Bob Smizik: This is Bob Smizik. I'm filling in for Jerry Micco today. We hope to get started shortly.

James_Taipei: Despite his recent slumps, do you think that Freddy Sanchez will be batting around .300 at the end of the season?

Bob Smizik: That's a tough one. I was dubious of Sanchez going into last season. He proved me wrong by hitting over .300 again. I didn't expect another batting title so I was pleased. But two years don't make a career. I think Sanchez will upgrade as the season progresses. I would be surprised if he finishes above .300.

James_Taipei: Do you think that the Penguins will really lose both Ryan Malone and Hossa?

Bob Smizik: I've long thought Hossa gone and that now looks to be pretty much of a certainty. The notion that he wants to play for a winner is not necessarily incorrect. What people fail to realize there are a lot of winning teams in the NHL. As for Malone, no one knows him better than the Penguins. They might feel there are better bargains in the free-agent market than what it looks like Malone will command. I would not be surprised if they lost both. I would be surprised if they don't end up with a free-agent winger as good or better than Malone.

shouldBworking: Where are the choruses of asterisks for the 70s Steelers super bowls for all the steroids they used? Typical yinzers will look past this but crucify Barry Bonds. Your thoughts?

Bob Smizik: As I have written in the Post-Gazette, if you're going to crucify Bonds, who was doubtlessly using steroids before baseball ruled them illegal, you have to view the 70s Steelers in a similar light. But the situations are not identical. Bonds was an individual setting individual records. The Steelers were a team, and I'm pretty sure all weren't using, setting team records. That is a difference, but does not get Steelers off the hook.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Would you call Gorzelanny's performance last night that of a gutsy battler, or of an inexplicably lucky escape artist?

Bob Smizik: The latter, but I'm hopeful he can build some confidence off it.

YeOldeBuccoFan: That's an old Yankee team. How many years do you think they have left in the tank, before they blow that team up?

Bob Smizik: Old is right and we didn't see Masui or Pettitte or Musina. Rivera's no kid either. When they unload some of these contracts, I think Pettitte and Mussina are up, they'll go after the big-names again. I expect a downward turn for another year or so for the Yankees.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Do you think the current afternoon drive-time team on ESPN radio is a temporary stop-gap, or do they have a long-term future? What do you think of their performance?

Bob Smizik: I didn't realize there was a set team. They seem to be rotating guest hosts. I can think of three different people who have filled in. I think 1250 ESPN will fill that slot from the outside. Performance has been OK, but not sparkling. They are no doubt losing listeners and that translates into decreased advertising revenue.

Moe_Greene: Bob, I hate to dampen the enthusiasm, but the Bucs won't be facing Darrell Rasner the next two nights. Joba will be a tough assignment tonight.

Bob Smizik: Rassner had pitched reasonably well before last night. Chamberlain is better. Yes, it could be different. But you never know in baseball.

Dwight_Schrute: Who are you rooting for in Euro 2008?

Bob Smizik: I am completely impartial on Euro 2008. As a journalist, I must maintain that stance.

Dwight_Schrute: Isn't it strange that Steeler fans are quick to call the Patriots cheaters because of their videotaping of defensive signals, but they ignore the fact that at least half of the '70s players were taking steroids? If the Patriots are cheaters then so were the Steelers.

Bob Smizik: Not strange. More a case of human nature. People in SF defend Bonds. The home team is always right, even when it's not.

malkin71: How much is Fleury going to get? Brodeur makes around five million, so I would assume less than that.

Bob Smizik: I'm thinking the Penguins want a long-term deal with Fleury and will go to arbitration only if negotiations fail. Since they are not going to get Hossa, that might have the money to do it.

Dwight_Schrute: When is MLB going to outlaw these maple bats? When one of them kills someone?

Bob Smizik: It is truly a disgrace that baseball is not acting more swiftly on the maple bat issue. I understand it's somewhat comlex with the union having to agree, but this should be a no-brainer. Baseball does not exactly have dynamic leadership on either side of the bargaining table.

