Episodes
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On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko analyze the team's linebacker core heading into training camp later this month. Are T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith already better than Steelers LB legends James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley? Which current Steelers also have the best shot at making the hall of fame?
Our duo tackles those topics and more.
Later, Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Noah Hiles to discuss Noah's 1-on-1 with Pirates pitching coach Oscar Marin. Noah also breaks down the Pirates' Joshua Palacios situation and what to make of the team putting his promotion on pause after Tuesday's loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.
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On today's episode of First 10, Jason Mackey discusses what the Pirates need to see out of Jack Suwinski after Tuesday night's performance, why they continue to play Yasmani Grandal, and where he'd like to see them go with the catching situation. Mackey also touches on the Penguins adding Sebastian Aho, needing to get a winger and what looks to be a daunting schedule.
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On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes 93.7 The Fan's "Donny Football" Chedrick to pick the most likely -- or necessary -- breakout players for the team this season. Why does Keenau Benton seem like the most likely to take a major step after an encouraging rookie year? Can Joey Porter Jr. build on strong analytics to become a true shutdown cornerback? Can Pat Freiermuth still surprise people within new OC Arthur Smith's offense despite entering his fourth year in the league? Will George Pickens solidify his place as one of the league's best receivers? And why are names including DeShon Elliott, Nick Herbig, Darius Rush, Calvin Austin III, Broderick Jones and Darnell Washington among others to watch? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
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On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Penguins moves -- or lack thereof -- on the first day of NHL free agency. Do additions including Blake Lizotte, Matt Grzelcyk and Anthony Beauvillier make GM Kyle Dubas' roster significantly better? Will Reilly Smith be missed after he was traded to the New York Rangers? What will the core of veteran stars including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang thing about the lack of splashy moves? And elsewhere, what should we make of former Penguins Jake Guentzel's nine-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning?
Jason tackles those questions, then previews the Pirates' series against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park.
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On their weekly Pitt mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Does Bub Carrington's selection in the first round of the NBA draft as a one-and-done actually help the Panthers' program? Will Blake Hinson actually get a chance to play for the Lakers and with LeBron James? And should we be excited about Mason Alexander, a cornerback and Pat Narduzzi's first four-star recruit in the Class of 2025? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
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On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko rank the team's position groups from best to worst. Can any group challenge the depth and quality of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and the outside linebackers? Are the receivers the worst group despite the presence of George Pickens? Where do Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and the QBs stack up? What about the defensive line with an aging Cam Heyward but an ascending talent in Keeanu Benton? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
Then later, Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Noah Hiles to react to the weekend series with the Atlanta Braves and ponder GM Ben Cherington's options to make a deal ahead of the MLB trade deadline at the end of the month.
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On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey previews NHL free agency for GM Kyle Dubas and the Penguins. What should we make of the Kevin Hayes trade with the St. Louis Blues over the weekend? And what should we expect as free agents begin signing with teams officially on Monday? Is there anything Dubas can do to meaningfully upgrade the roster around Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? Or are his options limited?
Then later, Jason reacts to the Pirates' series loss against the Atlanta Braves over the weekend. Does the June surge by Rowdy Tellez eliminate the need for a first baseman ahead of the MLB trade deadline at the end of the month? Can Oneil Cruz start to show more consistency after a clutch homer Sunday? And how can GM Ben Cherington improve the offense beyond those guys?
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On the Friday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze GM Omar Khan's strategy with the offensive line. Is Khan signaling an intent to move on from James Daniels with moves including his selection of Mason McCormick in the NFL draft? Will Daniels make big money with another team, much as Kevin Dotson has with the Los Angeles Rams? What's the plan after Isaac Seumalo's contract expires after last season? And has Khan been smart to prioritize OT with Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu over the interior offensive line?
Our duo tackles those questions and more. Then later, Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins Chris to discuss how the club will manage innings for Paul Skenes and Jared Jones while also making a push for the MLB postseason.
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On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: Why would Starling Marte be a member of the Pirates' 2015 team who'd be an ideal fit with today's? Do manager Derek Shelton's getaway day lineups reveal a lack of urgency about making the postseason? Are there any obvious solutions for Jack Suwinski's prolonged struggles this season? And who's the team's most likely All-Star from the group of Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Bryan Reynolds?
Jason tackles those questions and also a couple from the Penguins realm. Including: Will GM Kyle Dubas look to make the team's defense better in NHL free agency? Or rely on bouce-back years from Ryan Graves and Erik Karlsson? And what could the potential return be in a Tristan Jarry trade?
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In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to react to Kenny Pickett's camp attempting to shoot down negative narratives that surrounded his exit from the Steelers. Do comments by his high school coach and private QB coach to NJ.com amount to sour grapes about the way last season ended with Mason Rudolph taking the starting job? Or about the Steelers signing Russell Wilson? Or are any of the gripes from Pickett's people legit? Should any of the rumors about his strong offseason behind Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles be believed? And will Pickett ever achieve redemption as a Steelers pariah like Le'Veon Bell has in recent years?
Then on the Pirates front, our duo ponders GM Ben Cherington's options at the MLB trade deadline. Should every prospect be on the table as an option to move in exchange for a solid bat? Even names like Termarr Johnson and Bubba Chandler? And should the success Roansy Contreras has had with the Los Angeles Angels concern anyone yet?
Our duo tackles those questions and also offers thoughts on Pitt's Bub Carrington being selected in the NBA draft and moves Penguins GM Kyle Dubas should consider ahead of NHL free agency on July 1.
