Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles discusses his key takeaways from the team's 5-3 loss to the Phillies on Friday afternoon at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Fla., in the annual "spring breakout" prospects game. The main story Friday was Bubba Chandler. What did Noah see from Chandler, and what could that mean for his season as the young right-hander pushes his way to the big leagues? Funky lefty Anthony Solometo struggled against the Phillies, as he did for much of last season. What is in store for Solometo this season? Is it make or break for the 22-year-old? What about Hunter Barco? Could the flame-throwing lefty rise through the ranks this season? Plus Noah gives an update on former first-round pick Termarr Johnson, who missed the contest with a bone bruise in his left foot. Is this cause for concern? Noah answers all those questions and more.
New Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell speaks to reporters at his introduction Thursday. He explains why he wanted to play for coach Mike Tomlin after winning the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season; his level of excitement to work with Jaylen Warren in the Steelers' two-back system following the departure of Najee Harris in NFL free agency; and how he sees his fit in coordinator Arthur Smith's two-back system.
On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko react to the continuing fallout from the team's moves in NFL free agency.
Can DK Metcalf and George Pickens coexist in the receivers room, considering their similar skillsets? Can any QB -- be it Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson or Mason Rudolph -- keep them both happy? Should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin consider trading Pickens for draft capital? And looking to the NFL draft and names like Matthew Golden, Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden III for more help? Or should they feel good about having Metcalf, Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson and Pat Freiermuth as targets?
Our duo tackles those questions and more. Among them? Is Darius Slay too old to make a big impact on the secondary after leaving the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles for the Steelers? Or can he lift a group that includes Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice Jr. and Beanie Bishop? What kind of mentor can he be for Porter Jr.? And what other free agent moves may be coming as Week 1 of the signing period comes to a close?
New Steelers cornerback Darius Slay speaks to reporters at his introduction Thursday. He explains why the Steelers were a top destination for him in NFL free agency after leaving the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Specifically, he credits Steelers past and present including coach Mike Tomlin, Joe Haden, Cam Heyward and Patrick Peterson for making the team stand out to him as an option. He also discusses the influence of Pro Football Hall of Famer Rod Woodson, who mentored Slay early in his career.
Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo give their first impressions from the introduction of the Steelers' new acquisitions, highlighted be DK Metcalf. The new star wide receiver says the Steelers have assured him they are making the right call at quarterback, but who will it be? Plus, what did Metcalf say about the reports he wanted to play in a warm-weather city? And will cornerback Darius Slay live up to his big contract?
Steelers receiver DK Metcalf is introduced by the team after it acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks in a trade this week. Metcalf explains how he intends to work with George Pickens and other receivers including Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III; his read on the quarterback situation, with the team reportedly considering names including Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers in NFL free agency; and joining the organization led by GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin.
Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey discusses his key takeaways from the team's 15-3 loss to the Twins on Thursday afternoon at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Fla.
The final score may not show it, but Pirates starter Jared Jones looked solid Thursday, giving up one earned run in 4â…“ innings. What did his pitch mix tell us about what we'll see from Jones in his second regular season with the major league team? Matt Gorski homered again Thursday, but he hasn't played in the early stages of many games during spring training. Does this bode poorly for his chances of making the opening day roster? Why did so many veterans make this trip? Jason wraps up by discussing David Bednar, who struggled mightily, giving up five earned runs in â…“ of an inning. Is this cause for concern or a blip in an otherwise strong spring for the one-time Pirates closer? Jason answers those questions and more.
On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette break down all things Day 3 of NFL free agency. Has waiting on the quarterback position caused GM Omar Khan to miss on other potentially big free-agent signings? Is Darius Slay Jr. the right fit at CB for the Steelers' defense heading into 2025? Also, how will Tuesday night's signing of Kenneth Gainwell affect Pittsburgh's RB room heading into training camp? For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.
Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern.
How much should Aaron Rodgers be worth to the Steelers in NFL free agency? Is he worth $40 million or more per year? How much would be too much to pay him as negotiations drag on, with Russell Wilson still available in the market? And should GM Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin and Co. consider seeking a trade for the Patriots' Joe Milton III?
Paul tackles those topics, then gives his thoughts on the Kenneth Gainwell signing. Is the former Philadelphia Eagle an adequate replacement for Najee Harris? Or just a placeholder next to Jaylen Warren for now? And should the Steelers still pursue an NFL draft running back like Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton or Quinshon Judkins in later rounds if they're available?
On their weekly Pirates mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin answer reader questions from spring training in Bradenton, Fla.
With a plethora of young arms that need worked into the major league fold, could manager Derek Shelton and the Pirates opt for a six-man rotation? Does DJ Stewart have a chance to make the opening day roster after a strong spring? Is there any chance the oft-injured Ke'Bryan Hayes could be traded? Have there been any discussions with Endy Rodriguez about potentially playing first base, given the logjam the Pirates have at catcher? Our duo answers those questions, plus gives a few names they think could be surprise picks to make the opening day roster.