HOUR 2 - Darick Hall, Billy Cook, Nick Gonzales

Pirates 1B Darick Hall joined the show. Darick is a new Bucco this year, recently with the Phillies, a team that was on the doorstep of a championship the last few seasons. Darick said his junior year of college is when he really started to find his power and get the grip of reality that he could get drafted. Darick talked about the guys he watched growing up and who he tries to model his game after – some big-time boppers of the late 90’s and 2000’s. Darick said one of those guys was Barry Bonds and he broke down what he loved about his game. Darick talked about the changes in the game and how hitters approach at-bats differently than years ago. He said Juan Soto was deserving of his money and noted how great of a swing he has. The guys asked Darick about how he has changed his strategy at the plate after a down year in 2024. Darick described his favorite moment in the big leagues so far. Darick chatted about watching baseball growing up and his love for the 2004 Red Sox. Darick gave a shout out to MVP Baseball 2005 – the single greatest baseball video game ever made. The guys asked Darick about his offseason and/or relaxation plan. Pirates OF/1B Billy Cook joined the show. Billy said he missed out on the air bnb he had last year in spring training with the Orioles. Billy is living with Nick Yorke during the spring, another young guy that came over at the deadline last year. Billy said he isn’t much of a cook and told the story about making chicken pot pie. The guys asked Billy about playing with Paul Skenes and the approach against him in the batter’s box. Billy told the guys about a few ‘holy crap’ moments he’s had in his professional life, but he doesn’t have any starstruck moments yet. Who does Billy model his game after? Billy said his favorite player growing up was Dustin Pedroia because he thought he would be shorter due to both of his parents being 5’7. Billy talked about the challenge of breaking through with the Orioles due to their abundance of good, young players in the system. He gave his kneejerk reaction to being traded to the Pirates. Billy feels most comfortable in CF and talked about seeing Oneil Cruz in action. He thinks Cruz could be a great athlete in multiple sports. Pirates 2B Nick Gonzales joined the show. Nick joined during our Mock of the Day segment and reacted to his Cowboys taking Ashton Jeanty in the 1st round. Nick said he went to all but one Cowboys game 2 years ago. Nick said his favorite Cowboy player of all-time is Tony Romo. Nick talked about his high school days and playing multiple sports. Nick said Alex Rodriguez was his favorite baseball player growing up, but also loved Andrew McCutchen when he started to play outfield. Nick talked about his love for cars and his grandpa being a racecar driver back in the day.