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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.16.24
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Jason Mackey
1:23
Thanks, Joel!
Paul
1:23
Good afternoon Jason. In your expert opinion why was Henry Davis drafted #1 by the Pirates if he is now considered so inadequate for the position?
Jason Mackey
1:25
Well, I don't think he's considered inadequate for the position. They suddenly think he can catch. He could also improve a bunch. In my story today, note the differences in minor league games caught between Rutschman, Posey and Smith. It's interesting. I think Henry is still developing back there. If he's not, well, then might stink at drafting and development.
TomM
1:25
ONE of the reasons the Bucs chose Henry Davis 1-1 was that they could sign him for less, allowing them to spread more money elsewhere, resulting in a great draft.  Given that controllable young starters (Cabrera?) are likely to command a bit of an over-pay, do you think it's possible that Davis could be included in a deal with the Marlins?  Thus, turning your 1-1 into that controllable young starter?
Jason Mackey
1:25
No, I don't. They're not trading Henry.
Joel
1:25
Hi, Jason. Happy Spring Training! Look, the reason it’s hard not to panic about the Grandal acquisition is because the Pirates have botched the handling of Davis to date. They keep saying he’s a catcher, but their behavior says otherwise. If minor league catching experience is so important, then why didn’t he catch last year? Why was he promoted and thrown into right? The Pirates deserve and get zero benefit of the doubt on this one.
Jason Mackey
1:27
Thanks, Joel. You're allowed to feel how you wish. And to a degree, well, I agree. What they did last year was incongruent. Why not just give him a chance? But at the same time ... he's only 24. What if he gets better and is good enough this year? They didn't bungle his development then.
Henry
1:31
Jason, if the whole catching thing does not work out, should Omar bring me in to firm up the ILB position?  I mean, they brought that Myles guy back from a Barcalounger, and he actually was not too bad, all things considered.  Your thoughts, if any?
Jason Mackey
1:32
Ha. Have you ever played football? I don't think you have. But you look the part!
NP
1:32
Congrats on the promotion! Will miss you on the beat, but I'm glad you'll be doing something with a better work/life balance that doesn't involve chasing Yasmani Grandal news during the Super Bowl lol. Anyway, could you glean anything from Roasny's session yesterday if no radar guns were around?
Jason Mackey
1:33
Thank you very much! To be clear, I'm not looking to slow down. I love the pace of a baseball beat. But I do want the creative options that this presents. It's also something I couldn't let pass after turning down another of my dream jobs last offseason. ... The biggest thing: attitude/confidence. Writing about that after I'm done with this chat.
Stash
1:33
Jason, does the PG foot the bill for a babysitter when you take the whole entourage to Bradenton?  Or do leave the youngins to fend for themselves?
Jason Mackey
1:33
Ha. My wife will be coming down. She handles most of that. The P-G pays for my condo down here, but I certainly don't expect the paper to pay for my family's travel.
MZ
1:33
Congrats on the big promotion! Who's taking over on the Pirates beat?
Jason Mackey
1:34
Thanks so much, MZ. I'm gonna let those folks explain out of respect to them. But I am pumped with the plan.
NP
1:34
Maybe I missed it, but did Pirates players have any comments on the new Fanatics jerseys. As I'm sure you know, fans and a lot of players leaguewide hate the new uniforms.
Jason Mackey
1:34
Yeah, we didn't get into it much on the record. But to say, they haven't drawn rave reviews.
Justin
1:34
I suppose at this point we could start to assume that the rotation will be Keller Perez Gonzales, and then a competition for the last two spots.  How do you see that competition going?   My guess is Falter due to lack of minor lg options, and Ortiz shows a moderate bounceback in "Stuff" to get the other spot.   Or do you really think another pitcher still gets added?
Jason Mackey
1:35
I still think another pitcher gets added. I'm intriguing -- probably more so -- by Roansy and Quinn. But we'll see. It's super early. I actually like Falter and Ortiz out of the 'pen more than I do as starting options.
NP
1:35
A (small) part of me thinks Marco Gonzales is going to be way better than expected and the Pirates will have an actual decision on their hands as to whether to pick up his 2025 team option. Am I nuts?
Jason Mackey
1:35
You're nuts. Respectfully, you're nuts. Isn't the option $15 million?
Ben
1:35
While listened to the podcast today it struck me that the Fort hasn’t been on for awhile. Is he still part of the podcast team?  Thank you Jason
Jason Mackey
1:36
Not as of this moment, unfortunately. Fort has not been granted the rights by his employer to join us, sadly. I miss him.
Stash
1:37
Jason, is Christina Aguilera still hot and/or famous enough should The Pirates attempt to augment fireworks nights with a yinzer version of the Swifty Experience?   If not, can Donny Iris still move the yinzer needle?
Jason Mackey
1:37
If we're doing a Pittsburgh fireworks night, we can do better than Christina Aguilera, no? How about theCAUSE?
PB
1:37
Jason, first congratulations on your new assignment as columnist at the PG.    Are Brubaker or Burrows in Pirate City?   What are the expectations for them this year, in terms of rehab?   With this rotation, the team will likely need all hands on deck.
Jason Mackey
1:38
Thanks so much, PB. I'm pumped. Yes, they're both here. ... And expectations ... I hate to be sarcastic, but they're expected to get healthy. I would expect both back around midseason. They're getting there.
Bob
1:38
What percentage would you give it that a starting pitcher that is currently not in spring training is signed or traded for by the first full squad practice on Monday?
Jason Mackey
1:38
Sixty-five? Maybe 70?
NP
1:38
Hoping for the best, but what is the contingency plan for Henry Davis if catching doesn't work out? Back to RF? Maybe 1B? TBD?
Jason Mackey
1:39
It depends. Doubt it's RF. DH would be hard. Probably depends on how he hits. And how bad the defense is. That's why I wrote about him going to the minors. If he struggles -- which I don't think is likely -- in both aspects, it is possible.
PB
1:39
Great story on the expectations for Davis and comparisons to other young catchers in MLB.    Do you think that by bulking back up it will help his swing and how he handles big league pitching?   Personally, I could care less where he plays as long as his bat can play, put him at first base for all I care.
Jason Mackey
1:40
No first base. His arm is too good. I don't think Henry has any issue with big league pitching. It's all consistency. And my bigger concern with him is his defense. That also won't be solved by size, but I respect the physical maturation.
John
1:40
How is Mlodzinski looking?
Jason Mackey
1:40
Electric. Great flow. Rocking cowboy boots. Dude should've been born in the 70s. I love it.
Paul
1:40
Jason, will the average yinzer tolerate my questionable 'stache if I actually bring credible starting pitching back to The North Shore?
Jason Mackey
1:41
Tolerate it? Skenes, they'll fall in love with it, my man.
Jack
1:41
Hi Jason. Hope you are enjoying the warm weather and palm trees. I’m actually catching a couple games down there at the end of the month, and was wondering if you’ve seen Livvy Dunne at all?
Jason Mackey
1:41
Have not, Jack. Also haven't been looking for her.
Veno202
1:41
Bednar looks fatter. Has he gained weight?
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