~~ March 2006 ~~

Big East Monster 16 Team League Rumbles Toward Post-Season Five new programs; two Final Four favorites; several top 20 teams buried in the middle of the standings; 10 teams making a case for the NCAA Tourney; unbalanced schedules; too many teams altogether… All are apt descriptions of the new, 16-team Big East. Ray Mernagh takes a look at the conference as the Big East Tournament kicks off this week in New York. Up Close with Willie Parker: Fast Willie talks about Super Bowl XL, his relationship with Jerome Bettis, and his thoughts on the NCAA Tourney. Major League Baseball Preview Pirates: Expectations of Spring Former Los Angeles Dodgers’ manager Jim Tracy did not come to Pittsburgh to simply end the Pirates’ 13 game losing streak. He came here to win championships. He doesn’t talk about .500 or respectability. He talks about winning big. ­ by John E. Sacco PSR Showdown: What Player Holds The Key To The Bucs' Success? Views by Rossi & Perrotto American League Preview National League Preview: Eastern & Western Divisions National League Preview: Central Division Picking Up the Pieces: Bob Grove On The Pens’ On-ice Future. Mark Madden: Embrace The Obvious For The Penguins And Entire Region. John Mehno: Welcome to the dark side, Jerome. Cannon Firing Line: Thinking about Motown. Sports History: Pittsburgh Wrestling.    Copyright © 1997-2006 Pittsburgh Sports Report [PSR]