Tim Benz stories, Page 52

If you are someone who feels that Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar got snubbed for the 2023 All-Star game, you aren’t alone. Numerous national outlets such as The Sporting News, Bleacher Report, USA Today and CBS Sports listed Bednar among their All-Star snubs. How is David Bednar not an All-Star?—...

Suggesting that the Pittsburgh Pirates will draft LSU pitcher Paul Skenes with Major League Baseball’s top draft pick next month has become an increasingly popular opinion. That’s largely because there’s a growing belief that longtime perceived No. 1 pick — LSU outfielder Dylan Crews — will ask for more money...

Friday’s “First Call” takes yet another look at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ inside linebacker position. One blossoming Steeler makes a list of young NFL superstars. And an ex-Steelers defensive back has a new team. Plus the Penguins draft got at least one mediocre review, and we check in on the next...

You could tell it was a question Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan had been mulling over himself before it was asked of him during a media session Wednesday. In advance of Day 1 of the NHL Draft in Nashville, Sullivan was asked about the NHL being a “copycat league,” and,...

Since last week’s “U mad, bro?” posted, we saw the Pittsburgh Pirates’ losing streak peak at 10 games. There’s talk of Mike Tomlin getting a contract extension from the Steelers even though he hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016. And two of the Pirates’ top players were mentioned in...

Steelers star T.J. Watt loses ground in one offseason ranking. Connor Bedard will make his debut in Pittsburgh against Sidney Crosby. The Pirates will square off against an old friend Wednesday afternoon. We know Duquesne’s Atlantic 10 opponents. And an all-time goaltending great has an all-time televised mishap. All that...

Wednesday’s “First Call” explains how football fans can watch the RedZone channel this year. Wherever wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins winds up, it appears he’s likely to face the Steelers. Dalvin Cook has an offer from an AFC playoff team. Shohei Ohtani continues to sparkle. And a former Duquesne basketball player...

The Pittsburgh Penguins select 14th in Wednesday night’s NHL draft. On Tuesday’s “Breakfast With Benz” podcast, I spoke with NHL.com draft analyst Adam Kimelman about a six-pack of players who may be in the conversation for the Pens at that slot. Nate Danielson This is who Kimelman sent to the...

So, Pirates fans, if you liked the trade rumor surrounding Andrew McCutchen on Monday, then you are going to love the one floated about Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller on Tuesday. Started by the same person. It was MLB Network insider Jon Morosi who reported earlier this week that the Texas...

Even when Andrew McCutchen was reacquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason amidst a wave of nostalgic applause, one nagging question remained. Are they really going to keep him all year? Well, as the last day of June approaches, the first Cutch trade rumor has cropped up. It comes from...

According to ESPN.com, the long-perceived No. 1 pick in next month’s Major League Baseball draft may not want to play for the team that has the No. 1 pick. That team happens to be the Pittsburgh Pirates. ESPN writer Kiley McDaniel posted a mock draft Monday morning. In it, he...

Tuesday’s “First Call” features Antonio Brown’s latest problem. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a “fantasy sleeper.” We look at the Pirates’ upcoming homestand. It’s another stop for a Western Pennsylvania hoops alum. And we look at Robert Morris’ return to the ice for women’s hockey. Suing A.B. Antonio Brown might get...

In listening to Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas speak Friday, TribLIVE’s Mark Madden seemed to walk away with two impressions. Take what he said to be legit. But also read between the lines of what he’s saying. For instance, when Dubas addressed the media last week, he...

Whenever the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Buffalo Bills, the connection between Mike Tomlin and Sean McDermott is frequently discussed. It goes back to their playing days together at William and Mary, and it’s a time in their lives both men have fondly referenced over the years. Expect the two W&M...

Our first “First Call” of the week starts with what sounds like a challenge for Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt. We also get into the success of the Maulers, the Pirates promoting prospects and Antonio Brown is still causing problems with the Albany Empire. Fun to watch A San Francisco...

Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller kept his chin up, but you could tell he was bummed out. He should be. While speaking with the media Thursday after the Pirates’ 6-4 loss to the Miami Marlins, Keller stared everyone in the eye and answered every question like a pro. But he couldn’t...

Let’s play a little game to gauge your level of confidence in the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. As I’ve previously written, I think the Steelers are going to be a noticeably better team in ‘23, even if that doesn’t necessarily lead to a significant boost in their win total. I’m predicting...

Friday’s “First Call” features a trade idea for the Steelers. But it’s one I wouldn’t pursue. Some recently posted gambling odds don’t reflect well for the Steelers. The Pirates blew a lead and were frequently blown out of the batter’s box Thursday night in Miami. Robert Morris’ hockey schedule has...

Thursday’s “First Call” has some Steelers reaction to the death of Clark Haggans. The Pirates are looking to get back on track against a tough opponent. A painful highlight against the Steelers is a favorite of one of the men who authored it. Plus, we have Duquesne basketball news, and...

After the Pittsburgh Pirates’ ninth straight defeat Wednesday afternoon against the Chicago Cubs, starting pitcher Rich Hill tried to keep things in perspective. “Work. That is the key identity to winning cultures and winning clubs. They show up every day,” Hill said. “Failure is necessary in order to show everyone...

This week’s “U mad, bro?” is an all-out assault on the Pirates’ nine-game losing streak. Along with one mandatory shot at Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Oh, and a full-fledged attack on my character … and my gender. Here’s an email from C Steiger. It dates back to June 13,...

In Wednesday’s “First Call,” former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden gives us the five toughest guys to cover during his career. Another offseason NFL list is less than kind to the Steelers. The Pirates drop another game in the National League Central standings behind the scalding Cincinnati Reds. And we’ve got...

One of Jameson Taillon’s many admirable traits during his time as a Pittsburgh Pirate is that he never publicly used his checkered history of injuries as an excuse for anything that didn’t work out. Not after the first Tommy John surgery. Or the sports hernia. Or the testicular cancer. Or...

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Henry Davis is a former No. 1 overall draft pick in his first series as a Major League Baseball player. He’s doing so while learning a new position and while his team is in the throes of a seven-game losing streak. It’s not easy. Even though Davis...