The Pirates lost 2 of 3 to the Reds this weekend further showing they are an average ballclub. Should we be expecting more than this? We haven’t seen many .500 or better seasons in the last 3 decades, but a team with this much offensive firepower, and alleged good starting pitching, should be better than 42-42. The Pirates start a scary stretch tonight when they play the first of four in Philadelphia.

Esmerlyn Valdez hit a 461-foot home run yesterday, only 20ish feet shy of the record-long set by Sammy Sosa in the early 2000’s. We reminisced about big blasts at PNC Park over the last 25 years.

David Pagnotta from the NHL Network joined the show. We are just a few days away from the start of NHL Free Agency. David expects the Penguins to be among the teams making an offer sheet for Jason Robertson, who is coming off a 45-goal campaign. The price tag on a contract could be north of $14M/year as the Stars also explore trade options for their restricted free agent. It could also cost up to 4 1st round picks going back to Dallas. How many teams can afford Robertson’s services? David suggested Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell being one of the players going back to the Stars if the Penguins make the move for Robertson. David believes Robertson will end up somewhere in the Eastern Conference if he doesn’t return to Dallas for the 2026-2027 season. Is Darnell Nurse a name to keep in mind for the Penguins? Who else does Kyle Dubas have eyes on entering free agency?