Tim Benz stories, Page 43
Pirates-Dodgers preview: Bucs need Jared Jones to find early-season form against Tyler Glasnow
If Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones is looking to rediscover his early-season form, he’s got a spotlight chance to do so Tuesday. The Pirates are at home against the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers. They lead the National League West at 38-23. Only the Phillies (41-19) have a better record...
First Call: Bill Guerin’s take on his ’09 teammates still with Penguins; ex-Steelers up for College Football Hall of Fame
Tuesday’s “First Call” has a list of former Pittsburgh Steelers up for the College Football Hall of Fame. More big money is being handed out to NFL wide receivers. Bill Guerin has an interesting take on his former Penguins teammates who remain in Pittsburgh from the 2009 Stanley Cup club....
Tim Benz: Constant Pirates issues on full display during losses in Toronto
One thing was certainly different about the Pittsburgh Pirates series in Toronto. For a change, Rowdy Tellez was good. The much-maligned first baseman was 4 for 8 with a walk and four RBIs. Rowdy Tellez has driven in all three runs against his old squad today! pic.twitter.com/0CJLQxDCFD— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_)...
First Call: Troy Fautanu on specific fix he needs to make switching sides; James Conner on his future in Arizona
Monday’s “First Call” features some introspective analysis from Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft pick Troy Fautanu. We also get an update on Gerrit Cole’s rehab. James Conner makes his future intentions known. And we have a belated anniversary to celebrate on the Penguins front. Figuring it ‘aht Steelers’ first-round draft choice...
Madden Monday: About a potential reunion between JuJu Smith-Schuster and the Steelers, ‘Expectations would be too high’
The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a need at wide receiver. Former Steeler JuJu Smith-Schuster might be looking for a job sometime soon. Could a reunion be possible in Pittsburgh? From a content standpoint, Mark Madden of TribLive and 105.9 The X is completely on board. “God, I hope so,” Madden...
Tim Benz: Bryan Rust’s comments about Rangers speak to a much bigger issue surrounding Penguins’ failures
I’ve always been a fan of Bryan Rust. There are few Pittsburgh Penguins players that I’ve enjoyed covering more than him. A clutch performer. A two-time Stanley Cup champion. A stand-up guy who owns every good game and bad game. But I think he went off the grid on this...
First Call: Giants keep signing former Steelers; Allen Robinson surprised at release
Friday’s “First Call” shows us yet another Pittsburgh Steeler heading to New York. An ex-Steeler describes why he was surprised at his release from Pittsburgh. Isaiah Buggs got sassy with the media covering his animal cruelty case. And the Pirates have a Spider-Man meme opponent in Canada this weekend. Big...
Tim Benz: The Steelers’ offensive tackle situation is becoming more complicated than it needs to be
As it currently stands, this is the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle situation. • Last year’s first-round pick, Broderick Jones, was drafted with the goal of being a left tackle. For the second year in a row, it looks like he is preparing to play more often at right tackle. •...
U mad, bro?: For Pittsburgh sports fans, it’s an OTA week (outwardly tangible anger)
The Pittsburgh Steelers are knee deep in an OTA week: organized team activities. “U mad, bro?” is also knee deep in an OTA week: outwardly tangible anger. Booing Rowdy Tellez. Bemoaning the Penguins’ place in the NHL hierarchy. Rationalizing the Steelers’ lack of wide receiver depth. It’s OTAs, people! Let’s...
First Call: Russell Wilson backs idea of Justin Fields ‘Slash’ role; James Daniels’ future with Steelers
Thursday’s “First Call” features Russell Wilson’s reaction to the idea of the Pittsburgh Steelers using Justin Fields in a Kordell “Slash” Stewart, or Taysom Hill type of role. We also discuss James Daniels’ future in Pittsburgh, disturbing news about a former Steelers defensive lineman and Bronny James’ decision to stay...
Many Steelers players less than thrilled with proposed schedule changes
Not all of the NFL’s players are wild about the reported changes that the Players Association are mulling over when it comes to the offseason calendar. In fact, many of the Steelers interviewed Wednesday were lukewarm about them at best. According to a report from NFL.com Tuesday, “The NFLPA is...
Tim Benz: Justin Fields says he’s willing to try a Taysom Hill-type of role if asked
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is keeping an open mind when it comes to the notion of being used in a Taysom Hill/Kordell Stewart-type of role. Speaking with TribLive on Tuesday, Fields didn’t rule out the concept of getting on the field in a pass-catching or rushing capacity as Hill has been...
