North Shore Nine: A Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast

Paul Skenes took the mound on the international stage and gave Team USA exactly what it needed in a 2-1 win over the Dominican Republic, and now we’ve got plenty to dig into on Bucco Brew. We’re breaking down Skenes’ outing, what stood out from his 4.1 innings, and what it meant to watch Oneil Cruz and Gregory Soto on the other side of a game that felt loaded with Pirates ties. We’ll also touch on David Bednar’s scoreless inning and the bigger picture of how Pirates players and former Pirates showed up in a massive WBC moment. Then we shift back to Bradenton, where the fifth starter battle keeps getting more interesting. Jose Urquidy had a rough day, Mike Clevinger is somehow still in the mix, Hunter Barco continues to make his case, and Carmen Mlodzinski is becoming harder and harder to ignore. After Alex Stumpf’s recent breakdown on Off Beat, is Carmen starting to feel like the real answer? *Get your tickets to the April 18th game in the NS9 Group: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0418 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.

On today’s OffBeat with Alex Stumpf, Alex digs into one of the biggest unanswered questions on the Pirates roster: catcher. Even after an aggressive offseason, Pittsburgh didn’t address a position that remains loaded with uncertainty. Alex breaks down why Joey Bart may be the safest option in the room, why Henry Davis still has real upside despite the offensive concerns, why Endy Rodriguez remains one of the biggest wild cards on the roster, and why Rafael Flores is intriguing but still far from a sure thing. This episode gets into the floor vs. ceiling debate, what the Pirates need from Bart offensively, and why this entire position group could swing from weakness to strength depending on how a few major questions are answered. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join 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.

Tonight on The Point, we’re tackling three huge questions that could define the Pirates’ 2026 season. After all the offseason additions and with spring training rolling on, does this roster actually look like a playoff team? If you’re Ben Cherington, are you putting Konnor Griffin on the Opening Day roster? And every contender needs someone to take the leap, so which Pirate is most likely to deliver that breakout season in 2026? Expect strong takes, real debate, and plenty of Pirates talk as we break down where this team stands and what could push them into contention. 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.

Alex Stumpf takes a deep dive into one of the Pirates’ most interesting spring storylines: Carmen Mlodzinski’s case for the fifth starter job. Alex breaks down why the 2025 starting experiment fell apart, what changed in Mlodzinski’s pitch mix, and why his splitter could be the key to handling left-handed hitters this time around. He also looks at the bigger rotation picture, the other names in the mix, and why Pittsburgh may have more to gain by giving Mlodzinski another real shot to start. Subscribe for new weekday episodes of OffBeat with Alex Stumpf. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join 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.

In the debut episode of OffBeat with Alex Stumpf, Alex dives right into the biggest Pirates storyline of the moment: Konnor Griffin. Is the 19-year-old phenom truly forcing his way onto the Opening Day roster, or is the hype getting ahead of the reality? Alex breaks down what he’s hearing, what he’s seeing, and why Griffin’s spring has created a very real conversation about Pittsburgh’s future. From the excitement around his talent to the fastball concerns, service-time implications, and possible extension talk, this episode explores every angle of the Pirates’ toughest spring decision. If you want a grounded, connected, beat-writer look at the story everyone in Pittsburgh is talking about, this is the place to start. 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.

Tonight on NS9LIVE!, we’re building our full prediction for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Opening Day 26-man roster. Jim is bringing out the Jimalytics to break down every spot on the roster - catchers, infielders, outfielders, starting pitchers, and relievers - using spreadsheets and logic to decide who’s making the trip north and who could be left on the outside looking in. Before that, we’ll welcome Alex Stumpf back to the show to tease the launch of his brand-new North Shore Nine weekday podcast, Off Beat with Alex Stumpf, which officially debuts tomorrow. Alex’s new show will deliver a quick, beat-writer-style Pirates perspective every weekday in a 15-minute format, and while he’s with us, we’ll talk a little Pirates ball as well. And of course, we’ll bring another edition of the NS9 Really Stupid Question segment. Opening Day is getting closer, roster decisions are heating up, and we’ve got plenty to sort through tonight on NS9LIVE! 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.

