Winter Meetings Huge for Pirates

In a few weeks, the MLB will hold its annual winter GM meetings for teams to talk trades, free agency, etc...The Pirates need to make the right moves and sign the right players. Starting pitching and first base are glaring needs. There are numerous options such as Chris Capuano and Jeff Francis at pitching, but the first base market seems bleak. The Pirates will offer Derek Lee arbitration, so its going to be interesting whether or not he signs. All signs are pointing to him saying no, however, so the Pirates will still be in the mix for a first basement that they have lacked for a long time.

Mike Yeo Changing Minnesota Wild

Former Penguins assistant coach Mike Yeo is currently the head coach of the NHL's Minnesota Wild. Minnesota has been stagnant for the last 5 years, not making the playoffs and playing a boring style of hockey with no superstars. In the 37 year olds first season as bench boss, his team is currently 1st in the western conference with 28 points. It is amazing what a change of philosophy can do for a hockey team, as nobody expected the Wild to be this successful this early, not even Yeo. Mike Yeo is a good guy, and a great hockey mind (both of which i can confirm from meeting him a few years back). It is good to see him reap the benefits of his team trusting in his system and working hard for him. Go Wild.

Baltimore Already Won it's Super Bowl

The Baltimore Ravens are the Steelers biggest rivals. They have been since the early 2000s. However, the Steelers have owned them in big games, especially when they meet in the playoffs. So when the Ravens do beat the Steelers, not once but twice, it should be a big deal for them. However, celebrating like they won the Super Bowl and showering their coach with gatorade is over the top. By doing this, they showed they already won their most important game. They came out the next week and lost to the less-than-mediocre Seattle Seahawks. This is the second time they lost to a poor team after beating the Steelers, as they lost to the Tennessee Titans in week 2. The Ravens are a good team, but clearly they do not have their priorities straight. They sent a message by beating the Steelers twice. They would have sent a bigger message to the league if they beat the scrub teams they played in the weeks after the Steeler games. The Steelers, by beating Cincinnatti, are currently and already back in first place in the AFC North. The Ravens reign lasted 7 days. They can either take this as a wake up call, or continue the celebration.

Joe Pa Exit Just a Shame

I'm not going to comment on the legality of this situation or even get into the details of the terrible things going on at Penn State these days. I'm not going to comment whether or not i think that Joe Paterno should or should not have been fired. All I am going to say is that this situation can be summed up in three words: what a shame. Joe Paterno gave his life, time and even money to the university, the football program and everything else that is State College, PA. The man spent more time working for one University than my parents have been on this earth. He is not only Penn State football, but I would go as far as to say he is the face of the Unviersity as well. It is very disheartening to see a man who did so much for a university go out on terms like this, no matter if its his fault or somebody elses. This is something that I will be shaking my head at for the rest of my life.

NBA Opening Door for NHL with Lockout

With the NBA being locked out, as last night was opening night, they are opening the door for the NHL to take the NBA's spot as the #2 professional sport in fall and winter behind the NFL, and especially for the spring when it will be only the NHL. The NBA will not only lose tons of money, but also, fans who are looking for other things to watch may turn their attention to the fast-paced and physical NHL. These fans will be hungry for sports during the week and on weekends (not including sunday) and if they are fans of physicality and skill, the NHL will snatch them right up.

Penguins in First without Superstar (s)

The pittsburgh Penguins currently sit atop the NHL standings with 18 points. When a fan sees this stat, they probably assume that they would also see Sidney Crosby's name in the top 3 in scoring, with Evgeni Malkin close behind. However, this is not the case. This couldn't be further than the truth. Crosby still has not returned from his concussion suffered on January 5th of last year. Malkin has only played half of the games due to knee soreness. The Penguins are an extremely deep team, as any other team losing their 2 best players would probably put a nail in the coffin. However, due to goalie Marc-Andre Fluery playing extremely well, and scoring coming from numerous players to go along with solid defense, the Pens are leading the way. The scariest part about this whole thing is that they will only get better. They have to be everybody's favorite to win the Cup.

Crosby Cleared for Contact (in practice)

Last week, Penguins Captain and center Sidney Crosby was cleared for full contact in practice for the first time since early January of 2011. This is a huge step in the right direction for Crosby who has been battling setbacks for months. The Penguins need Crosby to win the Cup, but the NHL as a league also needs Sid the Kid, as he is a superstar and the face of the league. As headshots and concussions become a bigger problem for the NHL, it is a positive note that Crosby is returning, as maybe this can quiet those problems and worries now that the golden boy of the league is back and healthy. I expect Crosby to return within the month, as he is seen flying at practices and morning skates. With a healthy Crosby, and a healthy Evgeni Malkin who is coming back from a torn ACL, the Penguins will be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. Fans will not only be holding their breathe for that first hit Crosby takes, but the whole league will.