The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller

PM Team FULL Show 6-26-25

At the halfway point of the season, the Pirates are 32-50. What has gone so wrong this season? Chris said the real story is about Bob Nutting, but not in the way you may expect. Chris went through a couple of notable owners in sports that showed a true identity. It seems like the GM is safe when he shouldn't be. How many more times can we watch Ben Cherington screw something up? We struggled to think of many major positive moves made by GMBC in his tenure outside of Paul Skenes and Bailey Falter. What will the deadline look like this year? Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray reacted to the words from Aaron Rodgers the other day, stating that it will likely be his final season. Ray does think this all has a chance to work out, which could mean a respectable showing in the playoffs and maybe even a win. Ray doesn't believe the Rodgers legacy hinges on what he does in Pittsburgh. How much pressure would Mike Tomlin be under if the Steelers can't win a playoff game? Ray thinks pressure could be put on Omar Khan and Andy Weidl to circle that next QB. A few quick hitters for Ray before he said goodbye involving Jaylen Warren, Calvin Austin and TJ Watt. Total Request Thursday.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray reacted to the words from Aaron Rodgers the other day, stating that it will likely be his final season. Ray does think this all has a chance to work out, which could mean a respectable showing in the playoffs and maybe even a win. Ray doesn't believe the Rodgers legacy hinges on what he does in Pittsburgh. How much pressure would Mike Tomlin be under if the Steelers can't win a playoff game? Ray thinks pressure could be put on Omar Khan and Andy Weidl to circle that next QB. A few quick hitters for Ray before he said goodbye involving Jaylen Warren, Calvin Austin and TJ Watt.

We kept the conversation going about Barry Bonds and the ‘steroid era' of baseball. We defended the players from this era and players like Bonds because some of them were truly some of the greatest we ever saw play. MLB insider Bob Nightengale from USA Today joined the show. Bob was the first to indicate that the Cubs contacted the Pirates about Mitch Keller. Bob explained how much Keller could fetch in a trade, saying ‘people like a lot' even though he's not an ace of a staff. Bob thinks Keller would return a Top 5-10 prospect in another team's system because people are reluctant to trade away their prospects. Bob said there is a lot of interest in Isiah Kiner-Falefa around the league as the deadline approaches. He believes David Bednar will garner plenty of interest within the next month as well. Did the Pirates make a mistake not firing Ben Cherington after last season? Bob thinks the Pirates adding a few offensive pieces could get them to a legit level given the pitching they already have. Bob firmly said the Pirates have not made Oneil Cruz available. Donny Football Debrief – Justin Tucker has been suspended 10 games. He's currently not on a roster. Is his career over?

MLB insider Bob Nightengale from USA Today joined the show. Bob was the first to indicate that the Cubs contacted the Pirates about Mitch Keller. Bob explained how much Keller could fetch in a trade, saying ‘people like a lot' even though he's not an ace of a staff. Bob thinks Keller would return a Top 5-10 prospect in another team's system because people are reluctant to trade away their prospects. Bob said there is a lot of interest in Isiah Kiner-Falefa around the league as the deadline approaches. He believes David Bednar will garner plenty of interest within the next month as well. Did the Pirates make a mistake not firing Ben Cherington after last season? Bob thinks the Pirates adding a few offensive pieces could get them to a legit level given the pitching they already have. Bob firmly said the Pirates have not made Oneil Cruz available.

We kept the conversation going about Barry Bonds and the ‘steroid era' of baseball. We defended the players from this era and players like Bonds because some of them were truly some of the greatest we ever saw play.

