Pittsburgh Pro Sports Report

Bucs Take Series for Nats: Time for Baltimore

2008-06-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

Ryan Doumit is the man. He had 4 homer runs in that 3 game series and helped the Bucs win the Series. All three starters pitched well. With the exception of Paul Maholm's 6th inning in game 1.

The Pirates go to Baltimore for the first time since winning the World Series there in 1979. Phil Dumatrait is the starter in game one of that series.

Dear Matt Capps: The Nats! Really!?!

2008-06-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

I knew this day would come. I knew Matt Capps wouldn't stay perfect the whole season but I didn't expect him to blow his first one against the Nationals. I'm not that mad at Capps though I know he will rebound.

THE NATIONALS COME ON!

Why can they split a series against Arizona and then lose the first one to Washington.

The Bucs started out fine with a three nothing lead but then lead would change three times. The last time after a Lastings Milledge 2-run homer in the 9th off Capps.

This is just frustrating because the Pirates are now, instead of one game out from .500, 3 games behind and they start inter-league play on Friday.

Duke/ Mientkiewicz Do thier Part: Bucs Win: Split Series with D'Backs

2008-06-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Zach Duke Pitched a brilliant game today. He allowed 2 runs on 5 hits over 6 innings of work with 5 strike outs and getting the Win. The bullpen allowed 1 run on two hits and Matt Capps converted his 15th save of the season.

Doug Mientkiewicz did his job getting into D'backs pitchers Randy "Big Unit" Johnson's head. Mientkiewicz call a time out as Johnson was entering his windup and Johnson had some words for Mientkiewicz. The two got into each others face which lead to the benches and bullpens clearing.

Mientkiewicz walked, then Johnson committed an error, then walked in a run. The next inning Mientkiewicz hit a successful hit-and-run that lead to another run.

The win brings the the Pirates to within two wins of .500 they are 31-33. Duke's win shows that the Starters are starting to become consistent even though Snell and Gorzo lost.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Contracts and Salaries

2008-06-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

As Taken from the Pittsbugh Tribune-Review.

FORWARDS

Sidney Crosby

Contract Status: Signed through 2012-13 at average of $8.7 million per season.

Looking ahead: Took less on his deal so Pens could build winner around him.
---------------------------------------------------------P-----------------------
Marian Hossa
Contract Status: Made $7 million, can be unrestricted free agent July 1.

Looking ahead: Pens will make a serious effort to keep him, but he'll only stay if he's willing to take less than what he could get on open market.

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Evgeni Malkin
Contract Status: One year left on three-year, entry-level deal.

Looking ahead: Pens will try for long-term extension this summer; Malkin likely will shoot for more than $8.7 million per year.

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Jordan Staal
Contract Status: One year left on three-year, entry-level deal.

Looking ahead: Pens would like to negotiate a long-term extension this summer. Staal, coming off 12-goal season, might want to wait till next summer.

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Ryan Malone
Contract Status: Made $1.45 million and can be an unrestricted free agent.

Looking ahead: Malone might out-price Pens on open market.

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Petr Sykora
Contract Status: Signed through next season at $2.5 million.

Looking ahead: Prototype for kind of productive, reasonably priced players GM Ray Shero must continue to find.

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Jarkko Ruutu
Contract Status: Made $1.15 million and can be an unrestricted free agent.

Looking ahead: Eleven teams made offers to Ruutu last time he was a free agent. Pens like him but won't overpay.

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Gary Roberts
Contract Status: Made $2.5 million and can be an unrestricted free agent.

Looking ahead: Retirement a possibility. Probably has fulfilled his purpose here.

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Georges Laraque
Contract Status: Makes $1.3 million and will be an unrestricted free agent.

Looking ahead: He's a comforting element on the team but no sure bet to stick around.

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Pascal Dupuis
Contract Status: Made $880,000 and can be an unrestricted free agent.

Looking ahead: Very iffy on whether Pens would want to pay much more to keep him.

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Maxime Talbot
Contract Status: Signed through next season at $700,000.

Looking ahead: Might find himself on one of top two lines next season.

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Tyler Kennedy
Contract Status: Signed through next season at $550,000.

Looking ahead: Needs to add some goals to go with all that speed and energy.

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Adam Hall
Contract Status: Made $525,000 and can be an unrestricted free agent.

Looking ahead: Had excellent playoff and likely would be welcomed back for right price.

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Jeff Taffe
Contract Status: Made $500,000 and can be an unrestricted free agent.

Looking ahead: Solid role player who'd fit right in again.

