Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker each has slugged a three-run home run for the Pirates this spring. — GETTY
BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC
SARASOTA, Fla. — Roundup of a lot of randomness from a lot of time around our teams …
• Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez make up the right side of the Pirates’ infield and, if both hit to their goals, they’ll also make up the heart of the order, along with Andrew McCutchen.
Seems like they’re pretty important pieces. And they are.
But for how long?
Each case is different, but here’s what they carry in common: Both can become free agents after the 2016 season, and management has yet to make a meaningful move to keep Walker beyond that, and there hasn’t been any move to keep Alvarez.
I’ve been talking with team officials all week on these topics, topped by a candid conversation with Frank Coonelly yesterday behind home plate at Ed Smith Stadium, and I’m comfortable with portraying the above situations as follows:
The Pirates are not writing off that Walker could be part of the long-term future.
I’d been unsure of this, to say the least, but not after a series of firm assurances to the contrary. Coonelly offered a flat, hard, “Not true,” when I suggested they might be phasing him out in favor of either newcomer Jung-Ho Kang or prospect Alen Hanson. Coonelly added, “We love Neil Walker, and we’d love nothing more than to have him around for years to come.”
Feel free to make up your own mind. I believe him.
And here’s why: Management has very little to gain by signing Walker now, two years out. So much can happen with Walker and around him that it’s senseless to limit their own flexibility. Arbitration alone guarantees that Walker will be paid in the $10 million range — he’s at $8 million this season — and the Pirates already offered, just two months ago, to buy out those two years and Walker’s first year of free agency, 2017. That was declined because Walker seeks a significantly longer term. In that context, the Pirates are deciding between paying Walker like a true franchise player or waiting.
They’re choosing the latter, plain and simple.
Not to sound ridiculous and compare Walker to Ben Roethlisberger, but the Steelers just did the same with their known franchise player in waiting until he had one season left on his contract, not two, before signing him to a new deal that’s almost 40 percent non-guaranteed money.
If the Rooneys could be careful with that extreme example, why not the Pirates with Walker?
This way, they buy time to see what they have in Kang, Hanson, even Jordy Mercer should Kang look like a better fit at short. The more time they have, the more informed their decision.
The decision on Alvarez is simpler, and it might not even be made by them.
If Alvarez returns to 2013 form or exceeds it, he’s a virtual lock to walk via free agency. Alvarez implicitly trusts his agent, Scott Boras, and Boras’ longstanding policy has been to advise his clients to use the open market to their advantage. If that happens and Alvarez is among the power-hitting elite, he’s gone.
If that rebound never comes, don’t expect the Pirates to make the first move. They need to see a lot more of Alvarez before they could be persuaded to pursue an extension, and I don’t get the feeling they’re even in that solar system at the moment.
• I’ve been privileged to hear Neal Huntington speak informally, for years now, about his passion for protecting youth baseball, whether it’s pitchers being told to throw too much or coaches teaching baserunners to make a farce of the game and get into every rundown possible.
The other morning at McKechnie Field, the GM kindly agreed to discuss this topic for our site, and I hope you’ll appreciate his remarkably organized, informed thoughts as much as I did:
To repeat from Huntington in the video, this is that site, a combined venture of Major League Baseball and USA Baseball, for parents and children to check out:
• A.J. Burnett hasn’t just blown through the saloon doors and reclaimed his team. If he was leader in 2013, he realizes that being gone for a full year requires caution upon one’s return.
“These guys, they’ve been through a lot without me,” he was telling me a couple days ago.
If anything — and others in the clubhouse corroborated this — it seems almost like Burnett is staying quiet, calm, going about his business and surveying the scene.
• Corey Hart has been an instant hit with his new mates, and not just because he bashed a solo bomb yesterday and is off to a .444 spring start or because he’s fully convinced the medical staff his surgically repaired knees are finally fine again.
As one player put it, “That dude, that’s a man’s man right there. We all know what he’s done in this league, and it’s really cool to have him here.”
Expect Alvarez and Hart to open the season in a straight platoon. Expect that to change based on performance in either direction.
• Don’t fret over Andrew McCutchen’s ‘lower-body injury,’ as the Pirates are hilariously describing it in hockey terms even as they continue to be super-specific about everyone else. Consider it to be nothing more than the first phase of ensuring that the MVP doesn’t wear down over the course of a long summer. And there will be more of it.
• Speaking of hilariously describing injuries in hockey terms, poor Sidney Crosby had to cope with the Penguins’ awkward declaration last weekend that he was a late scratch for the Boston matinee because ‘he wasn’t feeling well’ by basically repeating that phrase the next day.
This will be next, mark my words: PITTSBURGH INJURIES: S. CROSBY (NOT FEELING WELL)
Mike Johnston’s Penguins lead the NHL in penalty minutes and misconducts. — GETTY
• The Penguins don’t think the refs are out to get them as much as they think that the refs don’t reward them for beating players one-on-one with their skill. That’s the No. 1 beef I hear in the room, and it hasn’t changed — not even now after the Wes McCauley or all the continuing fuss last night in the latest stinker in Dallas. Right or wrong, fair or not, they trace this back to Crosby swinging his stick in anger after disagreeing with the officiating in a mid-November game against the Rangers, and they feel it’s only snowballed since then, highlighted by a general disdain among all officials for Steve Downie.
But what’s also occurred in that span is … virtually nothing from Mike Johnston on this front.
The coach, by all accounts, has sensed how strongly his core players feel about this issue, and yet, per those same accounts, he’s loath to confront them directly on it. This is, of course, crazy. He’s also smart enough to grasp that the Penguins aren’t winning this duel now or anytime in the next millennium. They must concede, they must behave, and he knows it. But all he’s done to date is to repeatedly roll Downie under the bus, when Downie is only the most visible symptom.
If Johnston can’t or won’t tell the core, who will?
I’m going to repeat this, and I don’t care who it ticks off: This is all about discipline. That doesn’t necessarily mean discipline on the ice. It means the coach having control.
• Number of games and practices Chris Kunitz has missed over the team’s past 22 games while allegedly being affected by an iron deficiency: One practice, an optional.
Same as his goal total in that span.
Imagine a coach with any real resolve and/or authority not seeking alternatives at such a key position and such a key time.
