The Cook & Joe Show

The Penguins made one small move, McCutchen signs a minor league deal with Rangers and Rodgers says nothing ahead of free agency

The full Pomp and Joe Show, with Joe Starkey and Austin Bechtold, from Friday, March 6th, 2026

Hour 1 with Joe Starkey: Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum joined the show! There is excitement in the Pirates clubhouse and have a lot of guys that embody the blue-collar aspect of Don Kelly and Pittsburgh. Mangum has an exciting style of play with speed and defense the backbone of it. Would you make a big move at the NHL trade deadline?

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Ray Fittipaldo thought the Aaron Rodgers situation was about Rodgers deciding if he was going to play or not, then the Steelers would present him a contract. Were the Capitals a fluke last season? Are the Penguins in a better position long-term than the Capitals?

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Sean Gentille thinks that Evgeni Malkin will be suspended three games for his high stick on Rasmus Dahlin. He thinks there is a 66.6% chance that Evgeni Malkin comes back. Sean thinks that Ben Kindel's full potential is a really good, valuable player as a No. 2 center. The Bechtold Breakdown - The Pirates said thank you and good luck to Andrew McCutchen.

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: Dan Muse spoke on Evgeni Malkin's penalty and the goalie interference penalty. Would you trade Stuart Skinner? We would, if the Penguins can acquire a second. The Pirates said goodbye, for now, to Andrew McCutchen. Joe thinks that McCutchen should have a statue.

Joe talked to Susan Wagner, who made the Roberto Clemente and Bill Mazeroski statues. The Pirates said goodbye, for now, to Andrew McCutchen. Joe thinks that McCutchen should have a statue. If Andrew McCutchen plays more than 20 games in the outfield, Joe will take Austin and Donny to a steak dinner. Jake Mangum is 2-2 today after joining the show.

Dan Muse spoke on Evgeni Malkin's penalty and the goalie interference penalty. Internet Bob from Bowser Chevy joins the show. Joe is looking to purchase a new car. Would you trade Stuart Skinner? We would, if the Penguins can acquire a second.

Fan trading cards from Joe. Donny Football joins to talk about his wedding. The Pirates said thank you and good luck to Andrew McCutchen. The Penguins are reportedly shopping Stuart Skinner before the trade deadline. Dianna Russini reported that the Ravens are monitoring the Maxx Crosby trade sweepstakes.

Sean thinks that Evgeni Malkin will be suspended three games for his high stick on Rasmus Dahlin. Will anything change Kyle Dubas' mind at the deadline? Sean thinks it's more likely the Penguins add a defenseman before the deadline. Joe is ready to hand the reins to Sergei Murashov!

The Washington Capitals have traded John Carlson. Alex Ovechkin was shocked by this. Were the Capitals a fluke? They are trying to walk the line of contending and still rebuilding. This is a cautionary tale for the Penguins. Washington had 111 points last year! Are the Penguins in a better position long-term than the Capitals? 

Ray thought the Aaron Rodgers situation was about Rodgers deciding if he was going to play or not, then the Steelers would present him a contract. Ray thinks that Rodgers is still plan A. He also thinks that Rodgers is a better option than Malik Willis and Kyler Murray. Ray thinks a losing record is possible with a new coaching staff. If the Steelers go 6-11 or 5-12 organically, it can help get better players.

Would you make a big move at the NHL trade deadline? We don't think Kyle Dubas will make a big trade due to Evgeni Malkin potentially being suspended. The game turned on a goalie interference call. We hear from Penguins fans on Evgeni Malkin.

There is an excitement in the Pirates clubhouse and have a lot of guys that embody the blue-collar aspect of Pittsburgh. Mangum has an exciting style of play with speed and defense the backbone of it. Evgeni Malkin was ejected from the game last night against Buffalo. Joe compared it to a rock fight. Joe thinks people need to relax with the Malkin talk and him snapping has nothing to do with his contract.

The full Pomp and Joe Show, with Bob Pompeani, Joe Starkey, and Austin Bechtold (behind the glass), from Thursday, March 5th, 2026

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani, Joe Starkey, and Tyler Kennedy: The NHL trade deadline is tomorrow at 3 p.m. What should the Penguins do? Andrew McCutchen has signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers. Evgeni Malkin has been playing very well for the Penguins, but questions remain about his contract. Tyler Kennedy thinks the template needs to be like Egor Chinakhov and acquire a young player who needs a big change of scenery.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Pat McAfee asked Aaron Rodgers a 300-word question to see if he would come back to the Steelers, and Rodgers responded that he has made no decision and told those wanting to know if he's playing to stop asking. Rodgers said he hasn't been offered a contract by Pittsburgh. Should the Pirates build Andrew McCutchen a statue?

Hour 3 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: RMU basketball head coach Andy Toole joins as RMU is going to the Horizon League semifinals. Last year's team was more athletic than this season and this year's team is about helping each other and make the right decisions. Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now has reported that the NHL has still not approved Fenway Sports Group's sale of the Penguins to the Hoffman Family. Should Kyler Murray play baseball? Joey Bart is taking ground balls at first base.

Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Jeff shares what he would do at the NHL trade deadline. Jeff is rooting for Andrew McCutchen. Should the Steelers have traded for DJ Moore? The Bills traded a second rounder for Moore, who has at least $40 million in guarantees on his contract. The Penguins host the Sabres. Jeff thinks Andrew McCutchen deserves a statue for what he did for the Pirates.