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Kris Beech
Contract Status: Can be unrestricted free agent.

Looking ahead: Seems unlikely to return.

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DEFENSEMEN
Sergei Gonchar

Contract Status: Signed through 2009-10 at an average of $5 million per season.

Looking ahead: A trade would free up money, but Gonchar is so valuable on ice and a mentor for Malkin.

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Ryan Whitney
Contract Status: Signed through 2012-13 at an average of $4 million per season.

Looking ahead: Gonchar's heir apparent on power play had an excellent final.

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Brooks Orpik
Contract Status: Made $1.075 million and can be unrestricted free agent.

Looking ahead: Might triple his salary on the market, which would likely make him a goner.

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Kris Letang
Contract Status: Signed through 2009-10 at an average of $835,000 per season.

Looking ahead: Figures to take on more prominent role next season.

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Hal Gill
Contract Status: Signed through next season at $2.1 million.

Looking ahead: His physicality is a necessary ingredient.

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Darryl Sydor
Contract Status: Signed through next season at $2.5 million.

Looking ahead: Questionable as to what role will be if prized prospect Alex Goligoski is ready.

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Rob Scuderi
Contract Status: Signed through next season at $725,000.

Looking ahead: Solid defensive defenseman.

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Mark Eaton
Contract Status: Made $1.6 million and can be an unrestricted free agent.

Looking ahead: Injury could keep salary reasonable, so he could return.

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GOALIES
Marc-Andre Fleury

Contract Status: Made $1.6 million and can be a restricted free agent.

Looking ahead: Should be an interesting negotiation. Pens will want to reach deal before July 1 so no other team comes along with enticing offer sheet.

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Ty Conklin
Contract Status: Made $500,000 and can be an unrestricted free agent.

Looking ahead: As with Roberts, might have served his purpose here, but would be nice to keep for right price.

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Dany Sabourin
Contract Status: Signed through next season at $525,000.

Looking ahead: If Conklin leaves, he'll be the backup.

Dumatrait Shines as Bucs Beat D'backs

2008-06-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

Phil Dumatrait pitched 5 2/3 innings for his 3rd win of the season. Dumatrait gave up one run in the second but that forgotten about when the Bucs put up 5 runs in the bottom of the forth and one more in the fifth.

LaRoche and Bautista hit back to back doubles to start the fourth. Raul Chavez had an RBI single that scored Bautista. Jack Wilson had a sac fly to score Chavez. Nate McLouth and Freddy Sanchez each got on base with two outs then Jason Bay hit a double to score them. The one run in the fifth came from an RBI single by Jack Wilson.

The win put us above the Reds and three games under .500.

Matt Caps got his 14th save of the season.

Pirates Take Series from Huston

2008-06-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

Paul Maholm pitched 8 innings giving up 3 runs on 8 hits and got the win. Matt Capps got his 13th save.

Jason Bay hit a run scoring triple. His triple scored the tying run. Jason Michaels hit his second Home run of the season, a three run blast in the first inning.

The Pirates activated Ryan Doumit today and optioned catcher Ronnie Paulino to the minors this is so he can get more at bats. He is not being used because catcher Raul Chaves is producing and Doumit is coming off the DL.

Pirates Take Alvarez

2008-06-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

With their first pick in the 2008 MLB draft the Pirates took 3rd baseman Pedro Alvarez.

Its the first time in a long time I have been excited to see what one of the Pirates picks will do.

Although Neil Walker is in training to be our 3rd baseman, I don't see why he can't move to 1st and let Pedro take over at 3rd. But lets not forget, unless he is spectacular in the Minors it will be 3 years till we even think about Pedro having a starting role.

Penguins Season Ends: Should It Even Have Come This Far?

2008-06-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

Am I sad? Not really. Am I shocked? Yes, but not for the reason that the Pens season ended. I am shocked more at the fact that the season lasted this long.

When Marc- Andre Fleury was injured there were worries that the Penguins didn’t have an effective backup goalie, but with the defense they still had a shot at the playoffs. Then Ty Conklin stepped up and took on the role of started and after several magnificent starts the thoughts were, “Hey maybe this team can win the conference.”

Then the dreadful day came when, then NHL point leader, Sidney Crosby hit the boards hard and was lost for eight weeks with a high ankle sprain. That’s when everyone said that the Pens season was done. It was over. With their best player hurt for a huge chunk of the season it was over for the Pens.

It seems that the Crosby injury turned out to be a blessing for one player: Evgeni Malkin. Malkin had the year for the ages. He was second in points and led a team that was full of injury to first place in the Atlantic Division, and second in the Eastern Conference.

