Ferndale at Conemaugh Valley April 17.

        Pitching and defense are usually a good recipe for success in High School Baseball.  The Ferndale Yellow Jackets got just that in their 3-2 road victory at rival Conemaugh Valley Tuesday afternoon. The Yellow Jacket's Senior pitcher, Ian Helsel pitched a gem and sparked his team to a hard fought conference victory on the road.  Helsel dominated early by striking out six of the first seven batters he faced en route to his ten strikeout performance. When asked about his key to the game Helsel replied, "Keeping the ball down and not giving them anything good to hit." Helsel's strategy proved to be true as Conemaugh Valley mustered just five hits throughout the game.  The defensive play that saved the game came from an unsuspecting player as reserve freshmen outfielder Mike Hockensmith caught a fly ball and gunned out the potential winning run at third.

       

         The game saw quite the pitchers dual as Conemaugh Valley's starter Chris Horten also went the distance and racked up twelve strikeouts himself.  The game started out slow as the teams combined for only one hit through three innings.  The offense got going in the top half of the fourth inning when Ian Helsel started the Yellow Jacket rally with a single and a stolen base. Cody Berkebile plated him with a single and later scored on a Nate Hoffman single to set the score at 2-0.  The Blue Jays answered in the bottom of the inning with a two run double by Damon Markiewicz. The score remained the same until the top of seventh. A rare catchers interference call gave Ferndale a base runner. Following the strange play, Freshmen pinch hitter Zach Beneke came through in the clutch with an RBI single to give Ferndale the 3-2 lead, and ultimately the victory. The Blue Jays went down in order in the seventh capped off with Helsel's tenth strikeout.  The win improves Ferndale to 3-4, as Conemaugh Valley drops to 6-3.


Top Performer- Ian Helsel (Mt Aloysius recruit) 7.0 IP. 5 Hits. 2 Earned Runs. 0 Walks. 10 Strikeouts. 1-3 Stolen Base. One run scored.

2012-13 Way too early College Basketball Top 25.

Well I tried last year, and my picks were awful. So how do I make it better? I did some research this time and waited until the top recruits made their decisions. This will be a lot more embarrassing next April after a Champion is crowned and I'm way off because I put some time into it.  There are still some top recruits available, most notably Anthony Bennett (#7 overall), Devonta Pollard (#22 overall), and Tony Parker (#27).  These guys should all make immediate impacts to a college program. It is sad we live in a time where one recruit may change the whole landscape, but it does happen.  Kentucky assembled an all star recruiting class and won it all. They have another one lined up, and some other teams are following suit. The major pieces have decided where to go, but these three players will make a difference.

1. Indiana-The Hoosiers are back. The 2011 campaign brought a revival to Bloomington, and it was only a preview of things to come. Indiana should be one of the favorites to bring home the National Championship. Cody Zeller recently chose not to be a one and done type guy, and his return may lead to big things. The 6-11 crafty big man went toe to toe with every good post player he faced in 2011-12 . The Hoosiers bring back four other starters as well. Christian Watford will be a big factor in the post. This team has experience and brings in a talented recruiting class highlighted by Point Guard Kevin Farrell, the nations 19th rated recruit.  The Hoosiers blend of experience and gifted freshmen should be enough to carry them to a Final 4 in Atlanta.

2. Kentucky- Big Blue Nation and Coach Calipari finally broke through and won a National Championship in 2012.  The one and done freshmen technique finally paid off, so can they do it again?  I think that is certainly a possibility.  The Cats lose Anthiny Davis,Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Terrence Jones for sure. Doron Lamb and Marquis Teague should be gone too. Kentucky still will be very, very good. Nerlens Noel should fill right in for Anthony Davis. Noel is the nation's 2nd rated recruit. His running mates are Alex Poythress(#8) and Archie Goodwin(#14). The threesome may be joined by Anthony Bennett also. John Calipari is a really good coach and is able to get superstars to play together really well for a one year stretch. This team may not be as good last year, but Calipari can get teams to grow. Talent is a big factor these days, and Kentucky is not short on that.

3. UCLA-Thing is Westwood looked really bleak this season. The Bruins had a bad year on the court and received some bad press from Sports Illustrated. So how did Ben Howland still attract two of the top three recruits in the country?  Kyle Anderson's game is mentioned in the same sentence as Magic Johnson, that should say a lot. Shabazz Muhammed was the nation's most coveted prep star, and he chose to stay on the West Coast. Those two should form a lethal combination and restore pride to the Pac 12, and more importantly to the UCLA program. UCLA has some big returnees also.  The Wear twins are 6-10 and both averaged double figures last season. Tyler Lamb is an athletic scoring wing, and UNC transfer Larry Drew Jr. should help make the backcourt solid.  The Bruins will be long and athletic this season and the two superstar freshmen can carry the Bruins back to the National spotlight.

4. Baylor-The Baylor teams are facing an NCAA investigation. It may take a while for things to process, so the Bears should be ready to contend again next year.  Baylor loses some talented big men in Quincy Acy and Perry Jones, but they won't be short on size.  Quincy Miller has decided to stay in school, and Brandon Austin is a seven footer that was a highly touted recruit. The length of Baylor is becoming a trademark. Baylor's backcourt is lethal. Pierre Jackson is a hard nosed point guard, and Brady Heslip is a dead eye shooter. Baylor has all the talent in the country, they seemed to falter against top tier talent.  The Bears need to match up better with good teams. The Bears should win the Big 12, and will make a good effort to break through to the Final Four.

5. Duke-This may be a little higher than the Devils have getting, but I do not understand why.  Duke has the iconic coach of this generation, and they bring back four senior starters.  Ryan Kelly, Marshall, and Mason Plumlee should be good size and tough for anyone to deal with.  Seth Curry is a big time shooter and Andrew Dawkins is a smart player that has been around.  Coach K can win titles with lesser talent because of his abilities, but this team has some skill. Throw in Rasheed Sulaimon a top flight recruit, and you have another weapon.  They Devils are waiting on Amille Jefferson to commit as well. Duke has size, shooters, and coaching.  I will not be shocked to see Duke have a great year.

