James_Taipei: Any chance the Pirates could make a trade for Carlos Zambrano and turn him into their starting third or first baseman? He would be an offensive upgrade. (Zambrano is hitting .366 this year.)

Jerry Micco: That's actually pretty funny, James. And you're right, not only does he kill everyone at the plate as well as on the mound, he seems to really hit Pirates pitching.

James_Taipei: With Adam LaRoche's performance this year is there any chance we will see Steve Pearce back at first sometime? Furthermore is there any chance the Pirates try to hold onto Bay to provide some veteran leadership to go with Pearce, McCloth, and McCutchen?

Jerry Micco: I would think that the Pirates are now pretty happy they didn't get hooked up in a long-term LaRoche deal. I think Pearce is going to have to show a bit more, though, before he's brought back up. His power numbers aren't great this year, not bad, either, but not great (6 HRs and 33 RBI, hitting .262). But you have to think the Pirates don't see LaRoche as their firstbaseman of the future. And you could see them take Pedro Alvarez tomorrow because a lot of folks say his best position might be first base. And Pearce, to my understanding, has been playing some outfield at AAA.

joycet: What are requirements for receiving Stanley Cup ring and having name engraved on the Cup? Must a player log ice time in the final championship round or is being on the bench enough? Thinking specifically of Ty Conklin. Can you play in an early round, not play in the finals, and still have your name on the Cup and get a ring?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure of the exact requirements, but I think if you've been in half of your team's games in the regular season your name is on the Cup. So Darryl Sydor would have made it even if he'd not been suited up for any of the final. I'll check on that before we finish this chat and get you an answer, joyce.

YeOldeBuccoFan: The Red Wings wanted to return to Pittsburgh to play this game as much as JoePa wants to play Pitt.

Jerry Micco: No argument here.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Has there ever been a more annoying analyst than Pierre Maguire? Aside from his scoop on Peter Sikora's called shot, which was pretty good on-the-spot reporting, he asked Sid leading questions to try to get him to agree with his point, he talked about Sikora hiding an injury when he was sitting 2 feet away from him, he constantly whined about Therrian's coaching decisions, he repetitively described the Penguin's bench as full of panic...can't he just shut up?

Jerry Micco: Well, he'd not be in his job if he "just shut up" and didn't make a point now and then. I've not listened to much of the broadcasts because I've either been in the arena or working on our night copy desk for the games. I do TIVO the games and watch them, but to be honest, I don't always pay attention to what the announcers say. Or if there's a stoppage, I blow through that to get to the action.

shouldBworking: I know no one is paying attention, but though the Bucs seem to be treading water and hovering around 2-4 games below 500, it doesn't matter much. Last I checked, the Cubbies had won 8 in a row and the Bucs were nearing 10 games back anyway. Your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I think this team can be one that hovers around .500 for a while, but eventually, unless their starting pitching becomes more consistent and guys like LaRoche, Bautista and Sanchez start hitting more consistently, they will do a slow fade probably starting this month and next. There are some things to really like about this team, but there are still some pretty big holes to fill.

shouldBworking: One final one on the Bucs, after seeing the quote best unquote from AAA here in Burnett, JVB, Bixler, et al, there obviously is no depth in this organization. As much as it pains me, the GM needs to trade the likes of Bay, Nady and anyone else to restock this team. 500 is not competitive. I don't care about 500, I want competitive and that is still years away.

Jerry Micco: And you'd be in the majority of fans who think that way. Yes, the organization has very little depth. This upcoming draft is important and there will have to be some trades made to restock, there's no question about that. This team, as constituted, can be competitive, but probably can't contend. If you go with that paradigm, then you have to make some trades and restock.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Win or lose tonight or Saturday, I think the Penguins won a couple of Cups the other night: with the battle-hardened experience that they gained that should help them for several years to come.

