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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.03.21
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Justin
12:32
Maybe this is more of an article idea than something you'd have the answer to in a chat, but with the existing prospects and new prospects, is there going to be a pretty ridiculous roster crunch next winter for rule 5 protection?
Jason Mackey
12:33
Hmm ... that's a good question. And definitely something I would have to spend more time researching. Short, honest answer is that I don't know.
Carl in Carrick
12:34
Any news on the Frazier or Brault trade rumors?  Thanks Jason.
Jason Mackey
12:35
HI Carl. I'm not sure to which rumors you're referring, but if it's the possibility of either being traded, I don't have a ton for you. The Pirates are certainly listening. Both guys have also drawn interested. There's not really anything more noteworthy that I can share.
CoalportKid
12:35
Realistically how much do the Pirates have budgeted, but not yet allocated, for 2021 free agents? Have to think its around 5, 1-year Chris Archer deals right?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Five Archer deals would put the Pirates at $32.5 million, which would almost double their payroll for 2021. I have a tough time seeing that happen. I think a more realistic option -- and this probably overshooting it given their situation -- is one or two Archer-tyle deals to get an outfielder, a starting pitcher and maybe something else (first base, another pitcher).
*Archer-type deals
Justin
12:37
Maybe a better question for spring training, but who is an under the radar guy who you could see taking a step forward?   He can be on the team already, in the upper minors, whatever.
Jason Mackey
12:39
This is fairly vague. I think Cole Tucker will become a regular this year, so maybe that qualifies. I also think Colin Moran could become a halfway decent first baseman, but I don't know if that qualifies as under the radar or that much of a step forward. I could also see Anthony Alford becoming a regular, although, again, I don't know where he's at with regards to the radar.
Mark M.
12:39
Do you get a sense of the Pirates prefer Rocker or Leiter? Or is there someone else?
Jason Mackey
12:39
I don't think they have a preference, honestly. I think they're going to use this upcoming season as a guide and work off of that. I do think they're going to take the best player availability. I don't expect to see any signing issues. I just think there's an understandable amount of uncertainty regarding who that is.
RS
12:39
I for one could not be happier with the direction the Pirates have decided to go. I am excited to watch these guys develop and hopefully turn into quality major leaguers. I know not all of them will make it but who in your opinion will be the first ones to make an impact either this year or next? I am excited for Nick Gonzales, being he is a little older (College) does his clock speed up and he get here sooner? I am liking an infield with Hayes, Newman/Tucker, Gonzales and Mason Martin????
Jason Mackey
12:40
Don't blame you, RS. That's the way I think it will go, although it will be interesting to see what happens with Oneil Cruz, when Liover Peguero is ready and what they wind up doing with Newman or Tucker. Either way, I agree. It's exciting. It's a move they should have made a couple years ago, honestly.
Mark M.
12:41
How fearful should we be of a very ugly and protracted battle over the next CBA? Do you think there's a chance that the 2022 season is delayed?
Jason Mackey
12:41
Very. Seriously, I would not expect baseball to start on time, or at all, in 2022. Enjoy what we have in 2021. These two parties have shown zero ability to work together. It's scary.
Guest
12:41
Is Mitch Keller a lock for opening day starter?
Jason Mackey
12:43
I would think so. Also, if they wind up with a six-man rotation, he could start the season-opener and home-opener. But I think they might have Kuhl or Brault start whatever one Mitch doesn't want.
Ryan
12:43
Afternoon Jason when do you think the pirates sign a pitcher because of Musgrove and Taillon getting traded let’s go Bucs
Jason Mackey
12:44
Would imagine very soon. I was expecting something this week. Probably still am. Not long before pitchers and catchers report. But remember, it's not just about the Pirates. With where they're at, whomever they sign would probably rather have another offer and will wait until the absolute last minute.
Guest
12:44
Do you believe that Nutting and the team are actually putting money away that they are saving and will use it in future years when and if they are competitive?
Jason Mackey
12:45
I don't know about "putting away," but do I think they're going to spend when it's required? Yes, I do. I don't think there's any way Cherington comes here without either getting that in writing or being convinced of it. When these prospects start to mature, I do believe you will see the payroll go up.
Guest
12:45
Regarding the size of the Cardinals fan base, when I lived in Des Moines the town was about evenly split Cubs and Cards, despite having the Cubs AAA team there. The Cards, with the help of the Budweiser marketers, have a huge following throughout the Midwest.
Jason Mackey
12:46
I know this. Did I indicate otherwise? The Cardinals a huge deal. Incredible baseball town.
Drew
12:46
I read where Fangraphs projected the Cardinals as the front-runner in the Central after the Arenado trade (no big surprise there), but they also still projected them to finish under .500.  Something like .485 winning percentage.  The Central looks to be the weakest division in baseball.  Obviously, I don't think the Pirates will contend, but who do you think looks best at this point and who might be the sleeper team to watch?
