The 5 Critical Steelers for 2026! 🏈 + Are the Pirates Real Pretenders? 🏴‍☠️

Unknown Speaker (0:00): Read that. This is the sports porch black and gold with your hosts, the technical director, the grand Schwabini, and hockey Jesus. Come on, Pittsburgh. Let's show a little steelers, penguins, and pirates love. The sports porch black and gold starts now.

Unknown Speaker (0:27): Alright,

Speaker 0 (0:30): everybody. I'm not even sure if you heard that music, but please tell us if you did in the comments. This is the sports porch black and gold edition, and here we are on the porch. Back on our roots.

Speaker 1 (0:44): We are back where we all got this started.

Speaker 0 (0:47): Look. And Chris Chott is already in the house talking about the pirates. Carmen Majenski controversy. Woah. Yeah.

Speaker 0 (0:54): We can talk a little bit about that. Can you hear us, Chris? Give us a thumbs up if you can hear us alright because we we're or if you haven't noticed, we're actually out on the porch where it

Speaker 2 (1:03): all started. This is not a green screen.

Speaker 0 (1:05): It's a beautiful day in in the Pittsburgh area. We're in the Monroeville Porch Studio, and, we're just we're having a great time going, taking a trip down memory lane. And and and Steve okay. Cool. Everybody can hear us.

Speaker 0 (1:19): Steve, hockey Jesus across from me. I'm your TD, technical director over here to my right, my left on the screen is Grant Schwabini, but you're looking very tropical.

Unknown Speaker (1:33): I know. I love I

Unknown Speaker (1:34): I love the background.

Speaker 2 (1:35): I think it I think it basically says Yep. Welcome to Monroeville.

Unknown Speaker (1:38): You can thank When when

Unknown Speaker (1:40): I think of Monroeville, I think of all the greenery. Yes. Welcome to the jungle.

Speaker 0 (1:44): Yes. You can thank my lovely wife, Lauren, for that.

Unknown Speaker (1:47): The lawn is well mowed.

Unknown Speaker (1:49): Thank you. Oh, I was hoping to get a

Unknown Speaker (1:51): little Do you hey.

Unknown Speaker (1:52): Little love. We give it to you

Speaker 2 (1:53): when you, you know, once a year. When I earn it. Once a year. It's just so maybe twice a year.

Unknown Speaker (1:59): So rare. When I earn it.

Unknown Speaker (2:00): That you actually do a nice job with water.

Speaker 0 (2:02): That Do you water feature out there what's going on?

Speaker 2 (2:04): Yeah. It's no longer a water feature.

Speaker 1 (2:06): Yeah. It's it's a nice job of amateur landscaping.

Unknown Speaker (2:10): Pat. Off track. Welcome to the grow house.

Unknown Speaker (2:12): We're gonna we're gonna smoke these later, Pat. Mike Lawrence

Unknown Speaker (2:15): is in

Unknown Speaker (2:15): the house.

Unknown Speaker (2:15): Maybe these. These look

Speaker 2 (2:16): a little these look a little bit nicer, don't you? I'd recommend that. Roll one of those up.

Speaker 0 (2:21): Alright. Look. Chris Chauda is trying to get us on track here.

Unknown Speaker (2:25): I'll tell

Unknown Speaker (2:26): you what. I'll

Unknown Speaker (2:26): tell Let's you with Chris. Here's what we're gonna do, knows how

Unknown Speaker (2:29): to bring us in.

Speaker 0 (2:30): Of course. This is the dead zone. And if you're watching, and you haven't watched before and you like what you're watching, hit that subscribe button, on YouTube. Click notifications every Monday night, 7PM eastern time. That's when you're gonna find us live.

Speaker 0 (2:46): But if you can't do that, you can always get on one of them there, podcast podcast things. Podcast, or they put how do the user say it?

Unknown Speaker (2:56): Podcasts going down. Podcasts out there.

Speaker 0 (3:00): First of all, I wanna say hi to my I wanna say hi to my therapist. He listens religiously every week, and then I go see him in the morning on Tuesdays to the show.

Speaker 2 (3:10): You're realizing you're talking to them in the future.

Speaker 0 (3:12): Yeah. On the way. Right. It's actually

Speaker 1 (3:14): it's actually really nice that you're embracing this mental health aspect.

Speaker 0 (3:20): Look, everybody knows I'm mental. Okay?

Unknown Speaker (3:23): Yeah. You definitely And

Speaker 1 (3:24): and to help. Yeah. Mean, it's it's good. It's kind of like, you know, when I remember with the Philadelphia Eagles, you know, Brandon Brooks came out and said that he had an anxiety problem. Right.

Speaker 1 (3:35): And it it helped and encouraged others, you know, that aren't superstars to come forward with their mental health issues. And I think you're doing the same for our audience and our viewers, and I just wanna say thank their behalf.

Speaker 0 (3:50): Yes. Well,

Speaker 2 (3:52): you're you're welcome. You're welcome, everybody. Pirates for once. I'm actually I'm a little excited about

Unknown Speaker (3:57): Well, let's tease let's tease what we're gonna talk about, though.

Unknown Speaker (4:00): So yeah. We'll Definitely.

Speaker 0 (4:01): Because Chris Chadwick is about ready to kill somebody if we don't start talking about what's going on with the pirates. Don't want that to happen. That.

Unknown Speaker (4:09): Yeah. See a therapist first.

Speaker 0 (4:11): We will get right to that. But first, we're also gonna talk about the five most important steelers we believe that are the key to this year's season, and it's the players, no coaches involved. No coaches. We have a sneaky habit of throwing co I do, I guess.

Speaker 1 (4:25): Throwing coaches in there. Breaking the rules. Rule breakers. Rule breaker.

Unknown Speaker (4:29): It's been my

Unknown Speaker (4:29): whole life. Was once a former player. My whole life.

Speaker 0 (4:32): Yeah. Anyway and we might, you know, dabble a little bit with hockey Jesus

Speaker 2 (4:37): Well, because definitely talk about the Stanley Cup finals for sure. Right.

Unknown Speaker (4:40): We'll dabble.

Speaker 2 (4:41): Apologies, Pat. But, you know, Buffalo had a great year. You can't be too disappointed.

Speaker 1 (4:45): Yeah. You knew it was over before it started. Let's be honest.

Unknown Speaker (4:48): You got the furthest you've gotten in a while. Right.

Speaker 0 (4:51): Right. And, then, of course, we've all watched a few things, so we're gonna have fun with that. So let's do it. Let's do it. The pirates.

Speaker 0 (4:57): Any any of you guys wanna pull up the pirates record right now? Parrottes. Yeah.

Speaker 2 (5:01): Yeah. Yeah. Had it. They're four games above.

Speaker 0 (5:03): Now now Chris Chata said, you know, what's going on with Carmen Majenski? You know what? The truth is, I don't really know what's going on. It doesn't seem completely normal. Right?

Unknown Speaker (5:13): They're just demoting it.

Speaker 0 (5:14): They they base well, they they basically basically it it was was kinda kinda like, like, do we put him in the bullpen? And and he looks to be a a pretty decent starter in the in the league. Not bad. Not bad. And with some a little bit more seasoning, maybe he becomes a number two.

Unknown Speaker (5:32): I mean, he's got that kind of stuff.

Speaker 1 (5:34): They also need help in the bullpen.

Speaker 0 (5:36): Yeah. But a lot. But they they set him down. Right? They they

Unknown Speaker (5:41): Did they?

Speaker 2 (5:42): No. No. No. They're just taking him out of the road Patient because Bubba's coming back or Jared Jones is coming.

Speaker 0 (5:54): Looks like there we are. We're back again. But there's rumors, I I think why why don't you guys talk about them? What? I I gotta What

Speaker 1 (6:01): kind of rumors do you speak of?

Speaker 0 (6:03): Yeah. Let's let let me see if I can find this stuff here

Unknown Speaker (6:06): because be willy nilly.

Unknown Speaker (6:07): What? Like I

Unknown Speaker (6:08): don't wanna be willy nilly.

Unknown Speaker (6:09): Spread rumors.

Speaker 0 (6:10): Well, I'm trying to make sure that something I saw on Instagram wasn't one of those posts.

Unknown Speaker (6:14): Yeah. Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (6:15): I'm saying, hey. But it looks like they're trading him. They're trading me. For a ton.

Unknown Speaker (6:23): Well, that that that's the that's the thing about it is that, like, it was close enough that I was like, it sounded almost kind of real now. But I mean, the the reality is he can he can he can

Speaker 2 (6:36): be that pitcher that comes out of the bullpen. He doesn't have to be a starter. Right? I mean, when you got Braxton Ashcroft pitching like he is, he's pitching lights out. He's got he had less than a he had, like, a one nine seven average in the month of May, which is ridiculous.

Speaker 2 (6:52): And I think he was I think he was undefeated also in the month of May. He's five and two now with the two seven seven ERA. Nobody saw that coming. So Right. I mean, we just take the good with the bad, OC.

Speaker 2 (7:03): I think that's what that's what I would say if I was a a Pirates fan. And I'm I guess I'm still a Pirates fan. I I'm starting to believe a little bit more in this team, believe it or not.

Speaker 0 (7:15): Yeah. That was gonna be the big question tonight.

Speaker 2 (7:17): Because because Braxton Ashcroft is a real pitcher, maybe even better than Skeens right now. And Skeens is still great. He's still gonna give you five five good innings. Right. You know, when he pitches lights out, he can give you seven or eight really great innings.

Speaker 2 (7:34): And, you know, Mitch Keller is due for his downfall. So I see Mitch Keller falling apart and Carmen Modzinski coming back in.

Speaker 1 (7:42): I got the Carmen news here if you wanted. Yeah. Yeah. Let's hear that. Said Ben Sherrington told reporters that Modzinski informed the team Sunday morning that he wasn't ready to pitch.

Speaker 1 (7:58): Right. So they put him on the restricted list. Right. And basically, from there, it basically says, you know, Don Kelly said he's unavailable, but he is scheduled to be deployed after Ashcraft's pitching on Sunday. He has not requested a trade.

Speaker 1 (8:22): He will pitch for the Pirates on the June 2 to seventh road trip.

Speaker 0 (8:26): Yeah. Now that's what they're saying, but my my point, and I think this is what Chris was getting at, Chris out of there. Thanks for bringing it up. Mhmm. Is it sounds like there's something more going on.

Speaker 1 (8:38): Yeah. It sounds like he's unhappy about going to the bullpen.

Speaker 0 (8:41): Yeah. Yeah. That's what it's Operation Shutdown part two. Chris, if you're talking about our feed, I hope not. But, well, I you know what?

Speaker 0 (8:51): It's it's it's funny because Majinski wants to be, I believe, wants to be a start.

Unknown Speaker (8:56): For sure. He does.

Speaker 0 (8:57): Yeah. And I think he I think that at this point, he thinks he's earned it. The problem is there's a couple other guys up there that are earning it as well and doing a just as good, if not better. And he is a great long relief guy if if you need something. And and so it does it make sense?

Speaker 0 (9:20): Yeah. It makes sense with Jared Jones coming up, and hopefully, he he's back on, you know, back on track. It looked like he was.

Unknown Speaker (9:28): I mean, he's at best at best, their fourth best starter.

Speaker 0 (9:32): That that's exactly right. Now he could be a number three or a number two on another team.

Unknown Speaker (9:36): Maybe.

Unknown Speaker (9:37): I mean, well, I think

Speaker 1 (9:38): just for, you know, couple weeks this year, couple weeks last year.

Unknown Speaker (9:41): No. I mean,

Unknown Speaker (9:43): I mean,

Speaker 0 (9:43): no. He's he's he's demonstrated that he is able to, go many innings, go through through lineup a couple times and pitch effectively. What I'm saying is, you know, I think he probably views this as his chance, and he's not getting his chance.

Speaker 1 (9:59): Chris Chada says he believes there's a Bubba Chandler element to the story. Now that that would make some sense because Bubba Chandler has He's garbage issue. He's been horrible.

Unknown Speaker (10:08): One in six.

Speaker 1 (10:09): He's been horrible. He's got the most walks in the majors. Yeah. But because he's got the pedigree, they're gonna let it ride with him probably as long as they will.

