Podcast appearances and mentions of Ben Cherington

We start by debating a big question raised in Noah Hiles' mailbag this week: will GM Ben Cherington return in 2026—and should he? (Spoiler: we're not so sure that's the right move.) Next, we break down how Don Kelly has performed as interim manager and whether he deserves the job long-term. Plus, we reveal which Pirates prospects are headed to the Arizona Fall League and share what their invitations mean for the organization's future. 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

NS9 Postgame Show Powered by Primanti's. The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped another heartbreaker in Baltimore, losing 2–1 on a walk-off despite a dominant five-inning, eight-strikeout outing from Paul Skenes. Spencer Horwitz provided the lone offensive spark with a solo homer, but the lineup managed only two hits all night as Oneil Cruz, Henry Davis, and the rest of the bats continued to struggle. On this NS9 Postgame Show powered by Primanti Bros, Tyler and Doug break down the wasted pitching performance, vent their frustration with Ben Cherington's stalled rebuild, and discuss why this offense still can't find a way to score four runs. Like and subscribe for more unfiltered Pirates analysis, nightly postgame shows, and honest conversation about what needs to change in Pittsburgh. 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

On his weekly mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles answers reader questions. Among them: How should the front office manage the Oneil Cruz situation heading into next season, with major questions looming over his ability to become a true MLB star? Is GM Ben Cherington's job secure if this team is able to finish close to the .500 mark under manager Don Kelly? Was moving Bubba Chandler into the starting rotation next to Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller a wise idea? How much should Braxton Ashcraft's workload be managed moving forward? And if the Pirates can only keep one of Andrew McCutchen or Tommy Pham for 2026, which one should they choose?

Former MLB pitcher Matt Clement joined the show. The guys wanted to ask Matt about the Karen-like fan at the Phillies game that took a ball from a man and his son. Matt talked about some unruly fans and some of the difficulties he faced in his playing days. What kind of strides could the Pirates take in free agency and do you have faith in Bob Nutting making those moves? How much pressure is on Ben Cherington this offseason?

Juan Thornhill admitted that the defense wasn't ready for Justin Fields. How? The guys said the declaration of this defense being the best ever is already dead on arrival. How was a Mike Tomlin defense not ready for Fields? The incentives have been released for Cam Heyward and his new contract, and they do not look very good for Cam. Former MLB pitcher Matt Clement joined the show. The guys wanted to ask Matt about the Karen-like fan at the Phillies game that took a ball from a man and his son. Matt talked about some unruly fans and some of the difficulties he faced in his playing days. What kind of strides could the Pirates take in free agency and do you have faith in Bob Nutting making those moves? How much pressure is on Ben Cherington this offseason? Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Mike expected the Dolphins to be bad and he saw this coming. He believes Tyreek Hill will be this year's version of Davante Adams because Miami will be very bad heading into the trade deadline. Mike told the guys about Hill's value and background taking a hit due to the domestic violence claim currently against him. Mike explained the incentives of the Cam Heyward deal to the guys and they don't understand what all of the hoopla was about. Mike told the guys Chris Boswell is confident he will end up being the highest-paid kicker in the game, but the business (the team) wants to wait to pay its employee. Mike thinks Jabrill Peppers getting cut from the Patriots was a fit/scheme issue and don't think the Steelers are getting damaged goods here. Mike, a proud West Virginia man, is happy he won't be able to watch the Backyard Brawl on Saturday.

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

Nothing exposes Ben Cherington like the home run.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to react to the Pirates' run of success over the past couple of weeks, culminating in a series win against the defending World Serie champion Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. Could this hot streak save GM Ben Cherington's job despite the ugly start to the year? Will Bob Nutting believe in the direction he's set, especially on the pitching side? And how does Don Kelly figure into the future? Our duo tackles those questions; analyzes reasons young pitchers like Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, Braxton Ashcraft and Mike Burrows are arriving MLB-ready after years of prospect underachievement; and ponder whether Jared Triolo can keep up his offensive numbers and be closer to the player the Pirates hoped Ke'Bryan Hayes would become.

PG columnist Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason admitted he is wavering on his Ben Cherington claim that he would be gone at season's end, but he does believe the Pirates will still move on from their GM. Should the Pirates re-sign Andrew McCutchen? There is a good argument to bring back Tommy Pham, who has ended up being a pretty good offseason signing. Jason still has hopes Bob Nutting will look at the whole body of work and not just how the team played in the final month. Jason shared that Cherington is under contract through ‘at least' next season. Jason thinks Cherington stays if the Pirates finish this final month strong.

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

From 'Baseball Isn't Boring' (subscribe here): Bradfo catches up with Pirates GM Ben Cherington to discuss how the Pirates discovered Konnor Griffin prior to the draft and his quick ascension through their system in his first full season in pro ball To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/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

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner analyze the Pirates' decision to wait until late August to promote top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler to MLB. Should GM Ben Cherington have had him here months ago, when he could have helped salvage the season for stalwarts like Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller in the rotation? Or was this team always doomed to fail because of its deficient offense? Were Chandler's struggles in the minor leagues legitimate concerns? Or a reflection of his frustration with his slow promotional route? And who are the prospects Jason would like to see next? From Nick Yorke to Hunter Barco? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Is Henry Davis starting to put things together at catcher, given the team has a winning record when he plays? Does the 2026 rotation need another veteran like Andrew Heaney? Or should the Pirates lean into homegrown options like Braxton Ashcraft? And should Skenes be a lock to win the Cy Young award at season's end?

In his weekly Pirates mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insider Noah Hiles answers reader questions. Among them: What are the chances Konnor Griffin makes the team out of spring training in 2026? Does general manager Ben Cherington have a legitimate chance to keep his job? After his hot stretch at the plate lately, could Jared Triolo solidify his spot as the starting shortstop or third baseman for next season? What Pirate has impressed Noah the most this season, and who do the Pirates need to cut ties with? And who could the Pirates acquire via free agency or trade to shore up the corner-outfield spots? Noah answers those questions and more.

Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington joins Darragh McDonald to discuss how he's diving deeper into player development in Pittsburgh, why the team has had more success developing pitchers than hitters, how the Pirates considered drafting a position player instead of Paul Skenes, why the they haven't signed a player to a multi-year deal during his tenure, and the necessity of small-market teams to acquire players via trades.Then Anthony Franco joins the pod to discuss the Orioles locking up their young catcher Samuel Basallo with an 8-year extension, if Adley Rutschman could get moved, Felix Bautista being out for a full year after undergoing shoulder surgery, Zack Wheeler's diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome and the timeline for his return, and whether the Rangers will decide they are out of the playoff race and place players on waivers to dump salary in order to get under the luxury tax threshold. 

In his weekly Pirates mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insider Noah Hiles answers reader questions. Among them: Why is Bubba Chandler, whom the Pirates will call up this weekend, starting in a long-relief role out of the bullpen rather than as a starting pitcher? Did the team move pitcher Andrew Heaney to the bullpen so he wouldn't reach his contract's innings bonus? Would the Pirates really be better if owner Bob Nutting had hired now-Milwaukee Brewers general manager Matt Arnold instead of Ben Cherington? Could Andrew McCutchen see some action at first base? And should the Pirates approach Konnor Griffin with a long-term deal offer before he gets too expensive? Noah answers those questions and more.

PG columnist Jason Mackey joined the show. The guys had Jason react to the Bubba Chandler promotion and beginning his Major League career out of the bullpen. Jason described the reasoning behind letting Chandler pitch in a relief role before starting. Is there a sense that Andrew McCutchen is not a fan of Ben Cherington? Jason mentioned Cutch may not be doing himself any favors by ripping Bob Nutting a little bit. Do we think the decision has always been made on Cherington's future with about a month to go in the season? The guys asked Jason about some comments made by Tommy Pham off the cuff.

