Major League Baseball franchise in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Sidney Crosby said the hit that hurt him wasn't a dirty hit. He also said that he was close—much closer than he originally thought—to playing in the Gold Medal Game. We are VERY excited for the Pirates. Omar Khan said he expects Pat Freiermuth to be a big part of the offense. We hear what Khan said at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Is Konnor Griffin going to be on the Major League roster? Griffin mashed two home runs against the Red Sox in spring training. The Penguins placed Sidney Crosby on injured reserve with a lower body injury and is expected to miss a minimum of four weeks. The NHL trade deadline is March 6th and Joe thinks the Pens may stand pat.
Paul Skenes has walked four batters in two innings. He will be joining Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. Joe is concerned about Skenes pitching in the WBC and Crowley wants to see Skenes be ready to go for Opening Day, not caring at all about the WBC.
Trading Stuart Skinner and playing Sergei Murashov could be the best thing for the Pens. The Penguins' season may have been ruined by the Olympics. Joe and Bob are concerned about Paul Skenes pitching in the World Baseball Classic.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show joined the show. The Steelers have a strong indication that Aaron Rodgers will sign, but Mark thinks they don't want it out there to make headlines. NFL free agency begins March 11. Mark and Bob both think it's Pittsburgh or nothing because of last season with the Steelers. Adam Schefter said this has to be decided by mid-March. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show.
Adam Crowley, Dorin Dickerson and Nicholas "Harry" Callas wonder whether or not the Pirates feel it is a worthy investment to give a contract extension to SS Konnor Griffin.
Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson can't stop listening to the crack of the bat when Pirates' SS Konnor Griffin hit his second home run in Tuesday's Spring Training game.
With Pirates' 19-year-old prospect SS Konnor Griffin likely to make his MLB debut during the 2026 season, Adam Crowley, Dorin Dickerson and Nicholas "Harry" Callas try to remember who the last Pirates' player was that made his debut at an age under 20 years old.
Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson how high the Pirates would be willing to increase the price to strike a contract extension with SS Konnor Griffin. Also, how could an extension help prepare the team for the end of the Paul Skenes era?
What Pittsburgh sports documentary do want to see created? We hear from Pittsburgh sports fans. We think some of the best opportunities are Troy Polamalu, Jack Lambert, Three Rivers Stadium, the 2013 Pirates, and many many more.
Konnor Griffin is starting at shortstop and batting seventh today. Kevin thinks Griffin needs to leave no doubt. He is a 1-of-1 prospect, but will be ready sooner than we all expect. Kevin thinks Jones will be back in mid-to-late June. Kevin does not think MLB will have a salary cap in 2027.
Adam Crowley, Dorin Dickerson and Nicholas "Harry" Callas assess which Pirates' players they feel more sure about and which players they still need to see more consistency from going into the 2026 season.
Pirates' broadcaster Neil Walker comes on The Fan Hotline to share some memories he had being trained at second base in the preseason by the late Bill Mazeroski back in the early 2010s. Also, Neil shares what he's observed from the team through the first few games of Spring Training.
Adam Crowley, Dorin Dickerson and Nicholas "Harry" Callas wonder what we should expect from Pirates' manager Don Kelly this season as he goes into his first full season as manager of the team.
Former MLB pitcher Matt Clement joined the show. Matt said things have officially gotten interesting with how the Pirates will handle Konnor Griffin after 2 long home runs today against MLB caliber pitching. Ranger Suarez, one of the best LHP in baseball, allowed the first one, and Matt assured the guys he wasn't just ‘grooving' the pitches in there. How difficult is this situation going to be for the Pirates? Matt has noted before that he's a card collector, so he said he hopes everyone got their Griffin cards already. Could the Pirates have the next Mike Trout on their hands? Matt said he can't argue with the Pirates if they decide to send Griffin down for some final fine tuning before the season.
Dr. Beckett tributes two recently deceased Pittsburgh Pirates favorites from his personal botyhood fandom: relief ace Roy (ElRoy) Face and Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski. He reflects on the 1960 Pirates as his favorite team and explains why both players deserve more hobby respect. For Face, he highlights his signature forkball, how relievers of that era entered tie games and jams, his remarkable 1959 run (including winning 18 of 19), his military service, and his role in the 1960 World Series with three saves. Beckett also discusses Face's key and scarce cards, including his 1953 Topps high-number rookie, the rarely seen 1952 Fort Worth Cats card, and the very tough 1960 ElRoy Face Motel card, and comments on Face's late induction into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023 and his unlikely Hall of Fame chances. For Mazeroski, he recounts where he was when he heard Mazeroski's Game 7 walk-off home run on the radio, emphasizes Mazeroski's elite defense and double-play prowess, cites Bill James's praise of his defensive impact, and notes his career home run total and playing context at Forbes Field. He closes with additional audio from Hobby Hotline discussing Mazeroski's passing, his reputation with fans and signings, comparisons within the 1960 World Series, and the argument for valuing defense and signature career moments. 00:23 Tributes: 1960 Pirates & Two Legends 03:32 Roy Face Cards (RC, Minor League, Motel Card) 04:41 Roy Face Legacy: Hall of Fame Case 05:32 My Maz Memory: Hearing the Walk-Off on the Radio 08:30 Mazeroski Key Cards + Closing Thoughts 12:46 Hall of Fame Debate: Moment vs Career
Bubba Chandler had a good first inning, but walked in one run on four pitches against the Yankees. Should the Penguins trade Stuart Skinner? What are the greatest moments in American sports history?
