Jerry Micco's sports chat transcript


James_Pittsburgh: One just has to sit back and enjoy the Pirates season and likely wild card game.


Jerry Micco: And enjoy it they have, I'm sure. It has been so long for Pirates fans to even have a winning season let alone a playoff season. So yes, enjoy it no matter how long it lasts. And who knows? Maybe it'll go deep into October.


Jerry Micco: Well, it's setting up as Liriano for the wild card game, and if they win the division, I'd assume they'll stick with that plan. For Game 1 of the NLDS should they reach it, I'd pitch Burnett. His postseason experience is invaluable on a staff that has little.


James_Pittsburgh: Does Clint Hurdle use Jason Grilli in the 9th inning of a likely wild card game next Tuesday? I wouldn't, but I guess that Hurdle will.


Jerry Micco: I think he's committed to using him as his closer, which worked http:/... well until he was injured. That said, I'd not be surprised to see Tony Watson or Justin Wilson get a shot against lefties. I think once the playoffs are here, you can't always stick to the same formula because one at bat could flip an entire game. Postseason is very tough on the managers.


Shamarko from Dravo: Steelers have lost 9 of 10 including pre season. The metality [url=http://www.footballseahawksprostore.com/Nike-Earl-Thomas-Iii-Jersey.html]Ea... Thomas III Navy Jersey of this team is bad. Is Ben now hurting this team by trying to do too much and what happens if they lose to the winless Vikes?


Jerry Micco: They will be 0 4 if they lose to the Vikes. The Steelers are in transition, though they don't want to tell you that. They have some young guys who need to find their way, and some veterans that will likely be gone or are reaching the end of their careers. The guy in Ea... Thomas III Kids Jersey the middle is Ben, who is still the difference maker on the team. Unfortunately for him, he's going to waste a couple of years with mediocre talent until they build it back up for him. That's just life in the NFL.


Guest: Can you make a case for Justin Wilson as the closer? He has no fear


Jerry Micco: I think he'll be a big part of the staff in 2014, not that he wasn't this season, but he'll have a bigger role in 2014. Maybe as a closer, but don't rule out starting. He has three very good pitches and can be stretched out into that role next season if the Bucs want to go that way.


Bill L: Watched enough baseball to know that a Hall of Fame type of closer is a huge advantage. Any idea whether Chapman's fastball would be coming out of the shadows on Tuesday here or at Great American? That's unhittable.


Jerry Micco: I think the Pirates can get that game at PNC Park. Important for them to carry a 1 game lead into Cincy this weekend. Any margin helps. Going in tied may mean them staying around the Queen City for a wild card game.


Captain Obvious: Jerry, Obviously there is a lack of talent on the Steelers. A lot of teams never sniff the success of the Steelers and those teams always change coaches and GMs. And they never really get any better. Colbert has whiffed on some draft picks; Tomlin has not always coached well in games. But to me, players have to execute and do what's needed to win. And they haven't for the most part.


James_Pittsburgh: Jerry, what do the Pirates do with their offense in the offseason. Do they need to try to trade for another right fielder?


Jerry Micco: I think they may try to sign Byrd to a 1 year deal and then hope that Gregory Polanco is ready to play after at year in AAA. I think they will need to find a first baseman, though. I don't think they'll keep Jones. They may keep Sanchez, though, because he won't cost as much and he's an adequate backup. Mercer will play short, which hurts defense but is a big offensive boost.


Paul: How many obligations will Tomlin, Ben and Polamalu have in London, you know at PR events and interviews. Maybe they curtailed that in recent years?


Jerry Micco: Steelers won't arrive in London until Friday morning, so I think texanso... any involvement in NFL related events would be [url=http://www.footballseahawksprostore.com/Nike-12th-Fan-Jersey.html]12th Fan Kids Jersey minimal. It's a Vikings home game, so they flew over on Monday. They will be more involved in the NFL type stuff.


JamesinNYC: You want to pitch Liriano at home and against the left handed Reds. Do any of the other guys have such massive splits home and away?


Jerry Micco: I'm not sure, but I know Liriano's is huge as you point out. But if that game is in Cincinnati, he's going to pitch anyhow. He'll be the one with the most rest. So as you see, many reasons for the Pirates to do what they have to do to get that wild card game at home. Or stay hot and hope the Cards falter and get a shot at the division. Though I'm not counting on the latter.


Ross: Jerry, Big Ben has been a turnover machine since and during the 2010 play off run. He needs to play within himself and quit trying to be a hero. your thoughts


Jerry Micco: When you don't have a lot of talent around you, and you are obviously the key player on the team, sometimes you want to do too much. I think Ben is feeling that right now. He's the one guy who can keep them in games. He's also a guy who tends to take a key sack, fumble or throw a pick in a key time, too. It's the nature of how he plays. He never gives up on plays and sometimes that can bite you. Other times, you do incredible things.


James_Pittsburgh: Jerry, I would offer Marlon Bryd a one year, $5 million contract after the season. Your thoughts? I understand he is 36 and may not repeat, but I think he is worth a shot.


Jerry Micco: Unless they think they can sign someone for less money who they think can do the job, giving Marlon Byrd $5 million for one year is not a bad offer. Yes, his age is a concern, but he may be the best option at hand. I think Tabata is going to hang around as a 4th outfielder, so he'll get some chances, too. Doesn't have Byrd's power, 12th Fan Navy Jersey but he's hovered around .280 this season and is hitting some gaps. If he can continue to improve, he'll be a nice backup for both Byrd and Marte.


Phil: I think I have the whole London in the UK thing figured out I'm surprised it took so long it's obvious that if the owners can get some European billionaire to pay 2 billion for a London franchise that's about 2 billion divided by 32 60 million per owner. Not bad, right?


Jerry Micco: It's all about money in the NFL. So yes, if they can get someone to fork over that price, they'd do it in a minute. I think it would be a huge mistake, but they'll listen to money a lot more than some sports editor in Pittsburgh.


Jerry Micco: I think Burnett has one more good season in him. If the price is right, they may very well sign him. And Rodriguez has an option, so you have to keep an eye on what he decides to do. One place where there is some depth is pitching. Doesn't mean you can't get more, but they do have some options there. First base is going to be an offensive hole if they don't find the right guy. And the team needs more offense than pitching in my opinion.


Chunkles: I will be positive, the MVP of the Steelers through three loses in any order are Troy Polamalu, Brett Keisel, and Shaun Suisham.