The North Shore Drive

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles previews the team's weened series against the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park. What can we expect from the pitching matchups of Joe Ross vs. Bailey Falter; Ranger Suarez vs. Andrew Heaney; and Cristopher Sanchez vs. Paul Skenes? Can Oneil Cruz and the offense finally score some runs to support Skenes' superb pitching? Why are Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber among players to watch in this series? And what is Noah's bold prediction? He tackles those questions and more.

On the Friday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko react to the team's signing of QB Aaron Rodgers, which finally became official on Thursday. Does OC Arthur Smith have the secret to unlocking the former NFL MVP's full potential? Does he have enough weapons to work with in the form of receivers DK Metcalf, Cavlin Austin III, Roman Wilson; tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington; and running backs Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson? Or will the team still need to add outside names, possibility including Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper? How much sway will Rodgers hold in the organization? Will Smith defer to him in playcalling? Will coach Mike Tomlin include his thoughts in the game plan? And will he have GM Omar Khan's ear regarding possible roster moves? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders whether this team now has what it needs to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens to compete atop the AFC.

On his weekly Pirates mailbag video, Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles answers reader questions, including: Why on Earth isn't Bubba Chandler with the big-league club already? Are his Triple-A starts a waste of time? Are torpedo bats still a thing after they were all the rage early in the season? How will the Pirates utilize the designated hitter spot once Andrew McCutchen retires? Why is the national media so obsessed with the idea of a Paul Skenes trade? Where does the team rank in terms of its use of analytics? Noah answers these questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He gives his thoughts on the controversy that's ensued following the appearance of Mason Rudolph, Miles Killebrew and Rocky Bleier at a Donald Trump event in the area last week. Was the team's decision to publish a letter about the topic necessary? Or should it be a given that individual players do not represent the organization in personal capacities? Paul gives his thoughts on those topics; the hiring of Dan Muse as Penguins coach; the Beanie Bishop video that's ignited rancor within the Backyard Brawl rivalry between Pitt and WVU; and the Pirates' latest ugly loss in a spectacular Paul Skenes start.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey and Penguins insider Matt Vensel react to the team's hiring of New York Rangers assistant Dan Muse as head coach, replacing Mike Sullivan, over names including Mitch Love and D.J. Smith. Did GM Kyle Dubas make the right choice? What can Muse do to lift veterans including Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust and Tristan Jarry? How can he help the development of young talents including Ville Koivunen, Rutger McGroarty and Sergei Murashov? And is he the guy who can get the franchise back to Stanley Cup contention? Or is he more of a bridge coach? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from Day 5 of the team's OTAs at it South Side facility. How did CB Beanie Bishop, a West Virginia product, cause a stir around the facility shared with the Pitt Panthers football team? How's his slot cornerback battle with Brandin Echols and others playing out within coach Mike Tomlin's defense? Is it time for the Steelers to have their own facility, separate from Pitt football and coach Pat Narduzzi? And what did we learn about the training camp schedule with details released Wednesday? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to persisting rumors that the team may be interested in trading for TE Jonnu Smith. Does Smith really fit on a team that already has Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington? How would OC Arthur Smith deploy a trio of talented TEs? Would it help compensate for the lack of a clear No. 2 receiver behind DK Metcalf? What would GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin have to give up in a possible trade? And how would his game mesh with QBs Mason Rudolph Will Howard and -- possibly -- Aaron Rodgers? Our duo tackles those questions; Minkah Fitzpatrick's leadership role that's shown through at OTAs; and Cole Holcomb's return from injury to an ILB mix that includes Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. He gives his thoughts on news that former Buffalo Bills WR Gabe Davis is set to visit the team this week. Is he the right WR2 to play next to DK Metcalf instead of the traded George Pickens? Would Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III be able to push him for time? How will he mesh with QBs Mason Rudolph and Will Howard? Or possibly Aaron Rodgers? And would GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin be correct to pursue him instead of names like Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper, who are also available? Paul tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from Day 4 of the team's OTAs at its South Side facility. Why is Minkah Fitzpatrick at these voluntary practices while other veterans including T.J. Watt, DK Metcalf and likely QB Aaron Rodgers are not? How important is it that Fitzpatrick is leading the effort to clean up the late-season issues for coach Mike Tomlin's defense? Alongside names like Patrick Queen? And how is LB Cole Holcomb looking in his return from a devastating injury? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley previews the start of a nine-game, nine-day homestand, starting with a three-game series against the Houston Astros. Beazley looks at the Astros' stats, noting that they've been led by their pitchers this season, including names like Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez and Josh Hader. Colin then previews the three pitching matchups, including Paul Skenes' scheduled start Tuesday. He then lists Jeremy Pena, Isaac Paredes and Jose Altuve as three Astros to watch before finishing with a bold prediction.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley recaps the last week in the Pirates' system, with updates on all four minor league teams. He discusses Hunter Barco's most recent start and his return from a mild left shoulder sprain before giving his starting nine in the minors, which includes a spotlight on two rehabbing Pirates and discussion of Bubba Chandler, Konnor Griffin, Termarr Johnson and a few more top Pirates prospects.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo look ahead to Week 2 of OTAs. Is T.J. Watt's absence during contract negotiations being overplayed? Or has the edge rusher earned the right to miss voluntary workouts? Plus, assuming Watt is on the field by Week 1, how can the Steelers use him and Alex Highsmith more effectively to ramp up their pass rush? And behind them, is Payton Wilson ready to be a full-time starting linebacker?

Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Colin Beazley discuss the Pirates' three-game series against the Padres, in which they won one of three but could have realistically won either of the games they lost. Hiles and Beazley start by discussing the overall series and how the team is feeling after blowing a late lead Sunday, then talk about the starting pitching, headlined by a fantastic month of May for Bailey Falter. Beazley compares the series to one earlier in May, in which the Padres swept the Pirates handily. The two conclude with a look at Andrew McCutchen, who had a strong series and tied Roberto Clemente with his 240th Pirates home run.

On his weekly Pirates mailbag video, Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles answers reader questions. With the sudden surge in Henry Davis' game and Endy Rodriguez waiting in the wings, could Joey Bart be a potential trade chip for GM Ben Cherington? What did the Pirates see in hitting coach Matt Hague, and how is he doing so far? What does the future hold for Jared Triolo? Why are fans and many in local media so hard on Oneil Cruz when he's the Pirates' most talented player? And are Mike Burrows and Braxton Ashcraft up in the major leagues just to build trade value for Cherington to bring in a hitter? Noah tackles those topics and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Christopher Carter react to the end of a busy week of OTAs for coach Mike Tomlin's team. Did Alex Highsmith drop hints about T.J. Watt's contract extension talks? Will that deal get done soon? Or could it drag into the summer as talks with Pat Freiermuth and Cam Heyward did last year? In segment two, the guys ponder the upside Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay Jr. has a top cornerback pairing. And in the final segment, the Brian and Chris digest a brand new trade rumor linking the Steelers to tight end Jonnu Smith. Would he be a good addition to Arthur Smith's offense alongside Freiermuth and Darnell Washington? Or should the Steelers stick with what the have?

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley previews Pittsburgh's three-game series in San Diego and discusses whether the team can build on its recent success in Arizona. Colin breaks down some key Padres' statistics and their sweep of the Pirates earlier this season before previewing the three pitching matchups and concluding with a bold prediction.