Remember that for about two weeks in the season there was a time when it was the “No-Name Pen’s” The team was full of Baby pens with the exception of Malkin, Petr Sykora, Ryan Malone, and Jarkko Ruutu.

As the Pens kept winning after the loss of Crosby the feeling in Pittsburgh started to change. It went from “Oh this season is over” to “Hey we have a shot at the playoffs.” That’s the playoffs; there was no way this team would make it to the Finals.

Then there was the trade of two fan favorites: Colby Armstrong and Erik Christianson for Pascal Dupuis and Marian Hossa. The fans were furious, was Ray Shero GM or Dave Littlefield. But the sports talking heads thought this was the greatest thing ever. Turns out it was a really good move and showed that Ray Shero really knows what he is doing. Oh yeah Shero got Hal Gill too at the dead line, he only shut down Jagr.

The run for the Cup started on Feb. 24th with an overtime loss to San Jose. A loss you say. Yes I answer. That was the last loss at home until game 4 of the Finals. That was when everything started to come together.

We have to give a lot of credit to four payers other than Malkin. They are Petr Sykora, Ryan Malone, Max Talbot, and Jarkko Ruutu for their performances this year.

So Detroit wins it all. And the Pens gain some valuable experience. This was Detroit’s 4th cup in 11 seasons. The Pens could do the same if not better.

It's MLB Draft Day: Mock Draft & Pirates Pick

2008-06-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

I am putting up a Link to the Mock Draft located on DC Pro Sports Report.

The Pirates have the 2nd overall pick and it is looking like 3rd baseman Pedro Alvarez is going to be that pick.

Mock Draft on DCPSR

Duke Shines as Pirates Rebound from Shut Out

2008-06-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

The bucs won today behind the Pitching of Zach Duke and the RBI’s of Raul Chaves.
Duke pitched 7 2/3 allowing 7 hits while striking out two. He out pitched Huston’s Roy Oswalt who allowed three runs on 9 hits with 4 strikeouts.

Raul Chaves had 3 RBI’s tonight. He hit a two run single to make then game 4-1.

Pens Face Injuries in Preparation for Game 6

2008-06-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

On Monday the Penguins prevailed in their double-header against Detroit to force a game 6 in Pittsburgh tonight. Although Detroit leads the series 3-2 after the thriller on Monday momentum seems to be on the Penguins side. But the pens are going to need more than just momentum to force game 7. Detroit has shown through the whole series why they had the best team in hockey this year.

Detroit has the ability to adjust to any type of Hockey: If you want to play speed against them they will stay right with you. If you want to play dump and chase they are going to beat you to the puck, but all of that depends if you can get control of the puck. This Detroit team, like Detroit teams of the past, prides itself on their ability to control the puck (thus leading to 50+ shots Monday night).

For the Pens to win this game they are going to need Fleury to play has he has but even better. Not that anyone can play any better than Fleury has through this series. Osgood is not facing 30+ shots a game so he doesn’t count. Pens fans we have to ask Fleury to just step up one more notch and there is a chance for a game 7 and for the cup. The other person who needs to play better (how about show up) is Malkin who has been silent this whole series, granted that he has never played this much hockey in a season. And you can’t really be mad at Malkin because with Ty Conklin and Petr Sykora he is one of the reasons of why the Pens are even in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Some factors that are going to hurt the Pens in tonight’s game are injuries and a lack of production out of our producing 3rd and 4th lines. Granted Max Talbot tied the game Monday night some insurance goals from these lines would be nice. As for injuries, Crosby hasn’t been 100% since January, Ryan Malone has broken his nose for the second time this series, Sergei Gonchar has had back spasms since he hit the boards hard on Monday and Petr Sykora has had an upper body injury for months now.

But playing with injuries isn’t something new for these Pens. They are like a boxer who has been taking beatings for months and is then thrown into the ring with George Forman.

Can these Pens be Ali?

We're Back!

2008-06-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

After a winter of (unfortunately) not getting anything done. We at Pittsburgh Pro Sports Report are back and are going to (hopefully) going to stay for a long time

2007-09-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

Under Construction

Pirates Win Again

2007-08-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

Its about time the bucs started winning....they are having a much better Aug. then July and the Pinch Hitters are really coming up big.

Hello Readers

2007-08-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hey readers...sorry about the lack of post...We at PittPSR have been on a week long vacation and are back and we are ready to bring you all the coverage ot the upcomeing Steelers games (which two of us will be at opening day in Cleveland for) and the upcoming Pens' season...plus coverage of the Pirates as they enter the playoffs.....right!