• Management and coaches have been positively delighted by Ian Cole since his arrival. They feel he’s affirmed their feeling that he was buried within St. Louis’ extraordinary blue-line depth, playing a sound, smart style in his own zone while invariably skating out with his head up.
• The two most interesting items in Todd Haley’s fan-forum session with Steelers Nation Unite earlier this week were, in this order, that Martavis Bryant could overtake Markus Wheaton as No. 2 wide receiver and that Dri Archer could still get 5-6 touches a game.
And I rank them in that order because no one should ever doubt Haley’s passion for the NFL equivalent of small-ball. He loves his scatbacks, his screens, his short-yardage frivolity. And be very, very sure he loves Archer, even after a rookie season in which essentially zero progress was witnessed.
Of the Kent State product being buried by all of Le’Veon Bell’s activity, the OC said, “That put Dri in a bit of a difficult spot, being a rookie from a smaller school. When you get guys like that, sometimes the transition time is a little longer than we all would like, himself included.”
Two yards and a speck of dust. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
• Antwon Blake’s arrest last weekend for public intoxication was the result of his walking around outside bars visibly drunk, according to the police report in Oceanside, Calif. No other description of his actions was detailed, so it’s safe to assume that was it.
Not to make light of irresponsible drinking, especially where driving is involved, but if the Pittsburgh Police arrested everyone on the South Side guilty of public intoxication, the state would need to build a new full-scale jail within city limits every Saturday night.
Based on how similar — or worse — matters have been handled by the Steelers in the past, don’t expect the team to administer anything more than a smarten-up plea.
• So the Steelers are repeatedly inviting free-agent cornerbacks to the South Side while checking out draft-eligible edge rushers — Missouri’s Shane Ray and Kentucky’s Bud Dupree — and we’re still wondering how all this will play out?
James Harrison will be back, he’ll either babysit Jarvis Jones or push Arthur Moats, or both. And the other outside linebacker will be a pedigree draft pick who soaks and learns.
Andrew McCutchen and 7-year-old Owen Taylor take in batting practice Tuesday. — DEJAN KOVACEVIC
• Good dude: Alvarez.
No, I’m serious. I have doubts about his passion for baseball. I have ample awareness that he doesn’t like the media and that I’m no exception.
But that doesn’t change anything about the scene I witnessed Tuesday morning at McKechnie, where 7-year-old Owen Taylor was granted his Make-A-Wish dream by spending the day in full uniform with his hero, McCutchen: At one point during batting practice, Owen and Cutch were momentarily separated, and Owen spotted Cutch out in right field. Owen began heading that direction, then moved into fair territory behind the screen at first base.
Alvarez noticed this and sprinted — I mean sprinted — to shield Owen from any batting-practice balls, then proceeded to escort Owen step for step out to where Cutch was waiting.
I would LOVE to hear why DK has doubts about Pedro's passion for baseball. Seriously, if that were a full length column, I would love it. Also, cool little story.
I obviously have never met the man, but he seems to take the same attitude toward baseball that I would if I had his talent. Work hard, try your best, be a good teammate, but it's not going to change civilization if you strike out or throw the ball into the crowd on occasion. I don't know the details, but have heard from a bunch of secondary sources that he is very well liked in the locker room, which is fairly telling to me. I'm a fan.
Arriba Wilver
3-20-2015, 1:53 pm
Never saw DK even hint that before. Stood out to me, too. Not surprising, though. Explains a lot.
cherokee23
3-20-2015, 3:12 pm
I may have said this before on here, but I believe Pedro has some similarities to Rashard Mendenhall
bryanhajos
3-20-2015, 12:35 am
Might be your best insider yet. Loved the NH video. Thanks DK
Agreed. NH video is money. I had no idea little league coaches were telling kids to constantly initiate rundowns.
J.R.
3-20-2015, 6:57 am
I really enjoyed it too. And I am not a huge Neal Huntington fan. Interesting insights for me, as I have a young son.
MikeyA61
3-20-2015, 9:27 am
Absolutely loved the column, especially the video. The little leagues in Indy have pitch counts, innings limits, no curve balls etc...but those don't address the true problem, which is the parents. How do you fix them???
anthrsteelerfan
3-20-2015, 1:00 am
Great job DK. I agree with Neal Huntington. Baseball needs to be fun. Too many kids playing travel ball year round since they were 7 years old. They either get burned out, or arms blown out. I'm going on my 18th year of coaching and I've seen way too many great pitchers in Little League not be able to throw a ball in high school because of pitching year round.
I've spotted a typo in your Dri Archer item. I believe you meant to say, "Zero yards and a spec of dust." If not a mistake, your optimism is clouding your judgement.
I admire your selection of Pedro as "good dude", for it shows a fine amount of objectivity and giving credit where it's due. But my question is: What were YOU doing while the young man was venturing into harm's way?
As the included photo shows, I was behind the cage. Talking to Clint Hurdle, actually.
Lumbergh
3-20-2015, 2:11 am
Cutch is behind the cage in that photo, not in right field. I'm afraid your timeline doesn't match up and I demand that Adnan Syed is released from prison!
DJ
3-20-2015, 9:10 am
I believe it's "speck" unless DK is hoping for BOTH the two yards and the tiny bit of matter.
As if both might matter.
cjax33
3-20-2015, 1:55 am
Good stuff about the Pirates. Logical approach on Walker and Alvarez. Love the evolution of this front office.
The Pens ... oof. They had better just beat the Coyotes on Saturday. My first in-person game in years has to be a good one.
Thanks for the insight on Pedro.
What strikes me though is Cutch, everyone has faults, everyone makes mistakes, but Cutch, I don't think any Burgh athelete comes across more likeable and sincere than he does.
Tough to top in a town with Sid, but you couldn't have said that better, Biz.
Hope all is well!
Ed Gallagher
3-20-2015, 2:42 am
Johnson has never seemed like the guy who would get in this core's face. Kunitz, Bennett and Sutter must be gone from this team next year. The "core" needs to be gutted. Let Martin and Ehrhoff walk and the youth play D. They need the money for better forwards. Whether I will care, or watch, is another story. The NHL has become unwatchable. The Pens do whine a little much for my tastes but the Bruins and the Habs have been complaining and the refs seem to be taking it out on them as well. The league will do nothing about it. The coaches challenge will be minimized by the "band of brothers" that are the NHL refs. Perhaps NBC can start doing features on your favorite zebra. Sounds like "Must Watch TV" for the Canadian maritimes.
