THE BULLPEN

Play ball! Those words will ring out at PNC Park tomorrow as your Pittsburgh Pirates begin their 2013 campaign and look to end 20 years of futility. Will the Pirates, finally, get over the hump and finish with a winning mark? As always, hope springs eternal. The Buccos teased fans into believing the last 2 seasons, only to have them come crashing back to earth and below mediocrity in the final months. Do the Bucs have what it takes this year? Only time will tell. True, the 162-game season is a marathon, not a spring. It's also important to finish strong, something the Pirates haven't done the last 2 seasons. but it's good to start strong, too. You can never have too big of a lead, be it in a game or in the NL Central division.With a new season of Pirates baseball upon us, there are more questions than answers to start the season. Let's break it down by position.

Pitching-Right now, the Pirates starting rotation is RH AJ Burnett (tomorrow's opening day starter), LH Wandy Rodriguez, RH James McDonald, LH Jonathan Sanchez, LH Jeff Locke. We'll have AJ and Wandy to start the season this year. That should help pick up the rotation and give us some extra victories. The Pirates need JMac to find his first-half stuff of last season, not the woeful second-half. Sanchez and Locke didn't really lock down their spots, they got them due to lack of competition. If the rotation can hold down the fort until reinforcements arrive, Karstens, Liriano, Morten and Cole, they could keep things interesting in the NL Central. People are wondering how much relief the bullpen can provide. Jason Grilli looks like his has the stuff mentally and pitching-wise to be the closer. Will their be many save opportunities for him? Who will hold down the save until they get to Grilled Cheese? The Pirates are hoping guys like Tony Watson, Jared Wilson and Justin Hughes can help shut the door.

1B-Garrett Jones/Gaby Sanchez. It always confounded me how a frugal team such as the Pirates could possibly pay 2 players to play 1 position. But, here they do it again. Jones has proven he can be 1 of 5 players that can hit over 20 homers for this team. He also started to hit lefties when finally given the opportunity. In a perfect world, Sanchez would finally see the light and take over fulltime at first while Jones would become the everday RF. I said, "in a perfect world".

2B-Neil Walker is another player that can knock out at least 20, provided his back problems are behind him (pun intended). Would love to see Walker earn the respect from ownership that he deserves and get a long-term deal. If healthy, watch out!

SS-Clint Barmes is the de facto shortstop. In this case, "de facto" is Latin "who else ya got?" He did start to turn it around in the second half last year. Let's hope that trend continues because, really, "who else ya got?".

3B-Pedro Alvarez can be penciled in for at least 20 homers, too. Hopefully, at some point, they can start writing his name in ink in the cleanup spot.

LF-Starling Marte will be the leadoff hitter as they really have no one else to lead off, see a trend developing? Hopefully, he can step up to the plate and deliver like he did in winter ball and spring training. It's time to see why he was so highly touted.

CF-Andrew McCutchen will be 2013 NL MVP. 'Nuff said.

RF-Another platoon. This time it's Travis Snider and Jose Tabata. I'd like to see one of them take charge and take over the right field spot on a regular basis.

C-Russell Martin was the big free agent-pick up of the offseason. Another guy that can hit 20 or more homers. And he has the potential to thow out base stealers. Love his backup, Michael McKenry, too.

The bench is a huge question mark.  Brandon Inge is starting the season on the DL and hasn't really shown anything the past few years. Because Inge is hurt, Josh Harrison made the team. Please don't put him in the outfield this year, EVER. They traded for light-highting IF John McDonald. The front office's arguement was that he could spell Pedro in the late innings for defense. What are they going to do if they need a big hit in the late innings? I don't see anyone coming off of the bench that can do that.

