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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 03.25.22
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Jason Mackey
11:40
Yeah. Which is another reason why I'd use Peters as a SP. Howard and Banda have been fine, and I expect they both make the club.
Hank
11:40
There are some intriguing OF options in AAA in my opinion. Who do you think we will see get a shot in Pittsburgh first and who do you like the best option? I would rather see any of them than Alford.
Jason Mackey
11:41
Assuming you mean Suwinski, Swaggerty Canaan Smith-Njigba and Mitchell? Not sure if we're including Cruz in this mix, but he would be my pick if he is. First group I would go Swaggerty. I haven't given up on him. I think there's something there. Just needs a little more time. But I liked what he saw last year before he got hurt.
Guest
11:41
You mention the bad PR with the Reynolds arbitration.  It could not be worse.  Imagine the Steelers taking Ben to arbitration three years into his Steeler days.  I love the Steelers not just because of what they actually accomplish, but also because of the possibilities. Smaller marker baseball is hard enough to love, and made almost impossible when the things the smaller teams can accomplish are allowed to wilt.
Jason Mackey
11:42
I understand where you're coming from. The Pirates have done a lot of smart, likable things with their farm system, drafting and development, etc. Then they [ticked] off pretty much their entire fanbase because they didn't want to pay Reynolds and extra $650,000. I can't see how fighting that fight is worth it.
Mike
11:43
Sorry if you've gotten this one a bunch, but... Are you surprised that the Pirates haven't opened conversations with Reynolds about an extension? It makes me think that Cherington's MO will closely mirror the Rays, despite Pittsburgh's more engaged fan base and potential for backlash. Perhaps they figure that a consistently winning team will neutralize fan anger over trading popular players. Curious your thoughts...
Jason Mackey
11:46
I am, yeah. I mean, they've had conversations. Don't get that wrong. They've made offers. It just hasn't been anything that has gone anywhere. And I'm surprised that they haven't been more aggressive trying to sign him. That being said, your head is in the right place with the Rays. They're fairly cautious -- Wander Franco is sort of an exception, but he's also incredible -- about extensions and such whenever a player does get to those later earnings years. If they're able to turn this around and win baseball games, then I don't think something like this would be as big of a factor. Shoot, trading someone like Reynolds because he was reaching FA and they had some stud outfielders coming up wouldn't be a big deal if they were winning. At least not a huge deal. The issue is that they're not. They need people like Reynolds because they're actually good and entertaining.
BuppyKing69
11:46
Do you think there’s a chance that Reynolds stays in the Burgh long-term? If so, do you see an MVP-caliber year from him? Like a 2021 Cutch - .330 & ~30 HRs? Or is that too optimistic?
Jason Mackey
11:47
I don't. I wish I did. But after this, I'm very doubtful they get anything done. Again, hope I'm wrong. I think Reynold sis an excellent player and a better person and would help the Pirates. But I just don't see how this leads to anything long-term.
Wayward
11:47
Other than Cruz which guy(s) have you personal favorite to watch and why?
Jason Mackey
11:49
Assuming you mean Pirates ... I could watch Hayes field all day. Vogelbach is fun to watch because he's just fun, isn't built like a typical baseball player and just has fun. Keller throwing 100 mph is fun to watch. I also find Bednar's curveball fun to watch.
Jan
11:50
Is David Bednar really a "Mars native"?  I thought he lived in Mt. Lebanon for the first seven or so years of his life.
Jason Mackey
11:50
Fair point, Jan. Although I stick to Mars because that's the high school he went to and I think where the majority of people identify him as being from. (I live in Mt. Lebanon. Certainly don't have anything against the place.)
Jordan
11:51
Forbes: Pirates' value surges to $1.32B
Jason Mackey
11:52
Wasn't it $1.285 billion in 2021? Is that really a surge? But, hey. They're worth a lot of money. Nutting could sell. They should also spend more on players. Not sure what else I can say or write. I would spend more if I controlled the purse strings, believe me.