Ur correct on the NHL being unwatchable now & that just sucks. The NHL officials are the worst officials in pro sports bar none - I don't care if they are told how to call games or not - it's a disgrace - the NHL is literally taking away the talented players & showcasing as Mark Madden would say "Jabroni's."
Ed Gallagher
3-20-2015, 8:01 am
One of the two plays that came to mind. The other was Comeau getting tackled in front of the net.
DJ
3-20-2015, 9:15 am
DD: That was a rodeo video clip with Sid playing the part of the bull, right?
Clark Suckling
3-20-2015, 4:32 am
Regarding Pedro's lack of passion for baseball. I used to wonder that about Ken Griffey Jr.
I was under the impression that the hiring of Rick Tocchet was for the sole purpose of correcting poor attitudes and discipline problems in that room. So far the results are:
1) the team has been labeled "whiners" by the officials (and their own admission)
2) Steve Downie leads the league in penalties, and most of them are not the type coaches find acceptable (10" misconducts for stupidity vs, say, crushing a guy who's badgering Sid)
3) The power play is an absolute mess, which is his department.
I loved Tocchet as a player and applauded his hiring at the time. Dejan, what's your take on this? Is he incapable of doing the job or is this team so (gulp) uncoachable that even he can't fix the attitude problem? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
I know you wanted Dejan's thoughts, but here are mine.
How many coaching staffs have to get cycled through the Pens' organization before we realize it's the players? This core of players got Therrien fired for being such a bum that he's now leading the Habs to the number one spot in the Eastern Conference.
Also never forget that as a player, this team's owner got Scotty Bowman fired, presumably because Bowman doesn't know how to coach pro hockey.
Ed Gallagher
3-20-2015, 7:57 am
I doubt "the core" would listen to any coach and that includes Mike Babcock. These guys refuse to change how they play on the Power Play. I am pretty sure Tocchet is not advising all of the cross ice passes or drop passes.
Dejan Kovacevic
3-20-2015, 8:08 am
He most definitely is not.
Sarah
3-20-2015, 9:42 am
either way, a failure of coaching.
Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
3-20-2015, 10:10 am
O Danny,
Amazing! I came here today intending to mention the exact 3 things about Tocchet. I really liked the Tocchet hire but . . . .
1/ Downie control towards penalties———swing and a miss
2/ Adding grit to the locker room as a coach and former player and especially stopping the whining——swing and a miss
3/ Directing a more productive, nee powerful, power play——swing and a big miss, going down to one knee
Three strikes and you're OUT!!
Not even a loud foul ball in there!
You are a wise man, O Danny!
A. Lane
3-20-2015, 1:55 pm
Rick Tocchet was hired with his paper thin resume because he knew Mario, the same reason that Gilles Meloche was kept around as a goalie coach.
I thought the entire Penguins off-season was a laughable side show and hiring Tocchet with his public pining for a job, prior to having a head coach being the epitome. The process sucked, the results? That is an open question at this point.
That said the Penguins simply need to play better and have some of those shots make it into the net. Every time there is a losing streak there is talk of blowing it up like Three Rivers or wishing for some fictional disciplinarian. It is a long season the ends with over half the teams making the playoffs, themselves a chance driven enterprise. A lot of dumb conclusions are drawn on what is very little information.
Sarah
3-20-2015, 3:08 pm
I believe Desjardin turned down the HC position precisely because he had no control over his Assts and Tocchett was a done deal.
If they really do want to go after Babcock, THAT will have to change. And a lot more where the AGMs are concerned. As in, they will not have control. Babcock will.
And really, I'd love it. A coach that the team might actually respect and/or fear.
However, nagahappa. Can't break up the go along friendly Family.
dannyboy1631
3-20-2015, 4:55 pm
Unfortunately neither blowing up the core or changing coaches will fix this. The pens most successful seasons were when they had a respected vet on the roster (think Gonchar and Guerin). There is a tremendous amount of talent on this team, but very little composure. That's why when things don't go their way, the leaders of this team become visibly frustrated and come apart on the ice. This isn't a secret around the league either. Trading away world class talent will never pay dividends. Neither will burning through coaches. This is the sole reason I would've liked to see them trade for Jagr. This team needs a universally respected voice more than they need a scoring winger. Someone who can be a calming influence to these volatile stars when things aren't going to plan. Nothing will benefit this team more, and unfortunately for this year it's already too late.
A. Lane
3-20-2015, 4:59 pm
There is not some coaching panacea out there. I don't care for Tocchet, but good coaching only improves a team by like 10%, bad harms by like 20%.
What the Penguins need is to continue to play the way they have, minus the penalties, find an identify of the PP, and get an un-Fleury like performance from Fleury in the playoffs. They are not currently getting dominated on the ice, it's that shots aren't going in and when there aren't goals everyone picks this or that flaw to highlight.
There aren't prefect teams and every fan base logs grievance against the coaching, Chicago doesn't like how Quenneville bring along young player, such is fandom.
HKSteelerfan
3-20-2015, 6:17 am
Totally pysched to read the bit on Harrison. Love the player, and want him back! Still worried about Tennessee grabbing him........
Pens are such a disappointment. The writing is on the wall for that early playoff exit once again. They need to stop being little babies. Maybe the Flyer fans were right years ago calling him Cindy Crosby
Gotta make the playoffs first. Thats not a guarantee at this point.
Sarah
3-20-2015, 11:20 am
To be fair Crosby got that nickname after Pronger cross checked him in the face and he yapped at the refs through 4 broken teeth.
But, Torts nailed it a year or two back calling the Pens the most arrogant team in the league.
Even the DAL announcers said it again last night.
And seriously, if you're the DAL coaches, you tell your guys to absolutely **** up Letang all night, because the refs will not call a thing.
It's to the point where our whining allows teams to game plan around it.
CoachD
3-20-2015, 11:22 am
7pts up with 11 to 12 games left to play is not a guaranteed spot but it's damn near close. Even .500 hockey the rest of the way gets them in.
Arriba Wilver
3-20-2015, 1:56 pm
I didn't think the Cindy Crosby fit at the time, but it's fair to argue he has grown into it. As a leader, it also explains a lot about the whole team.
