Swag isn't something you can just mimic. It's not easily recreated or transferable through any medium. It's someone's patented and established way of carrying themselves; Of talking, of walking, of acting. But specifically for Mike Tomlin-it's coaching.

Since his emergence into the league as the sultan of swagger, many have tried and failed to mirror his essence, his style, his culture. They've seen those steely eyes when he trots into Heinz Field on game day. They've envied his pat-on-the-back encouragement after first down completions. They've spent nights staring into the mirror, practicing one liners that don't come close to Mr. Tomlin's glorious fire-spits.

Why wouldn't they want to be like him? Tomlin is the leader of the most successful franchise in Pro Sports. He won a Wuper Bowl in his second coaching year, and he became the youngest coach-second ever African American-to win the biggy. The desirous bunch of unaccomplished coaches have plenty reason to follow his every move, but they can't even touch him. Blinded by the reflection off of his pitch-black shades, they struggle to catch a glimpse of Pittsburgh Potentate.

We all understand why teams are hiring these young, defensive coordinators as coaches. We know why they're looking for that guy that doesn't take any nonsense; the man that has a simple plan-one of few words and hard action. Guys like Mike Singletary and John Harbaugh are reasonable attempts for a team's recreation of the Tomlin Aurora. But they fall short in so many ways. Lombardi trophies, like helium, lift Tomlin and the Steeler Organization over the posing potentials.

Singletary proved this past week that he doesn't come close to Tomlin. The main reason?-he tries too hard. His obvious attempt at shooing away Michael Crabtree drama is yet another case of Tomlin mimicry that just doesn't feel right.

Singletary's failed effort sounded like this:
"In terms of Crabtree, when he comes in, he comes in," "Would you love to have him in? Absolutely. You'd love to have him. Do we want him here? Yes, we want to have him in. But until that happens, I just can't sit back and think about the what-ifs. All I can do is concentrate on what is, and control that."

Far too many words Mr. Singletary. It comes no where close to a Tomlin Tag like "Not subscribing to hocus pocus." So much less blabber, yet so much more swagger.

So the posers can pose, the haters can envy, and the hungry can starve. But with Tomlin, "Together we all eat."

His swagger can't be touched.

Read More at The Big Apple and the Burgh

The decade of the New Milennium has been a momentous one for the Steelers Organization. There have been many highs, lows, changes, and of course, championships. The Steelers Management has a reputation of not overpaying players, and letting guys go when they become free agents. In this decade, it has proven a successful strategy for the team. Relying on the draft has created competition, youth, development, and depth within the organization, but it makes it hard for a player to last. Well, except for the great ones.

These are the players with that Steeler Mentality. The true essence of Black and Gold. The quintessential hypocycloids, if you will. The guys that don't get overpaid, but overperform, so that their contributions lead the team to success year, after year. Based on their attitudes on and off the field, statistic contribution, consistency, and team success while playing, these players have stood out as the best of the BG. Some are gone, some are retired, and some are suiting up as we speak. Given that there are 11 guys on the field for a team at any time, doing 11 guys only makes sense. These guys are the top 11 steelers of this decade.

Jump the Hump

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Mike Vick is now free to sign with any NFL team; Well, any NFL team that will take him.

The 29 year old dash-man is well past his prime in the league for several reasons, and even playing a specialist role, his impact will be very limited.  So why do ESPN Biggies seem to think that the Steelers would take him? 

Jump like Sugar Hill Gang

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The nickname controversy has been, perhaps, the most elaborate topic concerning Dejuan Blair in the past week.  His play, of course, usually speaks for itself.  In my last post, Dejuan Blair; Space Eater Extraordinaire I made a pretty good case for his space eater self.  

Some suggested "The Black Hole"

For others, is was "Grizzly Blair."  This was started at Pitt

His nickname growing up was "Big Fella," and will always be his hometown nickname.

However, spur fandom has seeked a new and fresh nickname.  Blair Force One has emerged as the favorite, but let me introduce a marvel of the english language.  Hidden in the pronounciation of his first name is, in fact, the sound of "one" in "Juan."  Dejuan-->de"one"

whoa.  meant to be?

Blair Force Juan.  utilizes both his first and last name, while maintaining the integrity of the metaphor. 

