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Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley report from spring training in Bradenton, Fla. This show is presented by FanDuel. What were some of the takeaways from free agent signing Marcell Ozuna's first press conference as a member of the Pirates? Can he be a positive hitting influence for Oneil Cruz? What are the chances top prospect Konnor Griffin actually makes the opening day roster? And what should fans make of GM Ben Cherington's decision to designate Jack Suwinski for assignment on Monday morning? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the latest news and notes surrounding Pat Narduzzi's Panthers football team. This show is presented by FanDuel. Who will step up as Mason Heintschel's backup in a young quarterback room? Will it be Corey Dailey or Angelo Renda? Or maybe grad transfer Holden Geriner, who can help with Heintschel's development? How big is the task in front of new safeties coach Harlon Barnett? Who will slot in next to Cruce Brookins after Javon McIntyre and Kavir Bains-Marquez moved on? Is Josh Guerrier ready to take a step forward? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Now that the WPIAL basketball playoffs are in full swing, our insiders, high school sports editor Keith Barnes and veteran scribe Mike White, look at games past and the upcoming slate. The two chat about the City League basketball finals, which were played last weekend, and their outlook for the PIAA tournament. They also examine the job Doug Biega has done in his first year at Hopewell, talk about their Shining Stars and give their predictions for key WPIAL playoff games. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo ponder the team's biggest needs heading into the NFL offseason. Should new coach Mike McCarthy and GM Omar Khan invest more in the offensive line and add a name like Vega Ioane to their young core that includes names like Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick? And how much room for growth does that group still have to become an elite unit? ' Our duo ponders those questions, then considers the possibility that this could be a playmakers draft for the Steelers. Would receivers like Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston and Makai Lemon be exactly what this offense needs, regardless of whether the QB is Aaron Rodgers or someone else? How much would such a pick free up DK Metcalf on the outside? And is there a chance McCarthy will seek a running back to complement Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson? Especially if Kenneth Gainwell doesn't re-sign? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes KDKA-TV's Josh Taylor to rank the best couples in team history. This show is presented by FanDuel. Which dynamic duos are most responsible for the franchise's illustrious history? And which were simply the most fun to watch post mind-boggling stats? Brian and Josh give their thoughts on the Hall of Fame receiver duo of John Stallworth and Lynn Swann; the backfield combo of Jerome Bettis and Dan Kreider; the QB/C exchange of Terry Bradshaw and Mike Webster; the "Blitzburgh" originators Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene; the broadcasting icons Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley; high-synergy linebackers Larry Foote and James Farrior; the passing game virtuosos Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown; defensive backfield mates Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu; modern stars T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith and many more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' upcoming matchup with No. 11 North Carolina, sans star NBA Draft prospect Caleb Wilson. This show is presented by FanDuel. Does Wilson's injury give Jeff Capel's Panthers a real chance to win? Or is this going to be just another ACC loss for Barry Dunning Jr., Cam Corhen and Co.? Why will perimeter shooting from players like Damarco Minor be key to victory? Can the Panthers exploit the Tar Heels' lack of 3-point defense? Our duo tackles those topics, plus gives their picks for the game, and one of them even picks an upset .... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley report from spring training in Bradenton, Fla. with a focus on top prospect Konnor Griffin. Does he have a chance to make the MLB opening day roster? What is he learning in camp from big leaguers including Paul Skenes, Bryan Reynolds, Mitch Keller, Oneil Cruz and others? And why has he been impressive to watch early in camp? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Is Cruz improving against lefties? How much can Mason Montgomery add to the bullpen? And is Bubba Chandler flying under the radar a bit with all of the focus on Griffin? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison welcomes assistant sports editor and former beat partner Matt Vensel to recap the team's season so far, discuss how far this team can go and break down its potential moves at the NHL trade deadline. This show is presented by FanDuel. Which players have surprised? Should we be shocked that Sidney Crosby is still producing at such a high level? Have there been any disappointments? How will the Olympics affect Crosby, Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell and Arturs Silovs? How far can this team go if it makes the Stanley Cup playoffs? Will Kyle Dubas be a buyer at the NHL trade deadline? What splash moves could they make? Do names like Shane Wright and Vincent Trocheck fit? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Thursday 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 podcast beef between former franchise Super Bowl champions Joey Porter, Ben Roethlisberger and James Harrison. Is their back-and-forth over Mike Tomlin criticism too messy? Especially with the franchise moving on into new coach Mike McCarthy's tenure? Are Harrison and Roethlisberger valid in their critiques? Or at least in bounds? Or has the bad blood gotten too personal on both sides? And how does the whole episode that unfolded on Cam Heyward's show this week impact legacies? Our duo tackles those questions then ponders Aaron Rodgers' future amid a report from NFL insider Jason La Canfora that it's either the Steelers or retirement for him in 2026. Is that the logical outcome for the 42-year-old QB at this stage of his career? Or could he still find some magic with a team like the Minnesota Vikings, who have a well-respected play caller in Kevin O'Connell and a young QB in J.J. McCarthy who could be helped by Rodgers' mentorship? Should the Steelers want Rodgers back in their QB room, given his connection to new coach Mike McCarthy from their days with the Green Bay Packers? Or should Rodgers' spot go to a younger player next to Mason Rudolph and Will Howard? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley report from the first day of spring training in Bradenton, Fla. They recap a busy day of comments from players and coaches as well as on-field action with the Grapefruit League opener looming later this month. How is starter Jared Jones looking in his return from injury? What changes has Mitch Keller made to his routine amid offseason MLB trade rumors? What did Paul Skenes think of the moves GM Ben Cherington made this offseason to acquire bats like Marcell Ozuna, Ryan O'Hearn, Jake Mangum and Brandon Lowe? What did manager Don Kelly have to say at the start of his first season at the help? Did top prospect Konnor Griffin look big-league ready? And what should we make of fellow prospect Termarr Johnson working out at third base? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 discuss potential winners and losers in the transition between former coach Mike Tomlin's staff to new coach Mike McCarthy's. Could Pat Freiermuth finally see an elevated role at tight end, given McCarthy's success at the position elsewhere? Will he see more targets not only relative to fellow tight ends Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington but other receivers and backs as well? Will McCarthy find ways to use DK Metcalf more effectively? And could an interest in finding a viable No. 2 receiver like USC's Makai Lemon in the NFL draft potentially help in that pursuit? And could Jaylen Warren find better opportunities in the running game in McCarthy is able to open up the pass game more relative to former OC Arthur Smith? Our duo tackles those questions, then analyzes which names may lose prominence. Will Derrick Harmon still be seen as a key piece of the future and the heir to Cam Heyward's role along the defensive line? Or could a coaching change disrupt his development? Will Patrick Queen retain his role as the signal caller of the defense? Or could his contract price him out of that role under new DC Patrick Graham? With other linebackers like Payton Wilson and Cole Holcomb in the fold? And what is Jalen Ramsey's future in the secondary? Are the Steelers willing to pay him elite DB money for an uncertain role? Or could the new staff prefer to build around younger players like Joey Porter Jr. and invest Ramsey's big salary elsewhere? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react to the Panthers' 70-54 loss to No. 4 Duke on Tuesday night at Petersen Events Center. This show is presented by FanDuel. Were there any positives to take away from the loss? How was Jeff Capel's team able to keep it close with Duke in the first half? How were they able to force turnovers and play tough defense, and what changed as the game went on? Was Roman Siulepa's tight defense on top NBA draft prospect Cameron Boozer a sign he can be a stopper for Pitt? Was Barry Dunning Jr.'s performance (17 points, six rebounds) a sign he can step up with leading scorer Brandin Cummings still out injured? And are we past the point of moral victories this deep into ACC play? Stephen and Abby tackle those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The WPIAL basketball playoff brackets have been released! Now it's time for our WPIAL insiders — high school sports editor Keith Barnes, writer Brad Everett and the incomparable Mike White to break them down and give their predictions on which teams will stand alone at Petersen Events Center. Did the committee make the right calls in seedings? Who are the players to watch in the tournament? Will some of last year's champions repeat? Or will new ones be crowned? Our trio tackles those topics and more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Noah Hiles welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to ponder the team's decision at QB in 2025. Did GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin make the wrong call in pursuing Aaron Rodgers over Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl winner Sam Darnold? Could Darnold have replicated his championship success with the Steelers, surrounded by big names like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Jalen Ramsey? Or was Rodgers still the right choice to get the most out of an offense that included names like DK Metcalf, Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Warren, Roman Wilson, Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth and Calvin Austin III? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders the future of Drake Maye and the Super Bowl-losing Patriots in the AFC. Will they become a dominant force in the conference again? Or were there vulnerabilities shown in the big game a sign that the conference remains wide open moving forward if new coach Mike McCarthy can shake things up as new Patriots coach Mike Vrabel did? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl victory and wonders if the Steelers got it right in hiring Mike McCarthy as Mike Tomlin's replacement. Will McCarthy's offensive background improve the Steelers enough overall after many years of struggles in that area? Or will they regret breaking tradition and passing on a young defensive mind like Mike McDonald or Chris Shula? How far are T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and their unit from replicating the dominance the Seattle defense showed? And is the NFL trending more toward the Seahawks model? Or that of Sean McVay and the Rams. Or Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers? Paul tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.