After Thursday's OTAs practice from the Steelers' South Side facility, Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko share their key takeaways, including what seems to be an increased role for Payton Wilson at linebacker. Has he ascended to a starter next to Patrick Queen? Or is he just a placeholder until Cole Holcomb is healthy? And on offense, what kind of role can we expect from new running back Kenneth Gainwell?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to react to a busy week in Pittsburgh sports news. Should the GM Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have allocated their offseason budget toward building roster depth for beyond just 2025? With deals similar to the one they made with DK Metcalf? Instead of pursuing a short-term QB solution in Aaron Rodgers? And if they knew Rodgers' indecision would last into OTAs, would they have handled things differently? What are the biggest storylines around OTAs otherwise? Is it the tackle situation with Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu? The receivers room with Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III and Robert Woods jockeying for position behind Metcalf? is it Darius Slay Jr.'s arrival in the secondary? Or the re-loaded running back room with Trey Sermon, Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell joining Jaylen Warren? Our duo tackles those questions, the Penguins coaching search and College Football Playoff expansion and what it could mean for Pitt and Penn State. Then in the third segment, airing on the PG's Pirates YouTube channel, the guys analyze the team's recent hot streak. Is new manager Don Kelly making a meaningful difference compared to Derek Shelton? Or is the offense just getting some better luck? Is Kelly's future tied to Ben Cherington's? Or could Bob Nutting retain Kelly and change GMs this offseason? What should we make of how the club is handling young pitchers Bubba Chandler, Carmen Mlodzinski, Mike Burrows and Braxton Ashcraft? And is Henry Davis finally starting to round a corner?

Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Colin Beazley discuss the Pirates' three-game series in Arizona, in which the Pirates caught fire midway through the second game for a comeback win Tuesday and a rout on Wednesday. The duo start by discussing the offense in general, as the Pirates scored 19 runs in the final 12 innings of the series, before focusing on Bryan Reynolds and Henry Davis. They then focus more on Davis, with Hiles going in-depth on why Davis should be the Pirates' primary catcher until proven otherwise. They then discuss the pitching and Davis's effect on the pitching staff, especially Pirates ace Paul Skenes. For more Pirates coverage, visit: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates Visit our sponsor, Greenawalt Roofing at https://greenawaltroofing.com/service-areas/pittsburgh-pennsylvania/