PirateApologist: I hate the DH in American League baseball, but I know it is not going away. At the same time, however, is there any chance that Hank Steinbrenner's plea for the National League to "join the 21st Century" ever comes to pass? I hope not.

Bob Smizik: There needs to be one rule. Again, this gets back to leadership. As much as I dislike the DH, I think there is a better chance of the NL accepting it, athough not in the immediate future, than the union allowing the AL to drop it.

malkin71: What are the chances of Hossa staying in Pittsburgh at this point?

Bob Smizik: Somewhere between slim and none and closer to none.

James_Taipei: If the Pirates pick up a major league pitcher or a major league ready pitcher in July, who do you think will be sent to the minors?

Bob Smizik: That will depend on who's pitching poorly in July. As of now, Osoria and Burnett would be the leading candidates with Beam definitely in the mix.

Rojas: what is Espn radio going to do with that spot Madden formerly had?

Bob Smizik: They are auditioning people. As stated earlier, I think they will end up hiring someone from the outside, although Ellis Cannon is a possibility.

Bill: Even though he's missed some games, do you think Doumit can sneak into the All Star game as a coach's pick? He's been terrific. I think his longest slump was like an 0-12.

Bob Smizik: He's been excellent -- when he's been available. I doubt he'll make the All-Star Game. He's too unknown, comparatively speaking, and his totals, because he's missed so much, don't jump out at anyone.

rebuilding_since_92: what are you thoughts on jeter and arod having their own personal driver instead of taking the team bus?

Bob Smizik: Players have been using their own personal drivers for decades -- years ago they were known as cab drivers. The team bus is often not nearly full. A lot of players like to get to the ball park before the bus. Not a problem.

Dwight_Schrute: Tiger Woods won the US Open with a torn ACL. This has to rank as one of the great sports feats of all time. Where do you think it ranks?

Bob Smizik: If he won the Olympics 100 meters on a torn ACL, I'd be more impressed. It was a heck of a feat, but not in my top 50.

Moe_Greene: Have you ever seen an AL pitcher walked twice in one game? Gorzo danced through the raindrops all night.

Bob Smizik: Don't believe I'ev ever seen that. Gorzo had some luck going for him. He also was able to induce ground balls. That's not all luck.

Moe_Greene: Did a 9 run lead feel safe with Osoria toeing the rubber in the 9th? This guy walks out to the mound with a gas tank and a lit match every time he's summoned from the pen.

Bob Smizik: Osaria needs some time off. Solomon Torres should would look nice in the Pirates bullpen right now.

theWellHungarian: Great win last night. And nice to see the ballpark filled for the first time in a long time. I'd still like to see the park filled because "Pirate Fans" want to see the Pirates, not the other team. I couldn't help hearing kids in my section whining and moaning about food. When I asked for food my dad used to hand me a scorecard and said you're here to watch the game, not eat. I don't see that same passion I did in the late 80s

Bob Smizik: If the Pirates fans want to see the Pirates, why don't all the games sell out? The Yankees were the attraction last night. No question it's a different crowd today than it was 20 years ago. They still pay in U.S. currency so I don't think the Pirates mind. If the team becomes a contender, I think you'll see a change in fan attitude.

PirateApologist: Why don't they send Nady to the 15 day disabled list already? They are going to need a spot starter or two this weekend anyway.

Bob Smizik: They are expecting Nady to play tonight. If they put him on the DL, he'd be gone for 15 days. He's missed about 10 days, but since most of that time was playing with the DH, he wasn't missed that much. I think they did the right thing.

Dwight_Schrute: How much blame does Jeff Andrews deserve for coaching the worst starting staff in baseball? I think it should be plenty, because Jim Colburn was run out of town after changing Zach Duke's mechanics and now Gorzo and Snell can't find the plate. Injuries have nothing to do with walking an AL pitcher twice, so I don't think that can be used as an excuse.

Bob Smizik: I don't recall Colborn being run out of town. He was not rehired when Tracy was fired. I don't blame Andrews for the problems of Snell and Gorzelanny. In those cases, the fault rests with Snell and Gorzelanny. When I write a lousy column, it's my fault, not my bosses. Do you really think the pitching coach is to blame for Gorzo walking the opposing pitcher? Are you familiar with the term ``personal accountability?''

jimmy_g: Follow-up on local kids going to Ohio State: Joe Pa not only has to worry about Dave Wandstat out-recruiting him in SW Pa, now he has Jim Tressel doing it.

