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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.20.23
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Jason Mackey
12:51
Hello, everyone, and welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. We'll get started in a few minutes.
1:08
OK, let's do this.
Arnold
1:08
Jason, a very wise chatter informed you last fall that OC should hit the weights, and you scoffed, thus really torquing off a dedicated chatter.  Are you ready to make amends and ingest some crow? Gracias.
Jason Mackey
1:09
Not sure of the context there. Was it asking whether Crowe needed to gain weight? No. In any case, we also haven't seen this play out. There's also plenty of time between now and Opening Day. In other words, what if he loses it over the next six weeks. But if you want to frame it as me being a jerk for thinking it wasn't essential Oneil Cruz gain weight, go nuts.
Madonna
1:09
Jason, seeing that the PG is increasingly transitioning to an all-video sports reporting format, has management given any thought to springing for surgical enhancements of key staff to improve the user experience? Danke.
Jason Mackey
1:10
If the P-G is transitioning to an all-video sports reporting format, that's news to me and the amount I'm typing every day.
JamesinColliers
1:11
I think I know the answer to this already but would the Pirates even consider signing Trevor Bauer?
Jason Mackey
1:11
No, there's no interest there. And they're not alone.
Surley
1:11
I really like LECOM park in Bradenton. Do you have a favorite Spring Training park that I should check out?
Jason Mackey
1:13
I really like LECOM, too. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa is fun. I like that place. Ed Smith Stadium is one of my least favorite places on the planet, right up there with Newark or Philadelphia. The Braves' place in North Port is nice and fancy. But LECOM really does rock. My favorite.
Jerry G
1:13
Jason, is my rendition of Clapton's See What Love Can Do a little too sappy for even diehard fans, or does the stellar guitar work make up for the unctuous lyrical content? Muchas Gracias.
Jason Mackey
1:14
I don't think so, no. I would also have to Google unctuous; I'm not that smart.
Hal
1:15
Jason, given the typical lack of humor and sometimes convoluted reasoning of some PG Chat Masters, would the average yinzer know if a chat had been surreptitiously taken over by a malignant AI? Gracias.
Jason Mackey
1:15
Don't know what you're talking about Hal. Sorry about the lack of humor.
Castro
1:16
Jason, does the big shortstop's stated preference for yours truly make a mockery of the second base competition, or do I still need to actually earn the spot hopefully before doing something silly? Danke.
Jason Mackey
1:17
Ugh, you need to earn the spot. The shortstop can think whatever he wants. The Pirates need to score more runs and be better defensively. If Bae or Marcano help accomplish that, they need to play. Plain and simple.
The Real TP Hunter
1:18
Hi Jason and make sure you use your sunscreen later this week. It's going to be a scorcher in Bradenton. Why don't the Pirates negotiate a reasonable deal with Reynolds this spring? It will make everyone happy, give another boost of adrenaline to the team after the Cutch signing, and even if things don't work out he still would be an affordable trade candidate under contract for many years. Wins all around, yes?
Jason Mackey
1:19
Have been. Toasty today. Love it. I think they're going to try. Whether it gets done, don't know. But I do think they will make another run at him with a fresh offer. Also, I agree with you. Makes a bunch of sense and sends a signal to fans. Wouldn't be surprised if we hear more in the next few weeks on this.
The Real TP Hunter
1:19
Who is your very, very early spring training surprise so far for the Buccos?
Jason Mackey
1:21
Not sure if I would there's been a surprise ... however, Oviedo has looked really good. Have liked what I've seen from Rich Hill. ... Wouldn't shock me if Kevin Plawecki was the backup catcher ... Bae has looked solid, with plenty of pop. ... Henry Davis, Endy Rodriguez and a couple other young guys have really filled out. ... Shoot, add Hayes to that list.
CC BUC FAN
1:21
Now that Spring Training is here, do you think that the Pirates and Brian Reynolds come to an agreement on a compromise between their original offers.  I think a front loaded deal of 6/100 would be fair.  I would wait until after the All Star break to think about an extension for Cruz  He has to show more defensively in my opinion.