Dubble A
3-20-2015, 9:08 pm
I believe the Flyer faithful (unless the Flyers are playing poorly, when they become the unfaithful) actually refer to Sid as Cindy Crysby. At least that is what I heard when I attended a Pens - Flyers game in Philthy a couple years ago. Of course, much of that has to do with envy, not just the incessant whining.
Todd
3-20-2015, 7:21 am
I really would like to share that video with our local Dixie Youth Baseball league. Too many kids playing year round travel ball, skills camps, and so on - as young as 7 years old.
I found it interesting that both Colbert and Tomlin went to Mich Sts proday. Not just for a look at Trae Waynes but the RB, Langford who is supposed to be a good pass blocker. I'm saying he could be a later round option.
I'm nearly convinced that one of those first three picks will be spent on offense to the dismay of fans. Especially OT.
That defense is bad. One draft isn't going to fix it. One more year of Harrison wont make a difference.
Never goes by the script. You know that. There's a chance.
nfontana85
3-20-2015, 8:18 am
put money on it? you have guys that sit around and do nothing but mock drafts all year long and are no where near what actually happens.
LoufromOSU
3-20-2015, 8:45 am
The defense doesn't need to be dominant. It just needs to be adequate.
bpn8pitt
3-20-2015, 9:50 am
Fair points.
Keep in mind, there are several teams in front of the Steelers looking for pass rushers and Cbs. There are also two teams, New England and Baltimore, that have amassed more than enough extra selections to move up, ahead of the Steelers, if needed.
And personally, I don't think they're very strong at tackle. And if you're gonna invest 150 million in your QB and eventually RB, you better be able to block for him.
DormontyDawson
3-20-2015, 11:34 am
bpn -- you keep ging back to that OT in the first round! Interesting.
I am not against going for OT in the first round as long as he's a super-stud.
That said, I still don't think it will happen.
If the Steelers take an OTin the first round, you'll be a DKOPS legend.
bpn8pitt
3-20-2015, 12:21 pm
Honestly, Dormonty, I think they may be picking between the two Collins DBs. But I do think OT is on their radar.
Beasley, Fowler, Gregory, Ray and Dupree. Those guys could be gone by 15. Definitely 20.
Now if there were more Qbs in play, one would probably fall. I just think there are at least a dozen teams easy, going defense that are ahead of them.
bpn8pitt
3-20-2015, 12:36 pm
Definitely could see a run on that position, once a couple go, you know?
Dubble A
3-20-2015, 9:15 pm
I think Dupree has a good chance to be there at 22 unless a team reaches a little at a higher pick. And, Ray had a horrible pro day at Mizzou. Doesn't mean his draft stock will suffer, just sayin'.
No sense Tomlin and Colbert wining and dining Waynes - I would be very surprised if he would be around anywhere near 22.
bpn8pitt
3-20-2015, 9:45 pm
Oh Waynes wont be there, just found it curious they both went to the Mich St pro day...
Dupree's stock has universally soared.
Maybe they move up? Just don't they have picks to do it.
The other thing is, the Steelers needs are painfully obvious. Teams behind them in the draft are well aware of what their looking at. Could see Browns fielding offers at 19. Could also see them taking a pass rusher considering they lost Sheard.
I'm convinced this isn't as straightforward as it would seem.
sixncounting
3-20-2015, 8:06 am
I would pay five bucks a week just for the Friday Insider. I kind of feel like I'm stealing with this subscription. Thanks DK.
TV cameras caught Tocchet on the bench in Dallas trying to get Sid's attention. Standing behind him, called his name twice, no response. So he kicked him. Got half a head-turn. Tocchet proceeded to tell him...whatever...while Sid appeared to be almost sorta halfway listening. This was right after the 1st PP unit had come off the ice. I'm a fan of 87 but I wanted to kick him too. ALL IT WOULD TAKE to turn this team's fortunes completely around (and I mean their long-term, big-picture fortunes, not a short rut) would be for 87 and 58 in particular to shut up, put their heads down, and get to work on executing the plan and the direction that the coaches put forth. Sounds so simple yet...
Love Sid but wish he had an ounce of David Backes, Shea Weber or Billy Guerin-type mentality in his bones. Thought it would evolve with time.
Just not his personality.
teh319
3-20-2015, 9:54 am
While I think this team has talent, a major shake up needs to occur to right size everything - what I mean is we need to trade a superstar or two. I'd suggest Crosby, great player and he would get us a nice return. Its just not working, pens will have difficultly winning a series come playoff time
Groat2Maz2Strangeglove
3-20-2015, 9:59 am
I think there is a bigger chance that Dejan purchases a house on the beach than Sid being traded.
Remember: he is owner Mario Lemieux's 3rd child, still with kitchen privileges!
DJ
3-20-2015, 10:01 am
Sid is going nowhere. Value in relation to talent/production prohibits it.
mpackage
3-20-2015, 10:03 am
It would be insane to trade him. But he needs to wake up, and grow up.
CoachD
3-20-2015, 11:33 am
While I wouldn't disagree that a shakeup would help or is needed, trading either Sid or Geno would be a losing move. There is no trade that could be made that the Pens would win, picks and prospects doesn't/won't replace Sid or Geno and I'm not sure any GM in the league would trade multiple proven elite players for Sid or Geno. The only way the Pens win a Sid/Geno trade would be if a team like Chicago offered Toews & Kane or Anaheim offering Getzlaf & Perry but a little thing called the salary cap would prevent those types of moves.
BillyBaduka
3-20-2015, 12:58 pm
Mpackage, is that a Grosh guitar in you avatar? Is that one that you built?
teh319
3-20-2015, 1:25 pm
I agree they won't be traded but something just seems off to me about the pens - they need to change the culture and shake things up; the team won't go anywhere as currently constructed....and I'd keep Geno over Sid.
mpackage
3-20-2015, 2:33 pm
BillyBaduka - that's one of mine
mpackage
3-20-2015, 2:33 pm
BillyBaduka - that's one of mine
mpackage
3-20-2015, 2:34 pm
BillyBaduka - that's one of mine
BillyBaduka
3-20-2015, 3:28 pm
Thanks MP.
beautiful guitar. Are those P90s or jazzmaster pickups?