Bob Smizik: Jim Tressel is doing a great job at Ohio State. Ohio State is a more attractive program than Penn State and just about as close to Pittsburgh. Penn State has lost guys to Michigan, too. It happens. But it's happening more and more as Paterno gets older. He is a detriment to the program, and that's too bad.

Moe_Greene: Bob, what is this Euro 2008?

Bob Smizik: A soccer tournament comprised of European teams. I'm told it is very effective in inducing sleep.

jimmy_g: From TV, it appeared to be a great atmosphere at PNC Park last night. I contend that with a competitive team it would be like this most nights.

Bob Smizik: No question, a competitive team would liven up PNC. I doubt the Pirates would sell out every night. But it would be fun.

theWellHungarian: Why don't the Pirates ever trade players when they have value? It seems like we always try to trade players when their value is low ... A few years ago when Sanchez won the batting title, I said they should have traded him. This has been the Marlins (lower payroll & much more success) strategy & has worked for them (Hanley Ramirez, etc) ... Are their scouts that much better than ours?

Bob Smizik: I don't follow the logic of trading a player after he has a good year. If you did that, you'd never have any good players, just good prospects. That makes no sense whatsoever. There are times to trade players, but not always after a good season. If Bay had a good season last year, that would have been a good time to trade him I don't think a failure to trade players at the right time is a major problem of the Pirates.

jimmy_g: There are not too many unions in any field as strong and powerful as the baseball players union.

Bob Smizik: That would be correct.

jimmy_g: What is your take on all of the local football stars gravitating to Ohio State?

Bob Smizik: OSU has one of the top programs in the country and it's close. I can see why kids want to go there. OSU is becoming more attractive than Penn State and the Big Ten is more attractive than the Big East.

Dwight_Schrute: Did you see Wannstedt behind the plate last night? I think the custodians at PNC Park are still cleaning up the peanut shells he left there..

Bob Smizik: Nothing wrong with enjoying peanuts.

jimb056: Last night, I don't know which game, an umpire was removed because he was hit by a shattered maple bat. Hows the ump?

Bob Smizik: I think it was nothing serious. Just a cut on his forehead. It could have been very serious. He's lucky.

Rojas: To have Ron Musselman write that 20 years ago Terrele Pryor would have definitely gone to Penn State was way off base. Maybe he missed all those western PA guys who left here for other places or went to Pitt.

Bob Smizik: Penn State would have had a better chance 20 years ago. It was one of the elite programs in the country. But, no, you can't say he definitely would have gone there.

jimmy_g: I'm getting a feeling that soccer (football to the rest of the world) is not on your favorite sports list.

Bob Smizik: You are one astute guy, jimmy_g.

Moe_Greene: What kind of sports editor takes a vacation when the Yanks are in town?

Bob Smizik: Jerry Micco is away on business. But if he had taken a vacation there would be nothing wrong with that. The series matches a fourth-place team going nowhere vs. a third-place team possibly going nowhere. I have no problem with people who pass on that.

Rojas: who is more at risk? People at a MLB game from a flying broken maple bat, or people at a College World Series game from a flying 140mph foul ball off an aluminum bat?

Bob Smizik: Watching baseball can be dangerous. I am somewhat surprised more people don't get hurt by line drives into the stands, be it college or pro. It's very dangerous sitting around the dugouts. You need to be ever-alert -- not always easy at baseball games. The problem with maple bats only inceases the danger.

ajt123: In their prime, who would you rather have, B. Giles, or J.Bay?

Bob Smizik: I've always thought they were similar players. Good but not great power, good batting eye, weak arms. I'd take Giles because I think he's a better outfielder and a more patient hitter.

jimmy_g: Follow-up on the baseball players union: It won't happen, but a one year shutdown (like hockey) could help in bringing some balance back into the baseball power situation.

