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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.06.23
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Sharon
12:26
We have all seen the video of Ke'Bryan Hayes. As someone who has experienced back pain throughout his career, what is the benefit or purpose behind bulking up?
Jason Mackey
12:27
I'm not a doctor and won't pretend to be, but I don't think it has just been back issues for Hayes. He also needs to produce better power numbers. I have zero issues with him adding some weight and potentially becoming more durable. I think this could be a really big season for him, honestly.
Ozzy
12:27
Jason, in retrospect, would it have been better for humanity if I called it a day before inflicting Iron Man on multiple defenseless generations? Gracias.
Jason Mackey
12:28
No issue here, Ozzy. I'm glad you did. Not the biggest Black Sabbath fan, but I also don't hate it.
Bill Almond Fan Club
12:28
Good to see the chats are back! Wouldn't it be worth it for both the Pirates and Reynolds to agree in the middle, somewhere around $100MM?
Jason Mackey
12:29
Thanks. Glad you like 'em. I think we'll rotate. I've missed 'em. Easier for us to say, right? Not our futures, not our money, etc. That said, I do think there's room for common ground. But I think we need to get into the season, get some of the frustration from this offseason behind us, then re-evaluate. I do believe Reynolds likes it here. I also think he believes he's worth more than six years, $80 million, and he's not wrong.
62 Stack Monster
12:29
Jason, do the Pirates have any bona fide sluggers in the minors?  Guys who hit for power?
Jason Mackey
12:30
Yeah, some. I like Nunez and Gorski. We're talking dudes with 70-grade power, but there's enough. Besides, I would rather have some OBP to go along with the SLG. Shackelford has hit homers but lacks in some other areas. Mason Martin has a ton of power but struggled this past season.
Greg
12:30
What player, restaurant, interview, etc. has you most excited about spring training?
Jason Mackey
12:31
Player: Cutch. Can't beat this storyline.
Interview: Reynolds. Not because he'll be interesting, but more because I'm curious what he'll say, how he'll handle it.
Restaurant: a tie. The Ugly Grouper on Anna Maria Island and Tide Tables in Cortez.
12:32
Generally, I'm just pumped to go. Spring training isn't easy, but it's also a ton of fun. I've really grown to enjoy it.
Castro
12:32
Jason, in a chat last year, you agreed with a brilliant chatter who believed that I was a piece of the puzzle going forward.  Now, after these Zippy the Pinhead analytics, I hear you are talking s&%t on my synergy with OC. What's up with that? Danke shoen.
Jason Mackey
12:32
Don't think I've said anything of the sort, my friend.
Thomas
12:32
If Choi wants to be a jerk, just cut him, this is a young team that needs positive attitudes and not some below average guy complaining.   And why does S Korea even need him?   They dont have 50 1B that are better over there?   What's the opening day OF?
Jason Mackey
12:33
You ... know that cutting guys in MLB means you still have to pay him, right? Also, he's allowed to have his opinion. The Pirates have theirs. So what? Dude wants to play. I get it. I also haven't seen his medicals. Pirates probably want to protect what they have. Should they be faulted for that?
Opening day OF: Reynolds CF, Cutch LF, Suwinski RF.
Derek
12:33
Jason, I enjoyed your article about my streamlined facial hair and newfound sobriety, but please be aware that I may return to hops and malts depending on the return we get for BR. Take care.
Jason Mackey
12:34
Good one, Shelty. Seriously, though. Wait till yinz see more of Shelton. The trimmed beard and lost weight are certainly hard to miss. Looks good.
Wayward
12:34
Jason,   What is your SP rotation and order.  Kellar get the opener?
Jason Mackey
12:35
I don't care about order, and, yeah, I would go Mitch for the home opener. Rotation should be Mitch, Ro, Bru, Hill and Velasquez, with a fairly decent chance of going to six with Oviedo; not sure how else he fits, honestly.
MjB
12:36
I've read a bunch of comparisons between Sean Murphy and Brian Reynolds in terms of being of equal value, somehow or some way.   Despite this, this seems like a bad comparison.  Can you identify any OF in the league that you view as a perfect comparison to Reynolds, and then, what is the salary comparison? Is Harrison Bader the same guy?
Jason Mackey
12:37
Think I was the first making those comps, honestly. And, sure, you're allowed to disagree. What, may I ask, do you dislike about it? ... Hard to identify an OF comparison. I don't like Bader. Different players with different time and skill sets.
alan
12:37
If this season is another 95-100 loss season will Cherrington be on the hot seat?
Jason Mackey
12:38
It's an interesting question. I think it requires context -- like do prospects get a ton better, is it because of 9 billion injuries? But, yeah, I think things would get really touchy if that happens. They need to make progress in 2023, and they know it.
alan
12:38
Over /under for how many starts Rich Hill will have.
Jason Mackey
12:38
For the Pirates? I'll set it at 13.
BobbyBo fan
12:38
This team is new veterans, 0-2 guys, and a few young vets that we've been building with.  Any breakout expected of that group? Bednar and Reynolds are obvious stars. Do you foresee anyone else making a jump?
Jason Mackey
12:40
Not a huge fan of forcing placement of players into predetermined buckets, but if you're talking about Bednar and Reynolds, I have a tough time seeing how Cruz and Hayes don't fit somewhere. Or there's no possibility they could fit. Those would be my choices, along with maybe Mitch, Ro or Ortiz.
Michael (412 Double Play)
12:40
Are there any additional names who could be added to the Spring Training roster, even if just to get experience around MLB guys before shipping off to minor league camp? Was surprised Chandler, Solometo and recent draft picks Harrington & Kennedy weren’t included.
Jason Mackey
12:40
Nah, at least as far as those guys, I think it's probably fairly set. Next year for them. I wasn't super surprised. Only so many at-bats to go around.
Ben Charrington
12:41
Why have I not completed a Bryan Reynolds trade with my good friend Brian Cashman and the Yankees?
Jason Mackey
12:41
Ben Charrington. That's a new one. Get a lot of Cherrington. Always an adventure for a relatively simple name.
Jerry
12:41
Jason, please tell me that you have let that Zeise guy know, in no uncertain terms, how silly it is that he believes Earth Wind & Fire is the GOAT? Gracias.
Jason Mackey
12:41
Who am I to argue with Verdine White?
Soggy
12:42
What are some of the story lines we need to be following in spring training?
Jason Mackey
12:42
Got this one above: Just a few quick hitters ... Potential Reynolds trade (don't think it'll happen) ... Cutch's return, obvs. ... New and improved Hayes with more power? ... What does Hedges add? ... Are Hill/Velasquez any good? ... What does Cruz do for his first wire-to-wire season? ... The second-base job. ... Evaluating Derek Shelton with a better team. ... Figuring out if the bullpen can actually be good. I could go on.
FYI, would add that we're going to start with positional spring previews tomorrow. Spent last week filing four more advance stories four our spring training preview package.
Anthony
12:43
Do you think we hear of an extension for Shelton sometime before the start of the season?
Jason Mackey
12:43
I would be really surprised if that happened. During the season with a strong start, maybe. But I think they need to see how he handles this team  ... and one with more veterans and a higher expectation for winning.
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