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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.02.24
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Jack Straw
12:56
It burns my eyes to see the starting rotation in its current state. Are the Bucs just loading up the bullpen and leaving space in the rotation for “openers” that have a hot hand? Is this what moneyball in 2024 looks like instead of paying a real SP?
Jason Mackey
12:56
No, I think it means they're not done. Or at least I would hope so.
Ed
12:57
Why was CSN DFA and not Alika.  Seems like he has more upside than Alika and the Bucs have alot of middle infielders.
Jason Mackey
12:57
Yeah, the obsession with Alika is weird. There's probably less of a need at the MLB level for CSN. I guess they're figuring there are several other OF options? I was a little surprised it was CSN. They also might think they can sneak him through, which is true, but I also can't imagine anyone claiming Alika.
Burghfan007
12:58
Hi Jason, The Bucs have 4 potential middle to top rotation pitchers at the AA-AAA level including Jones, Skenes AAA, Solomento and Chandler AA. They have 2 other who show 3-5 rotation in Burrows AAA, Harrington AA. They stock piled infielders. Why do I fear they trade all this talent they stock piled and we followed, to sign 1  #3-4 rotation pitcher with 2-3 years remaining until free agency which means 2 1/2 years at best? Isn't it time we relax and let 2024 play out. Keep all their talent and let it surface or not. Am I crazy to think the largest problem the Pirates have is that Cruz did not switch to RF, how much talent evaluation was blocked? How much talent will be traded away based on stubbornness (his position switch is inevitable) which leads to guessing on talent and we know how they guess? Thanks!
Jason Mackey
12:59
I'm sorry, I'm having trouble understanding a lot of what you're asking. I think you need to relax and let 2024 play out. I think if they trade for a SP, it probably won't be a deal that's hugely unpalatable to fans, at least based on what I've heard. I also don't agree with putting Cruz in RF, for reasons that I already outlined about giving him a chance to play SS.
Tarzan
12:59
Thanks for your chats. Don't you think that the Bucs could have swung a trade for Corbin Burnes? I think they are just going to use young pitchers that are not yet ready.
Jason Mackey
1:00
Feel however you want, though I disagree with you. Don't think the Burnes deal had much to do with the Pirates, other than him no long pitching in the NL Central.
CC Buc Fan
1:00
With the bullpen looking like it should be a strength of the team, do you think the GM is waiting to evaluate if any combination of Ortiz, Priester, and Contreras could be an opener as well as see who performs best at second base before making any trades?
Jason Mackey
1:01
No, I don't think that's happening. I do think they're waiting to see what they get from those guys. Not necessarily as an opener, but they need to give the Pirates two times through, then they can turn it over to the 'pen with a lead.
Guest
1:01
Does the interest in Gary Sanchez mean lack of confidence in Davis behind the plate this season? Or more likely a catching tandem, splitting time?
Jason Mackey
1:02
As I said earlier, I don't totally see the fit. I also hate this our business has devolved into reporting interest. They could view Sanchez as an insurance policy, sure. They might be gauging the market, what he wants. They could sign him, too, although that becomes funky with playing time and Henry's development.
Uncle Floyd
1:02
Hi Jason, thanks for the chats.  The Pirates have been really quiet, except for the Chapman signing, in free agency this off season.  Do you feel there is any possibility of a trade for at least one starting pitcher?  It seems like the Pirates have young minor league talent that could be packaged for a deal, what are your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:02
I do feel that way, yes. Have said and reported it a bunch. Still the most likely route. And like you said, a package of prospects for that guy.
Bill
1:02
Jason- always enjoy your work.  When you talk to other beat writers and talent scouts, do they share the national buzz that the Pirates have a top 2 or 3 farm system, or do they think that is a reach.  Although Skenes and Johnson hold a lot of promise, obviously the fanbase is a little disappointed with what we have seen so far of the higher end prospects.