6. Michigan-Michigan enjoyed a successful campaign in 2012.  John Beilein finally has hit his stride as a coach in Ann Arbor.  Michigan is bringing in a very touted recruiting class to add to a talented returning group. These Wolverines can give Indiana a run for their money in the Big Ten. Trey Burke's return sets up the high ranking.  He is a talented guard that may be the best Point Guard in the country. Tim Hardaway Jr. is a good running mate standing at 6-6. The recruits should bring a new flair. Mitch McGary is a 6-10 post player that is expected to start right away.Glenn Robinson III is the prize of the class, and may end up starting as well.  Michigan isn't terribly deep, but they are talented.  Michigan should finally see some tournament success under Coach Beilein.

7. Syracuse-The Orange had one of the best teams in the country in 2012, and were set for a Final Four birth. That was until Fab Melo got suspended and took away a big seven foot presence in the middle of the Orange 2-3 Zone.  Syracuse loses a lot of key pieces, but being the deepest team in the country leaves you with some pretty good ones. Brandon Triche and CJ Fair should be the leaders of this squad.  The Orange have two talented big men, sophomore Rakeem Christmas and freshmen, DeJuan Coleman. Michael Carter-Williams is a former All American in High School, but was deep in the depth chart behind some upper classmen. Jim Boeheim has been doing very well in the regular season lately, but it has not necessarily meant deep tournament runs. This team will have a nice blend of experience and young talent. Syracuse is capable of running up another big record.

8. Louisville-The Louisville Cardinals surprised a lot of people and earned a Final Four birth in 2012. The scrappy bunch is a typical Rick Pitino team, and they may be even better in 2013. The floor general Peyton Siva should be returning for his senior season. His defensive play sets the tone for the rest of the team. Russ Smith is a solid off guard and should improve being a more featured player this year.Behannan and Dieng are back in the front court. There is no big recruiting class coming in, just three players that will be healthy for a full season. Jared Swopshire,Rakeem Buckles, and especially Wayne Blackshear should add depth and skill to Louisville. Pitino's teams often run deep, and this one should be no different.

9. North Carolina-The Tar Heels essentially lose everything, but in typical Carolina fashion, they simply reload.  Reggie Bullock and Dexter Strickland will man the guard positions.  Strickland's presence may have secured a Final 4 birth, but was out on injury for most of the season.  James Michael McAdoo decided to stay.  He was a reserve for Henson and Zeller, and did not show all of his skill.  This guy is very good, and may have a Thomas Robinson type season and totally break out.  The Tar Heels didn't add a top flight recruit, but they are bringing in four top 65 players to the program.  The Heels have talent at every position and should be in the thick of the ACC race.

10. Ohio State-The Buckeyes lost big man Jared Sullinger. They still return three starters back from a Final Four team. Aaron Craft could possibly be the best,smartest, and toughest all around guard in the country. He will win Ohio State to a lot of wins this season. DeShaun Thomas will be back and will flourish in an expanded role.Coach Thad Matta has totally revived this program and has made it a national presence since his arrival.  The Buckeyes have room to add some recruits, and there are a few left on the board. I would not be surprised to see the Buckeyes add some more talent, even though they will be fine without it.




11. NC State-Yes, you read correctly.  The NC State Wolfpack under coach Mark Gottfried are ready to factors nationally in 2013. The Pack added three McDonald's All Americans to a pretty solid roster already. Star Forward, CJ Leslie has yet to make a choice on whether to enter the draft, but if he returns the Wolfpack may move up a little.  Lorenzo Brown and Scott Wood are two solid guards that can score. Howell and Painter are good veteran big men that should provide size.  The young guys should infuse some talent that has not been in Raleigh for some time. Rodney Purvis and Ty Warren are athletic wings that will be hard matchups for ACC opponents. Tyler Lewis may be in line to take over point guard responsibilities right away.  Its hard to imagine NC State to make such a jump so soon, but the talent is there.The Wolfpack will expand on the Sweet 16 appearance in 2012 and see if they can turn that into something more.

12. Kansas-The Jayhawks made a memorable run all the way to the finals, after nobody expected them to be there. It may have been Coach Bill Self's best job ever. The Jayhawks bring back three starters from the National Title game. Elijah Johnson and Jeff Withey remained in school and they put KU on the map for 2013.  Tyler Releford also comes back for Kansas.  Those three should carry KU for a lot of wins, but it is concerning they do not have a tru guard lined up for next season.  Perry Ellis may have to fill the void left by Thomas Robinson right away. He is a special recruit and was highly sought after.  Kansas brings in a few other talented freshmen to the mix.  Bill Self proved he can win with a group that isn't overly talented, this time he has a group with some proven talent, Will he be able to top last year?

13. Arizona-Sean Miller is bringing in the most talented recruiting class in the country.  The Wildcats will be the biggest threat to UCLA's Pac 12 Title. Arizona's success should start with Solomon Hill, who is forgoing the draft to remain in Tuscan.  After that, it should be a show of Freshmen.  Kaleb Tarczewski may be the Pac 12's most talented Big man instantly. Brandon Ashley and Grant Jarrett are two other talented post players that should give Arizona a dominating inside presence. All three players are among the nation's top 25 recruits.  Gabe York is a top 50 recruit that should help right away at guard.  The Pac 12 is a freshmen dominated league for 2013.  Arizona and UCLA's freshmen will be battling out all season  long for conference supremecy, and it should give the league a breathe of much needed fresh air.

14. Michigan State-Tom Izzo got his team to play extraordinarily well last season.  The Spartans lose their heart and soul in Draymond Green, but his work ethic should rub off on the program.  Keith Appling is a good lead guard for Spartans going into next season.  They are not short on veteran big man either.Derrick Nix and Adreian Payne should big a large inside presence. The health of Brenden Dawson will be a welcomed addition. The talented swingman will be a difference maker for the Spartans.  Tom Izzo always reels in good recruits, and he has done it yet again. Gary Harris is a very highly touted guard that will help the Spartans backcourt.  Michigan State was not on the radar last season and earned a 1 seed in the NCAA's, this year they are on the radar, so how will things shape up?

15. Florida-The Gators are talented enough to compete at the highest level, but it depends on one things. Does Bradley Beal return to school or not?  If he does, the Gators are a top 10 team, if not they stay a top 25 team. Kenyon Boyton is as good as guard in the SEC and will lead the Gators to a successful campaign.  Erik Murphy and Patric Young are two formidable big men that can take on Kentucky in the SEC race.  Mike Rosario is the wild card?  Can he be a factor like he was for Rutgers, or will he remain a role guy?  He has a good shooting stroke and can light up the scoreboard. Bradley Beal is a sure fire team All American if he returns, and can lead Florida to the Final 4.

16. Memphis-Memphis has taken a bit of slide since Coach Calipari has left, but 2013 could be a coming out party.  Memphis will lose Will Barton but returns plenty of talent. The group will be lead by the junior class of Joe Jackson,Antonio Barton,Chris Crawford, and Tarik Black. The group had high expectations coming in, and they have not met them.  This is the year the team needs to prove their worth. The Tigers bring on freshmen, Shaquille Goodwin to add depth down low.  Memphis is playing its final year in Conference USA, as always they should dominate, but can they take it to the next level in the postseason?

17. Texas-Texas had an up and down season. They appeared as though they would miss the NCAA tournament and found themselves on the right side of the bubble as it turned out.  Texas is young and they lose star guard, J'Covan Brown to the NBA.  Myck Kabongo should emerge as a star. He led the team in assists, and will see his scoring go up.  Sheldon McClellan had a great freshmen season, and will be counted on to score plenty of points this time around. The Longhorns issue will be inside play, but their two best incoming recruits are post players. Price Ibeh and and Cameron Ridley will play big factors right away.  Texas should be better than last year, but they may struggle to compete with Kansas and Baylor in the Big 12.

18. Notre Dame-The Irish were an upstart team in 2012. They were picked in the bottom half in the Big East, yet they ended up winning 22 games. The Irish have the chance of being really, really good in 2013. Tim Abromaitis and Scott martin are unsure if they will be eligible, but if so the Irish will play a bigger factor in the Big East.  Jack Cooley was the league's most improved player, and will be even better next season.  Jerian Grant and Eric Atkins will man the backcourt.  Cameron Biedscheid is a very heralded recruit and will make an impact.  Notre Dame can be really tough without Martin and Abromaitis, but they will be much better with them.  Could be a good year in South Bend next season.

19. Gonzaga-The Zags gave Ohio State everything they could handle in the NCAA's.  That could be a telling sign for things to come.  Elias Harris has yet to decided his future next season, but he would be a welcomed addition back in Spokane.  Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr. are two guards that are capable of scoring a lot of points, and David Stockton can give good minutes. Guard play should certainly be a strength.  Sam Downer will be counted on to play a bigger role down low.  Gonzaga always fields a strong team, they always play a deadly schedule, and they are a tough out come March.  2013 should not be any different.

20. San Diego State-The Aztecs could be really dangerous in 2012.  They had a magical run in 2011 by winning 34 games and followed up with a solid 26 win campaign last year.  This could be their best run yet. Jamal Franklin, Chase Tapley, and Xavier Thames are all guards that averaged in double figures last year.  They should have one of the best backcourts out there.  They also add some impact transfers, most notably would be Dwayne Polee from Saint Johns.  The 6-7 swingman should add athleticism as should five star recruit Winston Sheppherd.  This is a real sleeper team. They can find themselves in the Top 10 early on, and they could be there for a while.

21. Missouri-Missouri had an embarrassing end to a memorable season. The Tigers were a marquee team all year long and lost to lowly Norfolk State.  The Tigers lose a ton.  They should still be alright.  Phil Pressey will return and be one of the better lead guards in the country. Michael Dixon is a good running mate and the two will be the key to Mizzou's success.  The Tigers have also landed a pleasant surprise. Alex Oriakhi will be transferring to Mizzou and will be eligible immediately.  The talented big man has won a National Championship at UConn and will add a big presence that Missouri lacked last season.  This is a fun team to watch, and the run and gun offense now has a big man to solidify things.  The Tigers may make a run in the deep Big 12.

22. Wisconsin-Wisconsin is a veteran bunch.  Bo Ryan does as good of a job as anyone at getting his team ready to play.  The Badgers play knock out defense and low scoring basketball, and they will be able to play with anyone in the Big Ten yet again.  Jordan Taylor is gone, and a new lead guard must emerge. Josh Gasser and Ben Brust are both deadly shooters, but lack true Point Guard skills.  They will have to adapt.  Ryan Evans, Mike Bruesewitz, and Jared Berggren should man the inside. That is three seniors and two juniors. They will be ready to play, and ready to defend.   Sam Dekker is a highly touted player out of Wisconsin and he will help instantly. This team can shoot it, and they will be a tough out.

23. UNLV-The Runnin' Rebels ran off some impressive wins in the 2012 campaign. They beat North Carolina in the early season that helped raise the profile.  Dave Rice had a very successful rookie season as a coach and brings back a pretty good group for this year. Mike Moser is back after leading the team in scoring and rebounding.  He may be the best and most valuable player in the Mountain West conference. Anthony Marshall and Justin Hawkins are back to handle the guard situation. This UNLV team is going to run and gun. Rice handles the team well and Moser can carry them pretty far, they will have some epic battles with San Diego State.

