Projecting Johan Oviedo’s Role with Pirates In 2025
p/c: Mary Altaffer
At the 2022 trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Pirates sold high on veteran lefty Jose Quintana. One of the pieces obtained in the deal from the St. Louis Cardinals was pitcher Johan Oviedo.
After being used as a reliever with the Cardinals, Oviedo made the transition to a starter for the Pirates, which was a shrewd move, given Pittsburgh’s lack of rotation depth. In seven starts with the Bucs in ‘22, he put up a 3.23 ERA.
Oviedo found himself as a mainstay, on the Pirates’ pitching staff, as he posted an ERA of 4.31, along with a 104 ERA+, in a career-high 32 starts. His 2.1 bWAR was also a career best.
The Pirates were dealt a blow, to their rotation depth, when Oviedo had to undergo Tommy John surgery in December. This of course caused him to miss the entirety of the 2024 season.
Oviedo is first time arbitration eligible this offseason, with MLB Trade Rumors projecting the Cuban born right-hander to earn $1.5 million - a bargain based on his decent, 2023 numbers.
So the question heading into 2025 becomes what role will the Pirates use for Oviedo?
With Oviedo recovering from the elbow procedure this year, the depth within Pittsburgh’s starting rotation has improved. Obviously, Paul Skenes and Jared Jones impressed as rookies, but other pitchers like Bailey Falter and Luis Ortiz each took a step forward. And then there’s promising, young arms on the horizon, with Bubba Chandler, Thomas Harrington, and Mike Burrows.
For all intents and purposes, the Pirates will most likely monitor Oviedo’s workload next year, so depending how much he pitches in spring training, a long relief role out of the bullpen, in 2-3 inning spurts, would seem realistic. Oviedo has one minor league option remaining, which would give the Pirates the opportunity to send him to AAA Indianapolis, if they decide to stretch him out as a starter, in a more controlled environment.
Oilers, Canucks Reportedly Interested In Marcus Pettersson
By Jason Shetler
According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson is garnering trade interest from the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks.
Pettersson has spent parts of seven seasons in Pittsburgh, and has consistently been the Penguins’ most reliable defenseman over the last few years.
The 28-year-old native of Sweden had his best showing in 2023-24, registering career-highs in points (30) and blocked shots (159). In 82 games, he posted a +28.
Pettersson is set to become an unrestricted free agent, following the season, and has an average annual of $4,025,175.
Currently next-to-last, within the Metropolitan Division, the Penguins have already found themselves selling off veteran pieces, as they traded Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals last week, for a pair of draft picks.
It’s unclear what the level of trade interest would be from the Oilers and Canucks regarding Pettersson. Canucks president of hockey operations, Jim Rutherford, had acquired Pettersson back in December of 2018, when Rutherford was general manager of the Penguins.
2025 Pirates X-factor: Jared Jones
p/c: Matthew Stockman
While Paul Skenes took the baseball world by storm, as a rookie phenom in 2024, another first year arm was also looking to impress in the big leagues, and that arm was Jared Jones.
A second round selection of the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2020 MLB Draft, Jones made a quick, ascension through the Pirates’ system.
During spring training, one competition resided in the Pirates’ rotation, with two spots up for grabs. As it turned out, Jones absolutely dominated, to the point where he was arguably the best pitcher in the Grapefruit League. Those efforts resulted in Jones actually making the Opening Day roster, despite no MLB service time.
In five April starts, Jones was outstanding, as he posted a 2.88 ERA.
The walk number for Jones in the first half was low, as he issued just 27 free passes in 89 innings of work, for an impressive, 2.7 BB/9.
It was in early July that Jones was put on the injured list with a right lat strain, and missed nearly two months.
When Jones returned to Pittsburgh on August 27th, he wasn’t the same effective pitcher. In his final six outings, Jones had an ERA of 5.87. While the walk figure increased at 3.6, so did the home runs, as he allowed six homers in 30.2 innings (1.8 HR/9).
Jones recorded 132 strikeouts in 121.2 innings this season, for a 9.8 K/9, which was fourth best among MLB rookie starters.
Overall, Jones registered an ERA+ right around league average at 101, along with a 1.8 WAR.
Heading into 2025, I view Jones as the Pirates’ biggest X-factor, on the pitching side. Stuff-wise, he’s certainly capable of being the pitcher he was in the first half of this year, before he got hurt, when he was throwing strikes consistently, and effectively mixing up the power four-seamer and slider.
Jones will need to prove that the second half numbers weren’t reflective of the type of starter he could still become potentially. Should Jones perform closer to what he did the first three months of 2024, if not better, then he would be that bonafide, third starter in the Pirates’ rotation behind Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller. Or who knows, at 23, Jones might be able to surpass Keller as the #2 arm on the staff.
