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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.06.23
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Mike
12:44
Who will be the 5 starters come opening day?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Could be six and got this before, but something like: Keller, Ro, Hill, Velasquez, Brubaker ... and Oviedo. I think Ortiz starts in the minors. Def Priester and Burrows in the minors to open.
Maz01
12:44
Hi Jason, I think that if Ji-Man Choi is unhappy about not playing in the WBC, which is a joke anyway, the Pirates should release him if they can, He isn't very good anyway. Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Why? And pay him at least $4.65 million to go away? What would that accomplish?
Soggy
12:45
Does Shelton have elevated expectations this season based on the FA spending & expected development of the youngsters.  What puts him on the hot seat & what would keep him off?
Jason Mackey
12:45
Yes, he does. And should. The goal is clearly different. Don't manage for development. Manage to win games. Not that he wasn't before, but I think it's more reasonable to actually grade and evaluate him this year. Ingredients are better.
David
12:46
At this point, how much of a pipe dream do you think it is that the Pirates and Reynolds could find common ground on an extension? Seems like the ship has sailed and it’s just a matter of time, i.e. likely the deadline. And as a follow-up, if the major issue is the length (and therefore total dollars), why couldn’t the Pirates offer an extension of 7-8 years and then revisit the idea of moving him after 4 or 5 years? Surely they wouldn’t get a big return, but unless he cratered entirely, you figure he’d still be tradable and hence the Pirates could get off the hook for the final few expensive years.
Jason Mackey
12:47
Hi David. Yes, for all practice purposes, I'm not expecting them to come together on anything. I wish, because I like Bryan, but I'm not expecting it. Secondarily, what if he flops? Is that a financially sound decision for the Pirates to take that gamble? Probably not. I'm OK with the Pirates sitting out the eight-year term; I also think they need to get these things done sooner. The time to strike was probably 2019, after his terrific rookie season, and they couldn't because of the regime change.
Ryan
12:47
Jason who leads the pirates in home runs runs batted in hits and wins and strikeouts. I’m going with mccutchen Cruz Hayes brubaker and Keller
Jason Mackey
12:47
HR -- Cruz
RBI -- Cruz
Hits --
W -- Keller
12:48
K -- Contreras
Hits -- sorry, hit send too soon, I'll go with ... Hayes, oddly.
My answer here is based on the idea that Reynolds would be moved at the deadline, and I'm only considering Pirates statistics in this.
Guest
12:48
When/if do you think Reynolds’ contract negotiations could resume?
Jason Mackey
12:49
They could -- could -- maybe resume during the season or later in spring when the focus shifts to playing baseball, though I don't know how likely that is.
Canaan
12:49
Jason, I enjoyed your article, but would it actually be best if I flamed out rather than hearing yinzers absolutely butcher the pronunciation of my moniker? Danke. CSN.
Jason Mackey
12:49
I'm sorry, Canaan. It's not just you. There will be people, I'm sure, who butcher Rich Hill's name this season. Don't take it personally.
Edward
12:49
Do you see the Pirates offering Cruz an extension this season? Something similar to what the Braves have done with their young talent.
Jason Mackey
12:50
Yes, I see them offering him one. They might have already. Do I see something coming together? I think there's a chance, sure. Actually a non-zero one, too, because I think you can look at the Reynolds thing, as I just said, and argue that the Pirates erred by waiting. Don't do it again with a player fans clearly want here and who should be here.
OC
12:50
Jason, those Zips things can't be serious with prognosticating 22 long balls, can they? I could hit that many before we start recalling those Super 2 guys for strictly monetary and years-of-control reasons. Danke shoen.
Jason Mackey
12:51
Don't know what all it says, but I'm generally not a huge projections guy. Bittner and I argued about that on the NSD podcast after they were released.
Guest
12:51
Jason…taking the over or under on 75 wins for the Bucs this year?
Jason Mackey
12:51
Under.
Bill
12:51
Jason, I'm seeing the Pirates take heat for not allowing Choi to participate in WBC. I dont think they are in the wrong at all. Choi is under contract (or will be) with them and him getting hurt in a meaningless tournament would not benefit the Bucs at all. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:52
Take heat from where? Choi? I don't blame them one bit. Doing something like this is exceedingly rare. Usually only done for a reason.
DJ
12:52
I know it's too early to get in the weeds on this question, but I was a bit frustrated to hear that the Pirates are willing to spend more next year as they keep improving. The main reason is that the FA market is much thinner than this year. I am mostly on board with the short-term upgrades, but I would be more encouraged if we had made a financial commitment beyond this year. Do you think the Pirates will really go after the handful of mid-tier FAs available next year, or could you see the financial commitment arriving more in terms of internal extensions? Besides Cruz and the incredible long shot of Reynolds, names that stand out as possible would be Keller and maybe Contreras, since pitching is always a need.
Jason Mackey
12:54
Spending more doesn't always mean being more active in free agency. Could certainly involve contract extensions. Arbitration also a consideration. The Pirates are -- stop me if you've heard this before -- rebuilding. That tends to be a step-by-step process. This year represents a step. Next year will, too. That shouldn't be affected by the FA market. It should be determined by their internal timeline and ability to best staff certain positions.
Mr Bright Side
12:54
Cutch retires mid way through the year. I'm calling right now
Jason Mackey
12:54
Uh, no. Not agreeing with that.
Joe
12:54
Which do you see as more likely: an eventual Reynolds trade within a couple of years or a contract extension? Did the Pirates poison the well to the point that negotiations can’t be salvaged?
Jason Mackey
12:54
Picking between the two, I would say trade is more likely.
Why ?
12:54
Hard pressed to find 5 reasons, no make that 3 reasons to be even remotely interested in this team this year. I got Cutch's return and that about it.
Jason Mackey
12:55
OK. What do you want me to tell you? I'm interested. The 81 people -- an absurdly high number for a Pirates chat on Feb. 6 -- in this room are interested. The 50-plus questions posed from people already seem to show interest. So does our web traffic. Not sure of your point here.
Bill
12:55
Im typically optimistic about the Bucs but this year I feel it even more. I love the additions they have made, veterans who can provide good leadership and still have skills on the diamond. Additionally, very excited about the prospects that should debut this season. I know the hate the FO gets but I think this is the beginning of the core that will compete for playoffs in 2024/2025. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:56
I've written my thoughts on this year and how it plays into 2024 and '25 a bunch. They should be better, yes. Wouldn't surprise me if they flirted with it, then couldn't sustain. Don't hate the Hill signing. Hedges could surprise. Worried about Choi. They're not deep enough. I question whether they'll be better defensively.
Sophomore Slump
12:56
I think Cruz is gonna flop hard in Year 2. He's Polanco 2.0.
Jason Mackey
12:57
You're entitled to your opinion, though I don't agree with it.
TAnderson
12:57
Any truth to this?  Brenton Kelley
@CBSBrenton

#BREAKING OF Bryan Reynolds has “rescinded” his trade request. He is intent on playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023. Source tells @CBSSports
Jason Mackey
12:57
Have not seen or heard this, no.
Tanner Boyle
12:57
Still waiting for a call for a tryout from them. What are my chances ?
Jason Mackey
12:58
Gonna go with not good. Now if you were Ellwood City/Westminster College pitching legend Pat Boyle, a literal Hall of Famer, I would feel differently.
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