Speaker 0 (10:19): So so there you go. And that's what I was referring to and what Chris was referring to. So there is a little controversy, but I gotta tell you, moving over here to HJ's comments, about actually, maybe, potentially, possibly believing in the pirates this year. That's a good problem to have.

Unknown Speaker (10:42): You know? Because Butler

Speaker 0 (10:43): well, Chandler has the pedigree, but he's got he's got some kinks he's gotta work out and work out fast.

Speaker 1 (10:49): So you got really pumped up after the sweep of the twins?

Speaker 2 (10:52): No. No. Definitely not. What what I did what I did get pumped up about was, you know, because I knew we'd be talking about the Pirates, and I don't watch the games yet because hockey season's not over. I just don't do it.

Speaker 2 (11:03): It's not my blood. But hockey season's soon coming to a close. So I'm like, okay. People are saying that the Pirates you know? So what?

Speaker 2 (11:10): They're four games above 500. That doesn't mean anything. They're they're actually not even in a wildcard spot right now. Although they're the first ones out. They are ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies, which is surprising, but you still don't think they're better than them.

Speaker 2 (11:24): But what I did look up was they can they're hitting the hell out of the ball. They're, like, top 10 in almost every hitting statistic there is. Right. Except for home runs. They are.

Unknown Speaker (11:33): They're top 15.

Speaker 0 (11:34): They're definitely top 10 in strikeouts.

Unknown Speaker (11:36): They win games ten eight. Yeah. Ten nine. Yep.

Speaker 2 (11:39): You know? And it's it's, I think they have the the most amount of runs scored in the major leagues, which is, you know, it's a it's it's a good thing to be that way when you you should be known for your pitching. Right?

Unknown Speaker (11:51): Mhmm.

Speaker 2 (11:52): So they don't hit for power though much, and they don't hit like a lot of doubles. They just hit a lot of singles. So they're hitting for average is, you know, I think third or fourth best in in Major League. So that's why I get excited because I'm thinking, okay. Well, it takes a pretty steady lineup up and down from one to nine to be able to be in the top 10 of any category, let alone three or four statistics.

Speaker 2 (12:15): So that's why I got a little excited because they had gone through some injuries, you know, and it it seems like that didn't really knock them down much. And now their pitching is pretty good. It's I wouldn't say it's great.

Speaker 0 (12:27): Their bullpen leaves a little bit to be desired.

Speaker 2 (12:30): Well, they they they don't have they don't have a close. I mean, so you can't rely I think they're second to last in in in saves.

Speaker 0 (12:38): Well, that's also because their middle relief blows the game. Yeah. So there's not a lot

Unknown Speaker (12:43): there weren't a lot of save opportunities, but I did look it up.

Speaker 1 (12:46): I will say this. I was really impressed with one thing that Don Kelly has done. I really like the move moving Spencer Harwich to the lead off spot. You know, the guy's like a two ninety hitter. He's got some pop.

Speaker 1 (12:58): He's got seven home runs. Mhmm. And he's, you know, like, he's exactly what you want in the lead off spot. He's just a good hitter. You know, he doesn't strike out a ton.

Speaker 1 (13:09): So you're not getting that when you have, you know, O'Neil Cruz in in the in the lead off spot. And by having Cruz usually hitting like fifth or something like that, you know, he's got a better chance for more RBIs. Mhmm. You know? And I I think that that's a really nice move on his part.

Speaker 0 (13:27): I gotta interrupt this. Amy, your lovely wife says, hey, cuties. Chris and Amy here.

Unknown Speaker (13:32): Not you, Chris. She's got a friend

Unknown Speaker (13:35): Oh, okay.

Speaker 1 (13:35): Named Chris Bay.

Speaker 0 (13:37): Well, she has she has recently stalked me again at Trader Joe's. So

Unknown Speaker (13:41): It's good to see you.

Unknown Speaker (13:42): You have a Trader Joe's near

Unknown Speaker (13:44): your house. It's good to know that we're cuties. I love you. Haven't been called a cutie in a very long time. Thank you.

Speaker 2 (13:49): Love for you, Amy.

Unknown Speaker (13:50): And good. It's good to see you guys have joined the show. Absolutely. And yes.

Speaker 0 (13:56): Here comes the insult.

Unknown Speaker (13:58): I'm gonna

Unknown Speaker (13:58): take a pause right now. I want I I want I want to build your self esteem a little bit tonight.

Speaker 0 (14:06): Okay. Thank you very much. Okay. So let's let's go back to this Majinski because I do wanna talk about the Pirates offense. I definitely wanna talk about that.

Speaker 0 (14:13): Yeah. I've got a few this Majinski, situation to rest for tonight.

Speaker 2 (14:17): Well, Chris is, you know, basically confessing that he's a Carmen Majinski fan. So And I would say So he's a little little upset, a little bit of emotion there.

Unknown Speaker (14:26): But I would say Chris Chata, why?

Speaker 2 (14:28): Yeah. Chris, you may be the only fan there is, but, hey. Everybody has to have these guys.

Speaker 1 (14:33): Marvin Majinski is at best the fourth best starter on the pirates. Like, what are we what are we talking about here?

Speaker 0 (14:41): Of course. Of course. What are we talking about? This is why this is why you come here because you get our honest opinions. But but this is what I'm gonna tell you.

Speaker 0 (14:49): You said he's probably the only fan. No, he's not. There are a lot of people who like Carmen Majenski. You listen to the fan, people call in, they talk about the pitching. What are they gonna do with him?

Speaker 0 (14:58): So there are people that that are Majinski fans. I don't think many of them think that he's, like, a number two starter, but I think they like what he brings to the table when he's in the game. So Is 3.89

Speaker 2 (15:12): ERA and is four and three eight, you know, win to loss?

Unknown Speaker (15:16): Whatever. I mean, I'm just I'm just Average. I'm saying I get reason to get excited about it. Is that Chris has company. That's it.

Unknown Speaker (15:24): That's all I'm saying. He's got company. Here's what

Unknown Speaker (15:26): your here's what your opposing team. Oh, Jesus. After you face schemes and Teller and Ashcraft, you're like, oh, we got Majinski today. Let's give our best player the day off. Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (15:39): We can beat this guy.

Unknown Speaker (15:41): Yeah. He still pitches pretty effective.

Unknown Speaker (15:43): Then it's like Okay. Alright. Five innings, one run.

Speaker 0 (15:47): Not bad. Let's move on to the offense because I I can't

Unknown Speaker (15:50): even get five innings.

Speaker 0 (15:50): I can't even get a point out without getting blasted. Listen. Team leaders, Nick Gonzalez batting over 300. And look. We're we're, you know, third of the way through the season here.

Speaker 0 (16:01): That that's great. And and I think the

Unknown Speaker (16:05): The little engine that could.

Speaker 0 (16:06): He's only got one home run, but I don't think you need home runs from him. He's a singles hitter. He is more of a singles hitter and gets on base. Of course, you've got O'Neil Cruz. His average is right on right on track with his career Remember, we've been talking about this for years.

Speaker 0 (16:23): We've been talking about Cruz for years.

Speaker 2 (16:25): And Hey. Hit one into the, into the river. Yeah. So because he's got that going.

Speaker 0 (16:31): So far this year, gotta be I gotta be completely honest with you pirates fans out there with all of us. So far this year, other than the fact that he has been able to hit left handed left handed pitching better. And because of that, by default, he's gonna have a few more home runs. So he's got 13, and he has stolen 19 bases. He struck out 91 times, and he's at his career average.

Speaker 0 (16:57): Has he really improved that much or the fact that they don't have to take him out of the lineup, you know, when there's a left handed pitcher in the game because he can see the ball better. You know, it it is it is in in my opinion, he is better this year, but marginally, The big things are the O'Hearns Right. And the Lowells and the Horowitz playing well, and Reynolds, you know, on base percentage leads the team. And team the know, team team team

Unknown Speaker (17:41): Yeah.

Speaker 0 (17:41): Because I've always said he's not a lead off hitter. He's a if he can limit his strikeouts, just reduce him by 15%. Now he's a number three hitter, and he's gonna be really, really dangerous. But that that I I don't feel this is the year for that. I just don't see that coming on.

Unknown Speaker (17:59): Maybe it

Unknown Speaker (17:59): does. Maybe it does.

Speaker 1 (18:00): I will say this. I have seen instances of him showing more effort this year.

Unknown Speaker (18:05): Well, yeah.

Speaker 1 (18:05): I've seen him run out a ball to to, you know, not get caught in a double play to first base. You know, I I've I've seen aggressiveness on the base paths. So it does seem like, you know, his attitude is sort of kicked in the gear much better this year.

Speaker 2 (18:23): Well, and you don't see the highlights that you saw in game one with him. Right. Looking up in the sky and saying, where's the baseball? I don't seem to be able to find it. He so he's no longer, you know, a detriment in the field.

Speaker 2 (18:36): Right. Very important playing center field. Yeah. I mean, you can expect him to make those, you know, Willie miss catches, you know, over the shoulder and things like that. But at least he's getting the routine stuff down now.

Speaker 2 (18:47): The other thing I think that the pirates are doing well, speaking of Kelly, is they finally benched Ozuna. I mean Yeah. He's no longer DH. Right. That was big.

Speaker 2 (18:56): I think that's a big statement. That basically says, even if you're a guy that we're paying a lot of money and you're batting one eighty six, take a hike, buddy. We got guys who can replace you, especially at the DH position. Guys, you want it. You don't want to be in the field all the time.

Speaker 2 (19:11): Right. Yeah. I think that's a that's a that was a big move. I and that's what I like most about this team. Guys, they're paying the money.

Speaker 2 (19:20): Right? Mhmm. Just play them out because we're paying them. You gotta play them. But it doesn't seem to be that this year right now, and I'd love that about this team.

Speaker 2 (19:28): I really do. I think there's a lot to like about this team. I mean, coming back with that that walk off home run, you know, you're down a run, you hit a home run, and you win the game. I mean, and and they came the whole way back to do it. I get it.

Speaker 2 (19:40): It's against the twins. The twins aren't aren't knocking anybody's socks.

Speaker 0 (19:44): It was against Shelty though, which I found deeply satisfying.

Speaker 1 (19:47): Well, you know, like, here's the thing too. Like, in all in all honesty, I would say that I'm sorry. Who's the guy who hit the welcome film run? Reynolds. Ryan Reynolds.

Speaker 1 (19:57): Reynolds. Ryan Reynolds is kind of like your he's he's probably one of the worst best players on a team in the league.

Unknown Speaker (20:06): Well, I I know I know what you're saying. You know what I'm saying?

Speaker 1 (20:09): Yeah. So it was actually a good thing to see him win a game on his back like a star player should.

Speaker 2 (20:17): Right. And then you're paying him some pretty good money. He was the first guy to really sign with the pirates.

Unknown Speaker (20:22): Right. That's So,

Unknown Speaker (20:23): I mean

Unknown Speaker (20:23): You know? So so that's what I learned about it all

Speaker 0 (20:26): the came over in the first McCutcheon trade.

Unknown Speaker (20:28): Mhmm.

Speaker 0 (20:28): Yep. Yeah. So Reynolds, he is batting two two seventy six and leading the team Nice. With a a four four zero three on base percentage.

Speaker 1 (20:36): He's having a decent year.

Speaker 0 (20:38): And his OPS is eight forty one. That that's outstanding.

Unknown Speaker (20:41): Mhmm.

Speaker 0 (20:42): His power hasn't come around quite yet. Six stingers, 38 RBIs. I mean That's a good year, though.

Unknown Speaker (20:49): He's having a good year.

Speaker 0 (20:50): But this all goes back to everything we've been talking about for the last couple years, and that is the protection in the lineup that he has. Even with Ozuna not doing great, although where is he now?

Speaker 1 (21:01): Well, now he's got O'Neil Cruz sitting behind him.

Speaker 0 (21:03): Yeah. One eighty six, and he's got himself five home runs. Even with Ozuna not, you know, having a rough start to this year so far, he's still a professional hitter. He's a threat with the long ball. I mean, if he hits it right, it it it's gonna go out.

Speaker 0 (21:19): He's hit 40 home runs in the past. So, you know, the the protection that they went out and got was the right idea. The the Pirates have a wonderful problem on their starting pitching staff. So we can kinda check that off in a way. And then they have the makings of, you know, a a good lineup and and they've got, you know, with Lau and with O'Hearn, you know, you kinda wanna think about re signing these guys now if you're gonna be competitive.

