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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 01.29.26
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PrinceBob
12:24
I kept meaning to read your piece about what the Pirates should do about Andrew McCutchen but never quite got to it so apologies if you've covered this. I see that Paul Zeise seems to think the Pirates really don't want to bring him back. Do you agree? And do you know if any other teams have shown any interest in signing him?
Jason Mackey
12:32
Sorry, heating up some food ... I've heard from people close to Cutch that, yes, he does have other offers. I don't know. If you do, might be the time to take one of 'em. Doesn't seem likely with the Pirates.

I think the Pirates would be open to bringing him back after a few things happen. Just not now.
epiballo
12:32
How did you interpret McCutchen's end of season comments, that the Bucs have not improved the previous three years and he wants to play on a winner? I came away thinking he planned on exploring other options and might not sign with the Bucs.
Jason Mackey
12:34
Same. I thought it was frustration talking. And also, after he said it, I thought that would probably be the end for both sides. Again, I get where he's coming from. But those and a couple other things he said signaled troubled for me.
epiballo
12:34
After the latest FA signing by the Dodgers, the owners were reported to be "100%" going for a salary cap. It needs to happen, but what are the chances? All reports say the player's union is too powerful to ever think they would agree.
Jason Mackey
12:35
I still don't see it. I want it. I think the sport needs it. I've actually started following the NBA more because its finances -- with a cap -- fascinate me. MLB can have a cap and have players get rich. Look at top-tier NBA contracts. My goodness.

But, no. I think they'll prioritize getting back on the field and make only cosmetic fixes.
Bob Nutting
12:35
Am i done spending money for legitmate players?
Jason Mackey
12:36
No you are not. Keep the wallet out.
RO
12:36
Do you think there’s any want from the Pirates to move Endy around the diamond a little bit this season? I feel like there’s some untapped potential there.
Jason Mackey
12:37
I think it's unlikely. They're starting by giving him a chance to catch. They still think of him as a first baseman. Maybe -- maybe -- some corner OF. But we're a couple steps down the road.

Honestly, RO, the biggest thing is that he needs to hit. I don't care what position he plays. If he doesn't produce more offensively, he's not sticking on the roster.
Butch
12:37
Whats the hold up with Suarez market?  Not getting the money that he thought he would get on the open market?  Or just being picky with where he lands?
Jason Mackey
12:37
I think it's what he thinks he should get when it comes to years/dollars versus what is actually available to him.
epiballo
12:38
Considering the other teams in the Pirates' division, which do you think, if any, the Bucs can or have leapfrogged?
Jason Mackey
12:38
I think they're better than the Cardinals. They could be better than the Reds. They're not better than the Cubs, at least on paper. And it would be silly to bet against Milwaukee.
D9Dave
12:39
What about offering McCutchen a player/coach role for the upcoming season?  There really doesn't appear to be a full-time player role available for him with the off-season changes that the team has made.  This way he could appear in games in a part-time role as a player and help the team as a bench coach at the same time.  Perhaps this would allow him to retire as a Pirate player and perhaps he could become a full time coach after this season.
Jason Mackey
12:40
You guys love inventing this player/coach stuff. It kinda doesn't work like that anymore. There are so many jobs for coaches and such a line of demarcation between them and players in the modern era ... just ain't happening. Plus, a lot of what the Pirates try to emphasize organizationally -- analytics, advanced data, etc. -- Cutch isn't someone who even wants a ton of info fed to him. Just an obtuse fit.
John from Cranberry
12:40
This is just me, but I hate how the Pirates rotate Brownie/Block between TV and radio, and have a million analysts. Why don't they have set booths for each? Thanks Jason!
Jason Mackey
12:41
Hi John. They do have Brown mostly on TV, Block mostly on radio. I get it, though. Their idea is that both guys can do both. I think they want to do both. And the spin-the-wheel-of-broadcasters tends to provide for a bunch of different types of insights.
Jeff
12:41
Thanks for the chats Jason.  It seems we have hit a lull in pirate news when it comes to FA.  Do you believe they are finished or could we see some more additions. And specifically who would you like to see?  It would be a shame to be 1-2 missing pieces away from an actual real contender
Jason Mackey
12:42
Don't think they're finished. 3B is the priority, in my mind. The more I think about it, the more I like the Mets guys: Baty and Vientos. Especially Baty.
Austin
12:42
Do you think the opening day 3B is currently on the team?
Jason Mackey
12:42
I do not.
Nick Gonzales Lover
12:42
Jason im so over this cold weather. How excited are you to get to Bradenton?
Jason Mackey
12:43
You have no idea. I think about it every day. Multiple times per day. I'm done with winter. Nothing like spring training.
Matthew
12:43
Is a free agent signing or trade more likely to acquire another bat?
Jason Mackey
12:43
Trade.
jb
12:43
Favorite horror movie?
Jason Mackey
12:43
Does "Not Another Scary Movie" count? I'm sorry, I don't really watch scary movies. I mainly stick to comedies and sports. Better if they can be combined.
Adrian
12:44
I saw an ESPN article comparing Konnor Griffin to Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. Is there any momentum to him starting at SS Opening Day?
Jason Mackey
12:44
They're not in spring training, so I don't know what momentum could be defined as here. But, yes. I think there's absolutely a chance of that happening. He just has to show he's ready.
ZonaBucco
12:44
What are realistic expectations for the four catchers going into the season, including Endy Rodriguez?
Jason Mackey
12:46
I still think they could trade Joey Bart. Although the way the Cutch situation has gone, I certainly don't have to. Perhaps it's irreparable, and Bart's my DH/backup C/lefties off the bench guy.

Other than that, I think Henry is your 1C. Have to see him hit.

Flores needs to play. Endy, too. I need to see Endy hit. I'd like those two guys to battle it out in Triple-A and see what I have.
Alex
12:46
Do you think it is possible the Pirates are waiting on a Suarez decision before they proceed with their off season?
Jason Mackey
12:46
Yes, I do.
ZonaBucco
12:46
Which prospects (no MLB debut yet) besides Griffin
Jason Mackey
12:48
You could see Termarr Johnson. Esmerlyn Valdez, too. They might not be the prospects you're referencing, but remember they added a few pitchers to the 40 earlier this offseason: Bidois, Dotel, Harbin & Kelly.
Ruffsdale_Panther
12:49
Hey Jason - I appreciate the chats every week, great job with you coverage of the Pirates. Here is my thought on the starting lineup.
Jason Mackey
12:49
Thank you. Will get your next message now.
ZonaBucco
12:49
Which prospects that haven’t debuted yet, do you potentially see making an impact this season?
Ruffsdale_Panther
12:49
sorry. LF-Mangum, RH-Reynolds, DB -Lowe, O'Hearn, Horwith-DH, 3B -?; CF - Ortiz, SS - ? ; C-Davis
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