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Savran on Sports, 44 Abele Road, Bridgeville, PA (2024)

04/19/2023

Author
Savran on Sports
Hi; it’s Stan.
I hope all has gone well for you since we last spoke.
As you know, I’ve been saddled with some health issues throughout the past year, some of which have kept me from being with you on a daily basis. I’m afraid I’ve reached another such juncture. A week and a half ago, my doctors found it necessary to amputate my right foot. I’m in the hospital recuperating and will be in various rehabilitation facilities for some time to come. While I’m doing so, I won’t be able to be on the air with you daily. But, make no mistake that my primary objective in rehabilitating is to get back to a point where I CAN do a daily show. My objective and my expectation is to be back with you on a daily basis just as I have been for all these years, and to do so as quickly as I can.
I can’t put a timetable on that right now because I don’t know how long it’s going to take. But, rest assured, I still have the same energy and passion that I’ve always had in being there for you, and with you, every day. I may have lost an extremity but I’ve not lost any of my passion for the job.
I fully expect to be back with you soon and we can continue our partnership in sports.
Until that time, feel free to post on this page or on Twitter .

04/10/2023

Seems like the little guy never gets a breaks. Here the Pirates off to their best start in a long time, and they lose O'Neil Cruz. Still, are you encouraged by what you've seen thus far? Jason Mackey of the PG will be my guest at 12:20.
The Penguins seem to be rallying, but will it be enough? I have severe doubts. Too little, too late. Bob Grove will join me at 1pm

03/31/2023

Start planning the parade!! No, let's hold back on that. But it was a good start for the Pirates. Impressive in some respects. Bob Walk will stop by at 12:20.
I hesitate to ask because the answers have been so predictable this season, but did the Penguins, and more importantly Tristan Jarry find their4 respective grooves last night. Both Jarry and those in front of him played very well last night. Phil Bourque will join in at 1:30.
The Final Four is about to launch. And so for the Final Word on the Final Four, we have Mike DeCourcy at 1245.
They say you have to be strong up the middle, no matter the sports. Well, the Steelers may have done exactly that this week with a couple of free agent signings. Matt Williamson will comment at 1:20.

03/30/2023

Opening Day, 2023. The Pirates, who have played at or below expectations the last 3 seasons, may be ready to make a turn in a positive direction. Do you believe that's true/ What are your expectation in terms of win and losses? Guy Junker will join me as co-host today. .
Speaking of playing below expectations, the Penguins try again to get it right tonight vs Nashville. Do you have any hope this team ill find its' groove, or is this what we'll see the rest of this season? Mark Madden joins in at 12:20.
Although the home opener isn't until next week, please share an opening day story with us. Guy and I will have some of our own as well.

03/29/2023

I hesitate to say it can't get much worse than that, because it just might! But it's hard to imagine the Penguins could kick two points to the curb against a bad team, yet they continue to do it. It's not all on Casey Desmith, but his performance was exactly what you get with a mediocre backup. They truly are the best of the bad teams. Josh Yohe was there in Detroit, and he'll join me today at 12:20.
The Steelers may have been "interested in re-signing Terrell Edmunds, but only at their price. Gerry Dulac is in Phoenix for the proceedings, and he'll be my guest at 1pm.
The NFL took no action on any meaningful rules changes. The one they did rule on doesn't affect the game at all. And you thought Congress was ineffective.
Lamar Jackson has great wheels, but in his current contract dispute, he doesn't have a leg to stand on.

03/28/2023

Dionte Johnson was the Steelers leading receiver last year, and yet managed not to catch even 1 touchdown pass. Do you put more of the blame on him, or that offense as a whole? Mark Kaboly is covering the owners meetings, and asked Mike Tomlin that question, and Mark will give us the answer today at 12:20.
The Steelers projected over/under for wins this season is 8 1/2. I realize we still have the draft to come, and more free agency activity, but as it stands, which way would you bet? Over or under?
The Final Four is Saturday, and not a #1 seed to be found. Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News offers his analysis at 1pm.
ESPN has projected the outcomes of all MLB teams, and believe it or not, they don't see the Pirates as horrible as they past 3 seasons. They predict the Pirates will win 71 games. What win total would represent progress to you?