Speaker 0 (21:50): Now I'm not saying that's gonna happen or even on the table. But I guess the point I'm getting at is the trade deadline's coming and where are they gonna be at the trade deadline? And even if they eat let's say that they're still hovering around 500 and they've keep everybody around, see what happens. And if they finish strong, even if they don't make the playoffs, then resign Lau or O'Hern, whichever one has the one year deal and maybe extend the other guy. And now you're saying, hey, look, We're we're we're trying to keep this team together for a push because Connor Griffin comes back for year two, O'Neil Cruz, and all of that.

Speaker 0 (22:27): The things you really have to fix are your freaking defense and your bullpen.

Speaker 1 (22:32): Well, you know, by the way, I have I have a comment. You know, Paul Skeens hasn't been terrific lately. And I feel like I know why. And I just don't understand why more people don't talk about this. For whatever reason, maybe it's about saving your arm or something like that.

Speaker 1 (22:55): But he very rarely cranks it up to like 99, a hundred, hundred and one. Yeah. I feel like he needs to do that more to strike out more players because he's getting like what, you know, like, it's not like he's been bad at all. I mean, he's, you know, had a couple starts where he gave up three or four runs, but it's he's always getting beat on, like, you know, a change up or, you know, a slider that this, you know, hangs a little bit. I I just don't feel like he's throwing the fastball as much as he should.

Unknown Speaker (23:24): You guys got any thoughts on that?

Unknown Speaker (23:25): I think you're I think you're right on, and I think it is. I think it's

Speaker 2 (23:28): just saving his arm. You know? I think he's looking at his whole career, and he's saying, look. If I'm a fastball guy and that's all I do, that's only gonna last, what, three years, four years if he can't find other pitches. And he's gotta throw that, say, five out of eight times.

Speaker 2 (23:45): So I think what he's doing is is he's only throwing it three out of eight times. Mhmm. Yeah. And and does he need to throw it probably five? I think the b the phenom that he was.

Speaker 2 (23:56): Yeah. I do I do believe that that's where he needs to go, but I think he's looking at the I think he's looking at the big picture here. And he's still he's still he's still an all star Right. With what he's doing. Sure.

Speaker 2 (24:08): You know? He's just no longer up in that Cy Young category. He's not in the elite category. Look. Christopher Sanchez is doing this year.

Unknown Speaker (24:16): What's I'm saying, he easily can be. I think if he throws harder.

Unknown Speaker (24:19): Well, I think I think

Unknown Speaker (24:20): You know?

Speaker 0 (24:20): I think the funny thing here is we're talking about him. This is his third year, not even full year in the league because his rookie year where he won rookie of the year, he came up in May, so he didn't really play a full year. True. We're we're we're we're kinda talking about him like he's been playing for years and years. And, you know, look, as good as he is, he is still learning the game.

Speaker 0 (24:43): And there are guys that are really savvy veterans that as good as Skenes is, they also, you know, have hit against Kershaw on a regular basis and some other, you know, great pitchers.

Unknown Speaker (24:55): Well, maybe has to adjust a little bit.

Speaker 0 (24:57): And and exactly. I mean, he's still, the highest, well, second highest after So to, but So to doesn't count as a reliever. 10.3 case per nine innings on the team. Now only a half K above Ashcraft, and and Majinski, seven and a half Ks per nine. Bubba Chandler, nine per nine.

Speaker 0 (25:17): So, I mean, schemes is is, you know, is ERA at two eighty nine? Look. We would take that from in the past from any starting pitcher on this staff. Yeah. So I think it's a little early to say that he needs to maybe throw the fastball more.

Speaker 0 (25:35): I I I think this is more of a, you know, with Ashcraft pitching as well as he is, Keller's still pitching pretty well. You know, with that starting lineup, I I I think there's less pressure on him. So he's he's a tinker. He adds pitches, takes pitches away. Yeah.

Speaker 2 (25:53): I think he's trying to learn some different things.

Speaker 0 (25:55): He could still end up being in the he's not in the direct Cy Young conversation right now, but he could still end up being right there. You know? I mean, Sanchez is on the on the on the Phillies is otherworldly this year right now. But but Skenes could end up I mean, Sanchez, if he does that, he deserves the the Cy Young, but he he could always end up with a bad stretch there that kinda brings him back to earth a little bit. Now it's him and Skenes.

Speaker 0 (26:20): So now I I I think our pitching staff is is excellent. I think the road here is to get this lineup set because what they've had the last four, three, four years really is nobody ever knew where they were gonna bat in the lineup. Shelton was throwing people all he was throwing against the wall to see if it stuck. And I don't even remember half those guys names, and I don't wanna remember. Now, You know, a lineup that has real hitters and the younger hitters are getting the protection they need.

Speaker 0 (26:51): And the star in the star, we say, in Brian Reynolds, he's the Pittsburgh star. You know, he he can play more comfortable. And that shows in the way his approach is at the plate. So, yeah, you know, what do you guys think out there? By the way, if you're watching on YouTube, thanks for being here.

Speaker 0 (27:08): Sports Sports Black and Gold. Smash that Smash that subscribe button. Sorry, guys. And click notifications. You'll know when we're live every Monday night.

Unknown Speaker (27:19): Remember this Eastern Time. Your microphone. Thank you. Yeah. You'd remember technical director taught us.

Speaker 2 (27:26): Thanks. You know, last thing with Skeens. He's not losing his control. Mean, he's only he's got 75 strikeouts, 12 box, and the batting percentage against him is one eighty six. I mean, he's still he's still pacing really well.

Unknown Speaker (27:40): He is

Speaker 2 (27:41): a But I I although I agree with you, I think if he threw the fastball more, he would be more dominated.

Unknown Speaker (27:47): Right.

Unknown Speaker (27:47): More dominated. But I

Speaker 2 (27:49): don't I I think he's I think I think he's just looking at it and being like, you know what? I can still be great. Mhmm. I can't be elite, but I can still be great. And if I tinker around with these things, I can always go back to the fastball.

Unknown Speaker (28:01): Alright, boys. Well, guess what? What? You know, you called it the dead zone. It's not the dead zone for the Cleveland Browns.

Unknown Speaker (28:08): Holy hell. Oh, no. What a trade was made today.

Unknown Speaker (28:11): Miles Garrett. Do you believe that? On the move to the LA Rams coming back Jared Verse. Why would you I don't know. Why would you trade a guy like Jared Verse?

Unknown Speaker (28:21): How Super Bowl. Super Bowl

Speaker 0 (28:23): in career. I don't know. I'm but but I think I It is early in his career. It is early, but but it's called winning a Super Bowl with Matt Stafford. That that's what it is.

Unknown Speaker (28:33): Well, they keep trying that. Yeah. It's not working.

Speaker 2 (28:36): Yeah. They only they only got one or two more years. They did sign them the extension, but Right. If that is he I think TD hit the nail on the head. They they're going all in.

Speaker 2 (28:45): They think they think that, you know, Miles Garrett is that much better than Verse right now.

Speaker 1 (28:51): Right.

Speaker 2 (28:52): And maybe, you know, two years from now, they might cross paths. Mhmm. Maybe. They probably will, actually. But there's no guarantee that Verse is gonna do that.

Speaker 2 (29:01): Maybe he was only doing that because he was playing on LA. Know? You don't know. I I like him. I I think the trade is great for Cleveland, honestly.

Speaker 2 (29:09): Yeah. Because they're getting

Unknown Speaker (29:10): the first

Speaker 2 (29:11): round. They're getting two first rounds and a second round.

Unknown Speaker (29:14): And a third round.

Speaker 2 (29:15): Yeah. I mean, they got they they got they got a treasure trove

Unknown Speaker (29:18): of first

Speaker 2 (29:18): round picks. So that's to me exactly what the Steelers should have did a few years ago with TJ. But that's water over the dam, under bridge, as they say. We can't go back and, you know, relitigate that because it does just dumb to do. We don't like to do that here on the porch.

Speaker 2 (29:37): We like to live in the here and now, and I think that's a good move. I think Miles Garrett is really excited about something like that.

Unknown Speaker (29:44): Is he though?

Unknown Speaker (29:45): Yeah. Like, For sure.

Speaker 1 (29:46): I kinda wonder though, like, you know, like, to to have resigned all these years with Cleveland. I mean, aren't you almost kind of saying I accept being a loser?

Speaker 2 (29:57): But remember, the Rams, the the Rams, their fans are kind of fair weathered. Yeah. Nobody cares there. Yeah. I mean, he only gets if he only gets 10 or 11 sacks this year, they're still gonna cheer for it.

Unknown Speaker (30:09): There's no pressure.

Speaker 2 (30:10): Yeah. There's I mean, there's still there's pressure to get another Super Bowl. Right. But I think that comes from the head coach. I'm not I don't think it's necessarily coming directly from their fan base.

Speaker 2 (30:19): Mhmm. You know? Because it is a little wishy washy out there in LA. Sorry, those of you who are listening in LA.

Speaker 1 (30:25): Hey. Rolling into our next category, we came up with a list each of us of the top five Pittsburgh Steelers. And the the idea behind the list is these guys need to do good things this year for the for the Steelers to have a positive outcome. Which means a playoff. Which means a playoff at in my at least in my book.

Speaker 1 (30:52): And this this list could be all over the place. I mean, you know, you could talk about Aaron Rodgers or you could not even have him on the list. You know, there there's there there's a lot of different ways to go. Shall we each start with our number five?

Unknown Speaker (31:05): I didn't actually rank them. I have them just I just have five. But Oh. Yeah. We so that means I can pick any one of them.

Unknown Speaker (31:12): Yeah. Rank. Yeah. Rank them as we go.

Unknown Speaker (31:14): Go right ahead, boys.

Unknown Speaker (31:16): Go ahead, Mark. Why don't you go first?

Speaker 1 (31:17): Alright. My number five, I chose Deshaun Elliott. Interesting. Because I I feel that he was a real source of stability and a very good player on the back end to to support the cornerbacks that we have. Mhmm.

Speaker 1 (31:37): And obviously, he was injured last year and missed was it like half the year? Yeah. About half the

Unknown Speaker (31:42): year. Yeah.

Speaker 1 (31:43): I did look him The last I did look him up. He said he's like not a 100% yet, but expects to be by training camp. Yeah. He's still acute. You know?

Speaker 1 (31:51): So at that so the bottom line is, you know, look, he's a guy who he has to come back and be himself as he was before. You know, if if he is a if he comes back and the injury has, you know, reduced his ability as a player, that's for the Steelers. So to me, I think that really helps the defense. So he's my number five guy.

Speaker 2 (32:21): Interesting. So my number five guy, I went on the offensive side of things. I think my my number five guy is Pat Fryermuth. And the reason I go with him as opposed to any wide receiver is because, of course, you need your wide receivers to do well. But I think if the steelers are gonna take the next step, they need to find they need to find that number three wide receiver, and I think they can find that in Fryermuth.

Speaker 2 (32:45): You know? He only had, like, 40 some catches last year. I think in order for him to to step it up, he's gotta get the 60 catches this year, 750 yards, and he's gotta get eight touchdowns. That's what I expect from Pat Fryermuth in a better offense, in an offense that's more geared towards passing. Aaron Rodgers loves to hit the tight end in the end zone.

Speaker 2 (33:07): There's no reason why he can't do that. So for that reason, I have picked Pat Fryermuth. Yes. Over over Darnell Washington.

Speaker 0 (33:16): Oh. Oh. Who is your number funny because my number five was going to be Darnell Washington. No. I'm kidding.

Unknown Speaker (33:23): My number know he's your number one. We know he's your number one.

Speaker 0 (33:26): Yeah. No. He's absolutely he is absolutely my number one. My number five actually is gonna be is interesting. It's going to be Jack Sawyer.

Unknown Speaker (33:36): Jack

Unknown Speaker (33:36): Sawyer. Yeah. I knew I knew you guys would hate that.

Unknown Speaker (33:39): But I I see him.

Speaker 0 (33:40): But, hey, who's your number five most important stealer? If you're out there, if you're watching us on x, hit that chat button. We can see it here. We'll put you on the screen. If you're watching us on YouTube or Facebook, who's your number five most important stealer?

Speaker 0 (33:53): We wanna know.

Unknown Speaker (33:54): Why why Jack Sawyer?

