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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.09.24
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Jason Mackey
12:41
You've seen the Pirates before, right? Couple things. I think they're going to grow the payroll incrementally. That's not a defense. It's an explanation. And those increments are going to be slower than fans want. ... Secondly, I do think they can/will trade for a controllable SP. ... Doubt they sign a platoon for Rowdy. That'll likely be Joe or Triolo, if Joe goes in a deal. ... There's a lot of uncertainty at catcher, but I think they need to let Henry show them what he can do.
PrinceBob
12:41
And as I'm in a :Where are they going?" kind of mode, do you think anyone will sign Trevor Bauer and if so, who? Also do you know what the situation is regarding his Dodgers' contract? Did they have to pay him while he was in Korea? Did he void it by signing with a Korean team? If a MLB team signs him will they take on 100% of the Dodger contract if it is not void?
Jason Mackey
12:42
You're speaking in questions ... I worry if anyone will at this point. Dude say he would pitch for the MLB minimum ... and doesn't have a deal. But maybe like the Angels? Like semi big market that needs pitching. A place he could sort of hide behind other guys.
62 Stack Monster
12:42
What happened to Yajure?
Jason Mackey
12:43
Pirates DFA'd him last offseason. Signed a minors deal with SFG. Spent last year in the minors there. Didn't pitch well. Believe he's a FA at this point.
Tim
12:44
Jason, do you think Trevor Bauer signs anywhere?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Not sure, Tim. I hope so. I think he deserves a second chance. Would probably do it at this point if I was GMBC, given how much they need pitching. But it is curious why -- after offering to play for the league minimum -- why nobody has picked him up. I honestly don't think the backlash would be that bad.
Gene
12:45
I do believe Yasmani Grandal is still available, do you think the Bucs would be interested?
Jason Mackey
12:45
Yeah, he would actually make some sense as a depth option. Even bringing him to camp on a minors deal. Would imagine he's probably holding out for a larger role.
Jared Jones
12:45
Is there a chance I could break camp with the team if I perform well or am I going back to Indy no matter what?
Jason Mackey
12:46
I think you're probably going to Indy no matter what.
Guest
12:46
Hey Jason, I’m excited for spring training and seeing how these young Bucs 👀 Much appreciate your endless articles, updates and analysis! Just a shout out to voice my “open mind” to an improved and hungry team in 2024! Terry Martin in Woodstock, Ga
Jason Mackey
12:46
Thanks, Terry. Appreciate the enthusiasm, as always.
Dave
12:46
You have been predicting a Pirate trade for pitching.  What factors are preventing idt from happening?
Jason Mackey
12:46
I think it's the difference of opinion on how the return should look.
Wayward
12:46
Jason, thanks for the chats.  There have been some veteran SP's (Syndergaard,etc )have held workouts for teams but I havent seen any of them sign.  I would assume that would mean they weren't very impressive?
Jason Mackey
12:47
No, teams could be wanting to see more. Or waiting for other dominoes to fall. If ____ signs here, maybe ____ becomes available, and we don't need Syndergaard, that sort of thing.
Not Joe Starkey
12:47
Jason, do you have any memorable Ron Cook stories or interactions from over the years, press-box or not?
Jason Mackey
12:48
My favorite Ron story might be driving to D.C. during the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs. We made great time. Did it under four hours, straight through. Just rocking out to classic rock, hearing stories about Ben, Sully & others. Good time. Or driving back from Philly in the middle of the night. That was a fun one. ... Hanging with Ron during the Cup, countless conversations with him at PNC. ... Gonna miss him.
Ben C
12:49
Best time of the day for a nap?
Jason Mackey
12:49
Is there a bad time?
Bruce
12:49
Hi Jason -- The Athletic just released grades for all MLB teams off-season and the Pirates received a "D".  I agree with that, so far, if no other moves are made,  Your take?
Jason Mackey
12:49
I'd maybe go to a C, but I won't quibble. I also hate those grades. It's like grading a trade. How the hell are any of us going to grade something that hasn't happened?
Wayward
12:49
Do you think the Bucs are looking for a veteran, just in case guy?  I really like Delay but can see why is better suited to the #2 role.
Jason Mackey
12:50
I think they will sign a depth catching option, yes. Someone they could play ... but don't have to.
Jordan Vlach
12:50
Any interest in Michael A. Taylor?
Jason Mackey
12:50
Yeah. But I don't see that making sense for them. They have better internal options, honestly.
Ben
12:50
Where/ when do you think pirates find next everyday or just impact firstbaseman. Anyone in system or have to trade/draft one?
Jason Mackey
12:50
I still think Triolo could be that guy. I get the platoon for now. But it wouldn't surprise me if he ended up playing a lot over there.
Sko
12:51
Do you think the lack of the Pirates pursuing starting pitching is that they keep searching for a trade partner and can’t find the right deal?  It just seems like we are in the same situation as last year with starting pitching.  This was our biggest need this off season.  Why not take a flyer on Trevor Baurer?
Jason Mackey
12:51
Yeah, I think they have found possible partners. It's more the parameters of the deal. With Bauer, I think it's a lot like other teams: They don't love the fit/baggage that he would bring.
Brad13____
12:51
I would love Buaer, thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:52
I'd want to hear how he would handle this specific situation -- I would need him to bring kids together, not be thrilled about getting to do his own thing or just have the freedom to be weird -- but I'm liking it more and more, as they seemingly refuse to do anything even remotely aggressive.
12:54
Message from Bradford T that I had to edit because of language, but for the sake of transparency didn't want to avoid: "
You’re a gross piece of [crap] for saying they should sign Bauer. Seriously [screw] yourself."
Feel however you want. Also not saying they should. Just that it should be a consideration. I don't think that's a crazy take, either by teams, fans or players.
Tom
12:54
Hi Jason, I know the Pirates hired a new scouting director. I would love to see you write about his background and philosophy on signing players and if it might be different than the way they have been doing it. I love reading your articles. Keep up the great job.
Jason Mackey
12:55
Thanks, Tom. I agree. That's something I plan to pursue in spring. That story, along with Sarah Gelles and more that are best handled in a face-to-face setting like spring training.
BSmooth
12:55
Hey Jason, just piggybacking off the German and Bauer talk. Do you think having Bae and Chapman in the locker room would be beneficial in the event of signing one of those guys? Empathy, dealing with the media, etc
Jason Mackey
12:56
Not sure that matters. If I sign one of those guys, it will be because I'm convinced he has changed and can handle whatever the results are from previous misdeeds.
Brenden
12:56
Out of all the Non-Roster Invitee’s, who do you think has the best chance to surprise everyone and make the Opening Day roster? Also, would love to hear your thoughts on Honeywell Jr. I really like his screwball
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