The Pomp And Joe Show

Air Force head coach Mike Kaz doesn't think there's ever been a sophomore team captain at Air Force baseball, but Skenes was. He takes great pride in being the leader of the school and Skenes carried around the flag at football games and helped to defend it. 

Paul Skenes is one of, if not the hardest throwing starting pitcher in recent baseball history.  He averages 99.9 mph on his fastball. Skenes day is Saturday. 

Steelers Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis joined the show. Jerome is helping out at the Joe Moore o-line camp. Jerome was surprised, but not at the same time that Najee Harris did not have his fifth-year option picked up because of how running backs have been devalued. Jerome recalled old Steelers stories and once said he thought Najee had the chance to be better than him. A lot of it also has to do with health and productivity of the offensive line. 

Air Force head coach Mike Kazlausky joined the show. Paul Skenes was only going to Air Force or another academy and told other teams he was not realistically going to them because he wanted to serve. He caught and pitched during his senior year and was a 6-foot-6 leadoff man who also closed games. Kaz thought Skenes could have been a first-round pick at catcher. He told us Skenes still wants to serve in the Air Force once his baseball career is over and cried when they had a conversation about transferring. 

Paul Skenes is here! The Pirates announced yesterday the top pitching prospect in baseball will start Saturday against the Cubs at PNC Park. We recall other notable debuts in Pittsburgh sports over the past 10 years. 

The full Joe Starkey Show with Joe Starkey and Paul Zeise (10-12pm) from Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Hour 1 with Joe Starkey and Paul Zeise: The Fan and the Pirates have extended their partnership through the 2027 season. Poni tweeted eyeball emojis with a picture of Paul Skenes and makes us think he might be coming up. The Pirates need to add more pieces, especially bats, to be in real contention. Zeise dropped a little news that a source told him Najee Harris requested to have his fifth-year option declined because he doesn't want to play in Pittsburgh anymore. Is this why we heard a trade rumor with Najee and the Cowboys? Money is going to talk and be a big factor by how he performs this season. Jeff Patton from the Baseball Card Castle joined the show. An Anthony Edwards card is Starkey's Card of the Week, and Jeff also threw in a Paul Skenes and Jared Jones card. 

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey and Paul Zeise: The Steelers rookie jersey numbers have been revealed. We recap who received which number and the best. Jonathan Bombulie of the TRIB joined the show for hockey talk. The NHL has no interest in getting rid of questionable hits or bad intent and they look for excuses. Jacob Truba once again almost caused a significant injury and hurt himself. The Penguins lost in the draft lottery and their pick goes to San Jose. They get one if Carolina goes to the Stanley Cup Final. 

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Lamar Jackson read Poni's tweet on a social media video and failed to acknowledge his lack of success against the Steelers. We hear what's behind his success and lack of walks. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of The Athletic joined the show. Najee and Warren will likely split snaps again. It would make sense that Najee Harris wanted his option declined because he wants out, but it's still $7 mil. The Steelers will not hand out No. 1 because of what it represents. 

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: Skenes watch continues. Our theories and ideas on what is happening. Paul Skenes should be here already. Pirates pre and postgame host Dan Zangrilli joined the show. Nothing has been decided yet from the top on Paul Skenes. He hasn't been told anything. Dan still thinks he will be in Pittsburgh this weekend.