SBNation.com User Blog: Steelmanager

Ryan Braun and the debate about PED's

Steelmanager — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:00:26 -0000

Once again baseball news is being dominated by a Balco-like investigation into a clinic in south Florida. While skimming through the articles, mainly because I wanted to read about Braun's connection, it became painfully obvious that as a society we are becoming increasingly accepting of PED use.

Many sportswriters today decided to take the issue and to ask its readers to ponder, "Is it really that bad?" Many have referenced the double standard to the other American pro sports leagues, where, they say, no one seems to care. If taking something helps someone recover from injury faster, meaning the fans and owners are getting their monies worth from the product they pay to watch, who did it harm? That is what I am reading today.

So I thought I would search on this forum for insight into the issue. What, if any, is your tolerance for the use of drugs in Major League Baseball? Do you think that acceptance is growing now because one of baseball's biggest stars has been implicated, and happens to be an American Born White Male? I mean, I am as white as the new-fallen snow, but I can't help but think that if Ryan Braun was actually Raul Brauniterez, then he too would be run up the flag pole for all to see in disgrace, and no one would tolerate its use. These stories didn't surface last week when the list contained only minority players, we were lining up with our torches and pitch-forks.

So tell me, are we as a society becoming accepting of PED use?

The DK Double-Standard

Steelmanager — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:28:30 -0000

I would like everyone to read this article.

If DK writes it, you all are all over him like frat boys on a keg. I am not saying I do not agree with anything Mr. Collier wrote, I actually agree with him completely, but his references to the pirates free agent signings sounds very familiar.

I read this article yesterday and thought, "oh man I bet the folks at BD will be all over this one..."

To my surprise, to a word about it anywhere. I mean come on, he said the Pirates signed a free agent catcher batting .211...???

This is just an example that dejanfixationobsession is indeed real, and that it has nothing to do with what he writes, really only that HE wrote it.

I would like everyone to read this article.

I read this article yesterday and thought, "oh man I bet the folks at BD will be all over this one..."

To my surprise, to a word about it anywhere. I mean come on, he said the Pirates signed a free agent catcher batting .211...???

This is just an example that dejanfixationobsession is indeed real, and that it has nothing to do with what he writes, really only that HE wrote it.

Create the Caption - Week 14

Steelmanager — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:08:39 -0000

The mercurial personality of this team is so damn frustrating. One week they look unstoppable, the next week they look like the Cardinals...oh wait, not that bad...

via brightcove.vo.llnwd.net

It is starting to look more and more likely that if the Steelers make the playoffs, it will likely be a wildcard game in Baltimore. Now that would be fun. Enjoy the picture this week. I did not photoshop it, this is how I found it.

The mercurial personality of this team is so damn frustrating. One week they look unstoppable, the next week they look like the Cardinals...oh wait, not that bad...

via brightcove.vo.llnwd.net

Create the Caption - Week 13

Steelmanager — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 19:35:28 -0000

Thank you Steelers for making life a lot easier this week!

via d4.yimg.com

Yesterday showed once again...That's why they play the game! Flacco is not good. Ray Rice is not good, well okay yes he is... Difference from Week 11 is that Rice isn't wearing a towel on his head on the way to the locker room, instead the Steeler's ripped the head off of the dumbass ratbird mascot and shoved that up little ray's posterior! What will you trade for an enema ray?

Thank you Steelers for making life a lot easier this week!

via d4.yimg.com

Create the Caption - Week 12

Steelmanager — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:53:27 -0000

I had 8 to choose from...

via elyriact.smugmug.com

First of all, the game was not televised locally in South Central PA, not because the Ravens were on, but for no apparent reason. This infuriated me for about an hour, then while watching a choppy buffering live feed on the internet I realized, this was good football juju for me. The feeds kept getting shut down, and I was left with Red Zone Channel and game-trackers. Great Fun. Not.

