Post-Gazette beat writers Dejan Kovacevic and Chuck Finder blog about the Pittsburgh Baseball Club.
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Asylum Morning Links
INMATE ASYLUM:
- The Gathering Part II:
www.youtube.com/watch
PBC NEWS & NOTES (TODAY’S TOP PBC STORIES):
- PBC Homepage:
pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/index.jsp
- PBC Charities:
pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/.../charities.jsp
- PBC Fills Last Staff Spot With Hill:
pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/.../article.jsp
- PBC Staff:
pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/.../coaches.jsp
- Duffy Gone, Meek On:
- Make a Deposit Towards Season Tickets And Get Additional Discounts:
pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/.../season_info.jsp
POST GAZETTE: PBC/MLB COVERAGE:
www.post-gazette.com/pirates
- Sports Commentary by Bob Smizik:
www.post-gazette.com/.../926621-194.stm
- Padres Exercise 9M Option For Giles:
www.post-gazette.com/.../926473-63.stm
MLB NEWS & NOTES (TODAY’S TOP MLB STORIES):
- Cuban Still Interested In Cubs:
hosted.ap.org/.../BBN_CUBS_CUBAN
- Brew Crew Hire Ex NYM Skipper Randolph As Bench Coach:
hosted.ap.org/.../BBN_BREWERS_RANDOLPH
- Ray’s Pena Grabs 1st GG:
hosted.ap.org/.../BBA_AL_GOLD_GLOVES
- SDP Exercises 9M Option For Giles:
hosted.ap.org/.../BBN_PADRES_GILES
- Rangers Exercise 6.2M Option For Hank Blalock:
hosted.ap.org/.../BBA_RANGERS_BLALOCK
- MLB Notebook: Dodgers Make Pitch To Keep Manny: www.post-gazette.com/.../925864-63.stm
- Hot Stove Report: mlb.mlb.com/.../index.jsp
- Free Agent Frenzy: Play The Game: mlb.mlb.com/.../index.jsp
GAMEDAY (REPORT’S ON THE DAY’S GAMES - PBC AND THEIR AFFILIATES):
- Arizona Scoreboard: Scottsdale Loses 16 – 15:
www.mlb.com/.../stats.jsp
- Game Story: Scottsdale Loses 16 - 15:
mlb.mlb.com/.../article.jsp
- Hawaii Scoreboard: West Oahu Wins 13 -3:
mlb.mlb.com/.../winterleagues
- Game Story:
-Caribbean Scoreboard: Mazatlan Loses 7 - 4:
- Caribbean Leagues Roundup:
PBC BLOGS:
- Bucs Dugout: Perry Hill 1B Coach, CD Gone:
http://www.bucsdugout.com/
- WHYAVS: Minor League FA’s:
http://www.whygavs.com/
- Wilbur Millers PBC Player Profiles: Updated Profiles By Position:
users.rcn.com/.../pirateprofiles.htm
- Pittsburgh Lumber Co.: Bloom Dominates:
http://mvn.com/mlb/pirates/
- Sandlot Swashbucklers: Scorpions Run Out of Power:
mvn.com/sandlotswashbucklers
- Raise the Jolly Roger: News And Notes:
www.raisethejollyroger.com
- Mondesi’s House: Sports And Entertainment W/ Burgh Twist:
www.mondesishouse.blogspot.com
- Hyzdu Headquarters: Nate’s GG:
http://hyzduhq.blogspot.com/
- Honest Wagner: Blogging The PBC Since 1904:
www.honestwagner.blogspot.com
- The Burgh Blues: Lowe Ball:
theburghblues.mlblogs.com
- The Green Weenie: They’re Walkin:
www.oldbucs.blogspot.com
-MLB Blogs: Hot Stove And Other MLB Blogs:
pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/blogs
MLB WEBSITES:
- Baseball America: www.baseballamerica.com/today
- ESPN: sports.espn.go.com/.../index
- Fox Sports: http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb
- MLB: http://mlb.com
- MLB trade rumors: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
- Sports Illustrated: sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.../mlb
- Sporting News: www.sportingnews.com/mlb
- USA Today: www.usatoday.com/.../default.htm
REFERENCE:
- Ballparks.Com: www.ballparks.com/.../index.htm
- Baseball Cube: www.thebaseballcube.com/search.asp
- Baseball Reference: www.baseball-reference.com/.../PIT
- Biz of Baseball: www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php
- Cot’s Contract’s: mlbcontracts.blogspot.com
- MLB Attendance Report: sports.espn.go.com/.../attendance
- MLB 07-11 Labor Agreement: mlbplayers.mlb.com/.../cba_english.pdf
- PBC Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/.../Pittsburgh_Pirates
- Transactions Primer: espn.go.com/.../46397.html
PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR A GATHERING UPDATE LATER TODAY.