Speaker 0 (33:56): Because because TJ Watt Why not Tom Sawyer? TJ Watt is because Tom Sawyer's not on the team.

Unknown Speaker (34:02): Oh, he's a oh, that that was a

Unknown Speaker (34:04): a novel. It's a really good it's a really good song though. I don't understand. I'm more

Unknown Speaker (34:08): a I'm more a Huck Finn guy. Rush.

Speaker 0 (34:10): Anyway, Jack Sawyer because he is basically I I I hate to use this phrase because I could be crucified for it. He is the heir apparent to the edge rush that TJ Watt brings. And I think he's the guy that they're looking for. You know? And and I I look.

Speaker 0 (34:32): I don't mean he's the next TJ Watt, but I think when you look

Unknown Speaker (34:35): at even start, he can't be.

Speaker 0 (34:36): No. He doesn't. But what I'm saying is he needs to develop because I do believe Watt, who may or may not be up the list for me, is he has the potential. One or two things are gonna happen. He is he's not gonna be middle of the road this year.

Speaker 0 (34:52): He is either going to have that one last burst because he didn't perform as well last year and everybody says he's lost a step. A lot of times that motivates these guys, or he's gonna completely fall off the cliff. This is the year that TJ Watt either extends his career another year, maybe two, or falls off a cliff. And either way, Jack Sawyer, because we know Watt gets injured, he's gotta be ready to step in. And I think he's I think he's very important to the future of this franchise and his development this year.

Speaker 0 (35:27): And he's got a new new defensive coordinator, you know, all of that stuff. So number five for me, Jack

Speaker 2 (35:33): Sawyer. So you're basically predicting a TJ Watt injury?

Speaker 0 (35:37): I mean, not intentionally, but I guess you could be saying that it's more likely than not.

Unknown Speaker (35:44): I mean, because they're not gonna bench it. Alright, Mark. Alright. Got number four. Number

Speaker 1 (35:47): four. At the risk of mispronunciation, I'm just going to go with IMAX.

Unknown Speaker (35:54): IMAX. Ehanateur?

Unknown Speaker (35:56): He's gonna obviously, the

Unknown Speaker (35:58): first Is it that close? Is it

Unknown Speaker (35:59): that hard to

Unknown Speaker (36:00): say Ihana Chor?

Unknown Speaker (36:01): I don't know.

Unknown Speaker (36:02): Don't know.

Unknown Speaker (36:02): It's perfect.

Speaker 1 (36:04): He's he was a first round draft pick. He's gonna be penciled in as a starter at right guard. He might not. I mean, I'm sorry, right tackle. Right tackle.

Speaker 1 (36:12): He might not start, but I think he probably will. Look, I I think the bottom line is is that we

Unknown Speaker (36:21): all

Speaker 1 (36:21): know that their line needs improvement.

Unknown Speaker (36:23): Mhmm.

Speaker 1 (36:23): And you probably need most improvement from your two from your two tackles. Yeah. Protecting the quarterback and especially the left tackle on the blind side. Mhmm. So look, Imax has to be good.

Speaker 1 (36:35): I mean, look, I'm not saying he has to be like an all pro or anything, but he has to be good. You know, he he can't have the start to his career that that, you know, Broderick Jones did. You know, where he was, you know, there were certain games where he was really being, you know

Unknown Speaker (36:51): Yes.

Speaker 1 (36:51): Over, you know. He he was being pushed around. So, yeah, Imac test to be good. So that's my number four.

Speaker 2 (36:59): Well, it's interesting that you went with the offensive line because I also went with the offensive line in my number four spot. But I went to the other tackle. I went to Troy Fotano. And the re normally, I would do a Broderick Jones here, but I'm I'm convinced he's not playing this year.

Unknown Speaker (37:13): No. I don't think so.

Speaker 2 (37:14): I I just don't think he's gonna be healthy enough to be able to play this year. So that means Troy's gotta make the move to the left tackle, and he's not played there. So I think it's gonna be a rough transition for him. But in order for the steelers to take that next step forward, he's gotta be a guy that only gives up, like, two or three sacks from that position all season long. Mhmm.

Speaker 2 (37:36): And if he can do that, then I feel I feel good that the offensive line in the middle, you know, the Zach Fraziers, the Mason McCormick's, you know, maybe this Jennings dunker comes in and and can can do some things. Mhmm. They can open holes up the middle, and that's that's the way you're gonna get it done. So, yeah, I think I agree with you. I think the right or left tackle, whoever you decide to pick who's gonna be over there, has gotta be a a position where you gotta protect you know, it's gonna be Aaron Rodgers.

Speaker 2 (38:05): And he's not mobile at all. So if he's not protected, the ball's coming out. And bad things happen when the ball comes out by the quarterback. For that reason, I am taking Troy Fotano as my number four.

Speaker 0 (38:18): Excellent work, hockey Jesus. Excellent work. My number four is Jamelle Dean, the cornerback we picked up from Tampa Bay.

Unknown Speaker (38:28): Mhmm. Jamelle Dean. He's playing the right cornerback position. Jamelle Dean. Who?

Unknown Speaker (38:31): Jamelle Dean.

Unknown Speaker (38:32): Jamelle saying that as a joke.

Unknown Speaker (38:34): I know.

Unknown Speaker (38:35): The guy you Everything you say is a joke. He's an all pro.

Unknown Speaker (38:38): Right. Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (38:39): He's an all star.

Speaker 0 (38:40): I think it's I think the Steelers over the last few years have reached into the well of age and experience a few too many times.

Unknown Speaker (38:51): Dalton of youth.

Speaker 0 (38:52): I am not sold on Jalen Ramsey anymore. I I don't think he's nearly as good as he used to be. I mean, obviously

Unknown Speaker (38:58): He's an old guy.

Speaker 0 (38:59): He has the experience, and he can read, you know, he can read the field well, but he's lost to step two. I I don't I I think that Joey Porter junior has a very, very high upside still, but he tends to come he tends to play well in fits and starts. You know? He'll play well for a game, maybe two, and then he'll have a game where he just looks atrocious. And it's less about him getting beat and more about him, his hands all over everybody and being out of position.

Unknown Speaker (39:29): Oh, boy. Do we gotta go through this?

Speaker 0 (39:30): I'm not gonna go through that again. What I'm saying is that Jamel Dean on the other side, I I look. When these guys play, they know. You can't you can't tell me that Joey Porter didn't watch what's his name?

Unknown Speaker (39:41): Darius Slay?

Speaker 0 (39:42): Yeah. Darius Slay. And and, of course, he was like Darius Slay might be a hall of famer. Holy shit. I'm playing with him.

Speaker 0 (39:49): But he he he had to be watching him at some point and privately going, it's like he slowed down. You know, they know. They know. So now there's more pressure on him. What I'm saying is this guy is basically right about the prime of his career, maybe at the top as far as, you know, ability goes.

Speaker 0 (40:08): And I think he's he's gonna be able to teach Joey Porter less from a standpoint of, hey, I'm a future hall of famer and more of, you know, we gotta get the job done kind of thing. I think it's very important on the other side that we have that.

Unknown Speaker (40:24): Okay. Alright. Number three.

Speaker 0 (40:25): You guys good with that?

Unknown Speaker (40:26): Number three for the grand swalbini.

Speaker 0 (40:29): No criticism for that?

Speaker 2 (40:31): No. I I that's I understand where you're coming with that and I it'll be explained more in with my next pick.

Speaker 0 (40:36): Okay. Awesome. Because usually, I get destroyed for everything I do.

Unknown Speaker (40:39): Well, I I did to make you feel better, I do think it was a bad pick. Okay. Thank And, you know, I'm pretty sure is what I was looking for. Alright. By the way.

Unknown Speaker (40:51): Alright. Alright.

Unknown Speaker (40:51): Number three.

Speaker 1 (40:52): By the way, at least on my screen here, I have, like, gone completely off. Yeah. Do you still see me?

Unknown Speaker (40:59): I still see you on the screen.

Unknown Speaker (41:00): Do think that people can still hear me?

Speaker 0 (41:02): And now you are completely off. They can definitely still hear you.

Unknown Speaker (41:05): Oh, they can still

Unknown Speaker (41:05): hear you. Because you're coming in through me.

Speaker 1 (41:07): Okay. But Alright. Well, let me talk then. Yeah. So my number three, I'm I'm getting right back on right now.

Speaker 1 (41:15): Here we are.

Unknown Speaker (41:17): Add to the stage.

Speaker 1 (41:18): My number three, I got Derek Harmon. So last year's number one pick, look, I mean, you know, you've got the big man, Cameron Hayward in the middle. At this point

Unknown Speaker (41:32): Keanu Benton's there. Yeah.

Speaker 1 (41:34): You can't you can't necessarily count on him. You know, Benton's not bad, but, you know, nothing special. So look, I I think the bottom line is is that Derek Harmon needs to play like a number one pick. He was a little bit banged up last year. Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (41:48): I

Speaker 1 (41:48): I like to see him getting a push up the middle, stopping the run, and that will pay dividends for the rest of the defense if he comes in and has a big year.

Speaker 2 (41:58): Derek Carmen had an honorable mention in my list. I thought about picking him, but between him, Benton, Cam Hayward, I think together that unit needs to perform better. But I agree with you as a number one pick. He definitely, needs to step up his game. Like that pick a lot.

Speaker 2 (42:15): I, on the off on the defensive side, went with Joey Porter junior. And you know that I love this guy. But I think this year, it's it's all pro or nothing. He's gotta be he's gotta be the best cornerback in the AFC North. Okay?

Speaker 2 (42:32): This is what I'm expecting for him this year. They went out and got Jamel Dean, so the other side's set. There's no reason why he can't figure out, you know, the handsiness. I don't I'm not a I'm not against the way he plays defense, but what I am against is he doesn't intercept the ball. He's not an intercepting guy.

Speaker 2 (42:51): He's a guy that just kinda knocks it down. I wanna see him get more involved where he's taking the ball away, and he's making the big hits. And, you know, in the first couple years, he was kind of, like, not a great tackler, but I think he's gotten better. This year, I wanna see it all come together. Pro, he's gotta be he's gotta be the he's defensive backfield.

Speaker 2 (43:16): And if he's done an all pro this year, the steelers aren't making the playoffs. Joey Porter junior, number three.

Speaker 0 (43:23): Way to go, HJ. Another great one. My number three.

Speaker 1 (43:27): By the way, I I actually did not have Joey Porter junior on my list, but that was because I felt like he sort of worked his way off the list. Yeah. I felt like we know what he is. We know he's a really good solid corner. Mhmm.

Unknown Speaker (43:45): I want him to take the next step. That's where I feel

Speaker 1 (43:47): about it. If I if I was looking at it like that, I I would say I'd put him on my list for that for that reason. But I had kind of gotten to the point where kind of unlike you, I feel like in the back half of last year, he really cemented himself as, a really good player. Mhmm.

Speaker 0 (44:05): I my number three. My number three is Michael Pittman Junior. Can Michael Pittman Junior open up the field for DK Metcalf? We finally have what we would consider because this is how we have to look at it. A number one and a number two receiver in this lineup.

Speaker 0 (44:26): Now we didn't draft these guys. There's no AB here, But Metcalf has shown the ability to be a number one ish receiver. He had, you know, many really good years for with Seattle. Arguably, last year wasn't awesome, but he was good. And after him, in my opinion, and I had this opinion last year, I don't know if I voiced it this way or not, but our receiving course sucked.

Speaker 0 (44:56): I don't ever wanna hear Roman Wilson's name again.

Unknown Speaker (45:00): Roman Wilson.

Speaker 0 (45:02): You're fired. And I I I, you know, look, if if if for some reason Roman Wilson gets in a game if he's not cut this year and they and and end up blowing up and becomes a star, Good for him. Okay. But the chances are zero to me. Maybe point one.

Speaker 0 (45:20): Let's give it a chance. Right? Oh. Give it a chance.

Unknown Speaker (45:22): So you're

Unknown Speaker (45:22): saying 0.1.

Speaker 0 (45:24): Okay. We we lost hockey Jesus there.

Unknown Speaker (45:26): So you're saying there's a chance.

Unknown Speaker (45:27): I'm trying to come back.

Speaker 0 (45:28): I can still hear you. We could still hear you.

Unknown Speaker (45:30): So I'm making my way back. Gonna get to the Next to the studio.

