PITTSBURGH - You've known Steve Blass, the pitcher, and Steve Blass, the broadcaster.
Now get ready for Steve Blass, the author.
Blass, who provides analysis on the broadcasts of Pirates home games, is working on an autobiography that is scheduled to be published next spring.
The working title is, "They Named a Disease After Me."
That comes from the sudden and mysterious loss of control that scuttled Blass' successful pitching career at age 31 in 1973.
He was coming off a 19-win season in 1972 that had followed his two victories in the 1971 World Series, including a complete game in Game Seven.
Blass struggled for two years to regain his control. He finally gave up and retired in spring training in 1975.
There's never been an explanation for what happened. The malady has afflicted other players, including Rick Ankiel, and has come to be known as Steve Blass Disease.
Those dark days will be covered in the book, but will be offset by the triumphs and funny stories Blass has collected since signing with the Pirates out of high school in 1960.
In typical self-deprecating style, he said, "Everybody else is writing a book, so I figured why not me? It might sell four or five copies."
Roster not set yet
There's a theory that the Pittsburgh Steelers' roster is virtually set, with only minor decisions remaining.
I'm not so sure about that.
Because there were no organized off-season workouts or mini-camps, all NFL teams have had a limited time to look at rookies.
If there's a decision to be made, it will probably come down in favor of more experienced players.
That should make some interesting players available as all 32 teams cut down their rosters.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Steelers taking an extra-close look at the waiver wire this year and making some additions.
Because they're bumping up against the cap, it also wouldn't be a surprise to see a tenured vet or two cut loose.
High tech
According to published reports, Joe Paterno is using video conferencing to "visit" with recruits.
Next thing you know, he'll be taking a stab at microwaving popcorn.
Mehno can be reached at johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com
