The Pittsburgh Penguins made a few deals since Wednesday that will most likely be looked at as players to fill the void left by Marian Hossa.

Ruslan Fedotenko and Miroslav Satan were signed by GM Ray Shero Thursday, one day after completing a long-term deal with star goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury.

Janne Pesonen, the top player in Finland's biggest league is reportedly close to a deal with the Penguins.

I just want to get my two-sense in here.

If Shero thinks that these three can make up for some of the productivity that Hossa had, then that's good. But, in my opinion, we should have gone after a big name in free agency. I would have liked to have Jagr back, at least I have heard of him. Jagr is going to play for a Russian team. Straka would have been good to have as well, but he went over to play in a European league. Markus Naslund would have been the guy I would have gone after, but maybe Shero just thought it would be easier to fit a younger player into the team that he has assembled.

Whatever, but we did lose Gary Roberst to the Lightning in a trade, and he was a skilled veteran. Naslund's power and skill would have been greatly utilized, but hey, if he wants to sign with the Rangers, so be it. Just another player in the Atlantic that obviously doesn't mind losing. HAHA! Just kidding.

We have a gaping hole, and we still need something big to be done before the season. We can't go Hossa-lees and not have a back-up plan. There is too much competition in the Eastern Conference to let that happen.

Let me know what you guys think! Hope you had a great and safe 4th. Take care!

-Mike Greenspire

After last night's embarrassing 10-0 loss to the New York Yankees, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced today at approximately 10:12 AM Eastern time that they will hold open tryouts for the starting first base position.

The position is currently held by always-struggling Adam LaRoche, who had a bad game both offensively and defensively.

The requirements listed by manager John Russel are as follows:
Must have:

• Two arms
• Two legs
• A head
• A pulse

Anyone that can fill all four of the listed requirements can tryout today from 12:00 PM EST all the way to 5:00 PM EST. They will be held inside PNC Park.

Only one man can win the job, so make sure you get down there quickly!

Thanks for the contest, JOKERSWILD!

-Mike Greenspire

In last night's epic beatdown of the Yankees at the hands of my beloved Pittsburgh Pirates, the Buccos may have saved their season, and this may be a turning point. The Yanks were 6 games above .500, while the Pirates were 4 games under the even mark.

Hank Steinbrenner: What a sour-####

The Yankees can't be happy about losing to the team who everyone laughs at. I' on the other hand, couldn't be happier.

Joe Girardi repeatedly stated that we (as in the Yankees) "stunk" You're tellin' me!

However, we got no comment from the only guy I really wanted to hear from, Mr. Hank Steinbrenner. I was just waiting to hear him say something outrageous, like "WE LOST TO WHO?! A BUNCH ON SCRUBS?!" Never got anything, though. Oh well.

Derek Jeter and A-Rod seemed the most unpleased of the bunch, as Rodriguez mispronounced the name of the pitcher he just lost to. That says something. Or not.

But, the Pirates have successfully defended their ballpark, and will do it again tonight and tomorrow, and th next day, and the next day, and the next day.

"YOU LOST TO WHO!?"

HAHAHA! GO BUCS!

-Mike Greenspire

I'm not at my regular computer for this, so I don't know for sure how many points everyone has. I do know, however, how many points everyone gained this week. Here they are:

PF
3 points gained

bubbB
*Did not pick

leafssuck26
1 point gained

oaklandathleticsfan
3 points gained

Alright, here are the games that Group 1 will be picking for next Tuesday!

1. Red Sox @ Rays
2. Pirates @ Reds
3. Tigers @ Twins
4. Blue Jays @ Mariners

So, as soon as I can get your picks, that would be great!

-Mike Greenspire

Group 2's games are not until this coming Tuesday, but I may not be able to get to a computer again by then, seeing as I will be on vacation for 2 weeks! The official beginning of my summer vacation was yesterday because I went to Cedar Point! Man, those rides are insane! On one of them, you stand up the whole time!

Anyways, here are the Group 2 contestants!

leafssuck26
oaklandathleticsfan
PF
bubbB

Here are the games Group 2 will be picking that take p[lace this coming Tuesday!

1. Diamondbacks @ Red Sox
2. Rays @ Marlins
3. Rockies @ Royals
4. Phillies @ Athletics

So, Group 2, let me know your guys' picks as soon as possible! Thanks! Tomorrow's the first day of summer! Can't wait!

-Mike Greespire