When the Pirates emerged as the winner of the Jung-ho Kang sweepstakes, one name instantly popped in the mind of Pirates' fans around the world: Jordy Mercer. It's fair, after all. Kang played shortstop, and the Pirates didn't bid $5 million for the rights to negotiate with him just to have him as depth, did they? Well, on the surface, it seemed that way. MLB network did, in case you missed it, name Mercer as the sixth best shortstop in baseball. Not that I agree with that, but it's not like ... Read More
Report: Former Steelers coordinator Dick LeBeau to join Tennessee Titans coaching staff
It looks like long-time Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is taking a similar path that former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians took after his departure. According to a report by Jim Wyatt, the Tennessee Titans beat writer for the Tennessean, LeBeau will join the Titans coaching staff as an assistant head coach, defensive coach with the Titans. Former #Steelers DC Dick LeBeau is expected to be named assistant head coach/defense with the #Titans, per sources. — Jim Wyatt ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates acquire Steve Lombardozzi from Baltimore Orioles
The Pirates announced on Tuesday that they have acquired infielder Steve Lombardozzi from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for cash considerations. It's the second move with the Orioles in as many weeks, as outfielder Travis Snider was shipped to Baltimore last week in exchange for pitcher Stephen Tarpley and a player to be named later. Lombardozzi has received an invite to the Pirates Major League spring training camp. Lombardozzi appeared in just 20 games for the Orioles last year, ... Read More
Pirates fully confident in Polanco after Snider deal
As sprint training neared, it looked as if the Pirates had their 13 position players cemented in stone. Starling Marte Andrew McCutchen Gregory Polanco Travis Snider Neil Walker Pedro Alvarez Josh Harrison Francisco Cervelli Jordy Mercer Jung-Ho Kang Corey Hart Chris Stewart Sean Rodriguez It was as simple as that. A spring training with very little questions. But, that changed on Tuesday night, as the Pirates traded Snider to the Orioles for 21-year-old ... Read More
2014 Pittsburgh Sporting News Athlete of the Year: Josh Harrison
What a year it’s been for Pittsburgh sports. For the first time since 1992, the Pirates, Penguins and Steelers were all in the playoffs during the same calendar year. The three teams could make cases for having the best overall player in their respective sports, and the future looks bright for all of them. At the college ranks, Pitt had another underwhelming season and underwent another coaching change, but James Conner and Tyler Boyd continued to become household names. Penn State had its ... Read More
Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell named AFC offensive player of the week
Who knew what the Steelers had when they drafted Le'Veon Bell out of Michigan State last year in the second round. Bell, a three-down, workhorse back, has carried the load for the Steelers' offense for much of the season. In Sunday's come-from-behind win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Bell once again carried the load for the Steelers, and the rest of the league took notice, as he was named the AFC offensive player of the week. Bell rushed for 185 yards on 26 carries during the game, and he ... Read More
Reports: Blue Jays to sign Russell Martin
According to multiple reports, Russell Martin has agreed to sign a five-year, $82 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports had the report first. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports confirmed the details of the deal. Follow Pittsburgh Sporting News for more details as they ... Read More
Panthers to wear ‘Pitt Script’ helmets for rest of season
Pitt script is back. If you've been on Twitter at all today, you've probably heard the news that Pitt will be using its "Pitt Script" design on its helmets tomorrow against Georgia Tech. However, it gets better. According to numerous reports, Pitt will use the old-school design for the rest of the season. First the Penguins, then the Steelers and now the Panthers. Maybe the Pirates will rock some more throwbacks next season? ... Read More
Fleury pays tribute to Barrasso with new equipment
By now, you've seen the Penguins new alternate jersey, as they have decided to bring back the old-school colors. On Tuesday morning, Dana Heinze, the Pens head equipment manager, released some photos of what goalie Marc-Andre Fleury will be wearing on the ice. Fleury in his own way is paying homage to legend Tom Barrasso. #29 The Yellow Pads are BACK! pic.twitter.com/f4zBTursbp — Dana Heinze (@RealDanaHeinze) October 7, 2014 Fleury's tribute to former Penguins goalie Tom ... Read More
Be consistent when judging athletes
Let me start out by saying this. My views on this are exactly that. They don’t in any way represent Pittsburgh Sporting News as a whole. That being said, if you support James Harrison’s return to the Steelers but were bashing Ray Rice a few weeks ago, you’re inconsistent, and you’re a hypocrite. It’s really as simple as that. How quick we forget what Harrison did to his girlfriend at the time, Beth Tibbot. Yes, the case was dropped and Harrison had to undergo anger management, but ... Read More