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

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By: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Insider coverage of the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, Pitt Panthers and Penn State Nittany Lions from the Post-Gazette sports reporters who know them best.

Pirates FINALIZING roster? Billy Cook, Nick Yorke, Hunter Barco IN. Konnor Griffin OUT for now
Today at 6:07 PM

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Colin Beazley and Noah Hiles react to GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly making roster cuts ahead of MLB opening day later this week. They give their thoughts on pitchers Carmen Mlodzinski, Hunter Barco and Jose Urquidy making the team while Mike Clevinger is demoted to the minors. They also ponder the state of the position player group with Billy Cook, Nick Yorke and others claiming spots while top prospect Konnor Griffin waits for his call the big leagues as one of the final cuts. Will they make the impact the Pirates need in the...


Penguins looking over their shoulders in PLAYOFF race? Goaltender interference causing frustration?
Today at 5:00 PM

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison takes a look at the team's busy weekend and analyzes their place in the standings as the Eastern Conference playoff race heats up. This show is presented by FanDuel.

How important was the team's exhausting 5-4 shootout win over the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday? How did they lose ANOTHER controversial goaltender interference challenge? How were they able to get over the hump in the shootout?

On the flip side, just how bad were they against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday? And why? What do the results against the Metropolitan Division's...


Is Brock Hoffman Steelers' ANSWER at guard? Ray Fittipaldo chooses Dillion Thieneman in mock draft?
Today at 3:01 PM

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to the signing of offensive lineman Brock Hoffman.

Is the veteran the answer for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy at the starting guard spot vacated by Isaac Seumalo? Or is he merely a candidate to compete with internal candidates like Spencer Anderson? And do both of them have to look out for competition coming out in the NFL draft that could include projected first rounder Vega Ioane out of...


Steelers mock drafts: CJ Allen fills long-term need at MLB? Experts zero in on Blake Miller?
Last Saturday at 1:00 PM

On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to sort through the week in NFL mock draft picks for the team.

How closely should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy be looking at the middle linebacker spot with Patrick Queen's future uncertain? And is CJ Allen a prospect worth bringing in at that spot? How does the Michael Pittman Jr. trade impact the attractiveness of a prospect like Zachariah Branch? And could corners Keith Abney and Davison Igbinosun provide needed depth behind...


Steelers taking ODD APPROACH to first pre-draft visits with Mike McCarthy? Where are top prospects?
Last Friday at 5:17 PM

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to discuss the team's seemingly odd approach to its pre-draft visits so far. Why haven't GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy welcomes more top prospects, particularly at positions of need like safety, guard and receiver? Can we still expect names like Dillon Thieneman, Emmauel McNeil-Warren, Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon, Vega Ioane and others to make their way through the South Side facility? Or does McCarthy simply place less emphasis on the pre-draft...


Pitt football: CONCERN about returning WRs? LBs inspiring confidence?
Last Friday at 5:00 PM

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable give their impressions from the second week of the Panthers' spring practices. This show is presented by FanDuel.

How much concern should there be in regards to the wide receiver room? Is Blue Hicks in Pat Narduzzi's doghouse after missing practice? Can Pitt rely on him, Malik Knight, Tony Kinsler and Bryce Yates to replace Kenny Johnson and Poppi Williams? On the flip side, why should we be confident in the linebacker corps? What does Jeremiah Marcelin bring to the unit as a whole? Our duo tackles those topics...


Paul Zeise Live: Should Steelers INVEST in Nick Herbig with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith already making big money?
Last Thursday at 9:31 PM

Live around 5 p.m. Post-Gazette Steelers insider Paul Zeise ponders what the Steelers should do with linebacker Nick Herbig now that the dust has mostly settled on their NFL free agency moves.

Should GM Omar Khan, coach Mike McCarthy and DC Patrick Graham look to give the four-year veteran a contract extension? Or are outside linebackers already taking up too big a piece of the salary cap with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith already making big money? Is Herbig a potential building block for the defensive alongside fellow young players like Joey Porter Jr., Payton Wilson...


Penguins boosted by Sidney Crosby RETURN? Erik Karlsson meeting the moment? Kris Letang struggling?
Last Thursday at 2:00 PM

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison breaks down Sidney Crosby's return to the lineup, Erik Karlsson's success as of late and the team's very real Kris Letang problem. This show is presented by FanDuel.

