Tuesday, September 30, 2008
O's Victory Total - Final Poll
Orioles 2008 Victory Poll
The Orioles finished with 68 victories. Free Advice gets it right! :-)
The Orioles finished with 68 victories. Free Advice gets it right! :-)
| Poll Ended | Question | More than 69 Games | Less than 69 Games | 69 Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 29, 2008 | O's on pace to win 70. How many wins? | 0% | 100% | 0% |
| September 20, 2008 | O's on remain pace to win 72. How many wins? | 33% | 66% | 0% |
| September 13, 2008 | O's on pace to win 72. How many wins? | 33% | 66% | 0% |
| September 6, 2008 | O's on pace to win 74. How many wins? | 50% | 33% | 16% |
| August 30, 2008 | O's on pace to win 76. How many wins? | 66% | 33% | 0% |
| August 23, 2008 | O's on pace to win 79. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| August 16, 2008 | O's remain on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| August 9, 2008 | O's on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 83% | 17% | 0% |
| August 2, 2008 | O's on pace to win 76. How many wins? | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| July 26, 2008 | O's on pace to win 79. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| July 19, 2008 | O's on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| July 12, 2008 | O's on pace to win 82. How many wins? | 40% | 60% | 0% |
| July 5, 2008 | O's remain on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 66% | 33% | 0% |
| June 28, 2008 | O's on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| June 21, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| June 14, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| June 7, 2008 | O's on pace to win 77. How many wins? | 60% | 40% | 0% |
| May 31, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| May 24, 2008 | O's on pace to win 87. How many wins? | 67% | 33% | 0% |
| May 17, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 71% | 29% | 0% |
| May 10, 2008 | O's on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| May 3, 2008 | O's on pace to win 91. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| April 26, 2008 | O's on pace to win 99. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| April 19, 2008 | O's on pace to win 96. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| April 12, 2008 | O's are 2-1. How many wins? | 20% | 80% | 0% |
| April 5, 2008 | O's won 69 in '07. How many in '08? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
Monday, September 29, 2008
THE BREW CREW: Milwaukee heading to playoffs for first time in 25 years
Sabathia finishes what he starts
Posted: Sept. 28, 2008
It's over. It's finally over.
After 25 years of stumbling through the baseball wilderness, the Milwaukee Brewers emerged on the other side Sunday into bright daylight. Well, as bright as daylight can be when the roof is closed at Miller Park.
The 26th year did the trick. Welcome back to October baseball, Brewers fans. And welcome to the wild card, which didn't exist the last time Milwaukee made the playoffs.
"I like parties. If they're every 26 years, I guess that makes them all the more exciting," said coach Robin Yount, who played on the last Brewers team to spray champagne in the clubhouse on the final day of the season.
On a magical day in which the post-season stars finally aligned for the Brewers, the two things that had to happen actually happened. First, the Brewers took care of business by pulling out a tense yet electrifying 3-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs before an overflow bipartisan crowd of 45,299.
Then, in a surreal scene, the final two innings of the game between the New York Mets and Florida Marlins were shown on Miller Park's video screen. As Cubs fans filed out and went home, Brewers fans stayed to see if the Mets would complete their latest collapse and lose.
The Mets complied, bowing, 4-2, and the celebration began in the stands and home clubhouse. No tie-breaking game would be necessary tonight at Shea Stadium.
The Brewers were winners of the NL wild card. Next stop Philadelphia, where the best-of-five division series begins Wednesday against the NL East champs.
"It's unbelievable," said third baseman Craig Counsell, a Milwaukee native well aware of the team's quarter-century of futility in terms of making the post-season."I came back here two years ago because I thought this was a bunch of guys who could get this done. To validate that decision and make it come true for the people of Milwaukee, it's special. I'm so happy we could do it for everybody in this city."
It wouldn't have happened if not for the arrival of CC Sabathia, the big lefty who cemented his place in Brewers lore forever more. Acquired in early July from Cleveland in a move designed to put the team over the top, Sabathia proved to be exactly that.
Pitching on short rest for the third consecutive start, Sabathia tossed a four-hitter against the Cubs, who played many of their regulars despite having clinched the NL Central crown several days ago. Sabathia walked one and struck out seven, showing no weariness during his 122-pitch masterpiece.
When Derrek Lee grounded into a double play to end the game, Sabathia punched the air with his fist and let out a mighty roar as the already substantial noise in the ballpark became deafening.
"I didn't even know I was that excited," said Sabathia, who went 11-2 with a 1.65 earned run average and seven complete games in 17 starts with the Brewers. 'Sheeter' (Ben Sheets) said, 'I like the emotion that you showed.' I didn't know what he was talking about.
"The stadium was electric today. It was a lot of fun. I was just glad to be part of this big moment."
For the longest time, it appeared the day would end in disappointment for the Brewers. After Mike Cameron led off the bottom of the first with a single, the succession of relief pitchers the Cubs used to cover the game put down 18 consecutive hitters.
The Cubs managed just one run off Sabathia, and only because first baseman Prince Fielder let a grounder go through his legs for an error, setting up an RBI grounder by Ronny Cedeño in the second inning. Would that one run be enough to beat the Brewers?
"We couldn't get anything going," Counsell said. "Their pitchers were dominating. We didn't get anything to hit. Still, I think we knew we were going to get something going."
And, indeed, the Brewers did. Ray Durham's leadoff double in the seventh eventually led to a bases-loaded walk by Counsell off right-hander Michael Wuertz. The opportunity for a bigger rally slipped away, leaving the score tied, 1-1.
It didn't stay tied for long. Cameron was aboard via a one-out single in the eighth when Ryan Braun stepped to the plate against right-hander Bob Howry.
Braun remembered that Chicago's pitchers had been throwing first-pitch fastballs to him during the series, so he looked for one. And he got it. Braun crushed the pitch deep into the left-field bleachers, putting the Brewers on top and setting off pandemonium.
Braun pumped his first as he rounded the bases, then did a little skip as he crossed the plate.
"I just got caught up in the emotion," he said. "It's really difficult to describe. Just the emotion, from the crowd, from my teammates, the coaches. It was unbelievable."
Bill Hall, known for exotic greetings on the dugout steps when teammates return after home runs, didn't fare as well this time.
"I tried to do one but there was too much excitement," Hall said. "He came in, his helmet hit me in the head and I busted my lip. But it was a lot of fun. The pain is irrelevant right now, trust me."
That left it to Sabathia, who had ended the top of the eighth by spearing Koyie Hill's come-backer with his bare hand. Alfonso Soriano, batting .364 with five homers for his career off Sabathia, flied out to left.
Ryan Theriot followed with a single but Sabathia induced Lee to hit into one of the biggest double plays turned in club history. All that was left was to wait out the Mets' second consecutive end-of-season gag job.
"I can't express how I'm feeling," champagne-drenched owner Mark Attanasio said. "I'm so proud to be part of this effort, the whole group. "It's great to be able to do this for the city. Four years (as owner) seems like 20 years. So I can imagine what 26 years feels like."
For the Brewers and their fans, what it felt like was indescribable. It's over. And folks partied like it was 1982.
Monday, September 22, 2008
On the O's Victory Total
Orioles 2008 Victory Poll
| Poll Ended | Question | More than 69 Games | Less than 69 Games | 69 Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 20, 2008 | O's on remain pace to win 72. How many wins? | 33% | 66% | 0% |
| September 13, 2008 | O's on pace to win 72. How many wins? | 33% | 66% | 0% |
| September 6, 2008 | O's on pace to win 74. How many wins? | 50% | 33% | 16% |
| August 30, 2008 | O's on pace to win 76. How many wins? | 66% | 33% | 0% |
| August 23, 2008 | O's on pace to win 79. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| August 16, 2008 | O's remain on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| August 9, 2008 | O's on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 83% | 17% | 0% |
| August 2, 2008 | O's on pace to win 76. How many wins? | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| July 26, 2008 | O's on pace to win 79. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| July 19, 2008 | O's on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| July 12, 2008 | O's on pace to win 82. How many wins? | 40% | 60% | 0% |
| July 5, 2008 | O's remain on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 66% | 33% | 0% |
| June 28, 2008 | O's on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| June 21, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| June 14, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| June 7, 2008 | O's on pace to win 77. How many wins? | 60% | 40% | 0% |
| May 31, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| May 24, 2008 | O's on pace to win 87. How many wins? | 67% | 33% | 0% |
| May 17, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 71% | 29% | 0% |
| May 10, 2008 | O's on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| May 3, 2008 | O's on pace to win 91. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| April 26, 2008 | O's on pace to win 99. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| April 19, 2008 | O's on pace to win 96. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| April 12, 2008 | O's are 2-1. How many wins? | 20% | 80% | 0% |
| April 5, 2008 | O's won 69 in '07. How many in '08? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
