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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 03.20.23
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62 Stack Monster
12:20
Hi Jason, thanks for the update on the spring training box scores.  Or lack thereof.  It would be nice if the service were available for the spring, even though those games don't count for the regular season.
Jason Mackey
12:21
I agree 1,000%. Sitting here with the Fort Myers News-Press next to my computer. I love physical newspapers as much as anyone and hate that box scores rarely make it places anymore.
skeptic nut
12:21
57-102?
Jason Mackey
12:21
Not in my opinion, no. I've been saying win total around 74-76.
Jeff
12:21
Watching these spring games, Swaggerty has outperformed Suwinski in all phases. Could he take the starting spot against Jack and if not, why not?
Jason Mackey
12:22
I'm just gonna paste Shelton's comments here. Short answer, Jeff: no.
Here's what Shelton said on Jack. In other words, he ain't losing his spot to Swaggerty: "Jack’s in a good spot. There’s a lot of competition. There’s also going on what you did previously because I think we all know spring training stats can get inflated very quickly, especially sometimes playing the back half of games when it’s guys who are gonna be in the minor leagues. We have to be aware of what’s been done and what he’s done. Jack came to the big leagues last year, hit 19 homers, got better defensively and had a little trouble with the sun this spring. We don’t play a ton of day games. Was really happy with how he played yesterday. I thought his reads and breaks … the ball Rutschman hit he damn near caught in center. I thought it was his best day in the outfield. There is competition, but also what you’ve done in the major leagues is really important. And Jack did a good job for us last year."
Cullen B
12:22
Has Swaggerty done enough in the eyes of management to break camp with the big league club? He has been raking so far in Spring and has been defensively solid.
Jason Mackey
12:23
I think he could get a shot, sure. But I don't think it would be in a starting role. Would probably be more bench/DH as a reward.
Josh Fogg Fan Club
12:23
Would the Pirates perhaps be looking to trade an outfielder (not Reynolds or McCutchen) for a relief pitcher? They have a crowded outfield now and need some bullpen help.
Jason Mackey
12:24
I could see this making sense on paper, but who? Are they gonna trade Cal Mitchell for an eighth inning guy to replace Jarlin Garcia? Not exactly how things work. Gotta give to get, and other teams aren't gonna be giving away good relievers because Swaggerty has had a good spring.
GRC
12:24
Hi, Jason, Do you know an approximate number that the Pirates receive in revenue sharing?
Jason Mackey
12:26
I would want to spend more time researching/reporting before throwing a concrete figure out there and setting expectations. I would point you and other fans to Mark Belko's work on their finances relative to the SEA and money made at PNC Park: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2022/04/10/pirates-ticket-...
Cullen B
12:26
Over/Under on Mitch pitching to the tune of 170 IP and 3.50 ERA this year.
Jason Mackey
12:27
That's lofty, Cullen. Still, I like what I've seen from Mitch. I'll take the bet: over 170 IP and under 3.50.
Jeff
12:27
Almost time for AT&T to give rights back to Pirates. Any news on what will happen?
Jason Mackey
12:29
Nothing yet, no. There will be broadcasts. What is left TBD is where they will be available ... MLB.TV ... in the cable bundle? Both? I think the minute the Pirates get the rights back, blackout restrictions will be lifted. Beyond that? We'll see. And I don't expect broadcasts to look much different based on what I've heard.
Tom G
12:29
What is the latest on Pirates plan if parent of AT &T sportsnet abrogates the TV contract.
Jason Mackey
12:30
That's a big boy word, Tom. Gonna have to share that with Shelton. ... tackled a lot of that above, but short version: broadcasts will continue ... wouldn't be shocked to see blackout restrictions lifted ... inclusion in cable bundle TBD ... could land on a NESN/CW type of deal.
SOGGY
12:30
Hi Jason!  Thanks again for the chats.  Is Keller for real this season?  I am cautiously optimistic.  How do you think things play out for him this season?  All Star??
Jason Mackey
12:30
I'm buying the stock. Don't know about All-Star, but I think we're talking about a legit, front-of-the-rotation starter. This is the way many expected Keller to look. It's just been a hell of a journey getting there. Ha.
Hank
12:30
Hi Jason…do you favor Castro to win the second base job over Bae?  Castro provides some power while Bae has speed.  Is one better than the other defensively?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:31
They're different players on defense. I guess I would give the edge to Bae in that department, though I think I probably prefer Castro's power, if it's there. I think Castro wins the job, but I think it probably winds up being fairly fungible.
Doc
12:31
Your thoughts on an Opening Day OF alignment of Reynolds in LF, Swaggerty in CF, and Suwinski in RF. I'd say that Swaggerty has earned that job by now, and it's high time to let him see what he can do in the majors.
Jason Mackey
12:32
I don't expect it to look like that, Doc. My belief at this point would be Reynolds LF, Jack CF and Cutch RF. I don't think Cutch's elbow is serious to the point of taking him out of the OF, at least not for the opener.
Guest
12:32
Could this be a make or break year for Shelton? Would Kelly be his likely  replacement if upper management decided to go in a different direction at seasons end,
Jason Mackey
12:32
I think it's absolutely a make-or-break year for Shelton. To my knowledge, he's not under contract for '24. And, yeah, Don Kelly would likely be the guy.
Jeff
12:32
How long of a leash does Velasquez get?
Jason Mackey
12:33
I don't have a number for you Jeff but decently long. They signed him for $3 million and change. In Pirates free agency, that's like the Trea Turner contract. They're gonna let him pitch and hope he figures it out.
Doc
12:33
I've generally been pleased with what I've seen from the presumed members of the rotation so far, with the exception of Velasquez. How good does one of Priester/Burrows/Ortiz have to be at Indy to displace him, and how long of a leash will Velasquez get if he struggles? No offense to Vince, but I'm more excited to see those young guys come up and establish themselves as major league pitchers.
Jason Mackey
12:34
Vince had one crappy start, and we're jettisoning him? Geez. Dude had given up one run over his first five innings. ... See my answer above. Need more than two starts there for Quinn, first off. More strike-throwing and consistency from Ortiz. Oviedo to a degree, too. ... I can't give you a magic number, but they're gonna let this ride for a bit.
Ryan
12:34
Good afternoon Jason which catcher wins the back up catcher job can’t wait to watch us play soon in Pittsburgh
Jason Mackey
12:35
I would say Plawecki at this point, although none have been good. Intrigued me that Austin Romine was released, but again, they have that type. Doesn't matter. You just need someone to give Endy enough cover to develop a bit more.
Doc
12:35
Who emerges from the Delay/Heineman/Plawecki quagmire?
Jason Mackey
12:36
I'll go Plawecki, although I'm starting to think more about Heineman just because of the defense. Nobody has hit a lick.
BVA123
12:36
Any speculation that the Pirates could extend Keller BRey or Cruz before the season? Would have to think Reynolds is the most obvious answer.
Jason Mackey
12:37
Speculation? Yes. Actual smoke? No. Then again, there wasn't with Ke'Bryan last year. I will say this, though: Given their current situation, it wouldn't shock me if they did get something done with someone. They need to keep pouring money back into the MLB product.
Shepherdstown, WV
12:37
My wife and I attend some Spring training. I think we have a good core of young guy. Why not let them play And not sure why Endy
Jason Mackey
12:37
I've watched a ton of Endy this spring. I know it's an unpopular opinion, but he's not ready defensively. Only six games in Triple-A. Just needs to play more and get better as a catcher. Hitting is fine.
Canyon
12:37
Do you think we will see Nicky G this season in Pittsburgh?
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