24. Creighton- Creighton had a very successful season in 2012 by compiling a 29-6 record. Doug McDermott will come back off an incredible Sophomore season. The crafty forward averaged 22 points and 8 rebounds and will likely do it again.  McDermott is good enough to carry a team to the Sweet 16, but the Jays return a few pieces yet. Gregory Echinique is a solid post threat and Grant Gibbs is a good guard, but they will need to bring some more scoring to the table.  Ethan Wragge as a small forward will see an expanded role also.  The Bluejays will score plenty of points and pull off some wins they are not supposed to get, and will be a threat in March.

25. Pittsburgh-The Panthers had a forgettable 2012, but will see better days in 2013.  Tray Woodall will be back and healthy for his senior season.  Pitt also returns wings Lamar Patterson and JJ Moore and big things are expected for both.  Dante Taylor and Talib Zanna are also back in the post.  This team gained valuable experience and should be better for next year.  That also will stem with the nation's number five recruit, Steven Adams.  The 7 footer will make an impact right away in the Big East. Pitt may also be adding a talented transfer from Central Michigan, Trey Zeigler for next year barring a waiver.  Zeigler is a former top 30 recruit and will add a much needed presence at Shooting Guard for the Panthers.  Pitt will get back to the tournament this time around, and depending on how the newcomers play, they may win a lot of games with it.

Opening Day with D6 Sports Network

The great American spectacle that is Opening Day has come and gone.  The D6 Sports Network took our traveling caravan down to the lots of PNC Park to behold the pregame festivities. Here is what we saw.

Pittsburgh is a Baseball town-  There is plenty that can be contested with that statement, but I think there is finally proof.  Pittsburgh is a sports crazed town, to say the least. The ultra popular Steelers are a hit from coast to coast, and the Penguins are the NHL's showcase team. That often puts the Pirates in the shadows and in a really tough spot.  They are labeled "The City of Champions...and The Pirates." The Pirates have 19 consecutive losing seasons, it iss not an ideal way to draw in fans, yet on a day in early April the largest crowd ever in PNC Park's history commenced.  The buzz around town was real and positive. The younger generation of Pirate fans have yet to see a winner, but they saw four months with a rag tag group last summer. The Pirates may not compete this year, they may not duplicate next year's success, they can be out of it by May, BUT nobody is thinking that way.  The Pirate fan base is alive and kicking. It is a new era, and a new way to watch the Bucs. The emergence of twitter is a new way to watch the games with Pirate fans and is a great way to stay informed with some good sarcasm. The party atmosphere of Pittsburgh brings a unique feel that other teams may not see.  Pittsburgh Baseball is an event every weekend from here until late September, make an appearance.  You will not regret it.

There is a Rivalry- The Phillies have been one of the most successful teams in baseball in recent memory.  They have a payroll that drowns out that of Pittsburgh. Philadelphia has a dedicated fan base, and the Phillies have that town captivated all Summer long.  They also travel well, really well.  Philadelphia fans were all over Pittsburgh this weekend.  Although it was not like year's past. The Pittsburgh Pirate nation has a new found sense of confidence.  The parking lots were filled with Pittsburgh fans not donning Steeler jerseys or Clemente jerseys, but rather McCutchen, Walker, Tabata, and Hanrahan jerseys. The Pirate "P" was prominent everywhere you looked. The neighbors from the East were not a dominating force as they were in the past years.  The Pirates went neck and neck with Doc Halladay and the Phillies on Opening Day, and used dramatic fashion to take two from Philadelphia the rest of the weekend. The Pirates do not have the star power, the payroll, or playoff experience but they have grit to hang. Pittsburgh fans do not have bragging rights just yet, but as of now they lead the season series 2-1.

Optimism is Everything- Anything worth talking about has critics obviously.  The Pirates still have no guarantee that they will be anything worth talking about this year, and of course people know it.  The loyal fan base has seen everything crumble in their faces before.  The Pirates still do not have a payroll, a threatening line up, or rotation.  They still have better days ahead that might not be this season.   The Pirates are going to change the Pittsburgh sports landscape.  The success of the early 1990's will be duplicated again.  The best way to approach it is to be positive, and believe.  Clint Hurdle is a great manager. He is a winner, and is a character.  Andrew McCutchen is one of the best players in the league.  There are plenty of scrappy Pittsburgh players that are fun to root for.  It would be a great thing to see people take on supporting the Pirates the way the Penguins get supported.  The game is becoming youthful again.  It is trendy to watch the Bucs, and go to the games. Its an affordable night out with fellow Pittsburghers.  Pirates Baseball is turning into something that it has never been in my lifetime.  It is actually cool to be a Pirates fan these days, something that nobody could have dreamed of five years ago. Check out a game this year, and you will get the feeling too.

Best recruiting class ever?

Jamie Dixon has recruited the best recruiting class to enter the University of Pittsburgh since perhaps Bobby Martin, Brian Shorter, Jason Matthews, Darrell Porter, and Sean Miller stepped foot in Oakland.  Steven Adams, the 7-0 foot New Zealander is a coveted big man that has NBA written all over him. Trey Zeigler is a transfer from Central Michigan that was a former top 30 recruit that chose Pitt over UCLA and Duke.  James Robinson is a cool point guard from the storied program of DeMatha.  Those three should have Pitt ready to compete for an ACC Championship in 2013, assuming Adams sticks around for more than one season, and that is something you should not assume.  Oh yeah, the recruiting class might not be done. Pitt still seems to be pushing for top 60 Power Forward, Savon Goodman.  Pitt has also added fairly unknown Chris Jones out of New Jersey who seems to be a glue guy that could develop if given the chance. The new group of players seemingly will create a log jam at certain positions.  All in all, that is just a great problem to have. Pitt may now be athletic enough to go with anyone. The past decade has shown Pitt to be a hard nosed defensive minded team(I think the media exaggerates it to an extent) that has won with talented players, but not the best of the best. As any successful coach/program does, Dixon has doubters.  "He doesn't recruit well"  "He can't get past the Sweet 16"  "Why doesn't Pitt go after Sean Miller?"  "Fire Dixon" I have heard them all. I do not need to get into how ridiculous they all sound. It takes many coaches a while to get over the hump, and if that is the worst thing about Dixon.....Pitt fans should be happy.  He has maintained what Howland started, and has kept Pitt a perennially ranked team and a frequent on national television.  All you have to do is remember the 90's, and take a look now. Pitt's state of the program is in fine shape. So what does Pitt have to look forward in the near future, and beyond.

