~~ April 2006 ~~

Turning the Corner Long Process Continues for Pirates Last month, at the press conference that unveiled their “We Will” branding campaign, the Pirates proclaimed, “We are turning the corner in all aspects of our organization.” Ask the national media if the Pirates are indeed turning the corner – on the field and otherwise – and opinions vary a bit. By Jim Lachimia Up Close with Jeromy Burnitz: The Pittsburgh Pirates signed free agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz to a one-year, $6 million deal with a mutual option for the 2007 season. The Pirates' courtship of Burnitz was their second in as many years. Pied Piper of Pittsburgh: Stright stands out as a controversial figure, even in the often controversial world of college basketball recruiting. A close friend of another controversial figure, former Cincinnati and current Kansas State head coach Bob Huggins, Stright has drawn the ire of Pitt basketball fans, some of whom see him as the lone figure standing between Pitt basketball and greatness. Internet message boards burn with vitriolic words for Stright, cast as a Svengali for local high school basketball stars, as he is seen as leading them away from their hometown team and to his friend Bob Huggins. By Chris Dokish NFL Draft Preview Diary of an NFL Hopeful: Greensburg’s Jeff Mroz Name: Jeff Mroz Position: Quarterback College: Yale Height/Weight: 6’4-˝” / 225 lbs. High School: Greensburg Central Catholic Hometown: Greensburg, PA Birthdate: 07/11/1983 I want every scout to want me on their team. I’ve got to give them a reason to want me… I can’t control what they do, the only thing I can control or worry about is what I do. Everything else is out of my reach. I’ve never had any doubts about myself… I’ve always believed I was good enough to play in the NFL, but I was always worried that I wouldn’t get a chance. PSR Showdown: Mason & Peltier Steelers Draft Preview Local Players Position Evaluations Bob Grove: Krys Kolanos and Andy Hilbert look for new starts in Pittsburgh. Stan Savran: World Baseball is no classic. Cannon Firing Line: Be a Kid Again. Sports History: Track and Field Medalists.    Copyright © 1997-2006 Pittsburgh Sports Report [PSR]