Tim Benz stories, Page 69
NHL.com draft expert gives a 6-pack of Penguins 1st-round projections
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...
Tim Benz: Come for the Andrew McCutchen trade rumors, stay for the speculation about Mitch Keller
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...
Tim Benz: We knew an Andrew McCutchen trade rumor would crop up, but this feels awfully quick
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...
Report: Perceived No. 1 MLB draft choice Dylan Crews may not be ‘interested’ in Pirates
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...
First Call: Albany Empire players may sue Antonio Brown; Steelers’ fantasy sleeper; eyeing up Pirates homestand
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...
Madden Monday: ‘Reading the tea leaves’ of Kyle Dubas’ short-term goals, long-term plans for Penguins
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...
Tim Benz: Mike Tomlin’s contract extension with Steelers is a lock, even if the playoffs are not
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...
First Call: George Kittle anxious to show pass blocking skills vs. Steelers’ T.J. Watt; Antonio Brown still a problem in Albany
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...
Tim Benz: ‘Sting’ of Pirates losses will soon turn to numbness
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...
Tim Benz: Confident in the Steelers returning to the playoffs? Let’s see how much
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...
First Call: Steelers favored to be 4th in AFC North; trade suggestion for secondary; legendary NBA draft outfit
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...
First Call: Steelers react to death of Clark Haggans; Pirates try to get right in Miami
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...
Tim Benz: Explanation for Pirates’ 9-game slide is simple, but there is no ‘million-dollar answer’
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...
U mad, bro?: Fans tear into stumbling Pirates — and Matt Canada, of course
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,...
First Call: Joe Haden lists former teammate as toughest to cover; Steelers triplets near back of NFL rankings
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...
Former Pirate Jameson Taillon relates to Henry Davis’ pressures and responsibilities of being a high first-round draft pick
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...
Mt. Lebanon’s Ian Happ has unique perspective on challenges of Henry Davis’ MLB promotion with Pirates
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...
First Call: Steelers reportedly signing pair of WVU alumni; new team atop NL Central
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...
Tim Benz: When it comes to onus of being a No. 1 pick, Pirates say Henry Davis will ‘own it and wear it with pride’
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...
Tim Benz: Steelers in, Ravens out? National playoff prediction creates debate. Here’s why it’s half right
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...
Madden Monday: Henry Davis’ call-up ‘has to be its own reward’; Pirates shouldn’t view him ‘as a savior’
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...
First Call: T.J. Watt still beating himself up over pec injury; Craig Patrick endorses Penguins’ hire of Kyle Dubas
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...
Tim Benz: Pittsburgh Steeltoes set to debut in Premiere Rugby Sevens openerVideo
A new Pittsburgh sports team makes its debut Saturday as part of a growing league that will bring one of its premiere events to the city next month. The Pittsburgh Steeltoes of Premiere Rugby Sevens (men’s club and women’s club) will play their first matches in Austin, Texas, as part...
Antonio Brown’s Albany Empire franchise kicked out of National Arena League
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,...
Tim Benz: Steelers’ offense confident that red zone issues will improve in 2023
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...
