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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.16.24
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Jason Mackey
2:27
It's not concerning to me. They could still sign guys. They're trying to build depth. I don't think that says that their developmental program stinks.
Justin
2:27
I know youre not a scout so i wont hold it against you if you end up wrong either way, but watching Hank Davis batting practices....  does he seem to have "it"?
Jason Mackey
2:28
It's also BP. Scouts don't formulate opinions based on BP. But do I think Henry Davis can be a very good major league hitter? Yes, I do.
Peggy O
2:28
Jason, are you secretly hoping I beat out Nick G because the GD do not have a great tune named after a Nick character?
Jason Mackey
2:28
Ha. I am, not. I don't care who wins the job. Just be interesting while preventing rain and extra innings.
Justin
2:29
Obviously theyre going to start Skenes in the minors for a bit, but i'm wondering if one avenue around buying a real SP could be starting Jared Jones in the majors.  I believe he has enough Top 100 lists to qualify for that draft pick if he gets ROY votes, has pitched "Every fifth day" for a few years, had time in AAA, and would be a yuge injection of stuff and upside in the rotation.   Have you heard anything either way on his shot to make the team out of ST?
Jason Mackey
2:29
I don't think that's likely. Now, I think Jared Jones is outstanding. But he still has development in front of him. I would just be shocked if he did enough to earn a spot in the rotation out of camp.
Al Scott
2:30
Hey Jason, Congratulations on the move to columnist!  Can you ask someone with the Pirates why the pre and post game shows are not carried by the MLB package for us out of market. folks.  21 teams do it according to latest list I have seen, including the Red Sox.  The Pens shows are available with NHL package!  One would think the Pirates would want as much exposure as possible.  Wouldn’t the commercials provide some additional revenue?
Jason Mackey
2:30
Yeah, that's a good point, Al. I can ask. We have that one and what Endy is allowed to do during rehab.
Justin
2:30
Is it ever frustrating or annoying to you if one of the national guys get the scoop on a Pirates move before you do?  I know it doesnt impact you in any tangible way, but i'm just talking in like a pet peeve "come on, man" kind of way..
Jason Mackey
2:32
Umm ... yeah, but not for reasons you think. It's frustrating that people don't understand WHY it happens. They think it's because we suck or aren't working hard. It's because national guys can trade dope with agents on other teams/players. I can't tell an agent what the Angels are thinking, but a national guy can. I have no reason to spend time gleaning that info. Now, if you bust your ass and get to know people, you can build some of those relationships. I've tried and have had some success. But it'll never match the national guys because of how the system is stacked against local writers. I don't think fans know that.
Althea
2:32
Jason, if The Big Guy really struggles at short defensively, they have quite the dilemma on their hands, no?
Jason Mackey
2:32
Not if he hits. Just move him somewhere. Might grease the skids for the outfield move. (I also don't think he will struggle.)
Guest
2:32
Jason... Aloha from Honolulu!  Yes, some of us get Bucco fever out here, and we get to listen to the "late night games" 6 hours earlier 😀.  Thanks for all you do to keep us informed!  Who are the top 3 Pirates you think will "over perform" this year?  (Meaning to best their career/assumed averages).  Go Bucs!!
Jason Mackey
2:33
Aloha! Great to hear from you. Jack Suwinski, for one. I'll also go with Oneil Cruz and ... surprise, Ke'Bryan Hayes. I think the offense gets even better.
Buccosfever
2:33
Hey Jason!  Lots of Internet chatter about the new Nike/Fanatics jerseys for MLB this year, mostly negative, any word from Pirates players on the issue?  Also, what do you think of the new design?
Jason Mackey
2:33
Nothing public. But would imagine it's about the same as everywhere -- awful. I don't know what the heck Nike and MLB are doing with these things. They look like giveaways.
Justin
2:33
Any "best shape of his life"s yet in Florida, Jason?
Jason Mackey
2:34
Ha. Henry might qualify for that one.
Brad13
2:34
Do you think the Pirates are in on Whit Merrifield?
Jason Mackey
2:34
I find that hard to believe.
Q
2:34
BC said they’ve been impressed with some of the improvements the younger arms have made. Say they don’t add any more arms and the Opening Day rotation is Keller Perez Gonzales and an improved Ro and QP. I know the fan base wouldn’t be pleased, but at one point in time it seemed the latter 2 would be future starters, so would it really be the worst case scenario? Especially with a bunch of other younger arms on the way and Oviedo back next year. We’ve seen what Ro can be and QP flashed big league stuff at the end of the year.
Jason Mackey
2:34
Yeah, I just worry about the depth. What happens beyond those guys? Also, while I think one or two of that group will figure it out, a great number likely won't. I just think you're cutting it too close by not continuing to add.
Palacios
2:35
Hey Jason, congrats on the column and appreciate your reporting. Who do you think winds up getting the bulk of starts in CF and RF this year? It's one of the more interesting dynamics on this time, IMO.
Jason Mackey
2:35
I agree with you -- and thank you. I'm gonna go with Jack in center and Olivares in right.
Brandon
2:35
Hi Jason, any chance Cabrera is not the target and they target a Trevor Rogers instead or is it for sure Cabrera? Have you heard anything on Lorenzen or Merrifield? heard they are interested in both of them too. Last question, what would be your thoughts on bringing meadows in as an NRI? Thanks for the chats and congrats on the promotion!
Jason Mackey
2:36
Holy Lord. You speak in questions, my friend. No, no and no. Ha. ... I find Rogers hard to believe. Lorenzen makes sense, but I'm unaware of interest if there has been. ... I don't see where Meadows would fit. I also worry about his health beyond baseball.
Gino
2:36
Jason, congrats on the new gig! If all holds on the starting pitcher front and the pirates make no additions (unlikely), who in order do you think are most likely in the rotation? Priester, Roansy, Ortiz, Falter, or someone else im missing
Jason Mackey
2:37
Flip Roansy and Priester, and I agree with you ... behind Mitch, Gonzales, Perez and any addition.
Gino
2:37
Is Triolo the plan for backup 1B behind Rowdy?
Jason Mackey
2:37
I would imagine Joe, but Triolo could play some. Depends on what happens with Triolo at second base, if he wins that job.
John
2:37
Ask the Mlod God if he’s gonna cut the flow 😂
Jason Mackey
2:37
I already know the answer to that.
Gino
2:37
Do you expect Cutch to play very much at all this year in the field if both Joe and Palacios make the opening day roster as many think?
Jason Mackey
2:38
I don't. At least early on. Asked Shelton about that today. Sounds like they could be very careful with that. I don't think they want to push anything.
George Costanza
2:38
Will Pittsburgh Sports Net have it's on streaming app that isn't included in some sort of bundle?
Jason Mackey
2:38
I think eventually, yes. But unfortunately probably not by opening day.
Freak Show
2:38
Hi Jason …Do you think the Pirates will eventually use their middle infield surplus to acquire some pitching help
Jason Mackey
2:39
Yes, I do. That's how I think a deal would get done, dealing Peggy, Gonzales or Bae as part of a package.
NP
2:39
Who you do think wins the 2B job among Peguero, Gonzales, Triolo and Bae? And who stays on the big club to start the year?
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