Do you have a website?
I may be in the market hand built someday. And even if not, always fun to see what's out there. So many great hand made amps and guitars now days.
BillyBaduka
3-20-2015, 3:58 pm
Oh wait, that's definitely a humbucker in the bridge pup. How about the neck?
AC
3-20-2015, 4:11 pm
I am in no way a Sid basher, but I did see that last night mpackage! I was very very dissapointed in our captain. This is no way to lead your team. If a coach is talking Sid! YOU FREAKING LISTEN!!! YOUR TEAM SUCKS RIGHT NOW!!!
Sarah
3-20-2015, 5:01 pm
We saw the same thing last year with DB, and if Olbermann is to be believed it was worse behind closed doors, esp during playoffs.
What will it take to get a coach the Pens will respect?
I smell a story!!
DJ
3-20-2015, 9:39 am
Seems like 3 months have passed since first said this but loved everything HCMJ was doing until first "control" issue chink in his armor. Cannot recall exact incident but may have been Adams fighting Geno.
Needed to grab reins but appeared to back off. Other instances followed. TOO much input from players and not enough from coaches. Wanted BOLDER thinking and got less.
Approach/personnel on PP, Butch Cassidy (Sid) fused at hip with Sundance Kid (Kuni), Letang QB'ing No. 1 PP unit, Scuderi not once a scratch, Adams . . . well, just being Adams.
Next few important little stretch to see if coaches right the ship. Hoping it doesn't get ugly . . . or uglier rather.
Welp. They hired a 3+ choice minor league coach and tied his hands re asst coaches and trades.
You got what you got.
Sarah
3-20-2015, 4:59 pm
Actually Groat now that I think about it, that was an interesting story that I never saw in the local media: "Why don't coaches want to come to Pittsburgh?" Could've been interesting!!
DJ
3-20-2015, 9:53 pm
Coaches grow.
What HCMJ needs is MORE assertiveness, not deference to players. There was a turning point about months ago and he failed that exam . . . by icing it.
Scott in Orlando
3-20-2015, 9:41 am
DK, just when I thought your Friday Insider could not improve, I am proven wrong. Again and again.
Your coverage of the Pirates spring training is simply remarkable and takes a backseat to no one. In fact, I believe other writers are emulating you and print periodicals are lamenting you are not apart of their sinking ships.
As happy as I was with HCMJ's handling of the pressers earlier in the year, especially compared to HCDB, his response to your question about penalties and the propensity of the same which you captured/posted on video, was disappointing. It is hard to comprehend the hockey minds of GMJR and 66 have any different view than the fans, which I am included. You don't need to be a head coach in the NHL to form opinions on the obvious and HCMJ may be proving why he wasn't in a similar role in the NHL prior to this year.
Referencing the NHL officiating, this claim is the same in every professional sports. To think there is not some form of personal interjection of views from officials when they work a game, in any sport, is illogical. They are human after all. However, to believe there is a big conspiracy against any one organization in entirety, regardless of the sport, is equally illogical. One thing is certain, the louder one whines, the more likely the aformentioned personal interjections of calls, or no calls, will occur. You can't take the human nature out of the mix.
Absolutely fine video with Huntinton. Coaches of all sports should note this attitude about overuse and over-emphasis in youth sports on winning. I am impressed that the Pirates have such a good man at the helm.
Please get your excellent IT guy, who superimposes your logo on everything, to superimpose a Hawaiian shirt on Neal Huntington. (Although Neal would obviously have his Hawaiian shirt tucked in, unlike the scouts!) He can even put your logo on the pocket.
Are we still bad fans for not buying into the whole mirage the Penguins are selling? Hate to day I told you so, but lesson learned by some of you I suppose.
Also, I was made to understand that that the addition of Lovejoy was going help the Pens with "speed" and transition. I'm sorry, but the only difference I see between pre-Ducks Lovejoy and now is that he went from a #7 d-man to a #5/6. Meanwhile Despres is bullying LA KINGS players and assisting on OT goals.
Speaking of Despres, how does Scuderi look without him lately, being on the ice for goals against in 8 of 9 games and generally looking confused without his go to outlet? Root/Trib constantly told the uninitiated that Scuderi babysat Despres, while the few of us who understand the game knew it was the other way around. Sid asset management by the 12 GMs.
Speaking of transition, how's that looking now since Despres was traded and Pouliot was sent down?
Dallas announcers spent much of the broadcast blasting Kunitz, but hey, keep giving him those minutes and be sure to blame Beau Bennet and Downie for everything.
I believe the speed/skill justification gave way to the "off ice problems" justification for the Despres/Lovejoy swap.
It's really hurting us re Scuderi. As much as the PR machine wants us to believe Scuds was propping up Simon in the 3rd pair, the opposite was more often true, and can be seen nightly, as in Scuderi in the corner while Benn was wide open for the GWG in front.
Meanwhile Root Sports flames BB for his unfortunate deflection on the 1st goal, during his whole 6 minutes of ice time.
Anyone notice Bibbsy shut up completely when Scuds made that awful pass that bounced off the side of the net and nearly resulted in a wraparound goal? 1st period.
It's just embarrassing the different standards of accountability between vets and young guys. BBs gone this summer and I wish him well.
bpn8pitt
3-20-2015, 11:45 am
Any chance you cover the Pitt Spring game over on your soccer pitch? Or at least bang out a column on what you've heard?
I realize things are gearing up for the hockey playoff run and with Buccos starting up. But id like to hear from you on Narduzzi and Co. at some point.
A couple of things here. Mario did't get S Bowman fired. Total nonsense. Comeau not being 100% is big. He has the speed the Pens forwards lack in both zones.
Well, Geez who did get him fired?
It was to the point where he wasn't even allowed at practices.
A real embarrassment to a great coach.