Jerry Micco: I agree. That game showed not only fans, but the players themselves that they can go toe-to-toe with the best team in the league and beat them even on the brink of elimination. A lot of young guys grew up the other night, the most prominent of those being Marc-Andre Fleury.

AJT123: Rumor seems to be Paulino is heading down to AAA. Do you think he has ANY trade value at all?

Jerry Micco: Very little. Not consistent enough at anything to be an everyday catcher and doesn't seem to be getting any better.

AJT123: Handicap the Pens tonight. Think they win?

Jerry Micco: Tough question. I tend to like veteran teams who should have taken care of business and don't. They tend to come back strong the next game and get the job done. Dallas did this with Nashville and Dallas in the playoffs this year and I'm sure they think they can do that with the Penguins tonight. My heart tells me Penguins to force a game 7. My head says Detroit gets it done tonight.

AJT123: If the Pens lose, does it officially become Steeler season again?

Jerry Micco: It becomes whatever fans want it to become. Is any sport out of season anymore?

chooch79: Will we see the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years tomorrow?

Jerry Micco: Well, on Saturday we will. Unless something awful happens with that hoof, and I don't suspect it will, Big Brown should win the Belmont.

Chunkles: Jerry, are the Penquins where they are in the play-offs because of the trade that Shero made at the end of the regular season? I think Gill has had as much a positive impact as Hossa on the other side of the puck.

Jerry Micco: They are where they are in part because of Shero's moves both for Hossa/Dupuis and Gill. Also, getting a guy like Sydor, with Cup experience, helped. And signing Sykora, another guy with a Cup, helped, too. And the fact that you have two of the best young players in the game and a goaltender who seems to be blossoming, a lot of good things happened at the right time for the Pens. And it should continue into the forseeable future.

AJT123: Any more plans that you know of to have the ticket reduction offer that resulted in 2500 free tickets to tonights game? I tired to get some but they sold out too fast.

Jerry Micco: None that I know of, but if it does happen, we'll report it.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Do you think the sleeping giant (Malkin-Sikora-Malone, with BIG emphasis on Malkin) has been awakened with that game-winning goal?

Jerry Micco: It'll be interesting to see how that line plays tonight. Sykora looked like his old self in scoring that goal. That was his spot on the power play before Hossa bumped him off the first unit. And for the record, I still thought that wasn't a good move. I think Sykora is the kind of guy you want on a power play. Great goal scorer from the wing.

AJT123: Do you think Smoltz will retire seeing that he needs arm surgery and is done for the year? Will he be in Mario's box toniight?

Jerry Micco: As for being here tonight, I have no idea. As for retiring, he likely will because it may take two years for him to really recover. And he doesn't need more miles on him. That ticket is punched to Cooperstown, I'd think.

OBAMA_: How late did you and your staff work on Monday night / Tuesday morning? The OT games are fun for the fans but they have to be tough for your line of work.

Jerry Micco: I left the office at 2:20 a.m. We were all gone by 2:30 a.m. It's fun for us in some ways, too. Remember, a lot of us are fans, too. We love to see great events and be a part of them because of our work. And we want to deliver the game to as many people as we can, so we do what we do. You know some long days and nights are part of the deal when you sign up for this. And we're all dragging a bit, but the bottom line is we need to deliver a superior product for our readers. So that's why we keep rolling along.

AJT123: Malone have any fractures as a result of being hit in the face the other day? Is he playing for sure tonight?

Jerry Micco: My understanding is there are no more fractures, but as you know coaches notoriously lie about injuries during the playoffs. My understanding is Malone and Gonchar will play tonight.

chooch79: Which draft prospect would you prefer to see the Bucs pick?

Jerry Micco: Long term, I think the Beckham kid in Georgia is a can't-miss prospect. He's a shortstop, so you could be getting a guy who has five-tool talent and plays in a key area. I think Tampa is taking Posey the catcher. Alvarez, to me, has a couple questions that need to be answered, but there's supposedly great power there. If you look down the list, the Pirates have so many needs, any of these 3 would be a help. If they want immediate help, though, Alvarez may be the closest to major-league ready. Though Beckham supposedly won't need a lot of grooming even though he's only in high school. I guess my choice then would be Beckham.

