Walker's homer in 11th lifts Pirates over Tigers

By DAVE HOGG (Associated Press)

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/pit

May 29, 2013

Neil Walker hits a home run in the eleventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Pittsburgh won 1-0 in eleven innings. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAYAY Sports

DETROIT (AP) -- Jason Grilli has picked up a lot of saves in his years as a closer, but none tougher than what he had to do against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night.

Grilli came into the game in the bottom of the 11th inning with thePittsburgh Pirates clinging to a 1-0 lead and the heart of Detroit's order - Torii Hunter, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder - awaiting him.

''That's as good as it gets in any lineup in the game,'' Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. ''That's why you have a closer.''

For Grilli, it also meant trying to finish a game at Comerica Park - a stadium where he had been booed relentlessly at the end of his four-season stint with the Tigers.

''I have nothing but great memories of this place,'' Grilli said. ''This is where Jim (Leyland) turned me into a reliever, and despite what the media might think I love coming back here.''

If the situation or the setting bothered Grilli, it certainly didn't show. He struck out Hunter, Cabrera and Fielder in order, ending the game as the clock approached 11:30 p.m.

''That's a great offense, and Miguel Cabrera is probably the best hitter in baseball right now,'' Grilli said. ''So I was trying to not make a big mistake, but you can't spend much time thinking about that. You just go out there and win the game.''

Grilli certainly impressed the first of his victims while posting his 21st save in as many chances.

''I faced him when I was in Minnesota and he was here in Detroit, and he's a different pitcher now,'' Hunter said. ''He's smart and he's got a little deception going. He jumps out at you, and before you know it, the ball is gone.''

Leyland knows just how far Grilli has come since moving to the bullpen in 2006.

''He's found a home and he's found a role and he's been terrific,'' he said. ''That's 21-for-21, and to do that against the heart of our order - that's impressive.''

Grilli finished what Jeanmar Gomez had started. Gomez matched a career best with seven shutout innings in a duel with Detroit's Rick Porcello, who worked eight.

''I was just feeling really good today,'' said Gomez, who threw only 73 pitches. ''Every one of my pitches was working, so I was working ahead in the count and down in the zone. That's what made it good.''

The game was scoreless until Neil Walker - the brother-in-law of Tigers center fielder Don Kelly - homered off Jose Ortega (0-2) with one out in the top of the 11th.

''I've been swinging the bat really well on this road trip, and I've been getting the barrel on the ball just about every night,'' Walker said. ''That kid throws hard, but he kind of floated a slider into the strike zone and I was able to drive it.''

Mark Melanson (1-0) picked up the win with a scoreless 10th inning for Pittsburgh.

Porcello also matched a career best with his eight innings and struck out a career-high 11 batters. Porcello isn't the first Tigers pitcher to dominate Pittsburgh at Comerica Park. Last season, Justin Verlander took a no-hitter into the ninth against the Pirates, two days before Max Scherzer struck out 15 batters in a 4-3 victory.

''Someone said to me today that we seem to strike out a lot in this ballpark,'' Hurdle said. ''I told them to look at Detroit's pitching staff. Everyone strikes out a lot against those guys.''

Gomez got some help from center fielder Andrew McCutchen, who made a running catch to rob Andy Dirks of extra bases in the third inning and another to steal a double from Fielder in the seventh.

Pedro Alvarez led off the eighth with a single and took second when Travis Snider walked - the first time either team had put a runner into scoring position - but Porcello got Clint Barmes to ground into an inning-ending double play.

In the bottom of the inning, Omar Infante got to second on a one-out throwing error by Barmes at shortstop. Reliever Justin Wilson retired pinch-hitter Brayan Pena on a ground ball, and struck out Dirks.

Walker singled off Joaquin Benoit in the ninth, stole second and took third on Pena's throwing error, but Garrett Jones flew out to end the threat. Victor Martinez almost ended the deadlock in the bottom of the ninth, but Starling Marte made a running catch of his liner at the fence in left.

Both teams put runners into scoring position in the 10th, but couldn't get a run across until Walker's no-doubt homer in the 11th.

''We had chances in the eighth, ninth and 10th, but we couldn't get the big hit,'' Hurdle said. ''We finally got that in the 11th.''