On O's Victory Total
Orioles 2008 Victory Poll
| Poll Ended | Question | More than 69 Games | Less than 69 Games | 69 Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 13, 2008 | O's on pace to win 72. How many wins? | 33% | 66% | 0% |
| September 6, 2008 | O's on pace to win 74. How many wins? | 50% | 33% | 16% |
| August 30, 2008 | O's on pace to win 76. How many wins? | 66% | 33% | 0% |
| August 23, 2008 | O's on pace to win 79. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| August 16, 2008 | O's remain on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| August 9, 2008 | O's on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 83% | 17% | 0% |
| August 2, 2008 | O's on pace to win 76. How many wins? | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| July 26, 2008 | O's on pace to win 79. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| July 19, 2008 | O's on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| July 12, 2008 | O's on pace to win 82. How many wins? | 40% | 60% | 0% |
| July 5, 2008 | O's remain on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 66% | 33% | 0% |
| June 28, 2008 | O's on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| June 21, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| June 14, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| June 7, 2008 | O's on pace to win 77. How many wins? | 60% | 40% | 0% |
| May 31, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| May 24, 2008 | O's on pace to win 87. How many wins? | 67% | 33% | 0% |
| May 17, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 71% | 29% | 0% |
| May 10, 2008 | O's on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| May 3, 2008 | O's on pace to win 91. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| April 26, 2008 | O's on pace to win 99. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| April 19, 2008 | O's on pace to win 96. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| April 12, 2008 | O's are 2-1. How many wins? | 20% | 80% | 0% |
| April 5, 2008 | O's won 69 in '07. How many in '08? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
Thursday, September 11, 2008
REPORTERS NOTEBOOK (091308) - "Grandma Pitzer meets the President"
Grandma Pitzer was enjoying a leisurely stroll through Soldiers National Cemetery in Gettysburg last week when she bumped into an unexpected visitor: President George W. Bush.
White House staff took a photo of the President and Grandma chatting, and then gave Grandma a card to obtain the photo.
The front reads: White House Photo Office.
The back of the card describes my grandmother in detail.
Light brown hair.
Beige skirt.
White blouse.
Lovely eyes.
Flirtatious personality.
Warm smile.
Name-tag on collar of shirt.
Wearing sunglasses.
I was amazed at how much information the federal government obtained on Grandma Pitzer.
My gosh, if U.S. Intelligence had that kind of a detailed description of Osama bin-Laden, we would have got the dirtbag by now.
~ Scot Andrew Pitzer.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Monday, September 08, 2008
On O's Victory Total
Orioles 2008 Victory Poll
| Poll Ended | Question | More than 69 Games | Less than 69 Games | 69 Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 6, 2008 | O's on pace to win 74. How many wins? | 50% | 33% | 16% |
| August 30, 2008 | O's on pace to win 76. How many wins? | 66% | 33% | 0% |
| August 23, 2008 | O's on pace to win 79. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| August 16, 2008 | O's remain on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| August 9, 2008 | O's on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 83% | 17% | 0% |
| August 2, 2008 | O's on pace to win 76. How many wins? | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| July 26, 2008 | O's on pace to win 79. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| July 19, 2008 | O's on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| July 12, 2008 | O's on pace to win 82. How many wins? | 40% | 60% | 0% |
| July 5, 2008 | O's remain on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 66% | 33% | 0% |
| June 28, 2008 | O's on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| June 21, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| June 14, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| June 7, 2008 | O's on pace to win 77. How many wins? | 60% | 40% | 0% |
| May 31, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| May 24, 2008 | O's on pace to win 87. How many wins? | 67% | 33% | 0% |
| May 17, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 71% | 29% | 0% |
| May 10, 2008 | O's on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| May 3, 2008 | O's on pace to win 91. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| April 26, 2008 | O's on pace to win 99. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| April 19, 2008 | O's on pace to win 96. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| April 12, 2008 | O's are 2-1. How many wins? | 20% | 80% | 0% |
| April 5, 2008 | O's won 69 in '07. How many in '08? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
Thursday, September 04, 2008
REPORTERS NOTEBOOK (Gettysburg Times - 090608): Nieces & Nephews lose a heart-breaker to Aunts & Uncles
I report with deep regret that the Nieces & Nephews Team was unable to overcome several obstacles earlier this week at the annual Labor Day Wiffleball Bash, and we lost to the Aunts & Uncles Team by a score of 11-7."It's disappointing," said ace hurler Jamie Pitzer.