Dapp27
3-20-2015, 1:34 pm
This is going to be so unpopular here, but I have to say it. I think very highly of #66, loved him as a player, love what he has done for the city of Pittsburgh. He belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of Pittsburgh athletes along with Arnold Palmer, Roberto, and Chuck Noll. But the entitlement, country club atmosphere and players running the team has always existed when his presence with the team was prominent. From the day at the 1984 draft when he refused to put on the Penguin sweater he has always exuded player over organization. I would have thought when he became an owner that would change, but he still allows players that work for him to foster that environment. We won 3 cups on his watch directly or indirectly, and I feel he is a tremendous leader, but let's not fool ourselves that we should have won more. He did have a part in the firing of Bowman, not an urban myth, and who lived with Mario the first 5 years of his career. Think #87 might have learned something about entitlement while he was staying at Lemieux's home? Think back to the only team that really ever overachieved in Penguins history since the cup years. That's right, the Kevin Constantine teams of the late 90's and that is because Barrasso and Jagr bought in. Who was absent from those teams with no prevalent role. I'll let you guess....
Dapp27
3-20-2015, 1:37 pm
And I meant to say "we should have won more" cups. Typo....
Arriba Wilver
3-20-2015, 2:02 pm
Chet--you off your meds? Why was the HOF coach fired after leading the team to their second Stanley Cup? Bad breath?
Sarah
3-20-2015, 2:58 pm
Well bottom line that early 90s Pens team, IMO will go down as under-achieving....they really could have won more Cups than they did, and that was where the "inmates running the asylum" reputation began, with the dismissal of Bowman, who went on to win how many more Cups? 2-3? With Detroit.....
The rep continues today. How many solid, experienced high-reputation coaches did they hire since then? Olzyk? Kehoe? Constantine (turned on him too)... Really Therrian was the one with the best pedigree....and they quit on him also....though in fairness, I think he will admit now he was awfully hard on his young players and has adopted a softer stance since then. After that, 2 minor leaguers.
It's a pretty plain history, and not sure I am surprised that a couple coaches turned them down last summer.
As for those wishing for Babcock, he would NEVER come here unless he was given far more control than currently is afforded the HC. And I doubt our gaggle of AGMs would allow that.
alantig
3-20-2015, 3:54 pm
The big flaw here is that Bowman wasn't fired - he walked away. The Penguins made a contract offer, he didn't like, so he decided to walk. You can make the argument that they made an offer in the hopes that he'd walk, but the offer was made.
BillyBaduka
3-20-2015, 3:55 pm
I hear you Dapp.
I love Mario, but he's not perfect. I am thankful for all that he has done for the Pens and Pittsburgh.
But that doesn't mean that everything he's done is correct.
Sarah
3-20-2015, 4:56 pm
Bowman wasn't fired?
Oh for heaven's sake.
They would not let him ATTEND HIS OWN PRACTICES.
So, yeah he walked away.
It amounts to the same thing. They forced out a HOFer, and have been paying for it ever since.
Ed Gallagher
3-20-2015, 5:02 pm
Sarah, you seem to know it all. Why have you not been hired by the front office? The Old 29er said the whole Bowman tale was blown way out of proportion. True the team did not like him. Craig Patrick let the players say their peace and then told them nothing was changing. Perhaps GMJR should do the same thing? Maybe Mario. Who knows. What is clear is Sid and the rest of "the core" seem to do as they please.
alantig
3-20-2015, 5:35 pm
Correct. Was. Not. Fired. It can be argued that he was presented with an offer that was made with the intention of insulting him - and I can't say that didn't happen because the stuff I saw said terms weren't disclosed. But he had an offer and Bowman turned it down and opted to go elsewhere.
FWIW 1 - I'm inclined to believe that the offer was made in the hopes that he'd reject it. The article I read had Howard Baldwin moving on to a new (old) coach pretty quickly.
FWIW 2 - The loss/rejection of Bowman was a huge mistake. I not sure if his presence would have changed anything over the next couple years, but nobody else was going to be Bowman.
And if you recall, even Bob Johnson wasn't exactly greeted with open arms.
Sarah
3-20-2015, 6:15 pm
In don't claim to know it all, but I'm not sure where you got the idea I said Bowman was fired (perhaps confusing me with another poster?) I did say he was dismissed, for all intents and purposes.
After you've won 5 Stanley Cups and you're neutered as a coach to the extent that the players are allowed to prevent you from attending (heck never mind running) your own practices , jeebus, would you stick around to be formally fired? I wouldn't. The point was, it was a disgraceful way to treat a HOF coach, and IMO it was the start of the Pens' reputation for Inmates running the Asylum. And that continues to this day.
Over decades they have barely hired a coach with the credentials to be respected by the team, with just a couple of exceptions in (IMO) Brooks, and Therrian. Seriously, Kehoe? Hlincka who could hardly speak English? Constantine, Olzcyk, Bylsma, and Johnston with nearly or no NHL HC experience. (Actually I give Kevin C a lot of credit for getting the most out of a mediocre bunch until Jagr et al quit on him.) They are NOT bringing in coaches with the notion that the team will respect/fear, heck never mind obey them. Watched the PP lately? Think they're listening to Tochs? They are not bringing in coaches enabled to have power over the team. And that is a feature, not a bug.
Sarah
3-20-2015, 6:19 pm
And with respect Chet the way I understand it was that Mario and Francis essentially revolted against Bowman at 1-3 down in the Caps series. They changed the forecheck routine, and to their credit, it worked.
After that it was plain that Bowman was not in command of the team.
It's all hindsight now I guess, but I think that overall it's been a negative despite winning the Cup that year. It's an interesting discussion to have !
alantig
3-21-2015, 1:22 am
Sarah - you did make two references to Bowman being fired (second post, and one too far down for me to want to count). But my comment wasn't specifically directed at you.
But this one is - where did you hear that Lemieux (and Francis) "essentially revolted" against Bowman in the Caps series? As I recall hearing it, Lemieux went to talk to Bowman and suggested that a different defensive scheme might help them. I've always heard it presented as a discussion rather than a demand. (This is all from memory of Mike Lange's comments during the broadcasts, and newspaper reports from then.) Just did a quick search - books by Joe Starkey and Todd Denault both have it as non-confrontational.
And you're right - it is an interesting discussion.
As for the players/coaches relationship, I believe it was Bob Berry who first termed Lemieux (and others) as "coach killers" after he was fired. Gene Ubriaco was less than complimentary as well.
Ed Gallagher
3-21-2015, 11:07 am
Sarah, if you scroll to the bottom you will see where I said, "do you think Tocchet is telling them to try cross ice passes on the PP." DK added that he was not. Unfortunately I do not think anyone can tell the core guys what to do. They almost seem too nice. Deferring to one another to take the perfect, can't-miss shot. I was hoping they hired the anti Bylsma. Only time will tell. Perhaps this slump in March will translate to wins in April. Winning in March never seemed to help Disco and Co.
