North Shore Nine

The newest episode of Bucco Brew covers a surprisingly eventful weekend for Pirates fans, starting with College GameDay giving the team some national attention and Pat McAfee calling out Bob Nutting while praising Paul Skenes. Jim and Doug also touch on a few quick notes: Nick Gonzales being inducted into the Cape Cod League Hall of Fame after his dominant 2019 summer, and Cam Devanney heading to Japan following a short and difficult debut with the Pirates.

The main focus of the episode is Tuesday’s Rule 5 protection deadline. Jim lays out the four players he believes the Pirates must add to the 40-man roster: Brandan Bidois, Esmerlyn Valdez, Antwone Kelly, and Wilber Dotel. Doug emphasizes how costly it would be to lose any of that pitching depth, especially for fringe roster pieces who provide far less long-term value. They also break down which current players could be removed from the 40-man to create space and why the Pirates cannot afford another Rule 5 fiasco like past regimes endured.

They close with thoughts on new coaching hires Kristopher Negron and Tony Beasley.

Watch or listen now to get caught up before Tuesday’s moves. And grab De Fer Coffee online using code NS930 for 30 percent off your first order.