1 boater found alive...and possibly Cooper?

Nick Schulyer, 1 of the 4 boaters aboard the 21 foot fishing vessel that went missing off the coast of Clearwater, FL. has been found alive by the coast guard. The boat was anchored when strong winds capsized the vessel. Schulyer was fishing with another man and two NFL football players: Former Steeler Marquis Cooper and Detroit Lions DE Corey Smith.

Recent reports are stating that a family member of Marquis Cooper said that he was found alive as well. Those reports are yet to be confirmed, but it would certainly be a miracle.

There is no word on the other two men. Schulyer said that they were all wearing life preservers, but he last say his friends at 2:00 AM the evening of the accident.

Schulyer is in serious condition at the Tampa Bay General Hospital, but is expected to be okay.

Hopefully there will be more good news to follow.

Pirates continue spring success

The Pittsburgh Pirates are continuing their spring success by beating the Detroit Tigers yesterday. Nate McLouth aided the victory with a towering 3 run home run.

Pedro Alvarez is continuing to prove that he can hit major league quality pitching as he went 1 for 1 as a pinch hitter. He's hitting .429 after 6 spring games.

Just building momentum as the Pirates prepare to make their run towards greatness...and by greatness, I mean a record over .500.

Pirates played long ball with the Astros

Don't look now, but the Pittsburgh Pirates are currently in a two-way tie for second place in the Grapefruit League. (It's Ok...Go ahead and laugh)

After so many years of losing seasons, I'll take a 3-2 record after 5 games of spring training. In their most recent win over the Astros, four Pirates hit home runs to seal the victory. (Moss, Monroe, Diaz, and Salazar)

Former Steeler Marquis Cooper missing!

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that a 21-foot fishing boat was missing in the Gulf Coast near Clearwater Pass, Florida. The boat was reportedly carrying 4 passengers, including Cooper, Detroit Lion Corey Smith and 2 others. The four men left Clearwater Pass on February 28 at 6:30 a.m. and were expected to return later that night. The Coast Guard began searching for the missing boat shortly after midnight on March 1, 2009. As of 12:42 p.m. local time on March 1, 2009 the boat had not been located. Cooper is allegedly on the boat with Detroit Lions player Corey Smith a man named "Nick Skyler" and a fellow Raiders teammate.

The 27 year old Cooper was drafted in the 3rd round (79th overall) by Tampa Bay. He went on to have 3 stints with th Pittsburgh Steelers and is currently a member of the Oakland Raiders.

Nate Washington visiting the Titans today

As much as I hate to see Nate Washington leave Pittsburgh, I would like to see him have the opportunity to be successful. At times last season, Nate Washington was the Steelers best deep threat. However, at other times, Washington displayed similar catching abilities as CB Ike Taylor. (See Picture Left)

It took a few years for the speedy, yet raw WR out of Tiffin to develop into a quality NFL receiver, but Washington did just that. Unfortunately for Washington, the Steelers drafted Limas Sweed in the 2nd round last year and Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes are still ahead on the depth chart. Couple those factors with the fact that Nate is looking to get paid and you have a free ticket out of Pittsburgh.

Washington is reportedly looking for 7-8 million in guaranteed money and a minimum of a 3 year deal. There are 5 or 6 teams that are seriously interested in his services and the Titans may be looking for a weapon for Kerry Collins....especially after losing WR Brandon Jones to the 49ers.