The Florida Complex League begins this week, and we discuss some players to watch for the Pirates this year. There will be a few repeats. What kind of progress are we looking for from some of them? What new names will be worth monitoring, and are there any breakout candidates among the initial group of players beginning at the Complex? We then shift to the Bradenton Marauders and highlight three standouts early in the season, including Konnor Griffin. What kind of expectations should we have for...
Apr 30, 2025•36 min
In our latest podcast episode, we discuss my recent trip to Greensboro to watch the Grasshoppers for an entire week. Which players stood out? Is the Javier Rivas start of the season legitimate, and what have been the key factors in his breakout? The Pirates’ pitching factory might have a legitimate breakout in Antwone Kelly, an international signing who hit triple-digits in his start last week. Is it just the fastball, or does he have a well-rounded arsenal? Is Shalin Polanco heading for a break...
Apr 23, 2025•45 min
In our latest podcast episode, we discuss some of the standouts for opening weekend for the rest of the affiliates in the Pirates’ system. Between Garrett McMillan and Javier Rivas, we discuss all the top performers from the early games of the minor league season. We also talk, short-term, about some things we are watching for from some of the rest of the affiliates, like the usage of Alessandro Ercolani and Konnor Griffin at shortstop. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive ...
Apr 09, 2025•29 min
In our latest podcast episode, we discussed the Pirates’ 1-5 start and how bleak things seem at the moment. We also discussed David Bednar getting optioned and recurring themes that have presented themselves the first time through the rotation. We also review the potential lower-level minor leaguers we will be watching closely in 2025, including some notable names and some under-the-radar follows. With the season starting recently, the site is having a flash sale on yearly subscriptions. From no...
Apr 02, 2025•35 min
In our latest podcast episode, we discuss how the roster is coming together for opening day. How confident do we feel about what the initial 26-man roster is looking for the Pittsburgh Pirates? We also give our ‘soft’ predictions for how many wins they will finish with and who the most valuable player might be. Shifting to the minor league side, we go over some projected upper-level prospects we are monitoring this season. The projected Triple-A rotation is an obvious pick, but what other player...
Mar 25, 2025•53 min
In our latest podcast episode, we discuss some of the early happenings in the Pirates’ camp, including Endy Rodriguez and how a healthy version of himself can impact the rest of the lineup. We also talk about Braxton Ashcraft, Jared Jones, and Paul Skenes all looking to add a two-seamer to their arsenal this season and how it can help the rest of their pitches going forward. Finally, after inspiration on Twitter, we debate who has a better fastball: Paul Skenes or Bubba Chandler? We take a look ...
Feb 18, 2025•43 min
In our latest podcast episode, we discuss some of the prospects that will be a part of major league camp for the Pittsburgh Pirates. It’s an intriguing group of names, even if most don’t have a shot at breaking camp with the major league team. We then shift to the major league side of things and go over some players/storylines we are watching this Spring. BASEBALL IS BACK. Get full access to Bucs On Deck at bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe...
Feb 11, 2025•47 min
In our latest podcast episode, we discuss the upcoming International signing period for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They’ve been linked to a few names heading into the signing period, what among that group has stood out? We then shift to our thoughts on Caleb Ferguson signing, and how that may impact the bullpen this year. We also go more in depth on the bullpen and how we feel about it going into the season as it stands plus a non-roster invite we are watching in camp. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supp...
Jan 14, 2025•32 min
The Washington Nationals have been busy the last day or so, adding a couple of free agents to the mix. Ironically enough, they are both former Nationals and Pirates. Josh Bell was traded from the Pirates to the Nationals in exchange for Eddy Yean and Will Crowe. After bouncing around with the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Miami Marlins, and Arizona Diamondbacks, he returns to DC on a one-year $6 million contract. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and s...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr
In our latest podcast episode, we discuss the Pirates' release of Trey Cabbage. We then follow up with talk of their latest trade, acquiring Enmanuel Valdez, and what impact that has on the roster. We wrap up with talk on the second base position in general, is it Nick Gonzales' spot to lose? Who could get in his way of being the Opening Day second baseman? Subscribe to Bucs on Deck for all your updates on the Pirates' organization. Consider upgrading to a paid member and get access to our premi...
