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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.27.23
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Jason Mackey
12:26
They are, yes. I watched it yesterday. And you could absolutely see them on the field at the same time.
The Real TP Hunter
12:26
More of a comment that a question, but can you believe how much MLB milks the spring training fans? I considered catching the Pirates-Phillies in Clearwater Saturday with my brother but the tickets start at $59 for the outfield berm and seats start at $89 and go way up from there. Everyone can decide how to spend there money, but these games don't count, you don't usually see the starters for long and there is no guarantee that you even will see nine innings!
Jason Mackey
12:27
You're not wrong. I'm amazed at how high ST ticket prices are. It's nuts. But, everything is way too expensive these days. I'm now officially an old geezer.
The Real TP Hunter
12:27
With so many outfielders in the system, what are the chances that a couple of them become trade bait later in the season as the team (hopefully) prepares for a "real" run at the playoffs next year?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Lot of "ifs" in this one. The Pirates wouldn't be doing their long-term development plan any good by trading away prospects that are good enough that other teams are willing to give up something to get them. For the Pirates to succeed, prospects need to stay. Now, I get what you're saying about a glut of outfields. But that's way down the line to me.
Gary
12:28
Hey Jason I enjoy your articles you do an outstanding job covering the bucs. My question is do you think it’s a mistake to sign Reynolds the money they’re talking about . I like him but he’s 28. They should have done this in 2019. I’d use the money for Cruz or another youn player
Jason Mackey
12:30
I get what you're saying, Gary. I would hope it's not an either/or proposition. I'm not as worried about the eight years with Reynolds. I might try 7/$110 M if I'm the Pirates, try to soften it some. But I do think they could get out of it if they had to, or it could actually wind up working out. They have to take gambles. I get that. Bryan Reynolds is a player I'm willing to hedge my bets on in this case.
Ghost
12:32
Hello Jason.  Due to the new rule regarding the time to throw a pitch, I won’t be surprised if pitchers suffer more arm injuries  by possibility rushing their delivery?  Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:33
Nobody knows for sure, Ghost. But I would sure hope not. As long as a pitcher has started his motion before the clock hits 0:00, he's good. Not sure what delivering the ball faster would accomplish or prevent.
Guest
12:33
Where is Joel Hannrahan at these days?
Jason Mackey
12:33
Pitching coach for the Double-A Harrisburg Senators in the Nationals organization.
Ryan
12:33
How do you see the middle infield producing this year with Cruz and castro? Also thoughts on triple A guys who will be up like peggy and Nick G
Jason Mackey
12:35
I think those two are probably your two. Curious to see how consistent they are. I worry about that. Need to stress out less and make fewer errors, for sure. But there's plenty of pop and flash. ... We'll see on Peguero and Nick. Peguero had two solid hits Saturday but has been rough defensively. Nick looked overmatched Sunday but has been great defensively. It's early. A lot still to be seen.
Guest
12:35
What do you credit for Mitch Keller's new found aggression (opening talking about opening day starter) and filling up the strike zone last year from
Jason Mackey
12:36
Him, frankly. Mitch has confidence. And he should. Dewey Robinson was instrumental in bringing out the sinker. That helped. I think Mitch has always had a ton of talent, but needed to feel invincible on the mound. He got that, and now he's running with it.
WSDan
12:36
If I was building a team in PNC Park, I would look for as many left handed pitchers and hitters as possible. Certainly the last few years the Pirates have concentrated on young talent of any kind, but in light of the demise of the shift, is there any sign of especially left handed pitchers?
Jason Mackey
12:37
Well, they got Rich Hill, Jarlin Garcia and Jose Hernandez this offseason. That's a start. Anthony Solometo is probably the most attractive LHP in the system. I'm still more interested in talent, and good talent. Which arm they throw with, or how they hit, remains secondary.
Ethan
12:37
Do the Pirates actually view Suwinski as a CF? He was never a glove-first prospect and he seemed fine in the corners last year. Moving Reynolds off of CF for him seems aggressive
Jason Mackey
12:38
I think they wanna try him there. I don't think it's set in stone. I don't know how I feel about it. I know LF at CF is basically CF. I also don't have an issue with Jack there. Metrically, he graded out better than Reynolds last year. If it's him in CF, I'd have no issue.