NOTES: The start of the game was delayed 1:13 by rain. ... The Pirates placed Jose Contreras (low back inflammation) on the 15-day disabled list and recalled reliever Bryan Morris from Triple-A Indianapolis. ... The Tigers have struck out 10 or more batters 28 times - the second-highest total in franchise history behind last season's 50. Detroit is currently on pace for 91 double-digit games. ... Porcello pitched into the ninth on July 21, 2012 against the White Sox, but didn't record an out.

Penguins vs. Bruins: 10 must-watch storylines for the Eastern Conference Final

By Greg Wyshynski | Puck Daddy
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy
May 28, 2013

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins are ready to battle in the Eastern Conference Final for the right to play for the 2013 Stanley Cup.

They’re two teams with similar color schemes, rabid fan bases and a tangled recent history. They’re also very well-matched and poised for what could be a classic series.

Here are 10 storylines to watch for this year’s beasts of the East:

1. Jarome Iginla Meets The Bruins

The Hockey Gods couldn’t have mapped it any better: The Boston Bruins believed they’d acquiredJarome Iginla from the Calgary Flames; Iginla, instead, evoked his no-trade clause to force Calgary’s hand and land in his desired destination; that destination was Pittsburgh, who now faces the Bruins for the right to play for the Cup.

Iginla has four goals and eight assists in 11 games, along with 14 PIMs in 15:53 TOI per game. All eyes will be on him to do something of significance in this series: Justifying the Penguins’ pursuit of him, or the Bruins’ hidden fortune in not acquiring him and instead getting …

2. Jaromir Jagr vs. The Penguins

… Jaromir Jagr, the backup plan after they whiffed on Iginla. Jagr has four assists in the postseason, and was scoreless against his former team the Rangers. In two of those games, he managed just one shot on goal. He was scoreless against the Penguins in one game this season. Last year, as a member of the Flyers, Jagr had five points in six regular season games. Does he have any magic left against the team with whom he won two Cups? Or is Jagr just window dressing at this stage of his career?

3. Allowing the Penguins To Lead After 2 Periods

Pittsburgh has played 11 playoff games. They’ve led going into the third period in eight of them, winning seven – the only loss coming on that freaky Daniel Alfredsson shorthanded goal followed by the Senators’ OT game winner. The Bruins have shown an ability to rally from a deficit – ask Toronto – but giving the Pens the lead after two periods is pretty much giving them the win.

4. Marc-Andre Fleury Waits In The Wings

Tomas Vokoun stabilized the Penguins goaltending situation after Marc-Andre Fleury’s tumultuous four games against the Islanders. He hasn’t given up more than two even-strength goals in six of seven appearances, but he hasn’t been perfect either: Giving up three goals to the Senators twice. It would take a series deficit and Vokoun shouldering the blame for it to see him out and Fleury back in. But with the “franchise goalie” waiting for another chance, it could be a scenario that plays out.

5. Torey Krug-a-mania

The Bruins’ rookie is John Druce’ing all over the playoffs, as the diminutive defenseman (5-9) has five points in five games, including four goals, since coming on as an injury replacement in Game 1. Three of the goals have come on the power play, where his booming shot as been an asset. He’s making the most of his 15:52 TOI, paired with Adam McQuaid, and the Penguins suddenly have to gameplan around a player with three regular-season games in his career.

6. Can Sidney Crosby Overcome The Bergeron Line?

Sidney Crosby and Patrice Bergeron have been linked through the years, whether it’s by position or championship success or their battles with concussion symptoms. Bergeron has given Crosby fits in the faceoff circle in the past, as one of the best shutdown centers in hockey. Crosby has 15 points in 10 games in the postseason. This could be an epic battle between Crosby, Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis vs. Bergeron, Brad Marchand and Jagr – made even more epic if Claude Julien decides to splitZdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg between the Crosby and Malkin lines.

7. Another Matt Cooke Love Fest

Matt Cooke already had one uncomfortable matchup in the playoffs, taking on the Ottawa Senators at the same time their owner was engaged in a CSI-style investigation of his skate slice on Erik Karlsson. Three years after knocking Marc Savard from the NHL, Cooke is still Public Enemy No. 1 in Boston … at least in the eyes of Jack Edwards:

(He would later apologize.)

8. Can The Merlot Line Make a Difference?

The unsung heroes of the Bruins’ win over the Rangers was The Merlot Line – so named for the color of their practice jerseys – of Daniel Paille, Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton. This energy line dominated on the forecheck and put up points; can they get the same type of effort against the Penguins?