I read today that manager Clint Hurdle was quoted as saying they can win 95 games. I think he's looking at the season through black-n-gold colored glasses. I think they can break the streak but not with 95 wins. I think 87-75 is feasible. It's only 9 more wins than last season. The trick is not to faulter like the last 2 years. Follow the formula of 2 out of 3 all season long, and a winning record can be yours. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

SLAP SHOTS

The calendar may read Easter but Christmas came early this year for the Pens. It came in the form of 3 egg-ceptional trades courtesy of GM Shero Claus. Coach Disco now has an embarrassment of riches with the additions of wingers Jarome Iginla and Brenden Morrow and defenseman Douglas Murray. And he didn't have even have to sacrifice anyone from the big-league roster to make these moves. It's an indication that Shero and owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle are all in as far as raising another Stanley Cup in the Steel City. The Pens were already hitting on all cylinders as they went undefeated for the month of March. Now it's up to Coach Disco and his assistants to make sure that the team doesn't have any hiccups and is able to integrate his new charges without missing a beat. Injuries to D Kris Letang and Paul Martin as well as yesterday's injury that knocked out captain Sidney Crosby continue to challenge the club in ways that their opponents have not. The key is to keep your eyes on the prize. No team has ever won the Stanley Cup in April. It will be a difficult balance to keep the team sharp and on their game, yet also keep them rested and refreshed. Considering that none of the new acquisitions have ever won a Cup, I'm sure they have a fire burning inside them that will spark any letdowns. Keep your heads up. Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

Call Arnold Slick from Turtle Creek 'cause it's a hockey day in Pittsburgh! Your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against the New York Isles of Misfit Toys today at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to today's game. 1)The Pens came into the month of March like a lion and they'll try to close it out with a roar as they go for their 15th consecutive victory and a team record 12th in a row at home. They're undefeated for March Madness. March all over the Isles! 2)With the 4-0 win over the Jets, goalie Tomas Vokoun recorded his 50th career shutout. He is the 26th goalie in NHL history to reach that total and he's expected in goal today. Vokoun is 5-0-0 with a 1.67 GAA in his last 7 games, 5 of them starts. 2 of those victories have come against the Isles. Shut 'em down, Vokoun! 3)Chris Kunitz leads the Pens with 20 goals. Sidney Crosby leads the league with 56 points and 41 assists. Keep those Goals, Goals, Goals coming! And as we get egg-cited about our Penguins, I'd like to wish everyone a Hoppy Easter and hope it's all it's cracked up to be. Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTs

Get in the fast lane, grandma. The bingo game is ready to roll! It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh. Your Pittsburgh Penguins welcome Jarome Iginla along with Doug Murray and Brenden Morrow to help
 ground the Winnipeg Jets tonight at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)He won't be in goal tonight but did you know that Pens goalie Marc-Andre Fleury leads the NHL with 18 wins? Get well soon, Flower. Meanwhile, we've got Tomas Vokoun to hold down the fort. Take the air out of these Jets, Vokoun! 2)The Pens March Madness marches on. They shoot for a 14th consecutive victory tonight, the 2nd longest in team history. The longest winning streak in Pens' history? When they won 17 straight in 1992-1993. Gee, didn't they win a Stanley Cup that year? History in the making, baby! 3)The Pens D has held opponents to 9 goals in their last 9 games. Gimme a "D". Gimme a "Fense".  You don't have to be a genius to know that spells "Defense". You take a tight, controlling D and add lots of Goals, Goals, Goals, and that adds up to another Pens victory tonight. Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

Look out, Loretta, it's a hockey night in Pittsburgh! Your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against the Royal Canadiens of Montreal tonight at Consol Energy Center. As March Madness continues for the Pens, these are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pens are 14-2 in their last 16 1-goal games. They are going for a baker's dozen tonight as they seek their 13th consecutive victory. They're riding the second longest winning streak in team history. This is all great news and I don't want to be a downer. However, the last 3 years the Pens have put together big winning streaks late in the season. And each of those seasons, and this one, too, Flower has been clutch. All I'm asking is that you, please, keep something in the tank for the playoff run. I love stacking up wins as much as the next fan, but love Lord Stanley's cup even more. Should I start growing my playoff beard now? 2)The Pens are perched atop the Eastern Conference at 25-8. How's the view from up there, guys? 3) Fleury has won 10 consecutive games on home ice. Again, the Flower is blooming! And please, always remember and don't ever forget, you gotta cue the Crue, too. Goals, Goals, Goals, baby! Let's Go Pens!!! 

