NFL week 16

After the Bucs' World Series sweep and another Steelers' playoff clinching, Christmas seems kind of superfluous this year.

NFL week 15

Steelers clinched yet another playoff berth in a meaningless game against the hapless Jets.

Only 68 more days until Spring Training.

NFL week 14

Bengals gift-wrap two pick-sixes. That's what losers do.

NFL week 13

Flying Samoan warrior chop for the win. I'll never get over it. Ever. Again.

Offseason moves

Playoff MVPs traded, released, etc. Soon to acquire more playoff MVPs.

NFL week 12

A most improbable Steelers win. I’ll never get over it. Ever.

Meanwhile, the Bucs have traded Zach Duke and one of the Indian reality show finalist kids for Adam LaRoche as we prepare for Manny Christmas.

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.