9. Tuukka Rask vs. the Penguins Power Play

Ever since he tumbled onto his rump and gave up a goal to Carl Hagelin in Game 4, Bruins goalieTuukka Rask hasn’t seemed like he’s been in complete control – although he made one hell of a stop on Ryan Callahan in Game 5.

With the Penguins’ arsenal ready to be unleashed, Rask will have to be on top of his game – especially on the penalty kill, where the Penguins are the best in the postseason and where Rask was able to kick his feet up most of the time against the Rangers. Still, he gave up two power-play goals to the Rangers and seven of the playoffs on just 45 times shorthanded. The Bruins kill needs to be better, and that starts with Rask.

10. The Conn Smythe Watch

The series is filled with potential MVP candidates. David Krejci leads the NHL in playoff points with 17 in 12 games. Evgeni Malkin has 16 in 11 games. Kris Letang (16 in 11), Sidney Crosby (15 in 10), Nathan Horton (12 in 12) and Jarome Iginla (12 in 11) round out the scoring leaders in the postseason. Factor in Pascal Dupuis’ seven goals and Zdeno Chara’s awesome all-around play, and there are a bunch of players that could emerge as MVP favorites if their team emerges from the series.

Ben Roethlisberger finds comfort zone in offense

Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY Sports

http://www.usatoday.com

May 27, 2013

(Photo: Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports, 5/21/13)

PITTSBURGH — On his way out of the Pittsburgh Steelers training complex last week, Ben Roethlisberger used an undeniably old-school method to send a message.

He simply raised his volume, barking loud enough to connect all the way down the hallway.

At the other end, Steelers trainer John Norwig heard the quarterback loud and clear.

It was a good sign for Roethlisberger. It's better to chat with the trainer from, well, a distance, than from in the close quarters of the training room.

Then again, it's May, and after rib and shoulder injuries wrecked Roethlisberger's 2012 season — and took the Steelers down with them — he's feeling fresh again.

"The biggest factor is that there have been no setbacks," Roethlisberger, told USA TODAY Sports. "I don't feel it when I throw. Obviously, any time you get hit you can hurt yourself. But I think everything is good to go."

NOT SO FAST: Roethlisberger reserves judgment on young stars

Like at any NFL outpost, Pittsburgh is not lacking in key players who bear watching as they mend their bodies.

Tight end Heath Miller is rehabbing from knee surgery. Safety Troy Polamalu has used new techniques in addressing his hamstrings. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley declares time and rest have been essential in healing from a high ankle sprain.

Roethlisberger, heading into his 10th season, maintains his throwing wing is stronger. After a postseason scan came back clean, he says, he even started working out in the offseason earlier than normal.

You can imagine the sting of last season after being in the thick of the postseason hunt. Roethlisberger and the Steelers stood at 6-3 after a 16-13 overtime win against the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 12 — the game in which Roethlisberger was hurt.

After a three-game layoff, in which the Steelers went 1-2 without him, Roethlisberger wasn't his usual self.

Two second-half turnovers contributed to a loss against the San Diego Chargers. An overtime pick clinched a road loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He had a season-low 58.6 passer rating while falling to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The three-game losing streak led to an 8-8 finish that marked Pittsburgh's first non-winning season since the .500 mark in Bill Cowher's final as coach in 2006.

Roethlisberger won't dare suggest he came back too soon. Instead, he spins that he learned his lesson from the previous year, when he returned gimpy from an ankle injury.

"I just think that before the injury he was playing really good football, then after the injury he wasn't — and neither were we," coach Mike Tomlin grumbled to USA TODAY Sports. "That's the reality. I'm not trying to make excuses."

He's speaking through the NFL warrior mentality. During the season, everyone is battered, some more than others.

"I just had a bad year," Roethlisberger says. "It happens."

Even worse, the division rival Baltimore Ravens worked through their own injuries and rolled to a Super Bowl crown — as the Steelers might have envisioned for themselves.

Roethlisberger is quick about this.

"When it's not you, you never like it," he said.

"And when it's someone in your division, it's always tougher. It's just motivation to be better this year."

That's the upside. This year.

Roethlisberger will have one less dynamic weapon, though, as his best deep threat, Mike Wallace, bolted to the Miami Dolphins on a mega free agent deal.

Wallace didn't seem as valued in the system offensive coordinator Todd Haley installed last year. Without Wallace's speed, it might be even tougher on the quarterback — who has had to adjust his game to get the ball out quicker in a scheme flush with shorter passes.

