Mondesi's House: 09/2010

9/30/2010

Previewing the Top 5 Games This Weekend

Bye weeks make this weekend's NFL schedule rather awful (outside of Pittsburgh, of course), but that's not stopping our weekly football pick-off.

Last week, someone who shall remain nameless so boldly picked the Bears to beat the Packers on Monday Night Football that it closed the one-game gap that existed, giving me a season record of 11-4 and tying you the consensus, which has also gone 11-4 in the first three weeks.

This weekend, I've chosen five more games of interest for us to pick, including Steelers-Ravens and Redskins-Eagles in the NFL, and Pitt-FIU, Penn State-Iowa, and Florida-Alabama in college football. My only advice, which I learned after last weekend: don't be afraid to be bold. I'm a regular maverick.

Previewing the Top 5 Games This Weekend [93.7 The Fan]

Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc: twitter.com/mondesishouse
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com

Thursday News and Notes

Today's news and notes include a curious Pirate firing, an AWKWARD radio interview [with audio], a major boo-boo by the makers of Ochocinco Cereal, updates on the health of Jordan Staal and Ray Rice, and much more.

It's been a tough couple of weeks for fans of the Pitt Panthers. But today they can feel a little better about one fact: their hyper-competitive basketball program just landed the #1 power forward in the Class of 2012.

Ben Roethlisberger and Ray Lewis are BFFs

I knew that Ben Roethlisberger and Ray Lewis shared the same Georgia-based defense attorney (Ed Garland), but today's revelation that Lewis and Roethlisberger are regular texting buddies was a little out of left field.

Hope you didn't spend too much on that authentic Brett Sterling jersey...

For once, the Pittsburgh Pirates had things fall their way. At least one good thing is now guaranteed to come from this nightmarish season: the #1 pick in next year's amateur draft.

LaMarr Woodley has been a busy man on the field in 2010, showing the Steelers (and every other team in the NFL) why he deserves to be paid among the league's top linebackers. Now, the star defender is using his talents for a different cause - fighting the battle against breast cancer.

The Jack Butler Hall of Fame Campaign

Jack Butler was named one of the 33 greatest Steelers of All Time, he was a four-time Pro Bowler, and was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, as well as the 1950s NFL Team of the Decade. After his playing days, he was the director of BLESTO for 44 years, innovating football scouting by introducing psychological testing, computerized scouting, and laptop computers to NFL scouts while reviewing over 30,000 players. So why isn't he in the Hall of Fame? That's what his family is trying to change, and they need your help.

News and notes from the weekly Tomlin press conference...

The Pittsburgh Penguin family lost one of their most beloved voices a few months ago when longtime PA Announcer John Barbero passed away at the age of 65.

Today, I am pleased to announce details of a major event coming to the area in Barbero's honor that I'm hoping some of you can attend.

Yesterday, it became official: Pitt LB Dan Mason's season just went from bad to worse.

The Pittsburgh Power's first player in team history is a quarterback from Marshall. Is it Byron Leftwich? Not quite.

Pirate News and Notes

A few links on everyone's favorite 100-loss team...

Former Oakland Raider QB George Blanda, a Youngwood native and first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer, passed away today at the age of 83.

15 Thoughts on Steelers-Bucs

I must say, that was a pretty enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. For my game recap, please visit the Fan website for 15 Thoughts on Steelers-Bucs. Who gets the coveted Sad Trombone this week? What fun stuff can I dig up on CBS announcer Gus Johnson? Who do I think should be the starting QB next week? There's only one way to find out!

15 Thoughts on Steelers-Bucs [93.7 The Fan]

Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc): twitter.com/mondesishouse
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com

9/25/2010

Penguins-Blue Jackets Live Blog from the Consol Energy Center

I'm live and on the scene for tonight's matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets. I tell you, the records can be thrown out the window when these two teams get together.

I'll have updates and photos throughout the night, so check back often for "saturation coverage" of the game and all the other oddities I feel relevant enough to mention.

Pitt's Season Unraveling Before Our Very Eyes

To be totally honest, I had a bad feeling about the Pitt-Miami game all day yesterday. Long story short, by the end of the night I was fighting a losing battle with a migraine headache while covering my eyes at the images on the television. My only regret is not covering my eyes for the entire game. I think this guy above had it right.