03/27/2023

Do you think all these incredible upsets in the NCAA tournament are a good thing, or do they kind of spoil the Final Four?
The Penguins may lack several things, but arrogance isn't one of them. Is art of their problem protecting leads that they just think they're better than hey really are? Matt Vensel of the Post-
Gazette will join me at 12:20 to examine their playoff chances.
Then, THE voice of the Pens, Hall of Famer Mike Lange will be my guest at 1pm.
The Pirates are getting ready to break camp and head north for the opener Thursday. Baseball writer John Perrotto will give us an idea of what the roster may look like when he hops on with me at 1:20.
The NFL owners are meeting in Arizona. What ONE rule would you like for them to add/eliminate/modify to make the game better.

03/24/2023

A point would have been nice. A healthy defense corps might have helped. But all things being equal, getting two points on this brief road trip isn't all that bad. I wondered what kind of effort they would put forth, but no worries. I was gratified that they played hard and were in position to win the game. Maybe that's just where and who they are these days. We'll talk to Seth Rorabaugh of the Trib at 12:20, then Phil Bourque at 1:40.
Will the Steelers secondary actually be better without Terrell Edmunds, and what can we expect from Demontae Kazee or maybe safeties in the draft. Matt Williamson will join me at 1:20.

03/23/2023

If you're among those searching for an answer to what the Penguins did last night, please include me as a member of your search party. Given the caliber of opponent, it was absolutely one of their best performances of the season, if not THE best.
How do we judge them? Was it a one-off, an aberration, or should we wait until after tonight's game with Dallas? If they win, or even play a strong game, can we say with any degree of certainty that they're on the right track? Also, why hasn't Sid ever been seriously considered for the Selke?
day with Guy Junker. Mark Madden joins us at 12:20.
Is something brewing between the Steelers and Terrell Edmunds? He's not the best safety in the NFL by any stretch, but he does seem to fit here. Should they sign him?
The Pirates signed some free agents designed to make them better right now. Will they be?

03/22/2023

The World Baseball Classic is in the books. i didn't watch any of it, but did you? No judgements, just curious. Part of it is the timing of it. I jut don't think spring training is ideal. What would be the best time to hold i.t? I've got some thoughts on the topic, as will Jason Mackey, who is at spring training with the Pirates. He'll be my guest at 1:20. The Steelers signed James Pierre. Why? Depth? Can he help? Gerry Dulac today at 1215.
Here we go again. The Penguins get a break last night when Florida loses to Philly. But can they take advantage of it tonight in Colorado? Josh Yohe will discuss the last gasp of the Pens at 12:40.

03/21/2023

Loss is the operative word for the day. Another one for the Penguins, and I'm at a loss to explain why they fell against an inferior team (or at least teams who appear to be inferior, maybe they're not in all actuality!)
The question is not when it will end, but IF it will end. And long term, would it be beneficial for them to miss the playoffs? That would eliminate all pretense, and display exactly who they are and what needs to be done. Bryan Metzer of the Penguins radio network will be my guest at 12:20.
Was that enough Madness for you in the latest round of NCAA hoop action. A chance to digest it all with Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News today at 1pm.
Sometimes keeping the band together isn't the worst idea. That may be the best option for the Steelers.
It's not the best option for the Pirates. If you're going to err, err on the side of youth. If you're a fan, would you be willing to see a few rookie mistakes as opposed to veterans making poor plays?
And lastly, I owe an apology to anyone who listened to yesterday's show. I'll explain at 12:45.