Dec 17, 2024•38 min
We recap the 2024 Winter Meetings, which included the big trade the Pirates made to acquire Spencer Horwitz in exchange for three pitchers, one of which was Luis Ortiz. Then we talk about some early candidates the Pirates could take with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 draft. Finally, we talk about the Rule 5 draft and what still needs to be done in the offseason. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscri...
Dec 13, 2024•51 min
After taking a break for the holidays, Nola and Murphy are back to talk about the upcoming Winter Meetings. Should the Pirates take anyone? Are there any early favorites for the 2025 draft? We also talk about the offseason to this point, how it impacts the Pirates, and if a Salary Cap would help create parity. Subscribe to the site for all the latest updates on the Pirates’ organization. Become a paid member right now and you can get a 20% discount off a yearly subscription. That averages out to...
Dec 03, 2024•51 min
In our latest podcast episode, we discuss Paul Skenes winning the Rookie of the Year award and his actual chances of winning the Cy Young despite being a finalist. We then move over to the recently concluded Arizona Fall League and our takeaways from the Pirates players who participated. Finally, we look at Baseball America’s recent Top 10 update for the Pirates system that also included a look at their potential 2028 lineup and rotation, as well as the best tools in the system. This site is 100...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In our latest podcast episode, the offseason is officially underway, with the pending free agents officially hitting the market. We lead off our conversation with the addition of Trey Cabbage through waivers. What kind of fit can he provide and how the Pirates could be shifting focus on who they bring into the system? Then, we take a look at the free agent class and who makes sense for the Pirates. How best should the Pirates approach this offseason? We take a look at positions of focus and who ...
Nov 05, 2024•45 min
In our latest podcast episode, we discuss the upcoming offseason for the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as the important dates to follow, and there is no better person to bring on than Ethan Hullihen. Listen to Nola, Murphy, and Ethan talk about what the important dates are this offseason, including the Rule 5 and Draft Lottery. This site is 100% reader-supported, with no revenue coming from ads. If you enjoy our work, consider becoming a paid member today. You will not only help the site grow but ...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 18 min
In our latest podcast episode, we talk about the World Series matchup between the Yankees and Dodgers, with a prediction of the winner. We then talk about the Arizona Fall League, now two weeks in. Who has stood out? Finally, we talk about various Winter Leagues underway, and after the Endy Rodriguez injury last year, is sending players still worth it? Get full access to Bucs On Deck at bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe...
Oct 22, 2024•46 min
In the latest podcast episode, we discuss the Arizona Fall League, which has since kicked off. We take a look at the nine prospects the Pittsburgh Pirates sent to Arizona, including Termarr Johnson. We then wrap up the show with a few players from around the league who will be playing, not from the Pirates’ organization. This site is 100% reader-supported, with no revenue coming from ads. If you enjoy our work, consider becoming a paid member today. You will not only help the site grow but also ...
Oct 08, 2024•48 min
In our latest podcast episode, Nola and I discuss some of the top performers of the 2024 season. We also discuss some disappointing seasons, one thing to watch the last week of the season, and some early off-season storylines. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Bucs On Deck at bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe...
Sep 24, 2024•43 min
With the season winding down and only one affiliate left playing, Nola and Murphy discuss some potential names the Pirates could send to the Arizona Fall League, which begins in October. They then look back at the site’s original top 25 prospect list and give some reactions after the entire season. They also look at their predictions on breakout and players to watch going into the year. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a ...
Sep 17, 2024•41 min
Murphy and Nola are back with another podcast episode. This week, they discuss some pitching help the Greensboro Grasshoppers have received from late-season additions through promotions. Could Carlson Reed jump straight to Double-A to begin 2025? Is Garrett McMillan a legit relief prospect? They discuss both there. They then talk about the Pirates ‘moving on’ from Junior Vizcaino as the Director of International Scouting. Was it the right move? Or is there something bigger afoot here? This site ...
