North Shore Drive podcast - Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more

On the Friday edition of The North Shore Drive podcast presented by Mike’s Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko discuss whether GM Omar Khan is saving his team’s salary cap space for a big trade or will roll it over into next season. Would wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and CeeDee Lamb be the best use of that money, or should they extend their own players? And later Pirates insider Andrew Destin joins the show to talk about a crucial set of series ahead of the All-Star break.

On today's edition of First 10, Jason Mackey talks about time running short on the Pirates adding some pop, the look of the starting rotation with Jared Jones hurt, what to do with Aroldis Chapman if there are offers and whether Paul Skenes should go to the All-Star Game.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko analyze the team's linebacker core heading into training camp later this month. Are T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith already better than Steelers LB legends James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley? Which current Steelers also have the best shot at making the hall of fame?

Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Later, Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Noah Hiles to discuss Noah's 1-on-1 with Pirates pitching coach Oscar Marin. Noah also breaks down the Pirates' Joshua Palacios situation and what to make of the team putting his promotion on pause after Tuesday's loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

On today's episode of First 10, Jason Mackey discusses what the Pirates need to see out of Jack Suwinski after Tuesday night's performance, why they continue to play Yasmani Grandal, and where he'd like to see them go with the catching situation. Mackey also touches on the Penguins adding Sebastian Aho, needing to get a winger and what looks to be a daunting schedule.

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes 93.7 The Fan's "Donny Football" Chedrick to pick the most likely -- or necessary -- breakout players for the team this season. Why does Keenau Benton seem like the most likely to take a major step after an encouraging rookie year? Can Joey Porter Jr. build on strong analytics to become a true shutdown cornerback? Can Pat Freiermuth still surprise people within new OC Arthur Smith's offense despite entering his fourth year in the league? Will George Pickens solidify his place as one of the league's best receivers? And why are names including DeShon Elliott, Nick Herbig, Darius Rush, Calvin Austin III, Broderick Jones and Darnell Washington among others to watch? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Penguins moves -- or lack thereof -- on the first day of NHL free agency. Do additions including Blake Lizotte, Matt Grzelcyk and Anthony Beauvillier make GM Kyle Dubas' roster significantly better? Will Reilly Smith be missed after he was traded to the New York Rangers? What will the core of veteran stars including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang thing about the lack of splashy moves? And elsewhere, what should we make of former Penguins Jake Guentzel's nine-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning?

Jason tackles those questions, then previews the Pirates' series against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park.

On their weekly Pitt mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Does Bub Carrington's selection in the first round of the NBA draft as a one-and-done actually help the Panthers' program? Will Blake Hinson actually get a chance to play for the Lakers and with LeBron James? And should we be excited about Mason Alexander, a cornerback and Pat Narduzzi's first four-star recruit in the Class of 2025? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko rank the team's position groups from best to worst. Can any group challenge the depth and quality of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and the outside linebackers? Are the receivers the worst group despite the presence of George Pickens? Where do Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and the QBs stack up? What about the defensive line with an aging Cam Heyward but an ascending talent in Keeanu Benton? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Then later, Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Noah Hiles to react to the weekend series with the Atlanta Braves and ponder GM Ben Cherington's options to make a deal ahead of the MLB trade deadline at the end of the month.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey previews NHL free agency for GM Kyle Dubas and the Penguins. What should we make of the Kevin Hayes trade with the St. Louis Blues over the weekend? And what should we expect as free agents begin signing with teams officially on Monday? Is there anything Dubas can do to meaningfully upgrade the roster around Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? Or are his options limited?

Then later, Jason reacts to the Pirates' series loss against the Atlanta Braves over the weekend. Does the June surge by Rowdy Tellez eliminate the need for a first baseman ahead of the MLB trade deadline at the end of the month? Can Oneil Cruz start to show more consistency after a clutch homer Sunday? And how can GM Ben Cherington improve the offense beyond those guys?

Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin discuss how the series against the Atlanta Braves showed the team’s strengths (Paul Skenes, Aroldis Chapman) and weaknesses (Ke'Bryan Hayes, Jared Triolo) and where improvement can be found.