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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 01.26.24
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Jason Mackey
12:42
The deal definitely surprised me. It surprised everyone. And, no. I don't think they're done. I think trade is most likely at this point for starting pitching. Wouldn't shock me if they packaged prospects for a guy.
Stash
12:42
Jason, any resentment from your PG coworkers after you’ve dabbled, some might say successfully, in  covering the pig iron?
Jason Mackey
12:43
Are you talking about me covering football? I hope not. I also don't think so.
George Costanza
12:43
Hello Jason. I like Paul Ziese's article on Mr. Nutting needing to stop talking about increasing payroll and start doing it. That being said I didn't mind the signing of Chapman, but would that $ have been better spent on a starting pitcher??
Jason Mackey
12:44
Depends, George. If they think they can trade for a young, controllable starter, then I get spending money on Chapman. Helps your 'pen. Maybe you lose prospects to get the pitcher but recoup some if you have to trade Chapman. Of course, best-case is that you don't have to trade anyone because you're winning.
Guest
12:44
Hey Jason, appreciate the opportunity to talk Pirates baseball. Who would you say is most likely to start the year at Triple AAA Indy Oliveras or Bae? Bucs Fan in Ga
Jason Mackey
12:45
I don't see either one starting in Triple-A. Think Bae could be a trade chip or sticks on the MLB roster. Olivares had a 109 OPS+ last season. He should be beyond Triple-A.
Termarr
12:45
Jason, what’s the scoop on my defensive prowess, or lack there of? Am I a second basemen, joining the twelve other such prospects in the organization?
Jason Mackey
12:46
They have 12 second-base prospects? News to me. I see you as a second baseman, Termarr. That Cruz fella is gonna stick at short. But I love your patience at the plate and sneaky power. Excited to see more of you in Altoona this year.
Guest
12:46
Jason, your choice to be starting pitcher after Mitch Keller, Marco Gonzales??? Bucs Fan in Ga
Jason Mackey
12:46
Yeah, their top three at this point includes Keller, Gonzales and Perez in some order. Not sure it matters.
Carson
12:47
Hey Jason, have you heard anything about Carlos Santana or is that just purely speculation. Asking this because of the tweet from Fort the other day you've probably seen it. Additionally are there any players or positions you've heard the Pirates being in on currently? Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:48
Have not heard anything about Santana. And, frankly, have a tough time seeing it with what Ben has said about Tellez playing 1B. If he wanted to come back on a lesser deal, absolutely. But I would think the man has options.
Tom Donovan
12:48
Jason, do you have any insight on new food/concessions coming to PNC Park this year?
Jason Mackey
12:48
I do not, at least not yet. Sorry.
Dan N
12:49
Hey Jason do they need to include Temarr with any package with the !
Jason Mackey
12:49
No, they don't. I would be stunned if Termarr was included in any deal.
Brad13
12:49
Have you heard anything about a potential Santana reunion
Jason Mackey
12:50
Have not, Brad. I loved Carlos being here, so this is not that. But given what they've done at first base, I would have a tough time seeing it.
Erik
12:50
As the team is currently constructed what place in the division do you see the Pirates finishing?
Jason Mackey
12:50
I'll go with third. I think the NL Central could be very same-y. Nobody is gonna break away from the pack. Everyone in relatively similar situations.
Nick F
12:50
Seems to me the fanbase has forgotten how deep we are in starting pitching coming in the next 18 months. Why would we want to block all of them with signing guys who are no more than 4th or 5th starters? To multi yr deals.
Jason Mackey
12:51
I think there's a happy middle ground there, Nick. Get one or two options now. One bringing years of club control. Then if you have to trade Gonzales because his 2025 option goes way up or try to recoup value on Perez, with guys waiting in the wings, fine.
Ryan
12:51
Good afternoon Jason With The Signing Of Champman what is the next move starting pitcher go pirates can’t wait for the season to start soon
Jason Mackey
12:52
I'll say starting pitcher acquired via trade.
Dan N
12:52
Hey Jason…do the Bucs need to include Temarr in any package with the Marlins or Mariners to make a deal work ?
Jason Mackey
12:52
I don't think so, no.
Matt
12:52
Chapman solidifies the pen, which is great! This team realistically could use two more pieces. Preferably starting pitcher and a platoon at 1st or RF.

We've been hearing all off-season that BC could add to the team via trade. Will we see it or will we add more through FA?

As it stands, seems like a lot of 2B options to take into camp.
Jason Mackey
12:53
I still think SP via trade. Could maybe see the need to add another OF, though I'm also fine with what they have. I wanna see what Olivares has. I wanna see if Cutch can play some right field. I'm OK using Triolo or Palacios some. Pitching should be a priority.
Tim
12:53
Thank you for your excellent coverage.  Do you think the in-market direct stream option to watch games will be available by opening day?
Jason Mackey
12:53
I wish, but I would be surprised if it came together that quickly. They seem behind on stuff. Really need to expedite the streaming thing, though. I know a lot of folks have the same question/concern.
Freddy
12:53
Jason, just curious, why did you pick me to catch up with after all these years?
Jason Mackey
12:54
Why not? We're doing a Where Yinz Now series, which you've surely seen by now. We haven't heard from Sanchez at all. I thought it was an easy fit.
August West
12:54
Do you think the Pirates are willing to spend on 2nd base right now, or is starting pitching the only piece left to grab in their minds?
Jason Mackey
12:54
I think 2B is more likely to be an internal competition.
NP
12:54
Nice job on the Bob Nutting story. Any inside baseball info on how you got a one-on-one sit down? I found it really interesting, and welcome, for a guy who rarely gives interviews, much less one-on-one. Also, I don't recall him ever speaking that directly/almost forcefully ... it really sounds like he wants to win this year, not that it would be nice to.
Jason Mackey
12:55
Thanks, NP. Although there are just as many with critical comments. In any case, I asked earlier this offseason about going to the Dominican. Was told a few weeks ago that they were going to open the facility. So I went. In booking it, I was told Nutting would be there and made a request to speak with him. It was granted. Sorry if that sounds overly simple, but that's the basic version.
Jonathan
12:57
Hi Jason. If the Pirates bring in Carlos Santana, which is clearly a hot rumor on twitter, what do you think happens with some of these younger guys i.e. Joe, Palacios, Triolo, Gonzalez, etc. Maybe the bigger picture is some of them being packaged in a trade for a SP? I would love to bring in Carlos for many reasons but I am guessing there would be many dominos to fall after if he were to come in.
Jason Mackey
12:58
I see the Santana stuff has been popular. Question of the week territory. Again, I don't see it. Don't know how that would work at 1B. Now, to get a team-control SP, they would have to give up someone. Maybe Gonzales or Bae, that level.
Jake S
12:58
Hi Jason, is a reunion with Carlos Santana likely and/or imminent? If so, can you put a number on it? I.e. 80 percent. Thanks!
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