Time to rid my mind of some random thoughts:

• The Steelers are in luck.

They need plenty of help in this weekend's NFLDraft and making the right selections are critical to the team's immediate and long-term success.

That's all true.

What's also true is that there are plenty of quality players available where the Steelers need help the most: on the offensive line and running back depth. Because of that, the team would be wise to trade its first selection, No. 23 overall, to accumulate more picks.

• Speaking of quality, the current Penguins-New York Rangers series, which got under way Friday night, should provide plenty of entertainment.

Both teams have plenty of star power, red-hot goaltenders and the belief that they're good enough to win the Stanley Cup.

It all adds up to a long, freewheeling series of wide-open hockey and big-time plays. Enjoy.

Oh, yeah, Penguins in seven. And Game 7 could be one of the most memorable hockey games played at Mellon Arena, the oldest venue in the NHL.

• Speaking of venues, what is going on with Butler baseball and Pullman Park?

While the Golden Tornado are battling to make the WPIALplayoffs, their fans are trying to figure out where the next home game is being played.

Butler would have been better off scheduling all its home games at Highfield Park until Pullman Park is finished.

If that means waiting until next year, so be it. That refurbished ballpark will be worth the wait.

• Speaking of waiting, Pittsburgh Pirate fans are tired of doing so.

The team's slow start have fans throwing in the towel already, as if the first 19 games are a true indication of what the final 143 will be like.

While 15 years of losing understandably evokes such an attitude, I prefer a more upbeat approach.

Adam LaRoche will hit. So will Freddy Sanchez. Jack Wilson will be back. Jason Bay is healthy again and will be fine. Nate McLouth and Xavier Nady have been pleasant surprises early.

Of course, if the starting pitchers don't start throwing at least six innings on a regular basis, none of the above will matter.

• Speaking of pitching, Butler County products Matt Clement and Zach Jackson remain absent from the major leagues.

Butler's Clement was placed on the disabled list March 25 by the St. Louis Cardinals and remains there as he continues to rehabilitate his surgically-repaired right shoulder.

Seneca Valley graduate Jackson is 1-3 with a 7.04 earned run average for Nashville, the Milwaukee Brewers' Class AAAaffiliate. He has allowed 33 hits in 23 innings.

On a brighter note, Butler graduate Jake Cuffman has an 1.08 ERAin seven appearances with the Pirates' Class ALynchburg affiliate. He's walked seven, struck out one, but has allowed but three hits.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle.