1 00:00:13,800 --> 00:00:17,360 Speaker 1: Connor Griffin called up he debuts tomorrow. Were the Pirates 2 00:00:17,440 --> 00:00:19,760 Speaker 1: at the home opener? Joining me now to talk about it? 3 00:00:20,200 --> 00:00:23,440 Speaker 1: He covers the bucks for the trip. It's Kevin Gorman. Kevin, 4 00:00:23,520 --> 00:00:26,840 Speaker 1: why did the Pirates call up Griffin now and not 5 00:00:26,960 --> 00:00:29,240 Speaker 1: have him at shortstop to start the year at New York. 6 00:00:31,160 --> 00:00:33,199 Speaker 2: That's a good question, Mark. I was an advocate for 7 00:00:33,280 --> 00:00:34,920 Speaker 2: him being the opening day shortstop. 8 00:00:37,159 --> 00:00:38,400 Speaker 3: Well, what's your take why? 9 00:00:39,240 --> 00:00:41,200 Speaker 2: I was an advocateate for him to be the opening 10 00:00:41,240 --> 00:00:45,400 Speaker 2: day shortstop, and I felt like they, you know, this 11 00:00:45,479 --> 00:00:48,199 Speaker 2: could be, as you mentioned, kind of a negotiation tactic 12 00:00:48,400 --> 00:00:50,680 Speaker 2: in terms of, you know, if he wasn't going to 13 00:00:50,680 --> 00:00:54,160 Speaker 2: sign a contract before before opening day, they weren't gonna 14 00:00:54,160 --> 00:00:55,240 Speaker 2: have to be their opening day starter. 15 00:00:55,560 --> 00:00:56,560 Speaker 3: Or it could be, you know. 16 00:00:56,520 --> 00:00:58,200 Speaker 2: That this is a way to kind of entice him 17 00:00:58,200 --> 00:01:02,040 Speaker 2: to sign. One is if they make him their studying 18 00:01:02,040 --> 00:01:04,759 Speaker 2: shortstop and then maybe he is more you know, willing 19 00:01:04,800 --> 00:01:07,319 Speaker 2: to agree to that. I think the truth is that 20 00:01:07,360 --> 00:01:10,840 Speaker 2: the Pirates realize he's their best shortstop and it allows 21 00:01:10,880 --> 00:01:13,880 Speaker 2: them to improve third base play. If you have carried 22 00:01:13,959 --> 00:01:17,040 Speaker 2: Triol and Nick Gonzalez sharing that position as opposed to 23 00:01:17,040 --> 00:01:19,160 Speaker 2: both of them being in the lineup, you know, at 24 00:01:19,200 --> 00:01:21,760 Speaker 2: shortstop and third base. But but the truth is he 25 00:01:21,840 --> 00:01:24,600 Speaker 2: makes them a better team, you know. And I say 26 00:01:24,640 --> 00:01:27,000 Speaker 2: that not from my perspective. I say that from the 27 00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:30,720 Speaker 2: perspective of Paul Skins and Brian Reynolds and Mitch Keller 28 00:01:30,720 --> 00:01:33,600 Speaker 2: and the guys that I spoke to about Connor Griffin 29 00:01:33,920 --> 00:01:35,280 Speaker 2: at spring training their. 30 00:01:35,120 --> 00:01:35,960 Speaker 4: Reaction to him. 31 00:01:36,640 --> 00:01:38,880 Speaker 2: And it's not just in reaction to him hitting two 32 00:01:38,920 --> 00:01:42,240 Speaker 2: home runs over the replica Green Monster at Fenway South 33 00:01:42,280 --> 00:01:45,800 Speaker 2: against the Red Sox in spring training. It was what 34 00:01:45,840 --> 00:01:49,200 Speaker 2: they saw on a daily basis, in batting practice, in 35 00:01:49,320 --> 00:01:52,840 Speaker 2: fielding practice in the clubhouse. The way he carried himself, 36 00:01:52,880 --> 00:01:55,200 Speaker 2: the way that he performed, the way that he went 37 00:01:55,240 --> 00:01:58,560 Speaker 2: about his work. You know, he handled himself like a professional, 38 00:01:58,600 --> 00:02:01,520 Speaker 2: and I think they treated him as such. And you know, 39 00:02:01,680 --> 00:02:05,160 Speaker 2: the Pirates judged it based on spring training statistics, which 40 00:02:05,760 --> 00:02:08,920 Speaker 2: are relatively meaningless, although I will say there had to 41 00:02:08,960 --> 00:02:12,760 Speaker 2: be some concern that he had, you know, thirteen strikeouts 42 00:02:12,760 --> 00:02:15,880 Speaker 2: and only two walks, and that who's batting below two hundred, 43 00:02:15,880 --> 00:02:18,760 Speaker 2: and that he was certainly pressing trying to make the 44 00:02:18,800 --> 00:02:21,680 Speaker 2: team as opposed to going up there and just you 45 00:02:21,680 --> 00:02:25,000 Speaker 2: know that sometimes sometimes it's better to have a you know, 46 00:02:25,160 --> 00:02:28,560 Speaker 2: a good a good walk, or to just have a 47 00:02:28,600 --> 00:02:31,400 Speaker 2: good take and not worry about, you know, trying to 48 00:02:31,480 --> 00:02:32,800 Speaker 2: knock the ball out of the park with every at 49 00:02:32,840 --> 00:02:35,400 Speaker 2: bat and just show that you're you're comfortable at the 50 00:02:35,400 --> 00:02:38,240 Speaker 2: plate and that you're not, you know, pressing too hard 51 00:02:38,280 --> 00:02:40,560 Speaker 2: to make the team. Uh, he's nineteen years old. It 52 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:43,520 Speaker 2: doesn't surprise me that he did that, but you know, 53 00:02:43,560 --> 00:02:45,560 Speaker 2: I thought he should have been the opening day shorts 54 00:02:45,639 --> 00:02:46,120 Speaker 2: up all along. 55 00:02:47,040 --> 00:02:49,880 Speaker 1: Is a long term deal imminent, as people are suspecting. 56 00:02:51,360 --> 00:02:53,520 Speaker 2: I've not heard anything to that to that other than 57 00:02:53,560 --> 00:02:56,280 Speaker 2: the report by ESPN, But it should be, I mean 58 00:02:56,320 --> 00:02:58,840 Speaker 2: it should be. They should be having those conversations. What 59 00:02:58,880 --> 00:03:01,880 Speaker 2: I've been told was on Thursday by his agent that 60 00:03:01,919 --> 00:03:04,240 Speaker 2: there was nothing to report, or on Wednesday by his 61 00:03:04,320 --> 00:03:07,320 Speaker 2: agent and today by his father that has been quiet 62 00:03:07,320 --> 00:03:09,840 Speaker 2: on that front. Those are the things that I've been 63 00:03:09,840 --> 00:03:12,160 Speaker 2: told from two people very close to Connor Griffin, his 64 00:03:12,200 --> 00:03:14,560 Speaker 2: father and his agent. But that doesn't mean that it's 65 00:03:14,560 --> 00:03:17,919 Speaker 2: not in the works, you know, just because you're talking 66 00:03:17,919 --> 00:03:20,959 Speaker 2: about it and negotiating it. It could be a day away, 67 00:03:21,000 --> 00:03:23,200 Speaker 2: it could be a week away. But the important part 68 00:03:23,280 --> 00:03:24,880 Speaker 2: is that they're actually having the discussions. 69 00:03:25,280 --> 00:03:27,000 Speaker 3: Where is he going to bat in the lineup? What 70 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:28,079 Speaker 3: what makes sense to you? 71 00:03:29,360 --> 00:03:32,160 Speaker 2: Well, I'd bat him ninth. He could beat anywhere from 72 00:03:32,200 --> 00:03:34,519 Speaker 2: six to nine, though, Mark, you know that that's that's 73 00:03:34,520 --> 00:03:39,360 Speaker 2: where the that's a curious choice. So why not take 74 00:03:39,400 --> 00:03:41,280 Speaker 2: some pressure off him at the plate. You know, you're 75 00:03:41,520 --> 00:03:43,160 Speaker 2: not asking him to come in and be a savior 76 00:03:43,160 --> 00:03:46,600 Speaker 2: for this lineup they signed, you know for they you know, 77 00:03:47,000 --> 00:03:50,440 Speaker 2: signed or traded for four All Stars. You know that 78 00:03:50,480 --> 00:03:52,880 Speaker 2: they've got three big bats in the lineup now to 79 00:03:52,960 --> 00:03:55,119 Speaker 2: go with Reynolds and crews who've kind of caught fire 80 00:03:55,160 --> 00:03:59,480 Speaker 2: in Cincinnati. I like the idea, and maybe it's more 81 00:03:59,480 --> 00:04:02,080 Speaker 2: in theory than anything, that you put a guy with 82 00:04:02,120 --> 00:04:04,000 Speaker 2: some speed at the bottom of the order and if 83 00:04:04,040 --> 00:04:05,960 Speaker 2: he gets on base, it's almost like having an extra 84 00:04:06,040 --> 00:04:09,400 Speaker 2: leadoff batter who can turn over the lineup at the bottom. 85 00:04:10,000 --> 00:04:11,880 Speaker 2: I like the idea of him batting in front of 86 00:04:11,960 --> 00:04:14,560 Speaker 2: O'Neil Cruz of Cruise is the leadoff guy. That there's 87 00:04:14,560 --> 00:04:16,279 Speaker 2: an extra guy that you can put on the bases 88 00:04:16,320 --> 00:04:19,120 Speaker 2: that can you know, steel bases that he can can 89 00:04:19,160 --> 00:04:21,120 Speaker 2: go from first to third or first to home. On 90 00:04:21,160 --> 00:04:24,719 Speaker 2: a single depending where its hits and create some chaos 91 00:04:24,800 --> 00:04:27,279 Speaker 2: on the base pass. I like that for Connor Griffin. 92 00:04:28,279 --> 00:04:30,440 Speaker 2: I could see him batting anywhere from six to nine, 93 00:04:30,480 --> 00:04:33,920 Speaker 2: but the number nine spot to me is where i'd 94 00:04:33,960 --> 00:04:36,039 Speaker 2: start him. And then you know, if he proves he 95 00:04:36,080 --> 00:04:38,880 Speaker 2: can handle that and play well at the major league level, 96 00:04:39,160 --> 00:04:41,479 Speaker 2: he could be a leadoff hitter or anywhere from you know, 97 00:04:41,520 --> 00:04:42,920 Speaker 2: one through three or four or five. 98 00:04:43,560 --> 00:04:45,200 Speaker 3: I mean, I. 99 00:04:45,160 --> 00:04:47,880 Speaker 2: Remember Barry Bond's batting leadoff when he came up in 100 00:04:47,920 --> 00:04:49,919 Speaker 2: the majors, and I think he only batted two twenty 101 00:04:50,000 --> 00:04:52,640 Speaker 2: or something like that his rookie season. But that's a 102 00:04:52,680 --> 00:04:54,599 Speaker 2: lot of pressure to put on a rookie, is to 103 00:04:54,640 --> 00:04:56,840 Speaker 2: ask him to handle a spot like that, especially when 104 00:04:57,520 --> 00:05:00,560 Speaker 2: when you're concerned about his you know, his pitch selection 105 00:05:00,640 --> 00:05:01,560 Speaker 2: and swing decisions. 