Tim Benz stories, Page 195
First call: Pirates catcher makes highlight-reel grab; Marc-Andre Fleury gets 30th win
For “First Call” on Wednesday, a Pirates catcher gets attention in spring training. A Bengal may be on the move. A magic mark for Marc-Andre Fleury. Baron von Catch Can your team’s catch of the year happen in spring training? Is that allowed? Take a look at this snag by...
Tim Benz, Jonathan Bombulie discuss Penguins injuries, critical schedule
Even though the NHL trade deadline has come and gone, questions abound for the Pittsburgh Penguins. • Can they wiggle into the playoffs? • How many points can they get during this critical nine-game stretch against fellow Eastern Conference playoff contenders? • How will Mike Sullivan and Jim Rutherford try...
Podcast: Why do the Penguins think Erik Gudbranson can help them?
Brian Metzer of the Penguins Radio Network joins me for our weekly Sided.co hockey podcast. We recap Jim Rutherford’s moves at the trade deadline. Erik Gudbranson largely has flamed out in the NHL at this point. Why do the Penguins think he can help? We dive into why the Penguins...
Tim Benz: Time for Penguins forwards to help defense
On Monday, Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford did what he could to help his defensive corps. Now maybe the forwards can help a little, too. With the Olli Maatta injury and Jamie Oleksiak trade, the Penguins defensive group was already stretched thin approaching Monday’s trade deadline. Then Saturday’s injuries to...
Tim Benz: Penguins better heed Jim Rutherford’s wake-up call
In a best-case scenario, the Penguins will make a nice playoff run with newly acquired Erik Gudbranson and Chris Wideman in the press box as scratches. They aren’t all that good. Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford gave away two players who aren’t all that good to get them: Tanner Pearson...
First call: Antonio Brown to appear on LeBron James’ HBO show; John Tortorella loosens up
In “First Call” Tuesday, Antonio Brown’s next public appearance. A former Penguin helps the cause. Dak’s dogs. Kraft’s shame. A.B. on `The Shop` When is the next time we will hear from Antonio Brown? Will he be himself? Mr. Big Chest? A singing hippo? Well, it appears it’ll be on...
First call: Raiders may be willing to trade picks for Antonio Brown; Le’Veon Bell to Eagles?
In “First Call” for Monday, it’s your daily update on Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. The latest on the Capitals and the Columbus trade front. And there’s something fishy in college baseball. Oakland picks for A.B.? At “Breakfast With Benz,” we’ve pointed out on a few occasions that the Raiders...
Tim Benz: Penalties to Patriots owner Robert Kraft can’t extend to field
Few hate the Patriots more than Steelers fans do. OK. Maybe Steelers players, coaches and management. But outside of the 412 and 724 area codes, the list is scant. One of those who qualifies, though, may be Bart Scott. Having played for both the Jets and Ravens in his career,...
Tim Benz: Todd Gurley is the best argument for and against Le’Veon Bell’s big money
No running back — and no team — did more to influence Le’Veon Bell’s contractual course of action than Todd Gurley and the Los Angeles Rams. Gurley did enough damage to the rest of the National Football League his first three seasons that the Rams made him the NFL’s highest-paid...
Tim Benz, Mark Madden discuss Penguins’ outdoor loss, Le’Veon Bell
In this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden of 105.9 the X joins me to discuss the Penguins, Le’Veon Bell’s free agency and the Robert Kraft scandal. Specifically, we examine the comparisons between Bell and Todd Gurley. Is that a good thing or a bad thing for Bell these days?...
First call: Crowded playoff picture puts more pressure on Penguins
In “First Call” Friday, we look at the jam-packed NHL Eastern Conference. The NBA may lower its age restriction. And Pitt hoops needs some time to recover. It`s getting dicey With their 4-0 loss at home to San Jose, the Penguins failed to pick up any points Thursday. Carolina had...
Tim Benz, Jonathan Bombulie discuss what to watch for in Penguins-Flyers outdoor game
Tribune-Review Penguins beat writer Jonathan Bombulie is in Philadelphia for the Penguins-Flyers Stadium Series game Saturday. He joins me for Friday’s Sided.co podcast. Is Evgeni Malkin going to have to fight after his recent stick-swinging incident against the Flyers? What’s the backup plan for the weather if it turns bad?...