Don't forget the PBC on Wikipedia PT. I have written most of the article last year: pt.wikipedia.org/.../Pittsburgh_Pirates
<yesterdays bsaball or sports movies> How could you forget ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD about our very own Bucco's
Hey, that's awesome, AG. I hope people keep their fingers out of it and leave your good work as it is. I made a Wikipedia entry for a town I had lived in, just to have my work altered a little here, a little there, and before I knew it, everybody had added their own two cents so much, my original article was essentially gone.
Hi, JJ. I actually ask you a question about that over on the "Other Stuff", thread. But Baywatch already answered it.
Morning Links Part 2
Cliff Lee
mvn.com/.../mvn-awards-al-cy-young---cliff-lee.html
High Priced Signings Not in Bucs Plan
www.pittsburghlive.com/.../s_597540.html
Baseball League's Aim is Game Accessible to All
www.heraldtribune.com/.../NEWSSITEMAP
Americans Lock Up Hobbs Title
www.floridatoday.com/.../SPORTS
OK PBC Aslyum,
Today's assignment should you choose to accept it......
Think about if you were a major league player and you get to choose your introduction music when you come up to bat.....
What would it be?
Post your personal at bat introduction music from youtube or whereever.
Choose what you think best suits your personality. - It should be interesting to see what people choose.
I'll start......this would be mine.
Billy,
I was thinking this one might be good for you?
Just kidding Billy.
You were due a zinger from your reports of me in Nuttings office.
;-)
NH - This will be fun. Diehard and I have had this discussion many times. Haven't decided on one quite yet, but let me think...
(does anyone smell smoke...)
Convert,
Unfortunately, I think this will be Andy LaRoche's intro music next summer....
This would be a good fit for POH...
This would be perfect for Baywatch...
Based on his signin on "OS", I thought this might be close for Bay:
NuttingHostage - you're in here all by yourself, practically - and spouting YouTube no less!
Srsly - the BananaRama nearly had me spit my coffee, and it's the first I've had. It's been a very very odd morning.
LOL - that wouldn't have been the song I'd pick for me unless Ohlendorf was on the mound, Doumit behind the dish, Pujols at first, Freddy at second, Jack at short, Evan Longoria at third and a Moss, McCutch McLouth outfield - THAT would be my Happy Day. (oh yeah, and Andy VanSlyke was the Bucs first base coach.)
I am technologically inept. I cannot seem to paste a youtube link for my real song.
@NH--<You were due a zinger >
It was only a matter of time.. :)
@Bk
You wants Zingers, we got Zingers
http://www.dollymadison.com/
Good morning Asylum
@Nostage <<Think about if you were a major league player and you get to choose your introduction music when you come up to bat.....
That's easy. I would have one of the best of all times.
The theme song from "The Good, the Bad, and the....." you know.
Good morning uglyken
I said this before I have no clue what i would do if i had real enemies...
@JAL--nice
JAL - think of the fat chicks on the forum when you post food like that, please. It really makes my yogurt seem even more unsatisfying.
