Pirates to Recall Quinn Priester
p/c: Benjamin B. Braun - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Pirates placed Quinn Priester on the taxi squad, which means he’s expected to be recalled by the team to start tomorrow’s series opener versus the Boston Red Sox at PNC Park.
Priester will be taking Marco Gonzales’ spot in the rotation, for the time being. Gonzales was put on the 15-day injured list this past weekend, due to a left forearm strain.
Last season as a rookie, Priester struggled immensely with Pittsburgh. In 10 games, eight of which were starts, he posted an ERA of 7.74.
Priester entered spring training vying for one of the two opens spots, within the Pirates’ rotation. Unfortunately, for the 23-year-righty, he lost out to both Jared Jones and Bailey Falter. As a result, he was optioned to AAA to begin 2024.
In his first three starts with the Indianapolis Indians, Priester has a 3.95 ERA, along with a terrific, 1.90 FIP, and a batting average against of .226. He also has struck out 20 batters in 13.2 innings of work.
Jeff Carter Set to Retire
Following the Penguins’ season finale loss to the New York Islanders on Wednesday night, Jeff Carter has said that he will be hanging up the skates for good, as the 39-year-old forward is retiring.
It was a fitting end to Carter’s career, scoring one of the Penguins’ four goals.
The Penguins acquired Carter from the Los Angeles Kings at the 2021 trade deadline.
In January of 2022, Pittsburgh signed Carter to a two-year extension.
Carter was set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2023-24 season. In 72 games, he scored 11 goals.
During his 19-year NHL career, with the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins, Carter tallied 442 goals, while recording 409 assists.
While with Los Angeles, Carter captured a pair of Stanley Cup titles in 2012 and 2014. He was also a two-time All-Star, with the Flyers in 2009, and the Kings in 2017.
Pirates Must Let Nick Gonzales Sink or Swim At the Big League Level
p/c: Christopher Horner - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
As if being a first-year general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates wasn’t already an adjustment, for Ben Cherington entering 2020, there was the Covid pandemic, which added another interesting wrinkle.
Pittsburgh had the seventh overall pick in the ‘20 MLB Draft. Cherington’s first selection as Pirates GM was Nick Gonzales.
For most scouts, the consensus was Gonzales being the best pure hitter in that year’s draft. Based on the video game type numbers he put up at New Mexico State, it was hard to argue.
Entering last year, Gonzales was playing for the Indianapolis Indians. It was on June 23rd that his contract was selected by the Pirates, which placed him on both the 40-man and active roster.
Gonzales slashed .257/.370/.450, before his call up to Pittsburgh. His first taste of the bigs didn’t go as planned, as he posted a .216/.268/.353 line, and was optioned back to AAA on August 3rd. He found himself getting recalled on September 26th, where he played in the Pirates’ final four games of the season.
2023 had major growing pains for Gonzales, as an MLB rookie. The hitting metrics below certainly tell the story.
Gonzales simply did very little at the plate overall with the Pirates - most notably the lack of consistent contact. Plenty of swing & miss was also a factor, as it led to a 28.1% strikeout rate. Perhaps the one saving grace, if you can call it that, was Gonzales doing an okay job of not chasing a lot of pitches out of the zone.
Defensively, Gonzales played second base, as well as shortstop in Pittsburgh - the latter having mainly to due with needing options to fill in, for an injured Oneil Cruz. Gonzales rated out as subpar at both middle infield positions.
Heading into spring training, the Pirates were set to have a competition at second base. Gonzales was of course one of the candidates, along with Liover Peguero and Jared Triolo. In the end, Triolo came out victorious, to be the starting second baseman on Opening Day.
So far in the early going, Gonzales has been red hot with Indianapolis. In 14 games, he’s hit safely in 13 of those. The one game Gonzales didn’t record a hit, he got on base with a walk. The slash line is currently .362/.413/.552. In addition, he has eight doubles, which leads the International League.
Aside from Gonzales’ overall plate production, he’s done better work of decreasing the K rate at 19.0%. Last season, while with the Indians, he struck out at a 26.6% clip. With the lower strikeout rate has come a lower walk rate at 6.3% - almost cut in half compared to ‘23 (12.0%), so it seems Gonzales is willing to sacrifice some free passes, if it means cutting down on the strikeouts.
For Gonzales, he’s looking to return to Pittsburgh sooner rather than later. Once Gonzales does rejoin the Pirates, he should be given an extensive opportunity, to be the second baseman, which would allow manager Derek Shelton to have Triolo in his more suited role as a utility infielder. Without sounding exaggerated, Gonzales’ next time up needs to be a make or break situation.
