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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.08.22
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Jason Mackey
12:33
Give us a possible sound bite? That's the first time I've had a question here framed that way. Ha. And, also, that's a lengthy answer, my friend. Short as possible: As possible strike would exist because these two sides hate each other and have vastly different opinions of the game. Players want to get to free agency and arbitration sooner and change revenue-sharing. Owners want to make as much money as possible, which manifests itself a couple ways. They want expanded playoffs. They're good with revenue-sharing, though there's something of a split when it comes to the concepts of a cap, floor and the Competitive Balance Tax. They agree they want to change the draft but disagree on how to do it. Could impact the Pirates here -- if they're not guaranteed to pick at the top after a losing season, for example -- and also obviously if they institute a cap or floor, which does not seem likely. The CBT doesn't apply to them, and they would like additional revenue-sharing, something the bigger-market teams ...
... obviously don't want.
Earl T
12:33
Hi Jason, Do you think there will be a baseball season this year?  If you do how many games will the season be and expected start and ending dates
Jason Mackey
12:34
I do think there will be a baseball season. And I honestly think it will be 162 at this point. I think they're gonna change their tune when the threat of losing games comes along. Spring training is too damn long anyway.
Sunner in Orlando
12:34
If the Pirates will not compete for the foreseeable 3-4 years, would it be prudent to move Reynolds and Hayes at the deadline when their stock should be at its highest?
Jason Mackey
12:35
I don't think there's a blanket answer here. Maybe ... if they have replacements, there's interest and no traction on possible extensions. But I wouldn't do it if they were the best available options, would be there for another competitive window (when a bunch of talent figures to pop) and maybe you can sign them long-term.
Retire21
12:38
Pirates had first All Black lineup...R.I.P. Gene Clines. With the international flavor in their system, give us a Pirates all foreign lineup.....a MLB first, I assume.
Jason Mackey
12:38
Would think so, although I don't know what we're doing to Reynolds or Hayes.
Retire21
12:38
Pirates portrayed in movies.....
Jason Mackey
12:39
Can you clarify what you're asking? Because I might just reference Barry Bonds striking out in Rookie of the Year.
Greg
12:39
Hi Jason, Hope you and your family are well. Jason isn't it more important that our minor league teams have sucess this year more than anything that happens in Pittsburgh this season? By the way glad your back this year for the Buc's.
Jason Mackey
12:40
I don't write for the Pirates, Greg. I cover the Pirates. There's a difference, but I know what you meant. I mean ... I think a lot of people on here would prefer both, and they're not wrong. That should be able to happen. However, I think the minor league team winning and experiencing success is a whole heck of a lot more likely. I think it'll be the last year for a bit we'll look at the major league team and expect it to stink.
Retire21
12:40
Pirates franchise portrayed in movies top 3. 1-THE NATURAL, 2-THE ODD COUPLE, 3 The original ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD. Yours?
Jason Mackey
12:41
Still not totally sure what you're getting at here, but I also liked the Forbes Field/Babe Ruth scenes in "The Babe."
Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus
12:41
Do see the Pirates signing any MLB free agents once the lockout is over? Obviously, I'm not thinking an expensive free agent. But another outfielder or pitcher would make sense to me.
Jason Mackey
12:42
Yeah, I could see them signing one or two. I think pitching is where they should and will add. I would like to see them sign a legitimate OF, believe me. But they might wanna see what it looks like having Gamel in left, Reynolds in center, then see who wins the job in RF (Tucker, Allen, someone else) while also allowing room for Swaggerty, Oliva, Bae, Cruz or someone else to play. They need pitching bad.
Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus
12:42
Who will backup Roberto Perez this year?
Jason Mackey
12:43
At this point, Michael Perez. And, yes, I know that's not terribly exciting. Could be another area where they bring in a cheap FA to compete.
Justin
12:43
Are there any guys who you think will debut this year that you think the fans will take a liking to right away due to their personality?  I could see Smith-Njigba charging a mound and then saying funny stuff after, and the fans loving it, for example.