Let's not stop until we get an endorsement for him to do "Honey Dejuan Mustard-->A must for all Big Fella Burgers"

read more at The Big Apple and the Burgh

Baseball is much different than most other sports because college athletes do not make the jump from college star to the professional ranks within a few months. The minor league system develops the players over time and during those years there is bound to be a lot of change. Prospects are dealt all throughout the league and often times they wind up starring for a different club than the one that drafted them.

This is a possible roster for the Mets using players that they either drafted or traded for/away as prospects. It does not take into account whether or not the trade was good or bad for the team but just the fact that the player was once a minor leaguer for the Mets. It also factors in players that the Mets drafted but never signed due to player choice. No free-agent signings are included (aka no Beltran or Delgado).

Depth Chart

Catcher- Jesus Flores

Jesus Flores had a tremendous 2006 season in the Mets Minor League system but was drafted by the Nationals in the Rule 5 Draft. In 2008, his first full season, he hit .256 with 8 homers. He was hitting .311 with 4 homers this year until his year was cut short by an injury just 26 games in. He is considered a young player with a lot of upside.

First Base- Garrett Atkins

Atkins was selected by the Mets in 1997 but elected to go to college. He hit .301 for the Rockies in 2007 with 25 homers.

Second Base- Melvin Mora

Started off in the Astros minor league system but was signed as a free agent to the Mets organization in 1998. He made his major league debut with the Amazin's in 1999. He was traded to the Orioles and has been a two-time all star since (2003, 2005).

Shortstop- Jose Reyes

Signed by the Mets out of the Dominican Republic in 1999 and made his Mets debut in 2003. Hes been a two time All-star for the Mets.

Third Base- David Wright

Drafted by the Mets in 2001 Wright made his much anticipated debut in 2004. He has been a three time all star selection for the Mets. He has also won two gold glove and two silver slugger awards.

RF- Aaron Rowand

Drafted by the Mets in 1995 but elected to go to college instead. Rowand broke out with the white sox in 2001. He is a career .284 hitter but made the all-star game in 2007 with the Phillies. He

CF- Carlos Gomez

Signed by the Mets in 2002 he made his debut with in New York in 2006. He was considered the Mets top prospect along with Fernando Martinez. Gomez came up with Reyes and Jose has often said that Gomez is faster than he is. Gomez was traded away to Minnesota in the Santana deal and has since taken over roaming center field for the Twins.

LF- Jason Bay

Bay spent just a few months with the Mets in 2002 before being dealt to the Padres; the team with which he would make his debut. He is a three time all-star with both the Pirates and the Red Sox. He has hit over 20 homeruns in each of the last three seasons.

Starting Rotation

#1 Scott Kazmir

15th overall selection by the Mets in 2002 he was infamously traded away by Jim Duquette in 2004 at the deadline for Victor Zambrano. Kazmir has a career record of 51-41 with the Rays. He is a two time-all star but has struggled this year due to injury.

#2 A.J. Burnett

Drafted in 1995 by the Mets he was traded away to the Marlins in the Al Leiter deal. Has a career record of 95-80 and a 3.81 era. He is 8-4 with the Yanks this year

#3 Jeremy Guthrie

Was selected by the Mets in 1997 but elected to go to BYU. He has a career record of 25-23. His breakout year was in 2007 with the Orioles when he was in the running for rookie of the year when he started 26 games with a record of 7-5 with a 3.7 ERA

#4 Brian Bannister

Drafted in 2003 and made his Mets debut in 2006. He was traded to KC for Ambriox Burgos, who is now a free agent, in 2007. Bannister has gone on to post a 29-33 record with the Royals with a 4.5 career ERA. His breakout season was in 2007 when he went 12-9 and was in the race for the rookie of the year award (finished 3rd)

Bullpen

Scott Proctor

Drafted in 1995 by the Mets and traded to the Yankees in 2003. He made his debut in 2004 but became a very reliable late inning option for the Yanks in 2006. Torre relied on him heavily, often pitching two days in a row. He signed on with the Marlins for 2009 but has opted to undergo Tommy John surgery.

Octavio Dotel
Signed by the Mets in 1993 and made his debut 6 years later for the Mets. He has bounced around as starter, closer, relief pitcher for the Mets, Yankees, Marlins, Astros and A's.