Gnome of Steel
3-20-2015, 1:24 pm
Assuming he stays healthy and his performance continues, I hope the Pirates and Neil Walker can come to a long term agreement when the time comes. I remember all my franchise heroes growing up. Clemente, Stargell, Mazaraski, etc. Seems these days the only hero little Bucs fans can count on long term is Cutch. And Neil being a local hero makes him particularly special. For instance, when he won the home opener last year with a walk-off I think all of us yinzers felt how special that was. Not to mention his family herotage and the connection to The Great One. I mean you can't make this stuff up. Anyway I know baseball is business but zi hope he spends hus career in the Burgh.
Of these I believe only Bowman and Therrian (Brooks maybe?) went on to coach again in the NHL...would need to verify, going from memory....
Arguably the two best were run out of town. And yes I love Herb but his style was more suited to non-pros.
Sarah
3-20-2015, 3:29 pm
It's not surprising that qualified candidates would think twice.
Sarah
3-20-2015, 3:30 pm
Arggh replied to the wrong post my bad Peeps!!!
tfftroy
3-20-2015, 4:37 pm
Great stuff as always DK. As I said on Twitter, I've been away and unable to watch the last game or two. So I can't comment on anything in particular. But I can say how odd it is that this Pens' squad continues to allow the littlest things under their skin. And this dates back to that famed Flyers' series. So why does it continue? I don't know.
All I do know is how different of a team this is without Geno right now. The offensive threat isn't there because there is no scoring depth. Did I read Josh Yohe quote Letang that they need secondary scoring? Odd that Ranger would call people out like that. The frustration is palpable.
I do like how Ian Cole has fit in. That's one strong point.
And anyone who blames all of this on Sid's "leadership" and says he needs to be traded is clueless. Never mind his no trade clause. He's still tied for league lead even at his worst. The whole team is off. It's a bit of a rebuilding year, and they have a rookie coach figuring it out.
Another great insight Dejan, Thx.
In quick response:
While Pedro Alvarez will always frustrate fans who want more of him as a ballplayer and media who just want more access, he obviously is a good man. When he leaves in 2 years, and he will, I for one will think of him in that context first.
The Pens are looking more and more as though they will fall short again this postseason. Let's face it Malkin, Crosby, Letang and Fleury talent wise are as good as it gets. But hockey is about intangibles and hard work. They must display these at the same level as their talent or this team will disappoint.
I also believe Harrison will b back. I hope the Steelers focus on defense in both free agency and the draft. There is not one spot that doesn't need improving. Love Bryant and have hopes for Archer.
As always bleeding black-n- gold. The next few years should b good for all 3
DK,
I am Owen's grandfather and our family was moved by the hospitality by the entire Pirates organization. Cutch and all involved made his day as a major leaguer one he will remember for the rest of his life. Great players on the field and amazing people under those uniforms. Pittsburgh is fortunate to be represented by such s class organization.
March 20, 2015
Friday Insider: Truth on Walker, Alvarez
by Dejan Kovacevic • Friday Insider • Penguins, Pirates, Steelers
Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker each has slugged a three-run home run for the Pirates this spring. — GETTY
BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC
SARASOTA, Fla. — Roundup of a lot of randomness from a lot of time around our teams …
• Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez make up the right side of the Pirates’ infield and, if both hit to their goals, they’ll also make up the heart of the order, along with Andrew McCutchen.
Seems like they’re pretty important pieces. And they are.
But for how long?
Each case is different, but here’s what they carry in common: Both can become free agents after the 2016 season, and management has yet to make a meaningful move to keep Walker beyond that, and there hasn’t been any move to keep Alvarez.
I’ve been talking with team officials all week on these topics, topped by a candid conversation with Frank Coonelly yesterday behind home plate at Ed Smith Stadium, and I’m comfortable with portraying the above situations as follows:
The Pirates are not writing off that Walker could be part of the long-term future.
I’d been unsure of this, to say the least, but not after a series of firm assurances to the contrary. Coonelly offered a flat, hard, “Not true,” when I suggested they might be phasing him out in favor of either newcomer Jung-Ho Kang or prospect Alen Hanson. Coonelly added, “We love Neil Walker, and we’d love nothing more than to have him around for years to come.”
Feel free to make up your own mind. I believe him.
And here’s why: Management has very little to gain by signing Walker now, two years out. So much can happen with Walker and around him that it’s senseless to limit their own flexibility. Arbitration alone guarantees that Walker will be paid in the $10 million range — he’s at $8 million this season — and the Pirates already offered, just two months ago, to buy out those two years and Walker’s first year of free agency, 2017. That was declined because Walker seeks a significantly longer term. In that context, the Pirates are deciding between paying Walker like a true franchise player or waiting.
They’re choosing the latter, plain and simple.
Not to sound ridiculous and compare Walker to Ben Roethlisberger, but the Steelers just did the same with their known franchise player in waiting until he had one season left on his contract, not two, before signing him to a new deal that’s almost 40 percent non-guaranteed money.
If the Rooneys could be careful with that extreme example, why not the Pirates with Walker?
This way, they buy time to see what they have in Kang, Hanson, even Jordy Mercer should Kang look like a better fit at short. The more time they have, the more informed their decision.
The decision on Alvarez is simpler, and it might not even be made by them.
If Alvarez returns to 2013 form or exceeds it, he’s a virtual lock to walk via free agency. Alvarez implicitly trusts his agent, Scott Boras, and Boras’ longstanding policy has been to advise his clients to use the open market to their advantage. If that happens and Alvarez is among the power-hitting elite, he’s gone.
If that rebound never comes, don’t expect the Pirates to make the first move. They need to see a lot more of Alvarez before they could be persuaded to pursue an extension, and I don’t get the feeling they’re even in that solar system at the moment.
• I’ve been privileged to hear Neal Huntington speak informally, for years now, about his passion for protecting youth baseball, whether it’s pitchers being told to throw too much or coaches teaching baserunners to make a farce of the game and get into every rundown possible.
