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 offseaso…

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 ta…

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 coa…

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' rece…

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 th…

On their Pirates podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Andrew Destin and Noah Hiles react to club's series loss against the Tampa Bay Rays this past weekend at PNC Park. How much longer can manager Derek Shelton's team survive in the MLB playoff race if it keeps wasting stellar pitching performances like Paul Skenes' on Sunday? What's clicking for Bryan R…

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to analyze the special teams unit. Is position coach Danny Smith ready for all the changes to the NFL kickoff rules, having just turned 70? Does Cordarrelle Patterson have the kick returnin…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: Who's the better fit among potential Penguins trade options for GM Kyle Dubas? The Carolina Hurricanes' Martin Necas? Or the Columbus Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine? What does the Alex Nedeljkovic extension mean for Tristan Jarry's future her…

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react to the club's series win against the Cincinnati Reds this week at PNC Park. How did the club's starting pitching trio of Paul Skenes, Bailey Falter and Mitch Keller have so much success against the Reds, allowing only three runs all series? And how can that be a catalyst for the pitch…

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to break down the team's QB competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Why does national media perceive the battle to be a 50-50 proposition, when locally it's clear that Wils…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the passing of San Francisco Giants and MLB legend Willie Mays through a Pittsburgh lens, as well as the Pirates' latest loss to the Cincinnati Reds. He also gets into some hockey topics. Among them: Could the Penguins acquire Columbus Blue Jackets standout Patrik L…

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider welcomes ESPN analytics guru Seth Walder. The duo tackles the team's upcoming appearance on HBO's Hard Knocks as well as GM Omar Khan's offseason moves so far -- an possibly moves to come. What do the analytics say about the trade for Justin Fields and the signing of Russ…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to Paul Skenes' latest victory on the mound for the Pirates against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday at PNC Park. How important was it that Skenes showed he can adjust on the fly? And what does that mean for the rest of his rookie season with his club fighting for an NL w…

On their weekly Pitt sports mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Abby Schnable answer reader questions. Among them: How does Meleek Thomas leaving Lincoln Park High School in Pittsburgh to join Overtime Elite in Atlanta affect Jeff Capel's chances of recruiting him? How are Pitt athletes doing at the swimming and diving Olymp…

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to analyze the team's situation at quarterback. What should we make of Justin Fields' demeanor in his competition with Russell Wilson? How does the dynamic between the two echo the 2022 QB …

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey explains why he feels better fundamental baseball from manager Derek Shelton's Pirates is as important to their chances as what GM Ben Cherington can add to the roster via deals before the MLB trade deadline. He also gets former Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett's thoughts on youn…

Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin speaks to reporters during the team's minicamp this past week on the South Side. He explains how the secondary is coming together with new faces such as DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson joining familiar ones like Cam Sutton, Joey Porter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick; how Patrick Queen and rookie Payton Wilso…

On the Friday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to react to DC Teryl Austin's news conference this week. What lessons did Austin learn from 2023 that he's applying to 2024, specifically in deploying safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damont…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: Will GM Ben Cherington make a significant move to improve the offense by the trade deadline? If names including the Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or the New York Mets' Pete Alonso are unrealistic, what other options does he hav…

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to discuss whether the Pirates or Steelers are closer to experiencing playoff success. Do dominant pitchers Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Jared Jones make the Pirates an immediate threat if they can get to the postseason? Or are Mike Tomlin, Russell W…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night. Are Henry Davis and Kyle Nicholas showing signs of shaking of season-long funks? How much does the club's success rest on them figuring things out? And what is wrong with Ke'Bryan Hayes, and how much m…

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 react to new OC Arthur Smith's comments Tuesday at the team's minicamp. Specifically, they explain the ways Smith is showing his understanding of the team's history and identity an…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to Paul Skenes' latest dominant start for the Pirates on Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals. What new tricks did Skenes show that we hadn't seen at the MLB level previously? Are his lengthening outings proving GM Ben Cherington right for managing his innings…

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes former Super Bowl champion cornerback Bryant McFadden to discuss Steelers minicamp and coach Mike Tomlin's three-year extension. Is there a major difference between OTAs and minicamp? What makes signing Tomlin long-term a good move for GM Omar Khan an…

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith speaks with reporters during minicamp Tuesday at the team's South Side facility. He explains how the installation of his new offense is going with names like George Pickens at receiver; Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren at running back; Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at QB; and young standouts up front inc…

Post-Gazette Steelers insider and columnist Jason Mackey join host Adam Bittner to react to coach Mike Tomlin's three-year contract extension, announced by the team on Monday. Is the length of the deal a surprise, or business as usual for owner Art Rooney II and GM Omar Khan? How tied is Tomlin's fate to the success of new OC Arthur Smith, coming o…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey ponders the struggles of young Pirates including Henry Davis, Jack Suwinski and Jared Triolo. Is GM Ben Cherington doing something wrong with their development? How do their struggles fit into MLB-wide trends with names like the Detroit Tigers' Spencer Torkelson, the Baltimor…

