David Freese stuck the dagger in the 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates when blasted a second inning home run in Game Five of the National League Divisional Series. Now, he’s competing for a job with them. With Jung Ho Kang now likely to start the season on the disabled list, Freese went from unemployed to a near lock to being the Pirates’ opening day starter at third base. When Kang returns, likely in mid-April, Freese is slated to be the right-handed platoon partner with John Jaso at first ... Read More
Pirates have options with remaining bench spots
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ bench is different than previous seasons. In the past, the bench typically provided good defense, but little on offense. In 2014, for example, the bench had three of its members – Jayson Nix, Michael Martinez and Brent Morel – batting under .200 on it. Pinch hitters were usually easy outs, and instead just good defensive substitutions. Now, the script has been flipped. Three spots on the five-man bench are secured by Sean Rodriguez, Chris Stewart and whoever in ... Read More
Who are the top prospects to replace Heath Miller?
After 11 seasons, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller decided to hang up the cleats. However, Miller’s retirement left more than sadness in the hearts of Steelers fans: It left the Steelers without a starting tight end. Left on the roster is Matt Spaeth, who has caught six passes since returning to the team in 2013, and Jesse James, a 2015 fifth-round draft pick who only appeared in eight games as a rookie. The team may expand James’ role now that Miller is gone, but given the lack ... Read More
Steelers backup QB job is Jones’ to win
Landry Jones seemed to secure his role as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ backup quarterback. But he’s also shown signs he may not be the best option for that job. With veteran quarterbacks Bruce Gradkowski and Mike Vick set to hit free agency, the Steelers have a decision to make in the coming weeks on if Jones will be the next man up if starter Ben Roethlisberger goes down. If not, they may be forced to sign a free agent quarterback, or draft one for competition. After three underwhelming ... Read More
Steelers have bad, unlucky recent history of kick returners
There is one question asked about possible Pittsburgh Steelers draft picks almost every year: Can he be a quality kick returner?The Steelers have tried numerous avenues to enhance their kickoff return unit since Mike Tomlin was hired in 2007, and most of them have failed.Willie Reid, who was drafted by Bill Cowher, was a dud after excelling as a returner at Florida State. Former All-Pro Eddie Drummond couldn’t make the team after the 2008 pre-season. Using big backs like Najeh Davenport and Gary ... Read More
Pros and cons of Pirates extending Cervelli
On Wednesday, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Francisco Cervelli is open to an extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates.Cervelli, however, noted the club has not approached him about an extension.The projected contract numbers for the Pirates’ catcher is in the neighborhood of a three-year, $39 million deal, with his $13 million yearly salary slightly less than what former Pirates catcher Russell Martin signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.How Cervelli’s contract ... Read More
Sammie Coates development something to watch in 2016
Sammie Coates may be the most important receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016, after Antonio Brown.And Coates only caught one regular season pass in 2015.Coates has never been short on raw ability. He pairs his 6-foot-1, 212 pounds and 33 3/8 inch arm-stature with 4.43 second 40-yard dash time. In college, he used his size/speed ability to average 21 yards per reception, and showed the ability to create separation everywhere on the field.The ability is there for Coates to be a star ... Read More
Steelers could use another career game from Shazier
The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a big play late in the fourth quarter on Saturday. Down by one point, quarterback Landry Jones had just thrown an interception to the Cincinnati Bengals’ Vontaze Burfict at the Steelers’ 26-yard line, and the Bengals had a chance to run the clock out. Ryan Shazier delivered the play the Steelers needed. Lined up in a single-back formation, running back Jeremy Hill broke to his right, took the AJ McCarron handoff and ran between the right guard and tackle. ... Read More
Boswell, Walsh show how quickly a kicker’s career can change
Ask any Pittsburgh Steelers fan at the end of the Hall of Fame Game who they would rather have kicking a potential game-winning field goal in the playoffs: Blair Walsh or Chris Boswell? If they would’ve answer Boswell, they’re probably lying. But it is hard to blame anyone that would’ve rather had Walsh. When the Steelers met the Minnesota Vikings back on Aug. 9 in Canton, Ohio, Boswell wasn’t even wearing black and gold. The Vikings had the 2012 All-Pro Walsh swinging his leg for them, ... Read More
Steelers – Broncos key matchups
After a wild 18-16 Pittsburgh Steelers victory in the AFC Wild Card Round against the Cincinnati Bengals, the black and gold now turn their attention to Denver to face the Broncos. The two teams met in Week 15, and the Steelers overcame a 17-point deficit to beat the Broncos 34-27. Here are a few key points for next week’s divisional round. The Walking Wounded Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger admitted in his post-game press conference on Saturday that he told coach Mike Tomlin ... Read More