As it turns out, the NFL was trying harder to permit me to watch the game than the Steelers were attempting to win a game. My silver lining: I missed parts of the game trying to find it to watch...

8 Turnovers? Really? I know that last one didn't really count, but 8 turnovers? To the Browns? No offensive touchdowns scored? Against the Browns? Critical personnel flaw: Keeping two elderly qb's on the roster, as opposed to grooming a young guy. There are some decent qb's in the draft next year...

I had 8 to choose from...

via elyriact.smugmug.com

As it turns out, the NFL was trying harder to permit me to watch the game than the Steelers were attempting to win a game. My silver lining: I missed parts of the game trying to find it to watch...

Create the Caption - Week 11

Steelmanager — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 20:22:39 -0000

via media.cmgdigital.com

Wow, what a shitty week. The better team lost Sunday night, because they failed in the personnel department. Then, because I live in South Central PA, 45 minutes from Baltimore, I have had to endure countless arrogant S.O.B.'s acting like the Ravens are actually good...

My newsworthy opinions in random order:

Joe Flacco will never win a Superbowl Ring, unless it is as a backup QB. I wish the Steelers would've brought in Tyler Palko to play last week, so that Flacco would have lost @ Heinz Field to him AGAIN.

My thoughts on the Mike Wallace Holdout: I wish he had never ended it. Nice hands.

Plax: Say what you want about him, old, slow, gunshot...when the ball hits his hands, he catches it. I would rather have him than the jackass holdout punk shown in the picture above.

via media.cmgdigital.com

My newsworthy opinions in random order:

My thoughts on the Mike Wallace Holdout: I wish he had never ended it. Nice hands.

Plax: Say what you want about him, old, slow, gunshot...when the ball hits his hands, he catches it. I would rather have him than the jackass holdout punk shown in the picture above.

Create the Caption - Week 10

Steelmanager — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:41:26 -0000

via a.espncdn.com

ummm...here we go steelers here we go...sigh...just when everything was aligning perfectly to bounce the ratbirds...

The Chiefs game was a rough one, mostly because the Chiefs Defense is pretty damn good. I know I would rather have several of those guys over the ones we have...I really wanted to draft tamba hali, but we traded up for Santonio, which is a whole other conversation. Any way thanks for reading my post this week

via a.espncdn.com

ummm...here we go steelers here we go...sigh...just when everything was aligning perfectly to bounce the ratbirds...

Create the Caption - Week 9 Edition

Steelmanager — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:10:16 -0000

Lol, I loved this pic when I saw it, hope you enjoy it too!

via www.nflgridirongab.com

I must say, I have to wonder if the NFL is akin to the WWE, after seeing that referee hose job yesterday. Remember watching wrestling as a kid, and when the bad guys would do something illegal, the referee was always looking away? It felt kinda like that...except in our case, the referees were jumping off the top rope trying to KO the steelers...any way...

Lol, I loved this pic when I saw it, hope you enjoy it too!

via www.nflgridirongab.com

Can the Steelers Break "a little" From Tradition with Their Uniforms?

Steelmanager — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:14:46 -0000

With all the Bumblebee Wear from this past weekend, it got me to thinking...If they can change their uniforms once a year, why not do something more "throw-forward" instead of "throw-back". I recognize wholeheartedly that the Steelers are an organization steeped in rich tradition...but a little change CAN be good, right? I still miss the old style block numbers, but the new has grown on me.

So, I wanted to share my visual interpretation of what I think the Steeler's should do for ONE game next year. What do you all think? Too much? Too little? Just don't like it? All thoughts welcome. Here it is:

via farm9.staticflickr.com

Poll

Do you think the Steeler's should mix-up their uniform a little every year?