Should Pirates Bring Back Charlie Morton?
p/c: Jim Rassol
Entering the 2024 season, with some uncertainty, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ starting rotation became a bright spot.
While it’s obvious to point out the contributions of Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller had another productive year, Jared Jones showed promising flashes as a rookie, and both Luis Ortiz and Bailey Falter took a positive step forward.
The old baseball adage is you can never have enough quality pitching. So would the Pirates add to their rotation depth this offseason? And would it be with a familiar name?
Much speculation around Charlie Morton was that 2024 would be his final Major League season, but ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on Tuesday that the veteran righty plans on pitching in 2025.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Morton had what you would call a roller coaster journey. From a struggling pitcher looking for answers, to a legit, groundball hurler (earning him the apropos nickname of Ground Chuck).
After recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he had in 2012, Morton became a key part of the Pirates’ staff during the team’s three-year playoff run.
Post-Pirates Morton was able to reinvent himself again, into more of the power pitcher he was, before he arrived to the bigs. The combination of a harder fastball, and his plus curveball, have certainly helped preserve his career even more.
Morton’s 2024 campaign with the Atlanta Braves was decent overall, posting a 4.19 ERA, along with a 1.1 WAR in 30 starts. The curveball continued to be his bread & butter, as he used the offering 42.4% of the time, and limited opposing batters to a .200 average with it. Despite pitching in his age 40 season, Morton’s fastball velocity remained solid at 94.1 mph.
It feels like a safe bet that Morton would sign a one-year deal, to whoever will offer him the most, for his services. If the Pirates were to have serious interest, I could see them giving Morton a contract similar to what Martín Pérez received from the Bucs last offseason at one-year, $8 million.
Signing Morton has to come with a caveat, however. Given the logjam currently, within the Pirates rotation, GM Ben Cherington would have to sell high on either Luis Ortiz or Bailey Falter, in order to accommodate a spot for Morton. Getting back something of trade value for Ortiz or Falter would not only be beneficial to the farm system, but you would also likely move one at some point anyway, with Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington on the horizon.
If Pittsburgh were to follow thru on that scenario, then a Morton reunion makes sense for them.
Paul Skenes Named NL Cy Young Finalist
p/c: Gene J. Puskar
Rookie of the Year consideration isn’t the only thing Paul Skenes will be competing for, as the Pittsburgh Pirates ace was announced as a National League Cy Young finalist on Monday. Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies are the other finalists.
Following his much anticipated arrival to the big leagues on May 11th, Skenes lived up to the hype that made him the #1 overall pick in 2023. The 22-year-old righty put up 1.96 ERA - the lowest from a Pirates rookie pitcher - with a minimum of 20 starts - in the modern era. He also compiled 170 strikeouts in 133 innings, while registering a WHIP of 0.95.
Skenes becomes the first rookie starter to be named a Cy Young finalist since the late José Fernandez in 2013 with the Miami Marlins.
No pitcher since Fernando Valenzuela in 1981 has captured both Rookie of the Year and Cy Young honors in the same year. Skenes will look to do so on November 18th.
What Is the Future of Jack Suwinski with Pirates?
p/c: Gregory Fisher - USA Today Sports
The 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates struggled immensely on offense. So much so that they struck out a club record 1,506 times. The handwriting on the wall was very visible for Andy Haines, who was fired as the hitting coach on September 30th.
But perhaps no other player personified the Pirates’ offensive struggles this year more than Jack Suwinski.
Following a good season at the plate, in 2023 with the Bucs, Suwinski displayed major regression in ‘24. In 277 plate appearances, he put up a slash line of only .182/.264/.324. Here is the offensive chart from Baseball Savant.
While the bat speed wasn’t an issue for Suwinski this season, he still had trouble barreling up balls consistently, and not being able to square them up. The hard-hit rate was also below average. Despite a good job of not chasing pitches, Suwinski’s Whiff and K rates were equally poor.
In addition to the offensive woes for Suwinski, the defense was a disaster, as he registered -15 Defensive Runs Saved in the outfield (-7 LF; -7 CF; -1 RF). According to The Fielding Bible, Suwinski’s DRS was the worst figure among all National League outfielders.
The Pirates demoted Suwinski for a second time to AAA Indianapolis on July 29th. While with the Indians, he slashed .239/.307/.444, in 202 plate appearances. He was not recalled to Pittsburgh in September, which evidently shows the lack of confidence management has in him.
So where exactly do the Pirates go from here with Suwinski?
Although Suwinski is a year removed from being a three-win player on offense (3.2 oWAR), and having a 113 OPS+, he severely regressed in ‘24. Not even to the level of subpar, but just downright awful.