106 00:05:02,000 --> 00:05:04,200 Speaker 1: I agree with all that in the vacuum Garm, but 107 00:05:05,360 --> 00:05:07,480 Speaker 1: the fact is there is a lot of pressure on 108 00:05:07,560 --> 00:05:10,360 Speaker 1: Connor Griffin, whether he's nineteen or not, because I think 109 00:05:10,400 --> 00:05:12,840 Speaker 1: the Pirates need Griffin to be good right away. I 110 00:05:12,920 --> 00:05:15,680 Speaker 1: think for them to make the playoffs, he needs to 111 00:05:15,680 --> 00:05:17,960 Speaker 1: be well, I don't know, like like an All star, 112 00:05:18,040 --> 00:05:19,760 Speaker 1: but he needs to be not too shy of that. 113 00:05:21,440 --> 00:05:23,560 Speaker 2: Well, I agree with you that they need him to 114 00:05:23,560 --> 00:05:25,560 Speaker 2: be good right away. But what my way of look 115 00:05:25,600 --> 00:05:28,839 Speaker 2: thinking right away is as a rookie, not necessarily in 116 00:05:28,880 --> 00:05:31,839 Speaker 2: week one, I'd like to acclimate him. That's that's the 117 00:05:31,880 --> 00:05:33,960 Speaker 2: difference is just I mean, this is a guy who's 118 00:05:33,960 --> 00:05:37,160 Speaker 2: going to be hard of the order. I'm a downplaying 119 00:05:37,200 --> 00:05:39,000 Speaker 2: that he's going to be a harder order bet for 120 00:05:39,080 --> 00:05:41,760 Speaker 2: the Pirates in his career. You know, he could beat 121 00:05:41,800 --> 00:05:44,640 Speaker 2: anywhere from one through five, and the higher the better 122 00:05:44,720 --> 00:05:47,720 Speaker 2: to me, because he's got that combination of being able 123 00:05:47,760 --> 00:05:49,960 Speaker 2: to hit for average, hit for power, He's got the 124 00:05:50,000 --> 00:05:53,240 Speaker 2: speed on the bases, and he's and he takes risks. 125 00:05:53,279 --> 00:05:55,440 Speaker 2: You know, you'll see when he gets on base. This 126 00:05:55,520 --> 00:05:57,280 Speaker 2: is a guy who's going to test the catcher's arm, 127 00:05:57,520 --> 00:06:00,560 Speaker 2: he's going to touch the pitcher's patience. He's gonna take leads, 128 00:06:00,600 --> 00:06:03,279 Speaker 2: he's going to go for steals uh, and he's gonna 129 00:06:03,560 --> 00:06:06,080 Speaker 2: fly around the bags uh. And and he's got good 130 00:06:06,080 --> 00:06:07,760 Speaker 2: baseball and thinks to go with it. So I mean 131 00:06:07,920 --> 00:06:10,559 Speaker 2: kind of like you think of a miniature O'Neil Cruise 132 00:06:10,600 --> 00:06:13,280 Speaker 2: in terms of the tolls, uh, and maybe a higher 133 00:06:13,320 --> 00:06:16,599 Speaker 2: baseball I Q in terms of what he brings, uh, 134 00:06:16,680 --> 00:06:20,000 Speaker 2: you know, brings to the field at both shortstop and 135 00:06:20,120 --> 00:06:23,120 Speaker 2: you know, at the plate and on the basis. So yeah, 136 00:06:23,240 --> 00:06:25,880 Speaker 2: I just I think, you know, the Pirates, with having 137 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:31,839 Speaker 2: having guys like Cruz, Lal Reynolds, o'hearne and Ozuna, there's 138 00:06:31,880 --> 00:06:34,720 Speaker 2: a lot less pressure on Connor Griffin to come up 139 00:06:34,720 --> 00:06:38,760 Speaker 2: and be a star immediately then there was on say Schemes, 140 00:06:39,200 --> 00:06:42,800 Speaker 2: Josh Bell, Jamison, tie On, Gregory Polonko, et cetera. I 141 00:06:43,279 --> 00:06:45,360 Speaker 2: think that, you know, I kind of look at this, 142 00:06:45,520 --> 00:06:48,120 Speaker 2: you know, a little bit different in terms of that 143 00:06:48,240 --> 00:06:51,200 Speaker 2: He's not going to be a superstar from the outset, 144 00:06:51,240 --> 00:06:54,159 Speaker 2: but he certainly has the potential to be one very quickly. 145 00:06:54,800 --> 00:06:56,720 Speaker 3: We're talking to Kevin Gorman to the trip here on 146 00:06:56,800 --> 00:06:59,880 Speaker 3: the Mark Madden Show. What's his ceiling? 147 00:07:00,320 --> 00:07:03,120 Speaker 1: Because everybody is forecasting greatness and he certainly is a 148 00:07:03,120 --> 00:07:07,800 Speaker 1: physical specimen. David Todd compared him to Mike Trout in 149 00:07:07,880 --> 00:07:10,000 Speaker 1: a lot of ways. I think that's potentially true. 150 00:07:11,920 --> 00:07:14,240 Speaker 2: Yeah, you know, I mean you could compare him to 151 00:07:14,320 --> 00:07:15,760 Speaker 2: a lot of a lot of guys that are either 152 00:07:15,800 --> 00:07:18,240 Speaker 2: all stars or Hall of Famers or future Hall of 153 00:07:18,240 --> 00:07:21,880 Speaker 2: famers in terms of what he's accomplishing alone. I believe 154 00:07:21,880 --> 00:07:24,880 Speaker 2: he's the first position player to make his major league 155 00:07:24,920 --> 00:07:27,400 Speaker 2: debut as a teenager since Swan Soto. Who's you know, 156 00:07:27,480 --> 00:07:29,240 Speaker 2: one of the great hitters in the game right now. 157 00:07:30,080 --> 00:07:34,800 Speaker 2: You talk about teenagers who've come up and become superstars, 158 00:07:35,120 --> 00:07:37,280 Speaker 2: and you think of names like Ken Griffy and Adrian 159 00:07:37,320 --> 00:07:41,040 Speaker 2: Beltray and Bryce Harper. You know, there's a long list. 160 00:07:41,520 --> 00:07:45,920 Speaker 2: There's a very short list of guys that that had 161 00:07:46,120 --> 00:07:48,800 Speaker 2: there that have done what he's about to do. Uh, 162 00:07:48,800 --> 00:07:50,800 Speaker 2: there's a long list of guys you could compare him to. 163 00:07:51,520 --> 00:07:54,960 Speaker 2: He Uh, you're remember this. The Connor Griffin is a 164 00:07:55,000 --> 00:07:58,440 Speaker 2: guy who played shortstop, center field, and pitcher in high school. 165 00:07:58,680 --> 00:08:00,880 Speaker 2: He was a three sport athlete who also played you know, 166 00:08:00,920 --> 00:08:06,040 Speaker 2: football and basketball. Talking to him in spring training about 167 00:08:06,120 --> 00:08:10,400 Speaker 2: you know the catch that appeared on Moss up You've 168 00:08:10,400 --> 00:08:13,600 Speaker 2: got moss or whatever it was called on ESPN. You know, 169 00:08:13,840 --> 00:08:17,560 Speaker 2: he made a spectacular catch in quadruple coverage. He talking 170 00:08:17,560 --> 00:08:19,960 Speaker 2: about Duncan on people and you know, in grade school, 171 00:08:20,000 --> 00:08:24,240 Speaker 2: in high school, this guy is a phenomenal athlete. 172 00:08:23,920 --> 00:08:25,800 Speaker 5: He's he's sick. 173 00:08:25,800 --> 00:08:27,600 Speaker 2: They let'sen at six ft three two hundred and twenty 174 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:30,320 Speaker 2: two pounds now and it is it is lean, and 175 00:08:30,880 --> 00:08:33,640 Speaker 2: he's he's there's not an ounce of fat on this guy. 176 00:08:34,080 --> 00:08:36,679 Speaker 2: The ceiling is I mean, if you're gonna say ceiling, 177 00:08:36,720 --> 00:08:39,760 Speaker 2: it's cathedral. If you're gonna you know, really it's there 178 00:08:39,840 --> 00:08:42,480 Speaker 2: is no ceiling on him. He is a converted center 179 00:08:42,480 --> 00:08:45,320 Speaker 2: fielder playing shortstop for the second year of his professional career, 180 00:08:45,679 --> 00:08:47,319 Speaker 2: so there's still going there's still going to be a 181 00:08:47,400 --> 00:08:50,800 Speaker 2: learning curve. But when I talk to major league shortstops 182 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:53,480 Speaker 2: about him, they're in awe, you know. When I talked 183 00:08:53,480 --> 00:08:56,439 Speaker 2: to major league hitters about him, they're impressed with his power. 184 00:08:56,480 --> 00:08:59,120 Speaker 2: When I talked to pictures about him, they're impressed with 185 00:08:59,200 --> 00:09:01,680 Speaker 2: his plate approach. And when I talk to Don Kelly 186 00:09:01,679 --> 00:09:04,880 Speaker 2: about him, he's impressed with the way that Connor Griffin 187 00:09:04,920 --> 00:09:07,760 Speaker 2: carries himself and the questions he asked, and how quickly 188 00:09:07,800 --> 00:09:10,559 Speaker 2: he wants to make improvements, and his willingness to make 189 00:09:10,600 --> 00:09:13,680 Speaker 2: adjustments not just from at bat to a bat, but 190 00:09:13,760 --> 00:09:17,240 Speaker 2: sometimes from pitch to pitch. This is a kid who 191 00:09:17,440 --> 00:09:21,320 Speaker 2: is He's different. And I've been saying that all spring, 192 00:09:21,480 --> 00:09:23,440 Speaker 2: just because I've been there to see it. In person. 193 00:09:24,320 --> 00:09:27,240 Speaker 2: When people see him tomorrow, when you see him walk 194 00:09:27,240 --> 00:09:30,199 Speaker 2: out on the field, he's going to look every bit 195 00:09:30,280 --> 00:09:35,080 Speaker 2: the part of a major league superstar. In terms of athleticism. 196 00:09:35,559 --> 00:09:37,280 Speaker 3: Wrestling guy looks like a Steiner brother. 197 00:09:38,760 --> 00:09:40,880 Speaker 2: You know, I'm not a wrestling well, I'm not a 198 00:09:40,920 --> 00:09:43,640 Speaker 2: wrestling guy, but I mean, Connor is just different, you 199 00:09:43,679 --> 00:09:45,920 Speaker 2: know what I mean. It's you see, you see major 200 00:09:46,000 --> 00:09:49,360 Speaker 2: leaguers who were in their mid twenties, you know, looking 201 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:52,520 Speaker 2: at him and saying, you know, Alica Williams and Jared 202 00:09:52,559 --> 00:09:53,839 Speaker 2: Trilla were picking his brains. 