For the first time in years, the game was held in a neighboring ballpark, along the shores of the Susquehanna River at Aunt Connie and Uncle Dave's house, near Wrightsville. The game is normally held at Mentzer Stadium at Grandma and Pappy's house near York.
"We were sort of playing on the road," admitted outfielder Marty May.
The youngsters were evidently tired from an exhibition game that was held earlier over the weekend, when a family from Europe visited Grandma's house
."They were sore," said team captain Scot Pitzer, "but we need to learn how to overcome fatigue. Heck, my body aches every time I drive by the gym."
The game featured an amazing appearance by Grandma Mentzer, who emerged from the Sterner household sporting a referee uniform. A standing-room crowd went berserk.
"It was an uplifting moment," said Uncle Stan.
The game concluded after just five short innings, for reasons that haven't been fully explained. League officials are reviewing an appeal submitted by the Nieces & Nephews, but Chief Administrator Pappy Mentzer did not return immediate inquiries seeking comment.
~ Scot Andrew Pitzer.
GETTYSBURG TIMES: What does this season hold for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
* SCOT ANDREW PITZER'S VIEW *
Potentially, the Pittsburgh Steelers are poised to have a successful season in 2008.
Realistically, it could be a painfully long year in the Steel City.
When we last saw the Steelers, they were in a tailspin, having lost four out of their last five games, including a heartbreaking 31-29 home playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Pittsburgh’s offensive line was in shambles, and their running game — once they lost Willie Parker in Week 16 to a season ending injury — was listless.
But the Steelers (10-6 in 2007) are the returning AFC North Division Champions, and they do return a formidable defense, which was the top ranked unit in the league last year.
The offense, featuring quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, isn’t too shabby either. Big Ben arguably had the best season of his four-year career in 2007, hurling the pigskin for more than 3100 yards. He also threw 32 touchdowns, and cut back on his interceptions (11), earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
Are the Steelers a playoff team this year? Possibly, but there is little margin for error.
Here are this season's burning questions.
Is running back Willie Parker healthy?
Fast Willie was having a breakout year in 2007, leading the NFL in rushing with 1,316 yards, until he broke his leg in a meaningless late season game against the three-win St. Louis Rams.
His season-ending injury hurt the team — immensely. The Steelers were forced to rely on journeyman backup Najeh Davenport, and the running game never recovered.
Pittsburgh’s brain trust, as evidenced by this year’s college draft, isn’t sure if Parker can return to form, so they drafted Rashard Mendenhall, a stud tailback from Illinois. Mendenhall’s immediate role with the Steelers is unclear, however the 225-pound back was a first round pick, so he’ll likely split carries with Parker, especially at the goal line.
What’s wrong with the defense?
Statistically, Pittsburgh had the NFL’s top-ranked defense in 2007.
But don’t let that fool you.
At times, the defense was vulnerable to the run: in the team’s two losses to Jacksonville, running-backs Maurice Jones Drew and Fred Taylor cruised up and down the field with ease, as if they were parting the Red Sea.
The unit's shoddy pass coverage was also exposed last season. New England dismantled the Steelers in Foxboro by a 34-13 score, and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had a monster game in the air, throwing for 399 yards and four touchdown passes.
Defensive Coordinator Dick Lebeau is the mastermind behind Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense, but he needs to figure out what went wrong in 2007.
Is Big Ben a leader?
Over the last four seasons, Roethlisberger has transformed from a rookie sensation, to an inconsistent gunslinger, into a franchise quarterback.
In the off-season, the Steelers signed the 26-year-old to an eight-year, $102 million contract. Is he worth the money? Pittsburgh fans hope so.