Yes, any and all changes welcome

8 votes

Never, don't mess with tradition

10 votes

Maybe, depending upon what is changed

10 votes

28 votes | Poll has closed

Create the Caption - Week 8

Steelmanager — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:40:04 -0000

Well this week was just too easy to find a photo...many to choose from!

via pbs.twimg.com

IF YOU LIKE THE CAPTION, REC IT! MOST REC'S WIN A PRIZE...NO NOT REALLY...IT'S JUST FOR FUN!

One thing is for sure, it is a lot easier to chuckle about the bad-ass bumblebee brigade after the swarming effort of the workers and drones. It was nice to see the Skins take a "Bee"ating. There is certainly a great deal of "buzz" around the Pittsburgh today!

Well this week was just too easy to find a photo...many to choose from!

via pbs.twimg.com

IF YOU LIKE THE CAPTION, REC IT! MOST REC'S WIN A PRIZE...NO NOT REALLY...IT'S JUST FOR FUN!

How Do We Prepare Ourselves For This?

Steelmanager — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:13:25 -0000

via www.gannett-cdn.com

Seriously? They look like bumble bees. I guess we should make an effort to call them something tougher, like Killer Bee's, but I struggle with that since Bonds, Bonilla, Bell, Backman, etc... aren't lining up to play. Anyway, I though you might like some information that you can disseminate via blogs and such to make these silly uniforms look tougher, so here it goes:

The "killer bee" lives in South America and the Western and Southern United States. They have been known to chase people for over a quarter of a mile once they get excited and aggressive.

Even though they are called "Killer" bees, their venom is no more dangerous than regular honeybees. Their attacks are more harmful because they tend to attack in greater numbers, increasing your chance of having a severe allergic reaction to the venom released when they sting you.

"Killer bees" can only sting once, because their stingers are barbed and tear off when they try to get away.

Let's hope they swarm to RG3PO and not need to chase him for a quarter mile on sunday!

via www.gannett-cdn.com

Let's hope they swarm to RG3PO and not need to chase him for a quarter mile on sunday!

Create the Caption - Week 7 Edition

Steelmanager — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:02:02 -0000

via bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com

This is meant to be a regular weekly post for the remainder of 2012, and all comments are welcome. This is meant as humor, and not to be taken to seriously.

IF YOU LIKE THE CAPTION, REC IT! MOST REC'S WIN A PRIZE...NO NOT REALLY...IT'S JUST FOR FUN!

I thought the Stillers played ok last night, although the defense was still quite suspect. The running game looked vastly improved, and despite my attempts to use mind control through the tv on Mike Wallace, he continued to drop pass after pass. Anyway, have fun with the photo!

via bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com

This is meant to be a regular weekly post for the remainder of 2012, and all comments are welcome. This is meant as humor, and not to be taken to seriously.

IF YOU LIKE THE CAPTION, REC IT! MOST REC'S WIN A PRIZE...NO NOT REALLY...IT'S JUST FOR FUN!

Looking to the Past for the Promise of a Positive Future

Steelmanager — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 17:42:19 -0000

Let me preface this by saying I believe most of the regulars who visit BD will have no intimate recollection of a time when the Pirates were successful in turning around a pathetic franchise into a winner. If you don't remember Bud Dwyer, the Iran-Contra Affair or the Uni-bomber, then please indulge my walk down memory lane. The following is based on my continued belief that the 2012 version of the Pirates is akin to the version of the Pirate's team from 25 years ago, the 1987 Bucco's.

The comparisons are numerous. How so? Well, with a hot-shot young outfielder on the verge of stardom (Bonds), a terrible hitting ss with an exceptional glove (Belliard), a right-field by committee approach, a catcher that wasn't supposed to be any good (Lavalliere), an "at best" average 1b (Bream), a power hitter who strikes out a lot (Van Slyke), a "charlie hustle" type on the bench that plays everywhere (Cangelosi), a crafty veteran SP helping to groom some young pitchers with promise (Reuschel, Drabek, Smiley), a popular closer (Gott), and a promising Manager in his 2nd year with the team (Leyland). Sound familiar? Oh, and one more: Over the last 20 years, the Pirates median avg record for the last 20 games of the season is 8-12. If the 2012 version goes 8-12, they will finish at 80-82...yep, exactly the same as the 1987 Bucs. Uncanny? I think so.

