Archive for November, 2009

The Roberto Clemente Museum left me speechless for a few days. A post will be up as soon as I can quit drooling over all the photos we took. In the meantime, please add a caption to this incredible picture. Winner gets an Under Armour shirt delivered free to their house. I can’t confirm that Manny will deliver it. But what the hell, it’s free.  Write your caption in the comments, contest ends December 1.

Veterans Day is one of my favorite days of the entire year.  I loved being a US soldier.  It was a pretty simple job.  Today, my job isn’t so simple.  But, hell, whose job is? A few of you have asked about my time in the military.  I always say this, if you or someone you know is considering joining the military, do it.  You will never, ever, regret it.  I was stationed at Ford Ord in Monterey, California, home of the 7th Infantry Division (Light).  The Light Fighter.  During my time it was directly involved in some critical deployments.   In 1989 the 7th IDL was [...]

Kyle Orton was not popular on the football field in Chicago. However, off the field, he and his neck beard were loved by the ladies. Almost as much as he loved Jack Daniels. Just watch… There isn’t a receiver that hits harder than Hines. Period. A full compliation of Steeler hits will get you fired up thanks to Ben DaFranchise Entertainment. Preview, like you need more of these, but you know what we only have one Monday nighter this year, so here it goes anyway….

RANDOM EX HR KING: For a moment we thought Sammy Sosa was making a guest appearance on True Blood or the second coming of Michael Jackson, that is not the case says a former Cubs employee [Chicago Trib] AFL BASEBALL:  Danny Moskos neck was snapped on several occassions as he watched  laser after laser fly off the bats of the opposition last night in the AFL Rising Stars Game.  We seriously thought he might have whiplash.  Be sure to watch the rebroadcast on MLB.  He was drilled for three

The 2008 Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum will pay $250 for possessing a pot pipe an AP report said today. The agreement must still be approved by Judge Darvin Zimmerman. Grant Hansen, the deputy prosecutor on the Lincecum case, said his office is willing to dismiss a misdemeanor charge of possessing 3.3 grams of marijuana. “We negotiated the case in the manner we do with just about every first-time marijuana-drug paraphernalia case where the individual is cooperative with the officer,” Hansen told The Columbian. “We dismissed possession of marijuana and amended the other charge to buying or selling drug paraphernalia, a [...]

 Pittsburgh struggles with the idea that Jack Wilson is gone. Some fans still think the world of the Mariners shortstop.  He certainly did a great deal for so many people off the field in Pittsburgh that the line is blurred between player and citizen.  Many Pirate fans are actually excited about the thought of getting back together with Jack.   Ugh, that’s a bad idea. Bringing Jack back would be like getting back together with your ex.  Think about it.  Sure at first thought hooking up again sounds like a perfect plan.  It was so exciting when you were together wasn’t it? We remember all of [...]

Pirates LHP Donnie Veal threw four more innings for another victory today for Scottsdale.  Veal gave up three hits, struck out five batters. He lowered his ERA to 0.54 Do you believe yet?

Akinori Iwamura was a trade that was an absolute necessity for the Pirates in 2010.  Take a look around Pirate fans.  Second base was awful last year. Andy LaRoche was asked about moving to second base.  What would that prove if he doesn’t hit?   He needs to prove that his offseason strength and conditioning will improve.  He needs to prove his hitting will continue.  Most feel it can.  There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that says Pedro Alvarez is going to step on the field at PNC Park and become Andrew McCutchen.  Look closely at his numbers, it’s too soon. Thus, in 2010, [...]

Jose Tabata has been named to the East Division Rising Star Showcase.  The roster is available here.  The game will be played this Saturday and televised on MLB Network. For some reason two other Pirates, Danny Moskos and Chase d’Arnaud are also on the roster despite lackluster seasons thus far.

Akinori Iwamura is bound for Pittsburgh.  Insiders are all over this scoop that would send the 31 year old major league secondbaseman to Pittsburgh.  Does it make sense?  It appears people are just waiting for the sun to come up and he will be a Bucco? Just as soon as the Yanks dispatch the Phillies, the controller on the  hot stove will be turned on.  UPGRADING.  NICE. ESPN says the Pirates traded Jesse Chavez to the Rays.