Post-Gazette Sports Network: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey and insider Ray Fittipaldo react to the first full week of Steelers training camp. Why does coach Mike Tomlin seem more upbeat that usual? And what does it signal for his plans as he welcomes new veterans including Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith and DK Metcalf to his lineup this coming sea...

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley discusses Paul Skenes' recent comments to the Post-Gazette on the Pirates' MLB 2025 trade deadline, in which they dealt away names including David Bednar, Bailey Falter and Ke'Bryan Hayes and shifted their focus towards 2026. Skenes is hopeful that the moves will allow the Pirates to make some acquisitions and add to the offense in the offseason. Beazley...

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze the offensive line struggles at Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They ponder whether coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith can get the inconsistency turned around ahead of the first NFL preseason game this...

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko preview the "Friday Night Lights" practice of Steelers training camp at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. The explain why patience is still warrented for Aaron Rodgers amid inconsistency in practices so far, as he works to get on the same pa...

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Colin Beazley analyze the Pirates' six trades at the 2025 deadline, as the team traded stalwarts David Bednar, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Bailey Falter and others for prospects. Beazley and Hiles discuss each return and whether the Pirates got enough in return or not, before flipping to the greater issue: that the Pirates were unable to trade several veterans on e...

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap practice at Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They detail spirited exchanges between CB Jalen Ramsey and WR Calvin Austin III; TE Jonnu Smith and S Juan Thornhill; and WR DK Metcalf and S Chuck Clark. Does it reflect a new competitive spirit among both receivers and defensive backs? Then they give an update on QB...

Should coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith protect their 41-year-old veteran QB but giving him only limited action in NFL exhibition games? Or is playing time important to helping him pick up the offense and get on the same page with playmakers including DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Calvin Austin III, Darnell Washington and Roman Wilson? Later, Paul weighs in on the Pi...

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley joins host Adam Bittner to react to news that the club has traded Ke'Bryan Hayes to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for veteran reliever Taylor Rogers and prospect Sammy Stafura ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Did GM Ben Cherington get enough in return for his third baseman who's struggled with the plate but owns one of the best gloves in the game at his...

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Colin Beazley discuss the latest news and trade rumors on Mitch Keller and David Bednar ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. Noah shares what he's hearing on Bednar, including what the Phillies, Tigers, Rangers and others could offer. He then shares the latest updates on Mitch Keller, who may not be moved before Thursday's 6 p.m. deadline after all. Noah...

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo preview the first padded practice of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Why will all eyes be on Broderick Jones, Kaleb Johnson and Derrick Harmon? Are they prepared to live up to lofty expectations? What will we...

Were those comments fair? Misinterpreted? Or a sour-grapes criticism of his former team as coach Mike Tomlin moves on with big additions including Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith? Paul tackles those questions, plus the biggest developments from the first padded practice of training camp. From offensive line questions relating to young players such as Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach F...

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap a rainy practice at Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They explain why the fireworks of a padded practice will need to wait after coach Mike Tomlin's squad was forced inside by stormy weather. And they anticipate storylines to watch when players can start hitting full-speed Wednesday. From Kaleb Johnson wanting to...

Is it too soon to worry about OC Arthur Smith's offense after some inconsistency show in practice? Or is there valid reason for concern that QB Aaron Rodgers can get the most out of playmakers including Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth and Calvin Austin III? What should we make of the signing of Chuck Clark, as he joins the secondary alongside names like Darius Slay Jr., Joey Porter Jr. a...

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley discusses the last week in Pirates minor league baseball, highlighted by the big news that High-A shortstop Konnor Griffin is the new No. 1 prospect in MLB. Colin speculates whether Griffin could end the season in Double-A Altoona and how the Pirates will treat him. Beazley then gives updates on the Pirates' four minor league affiliates, followed by highl...

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo recap the first week of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They explain why coach Mike Tomlin's defense has been looking solid. From veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay Jr. To young players like Payt...

Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's 2025 Hall of Honor class that features Ben Roethlisberger, Joey Porter and Maurkice Pouncey. The two share their favorite memories from the legendary trio's playing days and why this year's class is an extra special one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac & Ray Fittipaldo recap Day 2 of practice at Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They explain why Aaron Rodgers is looking more comfortable after completing a beautiful pass to DK Metcalf; why we have yet to see Jonnu Smith in extended action at tight end; the stakes for Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson as they look to fend off a possi...

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's first training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They explain why it's way too soon to panic about a rough start for Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf, who connected just one time in four attempts Th...

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the Steelers' first practice day of training camp in Latrobe. He gives thoughts on the news of the day, as new faces including Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith took to the Saint Vincent College practice field for the first time and as returning stars like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Jaylen Warren look to build toward the fran...

Post-Gazette insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap the first practice of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They react to QB Aaron Rodgers having his first pass to DK Metcalf intercepted by new teammate Patrick Queen; Jalen Ramsey talking over slot corner duties with Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay Jr. playing outside; Juan Thornhill getting extensive looks in the...

In his weekly Pirates mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insider Noah Hiles answers reader questions. Among them: What is the likelihood GM Ben Cherington deals Oneil Cruz at this year's MLB trade deadline? Is the Pirates' potential interest in trading Mitch Keller related to Bob Nutting wanting to get his salary off the books? What are the chances the Pirates stand pat at the deadline? What major leag...

He weighs in on report day for Steelers training camp, which included several highlights. From the arrival of Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith following their acquisition via the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade; to T.J. Watt returning after his brief hold out; to new faces Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf acquainting themselves with Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Paul has every angle covered. He also gives hi...

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Colin Beazley discuss Spencer Horwitz and his performance against the Tigers, including his grand slam on Wednesday. Noah believes it's something that will be important moving forward, as the Pirates have had a revolving door at first base in recent years. Colin talks about Horwitz's recent frustration and what this week's performance meant to him. Host...

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap report day for Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They explain why there's a "new team" energy T.J. Watt spoke of around coach Mike Tomlin's group this summer, following the offseason acquisition of names like Aaron Rodgers, Jonnu Smith, Jalen Ramsey and DK Metcalf by GM Omar Khan. Plus the draft selectio...

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko break down the biggest positional battles ahead of training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. How does the secondary trio of Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. get used at CB/S now that Minkah Fitzpatrick is no l...