Rum Bunter Radio #66: The Pirates Say Goodbye to Gregory Polanco

Gregory Polanco officially hits the road, and he’s not alone in his exit as the Pittsburgh Pirates make some moves.

In this episode of Rum Bunter Radio Nick Caporoso and Trey Yanity take you through the previous week of Pirates baseball, and for the week of August 29th, it has been a hectic one.

After waiver wire drama centered around veteran outfielder Gregory Polanco, the Pittsburgh Pirates officially released the eight-year right fielder, clearing roles for newcomers like Hoy Park, and potentially guys like Travis Swaggerty down the line.

Although it was extremely difficult for the city and Pirates fans to tell “El Coffee” goodbye, this move does create possibilities this offseason, knowing that Polanco will not be re-signed. The guys jump in on a discussion about contract extensions, and the direction they see the Pirates taking this offseason.

More from Rum Bunter

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• Pittsburgh Pirates Prospect Stockwatch: Outfielder Tres Gonzalez
• Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast: Rum Bunter Radio Talks Winter Meetings Fallout
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Potential Leadoff Hitters in 2023
• Pittsburgh Pirates: The Rotation is not being Improved

IT IS TIME. It’s been time, and the time isn’t getting any better to offer a contract extension to centerpiece outfielder Bryan Reynolds. But as Nick puts it on the show, “It takes two to tango”, finding the correct deal for both parties could be the reasoning behind the delay.

After joining the team for next to nothing, Yoshi Tsutsugo, the former Dodger, has cemented his role in the starting lineup for the remainder of this season, after his hot start and late-game heroics.

What is in store for Yoshi this offseason? Does Ben Cherrington use some of that extra cash to sign up one of his potential power bats of the future? Listen for the answers to these questions, ones that may take you by surprise.

Not only was Greg released earlier in the week, but hitting coach Rick Eckstein was forced out as well after two seasons with the Bucs. Why did this move go down now? And what ultimately led to this decision?

To close out the show the duo honors the legacy of the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that won the World Series, but one that accomplished something even greater during the regular season. On September 1st, 1971 the Bucs fielded the first all-minority lineup in MLB history, and their legacy will live forever. Of course, there is a caveat to this with the MLB adopting the Negro Leagues’ history.

Batten down the hatches, clear the decks Rum Bunter Radio episode 66 is here!