First Call: Kirk Cousins updates health with Falcons opening against Steelers; Ravens star endorses hip-drop ban
Wednesday’s “First Call” has an injury prognosis for Kirk Cousins in advance of the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. We also give contract details on a trio of big-play AFC receivers and a health update on a Baltimore Ravens star. What can Kirk do? The Steelers play the Atlanta...
Tim Benz: 1979 Pirates say it’s been ‘a long enough time’ for Pittsburgh to be without a World Series
On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Pirates honored the 1979 team. Those “We Are Family” Bucs were the last edition of the franchise to win a World Series. I suppose, technically, it’s more accurate to say the “most recent” edition of the franchise to win a World Series, as opposed to “last”...
First Call: Ex-Steelers LB trying to make comeback; Deshaun Watson touts Steelers-Browns rivalry
A former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker is trying to come back from a serious 2023 injury. Meanwhile, a former Steelers wide receiver is starring in the UFL. Deshaun Watson is touting the Steelers-Browns rivalry. Pitching will certainly be on display in the Pirates-Tigers series. Plus, in the NBA, T.J. McConnell and...
Madden Monday: Penguins won’t take Team USA job into equation when evaluating Mike Sullivan
Earlier this month, USA Hockey named Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan as the head coach of America’s 4 Nations Face-Off club in 2025 and the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team. Some Pittsburgh hockey fans who have grown frustrated with the Penguins’ underachievement under Sullivan as head coach in...
91-year-old Korean War vet Alex Vasselo helps grandson, Pens alum Ryan Malone, raise mental health awareness for veterans
Even at the age of 91, Alex Vasselo remembers the movie he went to see that night while he was serving in the Korean War. “From Here to Eternity.” He also remembers the circumstances that allowed him to be there in the first place. “You had to stand in formation...
First Call: Denver coach tries to tamp down interest in potential Steelers WR target; Jake Guentzel’s NHL free agency projection
As Pittsburgh Steelers fans continue to eyeball any news about potentially disgruntled wide receivers, Denver’s coach tries to dismiss headlines about Courtland Sutton. Former Penguin Jake Guentzel has apparently made himself lots of money over the past few months. We preview the Pirates’ next opponent at PNC Park. And we...
Tim Benz: Paul Skenes impresses without having his A-level stuff, while Pirates bullpen gets failing grade again
A few days after his six-shutout-inning, 11-strikeout, no-hit performance in Chicago, Paul Skenes said he would do something “cooler” than that in his career. He probably will. I don’t think his start Thursday qualified. But you could say it was cool in a different way. It was cool in the...
First Call: Details of Antonio Brown’s bankruptcy; George Pickens discusses replacing Diontae Johnson
Thursday’s “First Call” features the details of Antonio Brown’s bankruptcy. George Pickens addresses attempts to replace Dionate Johnson on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster. Lamar Jackson is happy with his weight loss in Baltimore, and a familiar face is back to lead the Chatham men’s hockey program. Mr. Big Debt Earlier...
Paul Skenes on an encore for his Chicago masterpiece: ‘I’m going to do something cooler than that in my career’
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes mesmerized the baseball world with his outing Friday at Wrigley Field. He was spinning a no-hitter with 11 strikeouts before getting pulled after six innings. Pitch No. 100: ????6 innings0 hits11 K's Paul Skenes. Wow. pic.twitter.com/3nDXqJfJ8w— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 17, 2024 Now, Skenes...
U mad, bro?: Readers upset about Pirates ownership, criticism of Steelers, this weekly column
Things are getting better in Pittsburgh sports right now. Jared Jones and Paul Skenes have Pirates fans optimistic. The Steelers are nothing but smiles at OTAs. And Mike Sullivan is such a good coach, he is going to be on the bench for Team USA in the Olympics. What could...
Tim Benz: Jim Leyland sums up why Pirates made right call to induct Barry Bonds into team’s Hall of Fame
Before former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Jim Leyland threw out the first pitch on Opening Day at PNC Park this year, I asked him about the prospect of Barry Bonds ever having a moment like that in Pittsburgh. An Opening Day first pitch? Getting inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame?...
Mike Tomlin: Steelers ‘open to adding’ to WR room
What I heard from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday regarding their wide receiver position was encouraging. Well, unless you’re one of the fans who is buying into the preemptive excuse-making as to why everything will be perfectly fine if the wide receiver depth chart stays just the way it is....
First Call: Broderick Jones advances talk of using Justin Fields in ‘Taysom Hill’ role, takes height jabs at Russell Wilson
Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Broderick Jones is keeping a couple of narratives going about both of his new quarterbacks. The Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors still have a pulse. We have an update on Gerrit Cole’s health and details on how WPIAL great T.J. McConnell fared in Game 1 of the Eastern...
