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

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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On their Pirates podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Andrew Destin and Noah Hiles react to a dominant series victory against the Chicago Cubs this past weekend at Wrigley Field. Can the club's rotation continue its recent domination with names including Jared Jones, Paul Skenes, Bailey Falter and Mitch Keller all pitching well? Is Nick Gonzales beginning to lay claim to the second base job after hitting over .300 on the road trip against the Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers? What should we make of Andrew McCutchen making his first start in right field over the weekend? And how much longer can GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton continue to give 1B Rowdy Tellez a roster spot? Our duo tackles those topics and more.
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On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' 5-4 win against the Cubs on Thursday night in Chicago. Was the aggression we saw at the plate from players including Nick Gonzales and Edward Olivares a reflection of a changing approach to hitting amid a team-wide slump? Or just a coincidence? How did Jared Jones pitch a solid game despite not having his best stuff? And looking ahead to Friday, what will Paul Skenes do in his second MLB start? 

Jason tackles those questions, gives his thoughts on the Steelers' Najee Harris coming to offseason workouts motivated and encourages the Penguins not to trade defenseman Marcus Pettersson this offseason. 
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