Pirates Insider Podcast
Pirates Insider Podcast is your source for all things Buccos. Join Jason Mackey as he breaks down the latest stories, roster moves, game takeaways, clubhouse developments, and the current state of your Pittsburgh Pirates. Whether you’re catching up after a series, looking ahead to what’s next, Mackey's got you covered on the Pirates Insider Podcast
Episodes
46 episodes
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 46 (7/21 Dennis Santana frustrated against Yankees)
Dennis Santana wasn't happy with Jose Caballero, but what about his season in a larger context? The Pirates need him to figure it out now. Why did Braxton Ashcraft struggle and are there concerns there? Esmerlyn Valdez also keeps homering, and ...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 45 (7/20 recapping Guardians series)
Paul Skenes continued to look like Paul Skenes. Meanwhile, should we just call this the Billy Cook Game? Esmerlyn Valdez homered again amid his breakout rookie campaign, while Ben Cherington addressed what could happen with the bullpen on the P...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 44 (7/17 first-half offense)
The turnaround enjoyed by the Pirates offense has been impressive. What has keyed it? And how stark have the differences been? Jason Mackey breaks down that, as well as some incredible individual player changes that we've seen.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 43 (7/16 mailbag edition)
Will the Pirates add at the trade deadline? Does Seth Hernandez have a chance of making a September cameo? What happens when Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz return? Jason Mackey answers fans' questions in this edition of the Pirates Insider Podc...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 42 (7/15 Paul Skenes' first half)
Paul Skenes has heard the questions about his velocity. Often, he laughs. He says he doesn't need it to pitch effectively. So, what did the Pirates ace think about his first half? And what sort of numbers are underneath the surface? Jason Macke...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 41 (7/13 All-Star Game)
Paul Skenes and Braxton Ashcraft met with the media at Citizens Bank Park, but what was missing from their experience? Also, those two showcased their lighter side with some of their answers. Jason Mackey shares some anecdotes from covering med...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 40 (7/12 vs. Brewers)
A lot to talk about with the Pirates on a Monday morning. They swept the Brewers at PNC Park and saw some encouraging stuff from the offense, the bullpen and Paul Skenes. What happened at the Futures Game? And what did the Pirates do in the MLB...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 39 (7/9 vs. Braves)
The Pirates are 10 games into a stretch of 22 straight against teams .500 are better. What have we learned? Furthermore, what's going on with Mitch Keller and Dennis Santana? The Pirates have shown a lot of fight, and their offense is really go...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 38 (7/8 vs. Braves)
Jared Jones had a perfect game going through six innings, but Pirates manager Don Kelly took him out. Was that the right call? What was really to blame in the Pirates' 3-0 loss? Also, Ben Cherington talked before Wednesday's game. Jason Mackey ...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 37 (7/7 vs. Braves)
Ryan O'Hearn had himself a day. Not only that, it came after unfortunate news for Konnor Griffin, and it helped Paul Skenes get his first win since May 12. It turned around a dour day for the Pirates, furthering O'Hearn's strong leadership. Jas...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 36 (MLB draft preview)
The MLB Draft begins this weekend, and the Pirates have four of the top 51 picks. Pirates senior vice president/assistant general manager Kevan Graves appeared on the Pirates Insider Show and discussed the team's approach, as well as what recen...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 35 (7/6 at Nationals)
The Pirates stayed in the fight. In the process, they showcased what it will take to properly handle this current 22-game stretch against teams .500 or better. Konnor Griffin was incredible. The bullpen got it done. And the offense -- on this e...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 34 (7/2 at Phillies)
The Pirates were again struggling to hit with runners in scoring position ... until Esmerlyn Valdez came through in a big way. Again. What has he added? What makes him different? Jared Jones and Carmen Mlodzinski formulated some excellent pitch...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 33 (7/1 at Phillies)
Paul Skenes struggled against the Phillies, allowing eight runs (seven earned) over four innings. What bugged Skenes? Should there be greater concern considering the Pirates have now dropped his past nine starts? Also, Seth Hernandez and Edward...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 32 (6/30 at Phillies)
The Pirates' struggles against left-handed pitching continued, this time against Cristopher Sanchez. What did he do to give them problems? Bubba Chandler was solid through six innings, though he didn't like the way his outing ended. Still, what...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 31 (6/29 at Phillies)
The Pirates earned their most resilient win of the year on Monday in Philadelphia. What did Esmerlyn Valdez do? How did Braxton Ashcraft steady himself? And what did the Pirates offense show about its approach all year? Jason Mackey breaks down...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 30 (6/26 vs. Reds)
There have been concerns about Paul Skenes' velocity, and there shouldn't be. Let's break down those, as well as what went into the Pirates' 6-4 loss to the Reds on Friday night at PNC Park, gleaning what might be useful for the second half of ...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 29 (6/25 vs. Mariners/midseason)
The Pirates reached the midpoint of their season with a 5-1 victory over the Mariners Thursday at PNC Park. Bubba Chandler was solid. Henry Davis homered among his two hits. How do those storylines fold into the rest of the season? Also, what a...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 28 (6/24 vs. Mariners)
Braxton Ashcraft was outstanding and continued to fill up the strike zone. The Pirates offense erupted, as well. It all led to a lopsided win over the Mariners. Jason Mackey breaks down what made Ashcraft's outing so unique, as well as what he'...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 27 (6/23 vs. Mariners)
Mitch Keller filled up the zone with strikes and got a lot of fly ball outs. He also delivered his eighth quality start of the season. But it was one pitch that left him frustrated. North Allegheny product Cole Young hit the decisive homer whil...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 26 (6/20 at Rockies)
The Pirates suffered a 2-1 loss when Billy Cook's cleat made contact with Kyle Karros' glove at third base. It was a frustrating way to drop a game and a series, especially considering the Pirates had the bases loaded with one out in the ninth ...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 25 (6/20 at Rockies)
The Pirates suffered a 4-3 loss that encapsulated a lot of their season. They struggled against a lefty starter in Kyle Freeland. They fought back and took a lead. And then the bullpen couldn't hold it. They also struggled to execute and have q...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 24 (Mailbag edition)
Do the Pirates have interest in Hunter Stratton? We found out Thursday night that, yeah, they do. What about other relievers the team could add? How will a possible lockout impact urgency? Why hasn't Carmen Mlodzinski pitched more? Taking your ...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 23 (6/17 vs. Athletics)
The Pirates offense had one of its biggest games of the year, erupting for a dozen runs to earn a series victory over the Athletics. What's up with Ryan O'Hearn? Could Marcell Ozuna's homer become the spark he has needed? Jason Mackey also disc...
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 22 (6/16 vs. Athletics)
Bryan Reynolds' red-hot June continued with four hits and two home runs during the Pirates' 6-5 victory over the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. What has fueled his recent run? Also, Mitch Keller steadied himself and gave the Pirates a chance,...