Morning Rundown: Minor league opening weekend standouts in the Pirates system

FCL names to watch, early Bradenton standouts

The Florida Complex League begins this week, and we discuss some players to watch for the Pirates this year. There will be a few repeats. What kind of progress are we looking for from some of them? What new names will be worth monitoring, and are there any breakout candidates among the initial group of players beginning at the Complex? We then shift to the Bradenton Marauders and highlight three standouts early in the season, including Konnor Griffin. What kind of expectations should we have for Griffin based on his performance this season? We also talked about Axiel Plaz making better contact this year, as well as the velocity bump of Hunter Furtado. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Follow us on Twitter: @NolaJeffy @__Murphy88 Subscribe to the YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@bucsondeck [https://www.youtube.com/@bucsondeck] Get full access to Bucs On Deck at bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe [https://bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Greensboro trip recap, Hunter Barco's dominance, and is it Liover Peguero time?

In our latest podcast episode, we discuss my recent trip to Greensboro to watch the Grasshoppers for an entire week. Which players stood out? Is the Javier Rivas start of the season legitimate, and what have been the key factors in his breakout? The Pirates’ pitching factory might have a legitimate breakout in Antwone Kelly, an international signing who hit triple-digits in his start last week. Is it just the fastball, or does he have a well-rounded arsenal? Is Shalin Polanco heading for a breakout, and what might help him get there? We then shift to Altoona and the fantastic start to the year from Hunter Barco. Is he a potential top 100 arm, and what pitching prospects would you take ahead of him in the Pirates’ system right now? Finally, we talk about Liover Peguero. Is it time for him to get another shot in the majors, and is anything different from last year? We explore some of the analytics on just how much he may have improved and how to fit him on the major league roster. Follow us on X @__Murphy88 @NolaJeffy Subscribe to the YouTube Page https://www.youtube.com/@bucsondeck [https://www.youtube.com/@bucsondeck] Get full access to Bucs On Deck at bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe [https://bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Morning Rundown: Minor league opening weekend standouts in the Pirates system

In our latest podcast episode, we discuss some of the standouts for opening weekend for the rest of the affiliates in the Pirates’ system. Between Garrett McMillan and Javier Rivas, we discuss all the top performers from the early games of the minor league season. We also talk, short-term, about some things we are watching for from some of the rest of the affiliates, like the usage of Alessandro Ercolani and Konnor Griffin at shortstop. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. You can subscribe to the Substack here: https://bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe [https://bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe] You can also follow us on Twitter: @__Murphy88 @NolaJeffy Also, check out my YouTube page where I post videos of minor league baseball in the Pirates system https://www.youtube.com/@bucsondeck [https://www.youtube.com/@bucsondeck] Get full access to Bucs On Deck at bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe [https://bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Pirates fall to 1-5, David Bednar optioned, lower-level players to watch in 2025

In our latest podcast episode, we discussed the Pirates’ 1-5 start and how bleak things seem at the moment. We also discussed David Bednar getting optioned and recurring themes that have presented themselves the first time through the rotation. We also review the potential lower-level minor leaguers we will be watching closely in 2025, including some notable names and some under-the-radar follows. With the season starting recently, the site is having a flash sale on yearly subscriptions. From now until next Saturday, you can upgrade and get 30% off a yearly subscription when you become a paid member. That equates to less than $3 per month and far less than $1 per paid feature. Video breakdowns, our full write-ups on our top 25 prospects, and other player features are among the benefits of upgrading. Follow us on Twitter: @__Murphy88 @NolaJeffy Subscribe to the YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@bucsondeck [https://www.youtube.com/@bucsondeck] Get full access to Bucs On Deck at bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe [https://bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Opening day roster thoughts, Upper level prospects to watch in 2025

In our latest podcast episode, we discuss how the roster is coming together for opening day. How confident do we feel about what the initial 26-man roster is looking for the Pittsburgh Pirates? We also give our ‘soft’ predictions for how many wins they will finish with and who the most valuable player might be. Shifting to the minor league side, we go over some projected upper-level prospects we are monitoring this season. The projected Triple-A rotation is an obvious pick, but what other players should you be watching going into 2025? Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Follow us on Twitter @__Murphy88 @NolaJeffy Get full access to Bucs On Deck at bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe [https://bucsondeck.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]