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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 01.27.21
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Show me the Money
12:49
With a normal season, don’t most owners make money based on television revenue alone before the games are played? If so, how many owners care whether they ever really win a World Series? Isn’t the goal to be competitive enough to draw enough of a following to not lose tv and related revenue with winning it all a nice accident if it happens?
Jason Mackey
12:50
I can't speak for the intentions of all 30 owners. I can say that I don't think MLB does enough to incentivize winning. That has been an issue for years, hence why you see some of the tank jobs that you do. I also don't know how you fix it.
Danny
12:50
How many more trades do you predict the Pirates will make before opening day?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I'll say two: Frazier and a reliever, either Stratton or Richard Rodriguez.
Danimal
12:51
Who are the top 92 free agents that the Pirates are targeting?
Jason Mackey
12:51
Thank you, Danimal. I needed the laugh.
Drew
12:51
I'm sure you have developed a number of sources whom you trust and rely on their word when trade discussions are happening or close to happening, but what is the standard that you use for determining when to make it public, either through social media or an article in the paper?  I'm only asking because some times rumors get reported by others and nothing comes of it -- and maybe there wasn't much there to begin with.  That's why I'm asking what your standard is for breaking such news that isn't official yet?
Jason Mackey
12:53
Sure. Good question, Drew. Always happy to address this stuff as much as I can. And the answer here is that it varies from story to story, from source to source. If I get something from a source who has first-hand knowledge, or maybe he's the one affected by or doing such thing, that's a slam dunk. If I don't, I'm going to try and get others to confirm or simply to ensure I'm accurate. That's the big thing about this job, Penguins or Pirates. You need to develop a roster of people you trust and who trust you to talk about this stuff. That should involve sources both externally and internally. And you should always protect them while being respectful. So, I can't say that it's always one source, three or five. You know when you know based on the info and from where you're getting it.
Gary
12:53
Do you think the Pirates will sign any free agent pitchers to let some of their younger pitchers develop in the minors? Mike Foltynewicz, Chris Archer and many others still on the market.
Jason Mackey
12:54
Yes, I do. I think they'll sign at least one, maybe two of these guys.
Ghost of Cecil Espy
12:54
If you had a HOF ballot for 2021, who would have been on it? Agree on keeping Bonds and Clemens out?
Jason Mackey
12:55
No, I would have voted for them. And Schilling. Beyond that, I don't know. But I'm a firm believer that the best players should be in. I don't want to determine morality, nor do I think sportswriters should be doing that. And Hall of Famers, for me, should be so obviously ability and accomplishment-wise that even an idiot like myself should be able to pick 'em out.
Ricky
12:55
are the pirates ever going to sign someone to a major league deal? The first player that comes to mind that would be a good signing is Yasiel puig. We need leadership and a great player. He can bring fans to the games
Jason Mackey
12:55
Talk about someone whose jersey people will buy! The Pirates wouldn't be able to keep those in stock.
Pirates fan
12:56
Would Chris archer be out of the pirates spending range for a potential free agent addition? Another guy I could see is Steven matz in a trade
Jason Mackey
12:57
I don't think so, but as I said earlier, you need to consider the other side of this stuff: How desirable do you think the Pirates are right now? Chances are someone else is gonna pay Archer to pitch for them. And chances are that team is gonna be better than the Pirates. So, when people talk about "targets," yeah, the Pirates have guys they can target. But those dudes are gonna sign here until they're basically forced to. That's just reality until they don't stink. Comparing it to my former beat, the Penguins, it's 180 degrees different. People wanted to come to Pittsburgh because they could win, play with Sid and Geno, etc. It's the opposite right now with the Pirates.
wvpirate
12:58
The Pirates have not released a promotion schedule for this season. Do you think this means they dont know if fans will be allowed.  Or they dont know who is left?
Jason Mackey
1:03
Good one. Likely the former. Again, we don't even know if spring training is 100% going to happen on time. Lot of people -- including the person typing this -- waiting for firm instructions from MLB. The Pirates are not immune.
wvpirate
1:03
Do you have a guess other than the 2 pitchers added to the 40 man roster.  Who we might see in a few exhibition game of the players the Pirates just acquired? Has there been a list of players invited to the Pirates spring training?
Jason Mackey
1:03
No on your last question. I think the other one is asking about who we might see in exhibition games, am I correct?
Frederick
1:03
I’m very excited about this franchise and the solid and bold direction from BC
Jason Mackey
1:04
I understand why people are frustrated. It's fair. I understand why people want Nutting to spend more. Also fair. But I think Cherington has made some excellent moves thus far. As with any of this stuff, we'll know more over time.
Eric
1:04
I’m going to assume the pirates will finish last this season. Is there a player out there that is projected to be the overall first pick lock?
Jason Mackey
1:05
Yep. You're looking at Elijah Green, a high school outfielder and former Steelers tight end Eric Green's son.
Yuri
1:05
Hello Brian.  Do the Pirates have any interest in obtaining Moreland to provide some power and depth at first base?  Thank you Brian.
Jason Mackey
1:06
Brian? Who's Brian? Yes, there's interest there. Like I've been saying, they need to find out if it's a two-way street. But he could absolutely help the Pirates.
Richard
1:06
Do you think the virus made it easier for the Pirates to strip themselves almost to the bone?  A bad season can't hurt attendance much if attendance is prohibited or at least limited?
Jason Mackey
1:06
I don't think it had anything to do with it, honestly. I think this was Cherington coming in here, looking at the Pirates and realizing the farm system and future wasn't what it needed to be.
Carl in Carrick
1:06
Hey Brian...did the Pirates ever consider adding Michael Wacha...he would have provided a veteran presence and always seemed to pitch well against the Bucs.
Jason Mackey
1:08
This is the second Brian. What's going on here? I would have to believe they considered it, along with many, many others. But these things are also about targeting and getting who you think you can. Pirates are one of the last dogs at the bowl with this sort of stuff.
Donna
1:08
Hi Brian.  I know the national league won’t have the designated hitter this season, but do you anticipate it will be reinstated the following year, perhaps on a permanent basis?  Thank you.
Jason Mackey
1:08
Hi Donna. (And a third Brian!). I don't expect pitchers to ever hit again, to be honest. I think they'll work it out for 2021, then it will be part of the next CBA.
Wayward Eer
1:08
Any chance of a Chris Archer reunion?
Jason Mackey
1:09
I think there's a chance. Not a large one. But there is a chance. Depends on his other offers, I'd say.
Theo
1:09
No team in the NL Central seems to be loading up this offseason. Cubs and Reds are selling off and the Brewers and Cards are just standing pat. I’m not suggesting the Pirates will contend, but do u think the Pirates can....contend?
Jason Mackey
1:09
No, I don't. They can play better than 19-41 baseball, but that's about it.
Theo
1:09
Saw reports Kolten Wong is gaining interest. Does he have more value than Frazier?
Jason Mackey
1:09
I would say so, yeah. And I think that might be the move that greases the skids for a Frazier trade.
Darnell
1:09
Are there any developments/news in the O’Neill Cruz proceedings?  Do you foresee him possibly playing right field or first base in the majors?  Thanks Brian.
Jason Mackey
1:11
Brian! ... Nothing new there, at least as far as I know. Expectation is for him to be in spring training. Not sure on a projection, honestly. I think it makes sense for them to try him in right field, but is he going to be comfortable there? Nobody knows, and that stuff is really hard to predict.
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