The Pirates are sailing into Chicago to take on the White Sox. Both teams have had plenty of struggles, and both teams have All-Star pitchers. Yet one team is at least close to .500 — and that’s not the White Sox.

Charles joined the podcast to chat about the Pirates and help preview the series. Here is what we talked about:

• What’s new with the Pirates?
• Breaking records and scoring a lot of home runs
• All-Stars Paul Skenes and Bryan Reynolds
• Can the Pirates claw their way to the Wild Card?
• Why is Aroldis Chapman?
• Was Michael A. Taylor a terrible signing?
• At least there is Oneil Cruz
• Trade deadline needs
• Dollar Store team
• Does anyone know who is pitching?
• Pitching matchups, sort of
• Keys, threats, and fears
• Down bad in the Bronx
• High school with Mr. Met
• Good things shouldn’t happen to the Cardinals

You can find Charles on Twitter or Bluesky, and follow his podcast ALAB Series.