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He weighs in on the increasingly frenzied national discourse surrounding Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph and the Steelers' QB situation. Do GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin deserve the criticism they're getting from Terry Bradshaw and others? Or are people making too much of OTAs and optional practices in late May, with the season still several months away? Paul welcomes Mike DeCourcy of the Sporting News to break it all down; get Mike's thoughts on College Football Playoff expansion and changes related to the NCAA's House settlement; and talk some Pirates after a win in Arizona on Tuesday night.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo recap Day 2 of OTAs at the team's South Side facility. What have tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu been saying about their approach to 2025? Can Fautanu bounce back from the injury that ruined his rookie season? And can Jones finally live up to his first-round NFL draft hype after two years of inconsistency? Our duo tackles those questions, then analyzes how the cornerback group is shaping up, with Darius Slay joining Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice Jr., Beanie Bishop and others. And explains why Wednesday's practice was a slippery one, with Mike Tomlin keeping practice outside despite a heavy dose of rain in Pittsburgh.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to national criticism of the team over Aaron Rodgers' absence from OTAs. Do names like Terry Bradshaw and Joy Taylor have a point in calling out Rodgers, GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin for the situation? Or are they overstating the impact of Rodgers' absence, with veterans including Mason Rudolph and others shrugging off outside concerns? Then later, the guys give a first look at other areas of concern. How are tackles Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones looking as they face pressure amid the departure of Dan Moore Jr.? How are new receivers DK Metcalf and Robert Woods assimilating? And are internal options Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson prepared to step up at the position following the George Pickens trade to the Dallas Cowboys?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Should the Steelers really be looking at Kirk Cousins as a Plan B to Aaron Rodgers, as reporting from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggests? Would the veteran quarterback's production be worth his hefty price tag for general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin? Or are they better off looking internally at options like Mason Rudolph and Will Howard? And what other storylines is Paul monitoring at Steelers OTAs, from the new-look receivers room with DK Metcalf and Robert Woods joining Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III to the battle at tackle highlighting Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu? Paul tackles those topics, then recaps a busy weekend for the Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers and the start of their West Coast road trip against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap the first day OTAs at the team's South Side facility. What were players saying about Aaron Rodgers as he remains unsigned at the beginning of the offseason program? How much faith do they have in Mason Rudolph as he takes first-team reps for now? How are the receivers looking? From new faces like DK Metcalf and Robert Woods to returning options like Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III? And how closely should we be watching tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu in the early going? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes former Steelers linebacker and podcaster Arthur Moats to analyze the team's QB situation as OTAs get underway this week. How big of a deal is it that Aaron Rodgers still hasn't signed as of Tuesday morning? Why didn't coach Mike Tomlin, former GM Kevin Colbert and current GM Omar Khan have a better succession plan for Ben Roethlisberger to avoid this situation? And what went wrong with Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson that prevented them or someone else from becoming the long-term answer at the position? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley previews the team's upcoming three-game series at Chase Field in Arizona. Can the Pirates capitalize on a playoff-caliber team that has lost five in a row and has a struggling bullpen? Will Andrew Heaney and Paul Skenes be able to stifle a top-hitting team? And can Mike Burrows and potentially Braxton Ashcraft help reset a tired Pirates bullpen? Colin tackles those questions and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko draft an all-time Steelers flag football team ahead of that sport joining the Olympics for the 2028 games in Los Angeles. Does Ben Roethlisberger or Justin Fields make more sense at QB? Are Antonio Brown, Diontae Johnson and Santonio Holmes the top options at WR? And could Rod Woodson, Mike Hilton, Mel Blount, Troy Polamalu and Minkah Fitzpatrick form a fearsome defense? Our duo tackles those questions, offers thoughts on the end of another week of uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers and George Pickens' comments upon joining the Dallas Cowboys.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. What should we make of Steelers owner Art Rooney II saying he's willing to wait a "little while longer" on Aaron Rodgers at QB following the NFL owners meetings? Did Rodgers add any context to his delay in making a decision in his appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast? And what is a reasonable timeline for signing with OTAs and minicamp fast approaching? And Mason Rudolph and Will Howard poised to get top reps? Paul tackles those questions and looks ahead to the Pirates' four-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Post-Gazette's Adam Bittner and Jason Mackey react to a busy week of Pittsburgh sports news. Should OTAs be a red line for Steelers GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin in their pursuit of QB Aaron Rodgers? How important is the offseason program to his success, given that it didn't seem to matter much for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields? And how much worse off would the Steelers be with Mason Rudolph as their starter instead? Is the national media bashing he's received fair? Our duo tackles those questions; the difference between George Pickens and DK Metcalf as WR1; and the team's biggest remaining weakness after adding Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson in the NFL draft. Later, the guys discuss the Penguins coaching search. Why does Mitch Love continue to make a lot of sense as a frontrunner? How much say should Sidney Crosby have in the hiring process? And how cool is it to watch Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury play together one last time at the IIHF world championships? Then in the third segment, airing on the PG's Pirates YouTube channel, our duo ponders Ben Cherington's options as the season continues to slip away. Is there a trade he can make to salvage his job? Is that a move he should be allowed to make, given his track record? Would firing him have a bigger practical or psychological impact? And what should we make of the Paul Skenes trade chatter, initiated this past week by ESPN's Jeff Passan? Adam and Jason give their thoughts, then analyze the catching situation with Henry Davis and Joey Bart. And Alexander Canario's recent hot streak.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He weighs in on a report from MMQB's Albert Breer that the Steelers inquired about trading for New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave earlier in the offseason. Were they right to make their move for DK Metcalf instead? Should general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin mount another attempt to acquire Olave as a No. 2 after sending George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys? And how much confidence should we have in the current receivers room that includes names like Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson? Paul weighs in on those question, the NFL's decision not the ban the "tush push" popularized by the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles; and the conclusion of the Pirates' three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park.

Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Colin Beazley recap the Pirates' series victory over the Reds at PNC Park. Before their recap begins, the duo discusses the injury news pertaining to right-hander Jared Jones, who will miss the next 10-12 months after getting surgery to repair a UCL injury in his right elbow. The discussion then pivots to the Pirates pitching staff, which, with names like Mitch Keller, Paul Skenes, Bailey Falter and Andrew Heaney, has been nothing short of dominant under new manager Don Kelly. But for as good as the pitching has been, the bats have struggled, tying an MLB record for 26 straight games with four or less runs scored. The video is concluded with a quick look at the team's upcoming series against the Brewers, which includes a first big-league start from right-hander Mike Burrows on Thursday evening.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo discuss the history Cam Heyward is attempting to make at age 36 this season. Can he follow in the footsteps of guys like Reggie White and Bruce Smith, who remained productive well into their 30s? As new faces like Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black join the defensive line fold alongside Heyward and Keeanu Benton? Later our duo looks at the latest in the T.J. Watt extension saga for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin. And how the Steelers could be at the forefront of a plan to change the NFL's offseason schedule for OTAs and minicamp.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Are the Pirates heading toward yet another five-year rebuild following the firing of Derek Shelton as manager and the continued lack of results from general manager Ben Cherington? Or should owner Bob Nutting consider other options if he makes front-office changes at some point in the coming weeks and months? Could a rebuild lead to a trade of star pitcher Paul Skenes sooner rather than later as national MLB insiders including ESPN's Jeff Passan have speculated recently? Or should they keep him in their rotation alongside names like Mitch Keller for as long as possible? And when will it finally be time for the team to promote star pitching prospect Bubba Chandler? Paul ponders those questions and more.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko ranks the team's 2025 schedule by degree of difficulty. Will Myles Garrett and the Browns be the easiest foe coach Mike Tomlin's team sees? Or will they still be able to challenge the offense that's been re-tooled with names including DK Metcalf, Kenneth Gainwell and -- possibly -- QB Aaron Rodgers? How much pressure will offensive juggernauts like the Bills and Lions put on T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, first-round pick Derrick Harmon and the team's new-look defense? Can they slow down stars like Josh Allen, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown? Or will those guys find success like Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry of the division rival Ravens did in the playoffs last season? And how do Joe Burrow and the Bengals plus J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings factor into all of this? Brian tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Will Aaron Rodgers sign with the Steelers before OTAs, scheduled for next week? How much will it hurt preparation for coach Mike Tomlin's team if he doesn't? What could it mean for quarterbacks already under contract, including Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, or the chemistry with wide receivers including DK Metcalf, Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson? And what should we make of comments Rodgers' biographer made last week? Paul tackles those questions, then gives his thoughts on a disastrous Pirates weekend series that included a brilliant Paul Skenes start wasted by a lack of offense.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles previews the team's upcoming series with the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. Can Mitch Keller, Andrew Heaney and Bailey Falter keep the struggling offense in the game against this relatively average NL Central rival? Will Oneil Cruz, Andrew McCutchen and the offense get an opportunity to turn things around against this pitching staff, including starters like Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez and Brady Singer? And why is Austin Hayes the bat Pirates pitching will most need to look out for? Noah tackles those questions and more.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze the advantages DK Metcalf gives the team as its No. 1 WR in place of George Pickens, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month. What does Metcalf do better than Pickens? Will he be a better fit in a WRs room with names including Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods and Roman Wilson? And how quickly can he generate chemistry with QBs including Mason Rudolph and -- possibly -- Aaron Rodgers? Our duo tackles those questions, plus lessons GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin should take from the ill-fated 2022 NFL draft in which they selected Pickens, Austin, Kenny Pickett, DeMarvin Leal and others. Then in the third segment, the guys ponder whether Aaron Rodgers or the offensive line -- including young players like Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick -- are more important to the team for its upcoming late-season grind.