Cecil_Espy: Assuming the top three prospects in the MLB draft all pan out, which do you believe is most valuable for an NL team, a 5-tool shortstop, a power-hitting lefty corner infielder, or an All-Star catcher? Any idea which the Pirates would theoretically value most?

Jerry Micco: I probably just answered this, but for me it's the shortstop. Again, I don't think you miss with any of the three, though.

AJT123: Think Therrien gets a long term extension this summer?

Jerry Micco: I think they'll look at adding a couple more years. Hockey coaches, even successful ones, generally don't last more than a couple of losing seasons. Shoot, even ones that win get canned if the GM doesn't like him. They are not good long-term jobs. But Therrien deserves some type of extension.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Smoltz is the only Braves pitcher that the Pirates never solved in that playoff run in the early 90's. I agree that he belongs in the Hall, but do you think that his stint as a closer helps his case, or hinders it?

Jerry Micco: Helps it. It shows how versatile he was and how dominant he could be, whether in starting or relieving.

AJT123: Have you spoken in depth at all with Don Cherry, and if so, what is your opinion of him?

Jerry Micco: Never met him. Would like to meet his tailor.

AJT123: Where any fire alarms pulled @ the Detriot teams hotel last night? Seems like some payback should be in order.....

Jerry Micco: Not that I know of.

OBAMA_: If anyone notices or cares, they will see the NBA should produce an exciting final, just like the NHL is. Not a bad time to be a sports fan, eh?

Jerry Micco: I think the Celtics-Lakers, besides having historic storylines, is an excellent final. I look forward to watching those games once the Cup final is over. I'm not as big a fan of the NBA as I am of the NHL, but the two best teams in each league, in my opinion, are playing for the championships. So yes, it is a great time to be a fan.

Jerry Micco: Joyce, thanks for hanging around. Conklin would have his name on the Cup if the Pens win it. Goalies don't have to play in half the games, only dress for them. Conklin dressed for 54 regular-season games.

chooch79: Since he used to work for you Jerry, I have to ask......is there any chance you would consider hiring Madden back as a columnist? I didn't really enjoy his show, but I always thought he was a good writer.

Jerry Micco: Mark worked for me for a short time. I think Mark had some good things to say -- sometimes -- as a columnist. But I've got three columnists now, so there aren't any openings on the staff for another. I think Mark's best outlet probably is radio. It's where he made his name and also where he's known.

AJT123: I dont know you personally, but ID be willing to bet you a root beer minus the root, you would not be caught dead ouit in public with one of Cherrys Jackets! HA

Jerry Micco: Actually, I'm not afraid of being noticed and trying to dress nicely. I am afraid, however, of sudden death and being in one of those sport coats. People would only remember you by saying, "and he died wearing a powder blue sport coat with lilacs on it. just awful."

OBAMA_: Do you think it is possible that the Pens come out flat tonight? I can't help but think a 4-0 loss isn't out of question, considering how much it took to get game 5 won. Maybe they are too young to rebound so quickly. Detroit finished all 3 of their series on the road, after all.

Jerry Micco: I don't think they'll come out flat, but if they make the mistake think Detroit is tired or flat, then they will get flattened.

YeOldeBuccoFan: How much fun is it to hang out with the world hockey press, as compared to the world golf press or the national football press?

Jerry Micco: The press we see there is mostly Canadian. They seem like fine guys. They really know the sport and follow it. I don't put myself in their class. They like to have fun and it's sort of like going to an NFL game here -- the crack wise about players, coaches, etc. They cover the sport very well and are knowledgeable. The world golf press is pretty sedate. Covering a Super Bowl is just a circus. So many media members that you run into one everywhere you go.