Steelers Take on Greenbay

2007-08-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

The Steelers play Greenbay today. Look for Big Ben to continue his best preseason so far (I know, I know). Also look to Willie Parker to run as much as he can. Although I think he is out with a knee injury.

Watch the linemen. There are multiple players vieing for a starting role, on both defense and offense. They need to come on strong sice the lacked the strong part last year.

Tomlin's Debut...Steelers destroy Saints

2007-08-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

Just the third head coach in the last 38 years in Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin debuted with a win.

The Steelers beat the Saints 20-7 in the preseason Hall of Fame game.

Ben Roethlisberger was sharp in his only series, completing two of three throws for 73 yards to Cedrick Wilson. Najeh Davenport pushed in 4 yards to the endzone to put the Stillers up 7.

Rothlisberger and and Charlie Batch were dominet in the air, and they only played the first half. The Steelers out gained the Saints 305-56 a including 205-32 in the air...ONLY THE FIRST HALF!!!

"This is how we want to play all season," said linbacker Larry Foote.

This is the way we want our Steelers to play all season too.

Congratulations to A-Rod

2007-08-05T06:14:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to A-Rod on his 500 home run....just a matter of time until we at PittPSR root for you to break Bond's recode.

Pirates deadline deal perplexing

2007-08-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

Ive waited 15 years for this moment...kind of. Ive waited 15 years for the Pittsburgh Pirates to be buyers at the trading deadline, instead of selling off all of the performing veterans. I just never thought the team would be buyers at 20 games under .500 and I never thought they would trade a promising center field prospect for an over-the-hill veteran pitcher. Three days have passed and I cannot seem to make sense of the deal, so if anyone has suggestions let me know.

On Tuesday the Pirates traded away speedy CF Rajai Davis for San Fransisco P Matt Morris and his hefty salary, about $12 million through next year. So the team trades away two aspects, in speed and the CF position, that it seems to have lacked for the past 10 years, for a position that they seem to draft every year??? Granted Davis was no all-star but he did improve the teams speed and he filled a position that has always seemed to trouble the Buccos since the departure of Andy Van Slyke. Rajai Davis did hit a respectable .271 for the team in 24 games. In return the Pirates got a 33 year old pitcher, who's best years seem to be behind him. Morris went 7-7 with a 4.35 ERA with the Giants. In addition the Pirates will pick up the remainder of his salary, $3.2 million this year and $9.5 million next year. His salary is two times greater than any player on the team. The Pittsburgh Pirates will not be making a playoff run this year so why not bring up some of that younger pitchers that they've drafted for the past 10 years and see what they can do. If they struggle the team could aways pick up a pitcher in the off season for alot less than $10 million a year. Then they could use that extra money to pick up a GOOD player to fill some holes on this team.

It just doesn't make sense, and if I could figure out how Dave Littlefield and the rest of the Pirates management think then I would probably make alot of money. They say they don't have any money, but they'll pay a pitcher, who I would bet gets no more than 8 wins in the next two seasons, $10 million while the team has no center fielder, middle relief, or long term catcher. Remember when the team didn't want to pick up Kenny Lofton's $1.2 million contract extension. How does a .300 average sound and 21 steals this season, that might have helped the team. So yeah, we'll just let our young pitchers rot in the minors and blow out their arms, then trade for washed up veterans, and then wonder why we never have a winning season. Another nice deadline deal Dave!

Pirates Unload 15 run Assault

2007-08-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

This is the best news Pirates fans have had in a month (7-17 in July).The bucs beat up on the Cardinals 15-1 last nigth.

The Pirates scored 5 runs with two outs in the bottom of the first, the scoring started with a Ronny Paulino Grand Slam! Even with that Paulino was still got some slight boos throughout the game because of his two errors the night before.

RBIs were by McLouth, Bautista got 2, Sanchez, LaRoche had 2, Bay had 2, Paulino had 4, and Castillo had 1.

Its a big win lets see what happens today!

Thank God for the Steelers! (and Pens)

2007-07-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

So I go into an argument with a friend in Philadelphia before last weekends sweep of the Pirates by the Phillies. We talked about how the Phillies hadn't swept anyone yet this year, I argued that the Bucs were looking to rebound and there is no way the Phillies will sweep them and all other sorts of stuff along those lines.

Well needless to say I lost that argument. The Bucs got swept and I held my composer. Well my friend didn't and proceeded to rip into me about how bad my baseball team is. He was ruthless, ripped on each player, ripped on the last 15 years. I mean, not even the '97 fluke team or the 5 world series titles could save me from barrage of Pittsburgh hate I was taking.