Who needs a bigger season – Mike Tomlin or Aaron Rodgers? Chris thinks the viewpoints from local and national media will be much different if things don't go well or it's another season that ends in a first-round playoff exit. Tomlin has had so much control over the position since Ben Roethlisberger retired and it has not gone well. Chris got into the butchering of Kenny Pickett and the clamps that were put on every other QB that has taken snaps. KDKA TV's Bob Pompeani joined the show. Pomp is still surprised that Joe is obsessed with golf. Bob tried to sit on the fence when Chris asked him who needed a bigger year out of Mike Tomlin or Aaron Rodgers. Do you think there are any shakes with Art Rooney if Tomlin's team doesn't show any improvement this season? The chat switched to baseball and all of the problems going on with the Pirates. Would it have been better to axe Ben Cherington at the end of last season? Bob isn't sold that things will ever click for Oneil Cruz. Did Bob have any takes on the NHL Draft? It doesn't seem like this draft features any generational players. City Limits dissed Barry Bonds in a big way earlier today.

KDKA TV's Bob Pompeani joined the show. Pomp is still surprised that Joe is obsessed with golf. Bob tried to sit on the fence when Chris asked him who needed a bigger year out of Mike Tomlin or Aaron Rodgers. Do you think there are any shakes with Art Rooney if Tomlin's team doesn't show any improvement this season? The chat switched to baseball and all of the problems going on with the Pirates. Would it have been better to axe Ben Cherington at the end of last season? Bob isn't sold that things will ever click for Oneil Cruz. Did Bob have any takes on the NHL Draft? It doesn't seem like this draft features any generational players.

Who needs a bigger season – Mike Tomlin or Aaron Rodgers? Chris thinks the viewpoints from local and national media will be much different if things don't go well or it's another season that ends in a first-round playoff exit. Tomlin has had so much control over the position since Ben Roethlisberger retired and it has not gone well. Chris got into the butchering of Kenny Pickett and the clamps that were put on every other QB that has taken snaps.

The Pirates are 32-50 at the halfway point in what has been a disastrous season so far. A lot of it does come back on Bob Nutting, but what about Ben Cherington gives you confidence going forward? Why is he still here? The managerial change to Don Kelly gave the team a bit of a spark, but still didn't turn it into a winning ballclub. Chris painted a picture of what could have been if Cherington and Derek Shelton were both let go at the end of last season instead of keeping that pair around for the start of 2025. Chris said Cherington has done nothing to inspire confidence and nothing to award keeping his job. Callers sounded off on the Pirates problems halfway through the season. A few are worried that Ben Cherington would screw up any trade in front of him. PG columnist Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason said Bob Nutting and Ben Cherington have been brothers in arms as 2025 goes crashing and burning. He doesn't have a logical explanation for the thought process behind what is happening. Jason thinks it is in their best interest to move on from anyone on an expiring deal at the trade deadline. Will Mitch Keller get dealt within the next month? The guys went through a couple other names that could and should be on the move. Jason said Ke'Bryan Hayes is another ‘maybe' player on the move ahead of the deadline. How quickly can the timeline move for Konnor Griffin as he continues to tear up A-ball?

PG columnist Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason said Bob Nutting and Ben Cherington have been brothers in arms as 2025 goes crashing and burning. He doesn't have a logical explanation for the thought process behind what is happening. Jason thinks it is in their best interest to move on from anyone on an expiring deal at the trade deadline. Will Mitch Keller get dealt within the next month? The guys went through a couple other names that could and should be on the move. Jason said Ke'Bryan Hayes is another ‘maybe' player on the move ahead of the deadline. How quickly can the timeline move for Konnor Griffin as he continues to tear up A-ball?

The Pirates are 32-50 at the halfway point in what has been a disastrous season so far. A lot of it does come back on Bob Nutting, but what about Ben Cherington gives you confidence going forward? Why is he still here? The managerial change to Don Kelly gave the team a bit of a spark, but still didn't turn it into a winning ballclub. Chris painted a picture of what could have been if Cherington and Derek Shelton were both let go at the end of last season instead of keeping that pair around for the start of 2025. Chris said Cherington has done nothing to inspire confidence and nothing to award keeping his job.

