How Far The Mighty Have Fallen...

At this point last year, Pitt was undefeated in the Big East with six wins already in their pocket.  Fast forward to this year and they are completely opposite.   Going into tonight's game against number 1 ranked Syracuse, they are 0-5 in the Big East.  David vs Goliath?  Yeah, pretty much!  Clearly, Syracuse is without a doubt the best team in all of college basketball, there's not even a close second says Villanova coach Jay Wright.

Pitt has won the last six consecutive meetings against Syracuse, with their last loss to the Orange coming in the 2006 Big East Championship game.  Stranger things have happened, but I don't see Pitt going into the Carrier Dome and pulling off the upset.  In fact, I don't even see this team making it to the NCAA tournament.  For them to make it, they would have to win the Big East Tournament.  And they will have no chance to do that if they turn the ball over 17 times in a game like they did at Marquette on Saturday.

Panther fans have been spoiled to say the least, watching their team dance into March Madness 10 consecutive years.  But hey, even Syracuse misses the tournament every now and again.

A Bunch Of Cool Links To Get You Over Hump Day

The Global Language Monitor says that 'Tebowing' is officially a word which is the act of ‘taking a knee’ in prayerful reflection in the midst of an athletic activity, has been acknowledged as an English language word.  I just wish ESPN would stop talking about this guy. We get it! It has to stop at some point.

NY Observer: Mr. Jeter is wining, dining, and screwing people in his penthouse of the Trump Hotel…and then sending them home with gift baskets! What is that, something to remember him by?

Sean Payton commented on the phantom whistle that two Titans players accused the Saints bench of blowing to distract the Titans offense.  Coach got jokes!

Such B.S! Harrison dealt 1-game penalty,  Should have just got a fine.  Colt McCoy did look like he tucked the ball and was attempting to run, and he lowered his helmet.  Harrison's LOL

Looking at Pirates roster, payroll.

Miami Marlins following Pirates' failed blueprint.  The Marlins front office did 'promise' they would significantly raise payroll once stadium is built.

Stuff That Makes Me Shake My Head...  Pa Man prints fake obit of mom to get time off.

Boneheads! It didn't take Police in Maryland long to arrest a pair of siblings accused of holding up a bank on the same block as their home.

Man arrested for DUI while wearing 'I am a drunk' t-shirt is dumb ass of the week.

Baby Elephants Enjoying In Pool

It's Always fun to watch drunk TV news anchors deliver the news.

 

Beavis and Butthead: It's So Cold In The 'D'

Pirates Acquire Casey McGehee From The Brewers

The Pirates have acquired third baseman Casey McGehee from the Brewers for reliever Jose Veras.  McGehee batted .223 with 13 homers in 2011.  He had his best year in 2010 when he batted .285 with 23 Homers and 104 RBI.  Expect McGehee to challenge Alvarez at third.  He will also get some time at first base.   The Brewers had to move him because the team had just signed former Pirate Aramis Ramirez.  I'm glad to see Veras go, his late inning struggles in 2010 made this move a popular one with Pirate fans who cringed the second he stepped out of the bullpen.

The team also signed reliever Jason Grilli on a one year 1.1 million dollar deal.  Grilli had a 2.48 ERA in 28 games.  

Others that were tendered contracts include; Joel Hanrahan, Evan Meek, Chris Resop, Jeff Karstens, Charlie Morton, Garrett Jones and the newly acquired McGehee.

Pirates Sign Starting Pitcher Bedard, Nate McLouth To One Year Deals

UPDATE: The Pirates have signed left handed starting pitcher Erik Bedard to a one year 4.5 million dollar deal.  Bedard has spent time with Baltimore, Seattle, and Boston.  He has had numerous injury problems in the past including his elbow, shoulder, oblique, and hip.  I say this is a risky deal, but when healthy he could be a dominant pitcher.  His best year came in 2007 when he won 13 games for the Orioles to go along with 221 strike outs. To make room on the roster for Bedard, the Pirates designated catcher Jason Jaramillo for assignment.

The Pirates have officially signed Nate McLouth to one year deal worth 1.75 million, all that is in the way is a physical so it's basically a wrap.  In other news, it looks like the Bucs are becoming the Pittsburgh Rockies as they signed Jose Morales to a minor league deal.  Morales, 28, played with Colorado last year and spent three seasons with Minnesota.  He has a .289 career batting average and can provide depth at catcher as well as first base.

In addition to Morales, the Pirate have already signed former Rockies shortstop Clint Barmes to a two year deal and are said to be in talks with starting pitcher Jeff Francis.  They both played for current Buccos manager Clint Hurdle, a sign that he is taking on more of a role in personnel decisions.

Follow me on twitter @theangryfan as I will have all the Bucs winter meeting happenings updated constantly

Pirates Talking Contract With Nate McLouth

The Pirates are reportedly talking contract with former Bucco Nate McLouth.  If the two sides agree to terms they will use him as a fourth or fifth outfield option.  In two seasons with Atlanta, McLouth was limited due to injury and lack of quality play.  Last year he batted .228 with 4 homers.  He only appeared in 81 games for the Braves in 2010.

In 2008 with the Bucs, McLouth batted .276 with 26 homers and 94 RBI.  The Pirates are probably thinking that he can return to his old form by coming back to the Burgh but given the injuries and lack of production the last three years, I think they are putting a big time gamble on it.  To me the move doesn't make sense due to the same type of outfielders this team already has on the roster.  By adding McLouth, it's just a glorified Alex Presley, which they already have enough of those type of players.

McLouth was dealt to the Braves in 2009 for Gorkys Hernandez, Charlie Morton, and Jeff Locke which at the time angered the Pirates clubhouse.  Now it's safe to say who got the best of that deal... The Pirates obviously, as some baseball writers and league officials call it one of the worst Frank Wren deals ever.