North Shore Drive podcast - Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to recap the first day of OTAs on the South Side. Is there an actual competition between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson for the No. 1 QB job? Or just a lot of talk about it? What kind of pressure is on George Pickens as he becomes the top wideout and how is he handling it? How did new receivers including Quez Watkins, Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller look on Day 1? And did we gain any clarity on how things might be working out at tackle between Dan Moore Jr., Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones? Why can names like Dean Lowry, Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal potentially take advantage of Cam Heyward's absence amid his contract dispute? And what other questions does this team need to answer before training camp? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
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On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' comeback win against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night at PNC Park, in which Nick Gonzales and Oneil Cruz played key roles. Is Cruz turning a corner with clutch hits and more frequent displays of his raw power? What can Ji Hwan Bae do now that he's been promoted back to the MLB roster after a sizzling stint with Class Triple-A Indianapolis? Could Henry Davis be returning after his own power surge with the Indians? And what are Jason's reactions to Barry Bonds, Jim Leyland and Manny Sanguillen being selected to the team's Hall of Fame?

Jason answers those questions, then talks a little Steelers OTAs. How is George Pickens showing signs of maturity already? And what should we make of the contrasting ways Najee Harris and Cam Heyward are handling their contract situations?
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On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Wes Uhler of the Steelers Radio Network and former linebacker Arthur Moats to discuss hot topics around the team as OTAs begin this week. How will Najee Harris react to having the fifth-year option on his rookie declined, and what are his thoughts about his future in Pittsburgh? Will Cam Heyward's absence amid contract negotiations be noticeable? What will quarterback Russell Wilson have to say about the trade with the Chicago Bears for likely backups Justin Fields? And what are the best road venues the Steelers will visit after the NFL's schedule release last week? Our trio tackles those topics and more.
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On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes former Pirates catcher and Sportsnet Pittsburgh analyst Michael McKenry to react to the controversial call involving Cody Bellinger and Joey Bart at home plate against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field. What did Michael think of the call as a former catcher? And did it remind him of umpire Jerry Meals' missed call at home plate in Atlanta in 2011, one that proved pivotal in the club's season?

Our duo tackles those topics, then takes a wider lens on issue around the team. Is the recent rotation success of Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Bailey Falter and Mitch Keller built to last? How has Michael been helping Andrew McCutchen lately? And what kind of challenges do recent struggles from Rowdy Tellez pose for manager Derek Shelton in making lineup decisions?
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One their weekly Pitt sports mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Abby Schnable answer reader questions. Among them: Do the additions of players including Amsal Delalic, Cam Corhen and Damian Dunn give basketball coach Jeff Capel and NCAA Tournament-caliber roster? What will the starting lineup look like next season with names including Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett set to return? And what will recent football commit Elijah Dotson bring to coach Pat Narduzzi's team?
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On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to preview the teams OTAs this week. What will the dynamic between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields be as they compete for the starting QB job? What will Fields have to say about leaving the Chicago Bears in a trade as part of their plan to take Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft? And how will Wilson's leadership look up close. 

Our duo tackles those topics and also looks at other position battles to watch. Will any of the receivers including Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins or Scotty Miller prove they can be a serviceable No. 2? How will the cornerback room look with Donte Jackson arriving via the Diontae Johnson trade and Ryan Watts joining a young group that also includes Cory Trice Jr. and Darius Rush? And how does the absence of Cam Heyward loom over the proceedings? 

Then later, sports columnist Jason Mackey joins to offer his thoughts on the weekend series against the Chicago Cubs in which rotation members Jared Jones, Paul Skenes, Bailey Falter and Mitch Keller all pitched well. 
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