SLAP SHOTS

Holy chesse and crackers, it's a hockey night in Pittsburgh! Your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against their cross state rivals, the Philthedelphia Cryers, tonight at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)March Madness marches on for the Pens as they go for their twelfth victory in a row. Good things come in an even dozen, donuts, eggs. 12 consecutive wins would be the longest winning streak in the NHL this season. Go out and beat 'em like a rented mule! 2)During their winning-streak, the Pens have come from behind to win 8 of those 11 games. The Pens like the underdog role. However, I'd feel a little safer if they'd just put up lots of Goals, Goals, Goals! 3)The Pens have the opportunity to hand the Cryers an NHL-worst 13th road loss in regulation. There's nothing I love more than to kick 'em while their down! Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

It's a great day for hockey! Your Pittsburgh Penguins take their March Madness show on the road to Long Island tonight as they faceoff versus the Isles of Misfit Toys. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pens are the first team ever in the NHL to have 3 straight seasons with at least a 10- game winning streak. The 10 consecutive wins is their 4th longest in franchise history. #11 would be heaven! 2)The Pens' opponents have scored just 6 goals in their last 6 games. Gimme a "D". Gimme a "Fense". What's that spell? Defense, baby! 3)Captain Sidney Crosby has 19 points during the 10-game winning streak. Keep that MVP trophy in the 'Burgh! Put the biscuit in the basket and let's see some Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

Great balls of fire, it's a hockey night in Pittsburgh! Your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against the Washington Crapitals tonight at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to tonight's game 1)The Pens have 9 wins in a row, 7 consecutive wins at home. Tonight they go for their 5th longest winning streak in franchise history. It would also be the 5th time in franchise history that they would have 10 or more victories in a row. Do I hear 10? 2)The Crapitals have lost 4 of their last 6. Kick 'em while they're down! 3)The Pens' D has locked down opponents, of late, giving up only 5 goals in their last 5 games. Gimme a "D". Gimme a "Fense". What's that spell? Defense! We need plenty of D tonight and lots of Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

Hockey weekend in Pittsburgh continues! Your McPittsburgh Penguins look to get their Irish on again today versus the Bruins of O'Boston at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to today's game. 1)The Pens have outscored opponents during the 3rd period 11-1 in their last 4 games and 8-0 in the last 2. What's that tell you? Better stay till the final whistle! 2)McDuper has 7 goals in his last 6 games. It's the luck o' the Irish, for sure! 3)Tuesday, the Pens scored 3 unanswered goals against Boston. When they think they have the questions, the Pens change the answers! The Pens have won 8 games in a row. 9 would be fine as March madness marches on. Let's see those Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

It's a hockey weekend in Pittsburgh as your Pittsburgh Penguins look to get their Irish on against the NY Strangers this afternoon at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to today's game. 1)The Pens were a glowing 3 for 3 on the penalty kill versus the Leafs on Thursday. If you can't stay out of the box, at least keep them off the board! 2)The month of March has been good to the Pens. They are undefeated, winning 7 straight. #8 would be great! 3)The Pens average 3.6 goals per game, best in the league. They are averaging 4.6 for the month of March, going 7-0-0. Love those Goals, Goals, Goals, baby! The Pens have come back late in the 3rd period in their last 2 contests, winning both games. While I do love the excitement they're creating on the ice, my heart can't handle it. How about we win some games the good, old-fashioned way? Score early, score often, score BIG! Let's Go Pens!!!

50-YARD LINE

Where are the Pittsburgh Steelers going? Are they going to the playoffs, and even another Super Bowl, or are they going straight to the bottom of the AFC North, sinking faster than our hearts did when they missed the playoffs last year? One thing is for sure, you won’t be able to tell the players next year without a program. It’s been another mass exodus this year, via cuts and free agency. The Steelers waved goodbye to James Harrison and Willie Colon and watched as Mike Wallace and Rashard Mendenhall took their games elsewhere. With Keenan Lewis still on the market and Ryan Mundy visiting the Giants, more changes are in store. True, the Steelers retained some veteran presence, re-signing Larry Foote, Plaxico Burress, Jonathan Dwyer, and Greg Warren. They also had some players step up and re-structure their deals to help with the cap. Thanks go out to Roethlisberger, Timmons, and Woodley. The only significant free agent signing, thus far, is backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. This is typical of the Steelers as they don’t go after big ticket players in free agency. They prefer to build through the draft. There are way more questions than answers with this team, especially with the lack of depth across the board. That’s why this upcoming draft is so important. The Steelers’ braintrust needs to put on their thinking caps and pull some playermakers out of their hats. Only time, and the draft, will tell who is ready to step up and become the next great Steeler. Go Steelers!!!!!!