"This year, I know a little more about what's going on," Roethlisberger says. "So I can add my two cents' worth on this play or that play. It's good that we've opened up more of a communication line."

Roethlisberger is still trying to downplay his October description of Haley's offense as "dink and dunk." And it is only so convincing when he maintains the comment wasn't meant as a negative.

In any event, it's Year 2 in the scheme — and he and Haley have been tweaking.

"We've thrown out all the stuff that we didn't like, that didn't work," he said. "We've kept the good stuff and even added some things. Normally, at this point in my career, OTAs are boring. But this has been good. I'm still learning this stuff."

Tomlin cuts right to the chase when outlining his expectations for a veteran quarterback who has been to three Super Bowls, winning two.

Says Tomlin, "He's got a legitimate understanding of what defines him and us — and that's winning."

They're undefeated right now. And Roethlisberger is fresh.

But it's only May.

Yes, Duper really is that super

The Penguins' Pascal Dupuis celebratesa goal against the Islanders during their first-round series.

About Dejan Kovacevic

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Sports Columnist Dejan Kovacevic can be reached via e-mail

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By Dejan Kovacevic 
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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Published: Sunday, May 26, 2013, 9:48 p.m.Updated 8 hours ago 

One wrong turn, and he'd be out.

No matter how well he'd have performed to that point, you just knew that, at the very first sign of a slump, he'd be demoted from starring role to supporting cast.

Because he wasn't supposed to be there. Because that's how it goes in pro sports: The one who isn't supposed to make it always has a little extra to overcome.

Tomas Vokoun?

Well, yeah, that pretty much paints his status with the Penguins all through these Stanley Cup playoffs, even now that he's backed them to the Eastern Conference final.

But think bigger picture.

Think about the guy who's tied for most goals this postseason at seven — with Sidney Crosby, no less — but who doesn't earn a fraction of the fanfare.

Think about the guy who broke through for 25 goals two seasons ago, then more impressively scored 20 in this past lockout-shortened season — outscoring Minnesota's $98 million man Zach Parise, among others — but who still, incredibly, isn't taken seriously as a first-line winger in some circles.

Think of Engine No. 9.

And, please, get beyond any thinking that Pascal Dupuis is anything less than exactly what you've been watching for a while now.

“You know what? I don't worry about that,” Dupuis was saying with a soft smile during a lengthy chat we had following practice Sunday morning. “I look around and see all different kinds of pressure for different players, maybe because of money or other factors. I don't feel like there's any more scrutiny on me than anyone else on this team.”

Really?

How, then, to explain that dominant two-goal display March 28 against the Jets, on the very day of the Jarome Iginla trade that represented a direct threat to bump Dupuis from the top line?

Here's how: He made a statement.

That determination, that drive you see from shift to shift, comes honestly.

Born in Laval, the quaint Montreal suburb where Mario Lemieux played his junior hockey, Dupuis' inspiration was his father, Claude, a modest two-way winger for Maine of the old North American Hockey League in the 1970s. Claude never reached the NHL, but it wasn't for lack of effort.

“Everything comes from my dad, from watching him work,” Dupuis said. “I was 10 years old, and I was squatting and running with sand bags on my back, just to be like my dad.”

Ultimately, though, he added, “It has to come from within. I've always believed that. For me, it's within. My training, I don't do it for anybody else. I do it for my wife and kids. If the guy next to me doesn't do it, if he doesn't want to run back and forth from the training facility, if he doesn't want that extra half-hour on the bike, who cares? My father saw that I wanted to do it.”

The other trait shared by father and son?

“With the skill level I had, I knew I had to work.”

If he didn't grasp it then, he sure did when he went undrafted in 2000 even after scoring 50 goals in 61 games for Shawinigan of the Quebec junior league.

He kept going. The Wild signed him as a free agent. After a year in the minors, he was in the NHL to stay. And after the 2008 Marian Hossa trade — yep, it's still called the Hossa trade by most — Dupuis arrived from Atlanta as a near-afterthought and became a champion. He kept going. He could have made a fine living as a solid third-liner, and he'd have exceeded expectations.

But he pushed his way up with Crosby, he benefited from playing alongside the captain's unrivaled speed/skill combo and, in the most impressive achievement of his career, legitimately fit right in.

Which isn't to suggest he's needed Crosby for everything, contrary to popular misconception.

Did you know that, since the 2011 Winter Classic in which Crosby was concussed, Dupuis has scored 32 goals without Crosby or Evgeni Malkin on the ice?