On his weekly Saturday Conversations podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes former Pirates first-round draft pick Cole Tucker to get his perspective on the Pirates' managerial change from Derek Shelton to Don Kelly. What does Tucker remember about playing for Kelly? Why does he believe the club and former teammates including Ke'Bryan Hayes, Bryan Reynolds and Jack Suwinski are struggling so mightily? And what does he remember about his promotion to MLB that included a home run? Then later, our duo discusses Tucker's transition into broadcasting and how he hopes to use his gregarious personality to make TV gold.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko ponder WR2 options for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin following the George Pickens trade to the Dallas Cowboys. Should the team sign a big name like Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper or Gabe Davis to line up across from DK Metcalf this season? Should they make a trade for a name like Allen Lazard if Aaron Rodgers follows through on signing to play QB? Or should they look internally to names like Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson and Robert Woods? Our duo tackles those questions, then offers reactions to the team's 2025 schedule -- released this week -- that includes a tough late-season stretch against the Bills, Ravens and Lions.

On his weekly Pirates mailbag video, Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles answers reader questions. Among them: What are the reasons the Pirates' offense is struggling so profoundly. Is it a problem with GM Ben Cherington's development regime? Why does Henry Davis instead of Joey Bart catch for Paul Skenes starts? Could hitting coach Matt Hague be in trouble after manager Derek Shelton's firing? What should we expect from Spencer Horwitz when he returns from injury? Are there any updates on the search for a bench coach? Could Francisco Cervelli be a candidate? And how has Don Kelly performed in his first week as manager?

Host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Maceky to react to a busy week in Pittsburgh sports news, which included the release of the Steelers' schedule on Wednesday night. Is the NFL signaling that it expects Aaron Rodgers will ultimately sign with the team by creating a Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets, his former squad? How intrigued should we be by an early meeting with former Steelers QB Justin Fields? And is it a good thing or a bad thing that coach Mike Tomlin and Co. will face another late-season gauntlet with games against the Super Bowl-contending Bills, Ravens and Lions? Our duo tackles those questions, plus Jason's reaction to what we saw from names including Derrick Harmon, Will Howad, Kaleb Johnson and Jack Sawyer at rookie minicamp. Then on other fronts, they discuss the Penguins coaching search and College Football Playoff expansion. Is Washington Capitals assistant Mitch Love a name that should be high on fans' list? And is the ACC right in fighting the Big Ten and SEC proposals for how the playoff will look moving forward? Then in the third segment, airing on the PG's Pirates YouTube channel, Adam and Jason react to Jason's interview with Pirates owner Bob Nutting following the firing of manager Derek Shelton last week. Does Nutting have any actual power to improve the Pirates' economic disadvantage against teams like the Dodgers, Mets and Yankees? Why did he fire Shelton but not GM Ben Cherington, who's also struggled in his role? Has Nutting oversold the impact of injuries to names like Spencer Horwitz and Jared Jones on the team's slow start? What can be done to get names like Bryan Reynolds back on track? And is it past time that Bubba Chandler was promoted to the big leagues?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo eye potential remaining moves for GM Omar Khan this offseason. Why do trades of high-priced veterans including T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick seem unlikely? Even after George Pickens was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys with one year remaining on his contract last week? And how does Watt's contract negotiation fit into that conversation? Our duo ponders those questions, then the future of the Steelers backfield. How quickly will third-round pick Kaleb Johnson eat into Jaylen Warren's workload? Is he a realistic threat to start? And where do other options including Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon fit into the situation. Then in the third segment, the guys preview the NFL schedule release Wednesday night and possible primetime matchups for coach Mike Tomlin's team.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Has the hype for Steelers sixth-round pick Will Howard gotten a bit out of control? How valid are the comparisons between his game and that of Ben Roethlisberger? And what are proper expectations for him in a quarterback room with Mason Rudolph and — possibly — Aaron Rodgers? Paul tackles those questions and more. What should we make of the Steelers' Week 4 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, now announced as their Ireland game? Is Don Kelly making a difference as manager for the Pirates or is his impact overstated? And what should Penguins fans be learning from the NHL playoffs?