Speaker 0 (45:34): Porsche experience, the Internet situation will be solved. That much I can tell you.

Speaker 1 (45:38): I'm sure. As the technical director, you'll get that taken care of.

Unknown Speaker (45:42): Doing it at your studio, Schwab. Anyway, so

Unknown Speaker (45:45): Well, we know we've never had any That that's not gonna work.

Speaker 0 (45:48): That's not gonna work.

Unknown Speaker (45:51): Alright.

Speaker 0 (45:51): Okay. Anyway, let us know if it works, Steve.

Unknown Speaker (45:54): Okay.

Speaker 0 (45:54): Keep talking. So my my my my point is Michael Pittman Junior is a real receiver. He had a lot of good years with Indianapolis. He he's, he knows how to play the game. I mean, I'm oversimplifying it, but definitely adding him to that receiving court takes a little pressure off the DK and gives Rogers a real target.

Speaker 0 (46:17): Now the number three with that Bernie Jeremy Bernard. We'll see. The the jury's always out on rookies. I mean, yeah.

Unknown Speaker (46:24): Jury's out.

Speaker 0 (46:25): Yeah. Yeah. I mean, could he be the same or worse? This switch over to USBC has been difficult for everyone, says Pat Off Track. Did does, you know, does Jeremy Bernard become the number three guy?

Speaker 0 (46:39): Maybe he does. Maybe he does. I don't know. So number three, yes. Michael Pittman Junior.

Speaker 0 (46:45): So number two.

Speaker 1 (46:46): Number two for the grand swalbini. That that Also, Michael Pittman Junior. And what I can tell you is that Michael Pittman junior is a better receiver than DK Metcalf. He is a better receiver than DK Metcalf. And Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (47:11): That's what I'm on.

Speaker 1 (47:12): With that in mind, Aaron Rodgers will finally have somebody that he can throw the ball to

Unknown Speaker (47:18): Doesn't matter.

Speaker 1 (47:19): That he knows can catch the ball. I think having a go to guy that you know can catch the ball and can extend drives on third down. You're talking about Jeremy Bernard? No. I'm talking about Michael Pittman.

Speaker 0 (47:32): Oh, he was your number two.

Speaker 1 (47:33): He's my number two. And I think that having him on the team will make the offense go a hell of a lot better than without him. He is a third down machine.

Unknown Speaker (47:47): Right.

Speaker 1 (47:48): Really, he's been a number one receiver for Indianapolis. Now there was a guy in Indianapolis that came on last year and they gave him a lot of money. But Michael Pittman is fearless. I've seen him get his head chopped off and he comes right back up and plays. I think the Steelers fans are really gonna like what they see in him.

Speaker 1 (48:07): Yeah. And I I think that he's really going to elevate the offense.

Speaker 0 (48:12): I I agree with you. And that's why he was number three for me. And you'll see when number one, I've got a little bit of a twist.

Unknown Speaker (48:20): A twist.

Speaker 0 (48:21): Yeah. A little bit of a twist. Not sure what's there we go. So, HJ, we can still hear you. So what who is your number two?

Speaker 2 (48:35): So my number two is boy, this is tough. I get two people I really wanna talk about. Let's just go for it. My number two is going to be Jalen Warren. Oh.

Unknown Speaker (48:47): Wow. Know I know I know that's not popular, but you still need a running game in today's game. Right?

Unknown Speaker (48:54): Mhmm.

Speaker 2 (48:54): I'd look it it was hard for me because I I look at the running back situation, you know, without Kenny G here. Basically, you got Warren, Dowdle, and maybe Caleb Johnson. Nobody knows what's gonna happen with him. Who knows? But I look at them, and I think all told, they need to have 1,800 rushing yards total and 15 touchdowns.

Speaker 2 (49:16): Right? So I'm looking at that and I'm saying, well, Jaylen Warren, you know, rushed for almost about 80 yards last last year. There's no reason why he can't get eleven eleven hundred yards this year.

Unknown Speaker (49:30): I agree.

Unknown Speaker (49:31): So I think he needs to get to a and plus, you know,

Unknown Speaker (49:33): I think he was I think

Speaker 2 (49:34): he was I I think he was down last year because he missed a couple games. So that's why I think Jalen Warren's important. But most importantly, he's gotta get the touchdowns. They gotta be able rush the ball into the end zone. They they weren't able to do that much last year.

Speaker 2 (49:52): And that is, you know, that's part on the offensive line, but it's also with Warren. You know? He for forever, he couldn't get going. Mhmm. And if he because they think he can do it with, you know, with Rico.

Speaker 2 (50:10): But if he doesn't, I just don't see them making the playoffs or, you know, even winning a playoff game. You've gotta have an you gotta have a good running a good running game, and he's all we got. Would I rather see Caleb Johnson being the guy who's, you know, rushing for 1,200 yards? Absolutely. Do I think he's going to get the chance?

Speaker 2 (50:30): I do not. I just don't. I don't see it. Now I would love to be surprised and see Caleb Johnson have a great, you know Mhmm. Training camp and suddenly he's in that number two spot.

Speaker 2 (50:41): Rico Dowdell's in there, you know, is the third spot. Mhmm. And, you know, he Caleb Johnson ends up getting, you know, 800 yards and and and Jaylen Warren ends up getting, you know, a thousand yards or 1,100 yards. Then you got a real tandem right there, you know?

Speaker 1 (50:57): Well, I I do think that, you know, Caleb Johnson kinda fell victim to the, you know, Mike Tomlin doghouse.

Unknown Speaker (51:05): Right.

Speaker 1 (51:06): You know? So it could be completely different with McCarthy this year.

Unknown Speaker (51:10): Well, that's what I'm hoping, but I just can't I I can't say Caleb Johnson because that would be like saying Jack Sawyer. Right. You know? Right. Yeah.

Speaker 2 (51:19): A guy who's not gonna play. I can't I can't rely on him being the guy that's gonna take us to the next level.

Speaker 1 (51:26): Right. You don't wanna have a name on your list that embarrasses you. You know, like like like a TD.

Unknown Speaker (51:35): Well Yeah. I'm a little bit more thinky about this. Yeah. Yeah. I did some planning before the show, and I actually got the list and I looked at it and I thought about it.

Speaker 1 (51:43): Well, yeah. Planning leads to successful outcome.

Speaker 2 (51:46): Yes. That's why my list is so solid right now. Yes.

Speaker 1 (51:50): Well, now we are coming back around to our technical director who's really had his hands full tonight. Yeah. And as he's technically directing

Unknown Speaker (52:02): I have to think about number two.

Speaker 1 (52:04): Yep. You are now at number two most important stealer for successful playoff victory season.

Unknown Speaker (52:12): This is why this show is so fantastic because

Unknown Speaker (52:17): Mhmm. It's

Unknown Speaker (52:17): why. Mhmm.

Unknown Speaker (52:19): Fix technical. Are you getting sick?

Unknown Speaker (52:21): No. Mm-mm. No. Just keep going. Just keep going.

Unknown Speaker (52:24): I'm I'm I'm gonna just muddle through this. I'm you I'm used to muddling through. Okay. Okay. Just go to number two.

Unknown Speaker (52:34): No. Nobody wants to talk about Ethernet. For fuck's sake. Rico

Unknown Speaker (52:41): Dowdle.

Unknown Speaker (52:41): Yeah. Because Who? Let's let's let's just get

Unknown Speaker (52:44): serious. Who?

Speaker 3 (53:01): But they don't have an every down back. They don't have a guy that can break a long run. They don't

Unknown Speaker (53:05): have a guy that understands blocking schemes, Rico Dowdle played with Mike McCarthy. He understands how he runs the dolphins and block.

Unknown Speaker (53:22): No. I fixed it.

Unknown Speaker (53:25): So, anyway,

Speaker 3 (53:28): I I believe he is extremely important because what the steelers have not been able to do is really muster up real running game.

Speaker 0 (53:41): There we go. Rico Dowdle, everybody. Rico Dowdle. Nobody hear any of that? Nobody heard any of that.

Unknown Speaker (53:47): Okay. So for those of you who are left in the dark Allow me to elaborate. Allow me to elaborate. Director is back online. Rico

Speaker 0 (53:55): Rico Dowdle is my number two because he understands Mike McCarthy's offense. He does have breakaway speed. He can get you know, he can he can take the ball to the house from 35, 40 yards. We haven't seen a running back. He can.

Speaker 0 (54:10): We haven't seen a Maybe. Running back like that in a Steelers uniform in quite a while. And look, I'm not saying he's gonna win the rushing title. But what I'm saying is

Speaker 2 (54:19): Is he a Hall of Famer?

Speaker 0 (54:21): The no. The run the run game is something that the Steelers have always talked up even under Tomlin. Right. And they never had one. Okay?

Speaker 0 (54:31): Unless you wanna go back to Levy on Bell and, you know, those guys when Ben was around, but that was a different situation. So Mhmm. You know, with Harris, who was horrible, and we talked about that for years. With Warren, who I liked, but he's a third down back. Let's face it.

Speaker 0 (54:45): Not in every down back. Rico Dowdle is the guy who's number two for me this year in a Steelers uniform. Number two for you, HJ. So sorry about

Unknown Speaker (54:57): the technical

Speaker 1 (54:59): difficulties. The longest run-in Rico Dowdle's career is 53 yards.

Speaker 0 (55:02): Okay. Well, the longest run-in Najee Harris's was 36. I'll take it.

Speaker 1 (55:07): The second longest run-in Rico Dowdle's career is 27 yards. Okay. Well, still. Can take it to the house. Alright.

Speaker 2 (55:13): He can still do it. But I mean, we see eye to eye on the running back position. Very important for the Steelers getting back to the playoffs. I'm just going with Jalen Warren versus Rico Dowdle. And like I said, I don't I don't I don't know that Caleb Johnson can't be that.

Speaker 0 (55:29): I don't think Caleb Caleb Johnson is even in the equation.

Speaker 2 (55:32): I I think I I think he is. I because they kept him. And as long as he makes the team, he will get some touches. You know, he had 41 rushes last year.

Unknown Speaker (55:43): Alright. Who did?

Unknown Speaker (55:45): Caleb Johnson. Oh,

Unknown Speaker (55:46): yeah. The grand the grand Swabini.

Unknown Speaker (55:49): Number one.

Unknown Speaker (55:49): Gives us

Unknown Speaker (55:50): number one.

Speaker 1 (55:51): One already mentioned by Hockey Jesus. Troy Fontanu. There you go. He is going to play left tackle. It is the most important position in sports other than quarterback because he protects the blind side of the quarterback.

Speaker 0 (56:12): He protects the franchise. And

Speaker 1 (56:15): yeah. I agree exactly with what Steve said. He needs to have one of those years where, you know, at the end of the year, you say he only gave up two sacks. Right. You know, if he protects, you know, Aaron Rogers, Aaron Rogers can make things happen.

Speaker 1 (56:32): If he if he doesn't, you know what's gonna happen. It's not gonna be good. Yeah. So that's why I have him

Unknown Speaker (56:39): as number one. And I also have him as number

Speaker 1 (56:41): one because I think he can do the job. You know, I'm expecting him to do the job. I'm not expecting I'm not saying like, well, let's see. I really believe that he can be that kind of player. So that's my number one.

Speaker 0 (56:54): Number one. Number one. Hockey Jesus. Who's your number one, by the way, if you're watching us on YouTube or X? Who's your number one most important important stealer going into this year?

Speaker 0 (57:05): We wanna hear from you. You can email us. OGSportsSports@Gmail.com. Steelers at Tampa, 10/18/2026 Sports Porch Road game.

Unknown Speaker (57:15): Oh, okay.

Unknown Speaker (57:16): By the way, if you're

Unknown Speaker (57:18): buying the tickets, we're coming.

Speaker 0 (57:19): That could be our boys weekend. By the way I hear Tampa has some very, very world class establishments.

Unknown Speaker (57:26): By the way

Unknown Speaker (57:27): I only go for old fashioned.

Speaker 1 (57:29): Today does mark one hundred days from the start of the NFL season.

Unknown Speaker (57:32): Yes. Woo hoo.

Speaker 0 (57:34): Ready to go, baby. Alright. We we got some news on on Steelers season games anyway coming up.

Unknown Speaker (57:40): That's true.

Unknown Speaker (57:40): So you your number one was

Unknown Speaker (57:43): Fontano.