Pirates Hall of Famer and former Pirates broadcaster Steve Blass joined the show. Steve played with Bill Mazeroski and Roberto Clemente on some of the best Pirates teams of all time. Steve said that Maz was a great person and never changed himself. Steve remembers how great of a defender Maz was and how he helped Steve through so many hard moments.
Jack Hughes' goal was one of the best moments in American sports history, but nothing was like Bill Mazeroski hitting a walk-off home run in Game 7 of the World Series. Bob knew Maz pretty well and remembers moments with him. Maz helped Neil Walker learn second base. We listen to Maz's Hall of Fame speech at Cooperstown.
In memory of former Pirates' 2B Bill Mazeroski who passed away over the weekend, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson appreciate his walk-off home run in the 1960 World Series alongside some other moments in sports history that belong to Pittsburgh.
2-23 PM Team Full Show
2-23 PM Team 4pm Hour
Bubba Chandler did not have a good day at the office today against the Yankees. He had four walks in the first inning. It still seems like his control issues are there. Was Bill Mazeroski's home run in the 1960 World Series the most important moment in Pittsburgh Sports History?
The Pittsburgh Pirates are 3-0 to start Grapefruit League play after a huge day with two wins — one in Clearwater vs. the Philadelphia Phillies and the spring home opener vs. the Tampa Bay Rays. In this end-of-day Pirates podcast recap, Tyler and Doug break down everything they saw: standout performances, early spring takeaways, and what matters most as camp rolls on. Plus, we've got a one-on-one postgame interview from Duce Gourson, who went 1 for 1 with 2 BB and the full post-game press conference with Pirates manager Don Kelly. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Former Pirates pitcher and broadcaster Steve Blass joins the show to discuss the life and career of Maz. He was teammates with Maz and says that he didn't say much, but when he did, what he said has stuck with Steve to this day. Steve tells some awesome stories about Maz.
Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson revisit the likelihood of Pirates' prospect SS Konnor Griffin making the MLB Opening Day roster after some MLB insiders recently released their roster projections.
Former Pirates' pitcher A.J. Burnett comes on The Fan Hotline to talk with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson about what he's experienced so far being with the team during Spring Training.
New Pirate second baseman Brandon Lowe joins the show! Does he have the Spring Training schedule memorized? He says that during his first Spring Training in professional ball, one player never made an out but was still sent to Low Single A. Konnor Griffin is turning some heads, Brandon says Griffin is handling the pressure like a 10 year veteran. He gave the two World Series home run balls that he hit to his dad. Who is harder to get a hit off of: Paul Skenes or Brandon's wife, who played softball at Maryland?
The Donny Football Debrief. Poni is highly offended that he was not invited to Donny's Bachelor Party. I defend Donny for not inviting the guys. I think they're on the older side of things. Poni and Mueller say they would cover most of the bills, which I don't think Donny wanted them to do.
Who will have a better career: Marc Bugler or Will Howard, Brandon Lowe, and Fair Game with Nick Farabaugh
2-20 PM Team Whole Show
If the Pirates go 82-80, is it a good season? Mullsy does not think so. With the new additions and current best pitcher in baseball, they should aim for more than that. Mullsy needs 86 or more.
In this hour of Money Moves, Stormy Buonantony and Jonathan Von Tobel preview the 2026 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Plus, they preview tonight's NBA games. Get instant access to expert picks, public betting splits data, and pro betting tools when you join VSiN pro. Grab your first month for only $9.99 or take 17% off an annual subscription when you use promo code: POD26. Click Here to get started. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Spring Training is rolling in Bradenton — and one name keeps rising above the rest: Konnor Griffin. Tonight on NS9LIVE!, we're joined by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat writer Colin Beazley, live from Pirates camp, to break down why Griffin has looked like the best player on the field and whether his push toward the Opening Day roster is becoming real. We're also diving into the suddenly heated 5th starter battle between Hunter Barco, José Urquidy, and Carmen Mlodzinski — and what the Pirates are really prioritizing for that final rotation spot. Plus: could Marcell Ozuna's presence be exactly what Oneil Cruz needs to unlock another level offensively and as a clubhouse force? If the Pirates are going to take the next step in 2026… the answers might already be forming in Bradenton. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
80% of Bob's Twitter poll respondents said they do not want to see 3-on-3 overtime in the NHL playoffs. We hear from Penguins fans on if Sidney Crosby should continue playing in the Olympics if he believes he is healthy enough to play but not 100% healthy. Should we be concerned about Paul Skenes in the World Baseball Classic?