Is Jared Jones Already Living Up to the Hype?
Coming out of the offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates would have a competition within their starting rotation, with two spots up for grabs. Among the starters vying for one of those spots in spring training was Jared Jones.
Jones entered 2024 as the third best prospect in the Pirates’ organization, according to MLB Pipeline.
Not only did Jones dominate hitters during Grapefruit League play, but he was Pittsburgh’s best starter, as he threw 16.1 innings, allowing three runs, all unearned, and posting a WHIP of 0.94.
As it turned out, Pirates’ management made the pleasantly surprising decision to place Jones on the team’s Opening Day roster, which marked the first time a Pirates starting pitching opened up a season on an MLB roster, without any service time, since Kris Benson in 1999.
On March 30th, Jones would make his official MLB debut against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park. The 22-year-old righty went 5.2 innings, while giving up three runs. However, he issued just two walks, and struck out 10 - becoming the first Pirates rookie pitcher to record 10 strikeouts in a debut since Tim Wakefield did it in 1992.
Jones would get the nod to pitch in the Pirates’ home opener on April 5th. Facing a tough, Baltimore Orioles’ lineup, Jones held his own by going six innings, allowing a pair of runs, walking none, and striking out seven.
The third start for Jones came on Thursday versus the Phillies’ lineup. Although Jones gave up three earned in 6.1 innings pitched, he didn’t walk a batter, and put up eight strikeouts.
Through his first three starts, here are where Jones’ metrics look to this point:
The power fastball has been on full display for Jones, averaging the heater right at 97. He’s been inducing plenty of swing & miss, as well as chase. As for the whiff rate, Jones is registering a ridiculous, 48.4% with his slider.
For Jones, it’s been pretty much a two-pitch approach, throwing the fastball at 45.7% and the slider at 41.7%. His curveball and changeup have only been used sparingly at 8.7% and 3.9% respectively.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the velocity shown by Jones, the ability to command the fastball and slider is really strong, in the very early stages of his big league career.
So this begs the question - Is Jones already living up to the hype of his upside?
Through his first three starts, Jones’ ERA sits at 4.00, but with a 2.38 xFIP. In 18 innings, he’s struck out 25 (12.5 K/9) and walked only two (1.0 BB/9). Among NL starters, Jones currently has the eighth lowest WHIP at 0.94.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Jones is how he’s been able to keep his emotions in check, especially being only 22. Jones has made no bones about the fact that he considers himself an extreme competitor on the mound.
Obviously, I’m not prepared to deem Jones as a perennial, All-Star pitcher based on just a few starts. But that being said, I do think he’s definitely been as advertised. How high Jones’ ceiling could be with the Pirates will be fun to witness.
Steelers Open to Bringing Back Patrick Peterson
p/c: Ed Thompson
On Monday, Mike Tomlin was present, for the AFC Coaches Breakfast at the NFL Owners Meeting in Orlando. One of the topics asked to Tomlin was about a Patrick Peterson return, with the Steelers head coach being open to the idea of bringing back the former All-Pro. Peterson himself mentioned recently on his All Things Covered podcast that he and Tomlin had a phone conversation regarding a possible return.
Last offseason, the Steelers came to terms with Peterson on a two-year contract worth $14 million.
Peterson entered 2023 as one of Pittsburgh’s outside corners. Perhaps age was catching up, as he vastly struggled in that spot during the first half of the season.
With the steady, emergence of rookie Joey Porter Jr, Peterson was relegated to a slot corner role, and to his credit, performed better.
Behind the scenes, Peterson had served as a mentor to Porter - something that helped Porter become a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year this past season.
Due just over $9.7 million for 2024, the Steelers made the obvious decision to release Peterson, which they did on March 8th.
Pittsburgh’s slot corner depth is very thin right now. The only two moves that Omar Khan has made in the secondary to this point was acquiring outside CB Donte Jackson from the Carolina Panthers, in the Diontae Johnson trade, and signing DeShon Elliott to a two-year deal to be the starting SS.
Given the Steelers’ need for a veteran slot corner, as well as his relationship with Mike Tomlin, a Peterson return on an inexpensive deal seems like a good bet. Although it’s probable that the team would re-sign Peterson after next month’s draft.
Russell Wilson Reportedly Intends to Sign Longer Deal with Steelers After 2024 Season
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers intend to do a longer deal at the end of the 2024 season.
Since the Denver Broncos decided to release Wilson, which he’s owed $39 million in 2024, Wilson opted to sign the veteran minimum with the Steelers ($1.2 million). The signing was made official on Friday.
