North Shore Nine: A Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast

Spencer Horwitz had become one of the Pirates’ most important hitters before a hamstring strain sent him to the injured list. Alex Stumpf breaks down just how much Horwitz has meant to the lineup, why Ryan O’Hearn gives Pittsburgh a capable replacement at first base, and whether Jake Mangum, Tyler Callihan and Esmerlyn Valdez can help make up the lost production. Plus, with Konnor Griffin nearing a return, is this the right time to make him the Pirates’ everyday leadoff hitter?

The Pirates are 41-40 at the halfway point, but their report card is all over the place. The outfield passed. The bullpen and DH absolutely did not. Plus, Alex Stumpf breaks down their brutal ABS results.

Cody and Doug breakdown today's 5-1 Pirates victory over Seattle! Henry Davis pled his case that he can still be valuable offensively, and Bubba Chandler continued to turn the corner as he works to become a solid rookie starter.

Alex Stumpf breaks down why Endy Rodriguez looks like the Pirates’ long-term answer at catcher, from his simpler swing and improved approach to the confidence Pittsburgh showed by trading Joey Bart. He also discusses Braxton Ashcraft’s dominant start and the decision to use Carmen Mlodzinski for three innings in a blowout.

Tyler and Jim break down the Pirates’ 11-1 win over Seattle, where Braxton Ashcraft shoved behind a nasty curveball and the offense finally gave him plenty of room to work. They also get into O’Hearn, Reynolds, Horwitz leaving the game, Endy’s night, and why using Carmen Mlodzinski for three innings in a blowout didn’t make much sense.