Konnor Griffin's batting practice has been a show. Jason Mackey released a story to project the Pirates 2026 Opening Day roster. Konnor Griffin isn't on it, but history proves Griffin wouldn't. FanGraphs thinks the Pirates will make the playoffs. Mick Cronin and college basketball talk.
Pirates insider Jason Mackey from the PG joined the show. Jason doesn't have Konnor Griffin on his Opening Day roster projection, but said Griffin's spring performance could easily change that. Jason doesn't think the Pirates would be mad or upset if they had the easy call to play Griffin in Triple A to begin the season. More discussion as to what it will take for Griffin to break into the bigs immediately. Jason said Konnor isn't boring like some athletes can be – Mike Trout, for example. Poni was stunned to hear that Bryan Reynolds will be the starter in left field despite his defensive lapses. Jason said it feels like they are shoehorning Ryan O'Hearn into the outfield when he's more of a first baseman. Jason thinks Jared Triolo (3B) and Nick Gonzales (SS) will be the left side of their infield when the season begins.
Ben Roethlisberger took the high road and didn't respond to anyone's criticism on the latest episode of his podcast this week. Donny defends Ben Roethlisberger as a teammate and the way he led his team. Donny is very optimistic about the Pirates rotation.
Nick Gonzales is likely going to be a placeholder for Konnor Griffin until Griffin is ready. Paul in Washington thinks it wasn't a smart idea for Zach Banner to go after James Harrison. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show.
Sidney Crosby was injured during Team Canada's game. Was it a mistake for Crosby to play in the Olympics? Konnor Griffin continues to excel in the early portion of spring training. Austin is frustrated by the increasing NFL international games.
Konnor Griffin hit a ball around 450 feet to center field today in batting practice. The Pirates need to see Griffin have a great spring in games for him to make the roster. Jason thinks Griffin is leaving 'no doubt' so far. Jason thinks Jared Triolo is a valuable member of the Pirates roster and is a very solid defensive player.
After hear critics of the Pirates coming into Spring Training, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson revisit the team's lineup from 2020 and compare it to projected 2026 lineups.
Jonathan Mayo from MLB.com comes on The Fan Hotline to talk about what he's observed from covering Pirates' prospect SS Konnor Griffin with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.
Did we get an indication on what the Pirates are going to do with Konnor Griffin? It felt like Don Kelly gave a hint, in a recent interview with Shelby Cassessee, that Griffin could be looking at the first month of the season in Triple A. Do we all want him on the Opening Day roster? Griffin is 1 of their 9 best players, which should give him a role. If they had added another bat from someone on the left side of the infield, would that change your mind? Paul Skenes spent some time in Triple A, so would it be the worst thing if Griffin did the same? Kelly said it would be a ‘tough ask' for Griffin to be here on Opening Day.
Tyler Heineman is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. He has played for multiple organizations, including the Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Blue Jays. This past season had a break out year hitting a career high .289 with three home runs and helped lead the Toronto Blue Jays to the World Series.Download my FREE Coaching Beyond the Scoreboard E-book www.djhillier.com/coach Download my FREE 60 minute Mindset Masterclass at www.djhillier.com/masterclassDownload my FREE top 40 book list written by Mindset Advantage guests: www.djhillier.com/40booksSubscribe to our NEW YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MindsetAdvantagePurchase a copy of my book: https://a.co/d/bGok9UdFollow me on Instagram: @deejayhillierConnect with me on my website: www.djhillier.com
A trip into Starkey's mailbag. Are the Penguins a true Stanley Cup contender? We think they could win one playoff series. Who will lead the Pirates in home runs, RBIs, and hits? Who are your favorite play-by-play voices of all time?
Mark Chiarelli and JJ Cooper are here for the latest Baseball America Prospect Podcast Deep Dive to talk all about the Pirates farm system. It's not only led by the No. 1 prospect in baseball, but it has a top four to envy.(00:00) Why Konnor Griffin stands at the top of the Top 100(10:00) How it was hard for the Pirates to put a temp fix at shortstop ahead of Griffin(14:00) Bubba Chandler is one of the best pitching prospects in baseball(16:10) Why Edward Florentino and Seth Hernandez could be the next wave(26:00) More Bubba talk (28:30) Can the Pirates produce hitters now?(31:30) Other prospects who could make an impact quickly(34:30) Other Pirates sleeper prospects to keep an eye onPirates Top 30 Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2026-pittsburgh-pirates-top-mlb-prospects/Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy