan Bylsma were largely responsbile for the gross mismanagement of 87′s health. The fact that Sid needed privacy to seek other medical opinions is understandable. The “Pen’s Brass” should be ashamed of themselves for sharing dissatisfaction about Sid with the press, even if it was ‘off the record.’
The fact that your article blasted Crosby for failing to communicate to Shero’s satisfaction is what is indefensible. Crosby is a young, elete player who is suffering from a life altering injury. Going for 2nd and 3rd opinions on his health sounds desperate. The fact that Shero and Bylsma failed to safeguard the teams best asset is also what is indefensible.
Pen’s brass whining to the press about Sid, even off the record, is more alarming than any supposed lapse in communication by Sid. They do know his contract is up for renewal this year right?
Great win for the Pirates yesterday! Got to keep building confidence vs the Brewers. Reminds me of the 1980′s vs the Mets. NY dominated and then eventually the tables were turned.
The best concussion doctors in the world are at the UPMC Sports Ctr for Concussions..They developed the “Impact Test” for establishing a baseline for athletes….If he would have stayed in Pgh for the summer, he wouldnt have needed to go elsewhere because the best doctors for his condition are right here…
Maybe Sid should have sat out the TB game after the winter classic when he was injured with whiplash-like injuries and maybe hes not in this condition today..
Geoff, I heard the concussion doctors at UPMC Sports in Pittsburgh were very good. Who labeled them as “the best”? And does anyone know whether or not Sid saw these doctors?
I’m with you on maybe Sid sitting out the TB game. But hindsight is always clearer than foresight. However, I can understand if Sid feels resentment for the way things played out. The way he was handled and the fact that neither Steckel nor Hedman were suspended or fined if enough to make you not want to communicate.
I do hope to see him at camp and functioning well. The Pens need their captain.
Folks, Sid is going to be fine. Sid and the Pens are going to be fine. (Could you imagine the hysteria if, when Mario had Hodgkins disease, we had message boards, blogs, and other forums on which armchair oncologists could throw in their two cents every single hour of every single day?) Just chill and be confident that he’s doing whatever he can and seeing whatever doctors he needs to see to get a sound consensus (because that’s what it is), so he can get back on the ice to be the best (see: Gordie Howe). Yes, every patient is different, but as someone who has previously dealt with severe PCS and has also battled a life-threatening illness, I don’t think I’m being naive in seeing this situation as that simple.
DK: Funny, but I had the same thought about Mario when seeing him the other day. Just imagine.
Elle, well said. =)
I’m hoping all is well, or as well as can be expected. I really would like to know tho, who entitled Pittsburgh’s UPMC Sports as being the best in the country? And did Sid see the docs there? Just curious.
Anyone?
You better get used to it….the vibe the last few days was to indicate not to look for Crosby until January.