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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 01.05.23
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Jimmy L
12:11
Jason, there was never really any doubt that this spindly minor league backstop was HOF material, was there? All false humility aside. Gracias
Jason Mackey
12:11
Certainly glad Leyland got it. Very well-deserved.
Steve
12:11
What happened to cause separation between Keller and the Pirates on a possible extension? Going from they were close to a deal to not sensing it gets done is a pretty dramatic change in a shirt period of time.
Jason Mackey
12:13
Yeah, information, I suppose. But I hear ya. Counterpoint: Look at the starting pitching this offseason. It's been crazy. I don't know this for a fact, but suppose Keller looked at this and was like, "Wait a second. It's two years. Maaaaaybe I should just hang on." Again, I don't know, and he would never say. But if you're asking what changed -- that.
Adrian
12:13
With the news a few weeks ago that Mark Cuban was selling most of the Mavs and leaving Shark Tank, do you ever see a scenario in which he would be interested in buying the Pirates? If not, why???
Jason Mackey
12:13
Well, because I emailed him after that and asked. He said he's absolutely not interested -- still.
Fred
12:13
The rumors about Manaea and/or Adam Frazier: just rumors, due diligence, or genuine interest from the club there?
Jason Mackey
12:14
Manaea, yes. There's interest and has been interest. Now, whether that means a path to a deal getting done. That's different. I also think it's nuts that we're now reporting interest. "I'm interested in eating a $200 steak tonight. Doesn't mean I'll do it, but I am interested in doing it." Have not heard the Frazier one myself.
Justin
12:14
You recently mentioned that it sounds like Bauer is a no-fly zone for the Pirates.  Do you get the same sense on Mike Clevinger?
Jason Mackey
12:15
Have not explicitly asked in the way that I have about Bauer, but I would imagine the school of thought is the same. Basically not wanting to deal with the off-the-field stuff with which both would come.
Peggy
12:15
Jason, I’m a bit of a wild card when it comes to trade bait, no? I could be a fine player, or just as likely, I could flame out like Kenny P. Tough call. Your thoughts, if any?
Jason Mackey
12:16
I like ya, Peggy. Agree, I think you could be really good. But Pirates need -- like, need need -- pitching, and you have to give to get. I have other young second baseman. I'd feel bad, but I'd deal ya if it got something done.
Wayward
12:16
Jason, using your crystal ball where do you see Triolo playing his most innings at, 1B, 2B, OF?
Jason Mackey
12:16
At this point, second base. But I don't think it'll be by much. I think it's gonna be a pretty even split among those three and 3B.
Fred
12:17
If they add another bat via FA or trade, what position is it most likely to be?
Jason Mackey
12:20
I'm not sure, Fred. This is a good one. I don't see Taylor/Santana happening, though I know the "interest" is out there. Like, they've said Rowdy is gonna play a lot of 1B. Is that not true now? Why get Olivares if you're not gonna use him? What if Davis hits but can't catch? Just strange to think they would land either Taylor or Santana at this point. I still think they need catching help. Also wouldn't mind the other two; they're solid players, and the Pirates obviously need help. I just don't see them as likely given how they normally operate.
Alex
12:20
If you had to guess who starts opening day at second base?
Jason Mackey
12:20
Triolo. Peguero is traded, and Triolo has a better spring than Nick G., who starts in the minors to get more playing time.
62 Stack Monster
12:20
Jason, have the Pirates spent any international pool money this off season on anyone?  Recall that they traded Austin Hedges for extra pool money...
Jason Mackey
12:25
Yeah, it doesn't totally work like that. Last January they signed a bunch -- Jun-Seok Shim and Raymond Mola were the two biggest names. There will be another round of that later this month, when the Pirates are expected to sign OF Brailyn Brazoban (No. 12 Baseball America) and SS Abdiel Feliz (No. 34 BA), among many others.
Pickens G
12:25
Jason, what would be your pick for a feel good redemption story with the Buccos?
Jason Mackey
12:26
Hmm ... I like this. I'm going simple. How about Cruz comes back, he's healthy, and he does everything we expected him to do in 2023? That would help sooo much.