How did Sidney Crosby look in his return to the lineup after missing 11 games with a lower-body injury? Did the Penguins show anything in their crazy 6-5 OT loss to the Carolina Hurricanes? Or just another example of how that team is better? How is Erik Karlsson meeting the moment with his play? And what can the Penguins do about Kris Letang? King tackles...


Steelers have PENN STATE options in Olaivavega Ioane, Drew Allar? Dillon Thieneman a popular pick?
Last Thursday at 1:00 PM

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes PennLive Penn State reporter Johnny McGonigal to discuss some Nittany Lion NFL Draft options.

Will offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane still be available by the time the Steelers' pick comes around at No. 21? Or could they trade up to get him? Is Ioane the kind of player who would fit in Mike McCarthy and Brian Angelichio's new offense? Is Drew Allar still an option at quarterback despite a disappointing year? What are his pros and cons? Our duo tackles those topics, plus...


Paul Zeise Live: Steelers in NO-WIN situation with 2026 NFL draft QB class? Must learn from Kenny Pickett mistake?
Last Wednesday at 9:43 PM

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise explains why he feels the Steelers are in a no-win situation with regard to the 2026 NFL draft QB class.

He compares his doubts about names like Ty Simpson, Drew Allar, Carson Beck and Garrett Nussmeier to feelings about 2022 QB class members including Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder and others who, failed to make their mark in the league. He advocates for sticking with internal candidates like Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. Or last year's starter Aaron Rodgers, should he choose to return to GM Omar Khan and...


Steelers NFL draft visits: Do Garrett Nussmeier, Lee Hunter, A.J. Haulcy & others deserve looks?
Last Wednesday at 4:10 PM

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to ponder which NFL draft prospects they'd like to see the team bring in for Top 30 visits of their 2026 selections next month.

Is Carson Beck a serious candidate to join the QB room after already making a visit this week? Could Garrett Nussmeier be another name to watch at that position because of his pre-existing relationship with new coach Mike McCarthy? Would Chase Bisontis be a good option at guard on...


Paul Zeise Live: Steelers host CARSON BECK for pre-NFL draft workout? Could he compete with Will Howard?
Last Tuesday at 9:30 PM

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the pre-NFL draft visit of Miami Hurricanes QB Carson Beck to the Steelers' facility.

Should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy be legitimately interested in the college veteran? How does he compare to internal options Mason Rudolph and Will Howard? Could he be a viable starter if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return? One who could get the most out of weapons including DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth? And how does he match up with other draft options like Ty Simpson, Drew...


Pirates spring training: Final WBC thoughts on Paul Skenes, David Bednar, Mason Miller & more
Last Tuesday at 7:31 PM

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley offers his thoughts on Pittsburgh connections to the World Baseball Classic as in winds down in Miami. He weighs in on the performances of ace starter Paul Skenes as well as area natives David Bednar and Mason Miller as they've pitched in key roles out of the bullpen for Team USA. He also checks in on former catcher Francisco Cervelli after his magical run managing Team Italy to its first WBC semifinal appearance.


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Evgeni Malkin POWERS Penguins to win vs. Avalanche? Will he get a contract extension?
Last Tuesday at 3:15 PM

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison breaks down the team's 7-2 win over the league-leading Colorado Avalanche on Monday night amid massive performances from Erik Karlsson and Evgeni Malkin, playing his first game since being suspended for a slash to Rasmus Dahlin's upper body. This show is presented by FanDuel.

How good was Malkin in his first game back? Did his two first-period goals set the tone? What does it mean for the team to have Malkin back in fine form with Sidney Crosby still on the shelf for an unspecified period of time? How important has Erik...


Steelers showing faith in Will Howard with lack of QB moves? Will Connor Heyward be missed?
Last Tuesday at 2:15 PM

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the Steelers' lack of moves at the QB position during NFL free agency.

Is this a sign from GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy that they have faith in Aaron Rodgers' return and Mason Rudolph and Will Howard as his backups? Would Howard be a better starting option than veteran names that have been available this offseason including Malik Willis, Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray? And could the Steelers draft a...


Pitt basketball: Will Roman Siulepa return? Can Anthony Felesi, Chase Foster contribute right away?
Last Tuesday at 1:00 PM

Now that Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable don't have a coaching search to worry about, they dive into what next season's roster could look like for Jeff Capel's Panthers. This show is presented by FanDuel.