Previewing the Top 5 Games This Weekend

We’ve got a full lineup of games to cover on the pro and college level this week, including Steelers-Bucs, Falcons-Saints, Bears-Packers, Alabama-Arkansas, and LSU-WVU.

Will I improve on my lackluster 2-3 record last week? Will Jay Cutler continue playing way above his head? Can West Virginia do what few teams can, winning at LSU? These are the questions begging to be answered in my preview of the weekend's top five pro and college games at The Fan's website.Have at it.

Previewing the Top 5 Games This Weekend [93.7 The Fan]

Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc): twitter.com/mondesishouse
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com

Jeff Knox Booted From Pitt Football Team

Are the Pitt Panthers totally out of control? That's the question being asked around Pittsburgh after another player got into some hot water off the field.

See the drama captured in the photo above? That's what HBO will be trying to replicate in their upcoming mini-series documenting the 2011 Winter Classic, to be held at Heinz Field on January 1.

A number of celebrities have agreed to use their Twitter accounts as vehicles for fundraising, and Troy Polamalu has joined the action.

Pens Open Consol with 5-1 Win Over Red Wings

Mike Comrie beat Detroit's Chris Osgood just 82 seconds into the first hockey game ever played at the Consol Energy Center, paving the way for a 5-1 Penguin win over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night.

James Harrison's Slam of Vince Young Cost $5,000

Steeler Nation got their own version of the famous Turkey Jones-Terry Bradshaw hit on Sunday, when James Harrison, Aaron Smith, and Brett Keisel triple-teamed Vince Young to the ground in Tennessee.

Sure, everyone enjoyed it at the time, but today the bill came from the NFL. And as a result of the hit, Harrison will be $5,000 lighter in the wallet. Does he mind? Take it away, Ed Bouchette:

Asked Wednesday after practice if the hit was worth paying the fine, Harrison said "No!"

Steeler fans will disagree with Harrison's assessment (I think it was worth at least $10,000), but Silverback did get some good news to go with the bad: on the same day he was hit with a $5K fine, he was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week, with two sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one tackle for a loss, one quarterback hurry and 11 tackles. For all the amazing things he's done in his career, pulling off the Player of the Week/$5,000 fine combo in one day may rank among Harrison's most memorable feats.

And by the way, in other Steeler news while I have you here...Charlie Batch is definitely going to start this Sunday, while Dennis Dixon underwent knee surgery and could miss six weeks.

Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc): twitter.com/mondesishouse

Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com

Wednesday News and Notes

Today's headlines feature an historic Penguin game, four in a row for the Bucs, a Pitt TV channel, a look at the 2011 Pirates, Jerome Bettis' frustration in 2003, Jordan Staal speaks, the Steelers working out QBs, and much more.

Unseen Penguins "Destiny Has a New Home" Images

Courtesy of the kind souls at GatesmanMarmionDrake+Dave, creators of the "Destiny Has a New Home Campaign," the MH audience is getting first look at some of the new images that will be seen around the city.

Byron Leftwich will compete for the gig, but it looks like Charlie Batch could very well be the Steelers' starting quarterback on Sunday at Tampa.

I sincerely hope that you enjoyed what you could of The Dennis Dixon Experience, because it's come to an abrupt halt after he suffered a torn lateral meniscus on Sunday against Tennessee.

Monday News and Notes

The Steelers bring back a QB, the Pens ink another long-term deal, a contest to benefit Casey's Clubhouse, Ronnie Florian news, some instant classic-level photos, and MUCH more in today's links:

15 Thoughts on Steelers-Titans

Two weeks, two wins for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's an understatement to say that this was one of the more unusual Steeler games you'll see in a lifetime, which always makes for some good post-game fodder.

For my game recap, please head over to the Fan website for the read:

15 Thoughts on Steelers-Titans [93.7 The Fan]

Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc): twitter.com/mondesishouse
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com

AP Top 25: WVU 22, PSU 23, Pitt...27

Pitt had more arrests (2) than wins (0) in the past seven days, so it should be no surprise that they're still on the outside looking in of the AP Top 25 poll.

This is Not a Misprint: Another Pitt Panther Arrested

If this isn't the worst off-field week in Dave Wannstedt's tenure at Pitt, it's certainly up there.