Did you know 30 of those goals came at even-strength or short-handed since he's rarely on the power play? Did you see that laser over the shoulder of the Senators' Craig Anderson in Game 1 of the last round?

Neither did Anderson.

Dupuis is 34, he's been here six seasons, and he might not be here a whole lot longer with unrestricted free agency looming this summer and several other Penguins due to have their hands out.

He wants to stay — “Winning is very important to me, and this team is like family,” he said.

“Business will take care of itself” — but he is undoubtedly the NHL's most underpaid player at $1.4 million, and you can be very sure that will change. It's about time to fully appreciate what he's brought, before it's too late.

“He's just become a great all-around player,” Crosby said. “The thing about Duper is that he gets better all the time because he works at it and because he learns. He never stops pushing.”

Maybe because he can't.

I pressed Dupuis a bit on the feeling that someone's always been over his shoulder on the depth chart.

“You know,” he finally conceded, “I guess I don't really want to find out.”

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Alvarez helps Pirates beat Brewers 5-4

By RICH ROVITO (Associated Press) 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/pit

May 26, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates' Pedro Alvarez hits a two-RBI double against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning of a baseball game on Sunday, May 26, 2013, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- For one weekend, Miller Park wasn't a house of horror for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates entered Sunday's game with a 9-47 record at Miller Park since 2007. A 5-4 victory gave Pittsburgh its first series win against the Brewers in Milwaukee since June of last year. The Pirates took two of three in the weekend set.

''We are getting a little bit better,'' Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. ''We did some good things today, and we probably complicated the game for ourselves a couple different times as well. But we were able to play through it. We got on top and we stayed on top. It was a good way to finish the series and to win the series.''

Wandy Rodriguez won his fourth consecutive start, Pedro Alvarezhad a two-run double and the Pirates built an early four-run lead before holding off the Brewers.

The Pirates have won 13 of 15 and are a season high 12 games over .500.

Rodriguez (6-2) gave up three earned runs on seven hits in five innings to earn the victory. He struck out four and didn't walk a batter. Jason Grilli pitched a scoreless ninth for his major league-leading 20th save.

Hurdle said Rodriguez struggled with his command throughout most of the game but managed to preserve a lead.

''It wasn't his best stuff,'' Hurdle said. "The only easy inning he had was the first. We had a chance to get out of the fifth inning with him not giving up any runs, but that didn't happen. It was a battle out there today for us. (Rodriguez) wasn't sharp but he got the job done. We will take that and move on.''

Strong pitching and timely hitting have fueled the Pirates recent run of success.

''We've been doing a really good job together as a team,'' Rodriguez said through a translator.

Pittsburgh got to Milwaukee starter Yovani Gallardo for a run in the second on Jordy Mercer's two-out triple, which scored Michael McKenry, who walked.

Pittsburgh extended the lead in the third. Starling Marte led off with a double and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Garrett Jones. A two-out double by Alvarez plated two more runs, giving Pittsburgh a 4-0 lead.

Gallardo (3-5) labored through just four innings. He gave up four earned runs and five hits while striking out seven and walking two.

''It's definitely frustrating. I don't know how to explain it, really,'' Gallardo said. ''It's just one of those weird days. You go out there and have pretty good command of all of your pitches but obviously the results aren't there.''

Gallardo threw 94 pitches over four innings.

''There were a lot of pitches,'' Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. ''But I thought his stuff was good. Good live fastball. I thought he was down in the zone with it, but he threw a lot of pitches. They fouled a lot of balls off. It's just surprising when I think he has good stuff and he struggles to get through four innings.''

The Brewers rallied in the fifth. Rickie Weeks had a lead-off single. After Rodriguez retired the next two batters, Norichika Aoki singled up the middle and Jean Segura reached on an infield hit, loading the bases. Ryan Braun followed with a three-run double, cutting the Pirates lead to 4-3.

The Pirates added a run in the sixth on Marte's sacrifice fly.

Milwaukee again cut the lead to a single run in the eighth when Jeff Bianchi belted a one-out triple and scored on a Carlos Gomez's sacrifice fly.

Mercer had three hits and a stolen base for the Pirates.

Notes: The Brewers on Sunday selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Donovan Hand from Triple-A Nashville. Hand pitched two innings in his major league debut. Hand filled the roster spot of closer Jim Henderson, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a right hamstring strain. Hand's parents and brother drove from Alabama to attend the game. ''My dad has dreamed of this for all his life. He wouldn't miss it for the world.'' . Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen, who had two hits Sunday, has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games at Miller Park.

