Podcast appearances and mentions of Ben Cherington

The window is finally cracking open in Pittsburgh… but will the Pirates actually spend enough to take advantage of it? Tonight on NS9LIVE, we break down the new Baseball America column asking whether it's even possible for the Pirates to fail with Paul Skenes and Konnor Griffin headlining the future. Are these two truly “can't fail” talents, or is history more complicated than the headline suggests? We also dive into Ben Cherington's latest comments about having “flexibility” and being ready to “spend a little” this offseason. Is that real progress, or the same song Pirates fans have heard for years? And of course… the noise around Paul Skenes and the Yankees. How worried should fans actually be? Join us for a full breakdown, real fan perspective, and live reactions. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey from the PG joined the show. Jason thought Paul Skenes struck a lot of the right cords last night in his words to the front office as they dive into the offseason, fresh off winning his first Cy Young award. The guys discussed Skenes not completely bashing the NJ dot com story about him wanting to play for the Yankees and the diplomatic approach he took to the questions. Jason doesn't think Bob Nutting will change his approach with a threat of Skenes wanting to play elsewhere. Jason said Bob, somehow, has faith in Ben Cherington and Travis Williams as we sit in November. Jason predicts Nutting to spend, maybe, $5M more in free agency, but what would that really net them? Jason thinks Skenes will win 2 more Cy Young awards before he leaves Pittsburgh.

Paul Skenes won the 2025 NL Cy Young award by a unanimous decision last night. We listened to Paul's words and read the quotes as we continued to react to the report that came out yesterday regarding his ‘dream' to play for the Yankees. How does that make us feel? Chris thinks Skenes made some odd little missteps in his words that weren't really denying the story. He jumped from the Air Force to LSU after 2 years – what is stopping him this time? Donny believes he views helping the Pirates to the playoffs as a challenge that goes beyond the individual accolades he collects. How do fans feel about the future of Paul Skenes? Pirates insider Jason Mackey from the PG joined the show. Jason thought Paul Skenes struck a lot of the right cords last night in his words to the front office as they dive into the offseason, fresh off winning his first Cy Young award. The guys discussed Skenes not completely bashing the NJ dot com story about him wanting to play for the Yankees and the diplomatic approach he took to the questions. Jason doesn't think Bob Nutting will change his approach with a threat of Skenes wanting to play elsewhere. Jason said Bob, somehow, has faith in Ben Cherington and Travis Williams as we sit in November. Jason predicts Nutting to spend, maybe, $5M more in free agency, but what would that really net them? Jason thinks Skenes will win 2 more Cy Young awards before he leaves Pittsburgh.

Ben Cherington says he'll have 'more flexibility,' but will he really? Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley break down GM Ben Cherington's options in left field this offseason. Should he consider making moves for veterans including Taylor Ward, Jo Adell, Mike Yastrzemski and Brandon Lowe? Or should they stick to internal options? Who are the top candidates to fill the bench coach role on manager Don Kelly's coaching staff? And when will we see prospects like Termarr Johnson, Konnor Griffin and Edward Florentino in the offensive lineup? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley continue their series of podcasts looking back on the 2025 season and forward at moves GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly could make to improve. Did Henry Davis become good enough defensively to overcome his offensive shortcomings? Should Joey Bart have a role on this team as a struggling defender? And where do Endy Rodriguez and Rafael Flores fit into the future at the position? The guys ponder those questions as well as the DH spot, where Andrew McCutchen's future looms large. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The big lockout theory for keeping Ben Cherington. Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More excellence underway with Ben Cherington's first move! Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

MLB Trade Rumors just dropped their projected 2026 arbitration figures, and there are some tough decisions ahead for Ben Cherington and the Pirates' front office. From Joey Bart's $2.7M projection to Oneil Cruz's $3.6M, the numbers tell a story about who's earned a raise — and who might be on the bubble. On this episode of North Shore Nine LIVE, we're breaking down every name, debating who should return, and what these figures say about the Pirates' 2026 payroll strategy. We'll cover: ⚾️ Who's worth bringing back?

Ben Cherington's (quite literal) money quote. Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pirates keeping Ben Cherington, does that mean Andrew McCutchen is gone? Steelers odds on favorite to win AFC North and will the Penguins be any good?