Obama Names Hines Ward to President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

First, it was Dan Rooney. Now, Barack Obama has called on another member of the Pittsburgh Steelers family for a post in his administration.

The University of Pittsburgh announced their full 31-game 2010-11 men's basketball schedule today, and no one should have any complaints about a lack of national coverage.

Destiny Has a New Home: the Consol Energy Center

The Penguins rolled out their new marketing campaign today, leading with the slogan, "Destiny has a new home". I've gotta say, I like it more than "We Will" or "Come Hungry".

Some other Pens notes:

TRAINING CAMP starts tomorrow at the Consol Energy Center, and it's open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. Practice will run from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day, with gates opening at 8:45 a.m. Considering the opportunity to watch a Cup contender loaded with superstars practice in their new home for free, I'd probably get there on the early side. [WTAE]

GENO MALKIN has one goal: win the Stanley Cup. I have to admit, I was hoping to hear something more bizarre as his "one goal". [PittsburghPenguins.com]

The NHL is having a drawing for Winter Classic tickets, or should I say, a drawing for the opportunity to buy two Winter Classic tickets. Registration for the drawing ends at 11:59 a.m. Oct. 11. [NHL.com]

JORDAN STAAL is very down about his infected foot after enduring three surgeries on it since May. I really don't like the sound of this. [Rob Rossi Chipped Ice]

Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc): twitter.com/mondesishouse
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com

9/16/2010

Previewing the Top 5 Games This Weekend

I'm very impressed with our collective football acumen - both you (via polls) and I went 5-0 last week picking the winners of five football games, so the bar is set high for Week Two.

Over at The Fan website, I'm taking a look at the five biggest games of interest this weekend, which would be Pittsburgh-Tennessee, Baltimore-Cincy, New England-Jets, The Manning Bowl, and Dolphins-Vikings. Not a bad batch of NFL games to look forward to, if I do say so myself. The college slate is pretty lame, so until they can learn how to schedule solid matchups week-in and week-out, they'll have to go on hiatus.

I've gone through the betting lines, the injuries, the histories, and the Week One stats...all you have to do is cruise over and pick your winners. And some of these are not so clear cut. Colts 0-2? Bengals 0-2? Jets 0-2? These are all possibilities, my friends. That's going to make for some fine football watching.

Previewing the Top 5 Games This Weekend [93.7 The Fan]

Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc: twitter.com/mondesishouse
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com

Civic/Mellon Arena to be Demolished

Despite the best efforts of the Reuse the Igloo group, the Civic Arena will be demolished, per a unanimous vote by the city-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority this morning. According to the PG, "The vote occurred without any discussion from board members, prompting shouts of "Gestapo" from one member of the audience."

Today's links feature another crushing loss for Pittsburgh, the Andy Pettitte-Altoona Curve outcome, the Steelers trying out a former college star, Lanny Frattare's new gig, Bill Guerin in a rival's camp, a new sport for Penn State, and much more.

Dan Mason Demoted, and Jason Douglas is Probably Done at Pitt

News and notes from today's Wannstache Press Conference:

Will Jackie Evancho Bring Another Title to the City of Champions?

I know this is outside of the sports genre, but the Pittsburgher in you should be pulling for 10-year-old singer Jackie Evancho of Richland Township, as she is one of four finalists with a shot to win the "America's Got Talent" finale tonight on NBC.

The winner will receive $1 million and headline the "America's Got Talent" Live Tour, which stops in 25 cities throughout the United States. Evancho is the odds-on-favorite to win, at least according to WPXI, which is in Los Angeles covering the event. The finale airs tonight on NBC from 8-10 p.m.

And as for that sports angle, I was wrong. We do have one: Jackie sang the national anthem at PNC Park at the 2010 Pirates home opener, which might turn out to be the best performance at the stadium the entire season - and certainly the smartest move made by the Pirates.

For more:
Pittsburgh's Jackie Evancho Wows 'AGT' Judges Yet Again [WPXI]
Jackie Evancho [Wikipedia]

Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc): twitter.com/mondesishouse
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com

Chris Siegfried Hired as Pittsburgh Power Coach

The man shown above looks like he's all business, and he's just been introduced as the new coach of YOUR Pittsburgh Power Arena League team.