Big Ben went 14-1 in 2004-05, including the playoffs. In his second season, he became a legend in Pittsburgh, leading the team on an improbable late-season run, culminating with a Superbowl victory.
But tragedy struck soon thereafter. Roethlisberger was involved in an off-season motorcycle accident that almost took his life, and then needed an emergency appendectomy just before the 2006-07 season. Pittsburgh missed the playoffs that year, primarily because Roethlisberger had a dismal season, tossing 23 interceptions. He rebounded nicely in 2007-08, throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, leading the Steelers to a division title.
Which Roethlisberger shows up to play this year? Hopefully, the 2007-08 version. Without him, it’ll be a long season.
Is the offensive line adequate?
Roethlisberger was sacked a bazillion times last year. Well, OK, he was only sacked 47 times, but that was still among the most in the league. He somehow made it through the season alive.
To complicate matters, Pittsburgh did not offer a contract in the off-season to All-Pro offensive lineman Alan Faneca, who signed with the New York Jets.
Pittsburgh’s Week One starting lineup features an offensive line consisting of: Trai Essex, Justin Hartwig, Chris Kemoeatu, Max Starks and Willie Colon.
Oh my.
If Roethlisberger stays off the ground, the Steelers could contend for a division title.
Will the league’s toughest schedule derail the Steelers?
The National Football League schedule-markers didn’t do the Steelers any favors: Pittsburgh has the league’s toughest schedule.
Pittsburgh plays nine teams that had a winning record in 2007, plus two more teams that went 8-8.
Also, seven of Pittsburgh’s opponents qualified for the playoffs last year: Jacksonville, New York Giants, Washington, Indianapolis, San Diego, New England, and Dallas.
That’s insane.
There are no pushovers.
Is it a playoff season in Pittsburgh?
If the Steelers take care of opponents within their own division and play well at home, Terrible Towels will be flying high this January.
Scot Pitzer is a Times staff reporter.
Realistically, it could be a painfully long year in the Steel City.
When we last saw the Steelers, they were in a tailspin, having lost four out of their last five games, including a heartbreaking 31-29 home playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Pittsburgh’s offensive line was in shambles, and their running game — once they lost Willie Parker in Week 16 to a season ending injury — was listless.
But the Steelers (10-6 in 2007) are the returning AFC North Division Champions, and they do return a formidable defense, which was the top ranked unit in the league last year.
The offense, featuring quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, isn’t too shabby either. Big Ben arguably had the best season of his four-year career in 2007, hurling the pigskin for more than 3100 yards. He also threw 32 touchdowns, and cut back on his interceptions (11), earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
Are the Steelers a playoff team this year? Possibly, but there is little margin for error.
Here are this season's burning questions.
Is running back Willie Parker healthy?
Fast Willie was having a breakout year in 2007, leading the NFL in rushing with 1,316 yards, until he broke his leg in a meaningless late season game against the three-win St. Louis Rams.
His season-ending injury hurt the team — immensely. The Steelers were forced to rely on journeyman backup Najeh Davenport, and the running game never recovered.
Pittsburgh’s brain trust, as evidenced by this year’s college draft, isn’t sure if Parker can return to form, so they drafted Rashard Mendenhall, a stud tailback from Illinois. Mendenhall’s immediate role with the Steelers is unclear, however the 225-pound back was a first round pick, so he’ll likely split carries with Parker, especially at the goal line.
What’s wrong with the defense?
Statistically, Pittsburgh had the NFL’s top-ranked defense in 2007.
But don’t let that fool you.
At times, the defense was vulnerable to the run: in the team’s two losses to Jacksonville, running-backs Maurice Jones Drew and Fred Taylor cruised up and down the field with ease, as if they were parting the Red Sea.
The unit's shoddy pass coverage was also exposed last season. New England dismantled the Steelers in Foxboro by a 34-13 score, and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had a monster game in the air, throwing for 399 yards and four touchdown passes.
Defensive Coordinator Dick Lebeau is the mastermind behind Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense, but he needs to figure out what went wrong in 2007.
Is Big Ben a leader?
Over the last four seasons, Roethlisberger has transformed from a rookie sensation, to an inconsistent gunslinger, into a franchise quarterback.
