Talk the Plank: A Pittsburgh Pirates podcast

With Paul Skenes' promotion on the horizon, and with Bailey Falter continuing to be a key starter for the Pirates early in the season, should the Pirates explore utilizing a six-man rotation to preserve the team's young arms? Follow Jake on Twitter: @_RadioJake Follow the rest of the crew: @AustinRBechtold, @Wins_Williams, @haleyrhine_ Follow Talk the Plank on Twitter: @TalkthePlankPod Please rate...

From living together in the minor leagues to working together on the baseball diamond, Pirates prospect and current pitcher for the Altoona Curve Justin Meis knew Jared Jones would catch on quickly in MLB. In this episode, Meis and Austin Bechtold break down Meis and Jones's time together in Bradenton and more! Follow Austin on Twitter: @AustinRBechtold Follow Justin on Twitter: @justinmeis2 Follo...

Spinning off Rowdy Tellez's "We don't do that out here," Jake talks about how the Pirates' offense has cooled off, the disappointing bullpen and Tellez's dead gap in the lineup. Follow Jake on Twitter: @_RadioJake Follow the rest of the crew: @AustinRBechtold, @Wins_Williams, @haleyrhine_ Follow Talk the Plank on Twitter: @TalkthePlankPod Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes. Send all feed...

The Pirates split a four-game set with the Phillies over the weekend BUT there were some standout moments, including Andrew McCutchen hitting his 300th career home run. Follow Jake on Twitter: @_RadioJake Follow the rest of the crew: @AustinRBechtold, @Wins_Williams, @haleyrhine_ Follow Talk the Plank on Twitter: @TalkthePlankPod Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes. Send all feedback, com...

After blowing three saves in 12 games, the Pirates faithful has started to voice concern about closer David Bednar. Others have resorted to booing. In this episode, Jake talks why booing is a fan's right but why it might not be the best thing to do at this moment, especially for someone as tied to Pittsburgh as Bednar. Hear his thoughts in this episode of Talk the Plank. Follow Jake on Twitter: @_...

The Pirates have gotten significant help from Connor Joe at the top of the lineup and he could be nearing his full breakout. Also, the Pirates made two trades, added a new hot dog to their concessions menu and announced who will throw out the ceremonial first pitch in Friday's home opener. Follow Jake on Twitter: @_RadioJake Follow the rest of the crew: @AustinRBechtold, @Wins_Williams, @haleyrhin...

In this episode, Jake and Bucs Dugout's Jaiman White break down the Pirates' exciting weekend in Miami, which included two extra-inning wins, plenty of run support, and a four-game sweep to kick of 2024. Follow Jake on Twitter: @_RadioJake Follow Jaiman on Twitter: @JaimanWhite Follow the rest of the crew: @AustinRBechtold, @Wins_Williams, @haleyrhine_ Follow Talk the Plank on Twitter: @TalkthePla...

Opening Day 2024 is here and there's a lot of hope that the Pirates can turn things around this season and post a winning record. Jake reigns in the new season with five predictions surrounding the Pirates (and the NL Central) in 2024. Follow Jake on Twitter: @_RadioJake Follow the rest of the crew: @AustinRBechtold, @Wins_Williams, @haleyrhine_ Follow Talk the Plank on Twitter: @TalkthePlankPod P...

It's the final week of Spring Training and fans are reacting to roster moves across the league. For some fans, they're OVERreacting. One move that's generated buzz is last year's fourth overall pick Wyatt Langford cracking the Texas Rangers' Opening Day roster, while top pick Paul Skenes will start with a Pirates' minor league affiliate. Jake is here to explain why they are NOT the same situation....

In this episode, Jake gives his thoughts on why Jared Triolo should start at second base on Opening Day, and what guys like Liover Peguero and Nick Gonzales need to do if they want to shake things up. He also talks about the Pirates' Spring Training power surge and why it will add a different flavor to this year. Also, shoutout to @saxboybilly18 on X for ranking Bucs Dugout and several of our Talk...

In this episode, Jake discusses how the Pirates will shape the bottom of their rotation heading into Opening Day. A list of possible candidates are: Jared Jones Quinn Priester Chase Anderson (NRI) Luis Ortiz Josh Fleming Bailey Falter Roansy Contreras DISCLAIMER: Jake forgot to mention Quinn Priester in his list of favorites for the rotation. He would go between Jones and Ortiz. Learn more about y...

In this episode, Jake talks about the Pirates signing OF Michael A. Taylor to a one-year deal and how it creates some intriguing options for the team's outfield in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jake and Connor talk about the Rowdy Tellez signing, Endy Rodriguez undergoing Tommy John Surgery, and rumors circulating the Pirates re-signing Andrew McCutchen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DISCLAIMER: This was recorded Dec. 10, 2023. Jake and Connor return to break down the acquisition of Marco Gonzales and how it affects the stripped starting rotation. They also discuss General Manager Ben Cherington's comments at the Winter Meetings, which range from his Opening Day catcher to first base options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline joins Connor Williams to talk about the Pirates' prospect pool and their expectations for the upcoming season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Austin and Jake react to Ke'Bryan Hayes (finally) winning a Gold Glove. They also break down potential free agent targets and former Pirate Steven Brault announcing his retirement from on-field action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the MLB season in the books, Haley Rhine previews a busy offseason for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talk the Plank returns following a brief hiatus. Jake Slebodnick and Austin Bechtold break down the Pirates' offseason goals, one of which is finding a long-term solution at first base. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Mornin' Buc of Joe, Jake Slebodnick previews the Trade Deadline while outlining what the Pittsburgh Pirates might do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Mornin' Buc of Joe, Haley Rhine recaps the Pittsburgh Pirates' exciting walk-off 7-6 win against the Philidelphia Phillies yesterday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Haley Rhine covered the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2023 draft picks as well as Roansy Contreras, and potential call-ups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Nathan Hursh and Jake Slebodnick give their initial reactions to RHP Paul Skenes being drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Minor League Madness, Haley Rhine talks all things (Pirates) MLB Draft which is rapidly approaching this Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Mornin' Buc of Joe, Nathan Hursh discusses the general mess that is the Pittsburgh Pirates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Austin Bechtold interviews Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline on topics such as who the Pittsburgh Pirates should take first overall in the upcoming MLB Draft, the state of the Pirates' farm system, first impressions of Henry Davis, and more. Before wrapping up, Jonathan spoke about his upcoming book, "Smart, Wrong, and Lucky: The Origin Stories of Baseball's Unexpected Stars", which h...