PM Team FULL Show 6-25-25

Brewers beat the Pirates 4-2 to win the series in Milwaukee. Paul Skenes was beat up a bit in what looked like his worst outing of his career. The Pirates struck out a ton, again. Chris thinks this is a clear example of a team doing everything right and one that does a lot of stuff wrong. Once it was 4-0 that was it. Did Mullsy catch SportsNet Pittsburgh with their hand in the cookie jar? A report out of Chicago that the Cubs have ‘talked' to the Pirates about Mitch Keller. Could the Pirates be moving the righty at the deadline? Can the Pirates get a premium player in return? Can they afford to wait on prospects that are several years away from the Majors? 93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. We got Jeff's reaction to the Pirates loss to the Brewers in a Paul Skenes start. Jeff brought up a philosophical problem with some hitters in the organization. Jeff thinks Don Kelly should have benched Oneil Cruz for today's game after taking him out of the game last night. The guys discussed Cruz's play in centerfield. Jeff said Skenes and Cruz should be the untouchables at the trade deadline, but it stops there. Judge Donny.

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. We got Jeff's reaction to the Pirates loss to the Brewers in a Paul Skenes start. Jeff brought up a philosophical problem with some hitters in the organization. Jeff thinks Don Kelly should have benched Oneil Cruz for today's game after taking him out of the game last night. The guys discussed Cruz's play in centerfield. Jeff said Skenes and Cruz should be the untouchables at the trade deadline, but it stops there.

We may have witnessed the worst Paul Skenes of his career as the Brewers beat him up early en route to a 4-0 lead. The Pirates added a run, but it clearly looked like Skenes was off his game. The Pirates didn't do him many favors in the field, but the best stuff was not there. Today was another look at why the Pirates aren't very close to the Brewers. Why can't they be like the teams in Milwaukee, Cleveland or Tampa? ALL ACCESS w/ Aditi – Aditi reacted to the Aaron Rodgers comments. She loves the way he is excited about mentoring Will Howard since this will ‘probably' be his final season. She said the comments can only bode well for Steelers fans. Aditi reiterated that she has never heard a bad thing about Rodgers' locker room presence. Aditi think it's the best combination of offensive talent they've had for quite some time. Donny Football Debrief – Is there a movie based on the Immaculate Reception in the works?

ALL ACCESS w/ Aditi – Aditi reacted to the Aaron Rodgers comments. She loves the way he is excited about mentoring Will Howard since this will ‘probably' be his final season. She said the comments can only bode well for Steelers fans. Aditi reiterated that she has never heard a bad thing about Rodgers' locker room presence. Aditi think it's the best combination of offensive talent they've had for quite some time.

We may have witnessed the worst Paul Skenes of his career as the Brewers beat him up early en route to a 4-0 lead. The Pirates added a run, but it clearly looked like Skenes was off his game. The Pirates didn't do him many favors in the field, but the best stuff was not there. Today was another look at why the Pirates aren't very close to the Brewers. Why can't they be like the teams in Milwaukee, Cleveland or Tampa?

The Pirates are already down 4-0 in a Paul Skenes start and it has been accompanied by some ugly baseball. Mullsy said this game feels like a microcosm of how the two organizations are put together. Nick Gonzales had a horrendous attempt of a throw-home. The Brewers have several players that would be the Pirates best player. There has also been some former Steelers WR drama. George Pickens backed out of a youth camp he had scheduled last minute and has been replaced by, friend of the show, Pat Freiermuth. Diontae Johnson explained why he got suspended by the Ravens last year. It's laughable. Chris is tired of the Steelers wide receiver narratives that we hear every single year. Donny pointed out why everything happening with Diontae Johnson will only strengthen them. Is it ironic that they changed things up and traded for DK Metcalf this offseason? Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Chris wanted to ask Mike about the reports of collusion in the NFL in regards to guaranteed contracts. Mike said a lot of it was about the Deshaun Watson contract, in which the Browns gave him $230M guaranteed. Mike explained how just days after the Watson deal was signed, the NFL and the owners wanted to work together on not making the high-level guarantees the norm. Mike dove into some of the other details and how Russell Wilson is involved. Mike drew a comparison between an NFL collusion case and pro wrestling when it comes to fan impact. Mike hopes that people understand this is a pretty big deal – the biggest collusion case in pro sports in about 30 years. Mike said it will only become a bigger deal if the players make it that way. On the heels of the Aaron Rodgers comments yesterday, Mike doesn't think it would be smart to do his weekly Pat McAfee Show hit this year if he isn't interested in attention. Mike said Rodgers knows that his mystique will get people talking about him.