03/20/2023

No shocking upset for Pitt. They just lost to a better team thst played well. No shame in hat. Noah Hiles covered the fame for the Post-Gazettte and he'll join me at 12:20.
The Penguins look like team that can' t wait for the season....on regulation! Is there any rebound from his? Bog Grve offers his opinions at 1pm.
The Seelers get even bigger and even nastrier. Is it the Steagles all over again? Aex Kozora today at 1;20 to evaluate the latest Steeler free agent signing.

03/17/2023

I'm sensing a pattern in the Steelers FA acquisitions. They want to toughen up this football team, on both sides of the line of scrimmage. We'll get an evaluation of all the new players from Matt Williamson at 1:20.
The Penguins have become annoyingly predictable: Play just well enough to lose. Not bad last night, but just not enough to win. Phil Bourque will join us at 1pm.
Game #2 for Pitt this afternoon. Chris Carter covers the Panthers for the Post-Gazette, and he'll be my guest at 12:20.
I'm not a big fan of the WBC, but there are reasons to not play it. We saw one earlier this week.

03/16/2023

Whoa. Talk about changes! The Steelers have cut Myles Jack and have added depth to their ILB group, plus a good special teams guy in Elandon Roberts. But what about pass coverage?
Who Mike Sullivan starts in goal tonight will speak volumes about not only the rest of this season, but what they plan to do with Tristan Jarry in the future.
It's day with Guy Junker 12-2, with Mark Madden joining in at 12:20.
Pitt has a real chance at advancing, given the soft Midwest Region.
It would seem Mitch Keller has found his way after struggling early and often in his career. Does that signify a substantial change in they way they will handle pitchers, different from the previous regime?

03/15/2023

The Steelers saved money by signing ILB Cole Holcomb instead of Robert Spillane, but did they get the better player? With this signing, plus those of Patrick Peterson, Larry Ogunjobi, Damonte Kazee and Nate Herbig, how do you rate the Steelers off season thus far? Gerry Dulac will voice his thoughts at 1pm.
Just when you think the Penguins can't go any lower, they do. Just when you think they've found the right path, they stray off of it. Another awful loss last night. Josh Yohe will be here at 12:20 for the post mortem (emphasis on mortem)!
Survive and advance. That's the mantra for the NCAA Tournament, and that's what Pitt did last night with their 1 point win over Mississippi State. Jerry DiPaola of the Trib joins me at 1:20.

03/14/2023

I didn't have Patrick Peterson punched on my Bingo card. He's a bit advanced age wise, but he can still play. But even with his addition, the Steelers still should draft a CB with one of their early picks. Mark Kaboly of The Athletic shares his thoughts at 12:40.
2 points wearing Montreal uniforms awaits the Penguins tonight. A must win over a bad team. We welcome Pens TV analyst Bob Errey at 12:20.
Pitt opens NCAA play tonight, and we begin our tournament coverage with Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News today at 1pm.
We're on the back half of Grapefruit League games. We'll get a Pirates progress report from John Perrotto today at 1:20.

03/13/2023

The win over the Rangers is as good a performance the Penguins have had in a while. Maybe the most encouraging part was the play of Tristan Jarry yesterday. Are you more encouraged about their playoff chances? Jay Caufield will be my guest at 12:20.
NFL teams can begin negotiating with free agents as of today. Who are the Steelers looking at? Ray Fittipaldo joins in at 1pm.
Pitt is in the NCAA tournament. So are Penn State and WVU. Duquesne will participate in the College Basketball Invitational. Do you have a problem with Pitt slotted in a play-in game? Noah Hiles of the Post-Gazette will discuss the NCAA bids at 1:20. And a reminder Mike DeCourcy begins his weekly March Madness appearances tomorrow a 1.
And lastly, what do the Pirates have in Jack Suwinski?