    The 2012-13 Panthers should be better than the year prior.  There are many variables that are still need to be settled.  Will Savon Goodman commit?  He is a 6-6 physical presence that could play the Power Forward position, and play it very well. The only problem is someone will need to go. Chris Jones could see he is one of five 6-5 wings and may choose to go elsewhere.  John Johnson, Cameron Wright, Durand Johnson are all possible transfer candidates. That is something that remains to be seen.  Also, will Trey Zeigler  play next year?  Depending on who you listen to, it does not seem to be a sure thing.  He may play, he may sit out. Regardless, Pitt should be ready to contend after a one year hiatus.  The sure things Pitt has, Tray Woodall will be healthy. This will be his fifth year in the program. Lamar Patterson and JJ Moore are two wings and both could start.  If the second half of this past season is and indication on how they will play, Pitt should be in fine shape. They both seemingly understand their roles now and can take their games to new heights.  Talib Zanna and Dante Taylor took turns playing well, but never put it together.  They should be better this time around as neither will be the feature big man. The new crop of players should help instantly. Steven Adams is talented enough to start on pretty much any program in the land.  He may not come in and dominate but his presence is something Pitt lacked in 2011-12.  James Robinson will certainly see minutes, he is a heady player that is a true point guard.  The Big East has plenty of uncertainties for next year, and Pitt can find themselves in the thick of the race.  The 2013 ACC transition seems more and more likely and Pitt will be ready to be a factor immediatley.  They are in the running for some high level prospects, most notably BeeJay Anya, and Pitt should establish themselves in the annual contenders with UNC,Duke, and Syracuse.  The prospects of a promising future should erase the one year hiccup that was 2011-12.

The Anticipation.....

The great day is almost upon us. The Day that we have all been waiting for since October.  The magical day that has shaped our country and captivated our imaginations for generations. Opening Day brings a sense that good weather is upon us, and hope that your team has a chance. The first day of the season sells out stadiums and brings people together. It is playoff atmosphere all over the country in April. There are many people that consider Baseball to have faded out as our pastime, and that may be true. Although, Baseball is the one game that you can take care of business everyday. It is a six month long march or struggle to the end. The game of baseball is unique, there is nothing quite like it. It is a game of numbers, that every pitch,inning,out,run, and game is factored into one big summation that we call the regular season.

     Opening Day gives a team like the Pirates a hope that their losing streak may end, or that the Cubs could possibly win the World Series. Opening Day is where a virtual nobody comes out and sets the tone for a Cy Young caliber season. Opening Day is where a bunch of rag tag teams can go toe to toe with the flashy Yankees. It is a day for the fans, but also for the players. The day is unlike any other opening for any other sport. Its hard to describe but the great Joe DiMaggio gave it a try before, "You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when your a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen."  That last sentence could not have said it any better, something wonderful might happen, and in all likeliness will happen. Sports are very hard to predict, you just never know what could happen. The Yankees can beat the Phillies like the salaries would suggest, but October is far,far away. This is the day where everyone has a chance. So whether or not you make it to an opening day anywhere across the country this weekend, here is one great Yogi Berra quote to remember, "A home opener is always exciting whether it's home or on the road."  On Opening Day every fan and every player can still dream.  Cheers to six months of Baseball ahead.   

March 19 Thoughts....

After having quite the scare from my laptop, it suddenly has started to work again(Knock on Wood) but I feel like I should catch up on some topics, Nationally, and of course Pittsburgh flavored. So here we go.....

1. The Madness, first weekend.- As always my favorite weekend of the year did not disappoint, and I find it hard to believe it ever will. The Madness caught fire across the nation and we saw some very unusual things. A 15 seed beating a #2, not once, but twice! Unreal. Norfolk State absolutely shredded my bracket, and many others. And the mighty Duke Blue Devils lost to Lehigh. Wild, wild times and many ripped up brackets.  Kentucky looks poised to make it to New Orleans, and it is certainly their tournament to lose. UNC and Syraucse lost starters, and Michigan State is overachieving to say the least. I don't know if anyone can take down Calipari and his Freshman all star team, but thats why they play the games.

2. Paul Chryst's First Recruit!- Todd Graham had an unusually slow start to recruiting last year, but Paul Chryst's drought didn't last as long. Scott Orndoff, a 6-6 Tight end from Pittsburgh is the first official recruit of the Paul Chryst era. I think its a pretty good start. He held offers from Wisconsin, Michigan,Michigan State, and WVU.  He is pretty highly coveted by the Big Ten, and should receive better rankings as the year progresses. He was a Wisconsin commit originally, and predictably switched to Pitt.  Chryst and Rudolph have teamed up to churn out productive Tight Ends at Wisconsin, and they have two very talented recruits to start things off with in Pittsburgh. JP Holtz in the incoming class, and Orndoff in the current recruiting class could team up to be a very lethal duo for the Panthers. The recruiting class can certainly shape up to be a productive one, but Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State are Pitt's chief rivals in recruiting and they are well behind those teams.

3. Streaking Penguins-The boys in Black and Gold put on a show the past few weeks, and maybe a show for things to come. The Pens reeled off 12 straight and basically looked flawless. Fleury has been a force and looking like a goalie you can ride through the playoffs. Kris Letang's return to the defense is almost as important as any one player the Penguins have. And of course, Sidney Crosby looks like a pretty nice midseason addition. Sid hasn't been lighting up the goals, but certainly has opened things up for everyone around him. He is setting up guys at a rapid pace, and joining Malkin and James Neal on the power play may be the scariest thing the NHL has seen in decades. Evgeni Malkin has upped his game to world class levels, and is the best player in the world right now, and its hard to argue that.  The Penguins have the offense, defense, and goaltending to win a Stanley Cup.  They may or may not catch the Rangers in the standings, but will be a tough out for anyone come playoff time.

