The Pirates should have signed J.A. Happ. We knew that long ago. Happ was brilliant against his former team in the series finale against the Blue Jays north of the border. And to think the Pirates could have had him in their rotation if they had only been willing to open up their bank account sign the veteran lefthander. It was a tough series for the Pirates for a lot of reasons. Seeing Happ in a Blue Jays’ uniform was a major reason.
• It looked like the injury to Andrew McCutchen in Toronto last Friday night was bad. Cutch limped off holding his knee and all I could do, along with other Pirates’ fans was say, “Oh no!” Fortunately, Cutch was back in the lineup by the end of the series. He seems to have dodged a bullet. Gregory Polanco’s latest hamstring injury isn’t as good. He looks to be on the shelf for an extended period of time. It’s been a tough year for Polanco. He’s been hurt, and when healthy just hasn’t performed. If the Pirates are going to stay in the race they need him back soon.
• The Pirates didn’t make any huge moves at the trade deadline, but have been willing to do things since then. I like the move of picking up former Pirate Sean Rodriguez, and also think they were wise to see if reliever George Kontos can help the team. I wouldn’t be surprised if Neal Huntington makes another move or two, but don’t expect that to happen unless the Buccos stay in the race. If they’re close, who knows what will happen. If they fade, don’t look for many more upgrades to the roster.
• It tells you something when Clint Hurdle missed two games during a pennant race to attend the funeral of Don Baylor. Hurdle was absent from the first two games of the Blue Jays series to pay his respects to the man who gave him his start as a coach in the majors. Many managers would not have done this during a pennant race. Some might criticize Hurdle for this, but I say it was a great thing to do.
• It’s hard to get excited about NFL preseason games. Still, I watch every Steelers game because I want to see how the rookies and guys who are challenging for jobs perform when it’s an actual game. You had to love the performance of first round draft pick T.J. Watt against the Giants. He was a beast, and looks like the pass rusher the Steelers want and need. He has all the makings of a really good one.
• Rookie quarterback Josh Dobbs looked horrible early against the Giants. After that, the kid played really well. Dobbs will probably never see the field in 2017; at least the Steelers hope so. Whether or not he is the guy who replaces Big Ben one day remains to be seen. In the meantime, he’ll get some meaningful snaps in preseason and will get a chance to show the coaches what he can do.
• While it’s early yet, the Steelers’ draft class has been a disappointment so far due to injuries. Second round pick JuJu Smith-Schuster missed time in camp and then suffered a concussion in the Giants game. No telling how long he’ll be out. Two other guys who were drafted, Cameron Sutton and Keion Adams didn’t dress against the Giants. Mike Tomlin has let it be known that they need to get back soon if they want to have a chance. I’m guess they got the message.
• Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin hasn’t said much about Le’Veon Bell’s absence at training camp and has not criticized him at all. GM Kevin Colbert made headlines last week when he said that by missing camp Bell is hurting both himself and the team. He’s right, of course, but I wonder what Tomlin thought about that. Bell will be back with the team, it’s just a matter of time. And for the record, I agree with Colbert.
• Four golf majors, four different champions in 2017, including three first time winners. Yes, the game of golf is in good hands. Justin Thomas’ impressive win at the PGA was his fourth of the year. It was also another win by a young American in his 20s. There is definitely a changing of the guard in golf. Tiger Wood hasn’t won a major in nine years. The young guns on tour are taking over, and that is a good thing.
• Phil Mickelson missed the cut at the PGA. It makes me wonder if Lefty will ever challenge for a major again. He hasn’t won a major since 2013, and really hasn’t been in contention for one either. Mickelson still needs to win a US Open to complete his career grand slam. He’s been runner-up for that championship six times, and flat out blew a few of the Opens. Mickelson is one of the great names in golf. Unfortunately, I think his best days are behind him.
• The Dallas Cowboys are loaded. But they will miss running back Ezekiel Elliott, who has been suspended for the first six games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. I have no sympathy for guys who commit domestic violence against women. No charges were brought against the former Ohio State star, yet the NFL still felt the need to punish Elliott. After the Ray Rice debacle I’m not the least bit surprised.
• It’s hard to believe the high school football season kicks off in less than two weeks. Can’t wait!