03/10/2023

It was just flat out disappointing. But when someone repeatedly tells you who/what they are, believe them. The Penguins aren't a bad hockey club, they're merely just slightly above average, nothing more. Their performance tell us that.
How close were they to acquiring Jacob Chychrun? Veteran Pens reporter Rob Rossi will join me at 12:20, followed by Phil Bourque at 1:40 pm.
A potential Steelers target in free agency becomes available. Is it possible, or even plausible? Matt Williamson today at 1:20.

03/09/2023

Are we being overly critical by undermining the Penguins comeback win vs Columbus? I don't think so, because it's been a pattern. You're not going to play great every night,, but you don't have to be great to win every night.
By choosing not to agree to Lamar Jackson's demands, are the Baltimore Ravens doing the NFL's bidding by not offering a Deshaun Watson type contract? Is the league, through the Ravens, drawing a line in the sand here? Is there more to it than that? Maybe Baltimore doesn't think Jackson is worth the money? He's won only 1 playoff game, and is hurt an awful lot. We'll discuss it with Guy Junker 12-2 and Mark Madden at 12:20. Then Gerry Dulac will join in at 1:20.
A true test of how far Pitt basketball has come arrives this afternoon with a game against Duke. Are they up to the task?

03/08/2023

In the end, they got what they needed: 2 points. But does the end justify the means? Doesn't seem like a good way to run a railroad. Is your glass half full or half empty after last night's Penguins come from behind win. We'll talk about it with Josh Yohe at 12:20.
As fast and physical as it is, I know it's difficult to control your temper. But there are lines that should never be crossed. A player did last night. Of course, he was a Flyer.
Are you among those who would like to see the Steelers draft legacy Joey Porter Jr? It might prove to be an interesting path to get in position to get there. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic will join me at 1:20 to discuss those prospects.
And today is the 52nd anniversary to one of the most memorable sporting events of my lifetime.

03/07/2023

The trades they made aside, the Penguins aren't going anywhere unless Tristan Jarry is healthy. He seldom has been. So with him about to become an unrestricted FA, do the Pens sign him to a long term, expensive contract? We'll discuss it with Jesse Marshall of The Athletic at 1pm.
Is Connor McDavid on his way to being considered Top 5 player of all time?
Help is on the way for the Steelers as early as free agency which begins next week. Who out there might the Steelers be looking at? Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot will join me at 1:20.
The Pirates have assembled a group of what they believe will be top talent. Are any of them emerging in spring ball. Jason Mackey of the Post-Gazette will be my guest at 12;20

02/28/2023

Will the Penguins modest two game win streak prompt Ron Hextall to actively pursue a trade? We'll discuss the possibility with Josh Yohe at 12:20. It's also day two days early. We'll get Guy's take on the impact MLB's new rules are having.
Omar Khan addressed the media at the combine today, and said talks with Cam Sutton are underway, and that he'd like to keep Mitch Trubisky long term. Of course, Trubisky will have something to say about that. One large question remains unanswered: Who actually has final say so when it comes to who the Steelers draft?

02/27/2023

The Penguins journey took a big U-turn over the weekend. After the back to back wins, do you feel better about their playoff prospects? We'll discuss it with Colby Armstrong at 12:20.
The sample size is still very small, but the new rules in baseball seem to have resulted in shorter games. How else have they impacted play? Baseball writer Maury Brown will be my guest at 12:40.
Omar Khan and company have a chance to alter the Steelers makeup for the rest of this decade. No less than that rides on this draft. But first, free agency. Brian Batko covers the Steelers for the Post-Gazette, and he'll join me today at 1:20.

02/24/2023

I can't imagine rock bottom being much below what we saw last night. Is there any bouncing back from that humiliation. Do you agree that the Penguins would be much better off selling or even doing nothing at the trade deadline? Do you trust Ron Hextall to lead this team moving forward? We'll talk with Dennis Bernstein of Sirius Satellite Radio at 12:20, then Phil Bourque at 1pm.
Every superstar is different in their talents, but is Conor McDavid the closest thing to Mario that you've seen?
The veteran free agent class at ILB grew yesterday with long time star Bobby Wagner joining the group. Is 32 too old for the Steelers to pursue him? Matt Williamson joins in at 1:20.