1987 was the year the Buc's "Turned the Corner" from losing franchise to contender. The moves they made from Fall 1987 - 1989 were the catalyst for 3 straight NLCS appearances.

Some of those moves were hard to accept as a fan at the time, but turned out to be golden. Toward the end of 1987 season, they traded away a popular veteran (Ray) with the highest salary on the team to make room for another hot-shot kid (Lind), and before the end of season, out goes the 38 year old starter (Reuschel), and in his place comes the young promising lefty who spent most of the season in the pen (Smiley). During the off-season there were some mostly ho hum moves with bench players. That is it. RF by committee carries into 1988 (R.J.Reynolds getting the lions share), Sub-par 1B entrenched in lineup (Bream), suffering with terrible hitting SS (Belliard). How did they do? The SS and 2B couldn't hit well or often, and the pitching was shaky at times, but they started the season 15-5. After starting hot, they played .500 ball the rest of the way and finished 85-75, 15 games back of the 100 win Mets. By 2010 standards, a pretty good year.

How the jump from 2 games under .500 to 10 games over .500? Smart play, smart coaching, and a few surprises. First, they led the National League in BB (indicating increased hitting discipline) and also in SacFlys (taking advantage of the opportunities to score.) Although mediocre in most offensive categories, they were 3rd in the NL in runs scored. They scored runs with smart at-bats, timely hitting, and good base-running. They built this team around defense, with an exceptional defensive Catcher, Shortstop, 2B, CF. Yes, the old adage, defense up the middle wins championships. They also had moved a promising young outfielder to 3B, which paid off big. (Bonilla) By the all-star break he was the 3B starter for the National League, on his way to a silver slugger and MVP consideration. By the end of 1988, the Buc's has 3 bonafide stars (Bonds, Bonilla, Van Slyke), 2 top tier pitchers and tons of promise. What else did they have? The best defense up the middle in the National League.

So how does this relate to the 2012 Bucs? Defense up the middle still wins championships. "Barajas" roughly translated means "go ahead and steal second." I like McKenry and his scrappiness, but scrappiness doesn't gun down base-runners regularly. The fact now is, any above-average runner can and will turn a single into a double. Barmes is above-average defensively, but the production level he gives at the plate is that of an elite defender, and Barmes is not elite. Walker is slightly above-average defensively, but again, I believe the Pirates can do better. It was unpopular when the Pirates traded Johnny Ray in 1987, but they chose defense over offense at 2B. They waited too long to do it, and Ray was on the downside of value, and they got nothing in return for him. Am I saying to trade Walker? I don't know, maybe? Can he move somewhere where slightly above-average is good enough defensively? Right Field? First Base? I could argue that he is likely more valuable as a trade asset than as a player. How about Cutch? Undoubtedly a budding superstar. I just think he needs to shift to left or right. For all of his world-class speed, I think there are better options defensively (and don't get me started on his baffling inefficiency at stealing bases.) Hopefully for 2013 the Pirates take a page from Jim Leyland's book, and start with shoring up the middle defensively. Oh, and hire a base-stealing expert to teach these guys how to use their speed.

In 1987, a team which had suffered for several years was starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. They gave the fans something to believe in. They built a foundation from within, and supplemented with a few key pieces from outside the organization. They were building a successful team on the concept of smart baseball, with limited mistakes. To improve on the 2012 version, they need to find a way to limit the mistakes, fielding and base-running alike. If the comparison continues, I will be sitting at PNC watching Game 1 of the NLCS in 2015. A little further in the distance than I would like, but at least I can see the light...

