The Pomp And Joe Show

Mark Kaboly joins to discuss the different schedule with Mike McCarthy, which rookie has impressed the most, Drew Allar's reps, the offensive line alignment, Kaboly details Derrick Harmon driving a very small car, his thoughts on Malkin's return and a hockey tidbit, Dean Lowry's return, will Porter Jr or Herbig sign extensions.

A quick 6 pack. Pirates hammered the Cubs. Braxton Ashcraft could be an All-Star. Did he pitch too deep last night? How closely should they follow an innings limit? The General chimes in to offer his cards of the week - Malkin and Ashcraft.

Geno is back! The Pens release indicates Letang will be back as well. Austin doesn't believe this was the decision of Kyle Dubas, but rather, the Hoffman family. A caller chimes in to support the move but notes the team isn't that close to contending. If the Pens bottom out, would Malkin benefit from being moved? Another caller wants Auston Matthews.

The full Pomp and Joe Show, with Joe Starkey, from Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

Hour 1 with Joe Starkey: What's going on with Paul Skenes? He's allowed nine runs in his last two games. Joe wonders why the velocity is down and is curious if people are worried about him. We've never seen Skenes have back-to-back bad starts. Henry Davis hit a game-winning home run on Monday.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey and Nick Farabaugh: Is Mike McCarthy the guy who can help bring the Steelers offense to a new level? Mike McCarthy will add elements, but Rodgers has to throw the ball quickly to avoid being hit. Nick thinks Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker are going to go through difficult patches, but will be good by the end of the year. Nick thinks the Steelers could franchise tag Nick...

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Jared Jones is throwing a bullpen at PNC Park today. Austin thinks we should pump the brakes on what the expectations should be this year for Jones. The Pirates want to manage him arm as a starter, but the bullpen. Joe wants the Pirates to acquire Joey Weimer. This day in sports history.

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: Bubba Chandler pitched freely against Toronto and we all think Chandler needs to relax on the mound. Michael thinks the next month is very important because the Pirates are going to be careful with innings counts for Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler. Mitch Keller and Paul Skenes likely want to stay on schedule. Every pitcher is different, but the Pirates might be carefu...

The Pirates need to figure out their pitching staff and continue to win big division games!

Paul Skenes is throwing the sinker more and is a difference in velocity for his fastball. Michael is somewhat more concerned in the lack of swing and miss. Bubba Chandler pitched freely against Toronto and we all think Chandler needs to relax on the mound. Michael thinks the next month is very important because the Pirates are going to be careful with innings counts for Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba...

This day in sports history: In 1959, Harvey Haddix lost a perfect game in the 12th inning. In 1993 the ball bounced on Jose Canseco's head over the wall for a home run. Sports bloopers.

Jared Jones is throwing a bullpen at PNC Park today. Austin thinks we should pump the brakes on what the expectations should be this year for Jones. The Pirates want to manage him arm as a starter, but the bullpen. Joe wants the Pirates to acquire Joey Weimer. 

Steelers four day of OTAs is today. Nick Farabaugh tells us Patrick Graham is extremely smart and helps to make people smarter about the sport. Nick thinks the Steelers could franchise tag Nick Herbig and are going to do what they can to keep him. Nick doesn't see Herbig leaving, but doesn't know how they get it done.

Is Mike McCarthy the guy who can help bring the Steelers offense to a new level? Nick thinks, in some cases, Aaron Rodgers is going to do what he wants and it doesn't matter who the coach is. Mike McCarthy will add elements, but Rodgers has to throw the ball quickly to avoid being hit. Nick thinks Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker are going to go through difficult patches, but will be good by the...

Joe is mad about vending machines. He learned about spikeball this week. Is Jared Jones going to be as good as people think in the rotation? 

What's going on with Skenes? He's allowed nine runs in his last two games. Joe wonders why the velocity is down and is curious if people are worried about him. We've never seen Skenes have back-to-back bad starts. Three of his last five starts have been average. Skenes could come back and throw a no-hitter or one-hitter in his next start. Is there a middle ground with Skenes, and should we be wond...

Logan Arblaster fills in for Austin Bechtold behind the glass for a Memorial Day edition of Pomp and Joe! Scintillating radio with Pomp as he covers several topics including the Pirates bullpen struggles so far. Jason Mackey and Matt Clement join as guests.

Pirates' insider, Jason Mackey, joins to give his insightful answers on pressing questions going with the Pirates right now

Aaron Rodgers is back for one more year and he’s reuniting with Mike McCarthy and, the Pirates rebound but have they let too many games slip away so far?