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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 03.22.24
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Spaceman
1:00
Really happy to see the progression of Henry Davis from a "no field all bat" Right Fielder / DH to a starting catcher with a good bat.  What do you think was "the turning point" for Catcher Davis?   Demonstrating defensive efficiency, Endy getting hurt, continued hard nose attitude / skills?
Jason Mackey
1:00
I think his offseason with Mike Rabelo and Jordan Comadena was very big for him. They went to work on a lot of stuff, and he was treated like an actual catcher.
Howard
1:00
You wrote this about Chase Anderson in a recent article and I was hoping for more explanation
"No harm in seeing if this is real"
Don't we know what this guy is at 36 given that he's played for half the league (and their farm teams) over the last nearly half decade now with an ERA over 6 over that stretch? Why is there not harm here? Is this really something they're seriously considering over say, Luis Ortiz?
Jason Mackey
1:01
They can option Ortiz. They risk losing Chase Anderson. If you give Anderson a chance and he stinks, you DFA him and bring up Ortiz. But at least you're seeing if how he's pitched this spring is real.
CC Buc Fan
1:01
Do you think that the backup shortstop is not currently on the team?  Hopefully we can find someone with a better overall game than Alika. Doesn’t he have minor league option available?
Jason Mackey
1:02
He does, but I think it's more about that player not getting a ton of playing time and the Pirates being OK with that. If Peguero went to the minors, it would be to ensure he plays more.
Justin
1:02
Do you think people with the team see Cruz as a true cornerstone star going forward?  Or is it more of a muted "let's see what the year brings" type view?
Jason Mackey
1:02
I think as long as he's healthy, they see him as a starter. He can do things literally nobody else can do.
epiballo
1:02
You had a dream about a Pirate signing? Oh Jason ... maybe you need a break!
Jason Mackey
1:02
Won't disagree there.
Justin
1:02
Ortiz and Jones the odds-on favorites for 4/5 at this point?
Jason Mackey
1:03
I don't know how Jones isn't. I think it's probably split between Ortiz & Anderson at this point. Anderson goes Saturday. Might tell us a decent amount.
Wayward
1:03
Jason, both Ro and Falter make the club?  Just dont understand their infatuation with Falter.
Jason Mackey
1:03
I think it may be ending. I don't know how you keep both.
PhillyJake
1:03
Typing this as Ryan's question on Jones is up but no answer yet.  No way Jones goes north, but I can see him up in two weeks to get that extra year of control. Especially for someone as young as him.
Jason Mackey
1:04
Can't always be about the year of control. They lack pitching. He's very clearly one of their best. Would hope they proceed accordingly.
Bradley
1:04
What's the downside to giving Bauer at least a bullpen session in Bradenton?
Jason Mackey
1:04
They don't like the fit within the clubhouse. I don't agree with it, but I don't know what the downside could be.
Rowdy
1:04
What is my realistic upside? I've never been a good player why should pirates fans expect me to be now
Jason Mackey
1:05
Didn't you hit 35 home runs in 2022? Not saying you're Barry Bonds, but I think there could be something there. Not gonna cut bait based on spring training.
Nick (smidge)
1:05
Jack Suwinski is underrated. When's the extension coming?
Jason Mackey
1:05
Would be smart. And I agree with you. Very underrated player. Sorry but I can't give you a definitive time.
Matt
1:05
Jason, what about Jack Brannagan moving across the diamond and being 1B of the future? Sort of reminds of Jeff Bagwell?
Jason Mackey
1:06
I need to see a lot more production from Brannigan in the minors before it matters, but he's been considered their best defensive infielder in the minors with the best arm. Not sure I'd move that guy.
Anthony
1:06
Have the Pirates been any closer with Bednar on an extension?
Jason Mackey
1:06
The increments of that stuff generally don't leak out publicly.
Randy
1:06
What are you hearing from inside the org about people's perceptions of Termarr Johnson? Can he live up to superstar status?
Jason Mackey
1:07
Pirates are very happy with what they've seen out of Termarr this spring. As they should be.
62 Stack Monster
1:07
Jason, what happened to Nunez?  I thought he was a possible answer to 1B and he should be up here by now,,,.?
Jason Mackey
1:07
An injury really hurt him last year. Not sure he ever recovered. He lost weight, shifted to third base and didn't get invited to major league camp. Seems he never fully adjusted to Triple-A.
Justin
1:07
Has there been any buzz about Brent Honeywell making real actual improvements and being a potential piece?  Former top prospect with some surface level good spring results.
Jason Mackey
1:08
Yeah, he's been very good. And way more than the screwball. Swing and miss stuff. Honeywell is probably in my opening day bullpen. Fun personality, too.
Matt C
1:08
Jason, the Triolo solution is easy. If/when not playing 2nd, where Peggy needs to be, insert him wherever you would Joe. I just cannot understand playing Joe over him anywhere. We know his ceiling, which is that high. Triolo has a potential great future.
Jason Mackey
1:08
But they're already paying Joe. He's also one of their best hitters against lefties. What do you do with that?
Cosmo Kramer
1:08
Hello Jason. How confident are you in this rotation? It seems like if there is a dark cloud following this team, the rotation is it.
Jason Mackey
1:09
It worries me, Cosmo. Like Jones. I think they could be decent, but an emphasis on could. I just wish they would have added one more legit piece this offseason.
epiballo
1:09
Strasburg, Scherzer, and Verlander pitched in the minors before debuting the the Majors. So should Skene. Patience for a few months.
Jason Mackey
1:09
I certainly understand that argument.
Axle
1:09
I see Lorenzen signed for pretty small peanuts in todays world which is frustrating, not that hes a great pitcher but possibly better than the veteran options we have.
Jason Mackey
1:09
He also took that to sign with the Rangers. Guessing that sales pitch was different than any the Pirates might have delivered.
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