4. The McCutchen Deal- Andrew McCutchen signing for a big extension is a positive step for the futile Pirates organization. McCutchen is the face of the franchise, and the most popular Pirates in a long time. He is a legitimate building block for the team and the city. McCutchen's willingness to sign an extension shows that he is ready to the centerpiece to the future for this team. McCutchen is a rare "5 tool" player that has garnered recognition nationally. He isn't the typical Pirate's best player that is relatively unknown, he is a known commodity and well recognized star in this league, and will be even more known if he continues to produce. It is hard to imagine he will take a slide. He should only get better, and may be one of the selling points to future free agents if the origination is ready to sign outside talent.

5. Peyton Manning- Manning signing with the Denver Broncos is big, big news. And it certainly can change things around for the next few years.  Peyton at full strength is one of the best of all time, no questions asked. His career stats can be mentioned with the greats of the game, and if he returns to form there is no doubt Denver can make a Super Bowl push. The fact that a team can depend on one player for so long, and crumble the first year without him is puzzling, or it can be considered remarkable how valuable Manning truly is.  If Peyton was the entire key for Indy, and it was worthless without him, says a lot about where he can take a more talented Dever team.  Denver has a solid defense, better than most Manning had with the Colts.  The Broncos also have two young receivers that are on the rise, Erik Dekker and Demaryius Thomas stand the best in the whole situation.  But where does Tim Tebow factor in? Who knows?  But the guy that captured ESPN's full attention for an entire season might be able to catch on elsewhere, or learn from one of the vest best.  Its hard to predict how Peyton's health will be.  Will he come out and provide the same type of impact Brett Favre made in his late career, or will he fade dramatically like a Donovan McNabb? Time will tell, but Denver's prospects became a lot more interesting this offseason.

6. The CBI- Pitt's ridiculous attempt to make this season any longer is very, very agonizing. This season needs to rest in peace. Pitt's program should be above accepting this invite, and quite frankly it is. Pitt has been the Big East's most winningest team over the last decade, that featured 10 NCAA appearances. The team has had a streak of success that has never graced the program, and don't expect it to go away.  Pitt had a very young team, and ran into some strange and unusual issues this past season. That should all last all of one season. Pitt will introduce Steven Adams to the Big East next season, and he should not disappoint. The 7 footer is an agile big man that has great skill, and an even greater upside.  He should make a similar type of impact  that Cody Zeller made for Indiana this past season. Pitt may not be a top 10 team next season, they may not even be a consistently ranked team. But they will be back in the tournament, and will be better than this past season. The talent within the program, the talent coming into the program, and the coaching will turn things around very quickly.

My Bucket List

Well as an avid Sports fan there is always places you want to see, games that you always say, "I got to get to one before I die."  Well here is my list, I've always wanted to see some of these things in person, rather then just watching it on TV.  I've been to NCAA tournament first rounds, I've been to Notre Dame Stadium, I've seen a game in Williamsport, NFL and NHL playoff games,  but there is much more I want to do, and much more I will do. Here are 30 things I would love to check off my list before I kick the can, maybe you would want to check out some of these things too.

30. Minnesota High School Hockey Championships- Maybe a little different then you were expecting, but this thing seems pretty interesting. Hockey in Minnesota is like Football in Texas, and Basketball in Indiana. It is taken very, very seriously. The tournament spans 4 days and features 16 teams in both classes, and is the most watched High School sporting event in the nation. Yeah its that big. They play at the Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul, and it is filled to the rafters.  Check out this crowd! Its High School, not the NHL....Unreal.

29. Los Angeles Lakers Home Game- Well I've never been to an NBA game, and I've never been to LA. If its the right time of year, I could easily be convinced to take in a game. The Lakers are the game's most storied team, and it is the place to be if you are rich and famous.  Kobe won't be around forever, but the Lakers are the type of team that will always be good no matter what.  I'd be all for going, I just wonder how much these seats cost...



28. Hall of Fame Induction in Canton or Cooperstown- I've been to Canton, but I was a little guy, I would love a return trip. Hall of Fames are some of the most interesting places in the world if you are a sports geek. I would be in heaven.  Cooperstown is definitely on my bucket list by itself, but I would love to be there during an induction.  The crowds and atmosphere definitely have to wake up the sleepy little towns. I'm going to try to make it to at least one at some point.

27. The Maui Invitational- Well for a College Basketball junkie, this one would be great. You get to spend Thanksgiving in Hawaii, and see seven top flight college basketball teams. Often most of the field is among the nations elite. Its like an NCAA regional in November. They play this thing in a High School sized gym, so you get to see everything up close and personal. This would be a great time, and you get to catch some great Hoops along the way.  Pitt is heading there in 2014, anyone with me?

26. US Open, Tennis-I'm convinced that any sporting event held in New York City instantly becomes 100 times better. The Big Apple is the stage you want to be playing on, but just as important the stage you want to be spectating on. There is so much to do in between matches and lots of fine establishments along the way. New York is awesome, and this tennis tournament is one you don't have to stay up all night to watch. I'd go to this in a heartbeat. Flushing is calling my name....

25. Beanpot College Hockey Tournament- Well it is my second Hockey tournament on the list, and this one seems like another great time. The Beanpot features the four major Boston schools, Boston College, Boston U, Harvard, and Northestern. Boston is a great college town and all schools participating make this thing special. There are plenty of things to do in Boston, and plenty of places to eat and drink. It has always been a town I have wanted to see, might as well catch some great Hockey along the way.


