Bires: Ben's transgressions could cost Batch

[mesaSteeler]

Bires: Ben's transgressions could cost Batch
http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sp...ost-batch.html
By: Mike Bires
Beaver County Times

Wednesday May 5, 2010 12:11 AM

PITTSBURGH — Lost in all the fallout from Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension is the fate of Charlie Batch.

It may be that because of Roethlisberger’s escapades that Batch may be out of a job in October.

Think about it.

When Roethlisberger returns from his suspension — whether it’s six games or if it’s reduced to four as expected — the Steelers could have four quarterbacks on their roster. That’s one too many.

So one will have to go.

And who might be the unlucky QB who’s told his services are no longer needed?

Even though there was speculation before the NFL Draft that Roethlisberger might be traded, he wasn’t. So he’s staying despite his seedy reputation.

If the season-opener were played today, Byron Leftwich would be the starter. He was a solid backup to Roethlisberger in 2008, and was acquired the moment the Steelers caught wind of the severity of Roethlisberger’s suspension.

Last weekend at minicamp, coach Mike Tomlin quickly put Leftwich in with the first-team offense. So it makes sense that Leftwich, 30, will be here for the long haul.

Running the second-team offense at minicamp was third-year pro Dennis Dixon.

He’s still a project, but the Steelers like his progress and potential. So he’s not going anywhere.

That means that Batch, who’s 35 and injury prone, will eventually have to go, even though the Steelers will have to incur the remainder of his 2010 contract.

On one hand, it would be sad to see Batch leave ... especially if it is because of Roethlisberger’s transgressions.
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Batch is such a high-character guy.

He does so much for the community, especially in the Homestead area where he was born and attended high school.

Batch oversees the Best of the Batch Foundation, which offers after-school programs and a basketball league for kids in disadvantaged communities.

On April 14 when Dan Rooney, the Steelers chairman emeritus and the U.S. ambassador to Ireland, received the AFL-CIO Citizen of the Year award, he refused comment regarding Roethlisberger. But Rooney did have high praise for Batch.

“I think players have to be special. I think we have a special man right here with Charlie, as far as what he does, what his foundation does for children in this community,” Rooney said. “I think that that’s the way they should be.”

Over the past six years, Roethlisberger and Batch have forged a close relationship.

But now, Roethlisberger may be the guy who ends Batch’s pro career.

A lot could happen between now and the Oct. 17 game against Cleveland, a game Roethlisberger may be allowed to play in.

Injuries happen, even in the preseason. Just ask Batch, who missed the entire 2004 and 2008 seasons due to injury.

But if all the Steeler quarterbacks stay healthy, that will eventually spell doom for one of them ... and it will likely be Charlie Batch who’ll be odd man out.

Mike Bires can be reached online at mbires@timesonline.com

[stillers4me]

Ben is da debil.

[MasterOfPuppets]

if charlie wasn't a china doll , then maybe they wouldn't have had to pick up lefty... its his own faulty the steelers don't feel confident with him, not bens....sorry charlie...

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[AllD]

I would bet that the Steelers cut Lefty over Batch if necessary because of his community involvement. Lefty also left to go to Tampa and Batch was offered more than Lefty to stay. Lefty can always have Sweed's slot.

[MasterOfPuppets]

Originally Posted by AllD

I would bet that the Steelers cut Lefty over Batch if necessary because of his community involvement. Lefty also left to go to Tampa and Batch was offered more than Lefty to stay. Lefty can always have Sweed's slot.

yep...they gave up a draft pick and signed him to a 2 yr contract just to cut him.. i guess having him workout with the first team O is to throw other teams off ?

[wootawnee]

I think its time for Charlie to hang up the cleats and grab the whistle.......Homeboy.......

[fansince'76]

Can I have Bires' job?

Originally Posted by fansince'76

I think Batch will be carried as insurance on the 3rd string until Ben's suspension is over, then he'll be released.

http://forums.steelersfever.com/show...504#post817504

[vindrow]

I wonder who will be the first to blame global warming and 9/11 on Ben.

[BigBen'sSwagger]

What a pathetic opinion from a pathetic media type. The saddest part of all is this guy gets paid to write garbage like this.

I am just waiting to hear how Ben is the reason the pirates can't field a good team.

[Psyychoward86]

actually, he is kind of right. Not a lot of teams carry around 4 QB's on the roster. Mostly just the teams with an unsettled situation at QB. We are NOT unsettled. This suspension does not changes a lot for us, but it really doesnt change who "The Guy" under center is.


Everyone talks about how the starting job is going to be Leftwich or Dixon, but dont count out Batch yet.

Even if he is released, he damn well better come back to Pittsburgh as an assistant coach, or special assistant for player personnel just like Mean Joe Greene.

Hoping for the best