BCB, SFU, and P-E-N-S

Quick observations of the week's happenings:

Headline: Curve games postponed Tuesday and Wednesday at Blair County Ballpark due to field conditions

Details: While the tarp probably shouldn't have been left off the field on Monday (the day before the homestand), there's more at work here. The fact that the infield dirt wasn't dry enough on Wednesday points to either improper drainage or, worse, a water source issue as there are two nearby creeks.

Next?: At the very least, it appears a new infield and probably new drain pipes will be necessary sooner rather than later. As a 10-year old field, it's perhaps overdue according to team officials. The rub? Those repairs will likely be pretty expensive (five-, or maybe even six-figure expensive) . Who's paying? Blair County owns the ballpark, the Curve leases it. When asked on the radio version of "Front & Center" about who's responsible for such maintenance and repair costs, Curve President and Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg declined to answer saying "that's a topic for another time and place." When asked whether it was a shared responsibility between the county and the Curve, he essentially repeated his previous answer. While I'm fairly certain the Curve are responsible for routine, day-to-day maintenance as part of their lease agreement, this type of fix wouldn't appear to fit in that category. The Curve are also in the final year of their 10-year lease. Negotiations on a new lease with the field issue added into the mix will take some problem-solving for a county that's already strapped.

Headline: Don Friday hired as St. Francis basketball coach

Details: Friday comes from Div. III Lycoming College where he won regular season and conference tournament titles in his five seasons. He also spent nine seasons at Division I Bucknell as an assistant under recently-retired head coach Pat Flannery. The former Lebanon Valley College player and assistant coach has great Pennsylvania ties and, by the sounds of it, recruiting connections in Philly, Baltimore, D.C. and West Virginia.

Next?: Kudos to SFU Athletic Director Bob Krimmel and the search committee for vetting five excellent candidates. Friday was hired after interviews with Penn St. assistant Kurt Kanaskie, Baylor assistant Matt Driscoll (highly thought of nationally), Pitt-Johnstown head coach Bob Rukavina, and Saint Joseph assistant Mark Bass. It looks like the Red Flash got a great fit with Friday. He has 19 years of coaching and recruiting experience in similar settings to the one found in Loretto. Despite all of that experience, he is fairly young (40) and seems to have a sense of what it will take to make the program competitive again. Now comes the hard part. Welcome to the area, Don.

Headline: The wheels on the Penguins' bandwagon may just fall off from all the people jumping on.

Details: Sure, I know I talk a lot of hockey on the radio version...perhaps too much. However, it's great to see so many people getting involved in following the sport as Pittsburgh makes its sooner-than-expected run at the Stanley Cup. Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride!

Next: As I predicted prior to the series, the Penguins will win it in five games. Philly was too good and resilient to be swept, but Therrien will counter Stevens moves of Game 4 with some of his own on Sunday.