DK’s Double Shot of Pirates: On Griffin’s start

In this episode of DK Pittsburgh Sports' Double Shot of Pirates, host Dan Kovacevic delivers a candid, forward-looking analysis of the Pirates' early-season performance, focusing on both the team's promising offensive contributors and the underlying concerns about key players. While celebrating the strong starts from Brandon Laird, Ryan O'Hearn, and Nick González, Kovacevic shifts focus to the troubling slumps of Marcel Ozuna, Henry Davis, and Spencer Horwitz, cautioning against mistaking high-impact moments for sustained production. The central theme revolves around Connor Griffin, the 19-year-old prospect, whose one hit in 13 at-bats has sparked debate. Kovacevic argues passionately that Griffin must be protected and nurtured—despite the pressure to perform—because his long-term potential outweighs short-term results. He emphasizes that the organization's priority should be developing a future Hall of Famer, not chasing immediate wins, and warns against overreacting to early struggles. The episode also touches on the broader context of team competitiveness, player development, and the importance of patience in building a sustainable contender.