24. Texas High School Football Championships- Being from Western Pennsylvania, High School Football is important. It has nothing on Texas, though. It is a way of life down there, and seeing the championships would be something else. These teams are like mini universities, and the crowds are unbelievable. The 5A division actually will outdraw many Bowl games, as it will pull in upwards of 40,000 fans. All to watch 17 year olds play football. Football reigns supreme in Texas, even at the High School level.

23. Harvard vs. Yale Football game- Well most of the participants of this game will be CEO's, Doctors, and Lawyers. For one game each season, this game is pretty important to the esteemed universities. Simply known as , "The Game" it is one of college football's oldest rivalries dating back to 1875. The two stadiums for the two schools are surprisingly big venues as at one time both teams were national powers. The days of the teams being relevant are long gone, but "The Game" remains one of football fiercest games. Hell I love football of any kind, I'll definitely go to a game that dates back to the 1800's.

22. Little League World Series Final- I went to Williamsport as a kid and it is definitely a special place, and I would recommend it to anyone. The fields are in pristine condition and the complex is something to behold, and best of all it is absolutely 100% free. Its Little League Baseball, even at the World Series itself. The concession stands are reasonable and its pretty good baseball too. These kids can play, especially when they are at this point of the world wide tournament. Sunday afternoon with the USA taking on one of the challengers from the world is always a highly competitive game and draws one heck of a crowd. 30,000 plus fills the stadium and the naturally fitting hillside in the outfield, quite a sight to behold with the mountains of Pennsylvania in the background.

21. Bayou Classic Grambling vs. Southern-The game is pretty good, but definitely takes a backseat to the halftime show. The Battle of the Bands is the real attraction and would certainly be worth the price of admission. The game has been taking place since 1974, and is always a big attraction as one the final games of the College Football season. The bands put on a show, and the teams battle it out for bragging rights. Everyone loves a good rivalry, and we all love marching bands with some swagger.

20. US Open, at Pebble Beach-I've made it to Pebble Beach once, pretty much just to look at it. I think it would be great to see the US Open take place here. The setting of this place is indescribable. The 17 mile drive is picturesque and worth going on in its own right, throw in the golf and you have something. The houses and the rocky coastline are as beautiful as it gets. The course layout is awesome to see on TV, it would be amazing to see it in person with the United State Championship on the line.

19. Butler Basketball Home game at Hinkle Fieldhouse- This old barn is one of the Cathedrals of the game of Basketball, and if you have seen the movie, "Hoosiers" you would understand the magnitude of the building. The movie takes place here, but the true story behind the movie also took place here as it is dubbed, "The Milan Miracle." As tiny Milan High School won the 1954 State Championship over the heavily favored Muncie Central. The arena is one of the oldest still in use today, and if you love Basketball, and if you love the movie this is one place you have to go.

18. Super Bowl- The Super Bowl may be low on the list for me, but that is for several reasons. If the team you like isn't in the big game, its not nearly as fun. Also, you miss all the commercials!!  Still, America's biggest game would be fun to see in person. Along with the game, you get the hoopla with the halftime show and pregame ceremonies, and recently the game has been interesting, as it should be. The game features two of the best teams in the league playing for the ultimate prize, and you have to appreciate that.

17. Championship Boxing Match in Las Vegas- We are past Boxing's heyday, but the sport can still put on a show. And if worse comes to worse, you are still in Las Vegas. Not a bad place to be.  But the famed fights in Vegas are hyped up and are historic. These things are filled with stars from Hollywood and are quite the spectacle to see. I would love to see Heavyweight Boxing become relevant again, but with the rise of the UFC, it seems as a long shot.

16. SEC Home Game- The SEC has pretty much taken the role of being the country's best football conference over the past decade, and while the on field product seems to be better then ever, the fanfare has always made this a big deal. Tailgating in SEC country seems like the real deal and would be the perfect experience for the college football fan. An LSU night game, or tailgating at Ole Miss, or a game at the Swamp, Between the Hedges, or in Alabama would be something I would love to see. The traditions are unlike any other, and the fans are as ravenous as they come. I love a good party, and good football.

15. Bears vs. Packer game at Lambeau-The game is one the league's best, and it is the longest running. The Packers and Bears have met 184 times throughout history and often with plenty on the line. The two teams have combined for 48 members in the Pro Football hall of Fame. Leambeau Field has a special aura about it, as it is in the smallest city in the NFL, yet is filled like a college stadium. The rivalry dates back to 1921, and the two teams have not lost hate for each other, especially the fan bases.

14. NBA Finals, Stanley Cup, or World Series Game 7- Game 7 is special in any series, especially when crowning a champion. After a grueling and lengthy season, you are met with a few rounds of heart-pounding divisional series before you make it to the finals.  The Finals is the ultimate test to prove which team is better. Any team can beat anyone else in a one game setting, but it takes a lot and proves a lot when you can withstand a team for 7 games. Any of these three leagues always put on a classic game seven if it makes it that far. It is always worth watching no matter who is playing, but it would definitely be worth going when everything is on the line.

13. Big 5 Game at The Palestra-The Palestra is one of the marquee venues any Basketball fan must see. The old barn was opened back in 1927 and has seen thousands of Basketball games, and it most notably plays host to the "Big Five."  This refers to the five major Division One Basketball teams in Philadelphia. Penn,Saint Josephs, LaSalle, Temple, and Villanova comprise the Big Five. The schools each have their own home arena, but for years most of the games were played at the Palestra, and to this day it is still used frequently and serves as Penn's home court. To see one of these historical battles at the Palestra would be a treat for any true Basketball fan.

12. NHL Winter Classic- The Winter Classic has grown in popularity through the years and has become a celebrated event during the NHL regular season. It has been held in NFL and MLB stadiums, and is taking on the challenge of filling up the University of Michigan's "Big House" which would put well over 100,000 spectators to see an NHL game. The game will always bounce around and take on different challenges in different cities. The outdoor concept is fun for the fans and players alike, I would love to see it live. It is turning into a pretty awesome event.