With multiple WR trades taking place in the last 24 hours – and a third if you go back 72 hours, should the Steelers be active in the market? A new name has risen up – Alec Pierce from the Colts. Pierce could be on his way out in a pretty crowded room in Indy. If it took a 4th round pick or a 4th round pick and a middling player, would you make the deal for the guy that led the league in yards per reception last season? KDKA TV's Bob Pompeani joined the show. Bob thinks the Steelers could go into the season with the WR room as it is, but isn't ruling out Omar Khan making a move as roster cuts take place. Pomp said he wanted to see the combo of DK Metcalf and George Pickens this season, but it wasn't meant to be. Would Alec Pierce be a good fit in Pittsburgh? Bob speculated how much of the starters we would see tonight, including the potential first look at Jalen Ramsey in a Steelers uniform. Who is getting cut? Bob thinks Connor Heyward is on the bubble, but expects the team to find a spot for him. Bob talked about some of the intriguing battles that will conclude soon. Will Kaleb Johnson be on the field at the same time as the starting offensive line tonight? The guys asked Bob about preparation for the preseason games. PG columnist Jason Mackey joined the show. The guys had Jason react to the Bubba Chandler promotion and beginning his Major League career out of the bullpen. Jason described the reasoning behind letting Chandler pitch in a relief role before starting. Is there a sense that Andrew McCutchen is not a fan of Ben Cherington? Jason mentioned Cutch may not be doing himself any favors by ripping Bob Nutting a little bit. Do we think the decision has always been made on Cherington's future with about a month to go in the season? The guys asked Jason about some comments made by Tommy Pham off the cuff.

Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown joined the show. Brown was inducted into the Buffalo baseball hall of fame. Greg says he just now heard about Andrew McCutchen's comments, but says there's nothing newsworthy there. McCutchen implied that the Pirates need to spend more to try to win. Brownie says that spending more isn't the clear answer to the problem. Greg also said that he didn't understand the Aroldis Chapman signing last year. He also says that he doesn't think Ben Cherington has done a good enough job.

Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown joined the show. Brown was inducted into the Buffalo baseball hall of fame. Greg says he just now heard about Andrew McCutchen's comments, but says there's nothing newsworthy there. McCutchen implied that the Pirates need to spend more to try to win. Brownie says that spending more isn't the clear answer to the problem. Greg also said that he didn't understand the Aroldis Chapman signing last year. He also says that he doesn't think Ben Cherington has done a good enough job. Cam Heyward admitted to Aaron Rodgers on his own podcast that he had a pre-conceived notion of him. Rodgers seemed like he was genuinely hurt by this. Cam Heyward practiced fully today. Boswell also decided to kick off in the game on Saturday. Donny Football Debrief – South Carolina OC Mike Shula has a fake piece of poop that he uses when his QBs make mistakes. Which QB in this draft class would you most want the Steelers to target? Christian Hackenberg says that Drew Allar reminds him of Carson Wentz.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles goes inside the clubs decision to demote starter Andrew Heaney to the bullpen this past weekend. Was the decision by manager Don Kelly and GM Ben Cherington financially motivated? As was seemingly the case last year with pending free agent Rowdy Tellez? Or was it performance related amid Heaney's profound second-half struggles alongside names like Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and others in the rotation? Especially with prospects like Bubba Chandler and Hunter Barco in search of opportunities? Noah tackles those questions and more.

Host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey to react to the Pirates' disastrous series sweep at the hands of the Brewers in Milwaukee. Why is this team still struggling so much, even after GM Ben Cherington decided to keep productive veterans like Tommy Pham and Isiah Kiner-Falefa on expiring contracts? How did manager Don Kelly's club fall so far behind its small-market peer, led by GM Matt Arnold? Can Bob Nutting or anyone else really complain about MLB economics when the Brewers are thriving like they are? And how much longer can Cherington hold onto his job? Our duo tackles those topics, plus some on-field questions. Is there any hope left for Jack Suwinski, who's struggled immensely since his most recent promotion from the minor leagues? Will Oneil Cruz's injured list stint snap him out of his post-All-Star break funk? And how bad could this offense be in 2026 if both Tommy Pham and Andrew McCutchen choose not to return?

Kevin Gorman of TribLive joins me for the baseball podcast. We talk about their failures in Milwaukee, Don Kelly as a manger so far, demands from future GM candidates if Ben Cherington is fired, Bubba Chandler's future and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why, if he isn't getting fired, won't Ben Cherington just resign? 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

North Shore Nine Postgame Show Powered by Primanti Brothers. TThe Pirates delivered another lifeless performance in Milwaukee, falling 7-1 to the Brewers in a game that perfectly sums up this frustrating season. Tyler and Neil rip into Andrew Heaney's disastrous start, the constant roster mismanagement, and why Bubba Chandler needs to replace him ASAP. They break down the team's infield shuffle madness, the offense's three-hit showing, and how Ben Cherington's six years of incompetence have left this organization without direction. From the Brewers' smart roster building to the Pirates' endless self-sabotage, nothing is off limits in this brutally honest postgame. If you're tired of sugarcoating Pirates baseball, you're in the right place. Hit subscribe and join the NS9 community for more unfiltered postgame reactions all season long. 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

Who were some great singers and actors? Ben Cherington had another baffling quote, this time about Bubba Chandler. Could the Pirates bring back Tommy Pham? Why are we still talking about Triolo and Suwinski? Mullys drops in with a special gift to Joe from Oakmont.