Jason Mackey
12:47
I don't see the Cardinals going under .500. No way in the world. They should run away with this thing. I would say St. Louis is easily the best. I could see the Brewers hanging around; they also figure it out. And I'm not ready yet to write off the Cubs. Maybe I'm insane for thinking that, but I could see them challenging the Cardinals a little bit. Honestly, Drew, I think you have St. Louis ... Chicago, Cincinnati and Milwaukee ... then Pittsburgh.
Bo
12:48
Do u think they should really strive to get Cole Tucker in that starting shortstop spot? His bat obviously hasn’t impressed at the ML level, but he’s exciting to watch in the field and he’s got the personality the pirates should focus around. Cole and KeBryan could be fun to watch on the left side.
Jason Mackey
12:49
Hey Bo. I don't think they should strive to give anyone a spot. I think they should start the best player and not give a damn about anyone's ego or personality. I just happen to think that Tucker will figure it out and hit. That happening, plus the fact that he's probably better defensively than the other two, leads me to believe he's wind up starting. Baseball players could never talk to me or anyone. My salary doesn't change. I'm not the type to stump for a guy because he's nice. If quotable players net me a raise, different conversation.
TJ
12:49
Should the pirates give up 4 first round picks for Deshaun Watson?
Jason Mackey
12:50
Only if he comes with Yasiel Puig.
Bo
12:50
Saw Cruz was awarded the best arm in the top 100. Does that mean for a shortstop? Does that translate to an outfield arm if he is moved to right?
Jason Mackey
12:51
That means for all shortstop prospects. ... And I would think so. The throwing motions and footwork is obviously different and would take some time to learn. But a strong arm is a strong arm, and I definitely think that would be a benefit to Cruz out there.
Eric V
12:51
I beg you Jason, help me become a fan again:  What are the Pirates rebuilding other than a return to mediocrity?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Another one, similar to the chat-starter ... Eric, answer me this: What's preventing the Pirates from drafting well, making smart trades, developing players and finding success on the international market? Literally nothing. Those aren't areas reserved for big spenders. Also, they're areas where the Pirates stunk before, hence why this rebuild was required. Things got stale. Bad decisions and trades were made. But Ben Cherington knows this stuff. He's been a scout. He's worked in player development. He's done international stuff in the Dominican. He has three World Series rings. What if he knows what he's doing here? Again, there's nothing precluding the Pirates from getting players this way. Or doing what the Dodgers have done and finding castoffs from other organizations (prime example: Justin Turner) and making them better. This is what Cherington wants to do. And he can do it, if the Pirates are smart. Will the Pirates keep guys once they reach arbitration and beyond? Not as many as fans would like.
12:56
Certainly not as many as big spenders. But there's nothing precluding them from being good at the first part of that process, which is what the Rays, A's and others do. And in a market like Pittsburgh, where people care, they should also be able to grow the payroll into the Twins or Brewers range and function like that.
Dwyer
12:56
Goin’ where the climate suits my clothes..... :)  so - are you going to Bradenton? If so, what do you anticipate being your biggest challenge in terms of working in the time of covid?
Jason Mackey
12:58
Absolutely going to Bradenton, and I can't wait. Believe we're allowed into the facility starting Feb. 21/22. So, will fly down a day or so before that. Biggest challenge remains interviews. No longer can we just go in the clubhouse and do our jobs. Everything is via Zoom. No more casual conversations with people at spring training. We'll be in a roped-off area, away from those people. I get it. It's smart. And I'm happy to follow the rules. But it makes reporting harder.
Bo
12:58
Pirates get a lot of crap for salary dumps and trading talent, but have they ever had one as bad as the Arenado deal? Liriano was ugly, but not nearly on the level of Arenado.
Jason Mackey
12:58
No, they haven't. I'm not sure anyone has. That trade is something. Truly awful.
Mark
12:58
Unfortunately for the Pirates, the four other teams in their division are great baseball towns with better owners. A lot would have to go right for the Pirates and a lot would have to go wrong for at least two of the teams for the Pirates to make the post season in the next five years.  Who do you think those two teams will be?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
1:00
I think Pittsburgh could be a great baseball town. If the Pirates win -- remember 2013-15 -- this place would be electric. That's why I switched. Or one of the reasons. To cover that. As for Nutting, yeah, he's screwed up. I won't argue that. But is it irreparable? I don't think so. I do think he wants to win. I think his heart in the right place. I think he was too loyal to the former group, and I think he needs to take the Pirates in a different direction once Cherington fixes things. But I don't think it's impossible to win here, the way Bob wants to.
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