New Steelers CB Brandin Echols speaks to reporters at his introduction. He explains how he hopes to fit in a defensive backfield that includes names like Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Cory Trice Jr. and Beanie Bishop; the versatility he hopes to show to coaches including Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin; and his hopes to start after joining the team via the New York Jets in NFL free agency.
Pirates insider Noah Hiles and columnist Jason Mackey react to Saturday's news that Paul Skenes will start opening day against the Miami Marlins. What kind of new history is Skenes making with this honor? Was there really any other choice? And how will the rest of the rotation come together after Skenes?
New Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison speaks to reporters at his introduction. He explains his relationships with Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott, two former Ravens who themselves left Baltimore in NFL free agency last season. He also lists his reasons for wanting to join coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin this offseason.
On his weekly Saturday Conversations podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes former Pirates manager Clint Hurdel to discuss an array of topics.
What was Clint's inspiration to write his new book, "Hurdle-isms: Wit and Wisdom from a Lifetime in Baseball"? What were his favorite chapters of the book to write? And why has he come to enjoy social media since his recent retirement from the game?
Later, they tackle some Pirates topics. Why were the 2013-15 Pirates the perfect blend of old-school tactics combined with new-school methods? What was it like managing franchise legends including Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, A.J. Burnett and others during that period of time? And how does Clint feel watching the club's rebuild from afar around names like Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Bryan Reynolds, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Oneil Cruz and Mitch Keller?
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.