Maz01
11:52
Jason, I know most are against moving Brian Reynolds, But if they got that right deal that included either,  Kahlil Watson & Meyer from Miami, Stott + from Philly or Abrams & Hassle + from SD, Would you be ok with that type of deal? Of course  the Pirates would have to be blown away, I don't see these or any team making that type of offer, do you?
Jason Mackey
11:53
Second part first: No, I don't see that sort of deal happening. But, yeah. Especially operating based on what just happened, I would very likely take those deals. (I'd want to see the full version, of course.) Again, though, I would prefer they keep Reynolds and pay him legitimate money. He deserves it, and fans deserve it. But if they were blown away by something, I would get it.
Hank
11:53
Does Yajure have a shot to make the club out of Spring Training?
Jason Mackey
11:54
He's a little delayed. i think he has a shot, but I'm not sure he's pitched enough. More likely he starts at Class AAA at this point. Would rather that than force him or have him pitch out of the bullpen.
Justin
11:54
What kind of food do the players get fed at camp?  I imagine it's all super healthy and performance-enhancement based, but just curious.
Jason Mackey
11:54
Yeah, we don't really have access to that, but I presume it's not hot dogs and popcorn.
ray
11:55
Jason what do minor league players get paid..rough estimate...AAA gets more than A I assume...OTHER  than signing bonus !st pick gets paid same as 200th pick in minors? Enjoy your articles!
Jason Mackey
11:55
You're looking at roughly $500/$600/$700 a week for A/AA/AAA. And that includes a recent raise.
TB
11:55
Jason, my problem with Alford is that he strikes out way to much. Wouldn't it make so much sense to play someone every day that at least puts the ball in play, moves runners, and gives us a chance for something offensively to happen. Keep hearing about potential-but the strikeouts are a recurring theme with him.
Jason Mackey
11:56
They are. And Greg Allen or Cole Tucker might wind up starting in right. Strikeouts have been an issue for Alford, absolutely. Now, when he doesn't, we saw what that could look like last season. Obviously he's not trying to strike out. And if they continue, I can't imagine he'll be playing much.
Tarzan
11:56
Jason, who do think the Pirates best starting pitcher will be this year?
Jason Mackey
11:57
At this point I really think it could be the Mitch Keller Breakout Year.
John
11:57
This has to be said. I turned on Pirate-Philly yesterday midgame & heard Neil Walker expressing what he would do on a certain play. Good, I thought, Neil needs the mic work. Then ugh I hear Joe Block next hogging the conversation & overtalking as usual. Yakety yak. Changed the channel fast.
Jason Mackey
11:58
No, it doesn't have to be said at all. Neil is fantastic. I'm a big fan. But I also think Joe Block gets a bad rap. I'm not sure I've ever seen a broadcaster prepare more in my life. He busts his tail, and he stinks for wanting to use that prep work to enhance the broadcasts? Please. I think everyone should chill on the broadcasts and realize how hard it is to call a game from the studio. It's not natural. It'll be better this year.
Derrick Plapton
11:58
Are you playing the blues because the Bucs are so danged depressing? ... And speaking of, which blues song(s) would you choose to be your walk-up / at-bat music?
Jason Mackey
11:59
I'm playing the blues because my dad died four years ago today, and he taught me a lot about the blues. I'd either go with "I'm Goin' Home" by Ten Years After or "Crossroads" by Cream.
Frank
11:59
With the DH this year and the short spring do you start the season with 12 pitchers or 13?
Jason Mackey
12:00
At least 13. I think they easily could go to 14 if rosters expand.
Mike
12:00
Do you think the Pirates are having trouble getting Cruz to work on outfield defense?  I can’t see a Major League team wanting him to play SS given his track record.
Jason Mackey
12:00
No, I don't think that. He wants to play shortstop, and they're respecting that. They also need to have him play some OF. I have no issue with how they've navigated this.
John
12:00
What's the over-under on Bob Walk grousing about the NL DH this year?                                  All season, I say all 162 games. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:01
They'll get over it. I don't like it either, but they had to see that it's coming.
Bucsfan in Ga
12:01
Who do I predict will be starting 2b this season?
Jason Mackey
12:01
Cole Tucker.
Ken
12:01
Does Henry Davis start at Altoona?
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