Despite registering the eighth highest passer rating in the league last season at 98.0, there was turmoil at different points of the season between Wilson and Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
Reports were that Kenny Pickett didn’t take the news of having to compete with Wilson well, and it’s what prompted Steelers GM Omar Khan to deal the 2022 first rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday.
Pittsburgh rocked the football world again on Saturday, as the Steelers acquired Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, in exchange for a 2025 conditional sixth round draft pick that could turn into a fourth round pick based on playing time.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter, along with other league sources, reported that Fields will be coming in as the backup QB to Wilson.
If Dulac’s report is accurate, then it obviously would lend itself to the Steelers declining Fields’ fifth-year option for 2025, which would be around $25.6 million.
Steelers Reportedly Still Interested In Justin Fields
The Pittsburgh Steelers remain interested in Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, this according to multiple league sources.
After officially introducing Russell Wilson at his press conference on Friday, the Steelers made perhaps the most stunning move of the offseason, just a few hours later, as Kenny Pickett was traded to the other side of the state to the Philadelphia Eagles, for which Pittsburgh received a 2024 third round draft pick (98th overall), as well as a pair of seventh round picks for 2025.
Fields completed his third season as Bears quarterback in 2023. The 25-year-old played in 13 games, as he threw for 2,562 yards, with a 16-9 TD/INT ratio, and a passer rating of 86.3. He also ran for 657 yards, and found the end zone with his legs four times.
The Steelers reportedly had previous interest in trading for Fields during the NFL Combine earlier this month, but the asking price was deemed “too high”.
A lot has changed in that short time however, with numerous noteworthy quarterbacks finding QB1 jobs elsewhere, which seemingly could hurt the Bears’ leverage in getting what they truly want, for the former Ohio State standout. Perhaps the third round pick the Steelers obtained in the Pickett trade can be used to flip to Chicago, in order to get a Fields deal complete.
Whether it’s the Bears, or a team that trades for Fields, a decision would have to be made on his fifth-year option for 2025, which will be around $25.6 million. Unless of course a contract extension is worked out to where the average annual pay wouldn’t come near that.
If the Steelers decide not to pursue a Fields trade, then maybe they look to sign Ryan Tannehill, or bring back Josh Dobbs, as alternative options.
Bub Carrington Plans to Stay At Pitt Next Season
It appears Bub Carrington will be declining the opportunity to enter the NBA Draft. Shortly after the Panthers’ 72-65 loss to North Carolina, in the ACC Conference Semifinals, on Friday night, Carrington was asked if was going to return to Pitt next season, for his sophomore season, with the freshman guard responding with, “For sure.”
Carrington made a strong, first impression, in his collegiate debut at the Petersen Events Center, as he recorded a triple-double against North Carolina A&T on November 6th, scoring 18 points, while collecting 12 rebounds and 10 assists. He became the first Pitt freshman to register a triple-double in his debut.
In 33 games this season, Carrington averaged 13.8 points, along with 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He was named ACC Rookie of the Week five times.
Although Pitt lost to North Carolina in the conference semis, Carrington played one of his best games of the season, as he put 24 points versus the top-seeded Tar Heels.
The other day, Bleacher Report came out with their latest 2024 NBA mock draft, and had Carrington going in the late first round to the Washington Wizards at 26th overall.
Now that Carrington will be returning as a sophomore next season, he and fellow freshman, Jaland Lowe, will have a chance to become one of the more formidable, backcourt duos, not just in the ACC, but perhaps in the nation, for 2024-25.
Pirates May Be Forced to Make Difficult Decision with Roansy Contreras
p/c: Charlie Neibergall
After receiving one spot start for the Pittsburgh Pirates towards the end of the 2021 season, Roansy Contreras got to showcase his abilities to a full extent in 2022. He pitched 95 innings for the Bucs that year, posting a 3.79 ERA and a 107 ERA+.
Entering 2023, Contreras was projected to be the Pirates #2 starter in the rotation behind Mitch Keller. While Contreras took a step forward in ‘22, he would take two big steps back last season - regressing in significant fashion.
In his first 11 starts, Contreras had an ERA of 5.94. The decision was made by the Pirates in mid-June to have him pitch out of the bullpen, in similar way that they did with Keller the year prior. Unlike Keller however, Contreras’ results in a relief role weren’t much better, as he allowed 13 earned runs in 12 innings (9.75 ERA).
