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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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