11. Pittsburgh Pirate Playoff game- In reality, this is my true #1.But it would be a homer pick on my part. PNC Park is often described as Baseball's best stadium, and at the very least the most beautiful one. The Pirates hold a special place in my heart and it would be my dream to see the stadium used in a playoff setting. I know I'll be there the first time it happens, I just wonder what my reaction will be? I may burst into tears or simply faint from excitement.  I can't wait for this day. This is one thing on here I guaruntee I will be in attendence.

10. Sit in the Bleachers at Wrigley Field- Wrigley Field is one of the stadiums that I have to get to. I missed out on old Yankee Stadium, but I don't want to miss out on this one.  The Stadium has a certain charm and plenty of character. Sitting in the bleachers would be right at home for me. I like the view from the outfield in term of watching a game. Wrigley is one the oldest stadiums in the game and one of the most iconic. It has played parts in movies and is one of the most recognizable fields in America. I'm just not sure I would handle it if I caught a Home Run ball, I guess if you are in Rome do as the Romans do.....

9. Kentucky Derby- I don't know if it gets much better then being at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. The Derby is one of the most popular sporting events in America and has spanned the length of 15 decades. The Derby only last a two minutes, albeit the most exciting two minutes in sports. The overall appeal  and atmosphere of the event is the true excitement. I would be happy just hanging out in the center pit or up in the stands. The Derby is one of the more iconic events in America, and Louisville seems like it would be a fun town with plenty of things to do. This would be a great weekend trip in the future. I just need to brush up on the lyrics for "My Old Kentucky Home" and get ready to sip on some Mint Juleps.

8. Michigan vs. Ohio State Football game- It is widely recognized as the best rivalry in College Football, although I'm sure the state of Alabama would argue that.  The game is played in front of 100,000 in either of the team's stadiums. The Horseshoe and The Big House are two of the biggest and oldest stadiums in the country. The teams are often fighting for a Rose Bowl appearance, and the fans just flat out hate each other. I think it would be an intense game to go to, and the whole gay day experience would be plenty of fun. Ann Arbor and Columbus are two college towns that take this game very seriously.

7. College World Series- The College Baseball World Series in Omaha, Nebraska is one of my favorite sporting events to watch, but it would be a real treat to attend. The city of Omaha really takes to the tournament and provides a great home to the Baseball championships. Its not like the real World Series as this 8 team tournament has all the drama of March Madness held in June. Fresno State winning it all a few years back proved just that. The traditional pile on the pitchers mound after the game just show that college athletics are special, and this championship event is on par with any other.

6. Yankees vs. Red Sox game at Fenway Park- Baseball's biggest rivalry is always highly intense wherever its played, but the new Yankee Stadium does not have the same power as the old. Fenway Park is the oldest ballapark, and is still one of the most popular. The famed Green Monster and the intense Boston fans would be sure to make this a fun place to see a game. I'd love to a game here against anyone, but when the Yankees come to town it gets that much better. I do not care for either team all that much, but they are usually the two best and are playing for a lot. This game would be fun to watch, and observing the New York-Boston arguing up close would be cool to see.  Boston is really on my list of destinations, and a Yankee game would be the ideal centerpiece for a trip to Boston.

5. The Final 4- The Final Four is the culmination of the Madness that takes place in March. It usually is where Cinderella is left at the door looking in, and the Big boys come to play. Recently, Cinderella stories have made it here and that may be a normal occurrence these days.In my opinion, the NCAA tournament is the greatest sporting event in America, bar none. From the first game to the last game, it is full of buzzer beaters and upsets and typically the best team does not always win. You just have to be hot for six game. The Final 4 is a big deal and held in a dome. The ideal scenario would be to sit in the lower bowl or you wouldn't see much. The overall excitement would drown out bad seats though. I'd love to go to a Final 4 in New Orleans if given the choice.

4. Sunday at The Masters- The Masters is the most celebrated golf tournament held in America. The only major that is held at the same course every year. Augusta National is one of the most beautiful settings for golf in the whole world, and the storied course has seen some of the greatest players and matches in the game's history. The Masters on a Sunday is often action packed and thrilling, it would be quite the spectacle to witness. Golf does not get much better then early April on a Sunday in Augusta, Georgia.

3. North Carolina vs. Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium- The Duke-UNC rivalry seems like an ESPN made for TV game, but don't say that on Tobacco Road.  This game is very serious, and this rivalry is very real. UNC and Duke do not like each other. The game is important wherever its played, but when its played at Cameron Indoor it seems to have a special feel. The small arena and loud crowd add to the game's intensity. The crowd is right on top of the court and it adds to the drama. The teams are often among the nations top 10, so this would be just be a good game to watch minus the rivalry. Throw that in there, and that makes this thing great.  I'd love to get to one of these games sometime in the future.

2. The Rose Bowl Game- I love the Rose Bowl and it is a must watch for me every New Year's Day. It does not matter who is playing, the game is special. There is a reason why it is called, "The Grand Daddy of them all"  The game has plenty of history and tradition as it has been played since 1902. From the Tournament of Roses Parade in the morning to the game in the late afternoon, it is the most perfect setting for a College Football game.  The way the stadium sits against the mountains and how the sun hits the field is awesome and I'd love to be a part of it. The game always offers a compelling matchup as it is a BCS Bowl, and always fills the stadium up. Bowl games are great, but the Rose Bowl Game is the greatest one.

1. Army vs. Navy Game- The game between the two service academies has always drawn to me. The tradition of the game, the fact that the cadets and midshipmen are marched on the field, and the intensity in which the game is played just appeals to me. The game is the regular season finale for College Football, and it rarely disappoints. Navy has dominated of late, but that does take away from the effort on either side. The game is important, but what these guys do after the game is even more important. It is a very emotional game and both teams could be 0-11, but the whole country will still be watching. I really need to catch one of these before I kick the can.