Sidney Crosby has begun his quest for a third Olympic gold medal as Canada blanked Czechia, 5-0 earlier today. Poni had a big question for people in Pittsburgh – are you rooting for the United States or Canada? It sounds silly, but a recent poll showed that 40% of Penguins fans are rooting for 87 to win another gold. Team USA doesn’t have anyone from the Penguins current roster, but it has a former coach and Stanley Cup champion in charge. Mullsy got annoyed late in the segment and decided he would also root for Canada and Crosby.
Do callers want Team USA hockey to win gold or another one for Sidney Crosby and Canada? One wild man said he wouldn’t care if Crosby broke his leg in the games.
Pirates insider Jason Mackey from the PG joined the show. Jason is taking in the early workouts in Bradenton after pitchers and catchers reported yesterday. Nick Castellanos just got released by the Phillies, but Jason does not anticipate the Pirates having any interest there. Jason does not think talks have begun between the Pirates and Konnor Griffin on a contract extension. Jason guessed it would need to be close to the Roman Anthony deal with the Red Sox, which was worth $130M total. Jason said there is a ‘very good chance’ Griffin is on the Opening Day roster and he will have every opportunity throughout the spring, similar to Jared Jones, to prove it. Jason said there are no questions defensively for Griffin and he can play a mix of shortstop and outfield. Jason is a little less optimistic that the Pirates will sign a left-handed pitcher before the season begins. He projected that they have ‘maybe a half dozen’ options at 3B outside of the organization. Jason has the Pirates as an 84-85 win team right now.