Hot Stove and Other Quick Hits

Nobody Asked Me But...

- A.J. Burnett signing made too much sense not to do. Not too many times does a professional athlete take a pay cut to play another season. Burnett spurned $4 million to play with the Pirates. A move that speaks volumes to not only the Pirates organization but the atmosphere PNC Park and the fans of Pittsburgh.

- I'm very upset the Ike Davis situation didn't work out. He seemed like a great guy, great clubhouse leader, solid defender. But, the Pirates can't have a first basemen who only hits 10 home runs and bat .230 on the season. Almost no brainer move by Huntington and crew. But, for Davis' sake- I hope he goes on to have a successful career.

Pedro Alvarez takes the keys to 1st base for the 2014 season

- With Ike Davis being designated for assignment Pedro Alvarez becomes the future first baseman of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hopefully the move will allow him to focus on the new position, rather than trying to figure out the old position. Also, hopefully he can hit 40 home runs again. Key word: hopefully.

- The Pascal Dupuis news was awful. Between Dupuis and Olli Maata it's hard to not think how much sports is a minute matter in situations like these. But, I also would like to show how much sports helps these situations. Not only does Dupuis have the encouragement and prayers of the Penguins, but he has the full support of the Pittsburgh and all hockey fans. I think there are times when sports fans are able to rally together and show the general kindness in humans. It's one of the beauties of sports; it constantly shows the ability to create cherished bonds between people.

- The Steelers couldn't have a better time for a bye week. Injuries, on and off the field issues are slowly rising, and the Steelers need a break. Despite the roller coaster of a season, "them Stillers" are sitting at 7-4 and if the season were to start tomorrow the Steelers would be a number five seed in the AFC Playoffs. Not a bad situation. They also have a very much realistic chance at the division. But, hampered by injuries to Ike Taylor, Ryan Shazier, and Troy Polamalu among other bumps and bruises on the team. It's just a good week for the Steelers to sit at home and relax.

- No more Pittsburgh Power. It's a shame I suppose...but in a much more real sense, I don't really care.

LaGarrette Blount: Life and Times of a Short Steeler Career

LaGarrette never got it right. In college, the pros- he just can't seem to get it right. Count the seven months he spent in a Steeler uniforms. He was a superb talent running back. He had size, speed, and skills. If he only had a brain.

Blount signed a two year deal with the New England Patriots
on Thursday for a two year contract. 

Blount hit the yellow brick road and had become the wicked witch of the west for fans of Pittsburgh and inside the Steelers locker room after his Monday night adventure. (I think that does it for Wizard of Oz references) Blount left the field before the game ended after being apparently upset that he didn't get any carries. Well, in the NFL not everyone gets a trophy. If the backup running back is not content with being the backup running back, the solution is fairly simple. Play better.

Here's the kicker for the Blount. The Steelers signed Blount, with both parties knowing that he would serve as LeVeon Bell's backup. They had signed a very talented running back to compliment another extremely talented in the backfield. But, Blount came with backstory- a troubling one at best. He had thrown a punch in a game vs. Boise State while he was at the University of Oregon. He had thrown another punch in a practice with the Titans. He did have a successful 2013 season in New England which led to his two year deal with the Steelers.

Not even three weeks into an innocent preseason schedule, Blount aptly lived up to his name when he was arrested for marijuana possession along with his backfield cohort LeVeon Bell. Everybody gets one mistake and everybody deserves second chances. But, the Steelers kept him around because they felt he gave them a chance to win. But, when he walked off the field before the end of the game he walked off the team. The Steelers cut ties with Blount the next afternoon.

Hopes were high for Blount- but he was higher. (I'll be here all week) He fell short of organization expectations and on field expectations. One of those being actually staying on the field for a full 60 minutes.

The Steelers are on a bye this week and they began it with a "buh-bye" to Blount.