Pirates keeping Ben Cherington, does that mean Andrew McCutchen is gone? Steelers odds on favorite to win AFC North and will the Penguins be any good?

Pirates keeping Ben Cherington, does that mean Andrew McCutchen is gone? Steelers odds on favorite to win AFC North and will the Penguins be any good?

The 2025 Pittsburgh Pirates season has officially come to a close — and NS9LIVE! is here to break it all down. Don Kelly is back, Ben Cherington is back, but Oscar Marin, Mike Rabelo, and Brent Strom are all out. We dive into what those changes mean for the organization moving forward, plus revisit our preseason predictions to see how right (or wrong) we were. The crew also reflects on the highs, lows, and frustrations of the season while reviewing their Over/Under Predictions heading into this season to see how they fared and who came out victorious. Catch the full breakdown, the banter, and the therapy session every Pirates fan needs right now. Watch the full episode and subscribe for more Pirates talk all offseason long. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m ►BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/northshorenine.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson wonder what Pirates' GM Ben Cherington has done to warrant his return for the 2026 season.

Jason Mackey, PG Pirates writer joined the show. He thinks the Pirates payroll will be around $90 million. He was surprised that Ben Cherington was retained. The Pirates want to get rid of Mitch Keller because he's not good enough to justify his salary. Jason reports Oscar Marin was fired because of what Pirates pitchers said about him in player exit interviews. Mackey believes Andrew McCutchen has played his last game with the Pirates.

-Poni is producing the show for the 1st time and doing a masterful job. He's making it look quite easy as a matter of fact. Donny is hosting and starts the show by talking about the #1 issue facing the Pirates this offseason: their need for hitting help. And why Mitch Keller is the player that needs traded to get hitting help. Mullsy pontificates about Keller going to a new team and becoming a star. "I need someone here who can hit." Mullsy he used the word "WAR" more than time in his life. -Calls are supposed to be on the Pirates but the show has already gone off the rails. -Jason Mackey, PG Pirates writer joined the show. He thinks the Pirates payroll will be around $90 million. He was surprised that Ben Cherington was retained. The Pirates want to get rid of Mitch Keller because he's not good enough to justify his salary. Jason reports Oscar Marin was fired because of what Pirates pitchers said about him in player exit interviews. Mackey believes Andrew McCutchen has played his last game with the Pirates.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani: The Pirates are keeping Ben Cherington and Don Kelly. Bob wanted the Pirates to move on from Cherington and was surprised that he stayed. Bob wants to see the Pirates sign Pete Alonso. The Pirates are moving on from Oscar Marin, Brent Strom, and Mike Rabello. Pirates fans are irritated that the Pirates are keeping members of the front office that have put this 71-win team together.

The Pirates are keeping Ben Cherington and Don Kelly. Bob wanted the Pirates to move on from Cherington and was surprised that he stayed. Bob wants to see the Pirates sign Pete Alonso. The Pirates are moving on from Oscar Marin, Brent Strom, and Mike Rabello. Why are the Pirates moving on from their pitching coach??

Dan was somewhat surprised the Pirates moved on from Oscar Marin. It's hard to justify why Ben Cherington is back. Dan thinks there will be more money flowing throughout the sport for other franchises with a cap and floor. He doesn't believe the Pirates have the revenue for a $120 million payroll.

The Pirates parted ways with a few coaches yesterday, including Oscar Marin, who was the leader of one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Should Matt Hague be safe as the hitting coach after a historically bad offensive year? The guys wondered if there was something behind the scenes with Marin and if he didn't get the support of Paul Skenes or other guys on the staff. The Fan vs The Fans. Former MLB pitcher Matt Clement joined the show. Matt reacted to the end of the Pirates season and some of the changes they have made. Matt gave his thoughts on the return of Ben Cherington for 2026. He thinks it is ‘inevitable' that the team trades Mitch Keller to get some offense on this roster. Chris had Matt react to some of the comments from Travis Williams with the media. Matt posed a good question back to Chris about big market versus small market in Major League Baseball.

