News And Notes 3/24/2009

Here's how my bracket is doing:

35-13 after two rounds is not too bad...it's not great either. It also doesn't help that I am starting the next round with a loss (Clemson). I am beating President Obama, who is 33-15.

Pitt Basketball

Congratulations to both Pitt men's and women's teams for reaching the Sweet 16! For the men, this has been a trap game over the past couple of years. If they don't turn the ball over, hit their free throws, and FEED BLAIR THE BALL, they should have no problem moving on.

Steelers

Steelers Hall of Fame wide receiver, John Stallworth, is now part owner of the team. He was approved yesterday along with two other new partners, Bruce V. Rauner, chairman of GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC and the Varischetti family of Brockway, Jefferson County. Stallworth is the president and CEO of Genesis II. This brings the count to six the new partners the NFL has approved for the realignment of Steelers ownership under Dan and Art Rooney II.

Pirates

Neal Huntington has not been happy with the production of the leadoff sport in the batting order, and he has made it public. However, I am big on having a leadoff guy that can get on base and do some damage. Therefore, I have been in favor batting Nyjer Morgan in that spot. While his hitting needs some work, his speed makes up for it. Anytime hes gets on base, he's a threat to steal his way to third. When was the last time the Buccos had a guy like that. Have you seen this kid run? I'm going to start calling him "Lightning". Think about what Ichiro does at the top of the lineup. Sure, he's a better hitter than Lightning, but Ichiro is only a slap-hitter, similar to many lefty softball players. He gets most of his hits because his speed allows him to beat out so many infield hits. Will Lightning ever be as good as Ichiro? Probably not, but if they can make Lightning into an effective slap-hitter, he could have a very productive career at the top of the order.