Taking Over
Penguins Follow Crosby's Leadership

Building a team that's perennial Stanley Cup playoff material never has been easy, but it's never been a bigger challenge than it is today. Parity is no longer a pipe dream in the National Hockey League, thanks in part to the salary cap, more extensive scouting and improved coaching.

That's why Penguins' general manager Ray Shero, when he was hired in the summer of 2006, talked about putting together his team the right way, building it on a foundation that would keep Pittsburgh in the playoffs year after year. The Penguins haven't missed the post-season since, and today they find themselves in the Finals for the second consecutive year. ...Full Story...

Up Close with the Pittsburgh Sports Report
Dave Parker

Thirty years have passed since the 1979 Pirates delivered Pittsburgh the most recent of its five World Series Championships. The game, along with the relationship between the Pirates and the city, has changed fairly radically since. One Pirate on that team, more than any other, embodied the change taking place throughout Major League Baseball. Dave Parker, a two-time batting champ and the 1978 National League MVP, was an intimidating, bruising power hitter before the era of power began in earnest. After terrorizing opposing pitching to consecutive .330 averages in 1978 and 1979, "The Cobra" became baseball's first million-dollar man, receiving the largest contract in baseball history to that point. Parker left the Pirates in 1983, but won another World Series with the Oakland Athletics in 1989, as part of a trio of super-sluggers with Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire. ...Full Story...

Editor's Deck
Not About The Dogs

Michael Vick is out of jail.

Much is being made about whether the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and current ex-con should be allowed to play football again. Folks on both sides of the argument have legitimate points.

But what just about everyone seems to be missing is that Michael Vick's case wasn't about dogs. ...Full Story...

Center Surplus
Pirates middle outfield depth provides options

For years it felt as if the Pirates had no plan; no real sense of direction as an organization. The major league product was less than impressive - the minors not much better. They preached development, but would go outside the organization to sign an "established" (often past his prime) veteran for a year or two, after which they would be traded or released. The following year the cycle would start over.

On the surface, all that is changing. ...Full Story...

Cannon Firing Line
No Rest For The Winners

There's been no break if you are a Pittsburgh sports fan.

In case you haven't looked at the calendar, training camp comes to town next month. This after the Steelers had been conducting various off-season training activities for several weeks.

So, as some are still trying to shake the confetti that flew all over Raymond James Stadium off their clothes, football is right around the corner ...Full Story...