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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 01.12.23
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Justin
12:50
Do you think they'll add outfield help, particularly of the left handed variety?  It's hard to accept seeing Palacios and Olivares as the RF solution in a "shopping in a different part of the store" year.
Jason Mackey
12:52
The store! The store! Nice use of the comment, but I just made a point about Taylor. Is he really that much of an upgrade? Joe and Olivares had a much better OPS and OPS+. They need pitching. If the money goes to pitching and they don't upgrade right field, I don't think that automatically equals failure.
Tyler
12:52
Following last week's recent rumblings with the Pirates being interested in SP James Paxton, 1B/DH Carlos Santana, and OF Michael Taylor... do any of these free agents seem like a perfect fit for Pittsburgh in your eyes?
Jason Mackey
12:52
No, honestly. They have a bunch of lefty starters, time and money committed to Rowdy Tellez and better internal outfield options.
Kyle
12:52
There was a video shared around where Taillon and Kratz were talking about the Pirates pitching development. Then comes the news that Uesawa signed with the Rays on a minor league deal. Have they changed things significantly in their pitching development since the last regime?
Jason Mackey
12:53
They have changed, yes. Are they better? I don't know. The results at the major league level, I would argue, are still incomplete. I think this will be a big year for learning more about that.
Justin
12:53
Anything stick out to you about offseason training of any players after seeing them at piratesfest?  Anyone doing anything particularly noteworthy aside from Davis (who I already know is doing driveline hitting work and florida catching work)
Jason Mackey
12:54
We didn't get to talk to Priester, but I thought it was interesting that Davis said he has changed some of his delivery. Hope it more consistently yields velocity. Biggest might've been Holderman, who has added a four-seamer and changeup.
Will
12:55
JRAD or DSO?
Jason Mackey
12:55
DSO.
Devin
12:55
Just wanted to say I thought Piratefest was a blast, glad to have it back.  The management q&a was cool.  (I did see you there but you seemed really busy and didn't want to approach.)
Jason Mackey
12:55
You should have said hi! I'm never that busy. Glad you had fun.
Johnny M
12:55
Good day Jason. In your recent PirateFest article you quoted Shelton as saying he's hoping for more SPs in time for Feb ST. Is it still feasible? Who's still out there (no stiffs) & do you think there's still a bias that good pitchers don't want to come here (yet)
Jason Mackey
12:56
Still plenty feasible. There are the Marlins guys (Braxton, Cabrera), plus a couple with the Mariners via trade. A bunch more that aren't top of mind. So many FA out there. Totally within reach. And, yeah, I think if guys have better options, until the Pirates break through, they're probably going to take them.
Steve
12:56
Who is your breakout star for the 2024 Pirates? I say Suwinski.
Jason Mackey
12:56
It's cheating, but mine is Oneil Cruz.
Pincornflakes
12:56
Jason, this offseason market to be slowing than normal.  All offseason (for most teams not just the Bucs) it seems to be we are waiting to see what happens with player x, then nothing seems to truly open the market.  Can you see some bigger deals go down closer to spring training than normal?  Would a delayed market help/hurt a team like the Bucs?
Jason Mackey
12:57
I don't think we know. It could do either, I would think. But I do think we'll see a flurry of things closer to spring training. Have to, right? Across MLB, there's so much that still needs to happen.
Wayward
12:57
Jason, thanks as always for your insights.  When Brubaker and/or Burrows come back how to do see them being used.  Piggybacking with a bullpen guy, mid to long relief?   I think if they have no setbacks they can really help.
Jason Mackey
12:58
I think that's a very strong possibility. The Pirates will certainly look at shortened starts and/or piggybacking them. They'll be careful. No chances taken. And I agree with you -- I like those guys and think they really offer something.
Justin
12:58
Which player of the mlb-ready 2b glut has the best SS glove?  Gotta think that player has an inside shot at getting a job out of spring (unless they keep Alika Williams on the roster)
Jason Mackey
12:59
I can't see why they would keep Alika on the roster, honestly. I would probably go with Triolo, honestly. I think he makes the team as a backup everything anyway. Probably a tie between Peguero and Gonzales. Not sure either is great at the position.
Steve
12:59
How likely are we to see a 4-man rotation with the 5th being an Opener/Bullpen situation?
Jason Mackey
1:00
Out of the chute, I would be surprised. I think they would probably go five and give one or two of the young guys a chance out of spring training.
*** Meaning Priester, Ro or Ortiz. Not Jones or Skenes. Still expect May or June for those guys.
Ryan
1:00
Thank you for the nuanced payroll answer. So what you are saying is if they are in the mix around TDL day they will add but seeing a competitive payroll to start the season is a pipe dream? But I guess we shouldn’t be surprised.
Jason Mackey
1:01
That's not what I'm saying. I think they can and will field a competitive payroll. I just don't think it's going to be as high as everyone wants.
Brad
1:01
So if they add Yariel, you don’t see them adding anyone else for the rotation via trade?
Jason Mackey
1:02
I think they could. But we are two hypotheticals deep. One at a time, my man. I think it would lessen the type of move, though, in our little hypothetical world.
Guest
1:02
Jason, Appreciate your coverage of our battling Buccos ! Who do u anticipate starting at 2b this season on opening day!
Jason Mackey
1:02
As of now, my pick is Liover Peguero.
Steve
1:03
Saw this asked elsewhere. Thought it was interesting. When a player attends DriveLine is it at the player's expense or does the team pay?
Jason Mackey
1:03
I believe the player pays. It's not required for them to go.
Wayward
1:03
Jason, I know this question is probably to early but what are the 1 or 2 things you are interested in seeing early in spring training?
Jason Mackey
1:04
Only one or two? ... The whole pitching situation unfold, for one. They still only have three starters. And how Davis fares behind the plate.
Tim
1:04
Do you believe that the Pirates will bolster their bullpen through major league contract in free agency?
Jason Mackey
1:04
I don't. I think it's basically how it's gonna look. Maybe something minor, but that's it.
Frank
1:04
I’m thinking that Henry David maybe too fragile for the catching position. Your comments
Jason Mackey
1:05
Couldn't disagree with you more. He's fragile, why? Because he ripped up his hand/thumb and played through it? Come on.
Moonlight Graham
1:05
Are you full-time Pirates beat writer? I see you “moonlighting” writing features on sports other than baseball lately. Are you looking to branch out again? Winter doldrums? You often discuss how busy the baseball beat is yet you are making time to report and write human interest features. Just curious.
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