Opposing hitters completely knocked around Contreras’ fastball last season, for an astounding .381 average. That figure was the highest off any MLB pitcher’s four-seamer. The fastball velocity also dipped from 95.8 in ‘22 down to 94.4 in ‘23. Oddly enough, the slider and curveball remained effective offerings for Contreras last year, as he registered a .221 BAA with the slider and a .222 BAA with the curve.
The Pirates had no choice but to option Contreras down to the minors, and they did so on July 14th. He was sent to the Florida Complex League, in order to pitch in a more controlled environment. Contreras eventually rejoined the AAA Indianapolis Indians. In eight games, six of which were starts, he posted a 4.96 ERA, but had a much higher 6.11 FIP. Unsurprisingly, Pittsburgh did not recall him in September.
Looking to wipe a clean slate for himself, Contreras entered Pirates’ camp in pursuit of claiming one of two spots in the back of the rotation.
The struggles have remained for Contreras this spring. Although the fastball velo is a tick up at 95, the command of it has been erratic. Even the slider and curve haven’t landed for strikes consistently.
In four Grapefruit League outings to this point, Contreras has an ERA of 7.59, and is allowing nearly two baserunners per inning, with a very high 1.97 WHIP.
Besides Contreras’ poor spring numbers is the fact that he has no minor league options left, which means exposing him to the waiver wire, if he doesn’t make the Pirates’ Opening Day roster. Contreras is still a young arm at 24, and is a season removed from being an above average MLB starter. That being said, it does come down to what has he done lately, and since June of 2023, it hasn’t been much at all.
Dauri Moreta is most likely to begin the season on the IL. This would open up an extra spot in the Pirates’ bullpen. Would management consider using Contreras in relief again? While it would be more preferably and ideal to have relievers who are performing better to earn those spots, Contreras is someone that you would hate to see given up on. Perhaps the Pirates carry Contreras in the bullpen to open the season, with the hopes of turning things around. However, it needs to come with a short leash.
Billy McKinney Already Turning Heads In Pirates’ Camp
As a first round draft choice of the Oakland Athletics back in 2013, Billy McKinney emerged as a Top 100 prospect in both 2015 and 2016.
During his minor league years as a prospect, McKinney was involved in a few notable trades. The first went down in July of 2014, when he was dealt to the Chicago Cubs, as part of a five-player trade that sent Jeff Samardzija to Oakland. In July of 2016, he was shipped off to the New York Yankees for Aroldis Chapman. Gleyber Torres was also in the deal. Two years later, in July of 2018, McKinney was on the move again, this time to the Toronto Blue Jays, in the JA Happ trade.
During the 2021 season, McKinney found himself on the transaction log twice - being traded to the New York Mets in May, and to the Los Angeles Dodgers in July.
McKinney would rejoin the Yankees in December of 2022, as he signed a minor league deal. Following an injury to Aaron Judge, he was called up to the main roster on June 7th. McKinney compiled 147 plate appearances with the Yankees, where he posted an OPS of .726, along with a 101 wRC+. He also drew walks at a solid, 11.6% clip, while his 41.1% hard-hit rate was the second best mark of his career.
This past offseason, McKinney would re-sign an MiLB deal with the Yankees on December 8th. However, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates a week later, in exchange for cash considerations.
Among non-roster invitees entering Pirates’ camp, McKinney was looked upon by some as being a potential dark horse candidate to make the club’s Opening Day roster.
As we approach the midway point of the Grapefruit League schedule, McKinney has been nothing short of terrific, and is actually one of the Pirates’ top offensive performers so far this spring, with a .364 batting average, and a 1.079 OPS, in 30 plate appearances. In addition to playing all three outfield spots, he can also play some first base.
Aside from the good spring numbers, McKinney was able to show last season that he can be a capable option, as a decent, reserve outfielder.
As a 29-year-old, McKinney hasn’t been able to live up to the top prospect hype, but perhaps he can be a late-blooming, OF, who is a useful contributor at the big league level. If McKinney continues his good spring progression, then it should start as early as Opening Day in Miami.
Assessing Russell Wilson to the Steelers
p/c: Jamie Schwaberow
Russell Wilson has coined the phrase “Let’s Ride”. Apparently that ride will be happening in the city of Pittsburgh, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Sunday night that the nine-time, Pro Bowl quarterback plans to sign with the Steelers. The deal is for one-year at $1.2 million, this from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
On Friday, Wilson had met with the New York Giants, before taking a flight to Pittsburgh to visit the Steelers that afternoon.
Despite a 2023 season that saw Wilson put up 3,070 yards, a 26-8 TD/INT ratio, and the eighth highest passer rating at 98.0, for the Denver Broncos, there was tension between the 35-year-old Wilson & head coach Sean Payton.
