On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to early progress from new coordinator Arthur Smith's offense in the early days of Steelers training camp. Are the positive signs legit? Or are they reminiscent of false hope from last season, when the unit struggled under Matt Canada and Kenny Pickett? How have QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields looked specifically? And what did running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, plus tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington do in the backs on backers drill that made for an encouraging first day in pads?

Our duo tackles those questions and reacts to positive signs from young offensive linemen including Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and first-round pick Troy Fautanu, who looked good against T.J. Watt in the first day of padded practice.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' moves at the MLB trade deadline Tuesday. Specifically, he gives his thoughts on headline acquisitions Bryan De La Cruz, formerly of the Miami Marlins, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, former of the Toronto Blue Jays. Where do they fit in the Pirates' lineup and defensive alignment? How much can they help the club's frustrating offense? How much credit does GM Ben Cherington deserve for adding them in the final hour before the deadline without giving up any top prospects? And what should we make of more minor deals involving Martin Perez, Jalen Beeks, Josh Walker and more?

Jason tackles those questions, analyzes the center field situation with Michael A. Taylor getting hot at the plate and gives quick thoughts on a busy first day in pads at Steelers training camp, where Russell Wilson and George Pickens provided offensive highlights.

The Post-Gazette's Paul Zeise, Jason Mackey, Andrew Destin and Adam Bittner react live to the Pirates' moves at the MLB trade deadline. How does Bryan De La Cruz improve the club's outfield mix after he was acquired from the Miami Marlins? Where does Isiah Kiner-Falefa of the Toronto Blue Jays fit in manager Derek Shelton's lineup? Will Martin Perez be missed from the rotation? Will prospects given up -- including pitcher Jun-Seok Shim, infielder Garret Forrester and outfield Charles McAdoo be missed? And what do these moves signal about GM Ben Cherington's intent to compete for the postseason with Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Jared Jones and Bryan Reynolds under contract for several more years? Our group tackles those questions and more.