Speaker 2 (57:44): Fontano. My number one is the stick that stirs the pot. Oh god. You know where I'm going. Without this guy, the Steelers don't do anything.

Speaker 2 (57:57): If he has a season like he had this year

Unknown Speaker (58:00): You mean this past year.

Speaker 2 (58:01): This past year in 2025 where he only had seven sacks and was basically nothing for the last six games of the season, the steelers will be absolutely the same miserable team. That's right. I'm talking about TJ Watt. TJ Watt absolutely has to have 15 sacks this year if the Steelers are going to be a playoff contender. When he gets going, that whole defense gets going.

Speaker 2 (58:27): He no. He he's the guy that drives that whole defense. When he can't go, then the defense is just where it's been. It's kinda been in the middle. It's not been great.

Speaker 2 (58:38): It's not been terrible. But when he is when he's that guy who can get to the quarterback and can make that splash play, when he's that guy who can drop back in the coverage and sneak and intercept that ball, he is just the best defensive player that we have. He needs to get back there, and he needs to get back there this year because he hasn't been there in the last two years. And now that Miles Garrett isn't around, guess what? He can be the alpha again, and he needs to be.

Speaker 2 (59:08): So my number one guy is TJ Watt.

Speaker 0 (59:12): That's an interesting segue there that you bring up now that Miles Garrett is not the alpha in the North. You know? It's kinda funny because you you you think of a guy like TJ Watt, and is he thinking every week about Miles Garrett? Absolutely not. He's a professional.

Speaker 0 (59:27): But on some level, on some level

Speaker 2 (59:30): Gets in his

Speaker 0 (59:30): head. There's a guy out there who is at least as good as me, and a lot of people say is better than me. And we play each other twice a year. Mhmm. You know?

Speaker 0 (59:40): Not opposite on the on the field. But so, yeah, I I I agree with you. That's an interesting that's an interesting segue. Pat Off Track says, should we go to Busch Gardens?

Speaker 2 (59:51): Reach for the mountains of Busch.

Speaker 0 (59:53): My my yeah. My Bush drinking days are over. Anyway, so you you kinda you kinda I I I had two I had one that was a total Klein. And then then then yeah. I know what they are.

Speaker 0 (1:00:08): Okay? I know what they are. Alright? You guys can't fool me anymore.

Unknown Speaker (1:00:11): We've been

Unknown Speaker (1:00:12): doing this long enough. You can't fool me anymore.

Unknown Speaker (1:00:14): A total Klein pick. Yeah. We know all about this.

Speaker 0 (1:00:16): I'm gonna give you both. First, I'm gonna say, I I you had me almost completely persuaded to to switch this to TJ Watt as my number one.

Unknown Speaker (1:00:26): Well, I'm

Unknown Speaker (1:00:26): glad he did. You had me

Speaker 2 (1:00:27): at I wanna hear the Klein pick.

Speaker 1 (1:00:29): You had me at hello.

Speaker 0 (1:00:31): Almost. My pick is the entire offensive line.

Unknown Speaker (1:00:37): Oh, boy. We said one player. Cut off. Fuck's sake. What are you doing?

Unknown Speaker (1:00:43): This is not the right pick. You have to pick a person. Oh my goodness.

Unknown Speaker (1:00:49): My and and and here's

Speaker 1 (1:00:50): the reason why redo my number one. The entire Pittsburgh Steelers football team.

Unknown Speaker (1:00:56): Absolutely. I always have to

Unknown Speaker (1:00:57): play well. Without

Unknown Speaker (1:00:59): the Steelers

Unknown Speaker (1:00:59): football team, we won't make the playoffs.

Unknown Speaker (1:01:02): Right.

Speaker 0 (1:01:03): Okay. Okay, buddies. So, yeah, they have to play as a unit. We all know Aaron Rogers. I I mean, I think there's some some people may be surprised that nobody picked Aaron Rogers, But, you know, we all know what he's capable of and not capable of.

Speaker 2 (1:01:21): He's not gonna throw for 5,000 yards. Okay.

Speaker 0 (1:01:24): No. No. But my point

Speaker 1 (1:01:25): is to be protected.

Speaker 0 (1:01:26): He has to be protected, number one. Number two, if Rico Dowdle is number two on the list, he's gotta be able to run. And he's and that that's where when I combine that

Unknown Speaker (1:01:37): all together possible.

Speaker 0 (1:01:38): Right. And and so the whole thing is that, yes, the left tackle protects the blind side of the quarterback, but the entire line protects the quarterback. These guys get sacked from many different directions, secondary rushes, stuff like that.

Speaker 2 (1:01:51): So Well, go with Zach Frazier. Without him hiking the ball to the quarterback, the steelers will not makes the playoffs.

Speaker 1 (1:01:58): When did they sign Enrico Palazzo? That's funny.

Unknown Speaker (1:02:02): Mike Lawrence. Rico. That's that's that's for him.

Speaker 0 (1:02:04): Mike Lawrence says, do you guys think our new offensive coordinator in McCarthy will use our tight ends more? You know?

Speaker 2 (1:02:10): Yes. I think he's gonna use them down the field more. They're no longer gonna be that dink dunk guy. You're gonna see you're gonna see the tight end catch the ball 25 yards down the field. I think that's yes.

Speaker 2 (1:02:21): Mhmm. I think the answer is absolutely yes.

Speaker 0 (1:02:23): Yeah. And and I think, you know, what's funny is we are so attached to tight ends here in Pittsburgh. You know?

Unknown Speaker (1:02:31): We we we wanna have we

Speaker 0 (1:02:33): wanna have well, we wanna have people to go and moooooth. I don't care about that. No. You don't. Until you get to a game and you get hammered and then

Unknown Speaker (1:02:41): Well, yeah. If I've had a few beers, then everything's hot.

Speaker 0 (1:02:44): Everything's moooth. Moooth. Moooth. He didn't even catch the ball. That being said, our news is that hockey Jesus and I will be attending the home opener.

Unknown Speaker (1:02:55): We will be at

Unknown Speaker (1:02:55): the home opener. We figured you The Pittsburgh Steelers.

Unknown Speaker (1:02:58): We figured you didn't wanna go.

Speaker 1 (1:03:00): Yeah. Probably I'd rather watch another game.

Speaker 0 (1:03:02): Yes. So no. For my birthday for my birthday Oh, yeah. My lovely wife has purchased Really? Two two club level box seats from our friends who also have two other seats that we sat in before.

Unknown Speaker (1:03:19): It was the first game against it.

Speaker 0 (1:03:21): So I wanna thank I wanna thank Falcons. Yeah. I wanna thank Ron and Christy Kotwica for offering that, and I wanna thank my wife, Lauren

Unknown Speaker (1:03:28): Kotwica. Ron.

Speaker 2 (1:03:29): And Christy, you don't know what you're in for.

Speaker 0 (1:03:32): For providing the opportunity for that birthday gift. And we are going to be at the game. We're gonna set up probably a show at least at halftime. Halftime. Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (1:03:44): Hopefully, we can

Unknown Speaker (1:03:44): stay long enough to do a post game. We'll do

Speaker 0 (1:03:47): a post game. But we're also gonna do, I'm telling, I'm bringing this up right

Unknown Speaker (1:03:50): now. Should put an ad out for a technical director for the game.

Unknown Speaker (1:03:53): Yeah, it's possible.

Speaker 2 (1:03:54): No, you'll be the technical director. You'll be fine. You'll be fine.

Speaker 0 (1:03:59): That's right. Yeah. You don't want him doing it because he throws his he fits when he's out as he did at the draft. Anyway, I totally lost my train of thought because of you guys. But but Oh, yeah.

Speaker 0 (1:04:11): I'm gonna throw this out there. We we we are gonna do a post game Steelers game every game this year. Every game? Every game.

Unknown Speaker (1:04:19): Oh, yeah.

Speaker 0 (1:04:19): For sure. Even if we're out of town, even if it's on a Monday night.

Speaker 2 (1:04:23): You sure you don't have any family obligations of

Speaker 1 (1:04:26): any vacations or Guys. You know, family barbecues. We're not we're

Unknown Speaker (1:04:32): not going there. We're not going there.

Speaker 2 (1:04:34): Therapist wants to meet on Monday night.

Speaker 1 (1:04:36): Yeah. Alright. I mean yeah. Yeah. Maybe you have an ear, nose, and throat doctor appointment.

Unknown Speaker (1:04:41): There you go.

Unknown Speaker (1:04:42): I think we I think we need to get some hockey. We gotta get some hockey in before we go any further.

Speaker 0 (1:04:46): Okay. HJ, this guy sitting across from me in the Monroeville porch. He is hockey Jesus. HJ, he preaches on the podcast after every single Penguins game and all throughout the NHL playoffs. If you're a hockey fan, you don't wanna miss it.

Speaker 0 (1:05:04): If you're a new hockey fan, you're gonna learn a lot. And then he throws it onto the podcast as well. Mike Lawrence says yay for the Steelers postgame shows. Thanks, Mike. Yep.

Unknown Speaker (1:05:14): Share it

Unknown Speaker (1:05:15): out for us, man. We're we're we're this close. We're this close.

Speaker 1 (1:05:18): No barbecues for Hockey Jesus.

Speaker 0 (1:05:20): And, anyway, Hockey Jesus, Las Vegas in the finals.

Speaker 2 (1:05:24): Flyers West? Vegas versus Carolina in the finals.

Unknown Speaker (1:05:28): How about

Speaker 2 (1:05:28): that? Not exactly about that? Not exactly what the NHL wanted.

Unknown Speaker (1:05:34): Proves that sports are not fixed.

Speaker 2 (1:05:36): Well, I don't know about that, but I do know that, these both of these teams deserve to be there 100%. Here's the deal. Golden Knights, nobody likes anymore. The only reason they like them is because they got Mitch Marner and everybody hates Toronto just a little bit more than they hate the the Vegas Golden Knights.

Unknown Speaker (1:05:55): One statement on the Vegas Knights.

Unknown Speaker (1:05:57): Yes. You may.

Speaker 1 (1:05:59): I think every fan base must hate the Vegas Knights because they have been in existence for ten years.

Unknown Speaker (1:06:07): Yep.

Speaker 1 (1:06:07): And they're playing are they playing in their fourth Stanley Cup?

Speaker 2 (1:06:10): Their their In ten years? Their third Stanley Cup. Let's see. I think They won one. They lost one.

Speaker 2 (1:06:17): Now they're in another one. This is their third in nine years.

Unknown Speaker (1:06:20): Third in nine years. So you could basically just start from scratch, go to three cups in nine years.

Speaker 2 (1:06:26): Well, you know, they screwed Seattle because of that. Right. Right. Seattle got nothing, and now they're not very good.

Unknown Speaker (1:06:33): Yeah.

Speaker 2 (1:06:33): They they messed up that they messed up that whole redrafting thing. Right. And and honestly, Vegas took advantage of

Unknown Speaker (1:06:39): They did.

Unknown Speaker (1:06:40): Every single loo phole.

Unknown Speaker (1:06:41): They did.

Speaker 2 (1:06:42): Yeah. And they did a fantastic job, and and the NHL totally f that up. So and that's why they're good now because they've they've done these great things, you know, with the LTIR, you know, you know, putting guys on long term injured reserve and then bringing them back to the playoffs. You can't do that anymore because, you know, Vegas f that up. Mhmm.

Speaker 2 (1:07:02): So, yeah, that's why I think that's why most other franchises hate them and pretty much everybody in the country, which is funny because everybody kinda likes Vegas. Everybody likes to go to Right. Vegas is a

Unknown Speaker (1:07:14): great place. Much anymore. I

Speaker 2 (1:07:15): Well, yeah. You're right. Not so much anymore.

Speaker 0 (1:07:17): I had a buddy I work with at TJ's. He he said, this is actually pretty interesting regarding Vegas. Now we get back to the hockey stuff. You know, if yeah. Have you been to Vegas?

Unknown Speaker (1:07:27): Like

Unknown Speaker (1:07:27): I've never been there.

Unknown Speaker (1:07:28): You've never been

Speaker 1 (1:07:29): there. I wanna go, but I've never been there.

Speaker 0 (1:07:31): Have you ever been to Vegas? Three three times.

Speaker 2 (1:07:33): How recently? I was there two years ago.