Now that I said itm lets take a listen
Ugly---Whazzzzz UP!
Ken,
That's a great pick.....
Folks, the theme songs have been hilarious. Thank you. I can't wait to check back later and see what's been added. If anyone can tell me how to post a youtube link, I'd love to hear it.
Otherwise there is cleaning to do and it's not getting done with me sitting here with a cup of coffee listening to theme songs. If I have any hope of being done with my cleaning and then getting into the office and back before the game, I better skidaddle. ttly.
Now my question is.......do we have a player that is good enough to have that be their song?
Maybe PA when he gets up here...........I hope.
All,
I dedicate this one to FC and NH as they approach free agency......
I dedicate this one to Bob Nutting.....
For FC and NH's sake, this song better be fitting for PA or they will be on the unemployment line soon....
POH
So sorry--but having met you I do not consider you a fat chick
Here is mine. Maybe running in from the pen instead of at bat
Hostage,
I thought that that song was still reserved for the one that "could walk on water".......
Chad Hermansen
That's the thing about prospects......they haven't done anything yet, that's why they're just prospects.
If I were a closer, I'd want want of these two as my intro....
or
@NH--Renegade for me..
Now Mr. NH...Do you not think it entirely plausible that Mr. Nutting could also pen that song back in your direction after reading just how much love you have had for him here in the asylum...
I am just saying....
:)
I hope all of you are happy. It took me more than three hours, this morning, to read the leftover posts from Friday and all of the Saturday stuff. Do any of us have real lives and/or families? I found it interesting that more than 125 of the Friday baseball thread posts were jokes about no arms and legs. (Forget about the naked guy's fax.) And more than 50 on Saturday were about the mystery poster, Bucco Convert. I think we need more separate threads so that folks interested in baseball talk can actually find some.
Here's a belated welcome to the blog to BC. I was amused that someone or two thought it might be Mrs. G-Man. For the record, there is only an ex-Mrs. G-Man. I learned a valuable lesson from here and never remarried. I think she may be somewhere in Connecticut but I am not sure. And I have no daughters. The two girls in my avatar are the daughters of my girlfriend.
To JAL: a Hap Cap for solving the BC mystery (link below to the photo of the new). __/_H_\
community.post-gazette.com/.../hap_5F00_cap.jpg
NuHos -
Here's my at bat song. No particular reason except I really like it.
Here is my music:
Good choice G-Man
Maybe a good one for Capps
PoH -
This simply MUST be your at bat song. Srsly.
G-man & Irate,
Excellent choices. - I see you took this seriously which is what I was looking for....
Billy the Kidd -
>>I said this before I have no clue what i would do if i had real enemies.<<
Billy, BIlly, Billy... You do have enemies. And we all have changed our names to protect the, well, you get it. :)
Regardless of the song that’s chosen, this is the band that I want to play it.
For me, "I'm the franchise to rebuild from the ruin".
DMAC- I hope you do not go thru withdrawal. Duffy "supposedly" left due to stalker concens....
If I'm a closer, I enter with the theme from the Sopranos.
Here is a good intro from another "Billy"...
Good choice StanBelinda
and here is mine
Okay, I couldn't decide...
jp.youtube.com/watch
@WSB...I'm not in withdrawal...denial, maybe but not withdrawal. ;-)
Off to Heinz field to see if the Steelers can crush the Colts. I wonder if there are enough healthy Steelers to fill out the roster.
I also considered this--a bit more abstract
and this
DMac -
Can't believe BK has not suggested this as your At Bat song.
Mine's not at-bat music (I'm the left handed specialist, remember? I have to walk all the way from the bullpen, and throw a few pitches, so I get more time!) Gotta have some bass...
The Who
or a little Victor Wooten
@G-Man
The best stalking song ever, or if there is a better one I haven't heard it. Some of the 50s "love" songs are stalking songs too.