Jason Mackey
12:44
CSN has a great personality. I think fans will like him a lot, but I don't know if he's ready to take that step and I don't want to force him. I think Mason Martin could be one, because of his power and presence. Very smart and mature young man. Ji-Hwan Bae is also fun to watch play. Dude is crazy fast.
Cullen
12:44
What chance do you think Cruz has of earning a roster spot on the major league team out of spring training?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Unless they drastically adjust service time stuff, not very much. Remember, they signed Kevin Newman for $1.95 million. That would be an exorbitant amount of money to keep on the bench.
Donna
12:44
Hi Jason.  I was wondering if you ever had the chance to meet/interview Bill Virdon and if so, your thoughts about him.  Thank you.
Jason Mackey
12:45
You know, Donna, I never did. And I wish I had. Always loved Virdon. My dad did, too. Got a really sweet email from his wife/widow after Bill passed, and I told her the same thing. Always seemed like a fascinating and wonderful man.
Shelton's Collies
12:45
Jason...How will Spring Training work with only the Non-40 allowed to play? Will they televise the games? Howabout MiLB games if no pro baseball? Thx.
Jason Mackey
12:46
This is a good and pertinent question. Honestly, last I heard, no resolution had been reached about ST games if the lockout isn't over. They will obviously play MiLB games, and those are available via MiLB for like $40. Would highly recommend that purchase to anyone.
Bill
12:46
What is your take on Joel Hanrahan leaving the system after apparently being so well respected and appearing to be part of future plans?
Jason Mackey
12:48
I don't think Joel thought he was part of future plans, at least relative to the MLB club, and I really can't speak to whether those feelings are accurate or not because they're not mine. I will say that when regimes change, you're gonna have differences with new vs. old, the value of a new direction vs. what had been done before, etc. I wasn't surprised Joel left, but I was surprised to see him take a Low-A job. I think he probably thinks the path up the ladder is clearer than it was for him here.
Cullen
12:48
In your opinion, which prospect rating group (MLB, Fangraphs, Baseball America, etc) should fans pay attention to the most, or hold the most weight?
Jason Mackey
12:49
It's hard for me to rank them, honestly, but I do know those are usually my top three. I also think there's going to be a certain amount of variance with this stuff. You're projecting a stock, right? Not everyone is gonna see it the exact same way, and that doesn't make two right and one wrong.
Cullen
12:50
What players in both the majors and minors are you looking to have a breakout season
Jason Mackey
12:52
Here's one: I think Miguel Yajure is gonna be very good this season for the Pirates. In the minors, I'm really intrigued by Kyle Nicolas. Went with pitchers because today's story.
Ryan
12:52
Good afternoon Jason do you think there will be baseball this season I’m hoping so so i can watch the pirates if so so how many games
Jason Mackey
12:52
Got this a bunch Ryan. Will try to sum it up quickly: Yes, I think they will play. Close to 162, too, because they want to get on the field after missing out on so much in 2020.
Cullen
12:52
It seems like the expectations placed on Priester in 2020 overshadowed his season this year. He had a rough start but was great for a majority of his innings, especially down the stretch. If there wasn't the 2020 hype and he went out and had the season he did do you think he would be a consensus top 50 prospect?
Jason Mackey
12:54
I don't understand why Priester has slid down some top 100 lists: Was 7-4 with a 3.04 ERA in 20 GS, 97.2 IP, 98 K, 39 BB, 1.24 WHIP. That ... doesn't suck. All while his changeup improved, and he found a slider. And was named to the Future Stars Game. Did he not split the atom? Is that what we're docking him for? Priester is fine.
R.I.P. Roberto
12:54
Hello Jason…2022 marks the tragic passing of the great Roberto Clemente.  With that in mind, do you think MLB may be more inclined to retire #21?    Thanks Jason.
Jason Mackey
12:55
Believe you mean 2022 will mark the 50th anniversary. And, yes, I think this is the year it is retired, finally. Makes too much sense.
Justin
12:55
What is your favorite food?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Seafood. I literally have no governor on my stomach when eating it. I eat until it's gone. Also, BBQ a very close second. (Brisket, spicy sauce)
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