Unknown Speaker (1:07:38): Mhmm.

Speaker 2 (1:07:39): So Okay. Post pandemic.

Speaker 0 (1:07:41): Okay. So maybe this was in place back then. I was in Vegas many years ago when it was the old style Vegas, but they had moved they they had built like the MGM Grand and some of the newer Paris and all that stuff.

Unknown Speaker (1:07:51): All those.

Speaker 0 (1:07:52): So it was classic, you know, you go sit by, blackjack table or the slots. Waitresses would would come up and offer you free drinks the entire time. Serving. Mhmm. Well, they were waitresses

Unknown Speaker (1:08:05): back then.

Speaker 0 (1:08:05): Servers. Whatever. Serving. Is that real anyway.

Unknown Speaker (1:08:08): Flight attendants. Here we go. So Inclusive.

Speaker 0 (1:08:13): My my buddy went out there, and he said a lot of it has changed. Like, they they when he was gambling at the blackjack table, he had a drink in his hands and then it was empty. And he was like, where's the, you know, where's the the server? Where's the waitress?

Unknown Speaker (1:08:29): Mhmm.

Speaker 0 (1:08:30): Mhmm. And the guy said, see that red light right there? When that goes green, you can have another free drink. And like they have it set up so that like there's and he's like, well, how long do I have to wait? You know?

Speaker 0 (1:08:42): Like, while I'm gambling. And he said, I don't know. It's all an algorithm based on how much you bet and all that. Yeah. So you're paying for your drinks now

Speaker 2 (1:08:48): in Vegas. Well, whatever. I don't go there the drink or the bet, but I was there at a bar and I was talking to some Vegas fans. And they were real that was around the time we we gave them flurry. So, you know, we got talking about that.

Speaker 2 (1:09:00): They are they're pretty good. They're pretty good hockey town. In fairness, you know, if I'm gonna go with Vegas, you know, everybody thinks it's kind of a transitory place. They're they're pretty they're pretty excited about their the the the golden knights out there, and they should be. So I'm I don't like them.

Speaker 2 (1:09:16): I don't I'm not really rooting for the Canes. Here's what I'm rooting for. Yes, Pat. The NHL did do something wrong. They do a lot of things wrong.

Speaker 2 (1:09:24): Most of it is how they actually run the league, but that's a different topic for another day. Vegas or Carolina who has more speed on the ice? Honestly, neither of them have a lot of speed, but they're both they've got deceptive speed in the fact that they just keep going up the ice. You don't see a lot of lateral movement. They'll go straight.

Speaker 2 (1:09:45): They like the straight line motion. Both of the teams do. So you'll probably get to see more hitting than you think you would in a team that's usually usually teams that are fast, you hit them to slow them down. These teams are gonna come right at you. So they're gonna be collisions all over the place.

Speaker 2 (1:10:02): Yeah. Vegas nights. There you go. Vegas

Unknown Speaker (1:10:04): Isn't it don't they have the Vegas

Unknown Speaker (1:10:06): raiders? TJ.

Unknown Speaker (1:10:07): Is that the Vegas raiders?

Unknown Speaker (1:10:09): Well, yeah. Yeah. I think I think what he's saying is that all the other teams suck.

Unknown Speaker (1:10:15): Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Alright.

Speaker 0 (1:10:17): Hey, Vegas. Thanks for being here. If you haven't already, hit that subscribe button for us every Monday night, 7PM eastern time.

Speaker 2 (1:10:23): Tell me how you feel about your team there in Vegas, TJ. But here's here's here's what I think is gonna happen. I think this is gonna go pretty far. I think it's gonna go six or seven. And I honestly don't know.

Speaker 2 (1:10:35): I mean, everybody's betting Carolina because, they've only lost one playoff game to date. That's pretty damn good. Yeah.

Speaker 1 (1:10:42): And that was after an eleven day layup.

Speaker 2 (1:10:43): And everybody's looking at the at the Vegas Golden Knights taking out the Avalanche in, you know, in a sweep because they were decimated with injuries. They swept the freaking abs. Yeah. Mean, the abs was the abs were an amazing team and they swept them. Don't care if you're injured.

Speaker 2 (1:11:00): They swept them. They did everything perfect.

Unknown Speaker (1:11:02): They were one point thirty one point two.

Speaker 2 (1:11:04): Yeah. The other the other the other thing that drives other teams crazy, and this is me included in this. Nobody likes Torbarella. No. Don't care who wins.

Speaker 2 (1:11:27): If Jack Eichel wins another one, if if Mitch Marner takes that that trophy right back to Toronto and holds it up in front of them with his Vegas shirt on, I would love to see that. If if Jordan Stahl wins one after not winning one for, you know, sixteen years or something like that from his last cup, That would be fun too. So there's there's good stories. The the best story, though, is Claude Lemieux died. He died through a suicide.

Speaker 0 (1:11:54): Did he just say that's the best story?

Unknown Speaker (1:11:56): No. No. Here's the story with Claude Lemieux.

Unknown Speaker (1:11:58): I I mean, you did just say that's the best story. The best story. You meant Well, the best story mean the big story.

Speaker 2 (1:12:03): The best the big story and the best story is Yeah. Did you know that Freddie Anderson, you know, he was his Yeah. He was his agent. If he can win a cup for Claude D'Amue Mhmm. Then it kinda takes the sting off of that happening Yeah.

Speaker 2 (1:12:18): In my opinion. No. Nothing will ever take this sting of somebody that you know and love and a friend committing suicide like that. But if he can win the cup and that can happen, then, you know, it's a feel good story from something that terrible has happened. And and I feel terrible about the Claude Lemieux thing.

Speaker 2 (1:12:35): I it was I did

Speaker 0 (1:12:36): not know Claude Lemieux did that.

Speaker 2 (1:12:39): Yeah. Yeah. It happened Friday.

Speaker 1 (1:12:41): The second that it happened, I I said I said to my wife, I said, I bet you had CTE.

Speaker 2 (1:12:47): Everybody's saying that. I'm sure they I don't know if there was a letter. I I don't want really wanna talk about, you know, that happening. If you're having issues with that, call somebody. Yeah.

Speaker 2 (1:12:58): Get some help. Yeah. Absolutely. That did not happen in this case. But if Freddie Anderson can win a cup for his buddy than and his agent, then maybe something good can happen from it.

Unknown Speaker (1:13:10): You know, he was he helped he took the torch in the Montreal that Monday

Unknown Speaker (1:13:14): I know.

Speaker 2 (1:13:15): In a in a game. And it's just he looked great. Yeah. I mean, he looked like the old Claude Lemieux that, you know, won three I think three or four cups. Yeah.

Speaker 2 (1:13:23): Anyway, so that's a terrible thing. But if something good can happen from that, even if Carolina doesn't win, I know Freddie Anderson's gonna play his heart out for him. He could easily win the Kaun Smith, by the way. I would say him or or Marner or maybe even Eichel could win. And I guess, I you know, I hate to say this, but, you know, Vegas is goalie.

Speaker 2 (1:13:44): Carter Hart can win it too, but I don't think I don't think any Canadian guy is gonna root for is gonna vote for him for the con smite no matter what and what happened with his trial and everything. One final hockey one final hockey report. The baby pens are in the Calder Cup semi finals, and they have taken they're down zero two. Doesn't look like they're gonna make it to the finals. They they lost game two in an awful way.

Speaker 2 (1:14:12): They called the goal off in overtime, and then they gave them the goal. I'll tell you what, though, hockey Two one.

Unknown Speaker (1:14:18): Hockey Jesus, big miss this week. Uh-oh. Evgeny Malkin resigned.

Unknown Speaker (1:14:23): Oh, yes. Yeah. I don't

Unknown Speaker (1:14:25): know. I told you it was coming.

Unknown Speaker (1:14:28): I told you it was coming. I told I I told you it was coming. And you know what? Somebody I think it was I think it was where is it?

Speaker 1 (1:14:35): One year 5,500,000.

Speaker 2 (1:14:37): Chris Chauda brought it in. Do you attribute Malkin getting one more year to the season he had? If they weren't very good, it's safe to say he wouldn't be coming back. Yes, Chris Chauda. It had to do with the season.

Speaker 2 (1:14:50): He's still relevant. And on top of that, they don't really have somebody obvious that can replace him on that second line. So why not bring him back for a year? Keep Sid happy. Keep Sultang happy.

Unknown Speaker (1:15:03): I was surprised that it got done this quickly. I thought it was gonna linger for the whole off season.

Unknown Speaker (1:15:09): No. I don't I don't think they wanted to get it done.

Speaker 0 (1:15:11): Yeah. I don't feel like Dubis is that kind of guy. I know we've had some questionable GMs over the last few years, but Dubis seems like the kind of guy it's like when you want when he wants to get something done, he moves forward and it's either done or they move on.

Speaker 2 (1:15:23): Hey, Vegas Vegas Vegas TJ's got a good one here. Jaguars streak of having a teammate playing the Stanley Cup finals reached forty six years. Do you know who the player was this year? Vegas TJ, if you do, put it in the comments, I'd be interested. Do you know what he means by that?

Unknown Speaker (1:15:40): Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

Speaker 0 (1:15:41): So He also said he's from New Kensington, but he moved to Vegas in '77, so the Pens have been his team forever. Listen.

Unknown Speaker (1:15:48): Hey. You made a good move even out of New Kensington.

Speaker 0 (1:15:51): Even Right. Magnus Samuelson.

Unknown Speaker (1:15:54): Oh. Magnus

Unknown Speaker (1:15:54): Samuelson. Magnus Samuelson. Oh.

Unknown Speaker (1:15:57): There you go.

Unknown Speaker (1:15:58): There you go.

Unknown Speaker (1:15:59): Sounds like a guy's

Unknown Speaker (1:16:00): playing No. No. We know we know who Magnus is. Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (1:16:02): Yeah. Yeah.

Unknown Speaker (1:16:03): Yeah. So, anyway There's

Unknown Speaker (1:16:04): an e in there.

Speaker 0 (1:16:04): So I'm not ready Vegas, we'd love for you to subscribe to the channel so you can catch up with us on all things Penguins hockey. Jesus here preaches after every Penguins game. So that would be nice and, nice and He's looking for disciples. For you out there in Vegas. Always looking for disciples.

Speaker 0 (1:16:21): So HJ, that was HJ on hockey. Click YouTube, all that kind of good stuff. So we're moving on to the last part of the show here. Boys, this is what we are watching. And I know I know that, Mark, you are just dying to introduce this, aren't you?

Speaker 1 (1:16:57): Yes. I went out to the theater, and I saw

Unknown Speaker (1:17:04): Were you gonna introduce what Sheep. What what we're watching or what? Nope. Nope. He's going right in.

Unknown Speaker (1:17:09): He's going right in.

Unknown Speaker (1:17:11): Sheep detectives. That looks is that Hugh Jackman? That's Hugh Jackman. Oh my god.

Unknown Speaker (1:17:19): What did you go do?

Speaker 1 (1:17:21): I'll tell you what. Sheep did well, so here's the thing. You're looking for something to see. And if you're like me, what you do is, you know, you go to Rotten Tomatoes and see, you know, how are people liking these movies. Right?

Unknown Speaker (1:17:34): Fair. So sheep detectives, massive massive hit. Really? Ninety eight ninety eight. Oh.

Speaker 1 (1:17:42): You know, for This sounds good. For, you know, for the sheep detectives. So I don't believe Everybody's raving about it. They got, you know, Hugh they got Hugh Jackman's the lead in it. Yeah.

Speaker 1 (1:17:54): Emma Thompson's in it. The girl from the bear, like the one who's the, you know, the she was in the bear. She was in Animal Kingdom.

Unknown Speaker (1:18:01): Was she a cook?

Speaker 1 (1:18:02): No. No. She was the girlfriend in the bear I don't remember. In Animal Kingdom. She's in it.

Speaker 1 (1:18:07): And of course, the most important character is the sheep who are detectives. And actually, this was this was pretty funny. I mean, it's very similar to like Babe, you know, when, you know, the the pig the pig talks. Yeah. And it was it was really clever.

Speaker 1 (1:18:24): It was really it was really funny. You know, the sheeps basically, Hugh Hugh Is it Hugh Lowry or Hugh Jackman? Jackman.

Unknown Speaker (1:18:33): Hugh Jackman.