AJT123: What is a typical day like for you on the job. Can you get into a routine or does it differ every day?

Jerry Micco: Some of it is routine and other days it's very different. I have scheduled meetings. I have certain things I need to do. Quite frankly, I spend a lot of time planning stuff, reading and replying to email and writing memos. Sounds exciting, doesn't it? It's a management job, so there's a lot of time spent talking with staffers about things and/or working with their supervising editors on things. People always are asking to "job shadow" me. I tell them fine, but you're going to be bored to tears in about an hour. On days of big news or big events, though, it's the greatest job at the P-G. Actually, I think it's the greatest job at the P-G all the time. After all, we are a sports town.

AJT123: Any chance Conlkin is signed for next year?

Jerry Micco: I think they'll sign Dany Sabourin rather than Conklin. Younger and will come at a lesser salary. And Therrien likes him.

YeOldeBuccoFan: 2006: Super Bowl and All-Star game. 2007: U.S. Open. 2008: Stanley Cup Finals. Pretty good run for a local sports page the last few years, eh?

Jerry Micco: Been tremendous. Really couldn't ask for more. And throw in there BCS appearances by Penn State and WVU over the past few years; Pitt men and women basketball teams making NCAA runs; Big Ben's accident. And in the future, the women's US Open coming to Oakmont in 2010. It is a good time to be in this chair. I'm enjoying it immensely.

PirateApologist: The coaches for the Penguins and Redwings probably have too much class to complain about it, but I would decline all interview requests from the bench during the game.

Jerry Micco: When your sport needs the exposure, you do what you have to do for the sport. I'm sure any manager or coach could take a few seconds during any game for this. They do it in baseball, too.

chooch79: It's always interesting to read the articles from writers in other cities. Does the PG negotiate with other newspapers or their writers to share these stories?

Jerry Micco: We are doing that now with the Detroit Free Press. We exchange articles so we can give our readers some Detroit perspective. Although we cover the Wings, too, they have more people assigned to them so we get extra copy. We did this with the Ottawa Sun, the Philadelphia Daily News and the Newark Star-Ledger, too, during the playoffs.

OBAMA_: Did you notice the Detroit fans booing after Sykora's goal? Way to support the home team. Won't happen here tonight, I can assure you.

Jerry Micco: I never say never, nor do I predict such things. I think the fans were hacked off on the Hudler penalty. It was a penalty, but I'm thinking they thought the Pens got all the whistles in OT (it was 3-1 in penalties in favor of the Pens) so that was part of the displeasure.

PirateApologist: If Malkin is hurt, as many suspect he is, shouldn't his ice time be decreased a bit?

Jerry Micco: I don't know that he's hurt. He's probably banged up adn tired as all get out, but his 34-plus minutes of ice time last game shows he's still a necessary part of what the team needs. He could be a difference maker.

AJT123: Better and cheaper way to get tickets, Ebay, or scalping at the game???

Jerry Micco: I never do either, so I wouldn't know. But I saw tickets for thousands of dollars on ticket exchanges. Hey, if you got that kind of cash floating around, you're in the minority.

OBAMA_: Will Gerry Dulac be covering the US Open?

Jerry Micco: No, we had to cut coverage of other things to help pay for the Stanley Cup extended coverage. I made that decision, and it broke my heart. I'm a huge fan of that event and always have been. I'll look to pick it up next year, but that will depend on the state of the economy. The newspaper industry isn't exactly in the best of economic times and the forecast isn't a happy one.

AJT123: Is there ANY chance of signing Malone and or Hossa this off season?

Jerry Micco: Maybe Malone, but I think Hossa will be too expensive.

PhillyMarty: Memory says game after 4OT's, Flyers got first goal and Pens rolled over. I recognize that was Game 5, not 6, but I would be surprised if tonight's game is close unless it takes a long time for someone to score first.

Jerry Micco: Again, Marty, only if the Pens assume Detroit is tired or on its heels. If they make that critical error and Detroit gets an early goal, it could be a long night for the Pens. But, if the Pens get a couple early, as they did the other night. Look out.