203 00:09:54,360 --> 00:09:55,720 Speaker 3: I got to interrupt here for a second. 204 00:09:55,720 --> 00:09:59,760 Speaker 1: Buster only from ESPN reporting that the Connor Griffin's deal 205 00:09:59,840 --> 00:10:02,679 Speaker 1: with the Powers would be nine years, one hundred and 206 00:10:02,720 --> 00:10:05,920 Speaker 1: forty million, but quote, they're still working on finalizing. 207 00:10:06,480 --> 00:10:07,200 Speaker 3: Unquote. 208 00:10:07,679 --> 00:10:09,640 Speaker 1: If it would be nine years, one hundred and forty million, 209 00:10:09,720 --> 00:10:11,440 Speaker 1: that's a lot. I mean, that's more than I thought 210 00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:13,920 Speaker 1: that have to pay. And the weird part about a 211 00:10:13,960 --> 00:10:17,360 Speaker 1: deal like that is, if he isn't good, you're stuck 212 00:10:17,400 --> 00:10:19,959 Speaker 1: with it. If he's real good and you decide you 213 00:10:19,960 --> 00:10:21,600 Speaker 1: don't want to keep him, you can trade him. 214 00:10:22,320 --> 00:10:25,200 Speaker 3: There is risk involved, but I think it's a good risk. 215 00:10:26,679 --> 00:10:28,360 Speaker 2: Yeah, I actually thought it would be closer to one 216 00:10:28,440 --> 00:10:30,640 Speaker 2: hundred and fifty million, to be honest with you, Mark, I. 217 00:10:30,600 --> 00:10:31,200 Speaker 5: Just figured it was. 218 00:10:31,280 --> 00:10:33,360 Speaker 2: I figured it would be a record setting contract, and 219 00:10:33,440 --> 00:10:35,240 Speaker 2: I thought maybe eight years one to fifty. So if 220 00:10:35,240 --> 00:10:37,400 Speaker 2: you can get him for nine years and one forty, that, 221 00:10:37,480 --> 00:10:39,000 Speaker 2: to me, I agree with you. I think it's more 222 00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:41,920 Speaker 2: of a bargain. You know, there's a risk involved in 223 00:10:41,920 --> 00:10:45,360 Speaker 2: any long term contract, you know, Key Brian Hayes when 224 00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:48,120 Speaker 2: the Pirates signed him, looked like an absolute bargain, and 225 00:10:48,400 --> 00:10:51,200 Speaker 2: for his defense, to some degree it was offensively. He 226 00:10:51,240 --> 00:10:53,960 Speaker 2: never produced the way that people thought he would. You know, 227 00:10:54,040 --> 00:10:57,600 Speaker 2: Brian Reynolds deal is in Mitch Keller's deals are about 228 00:10:57,600 --> 00:11:00,240 Speaker 2: what you expect from guys like that who have you know, 229 00:11:00,360 --> 00:11:04,000 Speaker 2: all star on their resume but are not superstars. But 230 00:11:04,320 --> 00:11:06,320 Speaker 2: Connor Griffin has a chance to be a superstar. And 231 00:11:06,360 --> 00:11:08,520 Speaker 2: I think given that he's a position player, is going 232 00:11:08,559 --> 00:11:10,120 Speaker 2: to be out there every day and playing a premier 233 00:11:10,160 --> 00:11:12,880 Speaker 2: position like shortstop, I think it's in their best interest 234 00:11:12,920 --> 00:11:15,000 Speaker 2: to lock him up long term. I think you see 235 00:11:15,280 --> 00:11:17,520 Speaker 2: the shortcomings when you don't lock up with Paul Skins, 236 00:11:17,600 --> 00:11:20,120 Speaker 2: either before or shortly after he makes his debut and 237 00:11:20,160 --> 00:11:22,600 Speaker 2: then all of a sudden, very quickly priced himself out 238 00:11:22,640 --> 00:11:26,000 Speaker 2: of the Pirates' plans because I think Paul s Kens 239 00:11:26,040 --> 00:11:27,800 Speaker 2: is probably gonna be a guy who makes a half 240 00:11:27,880 --> 00:11:29,719 Speaker 2: billion dollars when he's a free agent. I mean it's 241 00:11:29,800 --> 00:11:32,360 Speaker 2: his contract's going to be exorbitant, and so I think 242 00:11:32,400 --> 00:11:34,400 Speaker 2: Connor Griffin, if you can buy out a year or 243 00:11:34,400 --> 00:11:36,719 Speaker 2: two a free agency of him and have him for 244 00:11:36,760 --> 00:11:38,760 Speaker 2: the you know, the better part of the next decade, 245 00:11:39,240 --> 00:11:42,440 Speaker 2: and he can live up to the expectations and be 246 00:11:42,520 --> 00:11:45,760 Speaker 2: a catalyst for this team and much the same way 247 00:11:46,000 --> 00:11:48,520 Speaker 2: the guy who wore the number that he wanted, which 248 00:11:48,559 --> 00:11:51,200 Speaker 2: was twenty two. If he can be the the Andrew 249 00:11:51,280 --> 00:11:54,120 Speaker 2: McCutcheon for the Pirates and lead them back to the playoffs, 250 00:11:54,360 --> 00:11:55,760 Speaker 2: I think it's the worst. 251 00:11:56,080 --> 00:11:56,800 Speaker 3: He's better than that. 252 00:11:56,920 --> 00:11:58,680 Speaker 1: I mean, no offense to cuts, but I think the 253 00:11:58,720 --> 00:12:02,280 Speaker 1: expectations or higher. Gorham, great stuff. Thank you for joining 254 00:12:02,280 --> 00:12:04,360 Speaker 1: me and enjoy the opener. 255 00:12:05,480 --> 00:12:06,480 Speaker 5: Hey, thanks for having me. Mark. 256 00:12:06,760 --> 00:12:09,600 Speaker 1: That's Kevin Gorman from the Trip. Let me repeat that 257 00:12:09,640 --> 00:12:13,160 Speaker 1: buster only tweet. He said the deal between Griffin and 258 00:12:13,200 --> 00:12:15,360 Speaker 1: the Pirates will be nine years, one hundred and forty million, 259 00:12:15,440 --> 00:12:18,800 Speaker 1: but it is not finalized. To be clear, it is 260 00:12:18,880 --> 00:12:22,520 Speaker 1: not finalized. Uh A three three four one two w 261 00:12:22,760 --> 00:12:25,480 Speaker 1: xdx number to call. It's a really exciting time to 262 00:12:25,480 --> 00:12:28,920 Speaker 1: be a Pirate fan. But here here's the disclaimer. You 263 00:12:29,120 --> 00:12:32,040 Speaker 1: keep Griffin that long, you got to stud in the 264 00:12:32,040 --> 00:12:34,599 Speaker 1: middle of your lineup. If he lives up to that potential, 265 00:12:35,240 --> 00:12:36,800 Speaker 1: you got a drawing car, the guy who can sell 266 00:12:36,840 --> 00:12:40,880 Speaker 1: tickets and merch. You still have to spend to surround 267 00:12:40,960 --> 00:12:44,560 Speaker 1: him with other talent to make sure you win. Will 268 00:12:44,600 --> 00:12:47,840 Speaker 1: the powers be willing to do that? I think that's 269 00:12:47,840 --> 00:12:53,280 Speaker 1: worth mentioning one oh five nine Jake Cawfield with Penn's 270 00:12:53,320 --> 00:12:56,960 Speaker 1: talk at the bottom of the hour, but to do 271 00:12:57,000 --> 00:12:59,800 Speaker 1: a reset. The big news today obviously Connor Griffin being 272 00:12:59,800 --> 00:13:02,920 Speaker 1: called up. He makes his debut with the Pirates in 273 00:13:03,080 --> 00:13:07,080 Speaker 1: MLB tomorrow at PNC Park for the home opener, and 274 00:13:07,160 --> 00:13:10,800 Speaker 1: Buster Only is reporting that the deal that the Pirates 275 00:13:10,840 --> 00:13:14,960 Speaker 1: in Griffin's representatives are talking about is nine years, one 276 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:19,040 Speaker 1: hundred and forty million, although one said that has not 277 00:13:19,360 --> 00:13:22,439 Speaker 1: yet been finalized. I expected once he got called up 278 00:13:22,840 --> 00:13:23,920 Speaker 1: that the deal was imminent. 279 00:13:23,960 --> 00:13:26,480 Speaker 3: Hey me a couple of me a Kulpa. 280 00:13:27,240 --> 00:13:30,200 Speaker 1: I didn't think Griffin's and Griffin and Skeens would play 281 00:13:30,280 --> 00:13:32,360 Speaker 1: on the parts together, or or if they did not 282 00:13:32,559 --> 00:13:34,680 Speaker 1: very long, at least they're going to get two or 283 00:13:34,679 --> 00:13:37,320 Speaker 1: three years together now. Because I didn't trust the Pirates 284 00:13:37,320 --> 00:13:40,000 Speaker 1: to do the right thing. It's still the same ownership, 285 00:13:40,480 --> 00:13:45,240 Speaker 1: still the same greedy approach to running the team. Why 286 00:13:45,240 --> 00:13:47,560 Speaker 1: would I expect them to it long, last and out 287 00:13:47,559 --> 00:13:50,000 Speaker 1: of the blue do the right thing? And now that 288 00:13:50,040 --> 00:13:51,960 Speaker 1: they are, it makes me wonder why and what the 289 00:13:52,040 --> 00:13:54,480 Speaker 1: ulterior motive is because I just don't trust them and 290 00:13:54,520 --> 00:13:57,720 Speaker 1: nobody should. So I was wrong about Griffin and Skiens 291 00:13:57,760 --> 00:14:00,880 Speaker 1: playing together. I also was wrong that the long term 292 00:14:00,920 --> 00:14:03,680 Speaker 1: deal between the Pirates of Griffin. I didn't think it 293 00:14:03,679 --> 00:14:05,280 Speaker 1: would get done, and. 294 00:14:05,200 --> 00:14:05,760 Speaker 3: Now it has. 295 00:14:05,840 --> 00:14:08,040 Speaker 1: And I gotta say, if you think that means I 296 00:14:08,080 --> 00:14:10,079 Speaker 1: don't know Ball, well, f you. 297 00:14:10,280 --> 00:14:12,120 Speaker 3: I know Ball and f you anyway. 298 00:14:12,960 --> 00:14:18,720 Speaker 1: But I have been right so often not trusting the 299 00:14:18,720 --> 00:14:23,000 Speaker 1: powers to do the right thing. And let's see if 300 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:25,720 Speaker 1: it pays off in a playoff berth let alone, a 301 00:14:25,760 --> 00:14:29,640 Speaker 1: playoff series, win let alone, a world series ring someday. 