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On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey ponders moves Penguins GM Kyle Dubas should -- or should not -- consider with NHL free agency approaching on July 1. Should names including Reilly Smith and Rickard Rakell be on the trading block as the team searches for more speed alongside Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? And why do targets including Max Domi, Tyler Bertuzzi and Jake DeBrusk make sense in free agency?
Jason tackles those question. Later, he ponders what it means for Jeff Capel and Pitt basketball that Bub Carrington is set to go to the Washington Wizards with the No. 14 pick in the NBA draft; reacts to the Pirates taking two out of three games from the Cincinnati Reds this week; and offers his thoughts on whether Luis Ortiz has earned a rotation spot.
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Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react to the club's series win against the Cincinnati Reds this week, with Andrew reporting from Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Did Luis Ortiz earn a spot in the rotation after his excellent start on Wednesday? Is Bailey Falter's spectacular start to the season running out of gas? How long can Bryan Reynolds carry the Pirates offense? And is this the version of Rowdy Tellez fans will see for the rest of the season? Our duo tackles those topics and more.
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On the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the team's tight end group. Will Pat Freiermuth have an elevated role in new OC Arthur Smith's gameplan? Will Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward also get more looks from QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields? And how much can the group as a whole make up for the roster's current lack of a proven No. 2 receiver behind George Pickens? Our duo tackles those questions.
In the second segment, Christopher welcomes NBA draft analysts Leif Thulin and James Barlowe to preview the event from a Pitt perspective. Will the Panthers' Bub Carrington slide into the first round after leading coach Jeff Capel's team to the verge of the NCAA tournament? And will Blake Hinson be selected after his standout career that included All-ACC honors?
Then later, Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins to react to the club's Tuesday night victory against the Cincinnati Reds, which included another strong start from Mitch Keller. Is his success going under the radar amid the rise of Paul Skenes and Jared Jones?
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On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts the Pirates' victory against the Reds on Tuesday in Cincinnati. Can they use it as a springboard to a winning streak that would help them greatly in their MLB playoff race for an NL wild card spot? Or will the inconsistency of players like Yasmani Grandal and Michael A. Taylor prevent that? Did Mitch Keller prove that he's just fine after some slips from his dominant May? And can Henry Davis finally prove he belongs at the MLB level as he starts a minor league rehab assignment with the Altoona Curve?
Jason tackles those questions, offers his thoughts on an ESPN article that ranks the Steelers' starters 18th in the NFL and reacts to the announcement of the next Hockey Hall of Fame class.
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On Brian Batko's weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, the Post-Gazette's Adam Bittner and Jason Mackey fill in and offer their thoughts on Justin Fields' performance during Steelers OTAs and minicamp. Have concerns the backup QB been exaggerated after PG insider Ray Fittipaldo reported that his accuracy was a bit of an issue during the offseason program? Why has Fields been such a flashpoint within the fanbase and national media since being traded to Pittsburgh from the Chicago Bears? And what should GM Omar Khan do with him contractually as both Fields and Russell Wilson are set to play on expiring contracts in 2024? Should he get an extension in the mold of Jordan Love's in his last season as Aaron Rodgers backup with the Green Bay Packers? Or should Fields get a contract closer to what Mitch Trubisky signed with the Steelers in 2022? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
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On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' 11-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night. Are Bailey Falter's June struggles a sign of what's to come from him? Or can he turn them around? And does the bullpen have enough depth behind David Bednar, Aroldis Chapman and Colin Holderman?
Jason tackles those topics, recaps his column about Willie Mays' Pittsburgh ties and reacts to the Florida Panthers winning the Stanley Cup, but the Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid winning the Conn Smythe trophy as playoffs MVP.
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On their weekly Pitt mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Abby Schnable answer reader questions. Among them: How high is Bub Carrington's stock ahead of the NBA draft? Does Blake Hinson have a chance to be selected? And what do recent Pitt football commits including Synkwan Smith, Shawn Lee Jr. and Akram Elnagm bring to coach Pat Narduzzi's program?
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On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to ponder the future for Najee Harris in Pittsburgh. Can a contract extension still be worked out with the running back entering his fourth season? Or does the New England Patriots' recent deal with Rhamondre Stevenson show such a move might be too costly considering GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin have already declined the fifth-year option on Harris' rookie contract? And if Harris is allowed to leave in free agency, how does that impact the Steelers' needs next offseason? Will they stick with Jaylen Warren as the starter? Look to add in the NFL draft? Or hope to get lucky in finding another undrafted free agent gem like Warren?
Our duo tackles those topic, then also explains changes to Steelers training camp in Latrobe. Then later, Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins to react to a frustrating series for the Pirates against the Tampa Bay Rays, in which their offense wasted a strong start by Paul Skenes.
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On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey analyzes the Steelers' offseason. Has GM Omar Khan improved the team at almost every spot through the acquisitions of free agents such as Russell Wilson and Patrick Queen? And NFL draft picks including Troy Fautanu, Roman Wilson, Payton Wilson and Zach Frazier? Is receiver the only place where they look worse on paper amid the loss of Diontae Johnson in a trade with the Carolina Panthers for Donte Jackson? And what should that mean for the win-loss record in 2024?
Jason tackles those topics, then gets into some baseball and hockey. What are his thoughts on the Pirates' series loss to the Tampa Bay Rays? Will GM Ben Cherington heed owner Bob Nutting's call to improve the offense? And should Penguins GM Kyle Dubas and coach Mike Sullivan consider hiring an assistant dedicated to the power play -- as the Toronto Maple Leafs did recently with Marc Savard -- to get more out of elite talents including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang?
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