Reports came out last Monday that the Broncos were releasing Wilson. Denver now owes Wilson $38 million.
Before the offseason even began for the Steelers, both Art Rooney II and Mike Tomlin had said there would be a veteran brought in to compete alongside Kenny Pickett, and it appears Wilson is the guy.
Assessment: While Wilson no longer plays at an elite level, he still performs better than most in the league, even in his mid-30’s.
What’s made Wilson so successful in his NFL career has been his ability to make things happen from play action. New Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is very reliant on using play action schemes, so Wilson’s QB style combined with Smith’s playcalling could be a match made in heaven.
Agreeing to sign Wilson at just $1.2 million, for one-year, is likely to be the best bargain move that the Steelers, or any other team, will make in this entire offseason.
Regardless if Wilson can become Pittsburgh’s starter, or comes in to serve as a QB2, it gives Pickett a wake up call.
Steelers Re-sign Breiden Fehoko
The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed nose tackle Breiden Fehoko, this according to the NFL’s transaction page.
In 2020, the Los Angeles Chargers brought in Fehoko, as an undrafted free agent. From 2020 to 2022, he appeared in 19 games, recording 36 combined tackles.
Fehoko signed with the Steelers on April 4th of last year. The native of Honolulu had been waived by the team towards the end of preseason, but was placed on the practice squad shortly after.
It was in early September that Fehoko was on Pittsburgh’s practice squad with his cousin, Simi Fehoko, who’s a wide receiver.
On September 20th, Fehoko was elevated to the Steelers’ active roster for DL depth. However, he didn’t dress for a game.
Fehoko was then waived again by the Steelers on November 13th, but re-signed with the practice squad. After initially not being given a reserve/futures contract, Fehoko became a free agent.
Keeanu Benton should be Pittsburgh’s starting NT entering the 2024 season. It’s likely that Fehoko would compete with veteran Montravius Adams in camp, for a spot as a backup to Benton.
Penguins Trade Chad Ruhwedel to Rangers
p/c: Joe Sargent
Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has made another trade, within the Metropolitan Division, this time with the New York Rangers. Veteran defenseman Chad Ruhwedel is being dealt to the Rangers, in exchange for a 2027 fourth round draft pick.
Ruhwedel signed with the Penguins in July of 2016, and helped guide Pittsburgh to a 2017 Stanley Cup, in his first season with the team.
The 33-year-old defenseman had his personal best season in 2021-22, when he recorded career-highs in hits (149), blocked shots (86), and takeaways (19).
During his eight seasons in Pittsburgh, Ruhwedel always played with energy on a third dman pairing, and would to be on either side as a RHD & LHD.
For the Rangers, they’re acquiring Ruhwedel for practically nothing, as someone who can provide some added defensemen depth on the cheap.
Steelers Release Patrick Peterson
p/c: Kevin Sabitus
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson is being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move saves Pittsburgh $6.85 million in cap space.
After losing CB Cam Sutton to the Detroit Lions last offseason, the Steelers brought in Peterson as his replacement on a two-year deal for $14 million.
A former All-Pro, Peterson struggled as an outside CB during the first half of 2023. It wasn’t until late in the season that he performed decently better, once he was moved to an inside CB role.
With injuries to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson, as well as the Damontae Kazee suspension in December, Peterson found himself playing safety, for the first time in his 13-year NFL career.
In 17 games, Peterson recorded a pair of interceptions, while posting a 91.5 passer rating against.
Even with the league’s significant cap increase, for all 32 teams, it still remained unlikely that Pittsburgh would hang onto Peterson’s 2024 salary, which was just a little more than $9.7 million.
Perhaps there was the thought that the Steelers would have Peterson accept a pay cut, and re-sign for less. However, Because Peterson can no longer play the outside, and has minimal experience at safety, it’s clear that the team wants a true, strong safety, who can play at a high level. This offseason’s free agent class for safeties is very deep with talent.
Examining the Jake Guentzel Trade for Penguins & Hurricanes
p/c: Sam Navarro - USA Today Sports
Although Friday is the NHL trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins traded Jake Guentzel and Ty Smith Thursday night to the Metropolitan Division rival Carolina Hurricanes. In return, Pittsburgh is receiving forwards Michael Bunting, Ville Koivunen, Vasily Ponomarev, and Cruz Lucius, as well a pair of draft picks for 2024. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman was the first to report that Bunting would be one of the players sent in the deal. TSN Hockey insider Pierre LeBrun is reporting that the Penguins could get a first round pick - should the Canes make the Stanley Cup Final. If not, then Pittsburgh will instead get the Philadelphia Flyers second round pick, which was previously acquired by Carolina. The Pens could also receive a ‘24 fifth round pick, if the Canes win the Stanley Cup. LeBrun also reported that Pittsburgh is retaining 25% of Guentzel’s remaining contract.