302 00:14:29,720 --> 00:14:31,720 Speaker 3: Let's see what it all leads to. And I think 303 00:14:31,760 --> 00:14:33,080 Speaker 3: it's fair. 304 00:14:32,880 --> 00:14:36,160 Speaker 1: For me to note that we just don't know, and 305 00:14:36,200 --> 00:14:40,480 Speaker 1: this could be isolated example of the Pirates doing the 306 00:14:40,560 --> 00:14:40,960 Speaker 1: right thing. 307 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:43,360 Speaker 3: And I mean you gotta follow through. 308 00:14:44,280 --> 00:14:46,160 Speaker 1: Like if they have Griffin for the next nine years 309 00:14:46,160 --> 00:14:48,040 Speaker 1: but don't surround him with adequate. 310 00:14:47,640 --> 00:14:50,440 Speaker 3: Talent, well he'll want out before I do. 311 00:14:50,520 --> 00:14:53,240 Speaker 1: I think Griffin will finish those nine years with the Pirates. No, 312 00:14:53,400 --> 00:14:57,960 Speaker 1: I do not, but certainly enjoy tomorrow. A guy I 313 00:14:58,040 --> 00:15:01,720 Speaker 1: gotta commend is Momanthem. I keep calling him Mo his 314 00:15:01,760 --> 00:15:06,000 Speaker 1: teammates to Anthony Mantha because I saw Momantha play for 315 00:15:06,080 --> 00:15:08,960 Speaker 1: the Penguins back in the prelammee years. 316 00:15:08,960 --> 00:15:11,200 Speaker 3: In fact, I think he didn't. 317 00:15:11,240 --> 00:15:13,000 Speaker 1: He come to the team in eighty three eighty four 318 00:15:13,040 --> 00:15:15,880 Speaker 1: is part of the Randy Carlile deal and as part 319 00:15:15,920 --> 00:15:16,720 Speaker 1: of the Penguins tank. 320 00:15:16,800 --> 00:15:17,720 Speaker 3: I think that's correct. 321 00:15:18,600 --> 00:15:24,000 Speaker 1: But Anthony Manta is called Mo because of that that 322 00:15:24,000 --> 00:15:26,480 Speaker 1: that former Penguin that name played for a bunch of 323 00:15:26,600 --> 00:15:32,440 Speaker 1: NHL teams. But Anthony Manta just welcomed a kid into 324 00:15:32,440 --> 00:15:34,920 Speaker 1: the world. Congratulations to him. I think that's his third 325 00:15:35,040 --> 00:15:38,720 Speaker 1: So wife and baby are doing well, so that's certainly 326 00:15:38,760 --> 00:15:39,680 Speaker 1: good news. 327 00:15:40,480 --> 00:15:41,560 Speaker 3: That was today. 328 00:15:41,640 --> 00:15:45,120 Speaker 1: I know yesterday that the baby was born and manthons 329 00:15:45,160 --> 00:15:47,560 Speaker 1: could have played tonight at Tampa, and a lot of 330 00:15:47,600 --> 00:15:50,280 Speaker 1: athletes take time off and want to spend time with 331 00:15:50,360 --> 00:15:53,200 Speaker 1: the baby and the wife and blah blah blah, and 332 00:15:53,240 --> 00:15:54,400 Speaker 1: that his two their. 333 00:15:56,400 --> 00:15:56,920 Speaker 3: Privilege. 334 00:15:56,920 --> 00:16:00,000 Speaker 1: I mean, they there's no reason to not do it. 335 00:16:00,080 --> 00:16:02,240 Speaker 1: I respect Mantha for playing tonight because he knows the 336 00:16:02,280 --> 00:16:05,120 Speaker 1: team is hot and he is hot, and let's keep 337 00:16:05,120 --> 00:16:08,160 Speaker 1: it going. As far as I'm concerned, it's momana as 338 00:16:08,200 --> 00:16:11,680 Speaker 1: in momentum, and he's gonna do what he can tonight 339 00:16:11,720 --> 00:16:16,160 Speaker 1: to make sure that he and the Penguins maintain Let's 340 00:16:16,160 --> 00:16:17,680 Speaker 1: go to John, John, you're on with Mark? 341 00:16:19,280 --> 00:16:23,200 Speaker 6: Hey, Mark, I Uh, I heard that Connor Griffin contract 342 00:16:23,520 --> 00:16:25,040 Speaker 6: was basically already signed. 343 00:16:25,080 --> 00:16:29,240 Speaker 5: But the reason it's not official is because they'll lose 344 00:16:29,280 --> 00:16:29,960 Speaker 5: a draft pick. 345 00:16:31,600 --> 00:16:32,920 Speaker 3: Yeah, what do you mean? 346 00:16:33,640 --> 00:16:35,600 Speaker 1: I know if he's I know, if he's here by 347 00:16:35,680 --> 00:16:37,640 Speaker 1: April night, they stand to gain the draft pick. 348 00:16:37,680 --> 00:16:39,880 Speaker 3: I'm I'm not familiar with what you're saying. 349 00:16:42,200 --> 00:16:45,040 Speaker 5: Uh, that if he's signed today that they would lose 350 00:16:45,080 --> 00:16:46,840 Speaker 5: a draft pick, maybe not gain the draft. 351 00:16:46,960 --> 00:16:49,320 Speaker 3: No, no, no, nobody's nobody said that beside you. 352 00:16:49,360 --> 00:16:52,760 Speaker 1: But thank you for the call. Yeah, if he was 353 00:16:52,800 --> 00:16:54,840 Speaker 1: the best shortstop, he should have been here opening. 354 00:16:54,560 --> 00:16:55,760 Speaker 3: Day at New York. 355 00:16:56,720 --> 00:16:59,320 Speaker 1: All right, up next, more hockey talk with Jay Caffield 356 00:16:59,440 --> 00:17:02,840 Speaker 1: of Sports That Pittsburgh, the two times Stanley Cup champion 357 00:17:02,960 --> 00:17:06,520 Speaker 1: joining me on the X. Not only Connor Griffin getting 358 00:17:06,520 --> 00:17:09,720 Speaker 1: called up for tomorrow's home opener were the Pirates. It 359 00:17:09,760 --> 00:17:11,720 Speaker 1: looks like he's going to sign a nine year deal 360 00:17:11,760 --> 00:17:14,239 Speaker 1: worth one hundred and forty million, but joining us out 361 00:17:14,280 --> 00:17:17,919 Speaker 1: of tok hockey. He is the master of the telestrator 362 00:17:17,960 --> 00:17:20,920 Speaker 1: from Pittsburgh sports Net. He's two times Stanley Cup champion, 363 00:17:21,440 --> 00:17:24,199 Speaker 1: Jay Cawfield, Jay, there's so much to talk about with 364 00:17:24,240 --> 00:17:27,399 Speaker 1: the Penguins, but one thing I don't think's been mentioned enough. 365 00:17:27,800 --> 00:17:30,760 Speaker 1: It's a much bigger team than it had been and 366 00:17:30,840 --> 00:17:32,760 Speaker 1: not necessarily rough and tumble. 367 00:17:32,800 --> 00:17:34,920 Speaker 3: But Edgier, would you agree with all that? 368 00:17:36,440 --> 00:17:39,040 Speaker 5: Oh? Yeah, I do, Mark, I do. I mentioned a 369 00:17:39,119 --> 00:17:42,040 Speaker 5: number of times on air when when something needs to 370 00:17:42,040 --> 00:17:43,960 Speaker 5: be stirred up a little bit, you'll see Mantha be 371 00:17:44,000 --> 00:17:47,080 Speaker 5: involved in that. Firsto is a little quieter, but he's 372 00:17:47,119 --> 00:17:49,400 Speaker 5: heavy on the four check, tough in front of the net. 373 00:17:50,240 --> 00:17:52,840 Speaker 5: And then now you've got Soda Blaum who's a big forward, 374 00:17:52,880 --> 00:17:55,320 Speaker 5: which is different than what they've had on the fourth line. 375 00:17:55,359 --> 00:17:57,960 Speaker 5: He's six foot eight and he's throwing his weight around, 376 00:17:58,000 --> 00:18:01,200 Speaker 5: which I never remember him doing much of that in Detroit. 377 00:18:01,640 --> 00:18:04,199 Speaker 5: So as far as the Penguins are concerned, Also, I 378 00:18:04,240 --> 00:18:06,679 Speaker 5: gotta say Clifton. I've always liked Clifton as a player, 379 00:18:07,000 --> 00:18:09,000 Speaker 5: and he brings that same game each and every night. 380 00:18:09,040 --> 00:18:11,520 Speaker 5: So it's nice to have that that extra edge. But 381 00:18:11,560 --> 00:18:14,240 Speaker 5: you're right, I just feel they are bigger, harder to 382 00:18:14,280 --> 00:18:17,720 Speaker 5: play against, and it's not necessarily like fighting. It's just 383 00:18:17,760 --> 00:18:19,360 Speaker 5: the way they are on the four check and tough 384 00:18:19,359 --> 00:18:21,400 Speaker 5: in front of that, and they're difference makers. 385 00:18:22,080 --> 00:18:24,159 Speaker 1: I want to stick with Solder Bloom for a second, 386 00:18:24,480 --> 00:18:26,479 Speaker 1: although I'm not sure he'll be in the lineup when 387 00:18:26,520 --> 00:18:30,040 Speaker 1: everybody's healthy. But at six foot eight, I have no 388 00:18:30,119 --> 00:18:32,600 Speaker 1: idea what to do against him. I mean, he's so unique. 389 00:18:32,920 --> 00:18:34,720 Speaker 1: The only guy I can think of in that height 390 00:18:34,800 --> 00:18:37,560 Speaker 1: range was Chara, and he was a defenceman. What would 391 00:18:37,560 --> 00:18:40,800 Speaker 1: you do out there against the six foot eight four checker. 392 00:18:42,680 --> 00:18:44,960 Speaker 5: Yeah, well he's holding. It's not only on the four 393 00:18:45,040 --> 00:18:46,639 Speaker 5: check two markets when he gets when he gets a 394 00:18:46,640 --> 00:18:48,840 Speaker 5: hold of the puck and he's holding onto it, he 395 00:18:48,920 --> 00:18:52,080 Speaker 5: makes it very difficult. He's hard to defend to your point, 396 00:18:52,160 --> 00:18:53,800 Speaker 5: like Chara would be the other way. He'd be the 397 00:18:53,840 --> 00:18:57,640 Speaker 5: instigator or the initiator when he's on the defensive side. 398 00:18:57,800 --> 00:18:59,919 Speaker 5: But you got Soda blown who's holding on the pucks 399 00:19:00,240 --> 00:19:03,280 Speaker 5: in the offensive zone. He's got great hands, good vision, 400 00:19:03,760 --> 00:19:06,600 Speaker 5: you know all those things. So yeah, and the more 401 00:19:06,640 --> 00:19:08,920 Speaker 5: he gets on the four check, to your point, it's 402 00:19:08,960 --> 00:19:11,160 Speaker 5: gonna be he's gonna be hard. You can't hold him up. 403 00:19:11,400 --> 00:19:14,200 Speaker 5: There's no more obstruction, I mean obstructions there. You can't 404 00:19:14,200 --> 00:19:15,520 Speaker 5: hold him up. You let him get in on the 405 00:19:15,520 --> 00:19:18,040 Speaker 5: four checks. And he's causing a problem. And it's really 406 00:19:18,080 --> 00:19:20,600 Speaker 5: wild how and you mentioned it Mark about I don't 407 00:19:20,640 --> 00:19:22,520 Speaker 5: know if he'll be in a lineup when Lizac comes 408 00:19:22,520 --> 00:19:24,800 Speaker 5: back or what happened, because you can't take door. You're 409 00:19:24,840 --> 00:19:27,280 Speaker 5: not gonna take a Charry out. But he's certainly making 410 00:19:27,320 --> 00:19:30,119 Speaker 5: it interesting to find out who's gonna be in the lineup. 