Pirates’ Huntington never looked so good

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington and manager Clint Hurdle watch batting practice Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla.

About Joe Starkey

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Freelance Columnist Joe Starkey can be reached via e-mail or at 412-320-7848

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By Joe Starkey 
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
http://triblive.com/sports/
Published: Saturday, May 25, 2013, 10:30 p.m.Updated 10 hours ago 

Disclaimer: This column has praised Neal Huntington and the Pirates early in other seasons, notably the past two, only to see the club disintegrate in historic fa shio n. The opinion herewith is to be applied only to this precise time period — meaning, now — and makes no claims to the future, immediate or otherwise.

Just to be clear, I'm talking about now. And at this particular moment — the clock on my laptop reads 6:46 a.m., May 24, 2013 — Neal Huntington's stock has reached its highest peak since Sept. 25, 2007, the day he was hired as Pirates general manager.

Huntington has never looked so good.

First, acknowledge this: The Pirates have achieved respectability. Since the beginning of last season, they are 108-101.

That is, by any definition, respectable. This franchise no longer is a joke.

Low bar? Sure. But when you've been losing for 20 years, even leaps over low bars are significant.

Now look around the diamond. It's almost comical how well things are developing on several fronts.

Huntington has expertly mined the scrap heap. He has other teams paying his players. He has a $20 million talent (Andrew McCutchen) signed for an average of $8.58 million over six years. He's winning trades. He finally reeled in a high-impact free agent and — wonder of wonders — has even seen one of his lower-round draft picks make an impression.

A closer look:

• A.J. Burnett was acquired before last season because the Yankees wanted to shed his salary. Except they didn't even shed half of it. They agreed to pick up $20 million of the $35 million left on his deal. They are paying Burnett millions of dollars to win games for the Pirates.

• Meanwhile, the Astros are paying Wandy Rodriguez $8.5 million to pitch for the Pirates (the Pirates are on the hook for the other $4.5 million) this season.

• Huntington took a chance on well-worn reliever Jason Grilli — now on the verge of All-Stardom — in July 2011, signing him to a minor league deal. Grilli flourished, then signed for below market-value in the offseason. He is the gift that keeps on giving.

• Mark Melancon was acquired from Boston with three prospects in exchange for Joel Hanrahan and Brock Holt (you should have heard the cries when Holt was included). Melancon has been as good as any reliever in baseball. Hanrahan, unfortunately, sustained a season-ending injury.

• Travis Snider and Gaby Sanchez have been decent contributors, acquired in maligned trades that Huntington clearly won. Sanchez arrived for a draft pick and the legendary Gorkys Hernandez, batting .250 with the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs. Snider fetched Brad Lincoln, whose ERA is best measured with two hands since he joined the Blue Jays.

• Jeff Locke, one of the team's most effective starters, was acquired in the much-lamented Nate McLouth deal with Atlanta. A clear win for Huntington, even though Gorkys was part of the package coming to Pittsburgh.

• Garrett Jones, who has established himself as a consistently productive hitter against right-handed pitching, was a flea-market find.

• On the free-agent front, Huntington has reversed a string of busts by signing catcher Russell Martin (no, the Yankees aren't paying part of his $7.5 million salary, too) and pitcher Francisco Liriano. The Martin signing reminds of me of when the Detroit Tigers, coming off a 119-loss season in 2003, signed Pudge Rodriguez. Like Rodriguez, Martin is a heart-and-soul player. A winner. He also has the second-best OPS on the team and is throwing out runners left and right.

• Jose Tabata looks like a different player this season, and Jeff Karstens might still have value. Those two are what's left of a trade with the Yankees that must be considered a win for Huntington, who gave up Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte.

• Huntington has taken heat for producing nothing from the lower rounds of expensive drafts, but reliever Justin Wilson is an exception. Taken in the fifth round in 2008, he has been highly effective.

Is a lot of this blind luck? Of course. The Pirates were ready to commit $10 million a year to Edwin Jackson, for example, and instead settled for Burnett when Jackson declined the invitation.

But if you're going to cite Huntington's good luck, you must acknowledge his bad luck, too, with the likes of Lyle Overbay, McLouth (second time around), Brandon Moss and Ryan Ludwick — examples of players who, for whatever reason, didn't perform here as they would elsewhere.

Luck always factors into winning.

