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Tim Benz Columns category, Page 49

Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at 88
Tim Benz: Kyle Dubas getting lots of benefit of the doubt points following Tristan Jarry signing
This is probably a tough hypothetical for Penguins fans to embrace, but work with me on this one. What if it had been ex-Penguins general manager Ron Hextall who had signed goaltender Tristan Jarry to a $5.3 million contract over five years? What if that had been his parting shot?...
Madden Monday: On Tristan Jarry’s new contract — ‘The term is too much’
On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Penguins decided to retain goalie Tristan Jarry in free agency, signing him to a five-year contract that carries a salary cap hit of $5.375 million. New Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas called keeping Tristan Jarry “the best bet to make for our club” in...
Many national outlets point to Pirates closer David Bednar as an All-Star snub
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?—...
First Call: Ex-Steelers ILB offers idea for team at that position; Jaromir Jagr pulled into Vegas street show 
A former Pittsburgh Steelers player thinks he has the answer to the franchise’s concerns at inside linebacker. Chase Claypool is expecting bigger and better things in Chicago this year. A pair of former Pirates had a rough day on the mound. And we have a very unique “Jagr Watch” for...
MLB Draft expert sticking with Dylan Crews as Pirates’ No. 1 pick despite concerns about cost
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...
First Call: Steelers still linked to ILB; ex-Steelers CB has a new team; outlet unimpressed by Penguins’ draft
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...
Tim Benz: Mike Sullivan doesn’t want Penguins to be a copycat, but is he hoping for a time machine?
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,...
U mad, bro?: Pittsburgh fans lathered up over Mike Tomlin contract talk, Pirates trade rumors, City Connect uniforms
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...
First Call: T.J. Watt slips on list of top NFL edge rushers; NHL’s top pick to start career vs. Pens; Carey Price’s live draft gaffe
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...
First Call: A new way to watch RedZone; multiple Steelers opponents in on DeAndre Hopkins; Shohei Ohtani’s huge night
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...
NHL.com draft expert gives a 6-pack of Penguins 1st-round projections
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...
Tim Benz: Come for the Andrew McCutchen trade rumors, stay for the speculation about Mitch Keller
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...
Tim Benz: We knew an Andrew McCutchen trade rumor would crop up, but this feels awfully quick
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...
Report: Perceived No. 1 MLB draft choice Dylan Crews may not be ‘interested’ in Pirates
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...
First Call: Albany Empire players may sue Antonio Brown; Steelers’ fantasy sleeper; eyeing up Pirates homestand
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...
Madden Monday: ‘Reading the tea leaves’ of Kyle Dubas’ short-term goals, long-term plans for Penguins
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...
Tim Benz: Mike Tomlin’s contract extension with Steelers is a lock, even if the playoffs are not
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...
First Call: George Kittle anxious to show pass blocking skills vs. Steelers’ T.J. Watt; Antonio Brown still a problem in Albany
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...
Tim Benz: ‘Sting’ of Pirates losses will soon turn to numbness
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...
Tim Benz: Confident in the Steelers returning to the playoffs? Let’s see how much
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...
First Call: Steelers favored to be 4th in AFC North; trade suggestion for secondary; legendary NBA draft outfit
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...
Tim Benz: Explanation for Pirates’ 9-game slide is simple, but there is no ‘million-dollar answer’
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...
U mad, bro?: Fans tear into stumbling Pirates — and Matt Canada, of course
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,...
Former Pirate Jameson Taillon relates to Henry Davis’ pressures and responsibilities of being a high first-round draft pick
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...
Mt. Lebanon’s Ian Happ has unique perspective on challenges of Henry Davis’ MLB promotion with Pirates
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...


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