411 00:19:30,160 --> 00:19:32,800 Speaker 5: When it'll be depending on who you play as you 412 00:19:32,920 --> 00:19:35,920 Speaker 5: move forward. But he's been a great another great addition 413 00:19:36,560 --> 00:19:37,920 Speaker 5: that they've added to this mix. 414 00:19:38,960 --> 00:19:41,280 Speaker 1: Stuart Skinner and Gold to night at Tampa. That's his 415 00:19:41,359 --> 00:19:44,120 Speaker 1: second straight start, his fourth start in the last five 416 00:19:44,200 --> 00:19:45,040 Speaker 1: Penguins games. 417 00:19:45,480 --> 00:19:47,800 Speaker 3: Is he the number one Goldie now? Jay? And is 418 00:19:47,840 --> 00:19:48,720 Speaker 3: that a good decision? 419 00:19:50,840 --> 00:19:52,719 Speaker 5: Yeah? You know, I was watching this the other night, right, 420 00:19:52,760 --> 00:19:54,320 Speaker 5: I thought Mark they were gonna go with him in 421 00:19:54,320 --> 00:19:57,000 Speaker 5: the island after he played two straight before, and then 422 00:19:57,000 --> 00:19:58,840 Speaker 5: they didn't. They went with she Lows and it took 423 00:19:58,880 --> 00:20:00,440 Speaker 5: that out of my mind. I had to take it 424 00:20:00,480 --> 00:20:02,600 Speaker 5: out of my mind a little bit. This was the game. 425 00:20:02,640 --> 00:20:04,440 Speaker 5: I was wondering what it would be. Right now, he's 426 00:20:04,440 --> 00:20:07,399 Speaker 5: getting another one, as you mentioned four and five. I 427 00:20:07,520 --> 00:20:10,240 Speaker 5: think that's what they're they're pointing to that, right unless 428 00:20:10,240 --> 00:20:12,840 Speaker 5: he lays an egg a number of times down the 429 00:20:12,880 --> 00:20:15,800 Speaker 5: stretch here, I'm thinking that that's the way they would go. 430 00:20:16,160 --> 00:20:20,240 Speaker 5: He's had the experience two Cup finals. You can't put 431 00:20:20,240 --> 00:20:22,879 Speaker 5: a price tag on what that's about. And he seems 432 00:20:22,880 --> 00:20:25,000 Speaker 5: to be just in a comfort zone here. I mean, 433 00:20:25,040 --> 00:20:26,920 Speaker 5: if they're all he and she loves book and I'm 434 00:20:26,920 --> 00:20:29,080 Speaker 5: not lighting she loves I'm not trying to do that, 435 00:20:29,600 --> 00:20:31,520 Speaker 5: but I think if you're leaning one way or another, 436 00:20:32,359 --> 00:20:34,400 Speaker 5: I would think he would be skinner that we see 437 00:20:34,440 --> 00:20:36,360 Speaker 5: in the net and then let them play it out. 438 00:20:36,400 --> 00:20:38,719 Speaker 5: And because you're not gonna have a tandem, I mean, 439 00:20:38,720 --> 00:20:40,959 Speaker 5: you're not going to alternate or you know, back and 440 00:20:40,960 --> 00:20:42,720 Speaker 5: forth in the playoffs, You're gonna go with one guy 441 00:20:43,320 --> 00:20:45,880 Speaker 5: and I And it's leaning and pointing to me towards Skinner. 442 00:20:46,640 --> 00:20:49,880 Speaker 1: The Penguins have twelve players with ten or more goals, 443 00:20:50,440 --> 00:20:53,600 Speaker 1: which is the most depth they've had in that regard 444 00:20:53,640 --> 00:20:56,720 Speaker 1: for years that I recall. Besides Mantam with the thirty 445 00:20:57,000 --> 00:20:59,879 Speaker 1: Who would you say is the biggest surprise among the 446 00:21:00,119 --> 00:21:00,640 Speaker 1: up scores? 447 00:21:03,320 --> 00:21:05,680 Speaker 5: Wow? You know, I think you almost got you almost 448 00:21:05,680 --> 00:21:07,159 Speaker 5: got to point it. Well, first of all, Kindle, I 449 00:21:07,160 --> 00:21:08,679 Speaker 5: don't know if we can put him. You know, what 450 00:21:08,760 --> 00:21:11,720 Speaker 5: he's done as a young player. They've given him that, 451 00:21:12,080 --> 00:21:14,639 Speaker 5: they've given him the long leash, right, he's out there 452 00:21:14,680 --> 00:21:17,240 Speaker 5: and he doesn't make many mistakes anyway. So but he's 453 00:21:17,240 --> 00:21:18,960 Speaker 5: got the freedom to do what he wants to do 454 00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:20,840 Speaker 5: and need to play the game. I think that's a 455 00:21:20,920 --> 00:21:23,600 Speaker 5: tribute to damn use, I really do. They've they freedom 456 00:21:23,680 --> 00:21:26,200 Speaker 5: up so he's comfortable. But I look at that. Then 457 00:21:26,200 --> 00:21:28,040 Speaker 5: I get to look and then I go down towards 458 00:21:28,040 --> 00:21:30,520 Speaker 5: the I look at the fourth line just because how 459 00:21:30,520 --> 00:21:34,000 Speaker 5: they're putting numbers up right, so uh, And then and 460 00:21:34,040 --> 00:21:36,399 Speaker 5: I think the one the biggest deal for me. I 461 00:21:36,400 --> 00:21:38,240 Speaker 5: think it's going to be that Chinakov. I just think 462 00:21:38,280 --> 00:21:41,680 Speaker 5: that I don't know how on earth, truly you move 463 00:21:41,760 --> 00:21:44,439 Speaker 5: on from a talent like that unless he never showed 464 00:21:44,480 --> 00:21:47,760 Speaker 5: it in Columbus. I don't know how you let us 465 00:21:47,760 --> 00:21:52,520 Speaker 5: somebody who's got the shot, the release, and I feel 466 00:21:52,560 --> 00:21:55,560 Speaker 5: what's underrated is his speed. So I put all those 467 00:21:55,560 --> 00:21:57,879 Speaker 5: guys into that equation. I think it's all been a 468 00:21:58,000 --> 00:21:59,880 Speaker 5: They said the numbers are great. I can't remember when 469 00:21:59,880 --> 00:22:02,320 Speaker 5: they've had that kind of depth that looks this way, 470 00:22:02,359 --> 00:22:04,200 Speaker 5: and they're utilizing all of them. 471 00:22:04,520 --> 00:22:07,840 Speaker 1: Yeah, that's what's a great dynamic about this team, Jane. 472 00:22:07,920 --> 00:22:09,680 Speaker 3: It's a welcome change to my mind. 473 00:22:10,280 --> 00:22:13,239 Speaker 1: They used to rely on on Sid and Gino and 474 00:22:13,320 --> 00:22:16,359 Speaker 1: Carlson de Latang, you know, the big names, and the 475 00:22:16,440 --> 00:22:17,960 Speaker 1: team went as they went. 476 00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:19,680 Speaker 3: But you look at these last two games. 477 00:22:20,400 --> 00:22:24,120 Speaker 1: They scored a ton of goals, thirteen won two big games. 478 00:22:24,560 --> 00:22:26,720 Speaker 3: Those guys didn't get a goal between them. 479 00:22:27,080 --> 00:22:29,359 Speaker 1: Now, I mean, you rely on the stars, certainly in 480 00:22:29,400 --> 00:22:35,359 Speaker 1: their star power, but it's not just about them. 481 00:22:33,640 --> 00:22:36,560 Speaker 5: No, it's not. And then I think that's what makes them, 482 00:22:37,119 --> 00:22:39,679 Speaker 5: that's what makes them very dangerous. Right if they you know, 483 00:22:39,720 --> 00:22:41,480 Speaker 5: they stay on the same page, they stay on the 484 00:22:41,520 --> 00:22:45,080 Speaker 5: same path when they're playing that way. I find them 485 00:22:45,080 --> 00:22:46,960 Speaker 5: to be one of the best, one of the elite 486 00:22:46,960 --> 00:22:49,720 Speaker 5: in the East, and nobody would I mean when I 487 00:22:49,760 --> 00:22:52,800 Speaker 5: say elite, I'm just going Look, there's Tampa Bay. They've 488 00:22:52,800 --> 00:22:55,760 Speaker 5: got world class talent up up top, and then you've 489 00:22:55,800 --> 00:22:58,720 Speaker 5: got Carolina who works their tail off each and every night. 490 00:22:58,760 --> 00:23:02,800 Speaker 5: They played the same way. Their goaltending is suspect. Then 491 00:23:02,840 --> 00:23:05,080 Speaker 5: you get the Pens who are getting the solid goaltending. 492 00:23:05,119 --> 00:23:07,280 Speaker 5: And we know there's nice and been up and down 493 00:23:07,280 --> 00:23:09,040 Speaker 5: a little bit, but for the most part, their goaltending 494 00:23:09,200 --> 00:23:12,880 Speaker 5: is comfortable, and their depths four lines they're all producing. 495 00:23:12,920 --> 00:23:16,320 Speaker 5: I feel like the Pens against the Islanders against Detroit, 496 00:23:16,359 --> 00:23:18,159 Speaker 5: and Detroit really doesn't matter to me, but that was 497 00:23:18,200 --> 00:23:20,800 Speaker 5: a wild card team that's trying to get in. They're 498 00:23:20,840 --> 00:23:22,760 Speaker 5: not even close to how the Pens can play when 499 00:23:22,760 --> 00:23:25,600 Speaker 5: they're playing and firing if you will, on all cylinders 500 00:23:25,680 --> 00:23:27,879 Speaker 5: because and I sit me and all cylinders by like 501 00:23:27,920 --> 00:23:30,320 Speaker 5: when they're on their for check strong in the neutral 502 00:23:30,400 --> 00:23:34,119 Speaker 5: zone mark they make it really difficult for teams to 503 00:23:34,160 --> 00:23:36,439 Speaker 5: find any open room. And when they do get space, 504 00:23:37,040 --> 00:23:40,600 Speaker 5: guys have great sticks, they come back, they backcheck so well. 505 00:23:41,080 --> 00:23:43,280 Speaker 5: The back pressure is always there. There's not a lot 506 00:23:43,280 --> 00:23:46,400 Speaker 5: of room. So for me, I'm taking I like the depth, 507 00:23:46,440 --> 00:23:48,440 Speaker 5: I like the way they roll them, and I think 508 00:23:48,480 --> 00:23:50,560 Speaker 5: that's the product of how damn Use, from the beginning 509 00:23:50,600 --> 00:23:53,360 Speaker 5: of training camp has got across and earned the respect 510 00:23:53,440 --> 00:23:56,800 Speaker 5: right away, and now they're all just they understand what 511 00:23:56,800 --> 00:23:59,040 Speaker 5: they're doing when they step on the ice. It's very good. 512 00:23:59,119 --> 00:24:02,280 Speaker 5: It's fun to watch, and they're difficult to play against. 