Sep 03, 2024•50 min
Nola and Murphy are back with another podcast episode with plenty to discuss. They lead off with the news that Oneil Cruz will shift to the outfield. How does that impact the rest of the season and beyond? They then shift to Henry Davis, who returns to Pittsburgh after Joey Bart lands on the injured list. Is this make-or-break time for the former first-overall pick? How has he looked in Triple-A, and will that translate to the majors this time? Finally, they discuss some minor league promotions,...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr
Development isn’t linear, and sometimes, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to prospects. So, Nola and Murphy take a look at some players who, in the box score, are having down years but are still high on. They then look at some of the 2024 draft picks who have made their debuts and what has stood out about them. Six draft picks have made their official pro debuts; who has done well? This site is 100% reader-supported, with no revenue coming from ads. If you enjoy our work, consider ...
Aug 20, 2024•52 min
Another podcast episode with Nola and Murphy talking about the Triple-A debut of Bubba Chandler, what went well, and what to expect for the rest of the season. They then shift to the pending Top 25 prospects update, and who is the top-hitting prospect in the system—Termarr Johnson or Konnor Griffin? Finally, they discuss the Pirates’ recent collapse and how deep the troubles go. Can the season be saved? Is it even worth saving without addressing the bigger issues the organization seems to have? ...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In the latest Bucs on Deck podcast, Nola and Murphy discuss some recent system promotions, including Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington's move to Triple-A. They then discuss the suddenly interesting Indianapolis Indians' playoff chances and, finally, some debuts down in Bradenton last week. This site is 100% reader-supported, with no revenue coming from ads. If you enjoy our work, consider becoming a paid member today. You will not only help the site grow but also get access to our fantastic p...
Aug 06, 2024•58 min
The 2024 Trade Deadline has come and gone. We recap all the moves that the Pittsburgh Pirates made. Who did they get? Which prospects did they give up? How much better did they get as a team? We answer all of those questions tonight. This site is 100% reader-supported, with no revenue coming from ads. If you enjoy our work, consider becoming a paid member today. You will not only help the site grow but also get access to our fantastic premium content, which includes our Top 25 rankings and full-...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 3 min
In our latest podcast episode, we recap the Pirates' 2024 draft and examine other teams that we thought had strong drafts. We also looked at some things we are watching coming back from the break in the Pirates’ system. Subscribe to the site to get all of your updates sent directly to your email. Also, consider becoming a paid member to support the site while gaining access to our top prospects list, video breakdowns, and premium player features. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. T...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Murphy and Nola have Corey Schrader of Steel City Pirates on to talk about the 2024 draft. Before they get into things, they discuss the 2023 draft one year later and the decision to take Paul Skenes over Dylan Crews. They then dive into the draft, who some of the top players are, and what the Pirates may do with the ninth overall pick. They then each give three players they really like after the first round (plus three more rapid-fire names to watch). Thank you for reading Bucs On Deck. This po...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 33 min
In the latest BoD podcast episode, Murphy and Nola discuss potential trades for the Pirates, who might be the best trade piece, and whether anyone is untouchable. They then discuss the latest Baseball America mock draft, who the Pirates take, and what direction they would take if they were in charge of the draft. Also, with MLB Pipeline updating their top 100, they discuss the Pirates who moved up and down the list. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 6 min
With Mike Burrows beginning his rehab this past week, we talk about what we saw from him early on and what we expect for the rest of the year. We also discuss whether he could make his major league debut this year and how he compares to Braxton Ashcraft, another top pitching prospect. Then, we react to FanGraphs releasing their Pirates’ top prospect list. What stood out? Finally, we go over some other names we think could be in line for a promotion, and Nola gives his weekly preview of the upcom...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min
With the first half of the minor league season getting ready to come to an end, we decided to take a look at some standouts, surprises, and disappointments in the Pirates’ system so far. We took a look at a top-performing hitter and pitcher at each level, as well as someone who is struggling. Get full access to Bucs On Deck at bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 8 min