Bob Smizik: Baseball is making way, way too much money to shut itself down. In the current environment it will not happen. The Pirates problem is every bit as much a factor of incompetent management as it is bad economics. Look what Tampa Bay has started to do. Look how Detroit dragged itself up off the bottom. Too many people want to blame the Pirates problems on the economics of the game. It's more a case of bad management.

Bill: sorry to go off the beaten path, but has anyone at the PG ever heard of the National Club Baseball Association? The league office is on the North Side. It's made up of hundreds of schools across the country and established in 2001. I'm not trolling for coverage or anything, but I manage the Penn State team and was just curious if the media was aware of this national organization based in Pittsburgh.

Bob Smizik: I was unaware of this organization. College baseball, varsity style, doesn't get much coverage. There's not much we can do with the club variety. I hope the players are not in it for publicity.

Moe_Greene: Due to budgetary concerns, Gerry Dulac was unable to cover Rocco's big moment at Torrey Pines. Was this a greater sports tragedy than Cabrera knocking in Bream in 1992?

Bob Smizik: No, but a close second -- according to Gerry.

PirateApologist: I have looked out the window of my office and seen people wearing Pirate hats and shirts in abnormal numbers today. Are they tailgaiting already, is it some sort of anti-Yankee thing, or is everyone on the bandwagon after one freakin win? Everyone who works downtown - take a look - it is freaky.

Bob Smizik: A lot of people view beating the Yankees, especially so decisively, as a big deal. If they want to feel Pirates Pride, I will not look down upon them for doing so.

jimb056: Who's going to win tonite?

Bob Smizik: I'll let you know once I find out if Nady is playing.

jimb056: LaRoche still needs 58 RBI to match last year. Is this guy EVER going to get it together?

Bob Smizik: LaRoche has been a disappointment, no question. But he drove in 88 runs last year. That's not too shabby. Here's a stat that might interest you. In his career, he has driven in more runs and hit more homers BEFORE the All-Star game than after it.

ajt123: Ben seems to like the Steelers chances this year, think they will win 10?

Bob Smizik: I am shocked the Roethlisberger likes the Steelers chances. I think, with that schedule, 10 is their ceiling. I'd say eight or nine -- or seven.

ajt123: Is cowher going to be doing the TV analysis again this year?

Bob Smizik: Yes, he will be back. He surprised me. He did a nice job. Not great but fits in nicely with that crew. I commend him.

ajt123: Think the Pirates will ever peak their head, if even temporarily over the .500 mark this year?

Bob Smizik: An above-.500 record would not shock me. I am not predicting it, but since they've been over .500 for about the last 50 games it remains a possibility.

Bill: no, they most certainly are not in it to be seen. in fact, they all pay their own way. it's a great league. thank you for the commentary.

Bob Smizik: Club sports are a great outlet for young men who want to continue to play but are not good enough for the varsity level. It's sort of like Division III on the Division I level.

theWellHungarian: Is the breakdown in Hossa talks a realization that the Pens would rather have a 21 year old Malkin than a 29 year old Hossa?

Bob Smizik: Hossa shut down the talks. The Penguins wanted both, but, yes, they'd rather have Malkin than Hossa. If you pay Hossa too much, you don't have enough for the others.

jimmy_g: I agree that the Pirates main problem has been mismangement, but the baseball power struggle is tilted toward the players (DH, maple bats, etc., etc.).

Bob Smizik: It titled toward management for decades and decades. The pendulum has swung the other way. It might reverse some day. I have no problem with the players being on top. As they used to say -- Power to the people.

PirateApologist: Paul Meyer said in his blog that the pressbox was full last night. Did you get a seat?

Bob Smizik: Not only did I have a seat, but it was next to Paul Meyer. I pleaded with him to mention me in his blog, but he has high standards.

Rojas: No Bradshaw steroids questions? Wow.

Bob Smizik: I'm glad there were no Terry questions. I take everything he says with about 20 pounds of salt. How about him having undiscovered broken vertebrea? With that we will conclude this chat. As always, it has been my pleasure. Thanks for the good questions. Jerry Micco returns next week.