The Steelers backup QBs looked good on Saturday. Will Mason Rudolph become the fan's choice once again? Can Skylar Thompson make the team? Joe references Brady's first year in Tampa has a guideline for Rodgers this year. Is Mason Rudolph the best backup in the NFL? We run down some of the other backup QBs. Are people getting ahead of themselves with Joey Porter Jr? We know what Rudolph is at this point. Bob likes what he saw from Arthur Smith. A caller suggests trading Mason to give Howard valuable reps. Tomlin indicated maybe no Rodgers this preseason. Justin Fields looked good in his preseason game. A caller thinks the Steelers are a legit contender and thinks it's up to Rodgers on if he plays in the preseason. Another caller is optimistic about the corners helping the entire defense. Kaleb Johnson wasn't very impressive. Joe gives his take on Cam Heyward holding in and provides examples of the Steelers treating him well over the years. Fans seem to be against him. The lack of postseason success makes it harder to justify big contracts for Heyward and Watt. Cam could've put this out on his podcast but didn't. This news snuck up on everyone. The Steelers have become pushovers. They didn't acquiesce to Bell less than a decade ago. We still don't know what exactly Cam is asking for. Cam's reputation is taking a hit right now, fairly or unfairly. Would fans be happy if he was traded today? Starkey gets excited about a golf course recommendation. Tomlin didn't get any questions because nobody was there seemingly. A caller says Cam should've signed a 1-year deal only. More callers chime in on Cam, with one saying he deserves to seek what he's worth. Bob seems less bothered by Cam than Joe and most fans. Joe heard from Ron yesterday. Pomp did a call in honor of Donny Football. Donny was very excited. Steelers tidbits: why can't you dunk on the goalposts, Broderick Jones looked good, the hawk eye measurement has arrived. Who were some great singers and actors? Ben Cherington had another baffling quote, this time about Bubba Chandler. Could the Pirates bring back Tommy Pham? Why are we still talking about Triolo and Suwinski? Mullys drops in with a special gift to Joe from Oakmont. Joe runs down the performance of several QBs who the Steelers could've taken - Milton, Dart, Sanders, Milroe, Fields, Joe had a crazy sneeze.

Who were some great singers and actors? Ben Cherington had another baffling quote, this time about Bubba Chandler. Could the Pirates bring back Tommy Pham? Why are we still talking about Triolo and Suwinski? Mullys drops in with a special gift to Joe from Oakmont. Joe runs down the performance of several QBs who the Steelers could've taken - Milton, Dart, Sanders, Milroe, Fields, Joe had a crazy sneeze.

Tim Benz and Kevin Gorman talk about Paul Skenes' latest start, his mastery of the Reds, his contractual options with the Pirates, and Ben Cherington's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Zangrilli joins the show to talk about doing play-by-play for Pirates games, the Paul Skenes extension bombshell, where the Pirates go from here, if Ben Cherington will be back in 2026, just how impressive Don Kelly has been this season, if Dan knows how to take a compliment, and more!

Hour 1: Will Howard suffered a hand injury at camp, but Dom says this could actually be a positive for the Steelers. It appears Howard Stern is done at SiriusXM. And Joe doesn't know who Sydney Sweeney is. Hour 2: Mark Kaboly joins the show to talk Will Howard's injury, preseason games, and more! ESPN and the NFL have officially announced their merger deal. And Joe and Dom get into an intense James Franklin debate. Hour 3: Dan Zangrilli joins the show to talk about his Paul Skenes extension comments from earlier this week. Joe is feeling self-conscious about his looks. And there was confusion over when Joe should do a live read. Hour 4: Dom says Micah Parsons will get traded to the Ravens. Should Aaron Rodgers play at all this preseason? And did CBS do the Steelers dirty with their Week 1 announcing schedule?