SLAP SHOTS

Scratch my back with a hacksaw, it's a great day for hockey! Your Pittsburgh Penguins travel to Toronto to blow the Leafs away tonight. These are your keys to the game. 1)The Pens have won 6 in a row. They have a 9 point lead in the Atlantic Division and are tied with Montreal for the Eastern Conference lead with 38 points. Do I hear 7 wins in a row? 2)The Pens have allowed 22 power play goals in 27 games. To quote Jimi Hendrix, "That ain't too cool". The way I see it, we have 2 options 1)Tighten up and lock 'em down and/or 2)Stay outta the box! 3)The Pens have won by 1 goal in 4 of their last 6 games. That's why it's always so important to score lots of Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh! Your Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Boston Bruins tonight at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pens are looking for their 6th win in a row and 4th in a row over Boston. Here's hoping we hear the phrase "He shoots and scores!" alot tonight from Steigy on tv and from Mike Lange on the radio. Score early, score often, score BIG! 2)Boston has recorded at least 1 point in 11 of 12 games on the road this season. Let's not be so friendly to them in our house. Shut 'em down! 3)Marc-Andre Fleury is expected to get the start in goal tonight. Flower is 6-2-0 with a 1.75 GAA in his last 8 starts versus Boston. Let the Flower blossom! I'm in a Crue mood today. Let's see some Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh! Your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against the New York Isles of Misfit Toys tonight at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pens have won 4 games in a row and 5 of 7. Let's keep the drive alive with number 5! 2)The Isles' big gun, John Tavares, has 16 goals and 29 points on the season. The Isles are 10-4-1 when Tavares gets a point and are 1-7-2 when he doesn't. Shut him down! 3)Speaking of big guns, Sid continues to lead the league in scoring with 40 points. He has recorded 15 points in his last 7 games. Put the biscuit in the basket, Sid! Love those Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

Great balls of fire! It's a great day for hockey.Your Pittsburgh Penguins on in Toronto tonight to faceoff against the Maple Leafs. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pens are burning up the NHL as they look for their 4th win in a row. Towering inferno! 2)Chris Kuntiz has been like a house on fire with 7 goals and 3 assists in his last 5 games. He scored the go-ahed goal in the 5-4 win over Philly, notching 2 goals and an assist. Don't touch him. Kunitz is red-hot! 3)The Pens are scorching hot, too. They've scored 16 goals during their 3 game winning streak. Let's keep those Goals, Goals, Goals coming and burn up the Leafs tonight! Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

It's a great day for hockey! Your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against their intrastate rivals, rhe Philthedelphia Cryers. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1) Do not get sucked into playing Philly's game. It seems when the Pens do get sucked into playing Philly's game, they suck. Stick to the game plan. Remain calm, all is well. It's Philly, for crying out loud! 2) Sid continues to lead the league with 36 points. He has 4 goals and 7 assists in his last 5 games. It's Philly, for crying out loud. Get the puck to Sid so he can light the lamp! 3) Geno is back? The reining MVP had a goal and an assist in his return versus Tampa Bay. He has career highs in goals, 21, and assists, 34, in 38 regular season games against Philly. It's Philly, for crying loud. Get the puck to Geno so he can put the biscuit in the basket! Break out the Motley Crue and let's see some Goals, Goals , Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

Great balls of fire, it's a hockey night in Pittsburgh. Your Pittsburgh Penguins look to make it lights out against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1) The Pens are 11-5 when they get on the board first. What's that tell us? Score early, score often, score BIG! 2) Tampa Bay has lost 4 straight and 5 of their last 6. The Lightning have gone 3-10-1 since starting the season 6-1. Kick 'em while they're down! 3) The Pens have beaten Tampa Bay in 4 straight, outscoring them 23-9. Goals, Goals, Goals, baby! Let's Go Pens!!!

SLAP SHOTS

It's a great day for hockey as your Pittsburgh Penguins try to avoid a 3-game losing streak when they faceoff against former coach Michel Therrien and his Royal Canadians. These are your, short and sweat, keys to the game. It seems the Pens are overthinking things. We need to keep it simple so here goes. 1)Score more goals than the other team. Put it on the puckin' net! 2)Don't let the other team score goals. The puck stops here! 3)Did I see we need to score more goals? Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!