]As the sun sets on 2012, many people look back on the year that was and develop new ways to better themselves. It’s an honorable exercise. It takes a tremendous amount of self-awareness to objectively analyze things you wish to be doing differently. For the big three Pittsburgh sports teams, 2012 was a year mired in disappointment and heartache.
The Steelers finished with a whimper, losing five of their last seven games to finish at 8-8, on the outside of the playoffs looking in. The Pirates suffered arguably the biggest collapse in baseball history a year after vowing never to do so again. The Penguins were booted from the playoffs by the hated Philadelphia Flyers in a series that looked less like hockey and more like a WWE match.
Yes, 2012 was awful. But a new year brings new promise, and each team can take steps to better themselves for 2013.
The Steelers- Get Younger
Sometimes the truth sucks. And the truth is the Steelers are old, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Pittsburgh has SEVEN defensive starters over the age of 30 (Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor, James Harrison, Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton and Larry Foote). Every single one of those names is hard to get rid of. They’ve meant so much to this team for so long, but all seven are on the downside of their careers (with the possible exception of Ike Taylor). This team has some difficult choices to make in the offseason, but one thing is apparent: they need to get younger. There are several players waiting in the wings for their shot. Jason Worilds looked solid during his time in the lineup. Cameron Heyward showed signs of life at the end of the season.
For the first time in a while, the Steelers will be in decent position on draft day (17th pick). Get yourself a building block on defense, and let’s start to usher in the new era of the Steel Curtain.
The Pirates- Get Consistent
If you’re a true Pirates fan and didn’t have to check yourself into a psyche ward last August and September, then congratulations. For the rest of us, maddening doesn’t begin to describe 2012. But if you put the end of the season aside, the Pirates did make some significant strides last season. Andrew McCutchen is the first big-time Pirates prospect to pan out in the last billion years. Neil Walker continues to exceed everyone’s expectations. There’s a heartbeat in this team. All that needs to happen is a “one game at a time” mentality.
The Buccos have already taken steps in this direction. They’ve recently signed catcher Russell Martin and starting pitcher Francisco Liriano. Martin should be a significant upgrade from Rod Barajas and Michael McKenry, and if Liriano can return to his 2006/2010 form, people will talk for ages about what a deal he was. They’ve even bolstered their outfield by acquiring Jerry Sands in the Joel Hanrahan deal with Boston. They have the ability to put it all together, they simply need to man the sails when the ship hits rough water.
The Penguins- Get on the Ice
Man, this is a scary team. Even after the Jordan Staal trade, the Penguins lineup is so good that it’s almost comical. Unfortunately, this is a new years’ resolution that the Penguins can only hope to be a part of, as there are far greater forces at hand. The league is quickly moving in on a judgment day, and the risk of no season at all is very real. Penguins ownership and players (namely Sidney Crosby and Craig Adams, the two most vocal Penguins) need to band together even tighter and develop the framework of a deal. If they wait too long to fulfill this resolution, we’ll all suffer the consequences. Get on it, boys.
To Pittsburgh sports fans out there from all of us at The Yinzer, we wish you a year full of happiness and cheer. Here’s to 2013 and all of the hope and love it brings with it.
Photo Credits: Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
