The following was spoken in the fall of 2024.

Quote, I believe we're going to go into 2025 with as strong of a major league roster as we've had since I've been here.

Just as importantly, I think we're going to go into 2025 with as strong of a baseball operation

as we've had since I've been here.

And we need both.

Ultimately, proofs in the pudding.

Got to go do the work and get the results on the field.

I'm excited about what's ahead in 2025 and beyond because I do believe we'll go into 25 in the strongest position we've been in all of those areas.

Ah, good morning to you.

Good Monday morning.

I'm Day on Kovachovich of D.K. Pittsburgh Sports.

This is Daily Shot of Pirates.

It comes your way bright and early.

Every weekday, if you're into football and or hockey,

I also offer daily shots of Steelers and Penguins in the same place.

That you found this.

Cubs 4, Pirates 3 yesterday in Chicago.

That concluded a series in which the Cubs took 2 of 3,

a road trip in which the Brewers and the Cubs took five of six.

And that left Ben Charrington, the author of that quote, and the architect of this monstrosity,

continuing to reap the rewards for the best thing he'd ever put together. Now at 52 and 73, 21 games under 500

in mid-August. If you're curious, the season worst the team's been was 22 games under 500 after that ignominious sweep by the White

...