Episode 27: Roster Renovations Are In for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Don Kelly May be Out.

In this episode of Rum Bunter Radio the crew breaks down the decisions the Pittsburgh Pirates made this week on who to keep and who to walk, and who they should keep around for the long term.

The most expected news of the offseason came Saturday, as the Pittsburgh Pirates declined the $11 million option of former Cy Young Award winner Chris Archer. The long-time Tampa Bay Ray made 33 starts with the Buccos throughout his time, and finished with a less than glossy era of .494.

It’s not only what he didn’t provide for the Pirates, the community winces more at the thought of what the three key prospects, traded for Archer, are doing in Tampa. Our team dives into a discussion on how this trade has affected organization and why the Chris Archer downfall was as bad as it could be.

Along with Archer several names moved off the roster this week, including a few surprises like Nick Tropeano and Dovydas Neverauskas. Who will fill their roles, and why are the decisions being made?

It’s no secret Josh Bell can drive the baseball farther than anyone on the roster when he is on. Although, when he’s off, as he was in 2020, things can get hairy for the 28 year old first baseball, especially in the field. Will the Pirates sign Bell for the long haul? Listen to hear an argument for both sides, and why it would be best to part ways with JB now to get the highest value.

Former player and current bench coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Don Kelly has recently completed his second interview with the Boston Red Sox. Kelly’s name has popped around the league for a potential managerial hire. After Detroit’s hire of A.J. Hinch, Kelly may just appear in Fenway Park on a daily basis beginning next season.

Where do the Pirates go with his role if Kelly were to be hired? Options exist and are discussed on this episode of RBR, along with Gregory Polanco, the front office and much more.

Batten down the hatches, clear the decks and enjoy this week’s episode of Rum Bunter Radio.

In this episode of Rum Bunter Radio the crew breaks down the decisions the Pittsburgh Pirates made this week on who to keep and who to walk, and who they should keep around for the long term.

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