The other morning at McKechnie Field, the GM kindly agreed to discuss this topic for our site, and I hope you’ll appreciate his remarkably organized, informed thoughts as much as I did:
To repeat from Huntington in the video, this is that site, a combined venture of Major League Baseball and USA Baseball, for parents and children to check out:
• A.J. Burnett hasn’t just blown through the saloon doors and reclaimed his team. If he was leader in 2013, he realizes that being gone for a full year requires caution upon one’s return.
“These guys, they’ve been through a lot without me,” he was telling me a couple days ago.
If anything — and others in the clubhouse corroborated this — it seems almost like Burnett is staying quiet, calm, going about his business and surveying the scene.
• Corey Hart has been an instant hit with his new mates, and not just because he bashed a solo bomb yesterday and is off to a .444 spring start or because he’s fully convinced the medical staff his surgically repaired knees are finally fine again.
As one player put it, “That dude, that’s a man’s man right there. We all know what he’s done in this league, and it’s really cool to have him here.”
Expect Alvarez and Hart to open the season in a straight platoon. Expect that to change based on performance in either direction.
• Don’t fret over Andrew McCutchen’s ‘lower-body injury,’ as the Pirates are hilariously describing it in hockey terms even as they continue to be super-specific about everyone else. Consider it to be nothing more than the first phase of ensuring that the MVP doesn’t wear down over the course of a long summer. And there will be more of it.
• Speaking of hilariously describing injuries in hockey terms, poor Sidney Crosby had to cope with the Penguins’ awkward declaration last weekend that he was a late scratch for the Boston matinee because ‘he wasn’t feeling well’ by basically repeating that phrase the next day.
Reporter: ‘So, Sid, what was wrong yesterday?’
Sid: ‘I … I just wasn’t feeling well.’
Reporter: ‘Injury or illness?’
Sid: ‘I wasn’t feeling well. I’m feeling better now.’
This will be next, mark my words: PITTSBURGH INJURIES: S. CROSBY (NOT FEELING WELL)
Mike Johnston’s Penguins lead the NHL in penalty minutes and misconducts. — GETTY
• The Penguins don’t think the refs are out to get them as much as they think that the refs don’t reward them for beating players one-on-one with their skill. That’s the No. 1 beef I hear in the room, and it hasn’t changed — not even now after the Wes McCauley or all the continuing fuss last night in the latest stinker in Dallas. Right or wrong, fair or not, they trace this back to Crosby swinging his stick in anger after disagreeing with the officiating in a mid-November game against the Rangers, and they feel it’s only snowballed since then, highlighted by a general disdain among all officials for Steve Downie.
But what’s also occurred in that span is … virtually nothing from Mike Johnston on this front.
The coach, by all accounts, has sensed how strongly his core players feel about this issue, and yet, per those same accounts, he’s loath to confront them directly on it. This is, of course, crazy. He’s also smart enough to grasp that the Penguins aren’t winning this duel now or anytime in the next millennium. They must concede, they must behave, and he knows it. But all he’s done to date is to repeatedly roll Downie under the bus, when Downie is only the most visible symptom.
If Johnston can’t or won’t tell the core, who will?
I’m going to repeat this, and I don’t care who it ticks off: This is all about discipline. That doesn’t necessarily mean discipline on the ice. It means the coach having control.
• Number of games and practices Chris Kunitz has missed over the team’s past 22 games while allegedly being affected by an iron deficiency: One practice, an optional.
Same as his goal total in that span.
Imagine a coach with any real resolve and/or authority not seeking alternatives at such a key position and such a key time.
• Management and coaches have been positively delighted by Ian Cole since his arrival. They feel he’s affirmed their feeling that he was buried within St. Louis’ extraordinary blue-line depth, playing a sound, smart style in his own zone while invariably skating out with his head up.
• The two most interesting items in Todd Haley’s fan-forum session with Steelers Nation Unite earlier this week were, in this order, that Martavis Bryant could overtake Markus Wheaton as No. 2 wide receiver and that Dri Archer could still get 5-6 touches a game.
And I rank them in that order because no one should ever doubt Haley’s passion for the NFL equivalent of small-ball. He loves his scatbacks, his screens, his short-yardage frivolity. And be very, very sure he loves Archer, even after a rookie season in which essentially zero progress was witnessed.
Of the Kent State product being buried by all of Le’Veon Bell’s activity, the OC said, “That put Dri in a bit of a difficult spot, being a rookie from a smaller school. When you get guys like that, sometimes the transition time is a little longer than we all would like, himself included.”
Two yards and a speck of dust. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
• Antwon Blake’s arrest last weekend for public intoxication was the result of his walking around outside bars visibly drunk, according to the police report in Oceanside, Calif. No other description of his actions was detailed, so it’s safe to assume that was it.
Not to make light of irresponsible drinking, especially where driving is involved, but if the Pittsburgh Police arrested everyone on the South Side guilty of public intoxication, the state would need to build a new full-scale jail within city limits every Saturday night.
Based on how similar — or worse — matters have been handled by the Steelers in the past, don’t expect the team to administer anything more than a smarten-up plea.
• So the Steelers are repeatedly inviting free-agent cornerbacks to the South Side while checking out draft-eligible edge rushers — Missouri’s Shane Ray and Kentucky’s Bud Dupree — and we’re still wondering how all this will play out?
James Harrison will be back, he’ll either babysit Jarvis Jones or push Arthur Moats, or both. And the other outside linebacker will be a pedigree draft pick who soaks and learns.
Andrew McCutchen and 7-year-old Owen Taylor take in batting practice Tuesday. — DEJAN KOVACEVIC
• Good dude: Alvarez.
No, I’m serious. I have doubts about his passion for baseball. I have ample awareness that he doesn’t like the media and that I’m no exception.
But that doesn’t change anything about the scene I witnessed Tuesday morning at McKechnie, where 7-year-old Owen Taylor was granted his Make-A-Wish dream by spending the day in full uniform with his hero, McCutchen: At one point during batting practice, Owen and Cutch were momentarily separated, and Owen spotted Cutch out in right field. Owen began heading that direction, then moved into fair territory behind the screen at first base.
Alvarez noticed this and sprinted — I mean sprinted — to shield Owen from any batting-practice balls, then proceeded to escort Owen step for step out to where Cutch was waiting.
Would anyone do it?
Yeah, probably.
Was I still moved by it?
Absolutely.