Chris
12:26
Hey Jason, question about your thoughts on what’s a fair expectation for this season. The way I see it, if they sign one more pitcher, coupled with Cruz’s return and the hopeful development of a lot of young hitters, and hopefully adding Skenes by June, this team can win 85 games and compete for a wild card. Am I crazy to think that?
Jason Mackey
12:27
You are not. I think that's reasonable. That's what I've been saying -- 84-85 win. I know it looks nuts now, but again, I still they have another move in them. It's just taking a bit.
Justin
12:27
do you get the sense that they *care* that they're about to have Piratesfest without having made any significant needle-moving moves that make them better than last yr?  Like at work, I know when i'm about to present something that isn't really complete lol.  It's not a great feeling.  Do you sense any embarrassment or anything on that?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Yeah, I don't think they love it. And I'm sure it's been a discussion. At the same time, they need to make the smartest move for 2024 (and beyond) and do things oriented toward baseball, not PiratesFest. Sometimes stuff just takes longer than expected, which is what we're seeing here. But I don't think they should make a panic move because PiratesFest is coming.
Justin
12:28
We are eeking closer and closer to Pitchers and Catchers.  Do you think that they have historical data saying that prices go down as you get closer to spring training?
Jason Mackey
12:29
I don't know about prices going down, but more activity, yeah. Think about it as a player. You think you're good. You think you deserve a contract. You're not settling for anything. You also realize teams have their plans. You're waiting it out. Same time, we get into January, you also wanna have a job. You wanna have a solid role. So, it forces the issue. I suppose prices could be friendly, but it's more about a heightened sense of urgency.
Wil
12:29
Is Bauer a realistic option? If so, what his contract will look like? I don’t see my teams wanting to deal with the guy. If it was me, I say go for it, the guy can pitch. What other options you see in the pitching market? Alex wood/michael Lorenzen ???
Jason Mackey
12:30
Yeah, Fort is big on Alex Wood. Not argument. Said on Pitching In that every ask I've made on the Bauer front has led me to believe that it's extremely unlikely they would go there. That being said, if they're in a pickle with pitching -- they might be -- perhaps that changes things. But I still don't think it's likely they invite it.
Andrew S
12:31
Jason I kinda figured that with the Bucs having a foot bit of pitching prospects either arriving this summer or next, I didn’t really think they were gonna sign one to a multi-year deal. I’m okay with it as long as they don’t deal Solometo. Offseason has been very slow for sure. 6 weeks before spring training and I think they will win about 80-82 games. Question however, does Edward Cabrera come to PIT? Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:32
They're not gonna deal Solometo. Don't see how that would make sense for them. I think there's a chance on Cabrera, sure. It makes a lot of sense. Marlins need middle infield help. Pirates can offer it. But the price is gonna be really high given how much control with which he comes.
Bertha
12:32
Jason, true or false: Brian Reynolds offensive production will improve over the 2023 campaign?
Jason Mackey
12:32
True.
Steve
12:32
Are they more likely to add behind the plate with versatility and carry 3 catchers or go catcher only?
Jason Mackey
12:32
I think they will add behind the plate. I just don't anticipate it being a big deal move. Probably something more minor, giving Davis & Delay runway ... but also guarding against something bad happening.
Sidney Crosby
12:33
Jason with my contract ending in 2025, do you think the Pirates sign me? I’ve proven that I can hit bombs over that Clemente wall in BP.
Jason Mackey
12:33
Ha. I love it. DH option? Where would you play in the field?
Tarzan
12:33
It seems as though Pirates ownership and management want the paying fans to commit to the Pirates without giving us the same level of commitment to going after a championship in Pittsburgh. I have been a longtime season ticket holder and I go to Spring Training every year. But, my commitment is starting to wane. Why do they think that it's acceptable to increase wins by 5 or 6 games, instead of going for a pennant? Fans are not stupid.
Jason Mackey
12:35
Yeah, I mean, it's not my job to tell you how to spend your money. If you don't believe in what they're doing, don't support it. That said, they took on a rebuild and now they're coming out of it. Do they do that successfully? I don't know. This is an important year for it. I just think there's a bunch of unknown to say they don't care or they're dumb. They're doing things a certain way, and we're gonna get a bunch of info this year on whether they've done it well or not.
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