Thanks for the hap cap
All- I am goona drop out for a little while work on the...plan and catch a little NFL..
A little tribute to when Jason Kendall was still a Pirate... I'm sure there were times he felt he'd sung this to the pitchers he faced... (just the chorus, I should say)
For coming in from the pen...
For my at bat...
(the intro rocks)
@G-man...Ha ha, very funny. ;-)
I've got no one to stalk! He's gone off the radar...I had to send TB back to BK.
Thanks for the belated welcome, G-Man. The thread yesterday is BK's fault... (I can blame him while he's away, right?)
PoH - I'm not sure, but I think there's something in the profile settings that will allow you to copy/paste links. And you'd asked last night about the "O" thing at the Orioles game. I'm not sure when it started, but it's been going on as long as I can remember. I'd assume it continues today, but it's been a while since I've been to Camden Yard. [I had thought that was the best stadium in baseball until I came to PNC.]
About pasting links: Just go to the address/URL bar of your browser. Highlight the entire URL/address and then hit CTRL-C to copy it to memory. Then, go to the blog comment box and, on a blank line, hit CTRL-V for paste. (CTRL-P will cause you to print something, so don't do that.) You can do the copy and past by right clicking your mouse after highlighting the URL and selecting from the popup menu.
BC -
I don't know about the "O" at Orioles games these days. But at Richmond hockey games, the crowd always yells "O" at the same point of the Star Spangled Banner. They have been doing it for years and years.
Gman - I'm offended I think. That is not a COOL intro song and I was sure at least some of you had the impression I was cool. Drat. foiled again.
BC - I went to Camden for the first time this June. When they did that "O" thing I nearly jumped over the seat. I was not expecting that.
I'd always heard Camden was the greatest but Pirates fans are spoiled. I was all "eh, this is kinda nice but it sure isn't PNC."
batting third rob er jersey joe
If this news is true? TB has been set free er sent back such a nice gal but billy is the one singing this
Intro at the plate - www.youtube.com/watch
intro if I was a reliever - www.youtube.com/watch
I don't have a clue of a song for me batting or jogging in from the bullpen.
I do have one for Baywatch. He seems to sign this most days.
For G-Man
BillyKidd
I think COOL is implied when one has a candy with one's name. Besides, you are cool enough you don't even need a song.
If the "O" at the Orioles game made you jump, you should visit the RIchmond Coliseum for a Renegades game. The Renegade logo is a pirate. So they have a cannon that fires after each home team goal. But the cannon is fired during the national anthem when the words "bombs bursting in air" are sung. It's enough to loosen your fillings. People carry extra underwear to the games just in case. And right after the cannon boom, the crowd does the "O" thing. You'll jump out of your skin.
Mad -
Secret Agent is definitely a cool theme song for me.
How about this for BillyKidd, at least until he changes his avatar?
G-Man
Good call on BillyKidd's theme.
I had all the talk about his not sleeping in my head when I went searching. Yours fits better!
I have seen many people dismissing McLouth's Gold Glove in past few days. Some of them back up their argument with statistics, but we all know how defensive stats usually can be skewed to the point of view of who analyzes them. I want to know what you guys think. Especially those who can back it with more stats.
Alexandre -
I see very few games so I cannot offer an eyeball opinion on Nate's defense. That said, the Gold Glove is not a stats-based award like batting championship. It's voted upon, like MVP and Cy Young. So the only stat that matters is the vote.
Simple fact is the GG Stats say McLouth - 1, Naysayers - 0
AG...
I saw quite a few games and you can throw the stats out the window. He makes some fantastic plays, but mostly he gets the job done and that's what counts. Pretty much if the ball is hit anywhere in his range you can count on it being caught. And he's got pretty good range, I think.
I've been thinking that this would be an appropriate song for Mr. Nate McClouth.
Dictators - The Next Big Thing.
