THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS
STEELERS
Our Steelers toppled one of the better teams in the NFL when they defeated the Arizona Cardinals and former OC Bruce Arians 25-13 on October 18. The Steelers won the game but they lost some key players in the process. LT Kelvin Beachum was lost for the year with a torn ACL, placing him on IR. The Steelers filled Beachum's roster spot with T Byron Stingily. QB Mike Vick also left the Arizona game after suffering a hamstring injury. He was replaced with QB Landry Jones who led the Steelers to victory.
In a weird bit of news, during last week's press conference Coach Mike Tomlin said that C Maurkice Pouncey did not have a 2nd surgery on his injured ankle. The coach also said that he expects Pouncey to return this season. Ok, maybe that parts not weird. What was strange was that it was announced later in the week that Pouncey did, indeed, have the surgery and his return this year is doubtful. Somone may want to let the coach in on this.
Congrats go to rookie K Chris Boswell for receiving the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award for his performance versus Arizona. In that game, Boz converted on all 4 of his field goal tries, kicking 47, 48, 51 and 28 yarders. Congrats, Boz!
The Steelers made another roster move before Sunday's game at KC. They promoted QB/WR Tyler Murphy from the practice squad and placed CB Cortez Allen on IR. That move was made to assure there was a backup QB available versus the Chiefs due to the injuries to Vick and Ben Roethlisberger. Landry Jones played the entire game, a 23-13 loss to KC.
In, nonsensical league news, both RB DeAngelo Williams and CB William Gay were fined by the NFL this week. Williams was fined for writing an anti-cancer message in his eye-black. Gay was given a fine for wearing purple cleats to raise awareness for domestic violence. Once again, commissioner Roger Goodell proves that he's a jagoff.
This Sunday the Steelers will try to get back in the win column while handing AFC North-leading Cincinnati their first loss of the season. Big Ben is expected back as the starting QB. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
PENGUINS
Mrs. Black-N-Gold has some catching up to do for our Pens. On October 17 the Pens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs, 2-1. The next game, they defeated the Panthers in OT, 3-2.
Rookie W Daniel Sprong missed some action with work visa problems. He returned to the ice last Thursday as did W Pascal Dupuis. Duper was medically cleared to play against the Dallas Stars. The Stars beat the Pens for the second time this season, 4-1. Congrats to Nick Bonino for his first goal as a Pittsburgh Penguin! The Pens struck the right chord in the Music City on Saturday night when they topped the Preds 2-1 in OT.
Some fans were dismayed to learn that W Bobby Farnham was claimed off waivers by the New Jersey Devils. A move was also made to bolster the coaching staff. Former D Sergei Gonchar was named Defensemen Development Coach. Sarge's job will be to help the Pens young defensemen, especially with the Baby Pens.
Last night was a marquee matchup between C Sidney Crosby and W Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. This game was showcased on NBC Sports Wednesday Night Rivalry. Sid wasn't much of a factor. He was kept off the score sheet, again. But G Marc-Andre Fleury held Washington in check for most of the contest. W Beau Bennett returned to action from an injury. The Pens came out on top, 3-1.
The Pens return to their home ice tonight to battle the Buffalo Sabres and former coach Dan Bylsma. Let's Go Pens!!!
PIRATES
Our Pirates may not be playing on the field but there was alot of action off the field in the past week. Indy C Elias Diaz was named Best Minor League Defensive Catcher of the year by Baseball America. Congrats to Elias!
Some roster moves were made by the Pirates. They placed RH Vance Worley on waivers and he was scooped up by the Orioles. RH Wilfredo Boscan and OF Gorkys Hernandez both declared free agency. Also declaring for free agency were OF/1B Travis Ishikawa and OF Travis Snider. RH Deolis Guerra was outrighted to Triple A Indy.
The Pirates lost a key member of their coaching staff. The Marlins hired away special assistant and pitching guru Jim Benedict as their VP of Pitching. Mrs. Black-N-Gold hates to see him go but wishes him all the best.
The Bucs claimed RH Jorge Rondon off waivers from Baltimore. Basically, the Buccos swapped righthanders with the Baltimorons.
Congrats to RH Mark Melancon! The Shark was named the NL's Reliever of the Year. Way to go, Mark!
One last move, the Pirates signed an extension with Triple A Indy. The Indians will be the Pirates affiliate for 4 more years. Here's hoping they can help the Pirates reach a championship in the not too distant future. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!
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