Justin Upton placed on revocable waivers

Steelmanager — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 14:11:21 -0000

According to Yahoo Sports, an unidentified team has claimed Upton. So, what are the chances that the unidentified team is our Bucco's, and what, if anything, would you be willing to part with to get the deal done? I know this was a conversation we beat like a dead horse earlier in the year, but that was before the trade deadline, and before the Buc's started struggling so mightily.

Me, I would offer most position players in the minors to get him, but only lower ranked pitchers. (We have proved this month we still need pitchers.) I would include Tabata, Presley, Clement, Hague, or really anyone they would want, except perhaps Holt, Polanco, or Bell.

Thoughts?

Tabata and the Intangibles (If they exist) I think he lacks

Steelmanager — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:01:53 -0000

First and foremost, if you have checked out this post just to tell me that Intangibles do not exist, please save your finger spasm's on the keyboard. First my dissertation on "Intangibles".

Vitally important physical elements -- height, weight, speed, quickness, sport-specific skill set, strength and technical skills -- are among the characteristics evaluated by all coaches. It's amazing, however, how often it's true that an abundance of physical talent doesn't translate to success on the playing field. There are other factors -- hint hint -- which can indeed be the difference between being mediocre and being exceptional. Intangibles are the attributes an athlete possesses or the behavior he exhibits that require absolutely no physical talent but are crucial to success. These intangibles are sometimes difficult to measure, but any coach will tell you they are worth their weight in gold. Some Examples:
Effort

It doesn't take any physical talent to go all-out every play. For example, football coaches look for the running back who fights for every inch of turf or the defensive lineman who turns and runs down field to pursue the football after the pass is thrown.

Even though coaches can emphasize giving great effort, more often than not it is an intrinsic quality the athlete himself possesses, and what brings it out is the personal pride and self-discipline the athlete demands of himself.
Leadership

Too many times leadership is determined by how rah-rah a player is on the field. Sometimes, however, the best leadership is not vocal; leadership by example can be just as meaningful and just as productive as how loud someone can yell in an attempt to motivate the team. Coaches look for players who perform on and off the playing field in a manner other players hopefully will emulate. Of course, coaches love a guy who is vocal and who can back up what he says and demands of his teammates by his own actions.
Team Attitude

All mature athletes realize team glory brings about individual recognition. It's not easy for a player who has been highly touted and continually told how great he is to keep his head on straight.

Most coaches are impressed by the athletes who give credit to others. Team players use the word "we" a lot more than "I." NFL owners spend thousands of dollars on experts who try to determine if a certain player will be an asset or a detriment to the team. In a sport where longevity is rare, coaches really do not like dealing with self-centered individuals.
Intelligence

Not every athlete can be an A student, but coaches expect the player to become a student of the game. The better a player understands the game, the more apt he is to make smart decisions on the field.

adapted from a Bill Conley Article dated July 22, 2008.

While I recognize that just the idea alone of the Existence of intangibles in Sports will have the stat-nerds and saber-metric fools grinding their teeth and trying to resist the urge to call me a moron, these characteristics that are hard or impossible to measure are critically important to the success of an athlete.

In Tabata's case, he possesses none of the above qualities. If he did, Hurdle wouldn't have said yesterday that he is on his way down very soon. Only 8 weeks too late.

First and foremost, if you have checked out this post just to tell me that Intangibles do not exist, please save your finger spasm's on the keyboard. First my dissertation on "Intangibles".

Vitally important physical elements -- height, weight, speed, quickness, sport-specific skill set, strength and technical skills -- are among the characteristics evaluated by all coaches. It's amazing, however, how often it's true that an abundance of physical talent doesn't translate to success on the playing field. There are other factors -- hint hint -- which can indeed be the difference between being mediocre and being exceptional. Intangibles are the attributes an athlete possesses or the behavior he exhibits that require absolutely no physical talent but are crucial to success. These intangibles are sometimes difficult to measure, but any coach will tell you they are worth their weight in gold. Some Examples:
Effort

It doesn't take any physical talent to go all-out every play. For example, football coaches look for the running back who fights for every inch of turf or the defensive lineman who turns and runs down field to pursue the football after the pass is thrown.