As for me:
The Stooges - Search and Destroy
The Rezillos - Somebody's Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In
Stiff Little Fingers - 78 rpmwww.youtube.com/watch
Thanks, G-Man and DMac. I've seen about 30-40 games, and I agree with you both 100%. I sometimes get bummed with those "owners of the truth"...
CRAP
BK,
Crap, it is. IrateFan was at the scene of the crime, today. Let's blame him for not doing enough.
Too many mistakes-hard to win when you give the other team points--also, when you go on 8 minute march you need to score a touchdown.
JL
Maybe Irate took much Pirate hoodoo into the stadium :)
Not crap. Mistakes and lucky bounces. Fourteen points off turnovers. Two passes tipped by the D - one for a touchdown and one that garnered a first down that led to a touchdown. The second INT might have been the receiver's fault. But the one in the second quarter was just a bonehead throw.
Question: with the rule change, why don't more teams who win the toss defer receiving until the second half? To me, it's an excellent way to either break the other team's or sustain your own momentum.
Watching Ben R these days is like watching Ian Snell pitch. Major mistakes at too many key moments.
Dead on about the tipped passes, they usually result in interception or incomplete passes.
As for you question on the coin toss, my thought is that some teams want to get off to early lead and in hopes of putting doubt in the other team. Other teams want to start with what the consider their strength be if defense or offense. Some teams base it on the opponent.
Diehard
I don't see the last interception as mistake. The defender made a good play and Holmes just waved at the ball, didn't go after it. If Holmes was supposed to cut toward the sideline then it was a mistake.
Just... -2 on turnovers. Arrgh. Settling for three after an eight minute drive. Arrgh. Ike trying to catch that first one and tipping it up for (what became) the TD catch. Arrgh. But give credit to Indy. We gave them two balls, and they scored two touchdowns. They were down by ten points and kept with it against a notoriously tough D. We did self-destruct, but Indy did their job, too.
All - I say we've been taking requests here today - and mucho dedications ... even NH getting in on it. I figured it was JJ, doing the YT thing, rapidfire, then I took a double take.
NH, I think your hair is down enough, thank you.
Sorry 'bout them Stillers ... srsly.
I got home about an hour and a half ago, but I had the honeydo of putting on Mrs. Bay's new permanent car plates (tell you how long it's been for a new car for us ... you can't do it with a screw driver anymore!) ... then I had to do some bonding with Li'l Tex.
Back in a bit.
"Crap" is how we feel, G-Man. Though there were some crap plays, as well. The loss was a team effort. Though I do fault the D far less than the O. Big Ben has definitely regressed since last year. The shoulder has got to be hurting him. But he was very close to having at least two more picks in this game. He's trying to force too many passes with an arm that's less than 100%. The biggest problem, of course, is that the offensive line never gives him enough time; the line was absolutely stuffed on three consectutive plays at the goal line.
The ONLY offense we have, these days, are the quick flicks across the middle for five or so yards. We've got nothing else working. Job one in the off-season is addressing the O-line (though that was last year's homework, too.)
"Maybe Irate took much Pirate hoodoo into the stadium" --JAL
Irate! Don't do that!!
Jl
The shoulder probably is bothering him but he did throw some good passes too. The O-line is the big problem--only 55 yards rushing. Moore has done a yoeman job but he isn't Parker at his best . Then they lost Mendenhall so they are using their 3rd down back on every play.
JAL,
Right you are about our ground game. Again, that series down at the goal line where we couldn't get in, was the game. Well, that and Ben's pick that led to the go-ahead touchdown.
