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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.06.23
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Bob Nutting's Secretary
12:58
Mr Nutting  would like to schedule an interview with you. Are you available February 30th ?
Jason Mackey
12:58
Good one. I'm busy that day. Talking to Travis. Can we do the 31st instead?
Wayward
12:58
If a couple of the young OF's have good springs do you see any scenarios where Joe doesnt make the team out of the Spring, or is his roster spot a given?
Jason Mackey
12:58
I'm taking it as a given, though I suppose I could see a trade if that exact scenario unfolded and they needed to create a spot for someone with more of a future here.
How on Earth ?
12:59
How is Duane Underwood still on this roster ? Does he mow Nutting grass or something ?
Jason Mackey
1:00
No landscaping for Duane, not to my knowledge anyway. I think they like that he can work multiple innings. Look, a big issue with Underwood feels like 2014-15 with Ben Lovejoy on Penguins. People got pissed because he looked horrible as a top-four defenseman ... because he wasn't and was forced to play there because of injury. DUJ shouldn't be pitching the 8th with a lead. If he's eating innings in the fifth or sixth, I have no issue. But they're using him poorly, then fans are acting surprised when the results suck.
Maz01
1:01
Hi Jason, I read one of your articles that Reynolds compared Suwinski to Josh Hamilton, do you think that is a possibility? What were the details of that conversation? Thanks
Jason Mackey
1:01
I have no idea what you're talking about. If you could link the article, it would be most helpful. Thanks.
MjB
1:01
Yes, they are totally different players with different skill sets at different positions.  A catcher's value is not the same as an OF.  They just both happen to be at contractual crossroads at the same time.  Murphy was paid highly because of his defense, his position, and his power, but not his average.  Reynolds is far more about average, about the same in power, but his defensive importance is not the same.  I would like to know which OF compares equally to see exactly what Reynolds should command for a contract vs. what he thinks he deserves.
Jason Mackey
1:03
OK, I get you. You're not wrong. Those are valid points and thank you for sharing them. My contention would be that you're still paying money for value, regardless of how it's establishing. Murphy has done a pretty good job of that, can we agree? Has Reynolds done a ton more? Not sure. He's done more, but the question is how much more. ... I agree with you, though. I just can't think of one off the top of my head, and I still have a bunch of questions to work through here.
Canyon
1:03
Will the pirates always have a lefty that stays with the team for a half a year or will they always just go after free agents leftys with one year contracts.
Jason Mackey
1:03
Hahaha. This made me laugh. Here's hoping they keep a lefty from beginning to end, but it is a funny trend, isn't it? Pretty sure it's still legal for a lefty to make 30-plus starts.
DJ
1:03
Do you get the sense that the Pirates are definitively done in free agency? In particular, there are still some vets who could further bolster the pen who haven't signed. Chafin is the best one (and seemingly wants to be close to his farm in Ohio), and Moore and Britton are also out there. Any indication the Pirates could bring in one more guy to help solidify?
Jason Mackey
1:04
Yeah, they're done with actual free agency, as I understand it. Could they do a minor league deal with someone? Sure. But nothing like you're talking about.
Cullen B
1:04
Have you had a chance to speak with Ke'bryan yet this offseason? I saw a video of him training and he looks a lot stronger and is hitting the ball on a line more.
Jason Mackey
1:05
I've requested him through two different people. Neither request has been fulfilled. Not saying that to be a jerk; just being transparent with you guys. I agree, he looks excellent. It's a big year for him, and I think his voice -- because of his contract, commitment and ability -- is a very important one for fans to hear. I hope he responds and agrees to an interview. I'll circle back with both parties.
Harry
1:06
Any rumblings of non-Reynolds extensions yet? Cruz seems like the obvious bet, but maybe it's too early for the Pirates to commit (though a deal similar to Acuna's would be encouraging). More generally, and I suppose I'd include Reynolds in this, do you think it's basically only possible for extensions to happen in spring training, or would this front office explore them mid-season? Thanks as always for these chats!
Jason Mackey
1:07
No rumblings. Doesn't mean there haven't been talks, but no rumblings. Would imagine that becomes more of a ST thing, honestly. ... And, yeah, I don't think they would have anything against that. They've done it before. Cherington has no issue there. It's more an issue of paying the money or finding the right player for that sort of contract.
All lies
1:07
I don't believe any of this supposed "minor league talent" will be anything great in the Majors. I have heard this team beat that dead horse too many times to believe it. From Hermanson to Polanco and too many pitchers and others to mention. I think its just more fools gold we are being sold.
Jason Mackey
1:08
You're welcome to believe that. I don't work for the Pirates and don't get paid any more if you believe and watch or whether you tune out flip off PNC Park every time you drive by. I'm paid to talk to people, research, write, analyze, etc. And I'm gonna keep doing that regardless.
1:09
OK, folks. Thanks so much for this. Was good to get back to chatting. Think we'll probably get back to a mailbag filed in advance with travel down to Florida. One week!
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