Bob
12:38
Hi Jason, do you think any of the Pirate pitchers will be negatively effected by renewed enforcement on sticky substances? Thanks, and keep up the great work, love reading all of you coverage.
Jason Mackey
12:39
I don't think it'll be an issue, honestly. Glad they're doing it, but don't see much application to the Pirates.
Ryan
12:39
Good afternoon Jason what do you think about Castro hitting a grand slam against the blue jays and how is David Bednar looked during spring training saw him pitch Saturday   Let’s go Bucs
Jason Mackey
12:40
Bednar got hit hard Saturday. Rough outing for him. Also hugely correctly. Stay out of the middle. He knows that. It's spring. Couldn't care less. Big swing from Castro, though it doesn't tell me much. I know he has power. I need to see him be more consistent and keep his head screwed on straight.
Ricky Henderson
12:40
Who will lead the team in steals?  Do you expect to see a noticeable increase in steals league wide or with the Pirates?
Jason Mackey
12:40
Both. I'll say Cruz leads in steals. Maybe Bae. Cruz probably a safer bet. And I think you will absolutely see an uptick around MLB with the new rules.
Alex
12:40
does a guy like triolo, peguero, or nunez have a chance of making the team with a fantastic spring?
Jason Mackey
12:41
No, I don't think so. Their positions are accounted for with veterans. They're setting them up for the season but not jumping in front of Hayes, Cruz or Choi/Santana.
Paul
12:41
Do you think the league will strictly enforce the pitch clock as strictly as they are in the exhibition games? Getting games down to sub-three hours is the best thing they can do for themselves.
Jason Mackey
12:41
It's my understanding that they will, yes. I don't think there's any sort of easing off planned.
Alex
12:41
Jason, a little comparison for you. Which do you think would have the bigger impact on the city of Pittsburgh? A Pirates World Series or a Pitt Basketball National Championship?
Jason Mackey
12:42
Is that even a question? Pirates.
Justin
12:42
I didn't really understand some of Nutting's implications in your interview with him.  There was allusion to a "model" starting to "not work" in the late 2010's.  Do you know what he meant here?  What's your interpretation?    I'm wondering if he meant that the team was trying too financially hard to win while not truly being good enough?  Was that your interpretation?
Jason Mackey
12:43
I know what he meant. The explanation can be long, but I'll try to be quick: The Pirates small balled really well leading up to the 2013-15 push. Drafting, developing, international, resurrecting careers, smart trades/contracts. Then they simply stopped doing that stuff. They drafted poorly, made dumb trades, couldn't help guys, couldn't find talent. Those things aren't optional for a team that spends what they spend.
Justin
12:43
Do you think the CF situation may be related to platoon splits?  ie, Reynolds in CF vs lefties and in LF vs righties, while Suwinski sits vs lefties?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Potentially. I get what you're saying. And it's probably how Shelton will rotate guys because he loves to rotate lineups and pay attention to splits. Personally, I also think Jack can hit lefties better than he did, so that might change the calculus some.
Justin
12:44
obviously the Pirates and Reynolds have disagreement over what an extension should cost.  Do you get the sense that if they just can the extension talks and go year to year with arbitration till his FA years, that Reynolds would be vocally upset?   I'm beginning to think that going year to year - and letting him decline an eventual Qualifying Offer - maybe best for all involved
Jason Mackey
12:45
Umm ... I don't know if Bryan has ever been vocally anything. Ha. Jokes aside, yeah, they could do that. It's not ideal for either side, but they could. ... I still think there's enough room to find common ground on an extension.
Justin
12:45
What under-the-radar guys have a buzz about them this camp, if any?  anybody stick out?
Jason Mackey
12:46
I listed Oviedo, Triolo and Nunez earlier.
George Costanza
12:46
If Mr. Nutting really wanted to get B.Reynolds signed to a deal, would'nt that deal be done? He is the one who can make it happen. SD owner is making signings left and right, in a smaller market than Pittsburgh.
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