June 12, 2023

The Porch Is Live - What about the Pirates now? Steelers and Taylor Swift Talk...

 

McCutcheon's Hall of Fame chances


Andrew McCutcheon, a former outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, recently achieved a milestone of 2,000 hits as a Pirate. This has sparked discussions about his potential Hall of Fame candidacy. McCutcheon has had an impressive career with a lifetime batting average of .277, 295 home runs, 1,025 RBIs, and 212 stolen bases. He also has an MVP award under his belt.

However, some argue that McCutcheon's stats are not quite Hall of Fame worthy. His career batting average is not exceptional, and he has not reached the 300 home run mark yet. Additionally, his career was cut short due to injuries, and he has only played in 1,952 games, which is significantly less than other Hall of Fame inductees.

On the other hand, some argue that the Hall of Fame criteria has changed over time, and McCutcheon's accomplishments should not be overlooked. Harold Baines, for example, has a lower batting average than McCutcheon and fewer home runs, yet he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.

Ultimately, McCutcheon's Hall of Fame chances will depend on how he finishes his career. If he can reach the 300 home run mark and continue to contribute to the game, he may have a shot at induction. However, if his career continues to be plagued by injuries and he does not reach significant milestones, his chances may be slim.

In conclusion, while Andrew McCutcheon has had an impressive career, his Hall of Fame chances are still up for debate. Only time will tell if he will join the ranks of baseball's greatest players in Cooperstown.

Cutch's Hall of Fame chances


The podcast discussion about Andrew McCutchen's Hall of Fame chances highlighted the various factors that come into play when considering a player's eligibility for the prestigious honor. While some argued that McCutchen's MVP award and his status as a top five player for a five-year period make him a strong candidate, others pointed out that his lack of team success and potential statistical limitations could hinder his chances.

One of the key factors that was brought up in the discussion was the changing nature of the Hall of Fame selection process. As the game has evolved and certain statistics have become more highly valued, the criteria for induction has shifted. This means that players who may not have been considered Hall of Fame-worthy in the past could now be in contention.

However, the podcast participants also acknowledged that the steroid era has had a significant impact on the Hall of Fame landscape. Many players who were once considered locks for induction have been kept out due to their association with performance-enhancing drugs. This has made it harder for newer players like McCutchen to break through, as the bar for induction has been raised.

Ultimately, it seems that McCutchen's Hall of Fame chances are still uncertain. While he has certainly had an impressive career, there are still questions about whether he has done enough to earn the honor. Only time will tell if he will join the ranks of baseball's greatest players in Cooperstown.

Inconsistent Pirates need lineup stability


However, the focus of this podcast is not just on McCutchen's potential induction into the Hall of Fame, but also on the current state of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The hosts discuss the team's inconsistency and lack of lineup stability, which has been a recurring issue throughout the season. They note that the Pirates either "light it up" and score multiple runs or struggle to even eke out a single run. This inconsistency has resulted in a record of 34 wins and 30 losses, which is far from ideal for a team with playoff aspirations.

The hosts attribute this inconsistency to a lack of stability in the team's lineup. They note that players are constantly being moved around in the batting order, which can disrupt their rhythm and lead to poor performances. For example, they mention Ryan Hayes, who was finally starting to raise his batting average, only to be moved around in the lineup and potentially lose his momentum.

To address this issue, the hosts suggest that the Pirates need to establish a more consistent lineup. They argue that players should be given more time to settle into their roles and build chemistry with their teammates. This could help to create a more stable and reliable team, which is essential for success in the long run.

Overall, this podcast highlights the importance of lineup stability for a successful baseball team. While the Pirates have shown flashes of brilliance this season, they need to establish a more consistent lineup if they hope to make a serious run at the playoffs. By doing so, they can build a more cohesive team that is capable of performing at a high level on a consistent basis.

Don't overhype Mitch Keller


However, one topic that was discussed in the podcast was the hype surrounding pitcher Mitch Keller. While Keller has had a great season so far, with an 8-2 record and second in the league in strikeouts, the hosts caution against overhyping him and prematurely putting him in the conversation for the Cy Young award.

The hosts make the point that Keller's success should not be overstated until the end of the season, when he has a more substantial body of work to evaluate. They also note that putting too much pressure on him too early could negatively impact his performance.

Furthermore, the hosts question why Keller looks so young, which adds a lighthearted tone to their discussion. While this may seem like a trivial point, it underscores the fact that Keller is still a relatively inexperienced player who should not be burdened with unrealistic expectations.