02/23/2023

You probably will watch the Penguins game anyway, but do you view the appearance of Conor McDavid as a special treat? Will he become the Sidney Crosby of his generation, if he's not already? Guy Junker will be on for the full two hours of the show. We'll be joined by Mark Madden at 12:20.
The Steelers replace one linebackers coach with another instead of adding an additional assistant. They have the smallest coaching staff in the league. While you worry about quality more than quantity, are the Steelers behind the times? Gerry Dulac today at 1pm.
Of the new rules which will be a part of MLB this year, which one would you throw out? And are you in favor of eventually having balls and strikes called electronically?

02/22/2023

When MLB teams start playing games--even in spring training--we're going to see new rules enforced. Which rule will have the greatest impact on the game?
If the Penguins haven't reached rock bottom, they can certainly see it from where they are. Can they rebound? Josh Yohe of The Athletic will be my guest at 12:20.
I believe Pitt solidified it's spot in the NCAA tournament with last ight's tougher than expected win over Georgia Tech. Noah Hiles covers the Panthers for the Post-Gazette, and he'll be my guest at 1pm.
Today is the 43rd anniversary of the Miracle on Ice victory over the Russians in Lake Placid. Please share your memories of where you were when it happened on that Friday night, or how you found out about the result, which was voted the #1 sporting event of the 20th century.

02/21/2023

Rinse, wash, repeat. It used to be the Penguins would routinely allow the first goal of a game, then chase the lead the rest of the game. Now, they score first, even dominate at times, only to inevitably lose the lead. A distinct pattern. Either formula leads to defeat. Do you have any hope that they make the playoffs after this dismal stretch? And to a larger point, are we witnessing the inevitable end to this era of Penguins hockey? You can almost hear the death rattle. Bob Grove will join me today at 1pm.
Are the Steelers hiring assistant coaches to serve as recruiting boosters?
Full workouts are underway in Bradenton. There are different faces at Pirates spring training camp, but can we expect anything different? John Perrotto is at Pirates City, and we'll talk to him at 1:20.

02/20/2023

I won’t be with you today, but tomorrow I’ll be back on with Bob Grove commenting on the Penguins and
John Perrotto from spring training. Enjoy the holiday!

02/17/2023

Funny thing about contracts. It pretty much outlines what you can and cannot do. The Pirates have control over Bryan Reynolds for a good while, so other than a feel good story, what's the rush to sign or trade him? We'll talk some baseball with Pirates reliever Chase DeJong at 12:20.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says the league disciplines officials for making bad calls or missing them altogether. Do other sports ;leagues do this? I sure would like to know.
The Penguins have a crucial 4 point game at the Islanders tonight. Is this the start of something big, or the start of playoff hopes dying? The ol'29er Phil Bourque will join me at 1pm.
Patrick Mahomes is a marvel. Are his amazing skills the reason for the Chiefs' successes, or is it the offense Andy Reid designs for him? Matt Williamson will offer his thoughts at 1:20.

02/16/2023

The AVERAGE points scored by teams in playoff wins is 30! That number watvs seldom reached by the Steelers in the past to seasons. Do they have the talent/coaching to transform from their traditional defense first philosophy?
If the Penguins have a groove, they better find it. Like now! Mark Madden at 12:20.
Bryan Reynolds says he'd gladly remain a Pirate IF, HUGE if, he gets the money he wants. But I think he knows he won't get it here, and will be traded.
One major TV outlet may be close to declaring bankruptcy, jeopardizing deals it has with 19 MLB teams. Is this a sign of the times? Could i? happen here? MLB says it has a contingency plan so fans will still get to watch their teams.
We'll dicuss it all with Guy Junker on board from 12-2. !

Savran on Sports