Former MLB pitcher Matt Clement joined the show. Matt says that it is frustrating for fans to have to trust Ben Cherington's decisions on certain trade packages. The rumor was that Cherington turned down a package headlined by Eduardo Tait to take the Flores package instead. Clement mentions that Flores fits the Paul Skenes timeline and Tait does not. He also says that the numbers that Skenes has put up his first two years have never been seen before. Matt says that it would make sense for Skenes to sign a contract with the Pirates early in his career for security, and then he can go and make a ton of money elsewhere afterwards.

Will Howard will miss the entire preseason, per the reports of a broken hand. It's probably good Poni is off today. We acknowledge that it does suck for Howard because this was his big shot to show the Steelers if he had anything, even if we have to take preseason results with a grain of salt. Chris said there is no shame in being a career backup if you were chosen in the 6th round. It robs Howard of some important reps, but this should have never prohibited the Steelers from their plan in 2026. Where did Howard rank for you among guys you were excited to watch on Saturday? Does this injury take the expectations for Howard back down to earth? Poni thinks he jinxed Will Howard when he took him in Black and Gold Auction House. A commenter paid $10 to comment on Youtube that Dom should produce a double header. A caller thought he was talking to both Donny and Poni before he realized it was Mullsy. Former MLB pitcher Matt Clement joined the show. Matt says that it is frustrating for fans to have to trust Ben Cherington's decisions on certain trade packages. The rumor was that Cherington turned down a package headlined by Eduardo Tait to take the Flores package instead. Clement mentions that Flores fits the Paul Skenes timeline and Tait does not. He also says that the numbers that Skenes has put up his first two years have never been seen before. Matt says that it would make sense for Skenes to sign a contract with the Pirates early in his career for security, and then he can go and make a ton of money elsewhere afterwards.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley discusses Paul Skenes' recent comments to the Post-Gazette on the Pirates' MLB 2025 trade deadline, in which they dealt away names including David Bednar, Bailey Falter and Ke'Bryan Hayes and shifted their focus towards 2026. Skenes is hopeful that the moves will allow the Pirates to make some acquisitions and add to the offense in the offseason. Beazley then compares this with comments made Sunday by general manager Ben Cherington, in which he said that the Pirates never make moves "in order to save money" and said that the Pirates will be more flexible to add in 2026.

The Pirates survived a crazy Rockies series, but after the trade deadline, are they any different? Jim and DiNardo react to Ben Cherington's and Paul Skenes' post-deadline comments, talk about who needs to step up down the stretch, and preview the Giants series. The final two months could tell us a lot — or nothing at all. 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

Ben Cherington said he would never make a trade to save money. He said they can use payroll space to help the team. Cherington says they evaluate options and what are the alternatives. Ke'Bryan Hayes had an OPS 40% worse than league average the last two years.

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Mike DeFabo has been underwhelmed by the offense. Broderick Jones was Mike's biggest concern going into training camp, and has stayed the same. Ben Cherington said he would never make a trade to save money. He said they can use payroll space to help the team. We are baffled by the Bailey Falter trade.

Jonathan Rice (@PhilPhan99) and Connor Williams (@Wins_Williams) bring you the latest Talk the Plank 3k on Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN). In this episode, you get a recap of a wild and weird series in Colorado and a preview of the upcoming homestand versus the Giants. Connor and Jonathan also have some thoughts on the latest Ben Cherington comments and the trade deadline. Let's go BUCS!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson react to some comments Pirates' GM Ben Cherington made, where he shares how he feels about this season's MLB Trade Deadline.

Ben Cherington said that the Pirates would never make a trade to save money, yet he contradicted himself in the next sentence. Poni says that the whole point of the Paul Skenes era is to spend money while we have him. The Pirates rank 8th in attendance in the NL, despite the small market. Cherington also said that the Pirates spend money on things outside of the player payroll in order to win games.