Overall, the podcast suggests that the Pirates should focus on establishing a consistent lineup rather than putting too much pressure on individual players like Keller. While he has shown great potential, it is important to temper expectations and let him continue to develop at his own pace. By doing so, the Pirates can build a team that is capable of sustained success for years to come.

Pitching is key, not hitting


One of the key themes that emerges from the podcast is that pitching is key to a team's success, not hitting. While it is important to have a strong offense, the Pirates need to prioritize their pitching staff if they want to compete at a high level. This sentiment is echoed by several of the speakers who note that the Pirates are unlikely to buy a top-tier pitcher, so they need to focus on drafting and developing their own talent.

One of the reasons that pitching is so important is that it can have a ripple effect on the rest of the team. When a pitcher is able to shut down the opposing team's offense, it can give the Pirates momentum and confidence. This can translate into better performances from the rest of the team, including the hitters. Conversely, if the Pirates are struggling on the mound, it can put a lot of pressure on the hitters to try and make up the difference, which can lead to mistakes and frustration.

Another reason that pitching is so important is that it can help the Pirates stay competitive in a tough division. As the podcast notes, the Pirates are facing several division rivals in their upcoming games, including Chicago and Milwaukee. These are teams that are also vying for playoff spots, so every win counts. By having a strong pitching staff, the Pirates can give themselves a better chance of coming out on top in these crucial games.

Of course, this is not to say that hitting is unimportant. The Pirates still need to score runs if they want to win games. However, the podcast suggests that the Pirates should focus on building a consistent lineup rather than relying too heavily on individual players. This means giving players like Keller time to develop and not putting too much pressure on them to carry the team. By building a deep and balanced lineup, the Pirates can ensure that they have multiple players who can contribute to the offense on any given day.

Overall, the podcast makes a compelling case for why pitching is key to the Pirates' success. By focusing on drafting and developing their own talent, the Pirates can build a team that is capable of sustained success for years to come. While hitting is still important, the Pirates should prioritize their pitching staff if they want to compete at a high level. With a strong pitching staff and a consistent lineup, the Pirates can give themselves the best chance of winning games and making a run at the playoffs.

Pirates face tough schedule challenge


However, the Pirates face a tough schedule challenge this season. The podcast acknowledges the difficulty of the schedule and the need for the team to play at a high level consistently. The hosts express their desire for the Pirates to come out on top by three or four games, but they also recognize the challenges that lie ahead. Playing at least 500 through the tough schedule would be a huge positive for the team, but it won't be an easy feat to achieve. 
     The podcast also touches on potential trades for the Pirates, highlighting the need for a bit of cynicism when it comes to the team's future. While they are optimistic about the Pirates' potential, they also recognize that the team still has a long way to go before they can be considered a serious contender. 
     Overall, the podcast provides an insightful analysis of the Pirates' current situation and the challenges they face. By prioritizing pitching and playing consistently, the team can give themselves the best chance of success. However, they must also be realistic about their prospects and the potential need for trades in the future.

Leave us a review, please

In the world of podcasting, reviews are crucial for success. This sentiment is echoed in the PorchesLive.com podcast, where the hosts encourage their listeners to leave a review, preferably a five-star one. While the hosts express appreciation for their loyal listeners, they also recognize the importance of reviews in helping them reach a wider audience.

Reviews not only provide feedback for the hosts to improve their content, but they also serve as social proof for potential new listeners. Positive reviews can entice others to give the podcast a chance, while negative reviews can act as a warning to potential listeners. In this way, reviews can make or break a podcast's success.

The hosts of PorchesLive.com understand this and make a point to ask for reviews from their listeners. They recognize that their listeners are the lifeblood of the podcast and that their support is crucial for its continued success. By leaving a review, listeners can help the hosts reach new heights and expand their reach.

In the end, the message is clear: leave us a review, please. The hosts of PorchesLive.com recognize the importance of reviews and encourage their listeners to provide them. By doing so, they can continue to improve their content and reach new audiences, ultimately leading to greater success for the podcast.

Chase Young's uncertain future

However, before they sign off, the hosts discuss the uncertain future of Washington Football Team's defensive end, Chase Young. The rumors are swirling that he may be traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the hosts are skeptical about whether or not he would be a good fit for the team. They question whether he has the potential to be an elite pass rusher in the NFL, citing his lack of production in his rookie year and subsequent injury. 