513 00:24:02,640 --> 00:24:04,960 Speaker 1: We're talking to Jay Kapf, Field of Sports at Pittsburgh 514 00:24:05,040 --> 00:24:08,439 Speaker 1: here on the X. Jay, I was interested by some 515 00:24:08,480 --> 00:24:11,480 Speaker 1: of the line combinations we're gonna see tonight. They're gonna 516 00:24:11,520 --> 00:24:13,920 Speaker 1: keep Shid with China Kough and they're gonna keep. 517 00:24:13,880 --> 00:24:17,480 Speaker 3: Rikel at center. What's your take on those two decisions. 518 00:24:18,960 --> 00:24:21,240 Speaker 5: Yeah, that's kind of wild for me too. But I think, listen, 519 00:24:21,240 --> 00:24:24,360 Speaker 5: that's about Chinacov being with Crosby right, for me, it's 520 00:24:24,400 --> 00:24:27,159 Speaker 5: just nothing more than that. I think he brings a 521 00:24:27,240 --> 00:24:31,159 Speaker 5: speed element that that wasn't there before. Right, It's a 522 00:24:31,160 --> 00:24:34,560 Speaker 5: different element, and he seems that he blends in. He's 523 00:24:34,600 --> 00:24:37,199 Speaker 5: great with Malcolm and Novak, and he looked fine the 524 00:24:37,240 --> 00:24:40,119 Speaker 5: other night too. He's got so many opportunities. And then 525 00:24:40,160 --> 00:24:42,920 Speaker 5: I think Raquel when they had a successful I mean 526 00:24:43,119 --> 00:24:45,760 Speaker 5: Quel in the middle between the other boys is it's 527 00:24:45,880 --> 00:24:48,120 Speaker 5: it's fine, but you know, you can always go back 528 00:24:48,119 --> 00:24:50,480 Speaker 5: to it, probably marked if it's not working well or 529 00:24:50,800 --> 00:24:54,960 Speaker 5: seems flat. But I just think, you know, that's you know, 530 00:24:55,000 --> 00:24:57,159 Speaker 5: it's kind of wild for me. I just it is 531 00:24:57,240 --> 00:25:00,680 Speaker 5: a different, unique situation, and the lineup was different. But 532 00:25:00,840 --> 00:25:02,840 Speaker 5: I understand when you're winning like you are and they're 533 00:25:02,880 --> 00:25:05,280 Speaker 5: kind of playing around with it, they're really trying to 534 00:25:05,280 --> 00:25:08,000 Speaker 5: find that one combination. And by the way, I didn't 535 00:25:08,000 --> 00:25:10,480 Speaker 5: mind it when it was you Pupper Kellip Top. You've 536 00:25:10,480 --> 00:25:13,480 Speaker 5: got that solidine. I thought Novack between Malcolm and Chinicov 537 00:25:14,040 --> 00:25:17,479 Speaker 5: was really good, and then you had a kindle between 538 00:25:17,520 --> 00:25:21,119 Speaker 5: Matt and Brazo. I like that too, So to me, 539 00:25:21,440 --> 00:25:23,440 Speaker 5: they know they can go right back to that lineup 540 00:25:23,920 --> 00:25:25,679 Speaker 5: if and when that comes up, if they don't like 541 00:25:25,680 --> 00:25:28,000 Speaker 5: what they see tonight. I wouldn't be surprised that they 542 00:25:28,000 --> 00:25:30,080 Speaker 5: flipped it a little bit. But to start off with it, 543 00:25:30,119 --> 00:25:32,760 Speaker 5: I think it's about Chinakov and how he's performing on 544 00:25:32,760 --> 00:25:34,359 Speaker 5: the left side, and see what they get out of it. 545 00:25:34,880 --> 00:25:38,080 Speaker 1: I one hundred percent agree this decision is about Sid 546 00:25:38,080 --> 00:25:41,439 Speaker 1: with Tina cough. But I also said earlier Jay, and 547 00:25:41,480 --> 00:25:46,000 Speaker 1: there's been discussion that China Cooff isn't a traditional SID winger. 548 00:25:46,080 --> 00:25:48,920 Speaker 1: SID likes those guys who play that in close given 549 00:25:49,040 --> 00:25:51,720 Speaker 1: go game, whereas Chinnakov spreads the rink. 550 00:25:51,760 --> 00:25:54,240 Speaker 3: But I like this for that reason. 551 00:25:54,280 --> 00:25:56,639 Speaker 1: I want to see Sid maybe maybe look for that 552 00:25:56,720 --> 00:25:59,679 Speaker 1: stretch pass more, maybe use his playmaking all over the 553 00:25:59,720 --> 00:26:00,080 Speaker 1: ice y. 554 00:26:01,960 --> 00:26:04,920 Speaker 5: Yeah, I agree with that too, Mark. I can see 555 00:26:04,960 --> 00:26:07,120 Speaker 5: it being that way too. I think it'll be interesting 556 00:26:07,160 --> 00:26:10,119 Speaker 5: to see if we see Chinikov kind of buy into 557 00:26:10,160 --> 00:26:12,520 Speaker 5: that or get into the game that you just mentioned 558 00:26:12,520 --> 00:26:15,000 Speaker 5: though too. I mean we Malco and they don't do that. 559 00:26:15,200 --> 00:26:16,920 Speaker 5: We didn't see him play that game, and you're right, 560 00:26:17,280 --> 00:26:20,080 Speaker 5: but I think if we see Chinikov in as tight situations, 561 00:26:20,560 --> 00:26:23,800 Speaker 5: and I'm telling you, Mark, you watched the same games, 562 00:26:23,800 --> 00:26:27,440 Speaker 5: I have that burst of speed that he has, it's subtle, 563 00:26:27,720 --> 00:26:30,280 Speaker 5: and then all of a sudden he's in better position 564 00:26:30,840 --> 00:26:32,560 Speaker 5: and he just knows what to do with the puck 565 00:26:32,600 --> 00:26:35,000 Speaker 5: after that. So I think if you can do that 566 00:26:35,000 --> 00:26:36,600 Speaker 5: that stretch play, you got a guy that's going to 567 00:26:36,680 --> 00:26:39,280 Speaker 5: open up and find a seam and find a hole 568 00:26:39,320 --> 00:26:41,320 Speaker 5: if you will. I think that's it, and it might 569 00:26:41,359 --> 00:26:43,800 Speaker 5: bring a different element to your point. Jay. 570 00:26:43,840 --> 00:26:46,240 Speaker 1: I'm not traditionally a cock guyed optimist, but I see 571 00:26:46,320 --> 00:26:50,000 Speaker 1: so much to like about the Penguins recently. Even the 572 00:26:50,000 --> 00:26:53,600 Speaker 1: defense tandem of Latang and Gerard had struggled mightily. I 573 00:26:53,640 --> 00:26:56,720 Speaker 1: think Gerard had had a longer time betting in than we. 574 00:26:56,680 --> 00:26:58,959 Speaker 3: Had hoped for. But these last two games, they've been 575 00:26:59,080 --> 00:27:00,119 Speaker 3: very good, haven't they. 576 00:27:01,840 --> 00:27:04,240 Speaker 5: Yeah, yeah, I do, And I think it's a product 577 00:27:04,280 --> 00:27:07,280 Speaker 5: of everybody helping out too, like Ford's coming back and 578 00:27:07,359 --> 00:27:08,960 Speaker 5: being there for the defense, and I think it's a 579 00:27:09,000 --> 00:27:10,960 Speaker 5: mix of all of it. And I do agree. I 580 00:27:11,160 --> 00:27:13,760 Speaker 5: think it was tough. I think Kolak was a perfect 581 00:27:13,760 --> 00:27:16,840 Speaker 5: partner for the time because he was a good partner 582 00:27:16,840 --> 00:27:19,480 Speaker 5: for him. And when they made that move, it's a 583 00:27:19,480 --> 00:27:23,200 Speaker 5: little different to a completely different look, and that moment 584 00:27:23,560 --> 00:27:26,960 Speaker 5: it's it became different for let'tang right, So you know, 585 00:27:27,040 --> 00:27:28,840 Speaker 5: I think they adjust. They said the games over the 586 00:27:28,880 --> 00:27:31,000 Speaker 5: last couple of you mentioned were good. And I also 587 00:27:31,080 --> 00:27:34,840 Speaker 5: think forwards are so big and the help of or 588 00:27:34,960 --> 00:27:38,639 Speaker 5: success of a defensive pair when they're always there they're 589 00:27:38,640 --> 00:27:41,879 Speaker 5: on the wall, they're supporting, and then or and also, 590 00:27:41,880 --> 00:27:44,840 Speaker 5: as I mentioned, back pressure allowing chrysal Tang to step 591 00:27:44,920 --> 00:27:46,879 Speaker 5: up and have a good stick and make a play. 592 00:27:47,240 --> 00:27:49,199 Speaker 5: I think that is a combination of all of it. 593 00:27:49,480 --> 00:27:51,560 Speaker 5: But I really did. I thought there was a little adjustment. 594 00:27:51,600 --> 00:27:54,240 Speaker 5: It did take longer, but kool Ak was that player 595 00:27:54,280 --> 00:27:58,240 Speaker 5: that was just a steady just under control and helped 596 00:27:58,280 --> 00:27:59,960 Speaker 5: them to the m degree. Very good. 597 00:28:01,200 --> 00:28:04,040 Speaker 1: Jay A out of things to say about Eric Carlson. 598 00:28:04,080 --> 00:28:06,520 Speaker 1: I think you are too watching you guys between periods. 599 00:28:06,760 --> 00:28:10,480 Speaker 1: He's been so good every night. In no offense to 600 00:28:10,600 --> 00:28:13,760 Speaker 1: sid or whoever, but Carl's the team MVP. He's the 601 00:28:13,880 --> 00:28:16,680 Speaker 1: quarterback every night, even when the points aren't there. 602 00:28:18,720 --> 00:28:22,520 Speaker 5: Yeah, I I totally agree with that. I think that 603 00:28:22,560 --> 00:28:24,840 Speaker 5: what he's done and what he's been on the skill 604 00:28:24,920 --> 00:28:26,760 Speaker 5: set that he's put on display mark and you're right 605 00:28:26,800 --> 00:28:29,360 Speaker 5: of every night I could show something about it. There's 606 00:28:29,400 --> 00:28:30,920 Speaker 5: not a player in the league and I'm going to 607 00:28:31,000 --> 00:28:33,560 Speaker 5: go with you've got mccarr and you've got Quinn Hughes. 