Football footnotes: Jets reportedly concerned about Le’Veon Bell’s weight
In this edition of “Friday Football Footnotes,” the Jets are worried that Le’Veon Bell is too heavy and that Antonio Brown may want too much money in a new contract. Also, a Troy Polamalu flashback. And the latest reason why Deion Sanders is a jackwagon. Is that Le`Veon Bell or...
Tim Benz: Steelers brass hated the word circus. What do they think of rebuild?
For two guys who didn’t want to admit the Steelers were a “circus,” they sure are doing a lot to tear down the big top. Team president Art Rooney II bristled at references to the Black and Gold being a “circus” after a chaotic 2018 came to a disappointing close....
Tim Benz, Joe Rutter break down Steelers’ decision not to tag Le’Veon Bell
Tribune Review Steelers beat writer Joe Rutter joins me for our Thursday Sided.co podcast. Joe was at Kevin Colbert’s press conference Wednesday. We talk about his decision to let Le’Veon Bell hit the free agent market. Why did he give up the transition tag option? Also, we get into Colbert’s...
U mad, bro? Jim Rutherford, Steelers fans among those angry with ‘media’
“U mad, bro?” this week features a celebrity Penguins appearance. Multiple attacks on the media. And the usual amount of people bashing Antonio Brown and Mike Tomlin. We start with a celebrity entry from Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford! He is blaming the media for fan perception of defenseman Jack...
Tim Benz: What Steelers fans should like, hate, ignore about Kevin Colbert’s comments
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert covered a lot of ground Wednesday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side. Not as much ground as was covered by Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown during their years in Black and Gold. But a lot nonetheless. It appears neither will be covering...
First call: Raiders player ramps up Antonio Brown recruiting effort
In “First Call” Thursday, details on Josh Harrison’s new deal in Detroit. The Penguins won’t have to deal with a Flyers pest on Saturday. And the Raiders’ recruitment of Antonio Brown is underway. Raider recruiting The Raiders’ recruiting of Antonio Brown has begun. We told you that the Raiders may...
Puddy from ‘Seinfeld’ makes special appearance at Penguins-Devils game
It was “90s Night” in New Jersey for the Penguins-Devils game Wednesday. The Pens won 4-3. But the Devils had their fun before the game. Because the team’s number one fictional fan was on hand: Puddy from “Seinfeld.” Yes, actor Patrick Warburton was in attendance to reprise his role for...
First call: John Tortorella gives too much info on Artemi Panarin’s stomach issues
In Wednesday’s “First Call,” John Tortorella clears up some messy speculation about one of his players. Trevor Lawrence is a little too physical during an intramural game. Dirk Nowitzki gets deep on the topic of “heightism.” We get the point, coach Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella is nothing if...
Can the Steelers fix Chris Boswell? Will they keep Jordan Berry?
All of the Steelers Killer B’s were a mess at one point or another last year. Bell never played. Brown went AWOL. Ben threw a lot of picks. And Boz missed too many kicks. Heck, even Jordan Berry struggled punting at times. But he seemed to get back on track...
Some leaning toward Antonio Brown going to Oakland Raiders
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about the prospect of Antonio Brown going to San Francisco. Former Redskins general manager Charley Casserly seems to think we were close but are looking at the wrong team in the Bay Area. My thoughts on Antonio Brown @steelers and would I trade...
Tim Benz: Antonio Brown getting his way doesn’t mean Steelers lose
Now that “Mr. Big Chest” has spoken, the path for the Pittsburgh Steelers appears to be clear. Antonio Brown posted a photo of himself with team owner Art Rooney II on social media Tuesday. Had a great meeting with Mr.Rooney today we discussed a lot of things and we cleared...
Tim Benz: Antonio Brown discusses leaving NFL in mid-workout monologue
If you feel as though the entire Antonio Brown saga is nothing more than a never-ending run on an elliptical … well … welcome to the world’s greatest visual aid. Brown streamed a video of himself doing cardio while answering messages from fans. Here are some of the highlights along...
Tim Benz: Did the Patriots create a trade destination for Antonio Brown?
Buy into this one if you want. I’m all for taking a leap. If you don’t, though, I don’t blame you. Let me lay it out, and you make up your own mind. If one national report is right, the New England Patriots — of all teams — may have...
