Tim Benz stories, Page 63

The Pittsburgh Penguins select 14th in Wednesday night’s NHL draft. On Tuesday’s “Breakfast With Benz” podcast, I spoke with NHL.com draft analyst Adam Kimelman about a six-pack of players who may be in the conversation for the Pens at that slot. Nate Danielson This is who Kimelman sent to the...

So, Pirates fans, if you liked the trade rumor surrounding Andrew McCutchen on Monday, then you are going to love the one floated about Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller on Tuesday. Started by the same person. It was MLB Network insider Jon Morosi who reported earlier this week that the Texas...

Even when Andrew McCutchen was reacquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason amidst a wave of nostalgic applause, one nagging question remained. Are they really going to keep him all year? Well, as the last day of June approaches, the first Cutch trade rumor has cropped up. It comes from...

According to ESPN.com, the long-perceived No. 1 pick in next month’s Major League Baseball draft may not want to play for the team that has the No. 1 pick. That team happens to be the Pittsburgh Pirates. ESPN writer Kiley McDaniel posted a mock draft Monday morning. In it, he...

Tuesday’s “First Call” features Antonio Brown’s latest problem. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a “fantasy sleeper.” We look at the Pirates’ upcoming homestand. It’s another stop for a Western Pennsylvania hoops alum. And we look at Robert Morris’ return to the ice for women’s hockey. Suing A.B. Antonio Brown might get...

In listening to Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas speak Friday, TribLIVE’s Mark Madden seemed to walk away with two impressions. Take what he said to be legit. But also read between the lines of what he’s saying. For instance, when Dubas addressed the media last week, he...

Whenever the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Buffalo Bills, the connection between Mike Tomlin and Sean McDermott is frequently discussed. It goes back to their playing days together at William and Mary, and it’s a time in their lives both men have fondly referenced over the years. Expect the two W&M...

Our first “First Call” of the week starts with what sounds like a challenge for Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt. We also get into the success of the Maulers, the Pirates promoting prospects and Antonio Brown is still causing problems with the Albany Empire. Fun to watch A San Francisco...

Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller kept his chin up, but you could tell he was bummed out. He should be. While speaking with the media Thursday after the Pirates’ 6-4 loss to the Miami Marlins, Keller stared everyone in the eye and answered every question like a pro. But he couldn’t...

Let’s play a little game to gauge your level of confidence in the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. As I’ve previously written, I think the Steelers are going to be a noticeably better team in ‘23, even if that doesn’t necessarily lead to a significant boost in their win total. I’m predicting...

Friday’s “First Call” features a trade idea for the Steelers. But it’s one I wouldn’t pursue. Some recently posted gambling odds don’t reflect well for the Steelers. The Pirates blew a lead and were frequently blown out of the batter’s box Thursday night in Miami. Robert Morris’ hockey schedule has...

Thursday’s “First Call” has some Steelers reaction to the death of Clark Haggans. The Pirates are looking to get back on track against a tough opponent. A painful highlight against the Steelers is a favorite of one of the men who authored it. Plus, we have Duquesne basketball news, and...

After the Pittsburgh Pirates’ ninth straight defeat Wednesday afternoon against the Chicago Cubs, starting pitcher Rich Hill tried to keep things in perspective. “Work. That is the key identity to winning cultures and winning clubs. They show up every day,” Hill said. “Failure is necessary in order to show everyone...

This week’s “U mad, bro?” is an all-out assault on the Pirates’ nine-game losing streak. Along with one mandatory shot at Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Oh, and a full-fledged attack on my character … and my gender. Here’s an email from C Steiger. It dates back to June 13,...

In Wednesday’s “First Call,” former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden gives us the five toughest guys to cover during his career. Another offseason NFL list is less than kind to the Steelers. The Pirates drop another game in the National League Central standings behind the scalding Cincinnati Reds. And we’ve got...

One of Jameson Taillon’s many admirable traits during his time as a Pittsburgh Pirate is that he never publicly used his checkered history of injuries as an excuse for anything that didn’t work out. Not after the first Tommy John surgery. Or the sports hernia. Or the testicular cancer. Or...

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Henry Davis is a former No. 1 overall draft pick in his first series as a Major League Baseball player. He’s doing so while learning a new position and while his team is in the throes of a seven-game losing streak. It’s not easy. Even though Davis...

The Steelers may be signing a pair of former West Virginia Mountaineers. Another Steeler raises eyebrows on social media. A new team is atop the National League Central. And the Penguins are mentioned on the fringes of a potential player acquisition. All that in Tuesday’s “First Call.” Multiple Mountaineers It...

The Pittsburgh Pirates are an organization that subsists on selling hope via the development and promotion of prospects. So, over the years, the fanbase has gotten used to what it looks like. We understand what the excitement level is supposed to be for the debut of a pitching prospect like...

By throwing a little faith behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, FS1 talk show host Colin Cowherd may have ruffled the feathers of some Baltimore Ravens fans. During an episode of his program (“The Herd”) last week, Cowherd predicted that the Steelers would supplant the Ravens as one of the AFC’s playoff...

Former No. 1 overall draft pick Henry Davis has been called up to the Major League ranks by the Pittsburgh Pirates. His MLB debut will be Monday night at PNC Park against the Chicago Cubs. In this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden of 105.9 The X and TribLIVE is...

Monday’s “First Call” features some personal introspection from Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. Kyle Dubas gets a hearty endorsement from a former Penguins general manager. A precedent is set for NHL buyout candidates. And an ex-Pirates player makes an interesting decision. Full ‘Watt’ age in 2023? Former NFL Defensive Player of...

The National Arena League has kicked the franchise that Antonio Brown owns out of the league. The Albany Empire has had its membership revoked by the NAL because it claims Brown didn’t pay a required league fee or a fine he received after recent public comments. “After exhausting all avenues,...

One way to make the Pittsburgh Steelers red zone scoring issues less of a concern this season would be to score more often from a greater distance. Sure. That would be a wonderful idea. There are no concerns about getting bogged down in the red zone if you are good...