608 00:28:33,560 --> 00:28:36,440 Speaker 5: I understand that, but Eric Carlson right now is right 609 00:28:36,480 --> 00:28:40,520 Speaker 5: up top there with defensemen that you control the play 610 00:28:41,040 --> 00:28:44,280 Speaker 5: like I haven't seen in quite some time, right, not really, 611 00:28:44,320 --> 00:28:47,040 Speaker 5: not sometime, even when he was with San Jose or Ottawa. 612 00:28:47,120 --> 00:28:48,240 Speaker 5: I mean, you knew what he did when he was 613 00:28:48,280 --> 00:28:50,840 Speaker 5: with Ottawa, but even when he quarterbacked the power play, 614 00:28:50,960 --> 00:28:53,120 Speaker 5: I don't think the power plays were all that successful 615 00:28:53,400 --> 00:28:55,760 Speaker 5: where he was at. Now he's got a whole different 616 00:28:55,840 --> 00:28:58,200 Speaker 5: level of skill sets with him, and you put that 617 00:28:58,280 --> 00:29:00,880 Speaker 5: on display. I think he's been that good. I think 618 00:29:00,920 --> 00:29:04,400 Speaker 5: he's been in all zones too, by the way, right Mark, defensively, 619 00:29:04,800 --> 00:29:07,040 Speaker 5: he's been If there's a mistake, he seems to pick 620 00:29:07,040 --> 00:29:09,280 Speaker 5: it up, he makes up for it. I think it's 621 00:29:09,400 --> 00:29:13,120 Speaker 5: been the freedom that he has gotten from the coaching staff, 622 00:29:13,120 --> 00:29:14,920 Speaker 5: and I don't I don't mean to keep going back 623 00:29:14,920 --> 00:29:16,480 Speaker 5: to it, but I gotta go back to it because 624 00:29:16,480 --> 00:29:21,000 Speaker 5: the coaching staff is something that is completely given Eric 625 00:29:21,040 --> 00:29:25,120 Speaker 5: Carlson like a I'm gonna say new lease in Pittsburgh anyway, 626 00:29:25,320 --> 00:29:26,960 Speaker 5: it's a new lease how he's playing the game, a 627 00:29:26,960 --> 00:29:30,040 Speaker 5: new lease on his hockey life here because he was 628 00:29:30,200 --> 00:29:32,280 Speaker 5: He's really been outstanding and I think probably if you 629 00:29:32,360 --> 00:29:34,720 Speaker 5: went through the team, they'd all feel the same way. 630 00:29:35,880 --> 00:29:39,960 Speaker 1: Jay. Hopefully they get home ice in the playoffs. I'd 631 00:29:40,000 --> 00:29:41,760 Speaker 1: like to see them finish at least third in the 632 00:29:41,800 --> 00:29:44,360 Speaker 1: metro because I think that's where the favorable matchups li. 633 00:29:45,000 --> 00:29:47,720 Speaker 1: But then who would be the preferred opponent in your 634 00:29:47,800 --> 00:29:49,320 Speaker 1: mind for that first round? 635 00:29:51,520 --> 00:29:55,360 Speaker 5: Yeah, you know, I I'm listen. Owners have soroken. But 636 00:29:55,440 --> 00:29:58,080 Speaker 5: the Owners can't match up against the Pencil. They just can't. 637 00:29:58,560 --> 00:30:01,040 Speaker 5: And I think Columbus is a hard can be a 638 00:30:01,120 --> 00:30:03,400 Speaker 5: tougher out, but you got to pick your poison right 639 00:30:03,440 --> 00:30:06,600 Speaker 5: and care for what you wish for. But Stroking can 640 00:30:06,640 --> 00:30:08,360 Speaker 5: be that good. But the Pens have gotten to him 641 00:30:08,960 --> 00:30:12,440 Speaker 5: and multiple times, not just the other night, just multiple times, 642 00:30:12,440 --> 00:30:15,600 Speaker 5: and he's been played, He's played a lot. I still 643 00:30:15,680 --> 00:30:18,680 Speaker 5: think the Pens match up the way they can roll. 644 00:30:18,720 --> 00:30:22,080 Speaker 5: The third and fourth lines for the Pens are deeper 645 00:30:22,120 --> 00:30:25,560 Speaker 5: than what the Islanders offer, and the top two, when 646 00:30:25,560 --> 00:30:27,280 Speaker 5: we have any arrangement of the fours that you and 647 00:30:27,360 --> 00:30:29,800 Speaker 5: I have mentioned mark are better than what they have. 648 00:30:30,640 --> 00:30:34,960 Speaker 5: So to me, I think that's a preferred that's a 649 00:30:34,960 --> 00:30:38,280 Speaker 5: matchup that you might favor that I'd favor. I also 650 00:30:38,360 --> 00:30:41,520 Speaker 5: think that those two Columbus are the Islanders. I mean 651 00:30:41,600 --> 00:30:44,680 Speaker 5: to me, one of those teams might not even get 652 00:30:44,680 --> 00:30:47,520 Speaker 5: a wild card if they're not careful, and Columbus is 653 00:30:47,600 --> 00:30:50,600 Speaker 5: tracking that way, I mean, their coach made a little 654 00:30:50,600 --> 00:30:52,720 Speaker 5: bit of a guarantee will be in the playoffs, and 655 00:30:52,800 --> 00:30:55,959 Speaker 5: from that moment on they're O two to one, and 656 00:30:56,040 --> 00:30:58,240 Speaker 5: right now in this stretch you cannot and they play 657 00:30:58,280 --> 00:31:02,040 Speaker 5: Carolina again the night and after that it's a huge 658 00:31:02,040 --> 00:31:04,520 Speaker 5: two games for them, and if they don't keep pace, 659 00:31:04,960 --> 00:31:07,360 Speaker 5: they might find themselves on the outside looking in because 660 00:31:07,360 --> 00:31:11,040 Speaker 5: the wild card with Boston, what they're doing, Billy's still 661 00:31:11,080 --> 00:31:12,640 Speaker 5: kind of in the hunt. They have the bad loss 662 00:31:12,640 --> 00:31:14,760 Speaker 5: the other night, so it's going to be difficult. Whoever 663 00:31:14,800 --> 00:31:17,360 Speaker 5: doesn't make me make the metro, there's a chance they 664 00:31:17,360 --> 00:31:18,160 Speaker 5: don't even get in. 665 00:31:19,200 --> 00:31:21,840 Speaker 1: Jay, That's why I shy away from making guarantees. I'm 666 00:31:21,840 --> 00:31:25,400 Speaker 1: smarter than that. Great great stuff is always great, great 667 00:31:25,400 --> 00:31:28,000 Speaker 1: work on sports at Pittsburgh. And we'll talk again soon, 668 00:31:29,600 --> 00:31:31,760 Speaker 1: all right, Mark, take care. That's Jay kauf At. Always 669 00:31:31,760 --> 00:31:34,680 Speaker 1: a pleasure to talk to the big man. 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Casino bonus gotta be wagered. Gambling 690 00:32:35,280 --> 00:32:38,400 Speaker 1: problem Call one eight hundred gambler. Now it's time to 691 00:32:38,440 --> 00:32:43,240 Speaker 1: ask Mark anything. Dial eight three three four one two wxdx. 692 00:32:43,280 --> 00:32:46,840 Speaker 1: That's eight three three four one two wxdx, or you 693 00:32:46,880 --> 00:32:49,640 Speaker 1: can leave a talk back via the microphone icon at 694 00:32:49,640 --> 00:32:51,080 Speaker 1: the iHeartMedia app. 695 00:32:51,640 --> 00:32:53,120 Speaker 3: I'm Mark Madden one oh five to nine. 696 00:32:53,200 --> 00:32:59,280 Speaker 1: First, I'm the ask mark anything reckless by People's national gas. 697 00:33:00,600 --> 00:33:05,479 Speaker 1: That's People's hyphengas dot com. 698 00:33:05,720 --> 00:33:06,800 Speaker 3: If we're just tuning in. 699 00:33:06,840 --> 00:33:09,560 Speaker 1: The big news is that Connor Griffin got called up. 700 00:33:09,600 --> 00:33:14,120 Speaker 1: He'll be debuting for the Pirates tomorrow, presumably at shortstop, 701 00:33:14,840 --> 00:33:19,000 Speaker 1: almost certainly in the starting lineup. There's a report that 702 00:33:19,320 --> 00:33:21,520 Speaker 1: he and the Pirates are close to a deal for 703 00:33:21,640 --> 00:33:26,000 Speaker 1: nine years worth one hundred and forty million, and it's 704 00:33:26,040 --> 00:33:29,880 Speaker 1: not been finalized according to ESPN's Buster only, but it 705 00:33:29,920 --> 00:33:33,880 Speaker 1: appears imminence. That'd be great And will it make the 706 00:33:33,920 --> 00:33:35,880 Speaker 1: Pirates the team you want them to be? Will it 707 00:33:35,920 --> 00:33:39,200 Speaker 1: make the Pirates the team they haven't been for years. 708 00:33:38,880 --> 00:33:40,760 Speaker 3: For decades. I don't know. 709 00:33:41,600 --> 00:33:44,440 Speaker 1: We'll see, but it's a good move and I did 710 00:33:44,440 --> 00:33:46,600 Speaker 1: not see it coming. I thought the Pirates were cheap out. 711 00:33:47,320 --> 00:33:50,160 Speaker 1: I never thought that give the biggest contract in team history, 712 00:33:50,800 --> 00:33:54,560 Speaker 1: the longest contract in team history, to a nineteen year old. 713 00:33:55,160 --> 00:33:58,160 Speaker 1: But then again, this is a very talented nineteen year 714 00:33:58,160 --> 00:34:01,600 Speaker 1: old with a mega high ceiling, So I get it, 715 00:34:02,160 --> 00:34:04,320 Speaker 1: and like Gorman said, it kind of illustrates how they 716 00:34:04,360 --> 00:34:08,360 Speaker 1: fed up with schemes and maybe you're determined to not 717 00:34:08,440 --> 00:34:11,399 Speaker 1: do it again, although I still see this contract as 718 00:34:11,400 --> 00:34:13,680 Speaker 1: a not o liar something they're doing now won't do 719 00:34:13,760 --> 00:34:16,560 Speaker 1: again that The intent isn't there to win. The intent 720 00:34:16,600 --> 00:34:18,680 Speaker 1: is there to just tie up this guy who could 721 00:34:18,719 --> 00:34:21,880 Speaker 1: be a star that you can market, that can sell tickets. 722 00:34:22,480 --> 00:34:25,600 Speaker 1: I always look for the bad and the cynical when 723 00:34:25,600 --> 00:34:27,600 Speaker 1: it comes to Bob nodding, and why shouldn't I that's 724 00:34:27,640 --> 00:34:31,759 Speaker 1: all he deserves after his stewardship of the Pirates. But 725 00:34:31,840 --> 00:34:33,799 Speaker 1: I think it's a good thing, one that I did 726 00:34:33,800 --> 00:34:37,120 Speaker 1: not see coming. Will it make them a playoff team 727 00:34:37,120 --> 00:34:40,160 Speaker 1: this year? I think Griffin will have to achieve to 728 00:34:40,239 --> 00:34:44,680 Speaker 1: a level that's unfair to expect like Poppi and he 729 00:34:44,719 --> 00:34:46,799 Speaker 1: predicted thirteen home runs. I mean, come on, that ain't 730 00:34:46,800 --> 00:34:50,400 Speaker 1: gonna get them in the playoffs. But it makes them better. 