Cory Humes

It’s the top of the 12th inning. You’re deadlocked at five runs. Your opponent, the Milwaukee Brewers, brings in a left-handed pitcher, starter-turned-reliever Manny Parra. You have the heart of the order due up. What’s the call?

All numbers that point to this being the darkest day in recent Pirates history. A record-breaking shutout loss, eclipsing a standard that stood for a century. A three-game series of absolutely one-sided baseball. A Pythagorean expectation so pessimistic that it’s quite literally unbelievable.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are slated to pick 18th overall in the NFL draft, and only the top minds in their war room know which names are on the team’s wish list. The rest of us are left to speculate … and that’s exactly what Cory and Alan are here to do.

Either I’m easily impressed, or you can still see a glimmer of what made Ronny Cedeno a former prospect. I’m not expecting him to become a star, but I do think Ronny can be a usable piece of the Pirates for more than a season or two. Jack Wilson, on the other hand, seems to be trending the other way.

For the third time in the past four seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins will square off against the Ottawa Senators in the playoffs. Host Cory Humes is joined by Matt Rudzki, who shares his insights on the first-round series.