How will Pitt fill out its roster? Who will return and who will transfer? Who should be the staff's top retention priority โ€” Roman Siulepa, Omari Witherspoon or Nojus Indrusaitis? Are Kieran Mullen and Macari Moore likely to come back? Or Papa Kante?

Will top freshman recruits Anthony Felesi and Chase Foster contribute right away? And what does Pi...


Previewing PIAA basketball semifinals; what did WPIAL get right โ€” and wrong โ€” in realignment?
03/16/2026

We're down to the Final Four in PIAA basketball, and our award-winning Post-Gazette dynamic duo of high school sports editor Keith Barnes and Mike White break down the boys and girls games involving WPIAL teams and which ones they believe will be playing this weekend in Hershey!

They also take a look at the recently released conferences for the 2026 and 2027 football seasons and give their opinions on what the WPIAL got right ... and its misses.

All this and more on Varsity Xtra podcast!


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Steelers' Mike McCarthy highlighting PHYSICALITY with Michael Pittman Jr., Rico Dowdle moves?
03/16/2026

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze the team's moves in NFL free agency last week.

Is physicality a point of emphasis for new coach Mike McCarthy with Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle joining names like DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren, Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth and others on offense? Will the Steelers' size be an advantage, whether Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard or someone else is the quarterback? Or could they struggle to win athletically?

Our duo...


New Steelers INTRODUCED? Michael Pittman Jr. impresses? Jamel Dean likes fit with Patrick Graham?
03/13/2026

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the introductory news conferences for newly signed NFL free agents Michael Pittman Jr., Jamel Dean and Rico Dowdle.

Why was Pittman impressive as he described his career to this point an his aspirations to work alongside names like DK Metcalf, Mike McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers and others within the Steelers offense? Why does Dean feel like he'll be a good fit within new DC Patrick Graham's system alongside names like Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey and Jaquan Brisker? And what are Dowdle's expectations as he shares the backfield...


REACTION: Pitt's Jeff Capel returns for next season โ€” Smart call by Allen Greene? Or bad move?
03/13/2026

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react to the unexpected news that men's basketball coach Jeff Capel will be retained for the 2026-27 season. This show is presented by FanDuel.

What went into the decision by athletic director Allen Greene? Did anybody see this coming? Was Capel's reportedly eight-figure buyout prohibitive? Or was this strictly a basketball decision? Was this exclusively Greene's call? Or did the university and its boosters have some kind of say in the matter?

Where does the program go from here? Is Capel's vaunted recruiting class enough reason for...


Penguins in trouble after mistake-filled road loss to Vegas Golden Knights? What went wrong?
03/13/2026

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison takes a look at where the team stands without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin after an ugly 6-2 road loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. This show is presented by FanDuel.

What went wrong for the Penguins in Sin City? Why were they so prone to silly mistakes that they've been able to avoid for the most part this season? Are they trending downward during this tough road trip down the stretch?

Has anyone stepped up in the absences of Sidney Crosby (injured) and Evgeni Malkin (suspended)? Who...


Steelers free agency: Is JAQUAN BRISKER the answer at safety? Omar Khan's biggest NFL draft needs?
03/13/2026

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko react to the signing of safety Jaquan Brisker.

Is the local product the team's answer at safety this offseason? How will he fit alongside other secondary members including Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey and Jamel Dean? And could the Steelers still consider an NFL draft safety like Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as a long-term solution at the position?

Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders the biggest NFL draft...


Steelers free agency: PROS & CONS moves for Michael Pittman Jr., Jamel Dean, Rico Dowdle?
03/12/2026

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes ESPN's Brooke Pryor to react to the team's moves in NFL free agency so far.

What are the pros and cons for GM Omar Khan's moves for players including Michael Pittman Jr., Jamel Dean, Rico Dowdle, Darnell Savage and others? Did the Steelers mess up in 2022 in selecting Kenny Pickett in the NFL draft instead of top free agents this year including Alec Pierce and Malik Willis? And to what degree have Khan and coach Mike McCarthy centered their offseason on an expectation of...


Paul Zeise Live: Were Steelers HELPED or HURT by Ravens trade drama with Maxx Crosby, Trey Hendrickson?
03/11/2026

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the Steelers' AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens pulling out of a trade to acquire star pass rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders then subsequently signing Trey Hendrickson from the division rival Cincinnati Bengals.

