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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 03.08.24
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Jason Mackey
11:51
Don't see him playing RF. Could depend on his offense. If season started tomorrow, would imagine it's the 3-4. He needs to catch as much as possible. Until he shows me otherwise, I wouldn't be shy about playing him a lot.
Dog boy
11:51
Are we really starting this season with this pitching staff, pathetic
Jason Mackey
11:51
Looks like it. Don't blame people for being upset.
Munkeefist
11:51
Any way the Pirates start the season with Ashcraft or Jones in the bullpen and is Ashcraft still considered a potential SP or is the bullpen his future? Thank you.
Jason Mackey
11:52
Asked Shelton this the other day. He said they're still working that out. I think Ashcraft starts in the minors. Would like to see him stay a starter. There's so much value there. I've been impressed with him. ... I think they ultimately wind up going the cautious route with Jones.
Cullen
11:52
Is there ever a situation in the nearish future where the Pirates trade for a legit frontline starter (preferably with years) to complement Skenes and Keller?
Jason Mackey
11:52
I sure hope so. It's my understanding that was close to happening this offseason.
Justin
11:52
Seemed notable to me that Joe and Olivares both got a shot in CF in games.  How'd that go?  Will we see that in the season?  It's interesting that Olivares' defense sounded like his big shortcoming, but here he is getting a CF shot here.  Maybe they made some tweaks to his defense?
Jason Mackey
11:53
They got him because they thought he could play CF. I think both of them are fine. It will come down to the bat and who should play. Olivares in CF would be against a LHP. He hits them well.
Wayward
11:53
Jason, that rotation to start the year in Indy could be awesome (not being sarcastic) with Skenes, Jones, Ortiz/Priester.  My question is do you think Solometo is in Indy or Altoona?  Chandler in Altoona?
Jason Mackey
11:53
I think Solo starts in Indy and Chandler in Altoona. I don't think it's too long before they're reunited.
Guest
11:53
I'm thinking Delay supplants Grandal by midseason, you?
Jason Mackey
11:54
I agree. Either Grandal stinks and they move on. Or he gets hurt, and they do the same. If he's good, they could look to trade him. But Grandal wire-to-wire seems unlikely.
Baseball Is Everything
11:54
Hi Jason. I saw a report that talks have slowed down in trade for a rotation piece. Do you think if someone else gets hurt the Pirates give Bauer a call in May/June?
Jason Mackey
11:55
My sense of their feelings on Bauer, dating back to last year, was that they didn't want him ... based on more than his off-field issues. I think it had to do with baseball/clubhouse/culture stuff, whether you like or hate it. If they haven't changed their minds yet ...
CroosBones
11:55
I think Delay will supplant Grandal by midseason. You?
Jason Mackey
11:56
Looks like this was asked twice ...
Steven
11:56
When do you think we could see Solometo and/or Chandler? If they come up, where do they fit in the rotation and who comes out? I kinda am of the mindset that Ortiz would be an absolute monster as a relief pitcher and wonder if that’s something they would prefer if Ro and Quinn can become more consistent.
Jason Mackey
11:56
I think we're down the road a ways here ... gotta get to Jones, Skenes, Burrows, Brubaker, Wolf, etc. I mean, I can say midseason, but I'm not sure I'm sharing anything insightful. And I think that would be the absolute earliest. It's probably unlikely.
Ryan
11:57
Good afternoon Jason what do you think about The Play of Henry Davis and Jared Jones i think Henry Should be the backup catcher and i think that Jones should either get a spot in the Rotation or bullpen guy LETS GO BUCS
Jason Mackey
11:58
Hi Ryan. Thank you for the question. I don't like Davis as a backup. He needs to play. Has been very good this spring and should start, honestly. Jones isn't a reliever. I think you can wait and see, but if he's one of their best five around the third week of March, he should come north with the team.
Justin
11:58
Anyone stick out to you as someone semi obscure who could make their way onto the roster?   My pick is Ashcraft due to what sounds like nasty stuff and due to already being on the 40 man.
Jason Mackey
11:59
He could. Has looked solid. But he also hasn't pitched above Double-A. That would be a big jump. I think Wily Peralta or one of the other non-roster vets would be more likely to snag a spot.
Justin
11:59
how has Cruz *looked*?
Jason Mackey
11:59
Like ... Oneil Cruz. Ha. Power has been the same. Defense a little iffy. It's also March 8, so I'm not actually worried. A lot of time.
franklin
12:00
in regards to the question philly jake asked; Palacios has at least 1 option left. 99% sure of that
Jason Mackey
12:00
That is accurate, at least per FanGraphs.
Guest
12:00
What's been the recent overall track record of pitchers dealing with recovery from nerve impingement?  The Pirates now have 2 bounce back candidates in that boat with upside if recovered. Can't fault low risk/high reward candidates, but what's a realistic health outlook health Gonzalez or Lauer going into 24? Recovered? Limited innings? Impact on velocity?
Jason Mackey
12:00
I can't give you data on that sort of thing, but it's not a death sentence. Shoot, TJ isn't that any more. Lauer's was in his non-throwing shoulder. I don't think that's a factor for either guy.
GH
12:01
Burn any cigars lately?
Jason Mackey
12:01
Not as much as I would like. Only two since I've been down here. Not a ton of time.
Wishful Thinking?
12:01
Henry Davis has to be the opening day starting catcher, right? They asked the guy to work on catching and he did it.
Jason Mackey
12:01
That's my thought. He's been very good and even better offensively.
Justin
12:01
Any word on if Rowdy feels more like his 2022 self?
Jason Mackey
12:01
I would imagine Rowdy is in the best shape of his life and feeling glorious. It also doesn't mean a blessed thing until the season starts.
Guest
12:02
What's your early take on Cruz's defense this spring?
Jason Mackey
12:02
It's been a little rough. Just seems like rhythm and timing ... you can tell he missed some time. It's also March 8. Deserves some grace given what happened.
Tony
12:02
Has anyone told Nutting how difficult it is to sign free agents that have other options because of the losing franchise reputation? Have to overpay to get guys here.
Jason Mackey
12:03
I'm pretty sure Bob is aware. That's not defending their actions. Just saying I don't think it's a surprise to Bob how people feel about the PIrates.
Connor Williams
12:03
re: options re:RF battle PhillyJake said " the other headed to DFA limbo as both are out of options." Both Olivares and Palacios have options left, neither are in DFA danger from that alone.
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