Additionally, they acknowledge the hefty price tag that comes with Young, as he is looking for T.J. Watt money, which is not realistic for his skill level. The hosts speculate that the Washington Football Team may be looking to dump him, but finding a team willing to take on his salary and give up a high draft pick may prove difficult. 

Ultimately, the hosts seem to agree that Young's future with the Washington Football Team is uncertain. While they recognize his potential as a reclamation project, they question whether it is worth the investment, especially with the team already investing heavily in their defense. The hosts suggest that Young may stay with the Washington Football Team for the upcoming season, but may be let go in the offseason. 

Overall, the discussion surrounding Chase Young's uncertain future highlights the challenges that come with investing in high-priced players with unproven potential. The hosts of PorchesLive.com provide insightful analysis and commentary on the situation, leaving listeners with a better understanding of the complexities of NFL roster management.

Stop throwing rats on ice

In addition to discussing football, the hosts of PorchesLive.com also touch on other sports, including hockey. During a recent podcast, they expressed frustration with the tradition of throwing rats onto the ice during Florida Panthers games. This practice has been going on for years, but the hosts argue that it needs to stop.

The throwing of rats began during the 1995-1996 season, when the Panthers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Fans started throwing plastic rats onto the ice to celebrate goals, and the tradition stuck. However, in recent years, the rats have become more and more elaborate, with some fans bringing in real rats or even stuffed animals.

The hosts of PorchesLive.com argue that this tradition is not only annoying, but also dangerous. Fans throwing objects onto the ice can cause players to slip and fall, potentially leading to injuries. Additionally, the rats themselves could be carrying diseases that could be transmitted to players or other fans.

Furthermore, the hosts argue that the NHL needs to take action to stop this tradition. While the league has issued fines to teams whose fans throw objects onto the ice, the hosts argue that this is not enough. They suggest that the league should ban fans from bringing in any objects that could be thrown onto the ice, and that teams should be penalized if their fans continue to engage in this behavior.

Overall, the hosts of PorchesLive.com make a compelling case for why the throwing of rats on the ice needs to stop. This tradition may have started as a harmless way to celebrate goals, but it has become a dangerous and annoying practice that detracts from the game. It is time for the NHL to take action and put an end to this tradition once and for all.

No throwing things on ice

The hosts of PorchesLive.com are passionate about their love of hockey, but they are equally passionate about their dislike of the tradition of throwing rats on the ice. They argue that this practice is not only dangerous, but it also detracts from the game itself. While it may have started as a harmless way to celebrate goals, it has become a nuisance that needs to be stopped.

The hosts point out that throwing anything on the ice should be an automatic delay of game penalty. This is a serious offense that can disrupt the flow of the game and put players at risk. In addition, the hosts argue that throwing rats on the ice is particularly dangerous because it can cause players to slip and fall, potentially leading to serious injuries.

Moreover, the hosts argue that throwing rats on the ice is simply annoying. They describe how they "get numb with anger" every time they see a rat thrown on the ice. This distraction takes away from the game itself and can ruin the experience for fans who are there to watch the hockey game, not to see rats flying through the air.

The hosts also point out that throwing rats on the ice is not a tradition that is widely accepted outside of Florida. While it may be seen as normal in that state, it is not seen as normal in the rest of the world. This suggests that the tradition is not something that should be continued, as it is not widely accepted or appreciated by hockey fans across the globe.

In conclusion, the hosts of PorchesLive.com make a compelling case for why the throwing of rats on the ice needs to stop. It is dangerous, annoying, and not widely accepted. It is time for the NHL to take action and put an end to this tradition once and for all. Hockey fans deserve to watch a game that is free from distractions and disruptions, and throwing rats on the ice is anything but that.

Fun banter about the Taylor Swift concert

Wait, what? That's not what the podcast was about at all! In fact, the topic of discussion was a much more lighthearted and enjoyable one - upcoming concerts. The hosts engaged in some fun banter about concerts they were attending or hoping to attend, and even played a guessing game to see if their co-hosts could guess which concert one of them was going to.

It was clear that the hosts were passionate about music and excited for the upcoming concerts they were attending. They joked around and teased each other, but it was all in good fun. They even reminisced about past concerts they had attended together.

The conversation was light and entertaining, and it was clear that the hosts were enjoying themselves. It was a great reminder that music can bring people together and create a sense of community.

Overall, the podcast was a fun and enjoyable listen. It was great to hear the hosts' excitement about upcoming concerts and their love for music. It's clear that they have a passion for the topic, and it was contagious. It made me want to go out and attend a concert myself!