Did the dramatic turn of events help or hurt the Steelers in the long run? Should the Ravens be under scrutiny from the league for the way the ill-fated trade played out? Does the Ravens' roster depletion โ€” which included names like Tyler Linderbaum and Isaiah Likely โ€” make them vulnerable as the perc...


Pirates spring training report: Konnor Griffin still in mix? Paul Skenes' WBC trip may be cut short?
03/11/2026

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley and Noah Hiles report from the team's 7-2 loss to the Orioles on Wednesday and break down the latest news and notes from the team.

With Konnor Griffin still in the mix at spring training, has he moved himself any closer to securing a spot on the opening day roster? When should we be worried about the collective slump of the Pirates' two catchers, Joey Bart and Henry Davis? And what is the likelihood Paul Skenes' trip to the World Baseball Classic with Team USA gets cut short after manager Mark DeRosa's...


Steelers free agency: Can Darnell Savage be more than depth? Cam Heyward quietly gets another year?
03/11/2026

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to react to the latest news from NFL free agency.

What does Darnell Savage -- the Steelers' latest signing -- add to the secondary next to names like Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean and Jalen Ramsey? Does he fill the team's need there? Or do GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy need to be looking closely at prospects like Caleb Downs, Dillion Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the NFL draft...


Paul Zeise Live: Steelers free agency: Has Omar Khan done enough with Michael Pittman Jr., Rico Dowdle, Jamel Dean?
03/10/2026

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to a quiet Day 2 of the "legal tampering" period before NFL free agency begins Wednesday.

Has Steelers GM Omar Khan done enough to make his roster better with the additions of Michael Pittman Jr., Rico Dowdle and Jamel Dean? Or are clearer answers at the quarterback and guard positions still needed? Is Kirk Cousins a reasonable solution at QB if Aaron Rodgers decides to retire? Or should new coach Mike McCarthy focus on developing backup Will Howard? And what should we make of trade rumors swirling around...


Steelers free agency: Can RICO DOWDLE follow Kenneth Gainwell's success? Patrick Queen rumors swirl?
03/10/2026

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the team's move on Day 1 of the "legal tampering" period ahead of NFL free agency.

What kind of replacement will Rico Dowdle be for Kenneth Gainwell within coach Mike McCarthy's offense? Will he be the No. 1 running back over Jaylen Warren? Or will they split carries? What does the signing mean for Kaleb Johnson following a disappointing rookie years? What will Michael Pittman Jr. add to the receiver group across from DK Metcalf...


Paul Zeise Live: Steelers free agency: JAMEL DEAN gets major deal? How much can he help Joey Porter Jr,?
03/09/2026

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise welcomes Steelers insider Christopher Carter to react to the first day of the so-called "legal tampering" period ahead of NFL free agency. Specifically, they offer thoughts on major moves for Jamel Dean and Michael Pittman Jr. from GM Omar Khan and new coach Mike McCarthy.

How much can Dean help the secondary across from Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback? What's next for Jalen Ramsey if Dean gets most reps outside? Where does Asante Samuel Jr. fit into the picture after re-signing earlier in the day? And could the...


WPIAL teams in good shape for second round of PIAA tournament? Frontrunners for Coach of the Year?
03/09/2026

With the PIAA basketball playoffs in full swing, our award-winning Post-Gazette dynamic duo of high school sports editor Keith Barnes and the venerable Mike White have a little fun with school and mascot names, look at who might be the frontrunners for boys and girls coaches of the year and make predictions on the second round of the tournament.


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Steelers trade reaction: Is MICHAEL PITTMAN Jr. the No. 2 WR they needed? Kenneth Gainwell leaves?
03/09/2026

Host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to react to the Steelers big trade for Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Is he exactly the type of player they needed as a No. 2 wideout opposite DK Metcalf? Did GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy do the right thing in giving Pittman a rich contract worth close to $20 million per season? What impact will this deal make on Khan's draft plans? Specifically as it pertains to selecting a receiver from a loaded class that includes names like Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston, Makai Lemon and Omar...


Steelers free agency: NEXT MOVE after re-signing Asante Samuel Jr.? Jaylen Waddle a trade option?
03/09/2026

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to the start of the so-called "legal tampering" period of NFL free agency.

Did GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy make the right move in bringing back Asante Samuel Jr. at cornerback alongside other secondary options including Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey? Could James Pierre be the next player to return to the defensive back group? And what will happen with names like Aaron Rodgers, Kenneth Gainwell, Calvin Austin...