The latest Bucco Brew dives into three of the biggest storylines in Pirates camp right now. We start with Oneil Cruz and why this spring feels different - from the work he put in this offseason to the early signs that this could finally be the year everything clicks. Then we get into the growing Konnor Griffin conversation as his performance keeps making the Opening Day debate harder to ignore. At what point does the long-term plan lose to the best-26 argument? We wrap with a look at the Pirates’ biggest roster battles, including the fifth starter race and the crowded bench/utility picture with names like Nick Yorke, Billy Cook, Tyler Callihan, and more trying to force their way into the mix. Watch/listen and join the conversation with North Shore Nine, where Pirates fans gather for fun, insight, and a little therapy. 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.

North Shore Nine is excited to announce a new addition to our podcast lineup: Off Beat with Alex Stumpf, launching next week. The new show will bring Pirates fans a fresh daily perspective straight from the ballpark, with Alex delivering reactions, insights, and observations from around the team in a quick, easy-to-listen-to format. Episodes are expected to run around 15 minutes, giving listeners a shorter daily option to fit into their routine while still staying informed on everything happening with the Pirates. During our announcement podcast, Alex said the goal is to make Off Beat part of a Pirates fan’s regular day, offering a mix of immediate reactions and informed analysis from someone who is around the team on a daily basis. That is exactly why we are so excited to bring him to North Shore Nine. At NS9, we have always been proud to offer a fan-driven perspective through our live shows, postgame coverage, and podcasts. Adding Alex gives us another layer — a plugged-in, on-the-ground voice that brings a different kind of insight to our audience. For us, this also feels like a natural fit. There is a lot of history here, a lot of mutual respect, and a shared love for talking Pirates baseball. Off Beat is another step forward for North Shore Nine as we continue to grow and give fans more ways to stay connected to the team. The first episode of Off Beat with Alex Stumpf drops next week. Be sure to subscribe to North Shore Nine now so you do not miss it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doug & DiNardo wrap up the NS9 trip down to Bradenton by discussing the 2 games that were played today. Bubba Chandler started for the Pirates split squad playin in Dunedin vs. the Blue Jays while Braxton Ashcraft started at LECOM facing the Phillies. Both pitchers put up a solid performance to build on this spring. The offense was pretty light but some players to highlight were Ryan O'Hearn, Jake Mangum, Jared Triolo, and Duce Gourson. The bullpen let down both teams, but it was mostly by pitchers who are much further away from making the big league roster. Isaac Mattson and Brandon Bidois both pitchers well in their time on the mound. We also interviewed Braxton Ashcraft as well as Joey Bart. We also provide Don Kelly's presser today before each game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nate & DiNardo are live from LECOM Park before today's split squad action at LECOM Park. While half of the players are in Dunedin taking on the Blue Jays, Braxton Ashcraft and the rest of the Pirates will be facing the Phillies here in Bradenton. So far, Ashcraft has allowed 1 earned run in the 5 innings he has pitched. What are we looking for from him today as well as the upcoming season? What about the lineup that still features a majority of guys you assume to get everyday at bats? Although Konnor Griffin is in Dunedin, the trio of Reynolds, Lowe,and O'Hearn continue to plug the middle of the lineup. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates lost to the Cardinals today 3-2 as the offense was quiet. Ryan O'Hearn did have 2 hits and was about the only offense we saw from who you expect to be the regular everyday players this year. Mitch Keller did start for the Pirates and looked to be as good as you want to see from Mitch. He induced a lot of weak contact outside of the HR he allowed to Nolan Gorman in the 4th inning, He ended the day throwing just 3 full innings while giving up a run while striking out 3. Ryan and Nate both interviewed Chris Devenski and Alika Williams which you can hear in this recap. Alika did have a 2-run shot today which did allow the Pirates to tie the Cardinals before finally falling to them in 9. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates face the Cardinals at LECOM Park today as Ryan and Nate break it down for you. Mitch Keller makes his 3rd start of Grapefruit League action and carries a 0.00 ERA into it. Will we see anything different from him in this start or is this just a continuation of Mitch getting in work to be mid-season form? The lineup continues to boast a plethora of regulars with Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, Bryan Reynolds, Ryan O'Hearn, Joey Bart, Henry Davis, and Jared Triolo facing the Cardinals. It does seem like there is a bit different of an offensi e approach this spring as Nate points out that can be very helpful for the Buccos. They also start the show by bringing up the news of Andrew McCutchen signing a deal with the Texas Rangers. This ultimately looks to seal the deal on Cutch returning to Pittsburgh and it appears we have all seen his last at bat in Black & Gold. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two weeks into spring training, the Pirates’ offseason moves are starting to feel real. Tonight on NS9LIVE!, we are LIVE from The Cut Golf & Grill and we look back at what Ben Cherington did this winter - and what we’re already learning from the new faces in camp. Jhostynxon Garcia (“The Password”) has popped early, Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum look like exactly what this roster needed (and maybe more), and Ryan O’Hearn has brought confidence while comparing the vibe of this club to those Orioles teams that took off. Plus, Marcell Ozuna’s leadership is already making an impact across the clubhouse - especially with Oneil Cruz. We’ll also welcome Alex Stumpf to the show for his spring training insight, camp takeaways, and what he’s watching closely as roster battles heat up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