Former MLB pitcher Matt Clement joined the show. Matt reacted to the end of the Pirates season and some of the changes they have made. Matt gave his thoughts on the return of Ben Cherington for 2026. He thinks it is ‘inevitable' that the team trades Mitch Keller to get some offense on this roster. Chris had Matt react to some of the comments from Travis Williams with the media. Matt posed a good question back to Chris about big market versus small market in Major League Baseball.

The Pirates are bringing back manager Don Kelly and general manager Ben Cherington. Cherington is 365-505 as Pirates GM. Cherington finished in last place in Boston every season except the season they won the World Series. The Pirates were worse this year than the last two seasons. They haven't shown enough to give fans hope.

Bob Nutting called this full season unacceptable, but is bringing back Travis Williams and Ben Cherington. Noah doesn't understand how Cherington and Williams are back. Multiple players were outspoken about the team and players went out of their way to let him know how bad things went. Noah thinks the Pirates will trade Mitch Keller and likely be an underwhelming return.

Pirates President Travis Wiliams said the Pirates are dedicated to make the playoffs, "Period. Full stop." He said they have the best young pitching staff in baseball.  The Pirates offense needs significant additions to be close to winning. Williams said the historically bad offensive season can be taken care of.

Hour 4 with Donny Football: Pirates President Travis Wiliams said the Pirates are dedicated to make the playoffs, "Period. Full stop." He said they have the best young pitching staff in baseball. The Pirates offense is not close to being good enough to win. Recapping our Pirates record predictions. Donny and Austin make their World Series picks.

Hour 3 with Donny Football: Bob Nutting called this full season unacceptable, but is bringing back Travis Williams and Ben Cherington. Noah doesn't understand how these guys are back. Multiple players were outspoken about the team and players went out of their way to let him know how bad things went. Noah thinks the Pirates will trade Mitch Keller and likely be an underwhelming return. Bengals lose and are in trouble of falling apart with their quarterback play with Jake Browning.

Hour 1 with Donny Football: The Pirates are bringing back manager Don Kelly and general manager Ben Cherington. He is 365-505 as Pirates GM. Pirates fans weigh in and voice their frustration with Ben Cherington coming back.

In this hour, Dorin Dickerson reacts to comments made by Pirates' general manager Ben Cherington regarding the team's approach heading into 2026. Also, Noah Hiles from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette comes on The Fan Hotline. September 30, 2025, 8:00 Hour

The Pirates are running it back with Ben Cherington as GM, but don't worry, Travis Williams told the media yesterday that they are building a playoff team for 2026. Period – full stop. The front office is making claims of ‘momentum' going into next season. How? The Pirates have a good, young pitching staff – that is a fact. The offense was historically bad and it is the 6th year of a regime. Derek Shelton was the scapegoat, even though he was not good in his role, he was part of the issue.

Ben Cherington will be back in 2026. Why? He tried explaining to the media what his plan is for his 7th year as the team's GM. They are telling us they have the resources to win, but why would we believe them?

Ben Cherington will be back in 2026. Why? He tried explaining to the media what his plan is for his 7th year as the team's GM. They are telling us they have the resources to win, but why would we believe them? Calls on the Pirates retaining Ben Cherington for Year 7. Donny Football Debrief – A gruesome injury for Tyreek Hill on MNF. What could the Steelers WR options be if they become a contender? Could Jakobi Meyers be revisited?

The Pirates are running it back with Ben Cherington as GM, but don't worry, Travis Williams told the media yesterday that they are building a playoff team for 2026. Period – full stop. The front office is making claims of ‘momentum' going into next season. How? The Pirates have a good, young pitching staff – that is a fact. The offense was historically bad and it is the 6th year of a regime. Derek Shelton was the scapegoat, even though he was not good in his role, he was part of the issue. Some calls on the Pirates following the 2025 season with plans to bring back the same GM they've seen fail for the last 6 years. Pirates pre-post game host Dan Zangrilli joined the show. Dan said the benefit of the doubt has not been earned by the Pirates. Dan senses that the lockout in 2027 is a real thing that could bring big change to baseball. Dan defended the Pirates keeping the front office together because it could be tough to put someone in a one-year window with a lockout looming. Dan thinks 2026 is ‘it' for the entire front office, outside of the owner. Dan expects the Pirates to be more aggressive and spend more money. Do the Pirates have a ‘young core' of hitters? Dan believes we will see some coaching staff changes in the coming days/weeks.