Matt Lindstrom

Drafted by the Mets in 2002 and traded to the Marlins in 2006. He has since emerged as the closer for the Marlins.

Other Notable Players

David Dejesus

Lastings Milledge

Darin Erstad

If I forgot someone who you know was once a Met who could fit in this throw it in the comment section!

Baseball is much different than most other sports because college athletes do not make the jump from college star to the professional ranks within a few months. The minor league system develops the players over time and during those years there is bound to be a lot of change. Prospects are dealt all throughout the league and often times they wind up starring for a different club than the one that drafted them.

This is a possible roster for the Mets using players that they either drafted or traded for/away as prospects. It does not take into account whether or not the trade was good or bad for the team but just the fact that the player was once a minor leaguer for the Mets. It also factors in players that the Mets drafted but never signed due to player choice. No free-agent signings are included (aka no Beltran or Delgado).

Depth Chart

Catcher- Jesus Flores

Jesus Flores had a tremendous 2006 season in the Mets Minor League system but was drafted by the Nationals in the Rule 5 Draft. In 2008, his first full season, he hit .256 with 8 homers. He was hitting .311 with 4 homers this year until his year was cut short by an injury just 26 games in. He is considered a young player with a lot of upside.

First Base- Garrett Atkins

Atkins was selected by the Mets in 1997 but elected to go to college. He hit .301 for the Rockies in 2007 with 25 homers.

Second Base- Melvin Mora

Started off in the Astros minor league system but was signed as a free agent to the Mets organization in 1998. He made his major league debut with the Amazin's in 1999. He was traded to the Orioles and has been a two-time all star since (2003, 2005).

Shortstop- Jose Reyes

Signed by the Mets out of the Dominican Republic in 1999 and made his Mets debut in 2003. Hes been a two time All-star for the Mets.

Third Base- David Wright

Drafted by the Mets in 2001 Wright made his much anticipated debut in 2004. He has been a three time all star selection for the Mets. He has also won two gold glove and two silver slugger awards.

RF- Aaron Rowand

Drafted by the Mets in 1995 but elected to go to college instead. Rowand broke out with the white sox in 2001. He is a career .284 hitter but made the all-star game in 2007 with the Phillies. He

CF- Carlos Gomez

Signed by the Mets in 2002 he made his debut with in New York in 2006. He was considered the Mets top prospect along with Fernando Martinez. Gomez came up with Reyes and Jose has often said that Gomez is faster than he is. Gomez was traded away to Minnesota in the Santana deal and has since taken over roaming center field for the Twins.

LF- Jason Bay

Bay spent just a few months with the Mets in 2002 before being dealt to the Padres; the team with which he would make his debut. He is a three time all-star with both the Pirates and the Red Sox. He has hit over 20 homeruns in each of the last three seasons.

Starting Rotation

#1 Scott Kazmir

15th overall selection by the Mets in 2002 he was infamously traded away by Jim Duquette in 2004 at the deadline for Victor Zambrano. Kazmir has a career record of 51-41 with the Rays. He is a two time-all star but has struggled this year due to injury.

#2 A.J. Burnett

Drafted in 1995 by the Mets he was traded away to the Marlins in the Al Leiter deal. Has a career record of 95-80 and a 3.81 era. He is 8-4 with the Yanks this year

#3 Jeremy Guthrie

Was selected by the Mets in 1997 but elected to go to BYU. He has a career record of 25-23. His breakout year was in 2007 with the Orioles when he was in the running for rookie of the year when he started 26 games with a record of 7-5 with a 3.7 ERA

#4 Brian Bannister

Drafted in 2003 and made his Mets debut in 2006. He was traded to KC for Ambriox Burgos, who is now a free agent, in 2007. Bannister has gone on to post a 29-33 record with the Royals with a 4.5 career ERA. His breakout season was in 2007 when he went 12-9 and was in the race for the rookie of the year award (finished 3rd)

Bullpen

Scott Proctor

Drafted in 1995 by the Mets and traded to the Yankees in 2003. He made his debut in 2004 but became a very reliable late inning option for the Yanks in 2006. Torre relied on him heavily, often pitching two days in a row. He signed on with the Marlins for 2009 but has opted to undergo Tommy John surgery.

