JotCast | Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.23.24

Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.23.24

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PhillyJake

1:00

Re acquiring starting pitching: Cherrington likes what he sees out of Quinn, Ro and Luis L.

No longer feels the need to get someone else!

OK, I'll wake up from this dream now.

Jason Mackey

1:00

I hope not. Would hope they still see the big-picture need to do something.

Maz01

1:00

Jason, I think Cruz should be the next extension, I know he hasn't proven anything yet, but an everyday player is more valuable than a closer and I think it would be a smart gamble to extend Cruz now. Your take?

Jason Mackey

1:01

Should and will are different things. The ask from Cruz has been gigantic is what I understand. Coming off ankle surgery, the Pirates don't HAVE to do something now. I don't know. I would love it. But I guess I can see maybe establishing better value.

Rere

1:01

Hi Jason- any new exciting food options at PNC this year? Check out smallman street deli if you are ever in the strip district!

Jason Mackey

1:02

I need to get there. Have not heard of any new options. They usually do that toward the end of March, when they invite reporters who aren't me to try the food. Maybe in my columnist gig I can actually go for once instead of covering my seventh week of spring training.

Wayward

1:02

Jason, after the top 4-5 big bullpen arms there really seems to a lot of intriguing options. How do see the back half half of the bull pen shaking out (and I know its early).

Jason Mackey

1:03

Looks like this to me: Bednar, Chapman, Holderman -- he and Chapman could be used to match up -- Mlodzinski and Borucki. Moreta probably there. Maybe Falter and/or Ortiz if Priester/Roansy are starting. Intrigued by Honeywell, Anderson, Fleming and Heller.

Will

1:03

2024 may be Cherrington's best work building a solid and deep pen. Is it enough to counter the open question marks in the starting rotation?

Jason Mackey

1:04

It's gonna be a lot. Depends on the development of the young guys, honestly.

Maz01

1:04

Jason, do the Pirates re-consider Bauer now that a trade for a starting pitcher is not in the cards?

Jason Mackey

1:04

I don't think so. Their opposition has been pretty strong, whether you agree or not.

Rob

1:04

Hi Jason, where do you feel the Pirates rank in the league when it comes to developing serviceable talent at the pro level?

Jason Mackey

1:05

I don't think we know. They were near the bottom, and maybe they still are. But we're talking Priester, Roansy, Ortiz, Henry, Triolo, Gonzales, Peguero, etc. Have we seen enough out of any of these guys to make a legit final determination? I don't think so.

Wayward

1:05

Jason, what does your daily schedule look once the spring training games begin? Which do you enjoy more, early camp at Pirate City or Bradenton once the games begin?

Jason Mackey

1:06

Probably games, to get the second part first. Something like this re: the schedule

7:45-8:45 Clubhouse open
8:45-10 Writing
10-12:30 Workouts
1-4 Game

4-6 Postgame interviews/writing
Might get dinner and write a web story for the morning later at night. Or use that time to work ahead on features, spring training preview or do radio appearances/podcasts.

Will

1:06

you've reported on Pirates discussions with Marlins. Have you heard of any similar discussions between Pirates and White Sox around Cease? Would certainly fill 2/3 spot but price could be high.

Jason Mackey

1:07

No, I don't think the asking price on Cease is anywhere near what the Pirates are willing to pay.

CC Buc Fan

1:07

Out of Priester, Ortiz and Roansy, which one has been the most impressive with showing they are starting to get it?

Jason Mackey

1:07

It's early, but I would probably go with Roansy for that. He has looked really good.

George Costanza

1:07

Who do you like for the Pirates to draft in this year's draft?

Jason Mackey

1:08

I have no idea at this point. I'm sorry. Between spring training and my job change, I've spent more time learning about Pitt, Penguins and Steelers nuance in my spare time than the MLB draft.

Terry Martin

1:08

Jason, u are doing one heck of a job keeping we Pirate fans informed! Appreciate your efforts big time!!! I’m super excited to see what pans out with our battling Buccos🏴‍☠️ we have a lot of talent beginning to rise to the top… a nice balance of vets… and some young players turning the corner! We can bitch all day about this or that happening… Nutting is who he is …I don’t see that changing honestly… So let’s focus on seeing our Bucs improve this year and move on! So looking forward to the team coming together and taking the field… Beat’em Bucs!

Jason Mackey

1:08

Thanks for the comments, Terry. Reading you, makes me picture you crushing about 4 Red Bulls in Pirates gear, ready to put your head through a windshield or something.

George Costanza

1:08

How concerned are you about the lack of action on adding pitching. On paper they look okay if they can get JT and Burros back, but injuries happen every year. They can't possibly go into the season with this rotation, can they?

Jason Mackey

1:09

They certainly can. We're talking about the Pirates, George. Anything this side of gaudy player salaries is possible. I'm somewhat concerned, but it could also be alleviated if guys develop. I don't know. It's like a slogan for Pirates fans: Not great ... but it's reality.

MjB

1:09

There are a prolific number of starting pitchers out there who can give you five good innings. Ignoring Snell who will be out of the equation by price, who would you pay the most for to fill out this rotation? I am basing this on what the Pirates would pay, not what someone else would pay.

Jason Mackey

1:10

Prolific number? Might disagree there. Most reasonable for the Pirates right now? Might honestly be like Michael Lorenzen. It's in their price range. Jordan Montgomery is not.

West Ham Fan

1:11

Jason, great chat as always. Are Reynolds, Jack S, Olivares, and Palacios your four outfielders on Opening Day? Any possible surprises?

Jason Mackey

1:12

Thank you! And probably, yeah. Maybe Triolo if Peguero or Bae winds up winning the second base job. I'd also throw Joe in the outfield mix. Don't see Cutch playing much out there at this point.

John

1:12

Curious about the status of a Pirates advertising/sponsor patch. Is the revenue shared? Are they nearing a decision? Realistically, what could the Pirates get $5-$10M?

Jason Mackey

1:13

I don't have a ton of intel there, sorry. I can ask around. It's an interesting idea.

Tim

1:13

Do you think Suwinski will take a step forward this year?

Jason Mackey

1:13

I do. I like Jack as a player a lot. I don't think his streakiness and strikeout tendencies will stick. He's too smart and athletic. He can be more aggressive and be more of a hitter and less of a pure power guy. Honestly, that fits his minor league profile more than gaudy HR distances.

PirateSadness22

1:14

Hi Jason, one guy on the roster seems like he is the most doubted and has the most to prove this year and that is Nick Gonzales. From what you've seen of him, is he our second baseman of the future?

Jason Mackey

1:14

I like Nick a lot as a person. I have not seen much that would lead me to believe that. He has been quiet. We'll see what games bring. I think the talent is certainly in there. But gotta take into games.

The Man Mulcahey

1:14

My bad, I should have said Billy Breathes, as that is the one what I meant. Too many concerts.....but we do concur....

Jason Mackey

1:14

That's good to know.

George Costanza

1:14

Hello Jason. Who is your breakout player this year?

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