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to preview Steelers mincamp this week. Is Russell Wilson the face of the team's offense? Or are names like Najee Harris or George Pickens also contenders? What about the offensive line a…

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Andrew Destin and sports columnist Jason Mackey react to the club's series victory against the Minnesota Twins at PNC Park over the weekend. Among the topics: Is Rowdy Tellez truly out of his season-long slump after a strong start to June? Why are Henry Davis and Jack Suwinski continuing to struggle? What is working for…

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko for the latest from OTAs. How does NFL free agent signing Cam Sutton fit in the Steelers' current defense? Will he play outside cornerback across from Joey Porter Jr.? Or will he play the s…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: Will Pirates GM Ben Cherington make significant moves to improve before the MLB trade deadline, in hopes of winning an NL wild-card spot? Could starters Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Jared Jones all make the MLB All-Star team? Is Nick Gon…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' latest win against the Los Angeles Dodgers, led by a strong start from Paul Skenes. Are he and fellow rookie pitcher Jared Jones bringing a new winning swagger to this team? How legit is the recent tear by Nick Gonzales that has given the offense a boos…

Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to ponder pressure facing the Steelers in 2024. Is Arthur Smith's new-look defense the unit under the most? Or will the star-laden defense with T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward face the most scrutiny? Why are names like Russell Wilson, Joey Porter Jr. and Broderick Jones under the most indiv…

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the latest from Steelers OTAs. What should we make of Cam Heyward's return for the final week amid his contract dispute with the team? Will he get a news deal by training …

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' 1-0 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday at PNC Park. How did Jared Jones silence doubts coming off a rough start against Detroit with dominance against the likes of Dodgers starts Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman? How dangerous could a rotat…

Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward speaks to reporters during OTAs on the South Side on Tuesday. He explains why he stayed away for the first couple of weeks amid his contract negotiations; where those negotiations stand now; how much he was communicating with coach Mike Tomlin and his teammates; how he's feeling after being limited by a groin …

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Shelby Cassesse of WPXI-TV sports to react to the latest from Steelers OTAs. Why does Shelby feel excitement building around the offense, specifically running back Najee Harris in new OC Arthur Smith's run-heavy approach? How much has changed for the …

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey previews the Pirates' series against Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park. Are young stars Jared Jones and Paul Skenes ready for the challenge of pitching against one of MLB's best lineups and one of their hometown teams growing up? Will they be starstruck at…

On their weekly Pitt sports mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Abby Schnable answer reader questions. Among them: How does Jorge Diaz Graham's latest injury impact the Panthers men's basketball team? How does new transfer defensive lineman Anthony Johnson impact the football team's roster? And how has women's basketball coa…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist reacts to Pirates GM Ben Cherington saying his team is better in 2024 despite multiple signs of statistical regression and a worse record so far. What is Cherington seeing that we're not? Is the performance of the rotation with Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Jared Jones and Bailey Falter the …

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider to analyze the team's secondary. Is it underrated with names like DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson joining Joey Poter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick? And will the addition of solid coverage linebackers lik…

On their Pirates podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin recap the weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Did Ke'Bryan Hayes show some signs that he might be figuring some things out offensively after his return from injury? Can Mitch Keller keep his May momentum going in June? Is Bailey Falter pitching like an All-Star w…

In this clip from the Friday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnists Paul Zeise and Jason Mackey to debate MLB's decision to include Negro League stats in its official record book. Is it the proper move by commissioner Rob Manfred to honor legends like t…

Steelers tackle Broderick Jones speaks with reporters during the teams OTAs on the South Side this week. Among the topics: His ability to switch between the left and right tackle spots; then competition with Troy Fautanu and Dan Moore Jr. for starting roles; the ways he's tried to help Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick adapt as rookies, giv…

In this clip from the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to discuss the team's offensive identity as the second week of OTAs comes to a close. Is OC Arthur Smith ahead of where Matt Canada was last year in creating an offensive …

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey takes reader questions. Among them: How much does the bullpen miss Ryan Borucki this season? Does GM Ben Cherington have any urgency to upgrade this MLB roster via a trade, perhaps involving a key prospect or two? Why does Rowdy Tellez still have a roster spot despite showing…

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to weigh Najee Harris' value to the Steelers in 2024 after GM Omar Khan declined his fifth-year option. Should Khan consider trading him instead of letting him walk for nothing at the end of the year? Would other teams actually value him enough to get…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey gives his thoughts on MLB's decision to incorporate Negro Leagues stats into the official statistical record. Was it the right call? He also ponders where Paul Skenes' development stands after another successful outing Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. Is the Pirates' roo…

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 discuss the latest from Steelers OTAs, specifically Arthur Smith's offense. Why could Pat Freiermuth's expanded role help him rise the ranks to join the elite tight ends in the NFL…

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey has the latest on Steelers OTAs. Why is Pat Friermuth looking ready to take the next step and become one of the top tight ends in the NFL? How will Arthur Smith's offense showcase him more than Matt Canada's did? And what were QB Justin Fields' thoughts on the suggestions tha…