Currently the Pens are hoping to bring home a win today as they take on the Coyotes at Consol Energy Center. After the upsetting lost to the Hurricanes Thursday night they are looking for any chance to redeem themselves. Even though there are only 7 regular-season games left in the playoffs, our Pens are in a good position for the upcoming NHL playoffs.
Yesterday the Pirates faced off the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers, Florida. Depressingly enough I was so close to being able to attend that game. Too bad my flight back to Pittsburgh from Naples left Friday morning. The Pirates won that game 4-2 at the top of the eighth inning when the game was stopped due to rain. Although Jeff Locke through a solid game, general manager Neal Huntington told the Tribune Review that the final rotation spot remains up for grabs between Locke and Vance Worley. While both pitchers are out of minor league options, other players were not. 12 players were cut including outfielder Jose Tabata who was reassigned to minor league camp. Tabata still has two year and $8.75 million left on his contract but the Pirates are willing to trade him saying he doesn't deserve to be in Triple-A but they want him back in the big leagues. The Pirates home-opener is April 13th against the Tigers!
The Steelers defense will be a sea of new faces with Cam Heyward emerging as the physical and vocal leader of the 2015 defense team. Many of the big names are gone including Brett Keisel, Ryan Clark, Casey Hampton, Ike Taylor and maybe even Troy Polamalu. Although James Harrison is returning, Heyward was Coach Mike Tomlin's pick of where he think the leadership will come from on the defensive side. Currently, the Steelers are anticipating the 2015 NFL Draft which will take place April 30-May 2 in Chicago.
Growing up in Pittsburgh, these next few months are the most exciting sports times for myself. The end of hockey with the thrill of playoffs, the excitement of opening day at PNC Park and heading over to Saint Vincent College to watch the new Steelers lineup at training camp.