731 00:34:51,040 --> 00:34:56,279 Speaker 1: It's a good move. I definitely like it, and I 732 00:34:56,320 --> 00:35:00,040 Speaker 1: think the Pirates saw maybe they knew all along, and 733 00:35:00,120 --> 00:35:02,880 Speaker 1: if they do sign that long term deal with Griffin tomorrow, 734 00:35:03,280 --> 00:35:07,480 Speaker 1: that's why he's up and it was predicated on him agreeing. 735 00:35:09,200 --> 00:35:11,239 Speaker 3: But at any rate, they knew, they had to know. 736 00:35:11,320 --> 00:35:12,440 Speaker 3: I knew, we all knew that. 737 00:35:12,400 --> 00:35:15,279 Speaker 1: It wasn't gonna work with Triolo at short and Gonzalez 738 00:35:15,360 --> 00:35:19,480 Speaker 1: at third. Kevin Gorman earlier thinks that Triolo and Gonzalez 739 00:35:19,480 --> 00:35:22,799 Speaker 1: will split time at third, and now that Griffin's up, 740 00:35:22,800 --> 00:35:26,680 Speaker 1: and I guess that's reasonable, though Triolo is the better fielder. 741 00:35:26,680 --> 00:35:29,360 Speaker 1: It's kind of funny they signed keep Brian Hayes to 742 00:35:29,440 --> 00:35:33,360 Speaker 1: that long term deal, traded him to get rid of 743 00:35:33,360 --> 00:35:36,800 Speaker 1: the deal, and now they got a goud third in Tarolla, 744 00:35:36,800 --> 00:35:40,520 Speaker 1: who's real similar not much popping a good glove, in fact, 745 00:35:40,520 --> 00:35:43,680 Speaker 1: maybe even less popping, not quite as good a glove, 746 00:35:43,719 --> 00:35:47,360 Speaker 1: but a lot cheaper. And with the Pirates, despite this 747 00:35:47,480 --> 00:35:51,680 Speaker 1: contract they're about to give Connor Griffin cheap. Still counts 748 00:35:51,719 --> 00:35:54,880 Speaker 1: for something, So I'm excited about it. I just I 749 00:35:54,880 --> 00:35:57,400 Speaker 1: am not sure where it leads. And as I keep saying, 750 00:35:58,800 --> 00:36:04,279 Speaker 1: the big test for the Pirates and for Nodding, that 751 00:36:04,400 --> 00:36:07,360 Speaker 1: will show whether out of the clear blue sky Bob Nutting, 752 00:36:07,480 --> 00:36:11,319 Speaker 1: after years of not caring about winning, has decided to 753 00:36:11,400 --> 00:36:14,279 Speaker 1: try and win. The test for that will be the 754 00:36:14,320 --> 00:36:18,200 Speaker 1: trade deadline, because they almost certainly figured to be in 755 00:36:18,239 --> 00:36:20,560 Speaker 1: the race for a playoff spot at the very least 756 00:36:20,600 --> 00:36:24,040 Speaker 1: come the trade deadline. Will they add talent? Will they 757 00:36:24,040 --> 00:36:28,240 Speaker 1: add payroll or will they just trade Brandon love because 758 00:36:28,280 --> 00:36:32,799 Speaker 1: his deals expiring. This is a time to celebrate, to rejoice. 759 00:36:33,920 --> 00:36:36,960 Speaker 1: I just can't help it be cynical as far as 760 00:36:37,000 --> 00:36:40,080 Speaker 1: where it leads to. But now it's time to ask 761 00:36:40,120 --> 00:36:42,319 Speaker 1: Mark anything. Let's go to Ricky, Ricky, you're on with Mark? 762 00:36:43,719 --> 00:36:44,520 Speaker 5: Hey, big sexy. 763 00:36:44,560 --> 00:36:45,279 Speaker 6: I was wonder or not? 764 00:36:45,440 --> 00:36:47,520 Speaker 5: Where would you Pat Connor Griffin? 765 00:36:47,560 --> 00:36:48,440 Speaker 6: Then line up tomorrow? 766 00:36:48,800 --> 00:36:52,160 Speaker 1: Gorman had a good take when he said hit bat 767 00:36:52,200 --> 00:36:55,080 Speaker 1: him ninth to take the pressure off. And because ninth 768 00:36:55,160 --> 00:36:57,640 Speaker 1: is kind of a second leadoff hitter type of spot, 769 00:36:58,040 --> 00:37:00,680 Speaker 1: you know, because he can really run. I mean I'd 770 00:37:00,680 --> 00:37:02,520 Speaker 1: put him second or third. I'd put him in the 771 00:37:02,520 --> 00:37:07,360 Speaker 1: Clemente spot, because that's what we're hoping for, not Clemente. 772 00:37:07,480 --> 00:37:10,560 Speaker 1: That's well, I mean we are right, uh but uh 773 00:37:10,640 --> 00:37:13,440 Speaker 1: but I mean if you made me guess, let's say 774 00:37:13,480 --> 00:37:16,680 Speaker 1: he got sixth, where would you put him? 775 00:37:16,960 --> 00:37:17,799 Speaker 5: Yeah, I mean I'm with you. 776 00:37:17,800 --> 00:37:20,120 Speaker 6: I put him in that three spot and leave him 777 00:37:20,120 --> 00:37:23,520 Speaker 6: there for the next thirty nights. And you got to 778 00:37:23,560 --> 00:37:25,680 Speaker 6: set up precedents with all these young kids coming up. 779 00:37:25,920 --> 00:37:27,360 Speaker 6: I mean, the times now, it's. 780 00:37:27,280 --> 00:37:27,839 Speaker 5: Now or never. 781 00:37:28,000 --> 00:37:30,520 Speaker 1: Well, yeah, you know, I know it's unfair to put 782 00:37:30,560 --> 00:37:32,359 Speaker 1: the pressure on him, like like you and I are 783 00:37:32,400 --> 00:37:36,160 Speaker 1: talking about. But if they're to make the playoffs, he 784 00:37:36,280 --> 00:37:39,360 Speaker 1: has to fulfill the expectations and maybe then some for 785 00:37:39,400 --> 00:37:41,600 Speaker 1: a nineteen year old. And if he's not here to 786 00:37:41,600 --> 00:37:43,399 Speaker 1: help them make the playoffs, then what the. 787 00:37:43,360 --> 00:37:44,040 Speaker 3: Hell are we doing? 788 00:37:45,520 --> 00:37:45,719 Speaker 4: Yeah? 789 00:37:45,719 --> 00:37:48,040 Speaker 6: I completely agree. You know what some Jenzer told me 790 00:37:48,120 --> 00:37:51,560 Speaker 6: that he wears number seventy two. And if you take 791 00:37:51,680 --> 00:37:55,400 Speaker 6: number seventy two and times it by Paul Skin's number thirty, 792 00:37:56,840 --> 00:38:02,480 Speaker 6: okay it is it's a twenty one sixty. And do 793 00:38:02,560 --> 00:38:05,240 Speaker 6: you do you know the significance behind that number. 794 00:38:05,320 --> 00:38:07,560 Speaker 1: No, but I do know Connor Griffin is wearing number six. 795 00:38:07,600 --> 00:38:10,360 Speaker 1: Thank you for the call. Let's go to Corey. Corey, 796 00:38:10,360 --> 00:38:11,040 Speaker 1: you're on with Mark. 797 00:38:12,000 --> 00:38:15,440 Speaker 4: Good day Devil, I said, good day, Hey Mark, I 798 00:38:15,480 --> 00:38:18,080 Speaker 4: saw the penns lines in practice this morning. Do you 799 00:38:18,200 --> 00:38:21,520 Speaker 4: understand why they will just not break up Gerard and Latang? 800 00:38:24,200 --> 00:38:25,279 Speaker 3: What are the alternatives? 801 00:38:27,160 --> 00:38:27,520 Speaker 5: I don't know. 802 00:38:27,520 --> 00:38:29,440 Speaker 4: I could you move anyone around because. 803 00:38:29,200 --> 00:38:30,560 Speaker 3: Those there's no point. 804 00:38:30,680 --> 00:38:33,799 Speaker 1: There's no point to breaking up Carlson and Watherspoon because 805 00:38:33,840 --> 00:38:39,160 Speaker 1: that's worked mightily. Uh yeah, I like Clifton and Shaye 806 00:38:40,000 --> 00:38:42,960 Speaker 1: as a third pair, although I think Shay is worthy 807 00:38:42,960 --> 00:38:45,720 Speaker 1: of more minutes. Then again, the defenseman are playing fairly easy, 808 00:38:46,080 --> 00:38:49,280 Speaker 1: fairly even minutes, and Shae gets time on the PK. 809 00:38:49,960 --> 00:38:52,839 Speaker 1: And I know that Latang prefers to play with a 810 00:38:52,880 --> 00:38:57,800 Speaker 1: puck mover, which Gerard is, and not a defensive defenseman, 811 00:38:57,840 --> 00:39:00,000 Speaker 1: which Shay is. So maybe that's your answer right there, 812 00:39:00,080 --> 00:39:02,560 Speaker 1: or what number fifty eight prefers? 813 00:39:04,320 --> 00:39:04,719 Speaker 5: I don't know. 814 00:39:04,760 --> 00:39:07,200 Speaker 4: They just been offul together man, maybe you can. 815 00:39:07,040 --> 00:39:09,719 Speaker 1: Play that not not not the last two games. Not 816 00:39:09,840 --> 00:39:12,000 Speaker 1: the last two games. They've been pretty solid in those 817 00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:16,839 Speaker 1: two wins against the Islanders and against Detroit. Who would 818 00:39:16,880 --> 00:39:18,520 Speaker 1: you put in in Gerard's place? 819 00:39:18,560 --> 00:39:20,200 Speaker 3: Though, if you scratched. 820 00:39:19,800 --> 00:39:24,360 Speaker 4: Him, I don't know. How about Selovio Ovver Saint Ivany 821 00:39:24,440 --> 00:39:25,360 Speaker 4: Do you think they would. 822 00:39:25,160 --> 00:39:26,520 Speaker 3: Playman's right handed? 823 00:39:26,560 --> 00:39:31,880 Speaker 1: They wouldn't go righty righty, Soelvi off, Yeah, I would. 824 00:39:32,320 --> 00:39:34,600 Speaker 1: I think he's played well in limited duty, But again, 825 00:39:35,200 --> 00:39:37,759 Speaker 1: Latang prefers to play with the pop mover. La Tang 826 00:39:38,239 --> 00:39:41,120 Speaker 1: loves playing with Kulac, which is why I'm surprised they 827 00:39:41,120 --> 00:39:44,279 Speaker 1: made that deal. Thank you for the call up. Next, 828 00:39:44,280 --> 00:39:47,440 Speaker 1: I'm going to talk about my football hero, but get 829 00:39:47,480 --> 00:39:50,440 Speaker 1: more calls and I want your reaction to the Connor 830 00:39:50,480 --> 00:39:53,879 Speaker 1: Griffin call up and what are your expectations for him 831 00:39:54,480 --> 00:39:56,440 Speaker 1: and for the pirates now that he's arrived one oh 832 00:39:56,520 --> 00:39:57,040 Speaker 1: five to nine