Should the Steelers have traded for DJ Moore? The Bills traded a second rounder for Moore, who has at least $40 million in guarantees on his contract. The Penguins host the Sabres. Jeff thinks Andrew McCutchen deserves a statue for what he did for the Pirates. A generation of Pirates fans was led by him. Pirates fast stats history!

Jeff shares what he would do at the NHL trade deadline. We would be ok with no moves. Jeff is rooting for Andrew McCutchen and thought it would have been weird for McCutchen to just be a minimal impact guy in Pittsburgh, but can elsewhere. Jeff said that his viewpoint is still that Rodgers is option 1A.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now has reported that the NHL has still not approved Fenway Sports Group's sale of the Penguins to the Hoffman Family. Should Kyler Murray play baseball? Rest in Peace Lou Holtz. Joey Bart is taking ground balls at first base. The Pirates traded Kyle Nicolas to the Reds for INF/OF Tyler Callihan.

RMU men's basketball coach Andy Toole joined the show. RMU had 3,500 fans last night against YSU with a very loud atmosphere. It took a little bit for his guys to settle in. RMU had a much better second half than first. Last year's team was more athletic than this season and this year's team is about helping each other and make the right decisions. RMU is two wins away from the NCAA Tournament.

The Bills are acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears. Andrew McCutchen has signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers. Bob is happy for McCutchen. Should the Pirates build Andrew McCutchen a statue?

Pat McAfee asked Aaron Rodgers a 300-word question to see if he would come back to the Steelers, and Rodgers responded that he has made no decision and told those wanting to know if he's playing to stop asking. Bob thinks that two years in a row is too much. Rodgers said he hasn't been offered a contract by Pittsburgh. It didn't sound like Rodgers is ready to sign or is signing anytime soon.

Tyler Kennedy thinks the template needs to be like Egor Chinakhov and acquire a young player who needs a big change of scenery. Bob thinks Dubas deserves credit for hiring Dan Muse, who Bob thinks has been terrific. Joe doesn't expect Dubas to make a big trade, but would you be in favor of it? 

The NHL trade deadline is tomorrow at 3 p.m. What should the Penguins do? Andrew McCutchen has signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers. Evgeni Malkin has been playing very well for the Penguins, but questions remain about his contract.

The full Pomp and Joe Show, with Bob Pompeani, Joe Starkey, and Austin Bechtold (behind the glass), from Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: The Penguins lost 2-1 in Boston, but Joe thought they played a pretty solid game. Should the Penguins trade for Vincent Trocheck? The previous line was 72.5 and over 90% of bets were on the over, making it the most bet MLB team. Are you interested in the World Baseball Classic?

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Mark Kaboly joins for a full hour! Mark would not pursue Kyler Murray or Tua. We discuss the first time we were on TV and had a byline. Mark Kaboly thinks Aaron Rodgers is definitely coming back. Mark is confident the Steelers are going to acquire a receiver in the next week.

Hour 3 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Aaron Rodgers is going to be on The Pat McAfee Show today at 2:05pm. What will Rodgers say?? The Rams are trading for All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs for a first-round pick and three other picks. Trey Hendrickson won't return to the Bengals. Alec Pierce is going to be an unrestricted free agent and could be a great option.

Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: How will Steelers fans feel if Aaron Rodgers announces he is back? The top 100 MLB players. Paul Skenes is No. 6. If you had to start a franchise with Drew Allar or Will Howard, Bob picks Will Howard.

The top 100 MLB players. Paul Skenes is No. 6. If you had to start a franchise with Drew Allar or Will Howard, Bob picks Will Howard.

How will Steelers fans feel if Aaron Rodgers announces he is back? Joe doesn't think the fan base will be excited. It feels old to Joe and like Tomlin 2.0 where nothing is going to change. Bob and Joe would have ideas on how the league can change tanking.

The Rams are trading for All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs for a first-round pick and three other picks. Trey Hendrickson won't return to the Bengals. Alec Pierce is going to be an unrestricted free agent and could be a great option. Seattle Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker is going to be a free agent. The Cowboys tagged George Pickens.

Aaron Rodgers is going to be on The Pat McAfee Show today at 2:05pm. What will Rodgers say? Mark Kaboly and Pomp don't think Rodgers will announce he's open to playing for other teams. We examine why Rodgers is doing that. Joe thinks Rodgers will announce he's coming back.

The NFL is set to take over Pittsburgh in over a month for the NFL Draft. Mark Kaboly think Aaron Rodgers is definitely coming back. This segment goes completely off the rails. Mark is confident the Steelers are going to acquire a receiver in the next week. 

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show joined the show. Mark would not pursue Kyler Murray or Tua. We discuss the first time we were on TV and had a byline.

Vegas has upped the Pirates win total to 78.5. The previous line was 72.5 and over 90% of bets were on the over, making it the most bet MLB team. Are you interested in the World Baseball Classic? Bob is watching for Paul Skenes. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show for Starkey's Card of the Week.

The Penguins lost 2-1 in Boston, but Joe thought they played a pretty solid game. Should the Penguins trade for Vincent Trocheck? Bob would not trade a first-round pick. Adam Schefter said this is the week we should or could get an Aaron Rodgers decision. Should Pittsburgh pursue Kyler Murray?

The full Pomp and Joe Show, with Joe Starkey and Austin Bechtold (behind the glass), from Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026

Hour 1 with Joe Starkey: We start the show by talking about our lingo. How are you feeling about the Pirates?? Joe wants to see the Pirates be good and is tapping into his young soul heart. Gauging Pirates fans interest in this year.