Yes, Ben throws some good passes. Unfortunately, he's been throwing more and more boners, as well. And I actually brought up the following over on the Steeler Blog for two weeks running, but in my humble, non-expert opinion, Ben has not been able to throw the deep pass ever since he hurt his thumb during the championship run in '05. His deep passes ALWAYS --and I mean ALWAYS-- are short. Sometimes the receiver pulls up and makes the catch, sometimes he can't. But over 35 yards or so, and Ben can't hit the receiver in stride. The thumb, or whatever it is, doesn't seem to affect his bullets across the middle though. He usually can still fire off those. (Though not on his second pick, tonight. That too, was under thrown. )
Just so you guys don't think I've lost the eye of the tiger, as I passed the Pirate offices at PNC Park to and from Heinz Field today, I indicated I thought that Bob Nutting is number one with a double hand gesture as is my Steeler game tradition.
And now I am cranky after the Steeler loss so nobody talk to me.
Srsly
NuHo,
Today's loss happened on your watch. You and Irate have some explaining to do.
OK folks--Hostage is now in room with "Do Not Disturb " the door so leave him alone until opens the door :)
JL,
It's not my fault. - I performed all my usual pregame rituals that usually ensure a Steeler victory. I patted Willie Stargell on the arm and saluted Bob Nutting.
This one is on Irate or Ben, take your pick.
Yeah, I actually missed his very last four words --"nobody talk to me"--, the first time around. (I'm sure you weren't amused by my post, NuHo. BUT I WAS!!!! )
Okay. Jesting finished. I shall now respect the DO NOT DISTURB sign.
You are right about the under throws. The receivers have adjusted to several of them.
At last they still in good shape in the standings. Same record as the Ravens who they have a win against and the Ravens still have to play the Giants and Eagles
NH has just challenged us...
Just an observation
An average team with a barely above average QB that tries to play bigger than his abilities or his intelligence...An excellent defense that has been protecting and overshadowing the weaknesses the offense and an inept offensive coordinator.
Fair enough, NuHo. Depending on how irate Irate is, when he get's back, I might just go with Ben.
OK, silver lining... Last time the Steelers lost to the Colts in the regular season, what happened?
"...barely above average QB..."
Don't know if you are restricting that comment to this year (in which I could not argue) or for his entire career, to date ( in which case, I vehemently would argue against). I have to get the kids fed. Shall resume this train of thought as soon as I can.
GATHERING UPDATE
@All-Just a few thoughts on the DECEMBER Gathering.
I am not sure we should have one in Dec. It is in between the holidays so participation may be minimal.
It may be difficult to get a guest. Not that one is needed.
Dates are very limited due to a lot of conflicting schedules
If we do hold a Gathering it may be as GatheringS..1 on a Saturday and 1 on a Sunday so that we do have the opportunity to enjoy each others company in person during the Holiday Season. This should give us the greatest opportunity to actually gather, albeit in small groups.
I have no problem coordinating the event(s) I would just like some direction from all of the potential attendees.
Your Gathering wishes are my command. Let me know.
BK- As soon as I heard they were hiring Arians, I was hoping that it wouldn't be that 400 passing yards, 50 yards 5 wideout Cleveland manure offense.
Ben cannot win without a running game. Moore is a good back but the tolls booths at the tackles need to block.
I hate to say this, but the Steelers miss Russ Grimm and Wisenhunt.
BK- for a guest how about "Pirate Santa"?
@JL--Big Ben.
There are times when I think both. This year definetly. He is injured I get that..But if he is, and he is your franchise...Should he not be on the bench for 1 extra week?
I am NOT a big believer in BB never have been. Although he was the best QB available in that draft for the Steelers offense. Due to his style of play and lack of protection he is not long for the NFL...
Stan - I'm putting pitchers on my Christmas list. Think they'll fit down the chimney?
BC
Some of the pitchers will fit the down the chimney but ones as big CC or Lowe :)
bc- most will. Don't ask for Sidney Ponson or Livan Hernandez or you will need the fire department to get them out!!
BC--Won't diehard get a little jealous to find a few fit toned tanned young boys under the Christmas tree with
TO: BC
FROM: Santa
Hmmm... now that you put it that way, BK, I might have to be a little more particular about what I put on my list. I can always regift them to FC.
