Jeff Hathorne

I got this jersey...

Because I was playing pond hockey with buddies a bunch, and we would all wear our favorite jerseys.

And I'm such a scrub that I actually felt bad wearing my Lemieux jersey out there.

And I was like, how about an upstart, hardworking guy like Mike Aruzzione?

Let's go with that.

Felt better about that one.

Damn right.

Speaking of a whole new level, we were just talking about Connor Griffin, who would be playing at a whole new level this year.

He just spoke to the media at Pirate City, Jeff.

And Mackey has said he gives him a 50-50 shot of being on the opening day club.

I mean, I think it helps solve a lot of problems.

Would it be rushing him, though?

He's only played 21 games in AA.

That's how we started the show today, Jeff.

I think as currently constructed, the only way the Pirates make the playoffs is if you get a reversion to form by Brian Reynolds and O'Neal Cruz to be better than what he was last year.

And Cruz is what, a .233 career hitter?

He hit .259 two years ago.

He hit .200 last year.

If he hits .259, Jeff, I mean, he's hitting 30 balls out of the ballpark, I would think.

Are you going to be rooting for Artur Shilovs today, Jeff?