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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.16.24
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Jason Mackey
1:55
Why would Montgomery want to sign with the Pirates considering his myriad options? Do you realize how big that overpay would have to be? Would be ridiculous.
2:04
Sorry gang, had to take a phone call.
I'm back.
wvpirate
2:04
We have alot of talented pitchers on the way up. Are you concerned about the development once they get to the majors? Considering other starters who have regressed.
Jason Mackey
2:05
No, I'm not. I don't think we know enough, honestly. Guys have encountered challenges, sure. But they're young. If they don't improve, yeah, that's an issue. But they can still get better.
Liover P
2:05
I was looking pretty beefy in that video the social team posted the other day, can we get a new cameraman who captures some more flattering angles? Jeez. Anyway, was I hitting my mother’s home cooked meals too hard this offseason?
Jason Mackey
2:05
I've watched you move around in the field, Peggy. Look just fine to me. Why is everyone so damn worried about everyone's weight?
KJ
2:05
Jason, a friend of mine (a Cardinals fan) sent me a MLB power rankings list with the Pirates listed at #24, ahead of the Angels, Royals, Rockies, Senators, Chisox, and Athletics.  What do you think?
Jason Mackey
2:06
I think it's Feb. 16. A bunch can and will change. No offense. Could not care less about power rankings at this point.
Anon
2:06
So.... Edward Cabrera? The stuff is great, but can he really be a starter with the control issues as bad as they are + a really scary injury history? Should be given more runway as a starter but it seems like a real possibility he ends up in the pen long-term right? Or will this all be a moot point because the Pirates decide to not do anything that might actually help the team after talking all offseason how badly they wanted to win?
Jason Mackey
2:07
No way. I'm good with Cabrera and teaching him some control. Still very young. Plenty of time. I don't know if they'll get him. Maybe they screw it up. Wouldn't be the first or last time. But I don't see him as a future reliever. Certainly not in 2024.
Jack
2:07
Any word on who will be starting the first games?
Jason Mackey
2:07
Not on the third day, no.
Ryan
2:07
Good afternoon Jason how has Bednar looked so far in spring training Go BUCS 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️⚾️⚾️
Jason Mackey
2:08
Solid. Like David Bednar. Ha. He has thrown one side. Just for clarity gang: Nobody has ever faced hitters to this point. Kinda tough to say how someone has looked.
Justin
2:08
There were a lot of Cherington quotes yesterday and it's hard to keep it all straight.  Put simply, did he imply that the Chapman signing was the end of any hope of giving real money to a starting pitcher?
Jason Mackey
2:09
At least this cycle, yeah, I think that's what he implied. I think he implied they weren't willing to pay the going rate for starters. It might be dumb or cheap. Independently, I do think the SP market can be inflated, hence why development matters so much. But you still should be able to pay the going rate, one would think.
Sko
2:09
Congrats on the new gig!  Does Davis start the season in AAA to get reps at catcher?  I never heard anything about his defense when they drafted him.  Was it bad scouting?
Jason Mackey
2:10
Thanks so much. I don't think so. I think he starts with the big club. And, also, it's college. He wasn't challenged as much as he has been here. Or scrutinized as exactly, if that makes sense.
Stash
2:10
Jason, besides two annoying tunnels, the absolute dearth of sunshine and the yinzer bizarre predilection for placing french fries on already unhealthy sandwiches, what is keeping even terribly average free agents from considering the 'burgh as a viable career destination?
Jason Mackey
2:10
Winning. And don't be taking shots at my favorite city.
KJ
2:10
I have also seen the predicted order of finish for the Pirates' division is: 1. Cincinnati 2. Chicago 3. Milwaukee 4. St. Louis 5. Pirates.  What do you think the criteria for this prediction is? Based on last year's standings?
Jason Mackey
2:11
Last year ... what teams have done this offseason ... projected development ... who's gone. Yeah, all sorts of factors involved.
Honus
2:11
Jason any chance you'll keep doing these chats once you move over to your columnist role (congrats btw)? I really enjoy these
Jason Mackey
2:11
Thank you. Yes, I will. All sports, though. I enjoy them. Even if they make me tense sometimes with all of the frustration.
wvpirate
2:11
When is The Fort coming back for your weekly chats?
Jason Mackey
2:11
Not sure. He's exclusive to SportsNet Pittsburgh at the moment. I miss him.
Jeff
2:11
So if Palacios makes the team, with a back up catcher, the other 2 bench guys are??
Jason Mackey
2:13
Either Olivares/Triolo, whomever isn't in RF. ... If it's Rowdy at 1B, you're gonna have Joe. ... Let's say Hayes, Cruz, Peggy, Rowdy, Henry, Bryan R., Jack, Triolo (9) ... Grandal, Palacios, Joe, Cutch and Olivares. May be a bit too OF heavy.
Stash
2:13
Jason, is this going to be one of those chats where you give this Cullen character way too much undeserved air time?
Jason Mackey
2:13
Are you friends with Cullen?
Stephen
2:13
Who’s the dark horse you’re seeing so far from the starting pitching side that could make an impact this year in the event a trade/FA deal doesn’t get done?
Jason Mackey
2:14
I still think sometimes gets done, but I wouldn't be shocked if Contreras finally figures it out.
Jim
2:14
Please don’t take this the wrong way. I’m not here to place blame. I don’t pretend to know the inner workings of journalism. Out of pure curiosity, how did your pre write on the Marlins trade become published? Is it as simple as someone not realizing it was a pre write and publishing it as if it was a done deal? We are all human, and humans make mistakes! Appreciate all your work!
Jason Mackey
2:14
Got this earlier. Could have been. Also could have been a technical glitch. Not sure at this point. Outlined the previous background on this earlier if anyone wants to scroll up.
NP
2:14
What are your thoughts on Henry Davis' swing changes? The early results look promising, as spring training videos and car damage goes lol
Jason Mackey
2:15
Yeah, they look pretty smart right now. We'll see once he starts facing better stuff. But, yeah, looks outstanding so far.
Brad13____
2:15
Just want to congratulate you on the new role Jason, you've earned it. Excited to read all of your stuff.

Anything you've seen so far this spring from Jack Suwinski that you like?
Jason Mackey
2:16
Thanks so much, Brad. ... Nothing against Jack. I just haven't watched much. Not on purpose. Just literally can't think -- OK, it's only been a couple days of pitchers and catcher -- of one chance I've had to really watch. Sorry.
Jack
2:16
Congrats on the new gig Jason! Does it come with a HOF vote? If so who’s on your ballot
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