Octavio Dotel
Signed by the Mets in 1993 and made his debut 6 years later for the Mets. He has bounced around as starter, closer, relief pitcher for the Mets, Yankees, Marlins, Astros and A's.

Matt Lindstrom

Drafted by the Mets in 2002 and traded to the Marlins in 2006. He has since emerged as the closer for the Marlins.

Other Notable Players

David Dejesus

Lastings Milledge

Darin Erstad

If you know any other former mets that fit in this category throw them in the comment section!

Hype is a funny thing. As is rooting for the Pittsburgh Pirates

As Pirate fans, we're forced to do two very contradictory things.

1. Remain hopeful, and therefore sane. If you don't have any hope, then there's really no reason to be a Pirate Fan at the moment. And hope is really the only way to convince yourself that you're simultaneously a pirate fan and sane.

2. Deny large hype-->aka we can't get our hopes up, because that will ultimately lead to drastic disappointment, and therefore a downfall, due to not being able to accomplish the aforementioned task 1.

These two tasks beg the question at the present moment-->what do we do with Garrett Jones?

Continue reading this post »

Zach Duke and Freddy Sanchez-

Congrats guys, you two are a fraction of Baseball's best this year. You have the stats, you have the character, and you aren't pumping roids (knock on Louiseville Slugger wood). Therefore, we'll be inviting you to participate in the MLB All-Star game, to represent your team, the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Oh, but you might not leave the dugout, bullpen, etc 

Continue reading this post »

It should not surprise you in the least that the Yankee name is in play for Blue Jays starter Roy Halladay. They have question marks in their starting rotation and well... they are the Yankees... so naturally rumors are flying.

Without a doubt Halladay could have a big time impact for the Yankees; he could have a huge influence on any club really. The Yanks once iron-clad rotation has not quite turned out the way they expected. CC has been solid but spots teams 3-4 runs a game and sure not the pitcher they expected to get when they made him the highest paid in baseball. AJ Burnett is streaky but well he has been his whole career. Wang just flat out sucks, going 1-6 with a 9.64 ERA before going on the DL last week. Joba has been decent but far from the fist pumping wonder boy that used to give Yankee fans wood. And Pettite is unreliable. One good start to go with two bad ones.

So the question becomes what do they give up because Toronto is going to want a significant return and maybe unload an overpaid veteran, Vernon Wells, who somehow fooled baseball into thinking he deserved money to play. You would assume that the Jays would target Jesus Montero and Austin Jackson, the Yankees top two prospects. Montero has all the hitting tools to become an all-star catcher but there are big concerns with his defensive ability and whether or not he can play catcher at the major league level. Jackson is the Yanks top outfield prospect. He is the most athletic player in their system and looks to be shaping up to be an everyday center fielder. The question is where does he fit in? The yanks are high on Gardner and have Swisher signed for a few years. Melkey is also in the mix. 

So Jackson and Montero could be on the block but Toronto would probably ask for Phil Hughes to sweeten the deal. Hughes who has been solid out of the bullpen never measured up the front line starter predictions of just a few years ago. Wang's name could get thrown in their. It is hard to ignore the fact that he won 19 games last season. 
So while giving up Montero, Jackson and Hughes (assuming the Jays don't ask for more) would not be breaking the bank it doesn't seem like smartest deal for the Yanks. Halladay, who is 32, has one more year left on his contract and will probably be looking for a 5-6 year deal (worth lots of $$$) at the end of next season. The Yankees are an old, expensive, team as is; would they want to add another aging pitcher to their staff for the next few seasons? If they don't sign Halladay and just let him finish out his contract then they will have given up three of their better young players for just a season and a half of work.

Halladay is a rare talent; Jeter said "he's probably the best starter in baseball."  He may be aging but he can still pitch (he started the all star game last night) and has a CY Young sitting in his closet. For the Yanks it is a matter of win-now or save for later. We all know where the Steinbrenner family sits on this argument but this deal just does not seem worth it Bronx Bombers. Although as is, their 200 million dollar roster can't beat Boston so it's hard to imagine they do not create some headlines.

read more at The Big Apple and the Burgh

It should not surprise you in the least that the Yankee name is in play for Blue Jays starter Roy Halladay. They have question marks in their starting rotation and well... they are the Yankees... so naturally rumors are flying.

Without a doubt Halladay could have a big time impact for the Yankees; he could have a huge influence on any club really. The Yanks once iron-clad rotation has not quite turned out the way they expected. CC has been solid but spots teams 3-4 runs a game and sure not the pitcher they expected to get when they made him the highest paid in baseball. AJ Burnett is streaky but well he has been his whole career. Wang just flat out sucks, going 1-6 with a 9.64 ERA before going on the DL last week. Joba has been decent but far from the fist pumping wonder boy that used to give Yankee fans wood. And Pettite is unreliable. One good start to go with two bad ones.

So the question becomes what do they give up because Toronto is going to want a significant return and maybe unload an overpaid veteran, Vernon Wells, who somehow fooled baseball into thinking he deserved money to play. You would assume that the Jays would target Jesus Montero and Austin Jackson, the Yankees top two prospects. Montero has all the hitting tools to become an all-star catcher but there are big concerns with his defensive ability and whether or not he can play catcher at the major league level. Jackson is the Yanks top outfield prospect. He is the most athletic player in their system and looks to be shaping up to be an everyday center fielder. The question is where does he fit in? The yanks are high on Gardner and have Swisher signed for a few years. Melkey is also in the mix. 

So Jackson and Montero could be on the block but Toronto would probably ask for Phil Hughes to sweeten the deal. Hughes who has been solid out of the bullpen never measured up the front line starter predictions of just a few years ago. Wang's name could get thrown in their. It is hard to ignore the fact that he won 19 games last season.
So while giving up Montero, Jackson and Hughes (assuming the Jays don't ask for more) would not be breaking the bank it doesn't seem like smartest deal for the Yanks. Halladay, who is 32, has one more year left on his contract and will probably be looking for a 5-6 year deal (worth lots of $$$) at the end of next season. The Yankees are an old, expensive, team as is; would they want to add another aging pitcher to their staff for the next few seasons? If they don't sign Halladay and just let him finish out his contract then they will have given up three of their better young players for just a season and a half of work.

Halladay is a rare talent; Jeter said "he's probably the best starter in baseball."  He may be aging but he can still pitch (he started the all star game last night) and has a CY Young sitting in his closet. For the Yanks it is a matter of win-now or save for later. We all know where the Steinbrenner family sits on this argument but this deal just does not seem worth it Bronx Bombers. Although as is, their 200 million dollar roster can't beat Boston so it's hard to imagine they do not create some headlines.

Zach Duke and Freddy Sanchez-

Congrats guys, you two are a fraction of Baseball's best this year. You have the stats, you have the character, and you aren't pumping roids (knock on Louiseville Slugger wood). Therefore, we'll be inviting you to participate in the MLB All-Star game, to represent your team, the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Oh, but you might not leave the dugout, bullpen, etc.

Continue reading this post »

Dear Rashard Mendenhall, Limas Sweed, and Co-
You hear the term "The Sophomore Slump." Rookies have decent seasons, and they get cocky. They think the league is oatmeal and they've dived into it like sweet brown sugar. We've seen it many a time-In the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and, hell, maybe even in Soccer. But when you put on your black and gold sweaters, when you think about steeler football, sophomore slumps just don't come to mind. You know why? 

Because Steelers thrive in their second year. It could be the respect they are taught of the league by their veteran teammates. It could be the fear of dissapointing their proven coaches, or even worse, the Rooney family that reigns above. It could be their hunger to live up to the triple hypocycloid-label that scatters their uniform. But when it comes to Steeler football, sophomore slumps are like losing seasons-they just don't come around. In fact, second year Steelers have developed a pattern of dramatically improving in their second year. For the sake of conciseness, let's call this amazingly beneficial pattern "the deuce."

Jump with me.

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I'm a space eater"- Dejuan Blair

What a nickname. It's neither catchy nor quick, but Dejuan Blair is, indeed, a space eater. He's hungry for space. Looking to devour anything in the way of his basketball, he grows hungry when anything resembling opposition enters the painted area that can now be labeled his 'space." Served on a silver platter, space is the distance between Dejuan and deBall; something that he can chew up in a matter of milliseconds.

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