PhillyMarty: Perhaps only if the Pens somehow win the series, but was this the greatest game in Pens history and perhaps rank alongside Maz' homer and the Immaculate Reception?

Jerry Micco: People have been asking that, but I don't put it in that class. To me, Maz's homer is the greatest moment because it won a championship in the last at-bat. This game ranks right up there with great moments in Pittsburgh sports history, but whether it takes care of the two you mention, I don't think so.

geno23: jerry any shot we can see those penguins tonight that downed 3 excellent teams in a convincing fashion ?

Jerry Micco: I think you're seeing the Pens play as well as they can against the best team in the NHL. To me, Detroit is way superior to any opponent the Pens have played in these playoffs. It will take great efforts, like in Games 3 and 5, for the Pens to even edge the Wings. But that's why they play the games, right?

AJT123: Interesting to see Babcock complain about the goalie interference calls. Seems like a ploy for the forthcoming avalanche in front of fluery tonight. They he played I bet they stack as many bodies in front of him they can.

Jerry Micco: I'm sure they will because Detroit has always played that way. But I thought Fleury was run a couple of times in Game 5 and those were good calls. But it's all gamesmanship. Like Therrien's beefing about obstruction. If they think they can help their team, they say things like that.

PhillyMarty: Was anyone watching the Pirates' surprising comeback Monday night? I was monitoring the game on the net between periods, but the next period was starting just before the Slam.

Jerry Micco: We have 2 TVs in sports so we had both on. Of course, we're thinking, "great, both games are tied and deadline's approaching." Unknown outcomes make for lousy sports sections, so we were happy to see both teams end it the way they did.

chooch79: The articles have been great (please keep them coming) I was really trying to understand if you had to pay for these articles, or if this is just a common practice.

Jerry Micco: No, we don't pay. It's been a common practice for some time. Newspapers used to send reporters on the road to the other city and just leave them there to report for its readers. But with budgets being what they are, more newspapers are cooperating with story exchanges. Hey, we're all in the same economic boat.

OBAMA_: Isn't it comical that the national media is looking for Crosby to kill penalties? First of all, he hasn't done it all season so why would he be effective? Not to mention that he has to rest at some point. He can't play 60 minutes.

Jerry Micco: I think he could kill the occasional penalty if they really needed him to do so. But I think as good as the PK has been for the Pens, why mess with it?

AJT123: Do you find more and more reading online via the traditional print? How does this affect the PG?

Jerry Micco: We find more readers heading online, but we still sell 215,000 papers daily and more than 325,000 on Sunday. So we're getting readership both ways. Those numbers were much higher a few years ago, but a lot of that traffic has headed toward the Web. Problem is, advertising hasn't tracked to the Web as quickly. You see more going there, but not enough. And since the Web is free to subscribers, you have a bit of a economic conundrum. That said, when you add Web and print together, newspapers may have more readers than ever.

PhillyMarty: But is this week's game third on the list?

Jerry Micco: It might be, Marty. If you discount Game 6 when the Pens won the first Cup or Mario's return from retirement as a great moment.

Zanzibar: don't laugh, but in light of all the recent Mark Madden stuff I started thinking about who would be good radio guys who are currently newspaper guys. The name my friends and I keep coming up with - Dunlap. Your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I'm going to keep Colin Dunlap for as long as I can. He brings a lot to our party here at the P-G and we're happy with his work. Now if he wants to try to fit it around P-G work, well, we'd have to discuss that.

Jerry Micco: I need to run folks. Another terrific chat. Thanks for spending the time with me. I'll be on vacation next week. Finally going to take that time I'd planned on taking a month ago. We'll have a replacement here next Wednesday at noon. Perhaps I can talk Bob Smizik into returning. Again, thanks for the good questions and for spending the hour. Enjoy the Pens game tonight.