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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 01.15.26
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JollyRoger8
1:14
Looking at the many lineup predictions for the Bucs, I think people are underestimating Flores and Garcia. I like Henry Davis but if he continues his <.200 average with little power then you have to give more playing time to Flores. This is assuming that Bart may be traded. Secondly, the Garcia trade was brilliant. Although I think Oviedo is primed to have a big year, we will have 6 years of a huge offensive weapon in the Password.
Jason Mackey
1:15
You don't have to jettison Davis, especially not if he's good defensively and the primary catcher for Skenes, Bubba, Mitch and maybe Ashcraft.

I think we might need to chill some on Flores. He's had 206 PA at Triple-A. That's not a ton. I'm intrigued by him, too. But he's not an emergency if he needs to develop a little more.
Ariba21
1:15
Jason, Do you like the Pirates yellow PGH city uniforms? I think it’s time to refresh the uniforms a bit.
Jason Mackey
1:16
I've never been a huge fan, honestly. I'd rather see them go with some throwback to honor history than something somebody just made up to make money ... sorry, to honor the city's heritage or whatever.
Jon
1:16
Any idea if Cutch would be content with a bench role?
Jason Mackey
1:17
I think he wants the opportunity to earn at-bats. Goes both ways. If he hits, a chance to play. If he doesn't, yeah, he realizes -- and should -- that there are consequences for that.
Fan
1:17
Is it possible lowe plays way into extension or is hope termarr ready this/next year?
Jason Mackey
1:17
I think it's possible, yes. If he likes it here, if they win, I think both sides would absolutely be open to that.
Jon
1:17
Any idea if Tyler O'Neil could be a trade target? He struggled last year but has power from the right side when he's on.
Jason Mackey
1:18
I would be surprised given what Cherington said about any potential OF add. Tyler O'Neill isn't who I think of when I hear "opportunistic."
Ethan
1:18
Ryan O'Hearn probably isn't good enough defensively to play much LF at PNC but could they maybe put him out there more on the road (Cincinnati/Milwaukee have much smaller outfields) to try to get as many bats in the lineup as possible?
Jason Mackey
1:19
That's not a terrible strategy. I also don't think that's the type of thing you can count on -- your lineup on the road, factoring in righty-lefty. I mean, you obviously can to some degree and should. But that's not a consistent thing. What if you don't face lefties on the road for a stretch? But, sure. On the surface, it may make sense to limit his defensive innings in LF at PNC Park.
Fan
1:19
Is a guy like Verlander make sense with need for more SP depth and his familiarity with strom
Jason Mackey
1:20
Strom isn't around anymore. But he would certainly know Bill Murphy. Not to mention Don Kelly. How crazy would that be?
Jon
1:20
The Pirates will have to make a decision on Cutch before PiratesFest, right?
Jason Mackey
1:20
They don't HAVE to. But would it be weird if they have PiratesFest and he's not there? Yes, it would.
Buccos
1:21
Is there a reason baseball America had such a different rating on jeancer Custodio than mlb pipeline?
Jason Mackey
1:21
There was, I'm sure. I noticed that, too. I have a request in to Max Kwan, their director of international scouting. That's something I want to ask him.
Tim
1:21
Jason, hoping the PG will allow you to visit Bradenton again this year.  My dad, son and i have chatted with you there and enjoyed.  If you were advising best time of ST to visit Bradenton, when would that be?
Jason Mackey
1:22
I'll be there. The entire time. With Colin Beazley. Nothing is changing with us. We'll remain full travel, so please come say hello again.
Any time is good. But I'd recommend a couple days before games start to get some of the Pirate City experience, as well.
JollyRoger8
1:22
I had an opportunity to meet and talk to Dave Giusti on one of my trips back to Pittsburgh in 2012. Very nice man. Of course I had to bring up my painful memory of watching his palmball to Johnny Bench sail over the RF fence in that decisive game in the 1972 NLCS. He mentioned the sadness he felt later that winter when he realized that the last memory he would have of Roberto Clemente was of him scaling that RF fence trying to catch that HR. Do you have any stories of Dave Giusti that you can share?
Jason Mackey
1:24
I don't. I'm 42. I'm not gonna pretend to be a Dave Giusti expert. What I can tell you is that I had a father who educated me properly on the Pirates and all of Pittsburgh sports. I'm also a huge nerd and love reading anything I can find about these guys. And I cherish the job I have, where I can call Blass, Teke or Milt May and ask about Giusti. Yinz have the memories. I respect 'em and try to explain to people my age and younger why players like Giusti matter as much as they do.
Sauerkraut Saul
1:24
If you had to pick a first time all star for us this year who’d it be?
Jason Mackey
1:26
Love this question, Saul. I'll go Oneil Cruz. Didn't make it last year, only the Derby. I think Tony Beasley will be very good for him.
Buccos
1:27
Do you sense a culture change in the club house with established leaders like ohearn and lowe joining skenes. Could it attract more players or is a trade more likely for the needed hole at 3b?
Jason Mackey
1:27
I haven't been in the dang clubhouse yet! And neither have they.

But, yes. I get what you're saying. There has been a culture shift. I like the leadership they've added this offseason. They need to play baseball well, first and foremost. That should help, though.
Old School
1:28
If no one further is added to the IF mix, would you anticipate Triolo #B, Nick SS, or the opposite? Also, isn't is getting kind of late to decide on Cutch?
Jason Mackey
1:29
Been talking about the Cutch thing plenty, yes. It's not too late. They need to acquire a 3B and maybe trade Bart. But, yeah, I'm aware we're less than a month until pitchers and catchers.

I think Griffin is in the mix. I also think they'll acquire a third baseman.
Tyler
1:29
Is there any recent rumblings of people the Pirates are intrigued in to sign or acquire? I keep hearing we are not done yet, but feel like last few weeks there hasn’t been much reported about us after Okamoto went to Toronto.
Jason Mackey
1:29
Anything I've heard, Tyler, I've reported. We never get 100% of their interest. But I've written and said as much as I know.
B
1:29
If the pirates do not sign Suarez I’d rather them go after josh Jung then alec bohm I mean seriously not sure how much of a difference bohm and Triolo are
Jason Mackey
1:31
I'd be fine with Jung. But again sticking with facts:
Bohm career OPS+: 104
Triolo career OPS+: 86

There is a difference.
martian
1:31
Any world on if we are closer to signing Suerez or finding another bat?
Jason Mackey
1:31
Don't think it'll be Suarez. I can't say I know of anything imminent on the another bat front.
dan from north hills
1:31
Why is Intern Dom such a Mike Tomlin shill??
Jason Mackey
1:31
The guy who says Home Alone isn't a Christmas movie?
Phil Scally
1:31
Is Connor Griffin the next Chad Hermansen?
Jason Mackey
1:32
Not even close, IMO.
STEVE BONANNO
1:32
I've been reading your articles and chats for years, but I watched you on YouTube for the first time ever a few days ago. You have a great voice and, as a New Yorker, I could swear I sensed a hint of a New York accent. Am I wrong?
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