Isn't it about time Huntington and the Pirates got some?

Joe Starkey co-hosts a show 2 to 6 p.m. weekdays on 93.7 FM. His columns appear Thursdays and Sundays. Reach him at jraystarkey@gmail.com.

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Alvarez backs Locke as Pirates beat Brewers 5-2

By MARK KASS (Associated Press)

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/pit

May 25, 2013

Pedro Alvarez hits a two-run homer in the second inning (AP)

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Jeff Locke put up some more zeroes for Pittsburgh.

The Pirates lefthander didn't give up a run for the second straight game to help lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 5-2 win over theMilwaukee Brewers Saturday.

Locke (5-1)allowed three hits in six scoreless innings and struck out a season-high seven, following seven shutout innings against Houston.

''You're seeing him grow up before your eyes,'' said Pirates manager Clint Hurdle.

Hurdle said he was most impressed with the fact that Locke did not have his best stuff against the Brewers, but still held the potent lineup scoreless with his inside fastball. It was Locke's fourth straight win and he has allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his last seven starts.

''To be able to maneuver through that lineup without his best stuff is something,'' Hurdle said. ''He is getting a little better every day. This has to be a big boost to his confidence.''

Locke credited a sixth-inning double play started by Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez as one of the keys to his success Saturday.

''I was attacking them today and trying to stay efficient,'' he said. ''It's nice to come into this ballpark and win a game. We've had some trouble here in the past.''

The Pirates won for a second time in Milwaukee this season, but for only the ninth time since 2007 at Miller Park -- against 47 losses.

Brewers centerfielder Carlos Gomez, who hit two home runs after Locke had left the game, said he was very impressed with the pitcher.

''That kid has good stuff. He doesn't miss many pitches,'' Gomez said. ''You have to tip your hat to the good job he did today. That kid is going to be one that people talk a lot about in the future.''

Locke received plenty of offensive support, including two home runs from Alvarez and solo shots by Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker.

Alvarez hit two long home runs to right field, prompting Hurdle to say he hoped the performance would boost Alvarez to go on a hot streak.

''I'm trying to keep it simple and put a good swing on the ball,'' Alvarez said. ''We just want to go out and compete and if we do that, I know that we'll be successful.''

Mike Fiers (1-3), starting in place of Kyle Lohse (elbow) for Milwaukee, lasted four innings, giving up four runs and five hits.

''When I fell behind, they made me pay,'' Fiers said.

Milwaukee is 5-17 in May and has not won back-to-back games since April 29-30 at home against Pittsburgh.

The Pirates grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning as McCutchen hit his seventh home run. It was McCutchen's fourth home run off Fiers during his career and his third straight at-bat against Fiers in which he hit a home run.

Pittsburgh increased its lead to 3-0 in the second inning on a two-run shot by Alvarez and Walker hit a solo homer in the fourth.

Gomez hit his seventh home run of the year leading off the seventh inning off Pirates reliever Justin Wilson to cut Pittsburgh's lead to 4-1.

Alvarez added his 10th leading off the ninth inning, a towering shot to the top of the second level in right field.

Gomez hit his second home run of the game in the ninth inning to trim the lead to 5-2. It was Gomez's first career multi-home run game.

NOTES: Brewers closer Jim Henderson was to see a doctor Saturday and will be out ''a while,'' Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. Henderson injured his right hamstring Friday while delivering a pitch that led to the second out in the ninth inning. He gave way to Francisco Rodriguez who earned a save in the Brewers' 2-1 win ... Pirates infielder John McDonald who was put on the 15-day disabled list May 15 with a lower back strain, will begin a minor league rehab assignment Monday at Triple A Indianapolis ... Brewers RHP Yovani Gallardo (3-4) will face Pirates LHP Wandy Rodriguez (5-2) in the series finale Sunday.

Bell ready to make impact in crowded backfield

By WILL GRAVES (AP Sports Writer)

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/pit

May 23, 2013

Pittsburgh Steelers second round draft pick running back Le'Veon Bell takes part in a drill during NFL football practice, Wednesday, May 22, 2013, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Le'Veon Bell wants the ball in his hands. Always.

First down. Fourth down. First quarter or overtime. The Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back figures the best chance for his team to be successful is with the ball tucked under his right arm and his legs churning upfield.

''I just want to win,'' Bell said. ''I can do a lot of things. I'm a smart player so I can pick up things quick. I don't have many weaknesses and a lot of strengths.''

