Why is the MLB All Star Game still a bigger deal compared to the others in pro sports? Was David Bednar snubbed? The guys agreed that it’s the Pirates fault, not his, because of how poorly they have played over the last two months. Are they choosing teams the right way? How much input should the fans have? Poni thinks it should come down to a panel of ex-players, but Chris doesn’t love the idea.   

Chris said the MLB All Star Game doesn’t have the same mystique it had when he was a kid and said interleague play has played a factor. Poni listed some iconic moments in All Star Game history and why he’s bugged about David Bednar not being included. / Calls.

Bucco Weekend Review. What did you make of the Greg Brown call on the Carlos Santana walk-off home run? 

Why is the MLB All Star Game still a bigger deal compared to the others in pro sports? Was David Bednar snubbed? The guys agreed that it’s the Pirates fault, not his, because of how poorly they have played over the last two months. Are they choosing teams the right way? How much input should the fans have? Poni thinks it should come down to a panel of ex-players, but Chris doesn’t love the idea.   

The Penguins have signed on to 5 more years of Tristan Jarry. This has the guys irate. Poni said it’s the worst move a team has made in this town since the Steelers used a 1st round pick on Najee Harris. Chris said there isn’t much here to defend the move and it seems like Mike Sullivan took advantage of Kyle Dubas. The guys thought Dubas was much smarter than that. The guys pointed out other “inexcusable” moves made so far in this free agency period. 

GIVEAWAY.

NJ Devils PxP voice Matt Loughlin joined the show. Matt gave the guys the skinny on Ryan Graves, who the Penguins signed over the weekend. Matt said he developed into a very solid defenseman with the Devils and likes the signing a lot for the Penguins. Matt talked about the strong parts of Graves’ game and expects him to be a good pairing with, likely, Kris Letang. Matt said Graves is pretty well developed at this point in his career and that he will collect some very big minutes. He raved about his ability as a defensive defenseman and thinks his ceiling in terms of goals is right around double digits, but not a ton. Matt explained his ability on the penalty kill and the Pens will reap the benefits of that. 

NJ Devils PxP voice Matt Loughlin joined the show. Matt gave the guys the skinny on Ryan Graves, who the Penguins signed over the weekend. Matt said he developed into a very solid defenseman with the Devils and likes the signing a lot for the Penguins. Matt talked about the strong parts of Graves’ game and expects him to be a good pairing with, likely, Kris Letang. Matt said Graves is pretty well developed at this point in his career and that he will collect some very big minutes. He raved about his ability as a defensive defenseman and thinks his ceiling in terms of goals is right around double digits, but not a ton. Matt explained his ability on the penalty kill and the Pens will reap the benefits of that. 

The Penguins have signed on to 5 more years of Tristan Jarry. This has the guys irate. Poni said it’s the worst move a team has made in this town since the Steelers used a 1st round pick on Najee Harris. Chris said there isn’t much here to defend the move and it seems like Mike Sullivan took advantage of Kyle Dubas. The guys thought Dubas was much smarter than that. The guys pointed out other “inexcusable” moves made so far in this free agency period. 

Hour 4: A Pittsburgh sports team wants a parade and it surprises the guys. Will anybody watch the XFL Championship Game tomorrow night? Open Phone Friday. Hodgepodge of Nothingness. Chris is having a party this weekend but the weather doesn't look great.

Hour 3: Mark Kaboly joins the show to talk about what Steelers he's most excited to watch at training camp, Kenny Pickett's flexibility in the offense, something strange Adam Crowley did in studio today, and more! Cale Berger and the guys took part in the Jason Kelce beer-chugging challenge, and things did not end well for Cale. Donny Football Debrief. An ESPN article has ranked NFL rosters and the Steelers landing spot is surprising. Poni's wife chimes in on Cale's beer-chugging performance today.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly from The Athletic joined the show. Mark said he’s most excited to see Patrick Peterson when they get to camp in about a month. He also said seeing Kenny Pickett emerge in camp as the starter this time around is reason to be excited. Mark talked about what they could be establishing on offense and if it’s different from last year. 

Hour 2: We're about to reach the halfway point of the Pirates season and the guys recapped the first few months of it. We give out some midseason awards. Bob Pompeani joins the show to talk about what the Penguins will do at goalie, the Pirates' first half of the season, the layoffs at ESPN, the Pirates' TV future, and more! PM Team Power Rankings. Intern Dom says George Washington is overrated. What are the best cheap beers?

KDKA TV legend Bob Pompeani joined the show. Bob thinks the Penguins goalie next year will be Tristan Jarry, but does expect the Pens to try to make moves at that position. Bob also isn’t sold on Casey DeSmith being the backup goalie next season. Bob doesn’t like the Penguins decision to not buy out Mikael Granlund, but he’s hoping things change in the next 90 minutes. The guys shifted to baseball and had Bob give his Pirates first half grade and awards. Bob also commented on the impact Pat McAfee may be having on the recent layoffs at ESPN.