PSR Showdown
What will the Pittsburgh sports scene bring us in 2006?

11/28 Provided a Glimpse
By Scott Robertson
Pittsburgh Sports Report

When we take out the crystal ball and attempt to peer ahead into what 2006 might bring to the Pittsburgh sports landscape, it may be instructive to look back to Nov. 28, 2005. That date may mean nothing to you now, but it may turn out to be a significant one for '06.

It was on that date that three unrelated, but very important, events unfolded. The Steelers were beaten in Indianapolis, 26-7, on Monday Night Football. The Penguins, despite their self-proclaimed budget constraints, recalled potential franchise goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury from the minors. And the Pirates traded Tike Redman to the New York Mets for cash.

Each event perhaps signaled things to come. The impact of the Steelers' loss was most difficult to gauge. Did the defeat provide a measuring stick that could be used to correct flaws in time for a potential Super Bowl run? Or did it reveal that there are more holes to fill than expected? Should we be looking forward to the playoffs or the '06 NFL Draft?

I think they should take a running back.

The promotion of Fleury clearly was a positive sign. He is without doubt the organization's best goaltender. But by the time he starts what will be his first full NHL season in 2006-07, the Mellon Arena lease will be on the verge of expiration. The Fleury-Sidney Crosby combo, as glittering as it may be, only serves to cast the light on the team's overall financial situation. No slots, no new arena, no sense getting attached to these guys. Unless you plan to move to Kansas City.

Unloading Redman is another small step in the rebuilding of the Pirates. We've been fooled by these guys many times during the last decade-plus, but this time, they seem to be getting it right, building around young talent. GM Dave Littlefield often says the Pirates need more good players. The other side of that coin is that they need fewer bad ones.

Getting rid of a guy who could not hit for average, drive in runs, steal bases, hit for power or field his position means the dead wood is being cleared. Nov. 28, 2005 mostly was a non-descript day. But for Pittsburgh's three pro sports teams, it may prove one of the most important dates of 2006.

Scott Robertson is a senior editor for PSR.

Guarded Optimism
By Rob Cochran
#1 Cochran

The main question is always, "Will the Steelers be playing in Detroit for Super Bowl 40?" At this writing, it doesn't look likely...but it's certainly not out of the question. As fans, we've had so much disappointment as the #1 seed; maybe playing on the road is the appropriate path for this team. If they can get healthy and find the right mindset, good things could very well happen.

Beyond the Steelers, there is reason for optimism with most, if not all, Pittsburgh teams in 2006.

The Penguins should be a better team in the spring than they are now, and even better next fall than they will be in the spring. The more Sidney Crosby plays, the better he will be. Marc Andre-Fleury playing regularly in a Pens' sweater will make them better. And let's hope the organization can rescue Evgeni Malkin from Russia next fall. When they work to refine the supporting cast for these young Penguins, it should be fun to watch this team...for a long time.

There will be just as much happening off the ice as on for the Pens in the coming months, however.

Hopefully, the Penguins can save their arena, so the looming threat of the team's exit can go away. As to 2006 threats, the Penguins' potential exit has to be at the top of the list.

For the Pirates, 2006 brings the exposure of the All-Star Game and the hope, again, of a better team. Over the past 13 years, we've had our hopes crushed over and over. But there is reason to have a cautious optimism about these Pirates. A new manager who has won at the major league level, and a core of young players that played well last year should make them clearly better in '06. They need to be clearly better or 2007 could bring some challenges with fan support.

Pitt football will be better in year two of the Wannstedt era. Pitt basketball will have challenges due to inexperience, but should get better as the season moves into February.

All in all, there is a lot to be excited about in 2006, a shot at a Super Bowl and a group of young teams that should get better.

Rob Cochran is the chairman, president and CEO of #1 Cochran, Inc.