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Chris wanted to ask Mike about the reports of collusion in the NFL in regards to guaranteed contracts. Mike said a lot of it was about the Deshaun Watson contract, in which the Browns gave him $230M guaranteed. Mike explained how just days after the Watson deal was signed, the NFL and the owners wanted to work together on not making the high-level guarantees the norm. Mike dove into some of the other details and how Russell Wilson is involved. Mike drew a comparison between an NFL collusion case and pro wrestling when it comes to fan impact. Mike hopes that people understand this is a pretty big deal – the biggest collusion case in pro sports in about 30 years. Mike said it will only become a bigger deal if the players make it that way. On the heels of the Aaron Rodgers comments yesterday, Mike doesn't think it would be smart to do his weekly Pat McAfee Show hit this year if he isn't interested in attention. Mike said Rodgers knows that his mystique will get people talking about him.

There has also been some former Steelers WR drama. George Pickens backed out of a youth camp he had scheduled last minute and has been replaced by, friend of the show, Pat Freiermuth. Diontae Johnson explained why he got suspended by the Ravens last year. It's laughable.

Oneil Cruz was taken out of the game late last night due to lack of hustle. We applauded the move by Don Kelly, saying it's something we would not have seen from Derek Shelton. It's a good sign to show accountability. We talked about how it would have been pretty easy to sit Cruz again today due to his plate approach for the last month or so. Chris is annoyed that we are still doing this with Cruz this far into his career. Former MLB pitcher and Butler boys' basketball coach Matt Clement joined the show. As someone who knows plenty about WPIAL hoops, Matt talked about TJ McConnell and the presence he had in the NBA Finals. Matt brought up a player that he had going to Duquesne around the same time TJ was on his way to Arizona. Matt said TJ has become a cult hero everywhere he goes because he's not supposed to be THIS good. Switching to baseball, Matt said there are very few players in MLB he would take over Paul Skenes. He compared Skenes to Mark Prior, who he played with in Chicago, but described him as a ‘step up' from Prior. Matt said what Skenes is doing is unlike anything we've seen before because the game has not gotten faster for him like it should have. How does Matt think the Pirates can get things jumpstarted more for Oneil Cruz and is it frustrating that we are still seeing mental errors from him? Matt said they need to be patient with Cruz even if it wears off a bit with each mistake. Former Penguin Tyler Kennedy joined the show. TK said snakes are his biggest fear and he used to have nightmares about them. Tyler said Brent Burns used to bring snakes on a plane (like the movie title) when he would travel. TK made a funny comparison to The Liver King, who went off the deep end a bit. The Penguins hold the 11th and 12th picks in the NHL Draft this weekend – what should their plan be? Tyler wants to see the team sit back and make those picks then worry about that high pick next year. He said unless there is someone high up on their radar, there's no reason to jump up. TK got into what the Penguins are missing right now and what they could look for in free agency. TK went back to the sandpaper well and said the Pens need to add some. TK reacted to the Panthers winning another Stanley Cup. Will Erik Karlsson be back next season? Tyler labeled Evander Kane as a ‘cancer' as he was part of a deal earlier today.

Former Penguin Tyler Kennedy joined the show. TK said snakes are his biggest fear and he used to have nightmares about them. Tyler said Brent Burns used to bring snakes on a plane (like the movie title) when he would travel. TK made a funny comparison to The Liver King, who went off the deep end a bit. The Penguins hold the 11th and 12th picks in the NHL Draft this weekend – what should their plan be? Tyler wants to see the team sit back and make those picks then worry about that high pick next year. He said unless there is someone high up on their radar, there's no reason to jump up. TK got into what the Penguins are missing right now and what they could look for in free agency. TK went back to the sandpaper well and said the Pens need to add some. TK reacted to the Panthers winning another Stanley Cup. Will Erik Karlsson be back next season? Tyler labeled Evander Kane as a ‘cancer' as he was part of a deal earlier today.

Former MLB pitcher and Butler boys' basketball coach Matt Clement joined the show. As someone who knows plenty about WPIAL hoops, Matt talked about TJ McConnell and the presence he had in the NBA Finals. Matt brought up a player that he had going to Duquesne around the same time TJ was on his way to Arizona. Matt said TJ has become a cult hero everywhere he goes because he's not supposed to be THIS good. Switching to baseball, Matt said there are very few players in MLB he would take over Paul Skenes. He compared Skenes to Mark Prior, who he played with in Chicago, but described him as a ‘step up' from Prior. Matt said what Skenes is doing is unlike anything we've seen before because the game has not gotten faster for him like it should have. How does Matt think the Pirates can get things jumpstarted more for Oneil Cruz and is it frustrating that we are still seeing mental errors from him? Matt said they need to be patient with Cruz even if it wears off a bit with each mistake.

PM Team FULL Show 6-24-25

Who needs a bigger year – Mike Tomlin or Aaron Rodgers? Chris got into the awkwardness that became of the situation last season with Russell Wilson, with both the sled pushing injury at the beginning or the horrid 5-game losing streak to finish. Rodgers doesn't get bullied and won't be shy about going back at coaches the way it may have been with Wilson. What about some other guys that came here because of Tomlin? Does the respect level of Aaron Rodgers trump any QB Mike Tomlin has ever worked with? Rodgers Reflections – What else did Aaron Rodgers say on The Pat McAfee Show today?

Who needs a bigger year – Mike Tomlin or Aaron Rodgers? Chris got into the awkwardness that became of the situation last season with Russell Wilson, with both the sled pushing injury at the beginning or the horrid 5-game losing streak to finish. Rodgers doesn't get bullied and won't be shy about going back at coaches the way it may have been with Wilson. What about some other guys that came here because of Tomlin?

Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown joined the show. The guys talked about a Pirates win in Milwaukee, which was helped by a 5-for-5 night from Nick Gonzales. Greg said teams like the Pirates can't afford to lose players like Gonzales because they don't have the luxury some others have. Greg thinks Spencer Horwitz is another guy that ‘can just plain hit' in this lineup. Brownie said Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds are the guys that need to carry this team in home runs. The guys talked about Cruz's outfield work and a few of the mishaps we've seen recently. Cruz has also gone into a terrible slump at the plate – why? Isaac Mattson has become one of the Pirates best stories, showcasing another local product. Greg credited Don Kelly for how some of the players have responded. Greg said it's hard not to root for the players. Greg hinted that Ben Cherington has something brewing about a month out of the trade deadline. Who could be on the move by the time we reach the MLB trade deadline? Donny Football Debrief – Does the NFL have a collusion problem?

Who could be on the move by the time we reach the MLB trade deadline?

Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown joined the show. The guys talked about a Pirates win in Milwaukee, which was helped by a 5-for-5 night from Nick Gonzales. Greg said teams like the Pirates can't afford to lose players like Gonzales because they don't have the luxury some others have. Greg thinks Spencer Horwitz is another guy that ‘can just plain hit' in this lineup. Brownie said Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds are the guys that need to carry this team in home runs. The guys talked about Cruz's outfield work and a few of the mishaps we've seen recently. Cruz has also gone into a terrible slump at the plate – why? Isaac Mattson has become one of the Pirates best stories, showcasing another local product. Greg credited Don Kelly for how some of the players have responded. Greg said it's hard not to root for the players. Greg hinted that Ben Cherington has something brewing about a month out of the trade deadline.

