If you haven't already, check out the article on Charlie Batch in today's Post Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08096/870760-66.stm

When I'm not thinking straight, if you were to ask me who my favorite Steeler is I would probably robotically respond with name of one of the star contributors to team; FWP, Silverback, Troy. But I was reminded today, that, in fact, my favorite Steeler is Batch.

As a Quarterback. We can argue back and forth as to where Ben ranks as a quarterback in this league. But answer this; is there a better #2 in this league than Batch? Not only will I say no, but I believe the arguement can be made that Batch is equal to or better than up to half of the starters out there. He would certainly be a dramatic improvement in venues such as Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, Buffalo, Kansas City, Atlanta. I can keep going. Anybody here really worried if we had to live without Ben for a game or two? If Peyton Manning went down for a couple of games Colts fans would be praying that those games were against Purdue and Northwestern. If Brady went down it would be the end of civilization as they know it in New England. Probably the worst case scenario for us would be the start of a qb controversy.

Teammate and community member. Has there been a peep about his professionalism, his relationship to his teammates (especially Ben) and his behavior on or off the field? A hometown hero, a community service asset to the franchise, one hell of an insurance policy.

I figured that a tribute would be appropriate at this time. He's likely to be overlooked while he's with us. He'll be missed terribly once he's gone.