Latest Penguins Buzz

According to a anonymous source David Tanabe has turned down the Penguins 1 year offer that i reported a few weeks back. The offer was believed to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 750k. The Anaheim Ducks have inquired about Eric Christensen and are offering the 3rd round pick they received from the Edmonton Oilers. more on this later……. Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer are retiring “Danny Markov will not be signed by Detroit. In fact he is seriously considering playing in Russia this year after no NHL teams would consider his salary demands.” The Penguins had talks with NHL Officials Wednesday afternoon about the possibility of hosting the proposed outdoor game at PNC Park. A source has told me,

3 Steelers make ESPN’s future Hall of Fame List

Alan Faneca, Troy Polamalu and Hines Ward were selected for ESPN’s 50 future Hall of Famers. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was left off the list.23. Alan Faneca: Judging by the current contract impasse, the Steelers apparently don’t think Faneca is bound for Canton. However, he has been named to the past six Pro Bowls and has been one of the most consistent guards in the game — missing just two games since being drafted in the first round in 1998. Did we mention he already has a Super Bowl ring? Faneca has said he will play out his contract in Pittsburgh this season and move on to a new team in 2008. Considering that five guards without a single Pro Bowl

News and Notes

Timmons, Harrison sit out morning practice: Linebackers Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison sat out today’s morning practice. There is no time table for Timmons return but Harrison’s rib injury is not serious. Willie Parker is expected to be back on the practice field following Sunday’s preseason game Emphasis on Special Teams: This morning the Steelers focused on special teams. Willie Reid appears to be the teams top punt and kick returner. Santonio Holmes will also be a main stay on kick returns. Jack Wilson rumors: Sources have told the Buzz on the Burgh, prospect Brent Clevlen is the main player coming to the Pirates in the prosposed deal that will send Jack Wilson to Detroit. NHL could return to ESPN:

Steelers flying under the radar

It’s hard to believe but most people outside of Pittsburgh have low expectations for the Pittsburgh Steelers. New head coach, questions about the O-line and which Ben Roethlisberger might play a factor but what gives.When asked about who are the top 6-8 teams in the AFC, the Steelers are rarely mentioned by the national media. New England, San Diego, Indy, Baltimore are the upper tier of teams in the AFC but are the Steelers really that far behind teams like Denver, Jacksonville and Cincinnati? The Steelers do have some question marks but they are still a very talented team. Reasons to be optimistic: 1.Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger has been nearly perfect during the first 9 days of camp. Roethlisberger has been

Garnett makes the Celtics a serious contender in the East

Without Allen -No KG?Thanks to Kevin McHale, the Boston Celtics have gone from a laughing stock to one of the favorites to reach the NBA finals. When the Celtics acquired Ray Allen at the NBA draft, all the NBA insiders questioned the acquisition. Well if the Celtics didn’t acquire Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett would not be a Boston Celtic. Garnett said during his press conference yesterday that when the Celtics acquired Ray Allen, he made up his mind that a Paul Pierce – Ray Allen – Kevin Garnett combo would give him the best chance to reach the NBA finals. Team to beat: What’s going to make the trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett such a force

News and Notes around the NHL

Local investors to buy Predators: group of Nashville area investors will sign a letter of intent today to buy the Predators from owner Craig Leipold, according to The Tennessean.A source told the paper an announcement will be made in the afternoon, and the bid is believed to be about $180M — far short of the reported $220M previously offered by Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie. The group, headed by Nashville entrepreneur David Freeman, will get a period of exclusive negotiation, according to The Tennessean. But the all-important next step, a binding agreement that includes a significant non-refundable deposit as a show of commitment, would be expected by mid-August. Source: The Tennessean Sean Avery awarded 1.9 million: New York Rangers forward, Sean

Quick Hits from Latrobe

Willie Parker sat out today’s morning practice for the second consecutive day. The Steelers are saying Parker needed a break but he was walking around with ice on his knee. Stay tuned. Through the first 9 days of camp, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has looked sharp. Steelers insiders say he has had his best camp of his career. The Steelers are expecting big things out of Santonio Holmes this season. Holmes has returned to the practice field this week and despite what the Steelers are saying, there is no competition between Holmes and Cedric Wilson. Holmes will be the starting wide receiver and may end up the teams #1 by the end of the season. Willie Reid and Santonio appear to

Outsiders views of the Matt Morris acquisition

Eric Karabell Espn Insider: ‚Ä¢ Matt Morris to Pirates for Rajai Davis: Wow, I cannot contain my excitement over this deal. If I’m a Buccos fan today, it’s quite a day. Sigh. Matt Morris actually has the best record of any active pitcher at PNC Park, as he’s 6-0 lifetime in his new home stadium with a 2.37 ERA. Then again, Morris makes $10 million a year, the Pirates have the worst record in the NL, and has two wins since May 1. His July ERA is 8.48. The only pitcher in the great game of baseball who has allowed more runs than Morris in July is Mike Maroth. That’s it. So, no, I don’t think getting Morris saves the

Littlefield was at his best today

David Littlefield was at his best today acquiring a 33 year old pitcher who is on the downside of his career. Did i mention he is owed 9.5 million dollars next season? Yes, the Pirates basically gave up nothing to acquire Morris but this is a move playoff contenders make not contenders for the first overall selection in the 2008 draft. In his last five starts Matt Morris has surrendered 27 earned runs, giving up at least 6 runs in 3 of his last 5 starts. Today, the Pirates proved their organization has no direction. Somebody please explain to me why a small market team that wants to build on youth, passes on Matt Weiters in the draft but acquire

Pirates acquire Pitcher Matt Morris

The Pirates acquired starting pitcher Matt Morris from the San Francisco Giants for outfielder Rajai Davis and a player to be named later. According to source who covers the Tigers, The Pirates and Tigers had agreed to a deal that would have sent Jack Wilson to the Detroit Tigers for prospect Brent Clevlen but the deal fell through around 3:30 est. The Tigers agreed to absorb all of Wilsons’ salary but wanted Solomon Torres to be included in the deal. Littlefield countered asking for prospect Jair Jurrjens and the Tigers balked at the Pirates demands. The Giants also inquired about Wilson along with the Cardnals but no offer was made. The Pirates asking price was very high for Damaso Marte.