Penguins make a STATEMENT with comeback vs. Bruins? Resilient without Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin?
03/09/2026

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison breaks down the team's 5-4 overtime win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday and takes a look at how the team is staying afloat without stars like Sidney Crosby (injured) and Evgeni Malkin (suspended). This show is presented by FanDuel.

What did that overtime win, capped off by Tommy Novak's goal, mean for the Penguins' season at large? How did Dan Muse's defensive lineup changes contribute to the victory? How has this team shown resilience throughout the season? And how did trade deadline acquisition Elmer Soderblom look in his Penguins debut? King...


ACC TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: Can Pitt stop Stanford? How many wins for Jeff Capel to save his job?
03/09/2026

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable preview the Panthers' ACC tournament opener against Stanford on Tuesday and wonder how many games they'd need to win for coach Jeff Capel to keep his job. This show is presented by FanDuel.

What can Pitt do differently this time around, after it lost 75-67 to Stanford on Feb. 25? How can the Panthers slow down freshman Ebuka Okorie, who scored 34 points in that first matchup? Who are some key players and matchups to watch?

Is there any chance Pitt could make a deep run to save Capel's...


Steelers mock drafts: TONS of Jordyn Tyson picks? Are Keiote Scott, Treydan Stukes DBs to watch?
03/07/2026

On the Saturday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to talk through the week in NFL mock draft picks for GM Omar Khan's team.

How much value would a rugged slot corner like Keiote Scott add to the secondary? What about a player like Treydan Stukes, who could slide between slot corner and safety next to names like Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr.? Will those needs be worthy of Day 2 picks? Or will the Steelers look at prospects even higher on the board?<...


Steelers can make BIG MOVES after cutting Jonnu Smith? Watch Brian Thomas Jr., Minkah Fitzpatrick?
03/06/2026

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko ponder the moves available to GM Omar Khan and new coach Mike McCarthy following the decision to cut Jonnu Smith and his lucrative contract.

Could the front office be looking to make big moves like it did last year for Smith, DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey? Could Fitzpatrick potentially return to Pittsburgh amid turmoil with the Miami Dolphins? And why are names like Kamren Curl, Logan Hall and Calvin Austin III on...


Pirates spring training report: Andrew McCutchen MOVES ON? Kyle Nicolas traded?
03/05/2026

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Colin Beazley and Noah Hiles react to the biggest stories originating from spring training and Grapefruit League play this week in Florida.

Did GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly make the right move in trading reliever Kyle Nicolas to the Reds for prospect Tyler Callihan? Can Callihan be expected to contribute in the lineup next to names like Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, Marcell Ozuna, Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn? And how much will the bullpen miss Nicolas?

The guys also ponder Andrew McCutchen's departure for a minor league deal with the...


Steelers NFL draft prep: Pittsburgh's own Nikhai Hill-Green breaks down Alabama teammate Ty Simpson
03/05/2026

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes former Alabama linebacker and Pittsburgh native Nikhai Hill-Green to take a look at some of his Crimson Tide teammates ahead of the NFL Draft.

Hill-Green tells of his story going from Pittsburgh to the elite St. Frances Academy in Baltimore to stops at Alabama, Colorado, Charlotte and Michigan. Hill-Green gives his thoughts on some of his Alabama teammates also coming out for the 2026 draft, including QB Ty Simpson and defensive tackle Tim Keenan III. Hill-Green also breaks down some current Steelers...


Paul Zeise Live: Steelers' Aaron Rodgers SIDESTEPS questions about return with Pat McAfee?
03/04/2026

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers appearing on the Pat McAfee show and offering little insight about his future.

Should GM Omar Khan, coach Mike McCarthy and the team be concerned about Rodgers retiring or joining up with another team for 2026? Or is this normal Rodgers gamesmanship? Why was Rodgers non-committal about his future less than a week after Khan said he expected an answer sooner than last year at the NFL combine? Is it time to start evaluating outside QB candidates like Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones, Malik...


Taking a look at the best players, performances and games from the WPIAL basketball championships
03/04/2026

The WPIAL basketball finals are complete, with 12 champions being crowned last weekend.

But that's not the end of our coverage!

Post-Gazette high school sports editor Keith Barnes and the incomparable Mike White take a look back at the best players, performances and games from the WPIAL finals and look ahead to the state championships, which open on Friday.

All this and more on Varsity Xtra podcast!


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