NFL week 11

Skippy, Zach Duke, and the last LaRoche cheer on from the sidelines as the Steelers destroy the hapless Raiders.

All in

New manager Clint Hurdle acknowledges the Bucs' deficiencies to the P-G, while also going "all in".

"I wanted to look them in the eyes and ask them, 'Are you in?' " he said. "And to a man they looked me in the eye and said 'We're in.' "

"Behind the scenes in the baseball office we've used that phrase a lot, 'all in,' " Huntington said. "And Clint came in during our meetings, he used that phrase, all in. A phrase is a phrase, but it means something to us."

To a man we look Clint Hurdle in the eye and say "We're in" and "Please not so much bunting."

NFL week 10

First place = victory.

NFL week 9

Despite the distractions of all the Bucs' 2010 World Championship parades, the Steelers beat the hapless Bengals 27-21.

NFL week 8

While the Pirates celebrate their imminent 2010 World Championship, the Steelers travel to New Orleans for a Halloween-themed Sunday Night Football.

I admit I was a little disappointed to go to the party and find all the men dressed as Steely McBeam. I had hopes of being the only one. I think it is this World Championship thing, it has me in an emotional frame of mind. Every sunrise is inspirational, and even the plastic flowers bring tears to my eyes.

McBeam removes himself from consideration

While the Pirates rest up enjoying their third round playoff bye, the 2011 managerial distractions continue: Steely McBeam has officially removed himself from consideration.

Carlos Tosca, Jeff Banister, Joey Porter and Tony Pena have yet to withdraw their candidacy, as the James Harrison player/manager scenario looks more and more likely.

NFL Week 7: Steelers at Dolphins

One more big fine on James Harrison, and he'll retire to coach the Pirates with bench coach Steely McBeam.

NFL week 6: Browns at Steelers

As the Pirates continue resting and perfecting their fastball velocity, the Steelers come off their bye to face the hapless, small-market Cleveland Browns.

Bucs clinch second round bye!

We raise our glasses to the magical 2010 Bucs, who, with the Yanks loss and Giants win, have excitingly clinched both a first and second round bye in the playoffs.

With JR now busy scouting the other teams, driving the pennant float through the Burgh, and planning the shifts and bunts for the World Series, the Bucs are expected to appoint an interim manager to start preparing the Dynasty for 2011. Early favorites include Phil Garner, Enrique Romo and Steely McBeam. Cast your vote in the comments.

NFL Week 4: Ravens at Steelers

Should be a good one.

Game 162: Pirates at Marlins

Burres and Sanchez at 1.

Morton may have pitched himself into a playoff start. I look forward to watching JR manage the pitchers in the World Series.

Game 161.0: Pirates at Marlins

Charlie Morton gets his last bit of work before the playoffs, where he'll probably be needed most as a swingman from the bullpen. Sanabla pitches for Florida. Game at seven.

Game 160: Pirates at Marlins

As Paul Maholm basks in the clinching of his Cy Young award after Zach Duke graciously bowed out yesterday, Daniel McCutchen will attempt to clinch Rookie of the Year with his 18th victory.

Throw in Ronny Ballgame's wizardly tutelage, and you have magically exciting and meaningful Bucco baseball in October. Again.

Game 159.5: Pirates at Marlins

In the final and perhaps most important series of this magical 2010 season, Ronny Ballgame will work pro bono with the Bucs' pitchers to help determine who will make the postseason roster.

Coonington might want to consider retaining Ronny during the Bucs' first and second round playoff byes to help bunting instruction.

Game 159: Pirates at Cardinals

The Cardinals are still passed out at a red light, and now are officially eliminated from the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the clinchy Bucs have a few tough postseason roster decisions to make before they rest up and practice bunting during their first round playoff bye.

Game 158: Pirates at Cardinals

Bucs up 7-2 in the ninth. Hopefully the Bucs will not pick up any bad habits from the hapless Cardinals right before their clinched first-round playoff bye.

Game 157: Pirates at Cardinals

OutBUNTed. Nice win though.

NFL week 3: Steelers at Buccaneers

I will try to keep one eye on this football game. The other eye will be on the Bucs team that will end the season in the playoffs.

Game 156: Astros at Pirates

Maholm and his 106 mph fastball pitch to contact against the hapless out-of-contention Astros at 1:35.

To advance deep in the playoffs, the Bucs need more practice bunting runners from second to third, especially by good hitters with no outs. It would make a world of sense to get this practice today, even when there are no baserunners.

Game 155: Astros at Pirates

Norris and Duke at seven.

It might be wise to plan on using bullpen arms that won't be making the playoff roster. I won't be surprised if Duke makes an early exit then.