DiNardo sits down with the man behind most of the magic at NS9, Cody Kohlman! As he wraps up his week and a half trip in Bradenton, we get to hear his perspective of the trip as well as the team from behind the camera. Not only do we get to hear his perspective, but he also had the opportunity to sit down with some of the Pirates top prospects in the system. Hear him talk to Termarr Johnson, Esmerlyn Valdez, & Konnor Griffin. Once again, shout out to Cody for making things happen for us this week! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nate & DiNardo breakdown what happened today at LECOM Park as the Pirates defeated Team Colombia in a World Baseball Classis Exhibition. Jose Urquidy continued to look effective as he battles for the 5th starter role in this 2026 rotation. Offensively, Konnor Griffin, Jake Mangum, & Duce Gourson also produced. We also had interviews with Isaac Mattson and Justin Lawrence. Each pitcher, as well as multiple bullpen pitchers looked really solid today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doug & Neil are LIVE at LECOM Park as the Pirates face team Colombia for a World Baseball Classix Exhibition game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nate and Neil discuss all that happened today at LECOM Park. Mike Clevinger got the start and pitched very effectively. On top of that, Carmen Mlodzinski pitched in today's game and sat down with DiNardo to talk his focus on 2026 as well as the potential of starting again. Alex Stumpf also joins in to talk a little more about Carmen, the young bucs who hit back to back homers in today's game, as well as the Don Kelly postgame comments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re LIVE from LECOM Park in Bradenton for another North Shore Nine Spring Training check-in, presented by FanDuel. DiNardo and Doug soak in the vibe at the ballpark and dive into what they’re seeing up close, starting with Mike Clevenger taking the ball and what his role could look like as camp rolls on. From there, the conversation turns into the bigger picture stuff that actually matters right now: how this pitching staff could shake out, what the Pirates need most from their arms, and why certain roster decisions might come down to fit as much as talent. The guys also hit on the lineup groups we’re expecting to see plenty of this season, what’s standing out early in camp, and a few spring-storyline trends that are already starting to feel real. If you’re following the daily grind of spring training and want the on-the-ground perspective from Bradenton, this one’s for you. In this episode: Live show from LECOM Park in Bradenton Mike Clevenger’s outing and where he fits Early spring pitching/roster picture and what to watch next Lineup observations and players trending the right way Spring Training vibes, fan talk, and the little things you only catch at the park Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the Pirates’ rotation picture starts to come into focus, the fifth starter battle is heating up in Bradenton. Jose Urquidy, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Hunter Barco are all making their case — and Barco’s strong Sunday outing added even more intrigue to an already tight competition. But the story doesn’t stop there. The Pirates’ pitching depth has been one of the biggest developments of camp, with prospects like Antwone Kelly, Wilber Dotel, and Kristian Curtis all flashing in early looks. With Neil and DiNardo arriving in Bradenton for their first full week on site, they share what they’re watching most closely over the next few days — from rotation clarity to rising arms and roster battles taking shape. Spring Training is rolling, and the pitching picture is getting clearer by the day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jim is joined by DiNardo back in Bradenton as the NS9 Spring Training crew transitions into “shift two” with new faces arriving and others heading out. They recap a winning weekend the hard way (two road games on Florida’s east coast with no TV feed) as the Pirates move to 8-2 in Grapefruit League play, highlighted by Konnor Griffin’s third homer of the spring and a big swing from Jhostynxon Garcia. The guys dig into what they’re seeing from Garcia early (patience, loud contact, not a lot of some swing-and-miss) and why Griffin’s impact keeps getting louder. Then it’s all about the arms: Hunter Barco’s encouraging outing against St. Louis and what it means for the fifth starter conversation, plus strong work from Antwone Kelly and Khristian Curtis as spring roles begin to take shape with several players leaving for the WBC. They close by previewing a packed week of NS9 coverage from Bradenton, including Bucco Brew, daily pods around the games, and another NS9LIVE from The Cut Golf & Grill on Wednesday night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.