Before the trade with Carolina, other teams who had expressed interest in obtaining Guentzel were the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and the Vancouver Canucks.
Guentzel played eight seasons with Pittsburgh; two of which resulted in 40-goal campaigns. His 219 goals place him eighth all-time among Penguins players.
As productive as Guentzel was in the regular season, his ability to dial it up another level in the postseason was just as outstanding. He recorded 25 playoff goals; seventh most in franchise history.
Just recently, Guentzel had been working his way back from an upper-body injury that he sustained on February 14th.
Smith was acquired by the Penguins prior to the 2022-23 season from the New Jersey Devils, in exchange for John Marino.
After playing only nine games in Pittsburgh last season, Smith has played exclusively this season with Wilkes-Barre Scranton, posting 32 points (9 G; 23 A) in 51 games.
Bunting was a fourth round draft selection of the Arizona Coyotes in 2014. He played in five games for the Yotes as a rookie during the 2018-19 season.
It wasn’t until Bunting got to Toronto that he enjoyed his best success, as he posted back-to-back 23 goal seasons in 2021-22 & 2022-23, with the Maple Leafs.
Last offseason, Bunting was able to cash in by signing a three-year contract, with the Hurricanes, which carries an average annual value of $4.5 million.
In 60 games this season for the Canes, the 28-year-old Bunting has registered 36 points (13 G; 23 A), along with a solid, 63% Corsi.
Koivunen was Carolina’s second round choice in 2021. The Finnish born center has 21 goals in 57 games this season for Karpat in SM-liiga.
Ponomarev joined the Canes as a second pick in the 2020 draft. A native of Moscow, Ponomarev has played most of 2023-24 for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL; scoring eight goals in 39 games. He made his NHL debut with Carolina on January 5th.
Lucius is playing for the University of Wisconsin, where he has a dozen goals in 32 games. The Canes’ fourth round selection in 2022 is a right winger.
Assessment: Carolina is of course getting a super talented, left winger in Guentzel to play on the top line, alongside Sebastian Aho. They also add Smith to the mix, for defensemen depth.
As for the Penguins, they get a controllable, LW in Bunting, who will presumably be plugged in on Sidney Crosby’s line.
Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is familiar with Bunting, as they were recently together in Toronto. In addition, assistant GM Jason Spezza played with Bunting in 2021-22, which was Spezza’s final NHL season with the Leafs.
Ponomarev got a cup of coffee with Carolina in January, so it’s possible that he could join the Pittsburgh roster, and be inserted on the bottom six.
Both Koivunen and Lucius would still be ways away from reaching the NHL level, although each have potential.
Dubas is making it his initiative to make the Penguins a younger team, not just with the big club, but in the system as well. With the Guentzel trade, Pittsburgh was able to acquire a bonafide, top six forward in Bunting, along with a possible contributor on the bottom six with Ponomarev, and a pair of forward prospects. Also the possibility of a second round pick becoming a first.
Time will tell, if Dubas received quality over quantity from this deal. On paper, it doesn’t seem like a great return, but not terrible either. While Dubas still has plenty of work to make the Pens a younger and better squad, in the long run, moving Guentzel is a good starting point.
Dauri Moreta Expected to Be Out for Extended Period
p/c: Christopher Horner - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
General manager Ben Cherington met with members of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ media on Tuesday. One of the items mentioned was the status of Dauri Moreta, who is dealing with an elbow issue. Cherington notes that the team is still gathering information on Moreta’s injury, but does expect the righty reliever to be out for awhile.
Moreta exited Sunday’s game at LECOM Park against the Baltimore Orioles, this after throwing a fastball only 89 mph, which caused him to show discomfort in his arm. Moreta’s fastball velocity had been down in that outing - sitting 92-93. He usually averages 95.
Prior to last season, the Pirates made an in-division swap by trading infielder Kevin Newman to the Cincinnati Reds for Moreta.
Moreta’s first season in Pittsburgh this past year was a productive one. In 55 appearances, he posted a 3.72 ERA, while putting up a solid, FIP of 2.93, and limiting opposing hitters to a .184 batting average against. Moreta also recorded an 11.9 K/9, which was 11th best among National League relievers.
While Moreta registered a healthy, 95.3 mph on his fastball in 2023, the most effective offering was his “wrong way” slider/ imitation screwball that he got whiffs on 40.8% of the time.
Now that Moreta will seemingly miss a large portion of the remaining Grapefruit League schedule, it’s a chance for a young arm like Kyle Nicolas, or a veteran such as Wily Peralta, to make their mark, for a spot in the Pirates’ bullpen.
Talking Dots Miller with John Dreker
I recently did an interview with John Dreker - talking about Dots Miller, who was a member of the Pirates’ first World Series championship team in 1909.
John has come out with a book about Dots Miller. Here is a link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/They-Call-Him-Dots-Miller/dp/B0CV633PNT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FM5SHA8TDI57&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ymdBevqjo0xOe5KRxPxZgan-1NRBqy5th3bnriQy0aU8bWAMp05Mkpr75SYmw3kdlF_WAIz6hICuWrJp-nGAT_o88RSL_KRra4JYtAkjZQEuk5puU5WtuV0mRAQX6w4r4alh4utmGTgz55JcUERRtg.VNPiDQESGt0uXOl2gu1q4YkUnv5cGcC-Z3jpyeQMeII&dib_tag=se&keywords=they+call+him+dots&qid=1709214937&sprefix=They+call+him+%2Caps%2C335&sr=8-1
Shetler: When were you familiar with the name Dots Miller?
Dreker: I was into baseball history at a very early age. In first grade we had a library day where we took out two books for the weekend to read. I grabbed the team-by-team baseball history books so often that they told me I couldn't take them anymore. I grabbed the Pirates book at least five times. I also had an older book around that same time that covered all of the World Series up to around 1980 I believe, and I read that book all of the time. So I definitely knew of Dots Miller by age 5-6, but I learned a lot more once I got on the computer more often and had information more readily available. I probably took my first deep dive into him around 16 years old when I bought my first Dots Miller card
Shetler: Do you own any cards or memorabilia relating to Dots Miller? If so, what’s your most prized possession?
Dreker: I have a large collection of items related to Dots. I have at least 25 of his baseball cards, including three that all likely have fewer than five copies in existence. One is so rare that they took it off of the sets checklist a few years before I bought it because no one had proof of an example. I also have some old photos, as well as postcards that he sent to his family from 1911 during the baseball season. His autograph is extremely rare, but these were sent to people who knew him, so he signed them Dots. My most prized possession is his 1909 jersey from his rookie season. It has the iconic PBC symbol on the sleeve and as far as I know, it's the only known Pirates jersey from that season, when the team won their first World Series.
Shetler: What made you decide to write a book about Dots Miller?
Dreker: Dots lived a majority of his life in Kearny, New Jersey. I was born in Kearny, so we had that connection. The Pirates connection also helped. However, the biggest connection was that we have ten relatives in common. His niece married into my family, so I have a group of cousins from Kearny who are all related to him. Dots was also born 13 days after my great-grandfather, who lived very close to him. I found a newspaper clipping of them playing together. Between being the same age, having the same German heritage back when there were sections of town for each ethnicity, and having the same hobby, it's safe to say that they knew each other. With my great-grandfather sharing my same name, that means Dots Miller knew of John Dreker.
Shetler: Is there one fascinating fact about Dots Miller that most don’t know about?
Dreker: I think there are two things I discovered as I dug deeper into his career, which really stand out. One was how big of a role he played in mentoring Rogers Hornsby as a teenager with the 1915 St Louis Cardinals. Miller got a lot of credit in the papers for helping Hornsby early in his career. Miller was mentored by Honus Wagner early in his career, with the two basically being best friends during their time together in Pittsburgh. I personally consider Wagner and Hornsby to be the best all-time players at their positions. Miller was not only a double play partner with both, he was a link between them, playing the Honus Wagner role for Hornsby. The other fascinating fact was how highly Hall of Fame manager John McGraw thought of Miller. He called him the most valuable player in all of baseball during the 1915 season. It was a combo of his versatility, batting, defense, running, baseball smarts and being a role model for all players with how he played the game. That was incredible praise at the time.
Does Ryan Tannehill Make Too Much Sense for Steelers?
Ryan Tannehill just completed his 11th NFL season - spending the first six with the Miami Dolphins and the last five with the Tennessee Titans.
With the Titans viewing Will Levis as their quarterback of the future, the 35-year-old Tannehill is set to hit the free agent market this offseason.
This past season, Tannehill played in only 10 games, sustaining two separate injuries; a right ankle sprain in October and a left ankle sprain in December. He was limited to 12 games in 2022 - also because of an ankle injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II and head coach Mike Tomlin have emphasized that Kenny Pickett is expected to the QB1 heading into next season. Tomlin specifically however wants to bring in a veteran to compete with the 2022 first rounder.