Suwinski is still a pre-arbitration player this offseason, so while he remains an inexpensive, outfield option, the Pirates should look to upgrade that area, with right field remaining a question mark.
Because Suwinski has a minor league option left, it would make it an easier decision, for Ben Cherington to either sign or acquire a starting right fielder.
There appears to be a decent chance that Suwinski would begin next season at the AAA level. If so, then finding himself as a vital, fixture again in the Pirates’ outfield is going to be a difficult hill to climb.
How Much of an Impact Will Preston Smith Make on Steelers’ Defense?
While trading for Mike Williams helped the Pittsburgh Steelers address their most important need, it was another move that wound up becoming one of the biggest at the entire trade deadline, as the Black & Gold acquired outside linebacker Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers. In return, the Packers received a seventh round draft pick for 2025.
Smith provides the Steelers with 10 seasons of experience, while recording 68.5 career sacks, which are 14th most among active NFL players. Prior to the trade, the last time the Steelers brought in a veteran edge rusher that compiled at least 60 sacks, before arriving to Pittsburgh, was Kevin Greene, who signed a free agent deal in 1993.
While TJ Watt is being his usual dominant self, and once again, in the conversation for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Alex Highsmith has been playing well; albeit dealing with a groin injury earlier in the season. As for Nick Herbig, he’s been working his way back from a hamstring issue.
The Steelers had re-signed Markus Golden, in the early going of training camp, however, he chose to retire a week later. Jeremiah Moon has seen brief action on the edge, but is used most on special teams. Defensive lineman turned linebacker DeMarvin Leal sustained a neck injury in Week 5, and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. For GM Omar Khan, the time probably felt right, to make a big splash, for strong, edge rushing depth.
A few weeks before the deadline, Smith had reportedly requested a trade, this after not feeling comfortable in a 4-3 defense, which Green Bay had switched over to this season. In 9 games, he had recorded 2.5 sacks, while only getting 54% of the defensive snaps, so his reasoning appears valid.
Although Smith finds himself back in a 3-4 style of defense, his remaining contract doesn’t come cheap. Following this year, in which the Steelers will pay $2 million, he’s owed $12 million in 2025 and $12.6 million in 2026.
Talent-wise, Smith certainly has the ability to give the Steelers an even more powerful boost to the OLB group. How Mike Tomlin will handle the number of snaps on defense for Smith is key. During the 2021 season, the Steelers had Melvin Ingram as the third OLB option, but unhappiness, with how much Ingram was used, led to him wanting out of Pittsburgh, and being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. While Smith is saying all the right things since his arrival, time will tell how he’ll respond to certain amount of playing time.
Steelers Acquire Preston Smith from Packers
p/c: Gary McCullough
Following the trade of Mike Williams from the New York Jets, Omar Khan chose to address the defensive side of the ball as well by acquiring veteran edge rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh round draft pick, this according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Smith spent the four years of his NFL career with Washington, where he had 24.5 sacks.
In March of 2019, the Packers inked Smith to a four-year contract worth $52 million. He would re-sign with Green Bay in 2022, on a four-year extension for $52.5 million.
During his six seasons with the Packers, Smith compiled 44 sacks. In total, he’s got 68.5 career sacks, which are 14th most among current NFL players.
The Steelers will pay Smith $2 million, for the rest of this season, before he’s owed $12 million in 2025 and $12.6 million in 2026.
With an outside linebacking corps that was already strong, Pittsburgh undoubtedly has the best OLB group talent-wise - now with the acquisition of Smith.
Assessing the Mike Williams Trade to Steelers
p/c: Cooper Neill - Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to address a main need during Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Steelers are acquiring New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams, in exchange for a 2025 fifth round draft pick. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Pittsburgh will take on the remainder of Williams’ salary, which is $627,500.
Ever since trading away Diontae Johnson last offseason, Steelers GM Omar Khan wasn’t able to find a true replacement for him. Names such as Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams had been the most talked about regarding the Steelers. Mike Williams was another name speculated upon in the summer, and rumors had popped back up in the more recent weeks that Pittsburgh had interest.
Williams, a former Round 1 selection in 2017, had spent the first seven years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, which included a pair of 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
After suffering a season-ending ACL injury in Week 3 last year, Williams was released by the Chargers in March, and signed a one-year deal with the Jets, in short order.
In the nine games that Williams played for the Jets, he had only 12 receptions for 166 yards, while getting 53% of the offensive snaps.
Assessment: For the Steelers, the an acquisition of Williams represents a low risk/high reward opportunity. While giving up a fifth round pick seems like a bit of an overpay, the market for receivers was soft, so the Jets were able to have themselves some trade leverage.
