The Pirates ended the week on a high note, completing a four-game sweep of the struggling Cincinnati Reds. The thing that stood out for me during the opening eight games of the season was the Pirates’ starting pitching. Simply put, it was terrific. It’s hard to imagine the pitching staff being this good all year long. That’s just not realistic. That said, if the Pirates’ starters can perform this team has a chance. They showed that in the opening week and a half of the season.
· While the starting pitching was lights out, the bullpen was another story. The Pirates gave away a couple of games they should have won, and also surrendered some runs late when the Pirates were trying to put games away. This Pirates team is never going to remind anyone of the 1970s Lumber Company. They’re just not going to score a ton of runs per game. That’s why their pitching has to be good. No, make that great.
· I’ve said for some time now that Josh Bell needs to hit at least 25-30 home runs, and there’s no excuse for him not doing playing in PNC Park. His 470 something foot shot over the batter’s eye in straight away center field on Sunday was something the late Willie Stargell would have loved. It was the fourth longest homer in PNC Park history, and it showed the power that Bell has. Last year was an off year for Bell. He’s off to a good start in 2019.
· The Pens are back in the playoffs for the thirteenth year in a row. That’s quite an accomplishment. Now, can the Pens win a fourth Stanley Cup in the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin era? Their first round opponent is the rebounding New York Islanders, who have had a rebirth under first year coach Barry Trotz. The Isles play great defense and don’t surrender a lot of goals. They also have home ice advantage, something the Pens haven’t faced a lot the last few years. I don’t think the Pens will raise another Stanley Cup this year, but I do see them eliminating the Islanders in round one.
· This has been one of the best NCAA Tournaments I’ve ever seen. Last weekend’s regional finals might have been the best ever. Virginia’s win over Auburn in the Final Four was another classic, but perhaps for all the wrong reasons. I was surprised by the foul call in the final seconds that gave the Cavaliers three free throws which they made to win the game. I was stunned when they showed the replay of a double dribble that wasn’t called that should have sealed the win for Auburn. It was a devastating way to lose a game. Virginia has advanced with a couple of thrillers. I just wonder if their luck will run out Monday night.
· Simply put, Texas Tech took it to Michigan State in the other semifinal. They’re a lot better than I thought. They’re big, physical and are really well coached by the rising Chris Beard. Never did I think they would be playing for a national championship, but here they are. They look like a team on a mission.
· I missed on both of my picks in the Final Four semis, going with Auburn and Michigan State. I know that a lot of experts like Virginia in the title game. I’m going with Texas Tech. I don’t know why, but I really liked the way they played in Minneapolis and think they’ll continue their magical season. I’m going with the Red Raiders in another nail biter.
· All dynasties in sports end sometime, even though the New England Patriots keep winning. After three straight losses in the Final Four, it’s safe to say that UConn is no longer the giant in the women’s game. They’re still really good, and will continue to be a top team under Geno Auriemma. They’re just no longer the team that’s going to roll to a national championship. This was supposed to the bounce back year for UConn. It didn’t happen. Now the question is, can Geno and his team do it again next year?
· I get to fulfill a life-long dream this week when I finally visit the magnificent Augusta National Golf Club. I’ll be there for the opening round of The Masters, the greatest and most prestigious tournament in golf. It’s the toughest ticket to get in all of sports, and believe me I know. I tried for years to get a ticket and never could. Now, thanks to a longtime friend, I’ll get to see Magnolia Lane and this incredible golf course for myself. I’m going to take everything in and cherish every minute of it, beginning with the ceremonial opening tee shot with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, because this is probably the only time I’ll be lucky enough to go.
· RIP The Alliance of American Football. It’s the latest spring football league to come and go. This one only lasted a few weeks. I’m old enough to remember the USFL of the mid 1980’s. Heck, I even covered the New Orleans Breakers in my television days during their one and only season in the Crescent City. These leagues may sound good, but they just don’t seem to have much appeal. Fans don’t attend the games and few watch on television. Vince McMahon failed once with his spring XFL football league. He’s going to bring it back a second time. I doubt it will be successful this time either, because people just don’t care about spring football, even if they love the game. When will these guys learn?