But wait in the back of my mind a door opened and lead down some tunnels that lead to an arsenal of comebacks. And forget the small stuff, I went straight to the big guns, I dropped this line:

"MY FOOTBALL TEAM IS BETTER THEN YOUR FOOTBALL TEAM"

If you saw it in slow-mo you could see my friend have to take a step back as the words came out of my mouth. It took him by so much surprise that he had to step back.

He tried to counter with the Eagles have a "better organization", and "more talent". All I kept saying to him was Super Bowls: Steelers 5, Eagles 0. Nothing. Notta. Zip.

I win argument over. Thanks to the Steelers I was able to regain my upper had on a Pittsburgh/Philadelphia sports argument.

Thank God for the Steelers!

But that's not all. After about 15 min. of arguing Steelers/Eagles and I just kept countering every point with the fact that the Steelers had more Super Bowls rings then the Eagles, My buddy was looking like George Forman in the 5th round of the Rumble in the Jungle.

So I landed the Knock out punch: "Dude the Flyers, were swept by the Penguins, its the plain and simple truth that even though the Pirates are as bad as they are the Steelers and Penguins make Pittsburgh the superior over Philadelphia sports."

My friend was stunned. Speechless. I win fight over.

New Poll

2007-07-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hey readers there is a new poll on the right!

Who do you believe is at fault for the Pirates having their 15th consecutive losing season. Is it the players faults? Is it Jim Tracy's fault? What about Upper management or Dave Littlefied???

You the readers Must decide!

Steelers Schedule

2007-07-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

2007 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule

PRESEASON
Sunday, Aug. 5 vs. Saints (HOF Game) 8 p.m. (KDKA/NFL Network)
Saturday, Aug. 11 vs. Packers 7:30 p.m. (KDKA/FSN Pittsburgh)
Saturday, Aug. 18 @ Redskins 8 p.m. (KDKA/FSN Pittsburgh)
Sunday, Aug. 26 vs. Eagles 8 p.m. (NBC)
Thursday, Aug. 30 @ Panthers 8 p.m. (KDKA/FSN Pittsburgh)

REGULAR SEASON

Sunday, Sept. 9 @ Browns 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Sept 16 vs. Bills 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Sept. 23 vs. 49ers 1 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Sept. 30 @ Cardinals 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 7 vs. Seahawks 1 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Oct. 14 Bye Week
Sunday, Oct. 21 @ Broncos 8:15 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Oct. 28 @ Bengals 1 p.m. (CBS)
Monday, Nov. 5 vs. Ravens 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Nov. 11 vs. Browns 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 18* @ Jets 1 p.m. (CBS)
Monday, Nov. 26 vs. Dolphins 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Dec. 2* vs. Bengals 8:15 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Dec. 9* @ Patriots 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 16* vs. Jaguars 1 p.m. (CBS)
Thursday, Dec. 20 @ Rams 8:15 p.m. (KDKA/NFL Network)
Sunday, Dec. 30 @ Ravens 1 p.m. (CBS)

Pirates to take on Phillies this weekend

2007-07-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

The Pirates are traveling to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies in a three game set. Tonight starting pitcher John Van Benschoten will look for his first win of the season as he takes on Jamie Moyer who is 8-8.

Look for Jason Bay to continue to be strong after his tremendous performance against the Mets. Xavier Nady will be the other key player for the Pirates for he has been a consistent run producer for the Buccos.

Probable Pitchers
Saturday: Shane Youman (2-2, 3.24) vs. J.D. Durbin (2-2, 5.76)

Sunday: Ian Snell (7-8, 3.62) vs. Kyle Kendrick (4-1, 4.44)

For more on the Phillies visit All Philly Sports our brethren in the City Alliance

City Alliance: BEHIND ENEMY LINES ALLIANCE

2007-07-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

City Alliance

BEHIND ENEMY LINES ALLIANCE

The Behind Enemy Lines City Sports Alliance is a group of Blogs unique in our coverage. We are an alliance of Blogs that provide fresh content, link exchange with one another, and cover all professional sports in our respective City’s. We are not a team based fan blog by a city based fan blog providing you the best, unique opinion based commentary we can. By sharing this alliance we also dedicate to our readers other sites to go to for your convenience to do opposition research or simply read up on opposing teams. It is for you, our readers, to enjoy and interact! Feel free to visit all of our alliance members and share your comments on their blogs!

See the Links on the Right side of the Page!!