Chris thinks it's crazy for any of us in Pittsburgh to be talking about championships right now, even if it's a good radio topic. It's hard enough for us to ask for a playoff win. Chris thinks it's a cruel question to ask people right now. Chris feels like the Penguins are the closest team to actually winning a title. They still have Sidney Crosby and even though it's unknown what we get from Kyle Dubas, there seems to be a plan in place. The economics of baseball really work against the Pirates as well as the poor ownership. Bucco Auction House check-in.

Bucco Auction House check-in.

Chris thinks it's crazy for any of us in Pittsburgh to be talking about championships right now, even if it's a good radio topic. It's hard enough for us to ask for a playoff win. Chris thinks it's a cruel question to ask people right now.

Aaron Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show that ‘this (year) is probably it' for his NFL career. Chris was oddly optimistic about all of this because it sounded like Rodgers was being a real straight-shooter this time. What went wrong between Arthur Smith and Russell Wilson last season? Chris said the working relationship between himself and the OC is the big question mark going into the season. But it was obvious to us that what Rodgers said today and how he has come across so far with the Steelers is a lot more legitimate than anything we heard with Wilson. If it's his final act, Chris thinks this could work out. We are trying to be optimistic and explain why Aaron Rodgers may have a chip on his shoulder. Our first caller isn't going for it. Will this year with Aaron Rodgers be better than the combo of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields from last season? Why were things so bad in New York for Rodgers? One caller doesn't think we see a lot of Rodgers this season.

We are trying to be optimistic and explain why Aaron Rodgers may have a chip on his shoulder.

Aaron Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show that ‘this (year) is probably it' for his NFL career. Chris was oddly optimistic about all of this because it sounded like Rodgers was being a real straight-shooter this time. What went wrong between Arthur Smith and Russell Wilson last season? Chris said the working relationship between himself and the OC is the big question mark going into the season. But it was obvious to us that what Rodgers said today and how he has come across so far with the Steelers is a lot more legitimate than anything we heard with Wilson. If it's his final act, Chris thinks this could work out.

Hour 1: Donny Chedrick in for the guys today! Which Pittsburgh team is closest to winning a championship? Is Donny being too negative about Aaron Rodgers? And Dan Zangrilli joins to talk Cherington's job security, a possible Keller trade, the Santana bullpen incident, and more! Hour 2: What Pirates could be traded before the deadline? Why did NASA mysteriously stop exploring the oceans in 2014? And Dom thinks the NBA Finals sucked this year. Hour 3: Brian Batko joins the show to talk Steelers, beer, and his Shaler Hall of Fame candidacy. Is the College World Series a bucket-list item? And Dom wants to launch an investigation into something that happened at the station. Hour 4: Ben Cherington says the Pirates have a “foundation of winning” but Donny isn't buying it. We meet the show's new intern! And Donny has major issues with Chipotle.

Hour 4: Ben Cherington says the Pirates have a “foundation of winning” but Donny isn't buying it. We meet the show's new intern! And Donny has major issues with Chipotle.

Ben Cherington says the Pirates have a foundation to win. Donny says pitching-wise they do, but other than that he's not sure. Could Jared Jones get moved to a closer role?

Hour 3: Brian Batko joins the show to talk Steelers, beer, and his Shaler Hall of Fame candidacy. Is the College World Series a bucket-list item? And Dom wants to launch an investigation into something that happened at the station.

Brian Batko joins the show to talk about his beer of choice, the passing of Arthur Smith's dad, how the Steelers offense will adjust to Aaron Rodgers, if the running game will be improved or not this year, what we can expect from Pat Freiermuth this year, where things stand with Broderick Jones and Derrick Harmon, when a TJ Watt deal could get done, if Brian is in the Shaler Hall of Fame, Brian's internship at The Fan, and more!

Hour 2: What Pirates could be traded before the deadline? The guys talk Jaws and why NASA mysteriously stop exploring the oceans in 2014. And Dom thinks the NBA Finals sucked this year.