MLB writer Travis Sawchik joined the show. Travis talked about what is going on with the regional sports networks, like AT&T Sports Net, as many of them are in financial trouble heading into the 2023 baseball season. Travis thinks the in-market streaming option could be there even if there is still a cable option. Travis talked about how it is all connected within advertisers, cable and streaming service and how it all comes together. Travis referenced other networks out there and some of the troubles they are having. Travis talked about how Amazon got involved with the NFL and if anything like that could happen for another league.

Jalen Carter, one of the NFL’s top draft prospects, was charged with multiple misdemeanors related to a crash that resulted in multiple deaths. Carter is not responsible for either death, but he was “racing” the other car involved. Will his draft stock take a hit? Poni brought up other situations that impacted draft status. 

NFL insider Brooke Pryor from ESPN joined the show. Brooke described the scene in Indianapolis. Brooke talked about what approach the Steelers might take heading into free agency and the draft. Brooke thinks the 17th overall pick is a toss up between best available at corner or best available on the offensive line – sighting both Joey Porter Jr. and Peter Skoronski. She thinks Cam Sutton may have priced himself out of Pittsburgh. 

The greatest DJ in WPIAL history got a shout out. 

NFL insider Brooke Pryor from ESPN joined the show. Brooke described the scene in Indianapolis. Brooke talked about what approach the Steelers might take heading into free agency and the draft. Brooke thinks the 17th overall pick is a toss up between best available at corner or best available on the offensive line – sighting both Joey Porter Jr. and Peter Skoronski. She thinks Cam Sutton may have priced himself out of Pittsburgh. 

The Regional Sports Network market is dying. The MSG network in NY has decided to go streaming only, asking people pay $10/game, $30/month, $300/year to have access to all of the games/events on the network. AT&T Sports Net has under a month to make something happen. If not, would you pay similar prices to watch the Pirates and Penguins?

Calls. 

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Mike commented on the Jalen Carter situation that broke this morning. Poni asked Mike what is going on with Aaron Rodgers as free agency approaches and he thinks the Jets are absolutely involved. Mike talked about Lamar Jackson asking for a fully-guaranteed deal. Mike talked about a couple other QBs on the market like Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett. 

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Mike commented on the Jalen Carter situation that broke this morning. Poni asked Mike what is going on with Aaron Rodgers as free agency approaches and he thinks the Jets are absolutely involved. Mike talked about Lamar Jackson asking for a fully-guaranteed deal. Mike talked about a couple other QBs on the market like Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett. 

There’s something going on with every Pittsburgh team. The Pens won again and are looking to make moves at the deadline. The Steelers are off scouting at the NFL combine. The Pirates are in the midst of spring training play. And the Pitt Panthers men’s basketball team has a sneaky big game tonight. 

Calls.

Former Penguin Tyler Kennedy joined the show. Tyler said the Pens have to be buyers at the deadline and that they are likely looking for a bottom six player and a defenseman. He thinks the team will have a positive attitude if there is not a player added to the room by the deadline. “I would trade my 1st round pick to Washington for Tom Wilson” is what Tyler said he would do this week, despite him being a hated Pens rival. He commented on bringing in a player like JT Miller this week. Tyler talked about how he dealt with the trade deadline every year as a player. 

Former Penguin Tyler Kennedy joined the show. Tyler said the Pens have to be buyers at the deadline and that they are likely looking for a bottom six player and a defenseman. He thinks the team will have a positive attitude if there is not a player added to the room by the deadline. “I would trade my 1st round pick to Washington for Tom Wilson” is what Tyler said he would do this week, despite him being a hated Pens rival. He commented on bringing in a player like JT Miller this week. Tyler talked about how he dealt with the trade deadline every year as a player. 

CBS NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson joined the show. Ryan talked about some of the big storylines heading into the NFL Scouting Combine this week, starting with the big name QBs. He thinks CJ Stroud is the best bet to challenge Bryce Young for the 1st overall pick. When asked about defensive linemen that could be there for the Steelers 17th overall and he talked about a player that did not start a game in college, but has the frame for the league. Poni asked about Bryan Bresee out of Clemson and how he could fit into the Steelers defense. Ryan thinks Peter Skoronski will have arms under 33 inches long, but still likes him as a tackle instead of a guard at the pro level, highlighting what he did against Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo in college. Ryan still loves Dawand Jones out of Ohio State, who lacks some quickness due to weight, but has tremendous size. Ryan said Joey Porter Jr. at 17 is a “layup” if he’s still there for the Steelers. Drew Sanders is the highest rated inside linebacker, according to Ryan, going into the combine, who he thinks would be an easy pick at 32nd overall to start the 2nd round. 

Who will be in charge of the Steelers draft? Poni thinks Mike Tomlin wants to be in charge. Poni still has left tackle as his number one need. Is it smart for the Steelers to keep Mitch Trubisky around at his cap hit? Omar Khan said he will be more aggressive as Steelers GM than what we’ve seen in the past – do you believe that? It also seems like the front office is high on Calvin Austin as the team’s third WR. 

Should Pitt hoops be a lock for the NCAA Tournament, despite what most of the experts say? Poni and Donny are going to a Horizon League game tonight between Robert Morris and IUPUI. And Donny had a funny story from St. Vincent over the weekend with a monk cutting down the nets. 

Mel Kiper Jr. released another mock draft and still has the Steelers taking Joey Porter Jr. at 17th overall. Are you sold on the Penn State cornerback becoming a Steeler? Are you tired of personal relationships being a big factor in the Steelers adding players? 

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff had some insight on the Penguins as we get closer to the trade deadline and if JT Miller is a possible target. Jeff thinks Ron Hextall is working for his job, but doesn’t know what the Fenway Sports Group is thinking. The discussion then shifted to the Steelers and Jeff thinks we will see more aggression from Omar Khan and the front office this off-season. Jeff is growing convinced that the Steelers will take Joey Porter Jr. at 17th overall if he is available. Jeff said he wouldn’t rule out Jaxon Smith-Njigba to start the 2nd round. 

AJ Burnett is throwing out the first pitch at the Pirates home opener on April 7th and his catcher will be Russell Martin. We had AJ on with us a month ago and asked him about throwing out a first pitch at some point this season. Now we have our answer.