There’s a new look at St. Vincent with Mike McCarthy in charge and the Pirates struggled this week as the trade deadline approaches.

The full Pomp and Joe Show, with Joe Starkey and Austin Bechtold (behind the glass), from Friday, July 31st, 2026

Hour 1 with Joe Starkey: This is the worst Joe has felt about the Pirates all year. We all knew they were going to lose in the 9th. Joe thinks it was a bad decision that Mason Montgomery didn't pitch the 9th inning after seven pitches in the 8th. The Pirates are 2-6 in their last eight games. The Pirates and Brewers are in on Mets relief pitcher Luke Weaver!

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: The Pirates are interested in Luke Weaver. The Mets have interest in Murf Gray and Sammy Stafura according to a report by Michael Marino. The Pirates and Brewers are both interested in Weaver and it may cause a bidding war. Ken Rosenthal said that Seth Hernandez is in heavy demand. Would you trade Seth Hernandez for Mason Miller?

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Jason Mackey said that the Pirates are interested in Luke Weaver but imagines it would take a player like Murf Gray. He thinks Murf Gray would be the right move to trade for Weaver. Jason thinks for the right deal, the Pirates will trade anyone not named Seth Hernandez. The Penguins signed Tommy Novak to a three-year extension for $4.65 million per season. Should the Pirates pursue Robbie Ray??

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: Pirates broadcaster Bob Walk joined the show. The Pirates bullpen has been better but Bob admits its been bad in the 9th inning. Starters are not pitching deep enough and the inconsistency of the bullpen has been partially because the rotation isn't helping. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo joined the show. Steelers practice today was a walk-through and McCarthy seriously focuses on clutch time and working on what to do in the last drive. Ray doesn't think they will keep four quarterbacks. Ray thinks the quarterbacks will find a way to get enough reps.

Steelers practice today was a walk-through and McCarthy seriously focuses on clutch time and working on what to do in the last drive. Ray doesn't think they will keep four quarterbacks. Ray thinks the quarterbacks will find a way to get enough reps. Joey Porter Jr. comes down for half of the practice but has been on the side with Jalen Ramsey.

The Pirates bullpen has been better but Bob admits its been bad in the 9th inning. Starters are not pitching deep enough and the inconsistency of the bullpen has been partially because the rotation isn't helping. Steve Blass was a great reliever and we recall how great of a golfer he can be. Bob thinks the Pirates need to get the offense back on track.

The Penguins signed Tommy Novak to a three-year extension for $4.65 million per season. Should the Pirates pursue Robbie Ray? Tony Romo is on leave from CBS. T.J. Watt was ranked the No. 41 player on the NFL Top 100 Players

Jason said that the Pirates are interested in Luke Weaver but imagines it would take a player like Murf Gray. He thinks Murf Gray would be the right move to trade for Weaver. Jason thinks for the right deal, the Pirates will trade anyone not named Seth Hernandez.  Jason doesn't see a package coming along where Hernandez is included in a deal. Sammy Stafura is becoming a headliner for a deal.