The Sports Monitor

The story about the Pirates strong-arming the Stroll Inn seems to be taking a life of its own. The latest revelation is that the owner claimed Frank Coonelly scolded her. You can hear the an interview here . Again, the Pirates really should be more concerned with what's happening on the field than what others are doing off the field. I still think the Stroll Inn should have kept the promotion. Maybe, however, the Stroll Inn realized that before too long, they would be giving away free pitchers of beer, or, it would have to pay customers to buy a pitcher, if losses exceeded the cost of the pitcher. I'd like to see other bars offer a similar deal as a show of solidarity. To help them along, here are some ideas to consider: Bad Trade Night . Half off a beer every time the Pirates trade an established player for a minor leaguer. Bad Pitcher Night . Half off a pitcher of beer every time a Pirates starter gives up more than five runs in a game. Another game under .500...

Nothing like a Pirates controversy to bring me out of my slumber. Apparently, the Stroll Inn had a special that if the Pirates lose -- and, frankly, when don't they lose -- patrons could get a nickel off a pitcher of beer. That didn't sit well with two employees of the Pirates . They called for a boycott of the bar. Frank Coonelly, according to WTAE, supports his employees actions. So, naturally, the bar caved. You'd think the Pirates' employees, along with Coonelly, would focus instead on improving the team. Instead, they go after a business. I'd like to see more bars offer a similar deal, not to increase the number of drunk Pirates fans out there, but to stand up against the Pirates. At least the bar is getting some free publicity out of all this. The Pirates, however, take another PR hit. Maybe the franchise was jealous they couldn't think up of a creative promotion and they missed out on cashing in on such an idea. Or just maybe the organiz...

If you tell a lie often enough, it becomes the truth. That adage might work in politics, but it certainly doesn't work when it comes to the Pittsburgh Pirates. At least that's my feelings a week after Pirates president Frank Coonelly uttered the phrase that soon will not be forgotten. "Today is our future because 2010 is the beginning of the next dynasty of the Pirates for me." I'm sure you heard it. And it's probably a safe bet that you're just as flabbergasted as I am this long after his proclamation. 2010 simply will be another year in a long line of losing seasons for the Pirates, no matter what Coonelly says. Spring training is supposed to be a time of optimism. I don't have it this season when it comes to the Bucs. Bob Nutting can boast about a great team. GM Neal Huntington can, too. Same goes for manager John Russell. I can't trust or believe a word these guys say -- just like a politician. Do they really think anyone that f...