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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 06.17.20
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Jason Mackey
12:52
I think they're both at fault, but yeah, I'd say it's probably more on the owners. They decide to OWN A TEAM. When the economy sucks, when everybody's struggling, yeah, you might lose money. You signed up for that. They've also made a ton of it recently, with franchise values skyrocketing. I'm OK expecting them to shoulder some of the downturn, if that makes sense. They've gotten plenty rich from this.
Yuri
12:52
It’s June 17th and the Pirates are undefeated.  Who would have thought it?
Jason Mackey
12:53
Serious question back, though, Yuri. Think about it like this: Is it exciting that the Pirates could potentially start the season in first place, in a race for the division? I don't know if my brain can overlook everything else going on and actually get excited about that.
Wayward
12:53
It seems like the Bucs are stockpiling middle infielders, although some are still 3-4 plus years out, which of the current crop do you see potentially moving to another position?  I know that Cruz staying at SS has been discussed but else could move?  Tucker to CF maybe?
Jason Mackey
12:54
I definitely see Cruz moving. I thought that before the Gonzales pick. With Nick in the fold, yeah, I think I might try Tucker in center. Shoot, maybe even Newman, too. What could it hurt? He's versatile. I don't know enough Peguero. But I do think they're going to have to entertain the idea of someone moving.
Danny
12:54
I saw they signed one but what else do you expect Cherington to do with UDFAs? More coming?
Jason Mackey
12:54
I think so. I wouldn't be surprised if they added a couple more, especially a catcher or left-handed pitcher.
Sunner in the sunshine
12:54
Hey Jason! Thanks for the chats! I would think the Pirates would lose less money per game if there were no fans than say the Yankees or the Sox because they sell out every game and the Pirates average 13k. I would think the Bucs will make more money with the TV deals and the additional money from more playoff teams so they should be in favor of getting the season going versus the Yankees that must pay Cole 40 mil. (prorated of course)
Jason Mackey
12:56
Hi Sunner, I think I see what you're getting at; however, I don't think it's a fair comparison. The Pirates are definitely not the Yankees in MLB's economic sense. They don't bring in as much and don't spend as much. Honestly, I don't understand how either would want to sit out. It's your job to play. If you can do it in a healthy way, you should be playing.
Wayward
12:56
It sounds like the Bucs really valued positive Cape Cod success for 3 of their top choices.   Do you think this is something the current front office will highly value on a go forward basis or was/is it just a function of not having spring results to look at?
Jason Mackey
12:56
I think it's a couple things. I think it's a function fo guys going up there to prove themselves and doing it. I think it could be a function going forward of Cape Cod being available more than the college season and getting eyes on guys. But I also think, for this year anyway, that it was something of a coincidence.
Guest
12:57
Hello Jason,  where are you?
Jason Mackey
12:57
Typing at my computer. Where are you?
Butch
12:57
What do you believe are Pirates postseason chances in a shortened season?
Jason Mackey
12:57
I can't put a number on it, but I do think they go up. It's crazy to think about that, too.
Danny
12:57
Where do you think some of the Pirates‘ draftees fall into the top 30 list?
Jason Mackey
12:59
I would think Gonzales cracks the top 10. Probably Mlodzinski and Jones in the top 15-20 range. I like Jared Jones a lot, and he will be in the top 10. But I think it's tough to do that right away with high school stats.
Michael
12:59
thoughts on nick Gonzales? And do you think he’ll stick at SS?
Jason Mackey
1:00
Love it. Love the makeup. Love the stories I've been hearing about him. I think he's going to work, and I think fans are really going to like him. He seems like a genuine and terrific kid, honestly. I'm not sure yet. It's too soon. I haven't even seen him throw a ball with my own two eyes, so I don't feel comfortable saying he'll definitely move to second.
Itsyoboi
1:00
does a deal need done by the end of this week?
Jason Mackey
1:01
I think so, yes. And shoot, they need to talk before they can get anything done. I'm really, truly worried about the position baseball is in at the moment.
James
1:01
I mean, if you don't mind me asking, what have the players done wrong? Uphold an agreement? Stand up against their employers who have mistreated them for too long?
Jason Mackey
1:02
They haven't done much wrong, James. I'm way more on the players' side than the owners. The only thing I think you can criticize them for has been an unwillingness to budge at all, believing this will dictate talks in 2021. I don't think it will. And I think they could move off of full pro-rata some. But I also haven't walked in their shoes, so I should probably keep my mouth shut.
OK, folks. Looks like that will do it for this week. Thanks so much, as always, for participating. Until next time!
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