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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 03.17.21
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Jason Mackey
1:05
Colin Moran and Todd Frazier are huge defensive upgrades over Bell. It's one of the reasons why I think the Pirates can be better in 2021. Their defense should be greatly improved.
Logan
1:05
Who do you think makes the cut for the Opening Day bullpen?
Jason Mackey
1:07
At this point: Rodriguez, Stratton, Feliz, Crick, Hartlieb, Howard, Shreve and Bednar. Santana is close. I don't know what to make of Oviedo. I know he "needs" to be on the roster, but he has not yet pitched. They're not saying much on his health.
Gabe
1:07
Is Goodwin the odd man out?
Jason Mackey
1:09
I think so, because of his contract. He's on a minor league deal. Fowler and Alford are both out of options, and I think the Pirates would like to see more. Oliva can start at Class AAA, that's no big deal. Plus, he's hitting .105. He hasn't made the big league club results-wise.
Scott
1:09
Are there any players that aren't on the IL right now that are likely to open the season there?
Jason Mackey
1:10
I guess Phillip Evans could be one. He missed a game the other day with hamstring tightness, although Todd Tomczyk said they expect to get him back into games this weekend. But other than that, no. Oh, and Oviedo. Mentioned him before. Not sure what's going on there, but he has not yet pitched and they haven't told us why.
Halvybuckets
1:10
Biggest surprise this spring?
Jason Mackey
1:11
I'd go David Bednar. I thought he might be good. But he's been downright nasty.
Rob Smutting
1:11
Hey Jason do you think people are gonna catch on about me advising the Steelers on how to spend money on new employees ? I hope not
Jason Mackey
1:11
Good one, Rob.
Bad Bad Man
1:11
Correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't Cruz be in jail ? He committed vehicular homicide
Jason Mackey
1:13
He hit a motorcycle that I believe was speeding, with no lights and three people on it in the middle of the night in the DR. I'm not faulting Cruz for that. And the alcohol side of it was handled extremely poorly from the Dominican government side of it. They sent out a release claiming he had been drinking. Then it was never brought up during his arraignment. If he was, why wasn't a test done? If he wasn't, why bring it up?
Scott
1:13
I think Frazier and Shreve are basically locks to be added as NRIs, but I'm not as sure about Goodwin and Wolters at this point. What chances do you give each for making the Opening Day roster?
Jason Mackey
1:14
I agree with that. Goodwin I saw almost assuredly no. Wolters, probably the same. Perez is on the 40. Wolters is not. Has Wolters done enough to kick someone off? I'm not sure he has. And I think Perez has more potential for power.
Mike in Frederick
1:14
I HATE the economics of baseball.  It really frustrates me.  I also have not loved the Bob Nutting era, but I keep watching and hoping for the best.  Speaking of hoping for the best, what are the chances that Alford wins the CF job.  There is something about him that I just root for.
Jason Mackey
1:18
I think he's your opening day center fielder. And I agree with you. I think the economics of baseball are stupid. I don't like the amount teams can spend, and I also don't like the amount that teams can avoid spending. To me, people can still get rich in a capped system. Look at the NBA.
Blackhawk Bob
1:18
Is time running out on Cole Tucker as a top prospect and everyday player ?
Jason Mackey
1:19
Not sure, Bob. I think it's certainly fair to expect that at this point. But as far as running out, it's not like Cruz or Peguero are ready. So, he has time. And also, he could start in Class AAA, hit a bunch, then we could revisit this whole thing in May. I don't think time is running out. I just think it's fair to expect production out of the kid.
Scott
1:19
I sure hope the Pirates don't draft someone because the fans would be upset if they didn't. That would be a fireable offense.
Jason Mackey
1:19
I also think he's the better pitcher. As do others.
Michael
1:19
Kumar or leiter
Jason Mackey
1:19
I would go Kumar.
Where the Money
1:19
The PG reported that the Pirates likely got MILLIONS from the renewal of the stadium naming rights. Where did that money go ? Nutting's pocket probably. Aren't we the people who paid for that building owned a detailed explanation ?
Jason Mackey
1:21
I'm all for taxpayers getting more information out of the Pirates, believe me. And I'm not about to slam Belko's reporting because Mark is my friend. However, he simply reported that the Pirates likely did well for themselves given the market on these things. The previous one was worth millions, too. Where was the uproar over that? Believe me, I think all MLB teams should have to open their books and show fans/taxpayers where their money goes. I don't give a damn about competitive secrets or whatever tune they sing to get out of it. But I don't see this deal as any huge change.
Michael
1:21
Prediction for the starting rotation?
Jason Mackey
1:22
At this point: Keller, Brault, Kuhl, Brubaker, Anderson and Cahill in the bullpen as the long man to start. I don't know how else to proceed with Cahill having not yet thrown for the Pirates or in spring.
1:23
OK, folks. That does it for this week. Thanks so much for participating. Let's do this again real soon. Or next Wednesday.
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