Jason Mackey
1:22
I do. Or I at least think the Pirates will try to get something done and up their offer. Whether that's enough to convince Reynolds, we shall see. I think it might be, though.
The Eman
1:22
Most important question of the day - what are you listening to?? Who’s the biggest Deadhead on current Pirate squad?
Jason Mackey
1:24
I got nothing. Nobody I know of listens to 'em. I'm listening to the So Many Roads five-disc set. Currently on a great Dark Star.
D. Mountain
1:24
Jason, did you come up with this fine bit of levity yourself? If so, it would one of the only documented examples of a PG Chat Master exhibiting a sense of humor since the onset of PG chat mania. So, congrats, if appropriate.
Jason Mackey
1:24
D. Mountain! Love it.
Stash
1:24
Jason, not being critical, but do you insist on inserting "Analysis" prior to any in-depth piece so that your average yinzer knows that you won't be discussing Derek jumping on the sobriety wagon and/or taking a closer shave? Danke shoen.
Jason Mackey
1:25
No. I insert "Analysis" sometimes when the tone of what I'm tackling is different. But thanks.
Russ
1:25
Any chance Mason Martin can turn the page on last season and get back on the Pirate’s radar? I’ve seen him play a couple times and have followed his career for the last 3-4 years. Rooting hard for him to rebound because he seems to work hard and his power is legit. Or it was at one time.
Jason Mackey
1:26
I like Mason Martin a lot. Great kid. Works his tail off. But with Jared Triolo moving over to first base some, plus with Martin's issues this past season, not sure I see him sticking in the organization for much longer.
BR
1:26
Jason, does my apparent humility allow me to recognize that I'm much better suited defensively to a corner locale, or does the typical athlete hubris disallow such thoughts from entering one's cranium? Gracias.
Jason Mackey
1:26
I do think Reynolds is probably better suited to a corner outfield spot. Nothing wrong with that. Wouldn't be surprised to see more of him in left this season.
Russ
1:26
The rotation seems set, but there’s always an injury or something that pops up. Who do you suppose us probably first in line to take advantage? Ortiz or Oviedo?
Jason Mackey
1:27
At this point, I sort of expect them to use a six-man rotation, which would include Oviedo. Not sure what else they would do with him. If that happens, yeah, I would expect Ortiz to be the first man up.
Russ
1:27
Besides Cutch & Reynolds, what outfielders do we have that hit right handed? It seems we’re a little lefty heavy at times. Except for our pitching!!!
Jason Mackey
1:37
It is lefty heavy, I agree. But Joe, McCutchen, Reynolds (S), Andujar and Vilade would be your answer there.
Drew
1:37
I hate asking about the business side of baseball, but the reality is that the regional sports networks (RSN) are reported to be in trouble. AT&T Sports provides a significant source of revenue for the Pirates and Penguins...while this has to be concerning for the teams involved, is this more of a mild tremor or a major earthquake?
Jason Mackey
1:39
I don't know if I can pick between the two, Drew. It's not nothing, I know that. The way the TV situation is handled, the Pirates certainly derive money from that. However, in this case, we don't know -- unless it's out there and I missed it -- how short AT&T SportsNet fell in payments. Now, could it all go away? Sure, I suppose. Also don't believe that's what we're looking at here. But if MLB wound up controlling all broadcasts, there would obviously be financial ramifications for all teams; they can't just find $40 million under the couch cushions.
Wayward
1:41
Jason, curious as to your current spring training schedule and also what it goes to after the games start?
Jason Mackey
1:43
OK, so right now, I leave my place around 7 a.m. Clubhouse opens around 7:30 or 7:45. There until, say, 9. Have time to transcribe and write between 9-9:40 a.m. or so. That's when workouts start. Usually go until 12 or so. From there, it's more clubhouse and Shelton talking. Could be back at my computer by 1ish, with the need to usually write two stories (3 hours or so of work). I also usually have ancillary media stuff. Today, that means a radio hit at 4 and a podcast at 5. Have dinner around 7, then a church thing that I hope to get to after that. May wind up writing at night if I have the energy left to get a jump on the day.
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