Bucco Brew Powered by De Fer Coffee & Tea. The North Shore Nine crew dives into the Post-Gazette's hard-hitting story on the Pirates' frustrating 2025 season—spotlighting Paul Skenes' pointed comments, Bob Nutting's ownership decisions, and the growing calls for Ben Cherington's job. We break down the best quotes and what they mean for the front office, the clubhouse, and the future of the franchise. To lighten things up, we also take on Alex Stumpf's year-end Sporcle challenge, trying to name all 57 Pirates who suited up this season—with plenty of laughs and a few surprises along the way. Noah Hiles' article: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2025/09/29/mlb-pirates-bob-nutting-ben-cherington-paul-skenes-andrew-mccutchen/stories/202509290003 Presented by Fanduel Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myspreadshop.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m ►BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/northshorenine.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, Don Kelly and the Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to an extension bringing him back as the skipper of the 2026 Pirates. It was also announced immediately after his press conference that General Manager Ben Cherington has been reassured that he will return for the 2026 season. Seems like not much change is happening among the front office immediately after the Pirates finished with 91 losses. Thoughts? The NS9 Postgame Show Powered By Primanti Bros. discuss today's Pittsburgh Pirates game vs. the Chicago Cubs Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m ►BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/northshorenine.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg in Youngstown is irritated the Cleveland Guardians also can't hit but got hot at the right time and made the postseason. The Pirates are keeping Don Kelly and likely Ben Cherington. Will they finally add offense? Jack Suwinski, Henry Davis, Oneil Cruz, and many others hurt the team a ton offensively.

Hour 4 with Donny Football: Don Kelly AND Ben Cherington will speak to the media at 3:30 p.m. This makes us believe Cherington will be here next year. Bob Nutting said this season was "unacceptable." Why is Cherington going to stay?? Greg in Youngstown is irritated the Cleveland Guardians also can't hit but got hot at the right time and made the postseason. The Pirates are keeping Don Kelly and likely Ben Cherington. Will they finally add offense?

Don Kelly AND Ben Cherington will speak to the media at 3:30 p.m. This makes us believe Cherington will be here next year. Bob Nutting said this season was "unacceptable." Will Ben Cherington still be here?? Noah Hiles had a great story in the Post-Gazette today where an anonymous Pirates player called out the Pirates for not spending and saying that you get what you pay for.

The Pirates extended Don Kelly and will bring back Ben Cherington. Poni disagrees with the idea that Cherington should still be in Pittsburgh. The Pirates have by far the worst record in the NL Central since Cherington took over as GM. Cherington is under contract until 2027. Does the fact that the Steelers won the game excuse Mike Tomlin punting on 4th and 1 towards the end of the game? Calls.

The Pirates extended Don Kelly and will bring back Ben Cherington. Poni disagrees with the idea that Cherington should still be in Pittsburgh. The Pirates have by far the worst record in the NL Central since Cherington took over as GM. Cherington is under contract until 2027.

Dan would pull Paul Skenes after four innings if Skenes lowers his ERA to 1.99. Ben Cherington said he's not surprised by the job Don Kelly has done. Kelly has a lot of strong qualities. Zangrilli thinks there is a 65% chance Ben Cherington returns and a 40% chance that Don Kelly is back in 2026.

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: Dan would pull Paul Skenes after four innings if Skenes lowers his ERA to 1.99. Ben Cherington said he's not surprised by the job Don Kelly has done. Zangrilli thinks there is a 65% chance Ben Cherington returns and a 40% chance that Don Kelly is back in 2026. Who do you trust more - Carson Wentz with Kevin O'Connell or the Steelers defense? The emotional factor of the Rooney family going to Ireland is immense Sunday.

Ben Cherington's status seems shakier than ever. Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would you do if Ben Cherington's retained? Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ben Cherington delusions achieve new lows. Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nothing exposes Ben Cherington like the home run. Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Cherington's three bizarre non-trades. Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices