Of course, when the Steelers are making one blockbuster deal after another, other sports news in The Burgh gets pretty well lost in the shuffle. Such was the case with the signing by the Pirates of outfielder Michael A. Taylor (former Twins, Nationals). It was pretty much stated that Taylor would become the starting centerfielder for the Bucs heading into the '24 season.
The Grandstander
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Way To Go Duquesne, and Other Sports Tidbits
Of course, when the Steelers are making one blockbuster deal after another, other sports news in The Burgh gets pretty well lost in the shuffle. Such was the case with the signing by the Pirates of outfielder Michael A. Taylor (former Twins, Nationals). It was pretty much stated that Taylor would become the starting centerfielder for the Bucs heading into the '24 season.
Saturday, March 16, 2024
A Bombshell from the Steelers
No one new that the beginning of the Wilson Era would mean the end of the Kenny Pickett Era. It has been hinted in the media that Pickett's reaction to the Wilson signing was not at all positive. Not unexpected, of course, but it apparently went even beyond competitive issues, and it makes one believe that keeping Pickett would not have been a good thing for the chemistry in the locker room. So, the team made this move and sent the Number One draft choice of just two years ago to the Eagles for a couple of draft picks.
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
To Absent Friends - Departed Pirates
1971 | 1979 | ||||
Pitchers | Steve Blass | Pitchers | Jim Bibby | ||
Nelson Briles | Bert Blyleven | ||||
Dock Ellis | John Candelaria | ||||
Dave Guisti | Grant Jackson | ||||
Bob Johnson | Bruce Kison | ||||
Bruce Kison | Dave Roberts | ||||
Bob Miller | Don Robinson | ||||
Bob Moose | Enrique Romo | ||||
Bob Veale | Jim Rooker | ||||
Luke Walker | Kent Tekulve | ||||
Catchers | Manny Sanguillen | Catchers | Steve Nicosia | ||
Milt May | Ed Ott | ||||
Charlie Sands | Manny Sanguillen | ||||
Infielders | Gene Alley | Infielders | Tim Foli | ||
Dave Cash | Phil Garner | ||||
Jackie Hernandez | Bill Madlock | ||||
Bill Mazeroski | Willie Stargell | ||||
Jose Pagan | Rennie Stennett | ||||
Richie Hebner | Outfielders | Matt Alexander | |||
Bob Robertson | Omar Moreno | ||||
Outfielders | Roberto Clemente | Mike Easler | |||
Gene Clines | Lee Lacy | ||||
Vic Davalillo | John Milner | ||||
Al Oliver | Dave Parker | ||||
Willie Stargell | Bill Robinson | ||||
Manager | Danny Murtaugh | Manager | Chuck Tanner | ||
Deceased | 13 | Deceased | 11 |
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Oscars Post Mortem, or A Night at the Oppie-ra
As you all can see, I liked the title of my Oscar Predictions post so much, that I am using it again.
Some random thoughts and observations from The Grandstander on the show and the Awards themselves.
- As noted above, Jimmy Kimmel was great as the host. Funny monologue and he kept the traffic moving. Couldn't ask for more.
- The show started at 7:00 this year (or actually about six or seven minutes after 7:00) which meant it was all over by 10:30 in the East. What took them so long to come up with that idea?
- Loved the idea of the four acting awards being presented by five previous winners of the Award in question, although some of the dialog written for those actors was a bit cheesy.
- I thought that the best speeches of the night were given by Cord Jefferson (Adapted Screenplay, American Fiction), Jonathon Glazer (Best International Film, Zone of Interest), Mstyslav Chernov (Best Documentary, 20 Days in Mariupol), and Cillian Murphy (Actor, Oppenheimer).
- I can't remember what award they were presenting, but the presentation of the night went to the team of Emily Blount and Ryan Gosling.
- The In Memoriam portion was awful. Why couldn't they show those being honored on a full screen? For at least half of the honorees, you couldn't see who they were.
- Did you catch the pissed off look on Annette Bening's face when Stone was called for Best Leading Actress? It was delicious. And why wasn't Warren Beatty with her in the audience.
- Fashion Statements: (1) Best look of the night: Men not wearing ties. I love that look. (2) Lots of pretty dresses on the ladies, but none stand out as being "the best of the night" for me. (3) A clearcut winner for Worst Dress of the Night - the one worn by Ariana Grande, and there wasn't even a close second to it.
- Again, don't remember what he was presenting, but John Mullaney's summary of Field of Dreams was a classic.
- I thought that the award for Best Costume Design should have gone to Oppenheimer, solely because of the hat that Cillian Murphy wore. I want one.
- As usual, there is always one big movie that comes away empty handed. This year it was Killers of the Flower Moon, 10 nominations, 0 wins, followed by Barbie with 1 win for 7 nominations.
- The tweet read by Kimmel from Orange Julius Caesar that Kimmel read near the end of the show. I know that will drive the MAGA-lydites nuts, but as I heard someone on the air say today: Don't ever get into a pissing contest with a professional comedian; you'll lose every time.
Best…… | Predicted Winner | Actual winner | For Whom I Would Vote |
Picture | Oppenheimer | Oppenheimer | Oppenheimer |
Lead Actor | Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer | Cillian Murphy | Cillian Murphy |
Lead Actress | Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon | Emma Stone, Poor Things | Emma Stone, Poor Things |
Supporting Actor | Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer | Robert Downey Jr | Robert Downey Jr |
Supporting Actress | Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers | Da’Vine Joy Randolph | Da’Vine Joy Randolph |
Director | Christopher Nolen, Oppenheimer | Christopher Nolen | Christopher Nolen |
Original Screenplay | Maestro | Anatomy of a Fall | The Holdovers |
Adapted Screenplay | American Fiction | American Fiction | Oppenheimer |