In the off-season, the Steelers signed the 26-year-old to an eight-year, $102 million contract. Is he worth the money? Pittsburgh fans hope so.
Big Ben went 14-1 in 2004-05, including the playoffs. In his second season, he became a legend in Pittsburgh, leading the team on an improbable late-season run, culminating with a Superbowl victory.
But tragedy struck soon thereafter. Roethlisberger was involved in an off-season motorcycle accident that almost took his life, and then needed an emergency appendectomy just before the 2006-07 season. Pittsburgh missed the playoffs that year, primarily because Roethlisberger had a dismal season, tossing 23 interceptions. He rebounded nicely in 2007-08, throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, leading the Steelers to a division title.
Which Roethlisberger shows up to play this year? Hopefully, the 2007-08 version. Without him, it’ll be a long season.
Is the offensive line adequate?
Roethlisberger was sacked a bazillion times last year. Well, OK, he was only sacked 47 times, but that was still among the most in the league. He somehow made it through the season alive.
To complicate matters, Pittsburgh did not offer a contract in the off-season to All-Pro offensive lineman Alan Faneca, who signed with the New York Jets.
Pittsburgh’s Week One starting lineup features an offensive line consisting of: Trai Essex, Justin Hartwig, Chris Kemoeatu, Max Starks and Willie Colon.
Oh my.
If Roethlisberger stays off the ground, the Steelers could contend for a division title.
Will the league’s toughest schedule derail the Steelers?
The National Football League schedule-markers didn’t do the Steelers any favors: Pittsburgh has the league’s toughest schedule.
Pittsburgh plays nine teams that had a winning record in 2007, plus two more teams that went 8-8.
Also, seven of Pittsburgh’s opponents qualified for the playoffs last year: Jacksonville, New York Giants, Washington, Indianapolis, San Diego, New England, and Dallas.
That’s insane.
There are no pushovers.
Is it a playoff season in Pittsburgh?
If the Steelers take care of opponents within their own division and play well at home, Terrible Towels will be flying high this January.
Scot Pitzer is a Times staff reporter.
*************************************
* JOSH MARTIN'S VIEW *
Fast Willie broke his leg, the defense broke down in another home playoff loss, and Alan Faneca broke the bank by leaving for the Jets.
Fortunately, nothing in my house was broken during these breakdowns that took place during and followng the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2007-08 season, although it was touch-and-go during the painful playoff exit against Jacksonville.What will this season hold for the beloved black & gold?
Only time – and perhaps a revamped offensive line – will tell.
Here’s what I like about the 2008-09 Steelers:
BIG BEN: Ben Roethlisberger is healthy, happy (who wouldn’t be after signing a $100 million contract) and steadily climbing into the top tier of NFL quarterbacks. Big Ben passed for 3,154 yards and a team-record 32 touchdowns against only 11 picks, and has become one of the best decision-makers in or out of the pocket, as verified by his 104.1 QB rating.
LETHAL LINEBACKERS: While they didn’t conjure up visions of the Blitzburgh days featuring sack-happy linebackers Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene, Pittsburgh’s LB unit was stout enough to lead the Steelers to a No. 1 overall ranking in total defense. Veteran James Farrior (96 tackles) is a rock in the middle, and James Harrison exploded on the scene with a team-best 8.5 sacks and 86 total stops.
What could take this unit to the next level is the emergence of second-year players LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons. Woodley is slotted to start opposite of Harrison, and of his 13 tackles last season four were sacks.
Timmons is pushing Larry Foote for a spot alongside Farrior, and should crack the starting lineup at some point this season.
OFFENSIVE BALANCE: Part of Big Ben’s career year could be attributed to the number of available weapons at his disposal. Willie Parker was a 1,300-yard back despite having his season curtailed by an injury, and the receiving trio of wideouts Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, and tight end Heath Miller pulled downa combined 170 passes for 22 TDs.
Ward still plays the slot as well as anyone, Holmes has become a field-stretching streak – he averaged 18 yards per snag a year ago – and Miller is a sure-fire target capable of pulling down 60-65 balls a year.
Add thick-as-a-brick halfback Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois and skyscraper wideout Limas Sweed of Texas to the mix, and the Steelers suddenly have options aplenty.
Here’s what I don’t like about the 2008-09 Steelers.
KILLER SKED: I’m not sure was twisted soul dreamed up this schedule, but whoever it was clearly doesn’t wave a Terrible Towel. Pittsburgh’s non-conference opponents include New England, Indianapolis, San Diego, Dallas and Jacksonville, not to mention the Super Bowl champion N.Y. Giants. A particularly brutal stretch sees the Steelers take on the Colts, Chargers, Patriots and Cowboys over the course of five weeks.
From the standpoint of winning percentages, this schedules stands as the most difficult in NFL history.
Before anyone suggest that I use my Terrible Towel to wipe up the tears, a schedule can’t be used as an excuse if a season goes awry. (Although I may have to be reminded of that in December).
SUSPECT SECONDARY: When healthy, Troy Polamalu is a one-man tsunami, wiping out offensive game plans with his long locks waving in the breeze. Sadly, No. 43 hasn’t been able to shake the injury bug, which has not only robbed NFL fans of his dazzling defensive abilities, but also sapped the Steelers’ secondary.
Polamalu’s absence becomes more pronounced by the so-so play of corners Ike Taylor, Deshea Townsend and Bryant McFadden. Granted, Pittsburgh ranked 3rd in the NFL in passing yards allowed last season, but also ranked 30th in interceptions with just 11.Here’s the one thing that makes me wake up with chills in the middle of the night (besides big, hairy spiders):
AWFUL O-LINE: Much like the secondary, it’s a two-sided coin with the earth movers up front. The shiny side of that coin shows us that the Steelers ranked third in rushing offense at 135.5 yards per game.On the grimy side of the coin we see that Roethlisberger was sacked a whopping 47 times in 16 games, which doesn’t count the six times he was dropped in the playoff downer against the Jags.Just how hot is the pocket when Big Ben looks to throw? No. 7 hit the deck roughly once every nine times he dropped back.Losing an All-Pro like Faneca didn’t help matters – which were so dire that the Steelers gave tackle Max Starks nearly $7 million to be a backup this season.
The development of left guard Chris Kemoeatu and health of right guard Kendall Simmons and left tackle Marvel Smith will be key. Should they stay healthy, Big Ben should stay upright.
Any breakdowns up front and we’re likely looking at bone breaks for the big QB.
Despite the uncertainties in the trenches and difficult road to travel, the Steelers are widely considered the favorite to win the AFC North. Doing so may only require nine wins in a division that has oodles of schizophrenic qualities with the likes of rebuilding Baltimore, confident Cleveland and dysfunctional Cincinnati.
We rarely like to see mediocrity rewarded, but hey, if 10-6 or 9-7 means another title in the Steel City, we’ll take it.
Josh Martin is the Times Sports Editor.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
On the O's Victory Total
Orioles 2008 Victory Poll
| Poll Ended | Question | More than 69 Games | Less than 69 Games | 69 Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 30, 2008 | O's on pace to win 76. How many wins? | 66% | 33% | 0% |
| August 23, 2008 | O's on pace to win 79. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| August 16, 2008 | O's remain on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| August 9, 2008 | O's on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 83% | 17% | 0% |
| August 2, 2008 | O's on pace to win 76. How many wins? | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| July 26, 2008 | O's on pace to win 79. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| July 19, 2008 | O's on pace to win 78. How many wins? | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| July 12, 2008 | O's on pace to win 82. How many wins? | 40% | 60% | 0% |
| July 5, 2008 | O's remain on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 66% | 33% | 0% |
| June 28, 2008 | O's on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| June 21, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| June 14, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| June 7, 2008 | O's on pace to win 77. How many wins? | 60% | 40% | 0% |
| May 31, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| May 24, 2008 | O's on pace to win 87. How many wins? | 67% | 33% | 0% |
| May 17, 2008 | O's on pace to win 81. How many wins? | 71% | 29% | 0% |
| May 10, 2008 | O's on pace to win 83. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| May 3, 2008 | O's on pace to win 91. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| April 26, 2008 | O's on pace to win 99. How many wins? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
| April 19, 2008 | O's on pace to win 96. How many wins? | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| April 12, 2008 | O's are 2-1. How many wins? | 20% | 80% | 0% |
| April 5, 2008 | O's won 69 in '07. How many in '08? | 25% | 75% | 0% |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)