Not even a month into the NFL offseason, and both Pittsburgh sports media & Steelers’ fans, have predictably been throwing out a plethora of names to bring in as candidates. In regards to free agency, Tannehill has come up the most.
One of the main reasons, if not the reason Tannehill has been linked to the Steelers so much, is due to Arthur Smith, who Pittsburgh hired as their new offensive coordinator on January 30th.
The connection is that Smith was Tennessee’s OC during the time Tannehill was there. Ironically enough, Tannehill had his two best seasons under Smith, as he was the league’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2019, and was even better in 2020, when he had a 33-7 TD/INT ratio along with a 106.7 passer rating.
While Tomlin did mention about there being competition with Pickett, the belief is that it won’t be a true competition. Instead, a veteran to serve as a capable backup, in the event that Pickett gets hurt, or even struggles.
So the question becomes this - Is Ryan Tannehill too obvious of a fit for the Steelers?
In my opinion, there seems to be multiple signs, for one to draw that conclusion. The first of course being the Arthur Smith connection. Secondly, although Tannehill no longer plays at a franchise type level, he can still be a more than serviceable QB, when he stays healthy. And third, it really wouldn’t take much financially for GM Omar Khan to bring in Tannehill, even though the Steelers, and the rest of the league will have their salary caps increased by $30.6 million in 2024. And if nothing else, Tannehill can serve in a mentor role to Pickett.
Going by the general consensus of Steelers’ fans, signing Tannehill would be frowned upon, however, it’s something I could realistically see the organization doing, for all the reasons I listed.
Steelers Re-sign Dylan Cook
According to the NFL’s transactions log, the Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed offensive lineman Dylan Cook to a one-year, exclusive rights free agent deal.
During his time in college, Cook made the unusual transition from quarterback to OL, when he attended the University of Montana as a walk-on.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would sign Cook as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He would spend the entire season on the practice squad.
After inking a reserve/futures contract with Tampa Bay, in January of last year, Cook was released by the Buccaneers in May. A few days later, he signed with the Steelers.
Cook became a training camp darling in Latrobe, as he showed plenty of promise. In the preseason, the 6’6, 305 pound OL continued to impress, playing tackle, as well as left guard.
The Steelers made the decision to put Cook on their 53-man roster. However, he did not dress for a single game this past season.
Given Cook’s potential that Mike Tomlin clearly liked, it’s not a surprise that he was brought back to help solidify the OL depth. While Pittsburgh can still add to that depth through the draft, it’s likely that Cook could battle with last year’s seventh round pick, Spencer Anderson, for roster spot as a reserve OL next season.
Assessing the Mitch Keller Extension
p/c: Patrick McDermott
After much speculation of a Mitch Keller extension, both sides were able to get a deal done on Thursday. ESPN’s Jeff Passan was first to report that the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to sign Keller to a five-year extension. Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the deal is worth $77 million.
The $77 million is now a new franchise record, for a Pirates pitcher, as it’s nearly double of Francisco Liriano’s guaranteed $39 million. It marks the first time a Pirates starter has been signed to an extension since Charlie Morton in December of 2013.
To suggest that the beginning of Mitch Keller’s big league career was rocky would be quite an understatement, as he posted an ERA of 6.03 from 2019-21.
Following a temporary move to the bullpen in early 2022, Keller returned to the rotation, and the light bulb had clicked. With the incorporation of a new cutter and sweeper, he began to pitch with a ton more confidence.
Keller finally put the puzzle pieces together last season, as he became a first time All-Star. While the 4.21 ERA doesn’t seem great, he did register a better FIP of 3.80, in a career-high 32 starts. Keller also made team history by recording the most strikeouts in a season by a Pirates right-handed pitcher with 210 - surpassing AJ Burnett’s 2013 mark.
Assessment: Keller’s new contract with the Pirates is a real bargain, when you consider that the yearly average money of the deal is the going rate for #3 type starters, and Keller has shown he can perform at a better level than that.
The deal for Keller would cover his final two years of arbitration and three years of free agency. Given the length of the deal, the obvious hope for Pirates’ management is that Keller and last year’s #1 pick Paul Skenes can form a very formidable 1-2 combination atop the rotation for years to come.
For Keller and the Pirates, it’s a solid deal for each side. Pittsburgh locks up a starter in his prime at age 28, and for a team-friendly figure. Meanwhile, Keller had stated that he wanted to remain a Pirate, and probably feels like owes it to an organization that never gave up on his abilities.