Live from LECOM Park, Neil and Doug set the table for one of the most fun wrinkles on the spring schedule: the Pirates facing Team Colombia in an exhibition that brought a little extra buzz to camp. It’s still Grapefruit League season, but games like this can be quite fun to watch.
The preview started on the mound, with Pittsburgh slated to go up against a Colombia starter with big-league experience (including time with the Braves) Julio Teheran. From there, the conversation shifted to the storyline that’s quickly becoming the daily debate in Bradenton: the 5th-starter picture. If this is truly a competition, the last few outings have only tightened it — José Urquidy flashed early before a bumpier frame, while Hunter Barco’s recent work has put him firmly in the mix. The takeaway: don’t assume anything is “handed out” this spring — performances are forcing decisions.
We also spent time on the prospect watch. Merlin Valdez has turned heads, and the middle-infield group has shown real thump (including home runs from De Los Santos and Rivas). And yes, Konnor Griffin’s early spring stat that jumps off the page: 16 plate appearances without a strikeout.
If you want the full on-site vibe, lineup talk, and the latest read on how the roster chessboard is moving, catch the full episode of North Shore Nine — and subscribe so you don’t miss the daily Bradenton coverage.
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