~~ May 2005 ~~

ADRIFT ON THE ALLEGHENY PSR’s John Sacco compares the Pirates to other small market teams and analyzes why their recent course has been so different from many other clubs with similar challenges. Only the names on the back of the uniforms seem to change for the Pirates. The losing, poor decisions and bad luck seem constant…The Pirates, in particular, have had a run of bad trades, fruitless drafts and an inability to develop their own talent. Up Close with Terry Francona – PSR’s George Von Benko sits down with the Red Sox skipper and talks Sox-Yanks, steroids and small markets. I don’t know that every team can say that (they can show up every year with a chance to win), but in saying that I don’t know how to fix it. Sometimes if you don’t have an answer, maybe you need to keep your mouth shut. Cannon Firing Line: Throw Heath The Ball! – Will the Steelers use their new number one draft pick, or will he be wasted? Junker: Cashing In On Sports – The NHL lockout didn’t help local minor league hockey the way you might have expected. YOUTH SPORTS For The Fun Of It… Scott Robertson looks at the decline of “pick-up” games among today’s youth and wonders if there might be too much organization in youth sports. Making Sports More Fun: Joe Luxbacher provides some helpful tips for parents and coaches. PSR Showdown: The Trib’s Jerry DiPaola and ESPN’s Jim Colony discuss the fine line between parental involvement and parental interference. Sports History: Anne Madarasz, director of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, remembers Roberto Clemente. Madden: No Jerks Allowed: Mark Madden tells us what he thinks about Terrell Owens. Andrew Stockey: Media Savvy: Most members of the sports media are fans at heart – but they still have a job to do. Lesley Visser on “The Rivalry”: The CBS broadcaster weighs in on the Yankees and Red Sox and why nothing else compares.    Copyright © 1997-2005 Pittsburgh Sports Report [PSR]