Even though coaches can emphasize giving great effort, more often than not it is an intrinsic quality the athlete himself possesses, and what brings it out is the personal pride and self-discipline the athlete demands of himself.
Leadership

Too many times leadership is determined by how rah-rah a player is on the field. Sometimes, however, the best leadership is not vocal; leadership by example can be just as meaningful and just as productive as how loud someone can yell in an attempt to motivate the team. Coaches look for players who perform on and off the playing field in a manner other players hopefully will emulate. Of course, coaches love a guy who is vocal and who can back up what he says and demands of his teammates by his own actions.
Team Attitude

All mature athletes realize team glory brings about individual recognition. It's not easy for a player who has been highly touted and continually told how great he is to keep his head on straight.

Most coaches are impressed by the athletes who give credit to others. Team players use the word "we" a lot more than "I." NFL owners spend thousands of dollars on experts who try to determine if a certain player will be an asset or a detriment to the team. In a sport where longevity is rare, coaches really do not like dealing with self-centered individuals.
Intelligence

Not every athlete can be an A student, but coaches expect the player to become a student of the game. The better a player understands the game, the more apt he is to make smart decisions on the field.

adapted from a Bill Conley Article dated July 22, 2008.

In Tabata's case, he possesses none of the above qualities. If he did, Hurdle wouldn't have said yesterday that he is on his way down very soon. Only 8 weeks too late.

Youkilis to the Pirates?

Steelmanager — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:31:04 -0000

The Red Sox confusing desire to unload Youkilis, coupled with the Pirates continued need for both offensive and defensive consistency at 1st and 3rd (mostly 1st), seem to be a tornado of opportunity for the Pirates to pick up another veteran for the clubhouse.

The Sox are willing to pick up the majority of his contract...so unless they're asking for too much in a prospect, why not pull the trigger on this?

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on this.

The Sox are willing to pick up the majority of his contract...so unless they're asking for too much in a prospect, why not pull the trigger on this?

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on this.

Steelers Refusal to Better the Offensive Line May Cost them a Shot at the Playoffs

Steelmanager — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:52:40 -0000

As a life-long Steeler Fan, I have come to understand very clearly that the "Pittsburgh" way is to never over-react to any situation. For all of his benefits, I have also come to realize that Kevin Colbert does not place much of a focus on Offensive Line.

Remember when the steelers were a mediocre team with an incredible offensive line? You know, Bam Morris, Barry Foster, Jerome Bettis, etc... We fans would just sit and wish the Steelers had someone, anyone, who was a great position player and quarterback. The one constant in Pittsburgh over the years has been the stellar offensive line. The other constant since 1984 was a lack of highly skilled position players.

Well, what a 180 degree turnaround we have experienced. After signing their all-pro quarterback to over $100 million, they put a group of sandbags in front of him, as if a pass rush was no better than rising water. Their release of Max Starks and Flozell Adams, and giving Colon a new contract are all head-scratchers. The running game no longer seems the focus, with the justification that the line just can't handle that...Well No kidding. They can't block long enough to let a receiver get 10 yards down field. What a shame too, because we finally have a great selection of skill players. None of which can excel from their backside.

This started with the loss of Alan Faneca. He was as good at his position at that time as any player, but they wouldn't give him a decent deal. Now, the steelers face the prospect of being a non-playoff team with arguably their best collection of skill players since the Bradshaw days, but no one to protect them. No doubt their will be no urgency from the Front Office to admit their mistakes, or to go find an offensive lineman who can keep the quarterback upright or open a hole for a running back.

This all started with Alan Faneca, and will not end until the Steeler's renew their focus on having a stellar line, not has-been's and never-will-be's. Until then we will all get to see the $100 million man getting beat like a drum on the Grambling Sideline.