DK’s Double Shot of Pirates: The new guys
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In this episode of DK Pittsburgh Sports' Double Shot Pirates, host Dan Kovacevic dives into the early-season performance of the Pittsburgh Pirates, focusing on the transformative impact of recent acquisitions Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn. Despite a historically low attendance trend that reflects long-term ticketing strategies rather than fan enthusiasm, Kovacevic highlights how Lowe and O'Hearn have energized the team with their elite offensive production—both posting four-digit OPS figures—and their calm, professional demeanor at the plate. Their presence has visibly elevated the clubhouse culture, instilling confidence in younger players like O'Neal Cruz and Brian Reynolds. Kovacevic and beat reporter Jose Negron discuss the team’s winning momentum, strong starting rotation depth, and the subtle but powerful leadership of veteran players who lead by example. The episode also touches on the bullpen’s resilience, the development of young pitchers like Carmen Majinski and Bubba Chandler, and the importance of internal camaraderie within the rotation. While cautioning against overreaction to small-sample-size success, the hosts express cautious optimism about the Pirates’ direction and culture shift.
Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn are having an outsized impact on the Pirates' offense and clubhouse culture with elite early-season performance and professional composure.
Attendance trends reflect long-term ticketing strategies, not fan interest, and won’t be significantly affected by recent wins until later in the season.
The Pirates’ starting rotation is developing strong internal competition and camaraderie, led by Paul Skeens and Mitch Keller, with younger arms like Majinski and Chandler showing promise.
Veteran players like Lowe and O'Hearn are leading through consistency and example, not loud leadership, creating a culture of professionalism and confidence.
The bullpen has held its own despite early-season adversity, with key performances from Johan Ramirez and others under pressure.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Pirates' Early Season Context and Attendance Reality
Kovacevic sets the stage by explaining how attendance is not a short-term indicator of fan interest, but rather a result of long-term ticketing strategies. He clarifies that wins don’t immediately translate to higher turnout, and that the current low crowds are expected and not a reflection of the team’s current momentum.
The Impact of Lowe and O'Hearn: Offense and Culture
“They just look so... professional hitter. Professional hitter. And you think about how long it's been since the Pirates have had not just one of those, but two of those.”
The New Guys: Proven Hitters Leading by Example
Kovacevic and Negron discuss how Lowe and O'Hearn have maintained high-quality plate appearances even in spring training, proving they’re ready for the regular season. Their consistency, discipline, and ability to grind at-bats are highlighted as key intangibles that benefit the entire lineup.
Rotation Chemistry and Leadership in the Starting Staff
“It's been really neat to see this rotation come together, Jose, to challenge each other, to push each other. And when I'm talking about Majinski and Ashcraft, I'm talking about doing it verbally. They're saying you go six innings. I got to go six innings.”
Jake Mangum and the Energy of the Bench
Mangum is praised as a spark-plug player whose hustle, energy, and enthusiasm bring life to the dugout. While not a power hitter, his relentless effort and vocal presence make him a key cultural fit for the team’s new identity.
“They just look so... professional hitter. Professional hitter. And you think about how long it's been since the Pirates have had not just one of those, but two of those.”
“It's been really neat to see this rotation come together, Jose, to challenge each other, to push each other. And when I'm talking about Majinski and Ashcraft, I'm talking about doing it verbally. They're saying you go six innings. I got to go six innings.”
“Even if you're not getting the results, as long as you're in a position where you're ready to contribute during the regular season when the games actually matter, that's all that matters.”
Host
Guest
Pirates
organization
Dan Kovacevic
person
Brandon Lowe
person
Ryan O'Hearn
person
Jose Negron
person
Paul Skeens
person
Braxton Ashcraft
person
Mitch Keller
person
Carmen Majinski
person
Bubba Chandler
person
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