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Bill Brink's Pirates chat: 02.27.19
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Bill Brink
12:28
That's the plan, yes. Melky could be insurance for Chisenhall and his calf injuries.
BobbyToledo
12:28
Just curious about Kang because they were so high on Moran last year. Has that enthusiasm soured? I mean he was a rookie last year. Lots more potential to tap or no?
Bill Brink
12:28
They think there's more power in there and have specific first-step quickness and angle data they've shown him to work on his defense. I don't think they've soured on him as much as it's now a competition with Kang back.
Rod Scurry
12:28
what is back-up plan for 2B? Newman or Kramer?
Bill Brink
12:29
Probably Newman, who will be on the active roster and has played 2B last year.
Guest
12:29
Do you know when the Pirates tv deal comes up for renewal and might this affect our spending ability and willingness to spend more in the future ?
Bill Brink
12:30
Excellent question. It's up after this year, and one would have to believe that the next one will be worth more. As far as willingness to spend, ownership has not shown much of that, and Nutting did not address the TV deal in specifics when asked about it.
Rod Scurry
12:30
Reyes seems like odd man out if Melky makes roster - or do you think he is on no matter what
Bill Brink
12:31
It sort of depends on what happens with Diaz and Stallings, and if Reyes can play a capable shortstop. I think both Reyes and Melky could make the team but I struggle to see how if they carry three catchers.
Chuck
12:31
A few years ago the game seemed to speed up when Umpires forced players to stay in the box and most games I went to then were done in 2.5-3 hours, then it became longer again,  is the game going to get faster this year?
Bill Brink
12:32
There might be a pitch clock, and there might not be; there might be a three-batter rule, and there might not be; umpires might enforce the batter's box rule, or they might not. There are mechanisms in place, but no guarantee they'll be enacted.
Alex
12:32
Odds we see Ke’Bryan Hayes in the majors this year and if so, when?
Bill Brink
12:32
I'd say pretty good, and September call-up at the latest.
O. Shutdown
12:32
I think the starting pitching is going to struggle to live up to the hype? Concur?
Bill Brink
12:33
Possibly, if the "hype" requires Taillon and Williams to repeat last season, which -- not saying they can't, they're both really talented -- is hard to do. Those were great seasons. But improvements from Archer and Musgrove, and a healthy Musgrove, could balance that out.
Rick
12:33
I agree that logically DR is where they should be investing, but why is the ROI of this big investment so anemic?  For years Gayo wouldn't commit to larger bonuses but he's been out for years now.  DR seems strangely like Nutting avarice disguised as being magnanimous
Bill Brink
12:34
I get that money spent on a DR academy is not money spent on payroll, but I don't get the notion that it's somehow disingenuous or bad.
Rod Scurry
12:35
Josh Bell, over/under of 22  dingers this season - what you got?
Bill Brink
12:35
That sounds about right. I'll take the over.
Rod Scurry
12:35
thoughts on Reds offseason vs. Pirates? did they do enough to move ahead of the Buccos?
Bill Brink
12:36
The trick is going to be their pitching. I'm in "believe it when I see it" mode with Reds pitchers and whether they can stay healthy and produce. Their offense has usually been good enough to be in the conversation for fourth.
Chuck
12:36
What's a 'three-batter rule'?
Bill Brink
12:37
A proposal that pitchers would have to face at least three batters, so as to limit the number of pitching changes: (http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26089271/mlb-prepared-ditch-clock-2...)
Rick
12:37
Pirates are cheap on payroll, but I'd argue they're cheap in international signings too, with or without  academy
Bill Brink
12:38
The rule changes on international bonus pools don't give them as much leeway as they used to have.
Rod Scurry
12:38
will Osuna make the opening day roster?
Bill Brink
12:38
Don't think so, no.
Lightning round. Go.
Rod Scurry
12:38
over under wins at 87 - wht you got
Bill Brink
12:38
Under, but just.
Bill
12:38
Where does Liriano fit in the mix?  Strong role player or more clubhouse leader?
Bill Brink
12:39
Could be a solid reliever against lefties if he makes the club.
Rod Scurry
12:39
biggest surprise this season?
Bill Brink
12:39
I say Josh Bell has a breakout offensive season, which isn't a huge surprise but could be based on last year.
12:41
That's it for today, thanks for all the great questions. Nubyjas will do this with you guys next week. In the meantime, please send us mailbag questions at bbrink@post-gazette.com and nwilborn@post-gazette.com.
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