The 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates Schedule

Yes, the Pirates lost 9-1 on Tuesday night, and yes, Zach Duke was again pounded and might be taken out of the rotation. But let's not dwell on the negative, and instead look ahead to the 2011 Bucco schedule, which comes with slightly less fanfare than the national holiday that is NFL Schedule Release Day.

First, the Pitt Panthers had to deal with an ugly DUI/hit-and-run/underage drinking incident involving one of their players early Sunday morning. Now, their week (and year, for that matter) just got a whole lot worse with another dose of bad news.

Some notes from Mike Tomlin's Tuesday press conference, including good news on the Max Starks front:

Today's links include another dramatic Pirate loss, Altoona vs. Pettitte, a former Pirate finding a new team (and the Pirates signing another pitcher from the waiver wire), an update on Max Starks, Big Ben's Hampton HS experience, and much more.

"Hey, I play for Pitt football. Please, don't arrest me."

That poor choice of words was allegedly uttered by Pitt RB Jason Douglas, the latest Panther to run afoul of the law after a hit-and-run that also left him with DUI, aggravated assault, and underage drinking charges early Sunday morning in the South Side.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced their list of 2011 candidates today, and once again, the class could potentially have a distinct Pittsburgh feel.

15 Thoughts on Steelers-Falcons

That was certainly an interesting way to start what should be a very intriguing 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season, no?

For my game recap, please head over to the Fan website for the read:

15 Thoughts on Steelers-Falcons [93.7 The Fan]

Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc): twitter.com/mondesishouse
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com

Video: Terry Bradshaw Would've Gotten Rid of Roethlisberger

At some point along the line, the relationship between Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger went South. And boy, did it ever.

Bradshaw continued his harsh criticism of Roethlisberger today on the Fox pregame show, saying that he would've gotten rid of the troubled Steeler QB if he owned the Steelers and closing with a loud message to the NFL's "young guns". Said Bradshaw: "There's gonna be three letters attached to your name. Make 'em be NFL...and not TMZ."

Steeler fans might agree or disagree with Bradshaw's statements, but the point is this: he is only doing what he's paid to do. Bradshaw's job is to give opinions as he sees them, and in this case, he is not seeing things in the same way as the organization's decision-makers. It might make things a little awkward the next time he's covering the team in Pittsburgh, but awkward situations in the city are nothing new for Bradshaw.

Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc): twitter.com/mondesishouse
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com

Pitt Still Absent From Coaches Poll

As the Coaches Poll voters showed today, it's going to take more than a win over New Hampshire to get Pitt back into the Top 25.

Sunseri, Graham Star in 38-16 Pitt Win

After watching West Virginia get a major scare last night against Marshall, Pitt fans weren't in the mood for any sort of drama against FCS powerhouse New Hampshire. Thankfully, things were mostly drama-free for the Heinz Field crowd of 50,120 on Saturday afternoon.

Friday News and Notes

Here's a dozen links submitted for your approval, including a Big Ben sighting, a Steeler cut getting a look elsewhere, Hines on Dixon, a Penguin value signing, Dan Hutchins on Utah's kicker-icing, Penguins ink sleeve tattoos, and much more...

5 Games to Ponder This Weekend

OK, loyal MH readers, the time has come. What time is that? No, not time to click the "X" in your browser, although that was a good guess. Actually, I'm talking about prediction time.

Over at The Fan website, I'm taking a look at five games on the pro and college schedules this weekend, running through the lines, the injuries, and the skinny on each, giving my pick and posting a poll where you can make your picks.

The games in question: Steelers-Falcons, Pitt-UNH, Penn State-Alabama, Jets-Ravens, and Bengals-Patriots. Not a bad slate to look forward to, if I do say so myself. But who will win these games? That's where you come in.

5 Games to Ponder This Weekend [93.7 The Fan]

*We're in the midst of setting up an ambitious new fall schedule for web features & on-air appearances at The Fan, and once it is finalized I will pass that info along.

Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc): twitter.com/mondesishouse
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com

Sidney Crosby Takes BP with Pirates, Immediately Becomes Best Hitter on Field

Sidney Crosby took batting practice with the Pirates today, and guess what? He's good at that, too.

A few of the latest happenings in the Steeler universe:

Big Lead Sports Bar

9/30/2010

9/29/2010

9/28/2010

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9/10/2010

9/08/2010