Ben Cherington said that the Pirates would never make a trade to save money, yet he contradicted himself in the next sentence. Poni says that the whole point of the Paul Skenes era is to spend money while we have him. The Pirates rank 8th in attendance in the NL, despite the small market. Cherington also said that the Pirates spend money on things outside of the player payroll in order to win games. MLB prospect expert Keith Law from The Athletic joined the show. Keith says that the Pirates “did fine” at the Trade Deadline. He also says that everything the Pirates do should be to get talent around Paul Skenes for the time that they have him. Keith can't believe that the Pirates turned down Eduardo Tait for Rafael Flores instead. He brings up the fact that the Pirates do not have a good track record of developing power hitters. Keith had to look up one of the guys that the Pirates traded Bailey Falter for. He also believes that “everybody missed” on Termarr Johnson. Keith says that the Pirates are still trying to figure out Bubba Chandler's breaking ball. Weekend Review. Will Steelers' Friday Night Lights practice attendance beat the Pirates attendance tonight? The guys think so. The Pirates have had 2 games on Mondays exceed 13000 fans in attendance. The guys needed the intern to tell them who NBA Youngboy was.

The trades Ben Cherington made early in his career have been poor. Joe loses his mind looking back at trades of Starling Marte, Clay Holmes, and more. Tom Brady is now a minority owner for the Raiders. Do you want him calling your game? Madden ranks the Steelers as the No. 1 defense.

Ben Cherington believes that he put the Pirates in a stronger position going into next year. Yahoo Sports gave the Pirates an F+ for the trade deadline. Mullsy dropped the Pirates deadline grade to an F. Poni thinks the Ke'Bryan Hayes trade was the Pirates only good decision. He gives it a B+. Tommy Pham has been one of the best hitters in baseball the last couple of months, and the Pirates somehow didn't trade him. An insider says he is done with the Pirates because they care more about finances than winning. MLB writer Travis Sawchik from Driveline Baseball joined the show. Rafael Flores is ranked below Nick Yorke in the Pirates top 30 prospects. Sawchik says the Pirates went against the league consensus with the return in the Bednar trade. He also says that Fangraphs projects that Flores would have an 86 WRC+ if he came up today, which is a problem because he might not be a catcher. Travis says he can't believe Bailey Falter would be a non-tender candidate. Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Florio says the Micah Parsons situation was just the Cowboys doing Cowboys things and it blew up in their faces. He also says that if he were to get traded it would take two first rounders and a $45 million deal. Mike says that Parsons lost all of his leverage because he actually showed up. Mike thinks that Buffalo makes the most sense to send a deal for Parsons. He thinks that the Terry Mclaurin trade request is just an effort to get the Commanders to pay him. Florio says that people should be skeptical of anything ESPN reports about the NFL as a whole.

We are still in shock by how bad Ben Cherington is at his job. We thought it was a bad decision to let the man run the deadline this season and it was proven yesterday. Only one of the new prospects has cracked the Pirates new Top 10, according to MLB Pipeline. Just how bad was it?

We are still in shock by how bad Ben Cherington is at his job. We thought it was a bad decision to let the man run the deadline this season and it was proven yesterday. Only one of the new prospects has cracked the Pirates new Top 10, according to MLB Pipeline. Just how bad was it? Open Phone Friday.

Termarr Johnson isn't hitting well enough in the minors, but is only 21. John Perrotto doesn't think Mitch Keller will be traded. John said there's a 75% chance David Bednar is traded. Bob Nutting has stepped in to prevent a Bednar trade in the past. Greg Brown a month ago thought Ben Cherington would make a big move, but now it's time.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Pirates reporter John Perrotto of Pittsburgh Baseball Now joined the show and said Ke'Bryan Hayes needed a change of scenery. John thinks the Rangers think Bednar could be "the last piece" for them to get into the playoffs. He doesn't think Mitch Keller will be traded before 6pm, but things can change. John said there's a 75% chance David Bednar is traded. Bob Nutting has stepped in to prevent a Bednar trade before. Greg Brown thinks Ben Cherington would make a big move, but now it's time.

In this emergency episode of North Shore Nine, we react live to the shocking trade that sent Ke'Bryan Hayes to the Cincinnati Reds. We break down what the Pirates got in return — including Edwin Arroyo and Julian Aguiar — and debate what this move signals about Ben Cherington's strategy heading into the deadline. Was this a smart sell-high move? Are the Pirates waving the white flag? And what does this mean for the rest of the roster? We've got instant analysis, heated takes, and plenty of fan reaction in this breaking episode.

Do the right thing, and fire Ben Cherington today. 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