Coming off a torn ACL in 2023, it’s probably not realistic to expect Williams to be a Pro Bowl caliber WR again, but if he’s able to perform at half that level in Pittsburgh, it would make him a nice, buy-low addition to the receiving corps.
Could Joey Bart Become Pirates’ Long-Term Answer At Catcher?
p/c: Orlando Ramirez - Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ catching situation didn’t go exactly to plan entering this year.
Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis were expected to battle for the starting job behind the plate. However, Rodriguez injured his elbow during winter ball, and had to undergo surgery.
In February, the Pirates brought in veteran backstop Yasmani Grandal, on a one-year deal, to compete with Davis.
Early on in spring training, Grandal dealt with plantar fasciitis, which caused him to miss the rest of spring. This meant that Davis would begin 2024 as the Pirates starting catcher.
Looking to add more catching depth, GM Ben Cherington acquired Joey Bart from the San Francisco Giants, in exchange for pitcher Austin Strickland.
Once regarded as the top catching prospect in all of baseball, Bart struggled offensively with the Giants, and things just weren’t clicking for him. Given Bart’s former prospect pedigree, as well as the Pirates needing more depth at the position, a change of scenery appeared ideal.
The result was Bart becoming arguably Pittsburgh’s most surprising hitter. In 282 plate appearances, he slashed .265/.337/.462, while posting an OPS+ of 120. Overall, Bart was a two-win player (2.2 WAR).
During the second half of the season, manager Derek Shelton had been penciling in Bart as the regular backstop, and using Grandal mostly as a personal catcher for Paul Skenes.
As Bart projects to open the 2025 season as the team’s starting catcher, is he the long-term solution?
Bart enters this offseason being arbitration eligible for the first time. $1.8 million is the projected figure put out by MLB Trade Rumors. Based on Bart’s offensive value alone this year, that money would be a real bargain.
Honestly, you wonder how committed the Pirates are with Henry Davis as a catcher. He handled the role fine, when given a chance, but it’s not being able to hit big league pitching that’s been haunting the former #1 overall pick. Endy Rodriguez should return next year fully healthy. Although Rodriguez would be Pittsburgh’s best choice defensively, he, like Davis, has to show he’s capable of hitting at the MLB level. Unless Bart regresses with the bat, and/or the other two break through offensively, then there’s no reason why the Pirates should move off Bart as the club’s #1 catcher.
Brandin Cummings Shines In Pitt Hoops Debut
On Monday, Pitt men’s basketball opened up the 2024-25 season, and did so in absolute dominant fashion, as they routed the Radford Highlanders by a final of 96-56.All five Panthers starters finished with double-digit points, including Jaland Lowe, who put up a career best 21.
Freshman Brandin Cummings also had double figures, in his collegiate debut, as he scored 11 points off Pitt’s bench. He went 4-7 from the floor (57.1%), while recording three assists, one steal, and one block.
Cummings is the younger brother of former Pitt point guard Nelly Cummings. Nelly played a key role during the Panthers’ NCAA Tournament season in 2022-23. Meanwhile, Brandin arrived to the University of Pittsburgh as a four-star recruit, according to Rivals.
Pitt’s next game is Friday night versus Murray State at The Petersen Events Center. Tip-off is for 7:00 ET.
Pirates Decline Marco Gonzales’ Club Option
The Pittsburgh Pirates are declining the 2025 club option of LHP Marco Gonzales. The option was for $15 million, with no buyout.
Gonzales was added to Pittsburgh’s rotation last offseason, in a trade from the Atlanta Braves. Originally, the veteran southpaw had been acquired from the Seattle Mariners, as part of the Jarred Kelenic deal. Out of the $12,250,000 Gonzales was owed in 2024, the Pirates were only on the hook for $2,750,000 of it.
It was a struggle for Gonzales to stay healthy this year, as he dealt with a forearm strain. In seven starts with the Bucs, he posted a 4.54 ERA.
On August 28th, Gonzales underwent flexor tendon surgery, to repair the issue.
The decision to decline Gonzales’ team option is the easiest the Pirates will make this offseason. Obviously, they’re not going to pay an injury-plagued pitcher that kind of guaranteed money for 2025, but also, the rotation depth internally has improved.
Five Steelers Who Have Been Pleasant Surprises This Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter their bye week sitting atop the AFC North Division with a record of 6-2.
As we’re at the midway point of the season, the defense is performing as expected, while the offense is starting to click, since Russell Wilson took over the reins as Steelers quarterback. Then there are players who have become surprising contributors for the team, which I will examine five of them.
Beanie Bishop Jr.
Rarely does an undrafted rookie play a vital role in his first NFL season, but that’s where Beanie Bishop Jr. finds himself, within the Steelers’ secondary, as a slot cornerback.
After trying to find his footing, Bishop had a memorable performance versus the New York Jets in Week 7, as he picked off Aaron Rodgers twice.
During Pittsburgh’s Week 8 matchup with the New York Giants, the 24-year-old Bishop came up big again by intercepting a pass from Daniel Jones, to seal a 26-18 win.
Bishop is the first Steelers UDFA rookie to record three interceptions in a season since Tony Dungy in 1977.
Corliss Waitman
After cutting ties with Pressley Harvin III in the offseason, the Steelers went out of their way to improve the punting game, as they signed veteran Aussie Cameron Johnston to a three-year deal worth $9 million.
Johnston unfortunately would suffer a season-ending, knee injury, in the Steelers’ season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Pittsburgh would replace Johnston with a familiar name - signing Corliss Waitman. During the 2021 season, Waitman appeared in two games.
The Steelers could not have asked for me from Waitman to this point in the season, as he’s averaging 46.8 yards per punt. He also has 14 punts inside the 20, which are tied for 10th most in the league.
Dan Moore Jr.
Before the season began, much was made about who should the Steelers’ starting left tackle be between Dan Moore Jr. and Broderick Jones.
Most viewed Jones as the choice - being a former first rounder and LT as a his natural position. Meanwhile, Moore had been inconsistent in that spot the last couple seasons.
So far this year, Moore is beginning to prove doubters wrong, as he’s done an outstanding job on the left side of the line, while playing as Pittsburgh’s best offensive lineman. Through eight games, he’s allowed just two sacks. Moore has also been a reason why Najee Harris in particular is running the ball much better in recent weeks.
DeShon Elliott
Looking to address safety help in the offseason, the Steelers inked former Baltimore Ravens safety DeShon Elliott. The deal was for two years at $6 million.
Elliott has been a terrific, strong safety during his first season with the Black & Gold. In the 28 times he’s been targeted, Elliott has posted a respectable, 88.7 passer rating against.
It didn’t take Elliott long to make his presence felt with the Steelers, as he registered his first INT in Week 1. He also had a solid, showing in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts, where he compiled a season-high 12 tackles, and had a forced fumble.
Donte Jackson
A buy-low trade was made last offseason between teams, as the Steelers swapped WR Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for CB Donte Jackson.
Jackson struggled in 2023 with Carolina - recording no INTs and having a passer rating against of 107.7 - a career worst.
This year, Jackson is a lockdown, outside CB, as he’s posting a stellar, 42.4 passer rating against, in the 41 times he’s been targeted.
Through his first eight games of 2024, Jackson leads the Steelers with six pass deflections, while his three interceptions are tied with Beanie Bishop for the team lead.
Will Pirates Cut Ties with Bryan De La Cruz This Offseason?
p/c: Charles LeClaire - USA Today Sports
For the first time since 2018, the Pittsburgh Pirates were buyers at the trade deadline. Three players were obtained by the Bucs, in Isaiah Kiner-Falefa, Jalen Beeks, and Bryan De La Cruz.
With De La Cruz in particular, the Pirates were looking to upgrade right field. Pittsburgh moved INF Garret Forrester, along with RHP Jun-Seok Shim, to the Miami Marlins, in order to acquire De La Cruz.
At the time of the trade, De La Cruz hit 18 home runs, while slashing .245/.289/.417, in 454 plate appearances.
Once De La Cruz joined the Pirates, the offensive numbers got worse, as he slashed only .200/.220/.294. In 168 plate appearances, he posted a high strikeout rate of 31%, and had a meager, walk rate of 2.4%.
De La Cruz wasn’t any better defensively; registering -3 Defensive Runs Saved as a right fielder.
Among players traded for at this year’s deadline, De La Cruz overall was the worst, with a -1.2 WAR.
The Pirates will need to make a decision on De La Cruz this offseason, as he will be first time arbitration eligible. He’s projected to earn $4 million, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Although De La Cruz combined for a career-high 21 homers in 2024, the other figures just don’t hold up. He doesn’t get on base, especially in the walk department, and he strikes out a ton. De La Cruz registered a .289 BABIP - not an extreme case of being unlucky. As a matter of fact, his BABIP in 2023 was at .307, so he actually had better luck, despite an oWAR of 0.5 with the Marlins.
Even a platoon role from the right side may not work for De La Cruz, as he put up a .733 OPS this season against lefty pitching, which isn’t a strong, figure.
From the Marlins’ perspective of the trade, Garret Forrester profiles more as a utility infielder. As for Jun-Seok Shim, he has tremendous, upside on the mound, but is already dealing with injuries, and is years away from reaching the big leagues, so Ben Cherington not giving up a huge package for De La Cruz would seem like an easier pill to swallow, in regards to non-tendering him.
Personally, I feel like the Pirates should move on from De La Cruz in the offseason. He’s not a consistent enough power hitter, and his defense is simply poor. The saved money can certainly go towards addressing a better yet reasonably priced outfielder in free agency.
The Hourglass Should Be Running Out on Mike Sullivan
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup winning seasons in 2016 and 2017 feel so far in the rear view mirror.
While losing to the Washington Capitals in the 2018 playoffs was nothing to be ashamed of- after all - Washington captured Lord Stanley that year - and it’s hard for any team in any sport to three-peat - the Pens have had playoff problems since then.
In 2019, Pittsburgh got swept by the New York Islanders, which was the first time the Penguins suffered a playoff sweep since 1979.
Following a stoppage, because of Covid, the Pens played a qualifying series with the Montreal Canadiens, and promptly lost the series, to a subpar Habs team.
Just like ‘19, it was a first round rematch between the Penguins and Islanders in 2021. The Isles took the series, 4-2. The series included Tristan Jarry giving up the worst playoff goal in franchise history.
Pittsburgh was in the driver’s seat during the opening round in 2022 with the New York Rangers. Injuries to both Jarry and Casey DeSmith forced Mike Sullivan to go with Louis Domingue. The combination of spicy pork and broccoli wasn’t enough to stop the Rangers, as they came storming back to take the series.
Unfortunately, it’s gotten worse, for the Pittsburgh hockey club, as they have missed the playoffs, in each of the last two seasons, for the first time since the mid-2000’s.
In a league where head coaches generally have a short, shelf life, when they don’t meet specific expectations, the Penguins staying with Mike Sullivan needs to be questioned at this point. It’s been since 2018 the last time the Pens won a playoff series.
For Sullivan, the beginning of this season has gone off to a bad start, with a record of 3-7-1. In terms of points percentage, Pittsburgh’s .318 mark is currently lowest in the Eastern Conference.
Whether it’s chasing the puck defensively, frequently allowing odd man rushes, and constant line changes, to see what sticks, the Penguins are simply playing a horrible, brand of hockey.
Sullivan has a three-year contract that kicks in this season. The current deal pays him $5.5 million annually.
Should the Penguins’ poor play continues, then I don’t see how GM Kyle Dubas can be content about where Sullivan is leading this team.
This past offseason, Pittsburgh hired former New York Rangers and San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn, to serve as an assistant on Sullivan’s staff. If the organization decided to move on from Sullivan, then perhaps Quinn would become the interim replacement, which would allow Dubas to evaluate Quinn, and see if he needs to hire a new head coach as early as next season.
Make no mistake, you can still appreciate the fact that Sullivan is a two-time, Cup winning coach, and has the most coaching wins in Penguins’ history, but there comes a point where a head coach no longer fits the expectation level, or direction that an organization wants to go, and in these recent years, it’s just not happening under Sullivan.
Pittsburgh Maulers: 40 Years Revisited
The year was 1984. For Pittsburgh pro sports teams, it was a dark period. The Steelers became mediocre, the Penguins were a rebuilding club, who had just drafted Mario Lemieux, and the Pirates were in a bad way, not just with the on field product, but also what loomed ahead a year later, with the drug scandal, and talks of possible relocation.
Then came the opportunity to present a fourth pro team, in the form of the Pittsburgh Maulers of the United States Football League. The franchise was ran by Edward DeBartolo Sr, who also owned the Penguins from 1977 until 1991.
For their inaugural season in the USFL, the Maulers named Joe Pendry the head coach. Pendry, 36 at the time, had served as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Stars under Jim Mora.
Midway through the season, Pendry had quit as head coach. Ellis Rainsberger had taken over as the interim replacement. Pendry found himself serving on several NFL coaching staffs, in different capacities.
Notable players
Glenn Carano
The team’s starting quarterback was former Dallas Cowboy Glenn Carano. At one point, he was the Cowboys’ third string QB behind Roger Staubach and Danny White.
Unfortunately, Carano’s lone season with the Maulers wasn’t anything to write home about, as he compiled 2,368 yards passing, while throwing more interceptions (19) than touchdowns (13).
Mike Rozier
Following a Heisman winning season at Nebraska in 1983, Mike Rozier was the first overall selection by Pittsburgh in the ‘84 USFL Draft.
The numbers were decent for Rozier in the Maulers’ backfield. He put up 1,051 all-purpose yards, with 792 of those coming on the ground.
Rozier would go onto have a productive, NFL career, which included a pair of Pro Bowl seasons with the Houston Oilers in 1987 and 1988.
Jackie Flowers
Jackie Flowers with a ninth round choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 1980 NFL Draft.
While playing for the Chicago Blitz, Pittsburgh acquired Flowers in March of 1984.
Flowers recorded 46 catches for 881 yards, and had a team-leading eight touchdown receptions.
Johnnie Dirden
For Johnnie Dirden, it was a short NFL career, one that saw him with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1981.
The Maulers added Dirden to their WR depth in ‘84. He had only 12 receptions for 149 yards.
Dirden became the only player to have played for the Steelers and Maulers.
Jerry Holmes
Coming out of West Virginia, Jerry Holmes had established himself as a solid, cornerback, in four seasons with the New York Jets from 1980-83.
In September of 1983, Holmes signed a contract with the Maulers, which reportedly was going to pay him triple than the Jets had.
During Holmes’ only season in Pittsburgh, he had two interceptions - tied for the team lead.
Sam Clancy
While Mike Rozier was certainly the Maulers’ most notable player, on the offensive side of the ball, Sam Clancy was without a doubt their most impactful on defense.
Clancy, the former Pitt Panthers basketball standout, and member of the U.S. Pan American Games in 1979, turned his attention to the gridiron - beginning his pro football career with the Seattle Seahawks from 1982-83.
As the leader of the Maulers’ defense, Clancy became a dominant, force, for the USFL in 1984. He registered 16 sacks, which were tied for second most in the league.
Despite some noteworthy talent the Maulers had, they never could get it going, as they finished with a putrid, 3-15 record. The offense in particular was simply woeful, averaging just 13.9 points per game.
After just one season, the Pittsburgh Maulers folded, this after the USFL had announced they would be switching from a spring schedule to a fall schedule. As you might imagine, owner Edward DeBartolo Sr. was against the idea, as he didn’t want to go head-to-head with the Steelers. In addition, games at Three Rivers Stadium would have been difficult to work around, not just for Steelers’ games, but also Pirates’ games in September.
The Maulers may be a footnote, in the annals of Pittsburgh sports history, but it’s a nostalgic footnote, nonetheless.
Jaland Lowe Looking to Build Off Strong Freshman Season
p/c: Amber Searls
Following an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022-23, Pitt men’s basketball finished last season at 22-11 (12-8 ACC). Despite another good record, the Panthers weren’t selected for March Madness, with most considering them a tournament snub.
Head coach Jeff Capel had a pair of four-star freshmen guards, in Bub Carrington and Jaland Lowe. Carrington began season as the starting point guard, with Ishmael Leggett as the shooting guard. Capel decided to switch up the backcourt, as he swapped out Leggett for Lowe. The move allowed Carrington to become the shooting guard and Lowe at the point. It also resulted in Leggett providing outstanding, production off the Pitt bench - en route to being named ACC Sixth Man of the Year.
Now with the departure of Carrington, who was a first round selection of the Washington Wizards in this year’s NBA Draft, Lowe will look to take on a bigger role, as the face of the Panthers’ backcourt.
From January onward, Lowe averaged 12.9 points per game, along with 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. He was excellent beyond the arc, making three-pointers at a 39.7% clip.
At 6’3, Lowe has the height to play either guard position. The lefty shooting sophomore has a fluid shot from both the perimeter and from three. His mechanics makes him a solid, free throw shooter, as evidence by his 85.5% percentage last season. Lowe is also a good passer, and can create plays off the dribble. Some scouts suggest that Lowe needs to work on his game defensively, if he wants to succeed at the next level.
At times last season, especially in the second half, Lowe was performing better than Carrington. If he can continue to post strong, offensive numbers, while improving the defensive aspect of his game, then he’ll be an NBA draft prospect, who could hear his name called Day 1 next year.
Omar Khan Continues to Fumble with Steelers’ Wide Receiver Situation
By and large, Omar Khan has done good work, since becoming general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers in May of 2022.
One of Khan’s most notable moves this past offseason was trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in March. Whether it was not getting along with quarterbacks, or simply being unhappy, with the mediocre nature of the offense, Johnson began to wear out his welcome in Pittsburgh. While the Steelers received cornerback Donte Jackson, who has done a terrific, job this season in the secondary, Khan really never addressed a legit replacement for Johnson in the offseason.
Even with the injuries this year to Steelers 2024 third round pick Roman Wilson, it’s not as if Mike Tomlin was going to slide a rookie into the WR2 spot, opposite George Pickens.
Perhaps the most baffling decision by the Steelers was employing Van Jefferson to be the team’s WR2. The main reason seemingly that Jefferson had played in Arthur Smith’s offense in Atlanta last season. Through seven games, Jefferson has just 10 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.
At the conclusion of the preseason, there were heavy rumors that the Steelers were looking to pursue San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk. Instead, Aiyuk chose to stay in the Bay Area by signing a four-year extension worth $120 million. Hindsight being 20/20, it’s probably a good thing Pittsburgh didn’t trade for Aiyuk, as he suffered a season-ending injury to his ACL and MCL.
A few weeks ago, rumors began to swirl that the Steelers were interested in Davante Adams. Although it didn’t seem that unrealistic, the reality was that Adams wanted the opportunity to reunite with his old buddy Aaron Rodgers, as the Las Vegas Raiders shipped Adams to the New York Jets.
The latest name speculated on the trade block is Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp, with reports that it would take a second round pick, to get a deal done. The Steelers were considered favorites for Kupp’s services.
Following the Rams 30-20 win over the Vikings on Thursday night, head coach Sean McVay shot down any talks that Kupp would be traded.
Personally, I didn’t have a problem with the Steelers moving on from Diontae Johnson, because he was disgruntled and becoming a distraction. That said, however, Omar Khan had an entire offseason, to got out and obtain a bonafide, receiver that could fill the WR2 role.
November 5th marks the NFL trade deadline. While we’re not certain who becomes the next president on Election Night, it’s with absolute certainty what the Steelers will look to address. If Khan is unable to acquire a WR of real impact, then the deadline becomes a big, failure, for the Steelers GM.
Beanie Bishop Embracing Slot Cornerback Role with Steelers
The cornerback depth was something the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to address this past offseason. Names like Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, and Chandon Sullivan all became unrestricted free agents.
In March, general manager Omar Khan made his first notable offseason trade by moving disgruntled wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, for cornerback Donte Jackson. So far, Jackson has been a terrific, addition with Pittsburgh - recording three interceptions in his first seven games of the season.
Following the 2024 NFL Draft, the Steelers made an interesting signing, as they inked West Virginia CB Beanie Bishop Jr. to an undrafted free agent deal.
Prior to the draft, Bishop was an AP second-team All-American. While with the Mountaineers, he led the nation in pass breakups.
Bishop had been invited to the Big 12 Pro Day. During the event, he ran a very impressive 40 time of 4.39, which was the fastest time of any draft prospect in the conference.
It didn’t long for Bishop to make his mark at Steelers’ training camp, as one of the biggest camp surprises in Latrobe.
Despite dealing with a minor hamstring issue, Bishop’s speed, athleticism, and field awareness earned him a spot on Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster. Head coach Mike Tomlin had announced that Bishop would open the regular season as the Steelers starting slot corner. A big deal for Tomlin to start a rookie right away - let alone an undrafted one.
Bishop to this point has done more than just get his feet wet at the NFL level. The 24-year-old Bishop saved his best performance under the bright lights of Acrisure Stadium, in Week 7 against the New York Jets, as he recorded two interceptions off Aaron Rodgers, to help give Pittsburgh a comfortable, 37-15 victory. In the process, Bishop became the first Steelers rookie defensive back to have multiple INTs in a game since Darren Perry in 1992.
For Bishop, his situation is pretty similar to that of Mike Hilton, who he himself was a UDFA, and got a chance to stand out with the Steelers as a rookie in 2018. As good of a rookie year as Hilton had, with an 82.2 passer rating against, Bishop has actually been better so far, posting a passer rating against of 75.4.
Mike Tomlin allowed Bishop the opportunity to hit the ground running as a rookie in the Steelers’ secondary, and he has definitely answered the bell, while becoming a reliable, young slot CB.
Jared Triolo Named Gold Glove Finalist for NL Utility Players
p/c: Christopher Horner - TribLive
It was announced on Tuesday that Pittsburgh Pirates reserve infielder Jared Triolo has been named a Rawlings Gold Glove finalist for National League utility players. The other finalists, for the award, are Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Kiké Hernández of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Pirates called up Triolo in late June of last year, and then recalled him as a September call up. During that month of September, Triolo could do no wrong offensively - slashing .350/.458/.567.
Triolo began the 2024 season as the Pirates everyday second baseman, this after winning the job out of spring training.
With the emergence of Nick Gonzales, who went on a hitting spree, with AAA Indianapolis, Triolo was pushed out of second base full-time, and moved into a utility infield role.
Despite being regarded as a stellar, defensive third baseman - at the time of his big league call up - Triolo’s best work came at second base. He collected +6 Defensive Runs Saved in 47 games as a second baseman. At third base, his DRS was still good at +2 in 61 games played. Triolo even earned +1 Defensive Runs Saved as an emergency right fielder, when he made an outstanding, diving catch against the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 28th.