Jason Mackey
1:03
Yeah, I think 2-3 is a reach. I also take some of those rankings with a grain of salt. Hudson Head, Eddy Yean and Tucupita Marcano have all been top-10 prospects. I do think the Pirates have more talent now. Importantly, they also have more pitching. Will it work? Have no way of knowing, but people generally feel better about their chances than they did a couple years ago.
1:05
Yeah, Lorenzen asked Vera permission to wear 21. He's a big Clemente guy (tho I don't know many who aren't.) I still think trade is more likely when it comes to SP.
Big Manny
1:05
Michael Lorenzen on their radar as a starting pitcher signing?  Isn’t he a big Clemente fan, and might have interest in coming to Pirates?
Chris
1:05
Hi Jason. Earlier in the off-season there was a report about the pirates being interested in Michael A. Taylor. Do you know if there is still interest and if it is mutual?
Jason Mackey
1:05
I don't think they've closed the door on it, but I also have a hard time seeing it happen. Given their opportunity and other needs, I don't think it's worth it for them.
Dan
1:06
Any chance they pull off a trade for a starting pitcher and/or sign an outfielder FA?
Jason Mackey
1:06
Yes, I still think so. On the first one. Not expecting them to do much else in the outfield.
Guest
1:06
Supposing the Pirates do sign or trade for a starting pitcher, would you expect such a move to happen before Spring Training, or is there a possibility such a move could come closer to the start of the season?
Jason Mackey
1:06
Not sure. I got burned before trying to predict the timing of this stuff and wound up with something that people love to tweet at me to get a reaction. I'll refrain from address it further. But I think it will happen.
Guest
1:07
Theoretically, how much would Trevor Bauer cost the Pirates?  They got one firebrand in Chapman why not another?
Jason Mackey
1:08
I hear ya, but I still don't believe they'll sign Bauer. German, maybe. But not Bauer. Don't know the cost on Bauer. $5 million? Something like that. Don't think it would break the bank, but I think the objections to it are more personality/style-based than anything.
Axle
1:08
With bringing in Peralta on a minor league deal it kind of feels like this is the end of the offseason as far as signings go and kind of think they will roll with what they have and hope some of the younger pitchers hopefully improve on last years disaster and JT and Burrows slot in mid season.  Am I wrong in thinking the teams pretty much where it will be opening day?
Jason Mackey
1:09
Yes, I think you're wrong.
Tanner B
1:09
Do you think we see Bubba Chandler or Anthony Solometo at all this season? I'd guess not but they've raised through rather quickly and I'd assume both reach AAA at some point this year.
Jason Mackey
1:09
Wouldn't surprise me. I think Solo is closer than Bubba. But I could see a scenario where they start in Double-A, advance to Triple-A, then wind up making a September cameo, sure.
Tanner B
1:09
Who is your dark horse to make the opening day roster?
Jason Mackey
1:10
I honestly don't know if I have one, Tanner. I don't think Skenes will be on it, unfortunately.
Guest
1:10
my skepticism in acquiring a “young, controllable” starter from the Mariners, Marlins, etc. is that they’re competitive teams looking for immediate help. Why would those teams have interest in trading young, major-league ready pitching talent for prospects?
Jason Mackey
1:11
Because -- theoretically -- they have a surplus of them and would be looking to turn that into multiple pieces. Maybe someone who could help the MLB club now, plus a prospect down the road. Maybe a tweener they need to develop. Teams do it all the time.
Henry Davis
1:11
am I a bust , like most of our first picks
Jason Mackey
1:12
Henry has played 62 MLB games, for crying out loud people.
Thomas
1:12
What can you tell us about the revolutionary program designed and developed by the Pirates that will potentially have Brubaker back pitching on an MLB mound by May? Are Oviedo and Endy also in a similar program?
Jason Mackey
1:12
Revolutionary program that will have Brubaker back in May? Where are you getting that? He's not coming back in May. And I don't know what "revolutionary" program of which you speak.
Matt
1:12
Have you learned anything recently to make you bullish on Roansy's performance this year?
Jason Mackey
1:13
Nothing I've learned. But getting the opinion of several smart baseball people I trust, believing he has the stuff and makeup to figure it out.
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