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Mark Bergin of the Bleav podcast network to preview the NFL schedule release and what it might hold for the team. What should we make of the already-announced Ireland matchup vs. the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 28? How many primetime games will Mike Tomlin's team play? And which teams will they draw in their season and/or home openers? Our duo tackles those questions. Then Brian gets Mark's thoughts on the ongoing Aaron Rodgers pursuit saga; Kenny Pickett's move to the Cleveland Browns and their crowded QB room that includes Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel; plus T.J. Watt's contract extension drama.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. What should we make of George Pickens appearing to call the Steelers a "cheap organization" in the comments of an Instagram post — and his subsequent attempts to walk it back? Is there some validity to his statements? Or is this just another example of why general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin were willing to trade him to the Dallas Cowboys last week? Paul answers those questions; gives thoughts on what we saw from names like Derrick Harmon, Kaleb Johnson, Jack Sawyer and Will Howard at rookie minicamp; and weighs in on the Pirates' weekend series against the Atlanta Braves, in which new manager Don Kelly guided to them to a pair of victories.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles previews the club's series against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Can Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Bailey Falter build on the series win against the Atlanta Braves and stifle a powerful Mets lineup that includes names like Pete Alonso, Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor? And how will Andrew McCutchen, Ke'Bryan Hayes and the offense handle a Mets pitching staff that's been better than expected? Especially if Oneil Cruz misses more time? Noah tackles those questions and more.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to GM Omar Khan's comments about his receivers at rookie minicamp over the weekend. Does he really believe in the group as constituted, following the trade of George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys? Could Roman Wilson, Robert Woods and Calvin Austin really provide the necessary production behind DK Metcalf? Is Khan sending more smokescreens with an eye toward free agents like Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper? Our duo tackles those questions and more from rookie camp. What should we make of Will Howard's impressive practice performance? Can he push Mason Rudolph and possibly Aaron Rodgers come training camp? Or be a starter for this team in the future? And what difference will Trey Sermon make in the backfield next to names including Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren?

Steelers GM Omar Khan speaks with reporters in conjunction with the team's rookie minicamp at its South Side facility. He explains why the team decided to trade George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys this week; why he likes his depth at WR behind DK Metcalf with names like Roman Wilson, Robert Woods and Calvin Austin III; and why he didn't make a move with Pickens before the NFL draft.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap the first day of rookie minicamp for NFL draft selections and undrafted free agents at the team's South Side facility. Why did QB Will Howard look and sound impressive as he looks to find his way alongside Mason Rudolph and -- possibly -- Aaron Rodgers? What did Derrick Harmon have to say about navigating the joy of being drafted alongside the grief of losing his mother soon after? How is he connecting with new teammates including Cam Heyward and Keenau Benton? How did fifth-round pick Yahya Black look alongside him? How is RB Kaleb Johnson progressing? And is Carson Bruener showing signs that he can contribute on special teams? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko analyze the team's numerous trades to send former top draft picks away in recent years. Including the deals that have sent George Pickens and Kenny Pickett elsewhere the past two years. Were Pickens, Pickett and others including Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson bad NFL draft picks? Or did GM Omar Khan do well to move them in exchange for premium draft capital to build the team's future? Our duo tackles those questions, then previews rookie minicamp for incoming prospects including Derrick Harmon, Kaleb Johnson, Jack Sawyer, Yahya Black, Will Howard, Carson Bruener and Donte Kent. Then in the third segment, Chris welcomes undrafted free agent DJ Thomas-Jones to discuss his bid to make the team as a fullback out of South Alabama.