The second-round draft pick will get a chance to showcase them this fall after Pittsburgh selected him with the 48th overall pick in last month's draft, drawn by Bell's versatility and unusual size. Listed at 245 pounds during his career at Michigan State, the most startling thing about Bell - who has shed 15 pounds in the last five months - is his height.

At 6-foot-2, he looks like a wide receiver. And for a time as a kid, he figured that's where he was headed.

''When I was 4 years old, my uncle was throwing the ball to me, just working on me catching the ball,'' Bell said. ''Eventually we got to the point of running routes and being able to get open. I just kept running them and kept getting better at it.''

Bell idolized Randy Moss. One problem: even on his best days, Moss would only touch the ball a dozen times. That wasn't nearly enough for Bell. Give it to him 40 times and he'll wonder why he didn't get it 41.

That certainly wasn't an issue while playing for the Spartans. The defining moment of his career came against Boise State last fall, when he rushed for 210 yards on 44 carries and added another six receptions for 55 yards in a 17-13 comeback win.

''I didn't even know I got the ball 50 times,'' Bell said. ''I didn't ever realize I had the ball that many times because I was so in the zone just wanting us to win this game. I was looking up at the scoreboard and I see we're losing and I'm like, 'Give me the ball, I'm just trying to score.'''

Bell's 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter propelled Michigan State to victory and sent him shooting up NFL draft boards. Now Bell finds himself tasked with trying to make sense of a crowded Steelers backfield searching for a starter after Rashard Mendenhall left for Arizona in the offseason.

Pittsburgh struggled to find any consistency in the running game last fall as Mendenhall, Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman took turns getting injured or finding a spot in coach Mike Tomlin's doghouse. The Steelers finished in the bottom six in the league in 2012 in yards rushing (26th), rushing touchdowns (27th) and yards per carry (27th). Not exactly the way offensive coordinator Todd Haley drew it up.

A constant rotation of healthy bodies along the line of scrimmage didn't help. Neither did the inability of Dwyer or Redman to make a strong case for supplanting Mendenhall as the team's No. 1 back. Dwyer led the team with 634 yards on the ground - with Redman second at 410 - but both had trouble dealing with the physical punishment of being the feature back.

Pittsburgh signed the restricted free agents to one-year deals in the offseason and both seem to understand this is their last chance to find a permanent home with the Steelers. Redman spent a portion of his offseason working at a speed camp in Tampa, Fla., where he lost 10 pounds and tried to put the ankle issues that plagued him in 2012 firmly in the past.

''It was tough,'' Redman said. ''I felt like it was my year to show I could be a No. 1 running back.''

It didn't quite happen, which is one of the reasons Redman wasn't surprised when the Steelers used a high draft pick on Bell. Pittsburgh needed depth after Mendenhall left and rookie Chris Rainey was cut. Redman just isn't convinced that Bell's high draft selection means Bell has the inside track on being the starter when the season opens Sept. 8 against Tennessee.

''There's going to be a heated competition in training camp,'' Redman said. ''I'm looking forward to it.''

So is Dwyer, who shares the same agent as Bell. The two became friends before the draft and that hasn't changed even now that they find themselves battling for the top spot on the depth chart, a position Dwyer believes he's earned.

''I think this year it's up to me,'' Dwyer said. ''It's my job to lose, and I'm going to do everything that I can to fortify myself here.''

Time may be running out. Bell has already won raves from the coaching staff with his preparation, and his durability at Michigan State makes the Steelers hopeful he can take the pounding that comes with a heavy workload. It certainly wasn't a problem last fall, when his 382 carries led all of the NCAA's bowl subdivision.

Considering his size, Bell has an ability to make himself small when a defender comes his way, allowing him to avoid the punishing collision that threaten to cut short a career.

''I'm either bouncing off guys or sliding past guys,'' he said. ''Guys mostly just try to grab me and hold onto me. It's not like I take a lot of big hits.''

Bell, and the Steelers, would prefer he deliver them instead. And if he can bring a semblance of order to the backfield, even better. Bell insists he's up for anything.

''I'm not sure what they're looking for,'' he said. ''I'm just trying to help this team go out there and compete and win games.''

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NOTES: The Steelers signed two more draft picks on Thursday as WR Marcus Wheaton (third round) and CB Terry Hawthorne (fifth round) both agreed to four-year deals. Terms were not disclosed ... The team is off for the weekend. Organized team activities start up again next Tuesday.