No one likes a gift that has been "used" ;-)
OK ... moving right along...
Baseball anyone?
@BK
I disagree with you there--if someone gives me a 1956 corvette that runs I will be very happy :)
Not my fault. They usually win when I am there. It was either Nutting Hostage and his Piraten rituals or Big Ben is really having a crappy year.
Gonna sign off now. Night, y'all!
Irate
Theories are just guesses, they can't be disproven, only proven and we have too little data to prove either you or Hostage that influenced the lost. My theory is the running games was the major cause. Once upon a time if the Steelers got the ball back with 4 to go and lead they would run out the clock--Bettis, Bettis, Bettis, first down and son on and so on. They also would have never failed to get the ball in from the one unles they fumbled.
Night BC
Your middle name must be "Randy."
By the way, I don't have the energy to type out a lengthy defense of Big Ben. So you're spared my blather. But suffice it to say, YOUR WRONG. Ben's fallen into a few bad habits, do to the total lack of support he's surrounded by, this year. But, hard as it may seem, I actually saw a light at the end of the tunnel, today. Ben's great. Wouldn't trade him for either of the Mannings, or Brady. Very serious. OK, enough. Back to baseball, and other hijinks...
Actually, the pre-game guys were ripping on the Pirates and Baseball in general. That combined with Nutting Hostage using both hands to tell Bob Nutting he is #1 may have angered the baseball gods and they brought their wrath down on the Steelers. I basically ignore the Pirates and baseball during Steelers gameday.
I see my typing is deteriorating at an alarming rate and I am not a very good at my best so I had better head off for the night too.
Have a good one everyone
Good night JAL
Folks are dropping like fies, around here.
Irate, good to have you back. But you and NuHo can't just blame each other. That won't do...
@JL - Big Ben blamed himself after the game he was in tears at his locker because he let the team down. He said the interceptions were his fault. He said they were bad throws. His shoulder is affecting his game and also, the radio announcers said he was not mentally into the game. They said you can't practice on Friday and then play on Sunday if you are a QB. You could see that Ben and his receivers were not clicking during the game. Mainly, Santonio Holmes. Him and Ben need to click on the field, and they have not done it the last 2 games. Ben should either practice everyday, or sit out and let Leftwich play the game. He is not as good as Ben, but he will at least be in rythm with the receivers.
Irate,
Everything you have to say makes sense.
Ben's a stand-up guy, and he seems to know the score. There's no issue with his intelligence (listening, BK?). I wouldn't expect Ben, or any competitor, to sit himself. But Tomlin needs to make that decision. Rest Ben for about 2 weeks, and risk Leftwich doing so well that a "quarterback controversy" is created, or keep Ben in there muddling along. Personally, I opt for having Leftwich play for a couple of games, with the clear stipulation that BEN IS THE STARTER after the two weeks. Ben said the bye week didn't do his shoulder any good. But Ben missing practice and losing games isn't doing anyone any good.
JL, Even if Leftwich plays good for the next 2 games, there is no controversy. Leftwich is playing for a starting job next year. He knows he will not be in Pittsburgh next year. He is ok with that. There are about 5 or 6 teams that need a starting QB and Leftwich will be a guy they look at next season. Plus, with the contract Ben signed, there is no way that he sits behind Leftwich.
One thing Ben did today that he looked good doing, was the 3 and 5 step drops. He looked very uncomfortable doing that earlier in the season. He still needs to make better decisions with the ball. There were several times today that Indy left the slot receiver uncovered and Ben did not see it. On the final play of the game, Ben hasd a receiver wide open going down the middle of the field. ben threw to the corner and it was almost caught, but, he had an easy TD down the middle.
It's time for bed. I have 4 months of job retraining that starts tomorrow at 8:30. I will popo in tomorrow night to see whats going on. Goodnight all.
Good luck tomorrow Irate....
Ants Marching
===============================================