Speaker 1 (1:18:34): Yeah. Hugh Jackman basically is a sheep herder and he gets killed. And so, you know, the town has like one police officer who knows very little. And he's trying to like, you know, solve the case. And the sheeps ultimately help him solve the case.

Speaker 1 (1:18:55): Okay.

Speaker 0 (1:18:55): Vegas Vegas TJ says it would be awesome to have a talking pic.

Unknown Speaker (1:19:00): Yes. Yeah. It was it was

Unknown Speaker (1:19:01): really good. I mean, look. Can't deny

Unknown Speaker (1:19:03): that. Please

Unknown Speaker (1:19:03): don't cook

Unknown Speaker (1:19:04): me. I mean, let me put

Unknown Speaker (1:19:05): I'm not good.

Speaker 1 (1:19:06): Let me put it to you this way. It was I just shit myself. It was hard to predict. Neither myself nor my wife picked who the killer was. Right.

Unknown Speaker (1:19:15): And and it was just

Unknown Speaker (1:19:17): But the sheep knew.

Unknown Speaker (1:19:17): And it was very it was very it was very creative. I mean, bottom line is like, you know, it's it's just a feel good movie. Okay. Feel good movie. Two thumbs up.

Speaker 1 (1:19:27): Sheep detectives getting it done. You don't need NYPD Blue. You don't need Sipowitz. So You don't need Bosch on the case. Get me some sheep detectives.

Speaker 0 (1:19:37): So what you're telling me is that sheep talked. Yeah. And And this is a great movie.

Unknown Speaker (1:19:43): Fluently.

Unknown Speaker (1:19:43): Yeah.

Speaker 0 (1:19:44): At your fluently. At at at at our age that you're recommending we go see a movie with talking sheep.

Speaker 2 (1:19:50): Well, we we could we could start talking about survivor again.

Unknown Speaker (1:19:53): I would know. I would say if I would say if you saw sheep detectives, you would say, you know, that was actually pretty good.

Unknown Speaker (1:19:59): Yeah. And if you saw

Unknown Speaker (1:20:00): it with your wife, you could be four

Unknown Speaker (1:20:02): Even better.

Unknown Speaker (1:20:03): I can be four better.

Speaker 0 (1:20:05): Listen. I can guarantee you that it it won't be a cold day in hell. There will never be a day in hell in which my wife goes to see a movie with talking sheep.

Unknown Speaker (1:20:14): Well, we're not talking about yeah. You are a little bit more sophisticated.

Speaker 1 (1:20:18): A little bit rough rough around the edges.

Unknown Speaker (1:20:20): Now now now I love this. Jesus. She would rather see

Unknown Speaker (1:20:23): a Van Damme movie. Look.

Speaker 0 (1:20:25): This is this is this is Pat off track here bringing it right back. I totally I I totally am with you. There were sheep in Severance. They were goats, Pat. They were goats, I believe.

Speaker 0 (1:20:38): Mhmm. Right? They were goats. They were goats. Number one.

Speaker 0 (1:20:41): And they did not talk. So

Unknown Speaker (1:20:42): They could have though.

Speaker 0 (1:20:44): Yeah. Yep. If sheep could talk, some sheep farmers would be in trouble from the jokes I've heard. Yeah. Mhmm.

Unknown Speaker (1:20:50): Spinning out of control here.

Unknown Speaker (1:20:51): Now now just

Unknown Speaker (1:20:52): just Sheep jokes are Hey.

Unknown Speaker (1:20:54): Just just to just to be clear here. The sheeps did not talk to the humans. They'll the sheeps only talk to the sheep.

Speaker 0 (1:21:02): They only talk to each other. Well, I mean, that's okay. So they're keeping it,

Unknown Speaker (1:21:06): like Yes.

Unknown Speaker (1:21:06): The natural order of things. It's alright, Vegas, DG. We we we have a time here. You don't have to apologize

Unknown Speaker (1:21:13): for Alright, being in the

Speaker 0 (1:21:14): guys. I want something that obviously you guys are gonna poo poo. Theodore Roosevelt. Oh, poo poo. Is a documentary on, Netflix.

Speaker 0 (1:21:26): Theodore Roosevelt, the documentary.

Unknown Speaker (1:21:28): I thought

Speaker 1 (1:21:28): he was a president, not a cowboy.

Unknown Speaker (1:21:29): On Netflix. He was

Unknown Speaker (1:21:31): a cowboy before he was president.

Speaker 0 (1:21:33): Okay, guys. I am I am always interested in history. Teddy Roosevelt has a very interesting history. And all I can tell you is he is one of the great presidents because he was a guy that, like, he you know, when one of his quotes is, you know, talk softly and carry a big stick. You wouldn't take no ship from no one.

Speaker 0 (1:21:59): No. Rough rider. Rough rider. You gotta bat off track. There's a good single malt scotch called sheep dip.

Speaker 0 (1:22:07): What about you'd be into that or you you more the bourbon? You're more the bourbon guy there. Mike Lawrence says that. There's a good single

Unknown Speaker (1:22:14): There's nothing wrong with a good single malt scotch. And in the evening You

Unknown Speaker (1:22:17): start talking about sheep. You really start things, don't

Speaker 0 (1:22:20): you? I know. It's crazy. So, anyway, Theodore Roosevelt, if you've ever wondered at the turn of the century, how this country kinda was kinda pushed into modern times, Theodore Roosevelt was the president that did that.

Unknown Speaker (1:22:36): It's a

Speaker 0 (1:22:36): it's a it's a really, really interesting story about how this country went from being, you know, a farming society into the industrial age and what that meant. And I'll give you one nugget. It's it's I think it's three episodes or about an hour and a half each or it might only be two episodes with him, but because I'm watching FDR now. Mhmm. So Theodore Roosevelt was trying to run for president for a third term.

Speaker 0 (1:23:04): His first term, William McKinley, had died, and he took over for most of the term. Then he got reelected, served a full term, then he there was there was no term limits back then.

Unknown Speaker (1:23:16): Oh, none.

Speaker 0 (1:23:17): Then then he did not get elected, and then he tried to come back. On his comeback trail, he was out talking to the people. He's one of the first politicians to really utilize, like, the railroad trains

Unknown Speaker (1:23:27): Mhmm.

Unknown Speaker (1:23:27): And automobiles and get out and Campaign it. Right. And and he got shot. Shot in the chest. Shot.

Unknown Speaker (1:23:35): Mhmm.

Speaker 0 (1:23:36): And then refused to go to a doctor, went to the podium, and gave an eighty four minute speech. Eighty four minutes. It's not it's not legend. It is documented. I guess it

Unknown Speaker (1:23:49): didn't didn't hit any organs then. Right?

Speaker 0 (1:23:51): Well, what they said is he he he coughed. He went, there's no blood coming out. I'm good. So he gave an if you were shot in the chest, do you think you'd stand at a podium and talk for eighty four minutes about politics? If I felt good.

Unknown Speaker (1:24:04): Eighty eight minutes.

Speaker 2 (1:24:05): If you gave me a bourbon, I could do it in

Speaker 1 (1:24:07): a was born. That's the way I was raised.

Unknown Speaker (1:24:09): Hells yes.

Speaker 1 (1:24:12): By the way, here's the one thing I would say from a marketing perspective. Theodore Roosevelt doesn't really cut it. They should have just called it like Teddy or even

Unknown Speaker (1:24:23): Theo or The Rough Rider. Or Rough Ride.

Unknown Speaker (1:24:30): All I can say is Well, I can say I guess.

Unknown Speaker (1:24:34): So you're saying it's good. It's worth watching.

Unknown Speaker (1:24:36): That's all I can say.

Unknown Speaker (1:24:38): It's worth watching.

Unknown Speaker (1:24:39): All I can

Speaker 0 (1:24:39): say is that's all I can say. Yes.

Unknown Speaker (1:24:41): So it's a two thumbs up from you.

Speaker 0 (1:24:43): It is a two thumbs up. I do believe the music put your thumbs Will up? I there is two thumbs up.

Unknown Speaker (1:24:49): Part of it.

Speaker 0 (1:24:49): I do believe the music is playing. I can't hear it

Unknown Speaker (1:24:52): right now. I don't even get to do my watch watch.

Unknown Speaker (1:24:54): Me turn that off. Never mind. Because I thought the show was over.

Unknown Speaker (1:24:58): The

Speaker 2 (1:24:58): show is over. The show has been over for you since the beginning.

Unknown Speaker (1:25:01): HJ. Before we start.

Unknown Speaker (1:25:03): HJ watched. I watched BlackBerry

Unknown Speaker (1:25:06): the movie.

Unknown Speaker (1:25:08): Have have you seen this? No. But I

Unknown Speaker (1:25:10): but I actually I actually think it's on my list. Yeah. Think it was

Speaker 2 (1:25:14): out on Amazon. Maybe it's on Netflix now because it was out like in twenty twenty twenty five, like late last year. And it it's actually it's a great trip into the world of cell phones. Oh, really? Remember how nobody had cell phones and then suddenly everybody had them?

Speaker 2 (1:25:30): Yeah. Well, the technology to create those was basically around these guys, Mike Lazardus and Douglas Fragan. These guys were nerds. They had no idea how to do anything, but they were brilliant with, like, getting networks and understanding networks and knowing, like, how if you do things the wrong way, you're gonna crash a network. And if you do things the right way, you can just scale up to craziness.

Speaker 2 (1:25:53): Mhmm. They had it down to a science, but they were terrible sellers. They could not sell the phone. Mhmm. And as it turns out, they ended up buying Jim Bal silly, who was with some other place.

Speaker 2 (1:26:07): And he was an asshole. So he basically got fired from his job because he'd be stealing ideas and stuff. But he is he was a master seller. He he knew everybody in the industry. And he took their he took basically, he took their idea and sold it and turned them all into basically multimillionaires.

Speaker 2 (1:26:24): Mhmm. And then they just fucked everything up and they lost everything. I never had a problem. It's a great but it no. I didn't.

Speaker 2 (1:26:32): But at one time, they were like they were like selling seven out of every eight cell phones.

Unknown Speaker (1:26:36): Yeah. They were like biggest thing

Speaker 2 (1:26:38): for all of years. Yeah. Because they were selling the high end clients. Mhmm. So they would actually they would actually take them like the, like, high end tennis courts, and people would just be out there going like this and everybody like, oh, I want one of those.

Speaker 2 (1:26:50): And then then when the iPhone came, boom. That was it. That was the end of them. When the iPhone came, they kinda poo pooed it like Mhmm. Nobody wants to text on their phone, you know, and then it was all over after that.

Speaker 2 (1:27:03): But the one guy, Douglas Fragan, he got out at the peak. So he made the most amount of money, and he was the biggest nerd. While Lazardus, like, kinda turned into, like, this asshole, like, trying to, like, screw over his friends so he could keep doing money. And Jim Bal silly, believe it or not, he tried to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins. Really?

Speaker 2 (1:27:22): Yeah. And the NHL I don't I don't believe the way they showed it in the movie, but it basically the NHL said they caught on to him. He wasn't a good person, and they weren't gonna let him do it. I think actually, Mario just basically said, he's gonna move the team. I'm not gonna sell to him.

Speaker 2 (1:27:39): Mhmm. And I think that's how they they they spun it in a movie. Great movie. It's a great nostalgia trip for those of you who remember the years before the cell phone and that see the see this arc come and then see how the iPhone they don't show the iPhone taking over. They just say after the iPhone hit, boom.

Speaker 2 (1:27:59): They just went straight down into the ground. Great movie. Two thumbs up.

Speaker 0 (1:28:04): And there you have it. Blackberry. Alright.

Unknown Speaker (1:28:07): It's been a rocky road.

Speaker 0 (1:28:09): I think I've started the music now, but you can, Barry, you can still hear us. Listen. If you're watching right now and you haven't hit that subscribe button, do it. If you did, thank you very much for watching and listening to the sports sports black and gold edition. I'm gonna drop this into a podcast right after the show in the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, Spotify, or anywhere you get your freaking podcast.

Speaker 0 (1:28:30): That's right, mighty. Anywhere you get your freaking podcast. Let's go, books. For HJ sitting across from me for the grand Schwab beanie, I am your TD. That is it.

Speaker 0 (1:28:40): I am out. We'll see you next week, 7PM eastern time. Later.

Unknown Speaker (1:28:48): One more week of hockey.