The Pomp And Joe Show

The Penguins have acquired Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson, Jason Robertson's brother. Bubba Chandler had a good start until the seventh inning got away. Chandler has been the Pirates third best pitcher over the last few weeks. Mitch Keller is given too much confidence. Is this the biggest start of Paul Skenes' MLB career?

It's a Paul Skenes day, but it doesn't feel like it used to. Skenes Day isn't what it used to be but it's also a unique thing other teams don't have. Matt shares his journey through the minor leagues and being sent down to other leagues and levels before he made the Major Leagues.

Should the Pirates consider trading Esmerlyn Valdez for pitching? Is the complete opposite of so many years where we want the Pirates to trade hitting for pitching. Would you listen on Oneil Cruz? Matt would listen but doesn't want to trade him. Matt thinks Cruz will make more money than we all expect. Could Valdez turn into a diamond in the rough?

61. Fake or real tree?

62. Do the Pirates win a playoff series if they make it

63. Will JPJ be the highest paid corner?

64. Hot dogs or hambergers?

65. Are fireworks overrated?

66. Are drone shows better than fireworks??

67. 7 potential All-Stars who could switch teams

68. Big Ben or Terry Bradshaw

69. Is Penn State going to Adidas helpful

70. Best college basketball coach at Pitt this century

71. Poni or Mueller

71 topics: 21-43, Joe Starkey and Austin Bechtold discuss Pittsburgh sports topics.

2. Harry Callas hasn't brushed his teeth since Saturday. 3. Has Jared Triolo earned some playing time? 4. Endy Rodriguez is now 0-14 against lefties 5. Why are there words with silent letters? 6. Billy Cook was in the lineup last night, why though? 7. Is Konnor Griffin the Pirates everyday leadoff hitter?

The full Pomp and Joe Show, with Joe Starkey and Austin Bechtold, from Tuesday, June 30th, 2026

Hour 1 with Joe Starkey: Even the Pirates' wins can be frustrating. The Pirates came back from down 5-0 but the bullpen tried to give the game back until Endy Rodriguez hit a three-run homer. Esmerlyn Valdez hit another home run and has homered in four in a row. We ask AI how it would fix the bullpen.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Joey Porter Jr.'s market isn't set because Christian Gonzalez and others in Porter's draft class are going to get paid this year. The training camp battle between Allar and Howard will be interesting. The Penguins don't want to take Darnell Nurse's $9.25 million fully salary in a deal. Would you trade Rickard Rakell and two first round picks for Jason Robertson? Robertson wants $14 million.

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: What are the greatest comebacks in Pittsburgh sports history? Mario Lemieux is obviously No. 1 after 3.5 years in retirement. Mario put up 76 points in 43 games. Joe thinks it was the biggest story he's ever covered. Sidney Crosby coming back from concussions. James Harrison retired and came back to the Steelers. Rod Woodson returned from a torn ACL to play in the Super Bowl. James Conner coming back from battling cancer was incredible. A trip inside Joe Starkey's mailbag.