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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 04.02.21
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Jason Mackey
12:28
Yes, I would imagine that was addressed. Probably within a couple minutes of it happening. Just a total brain fart. There's no other explanation.
Mark
12:28
Polanco now has 2 hits in his last 27 ABs. Yet Fowler sits and Stokes is in minor league camp. Will Polanco be released by May 1 so we can start learning if Fowler or Stokes can be useful?
Jason Mackey
12:29
I think May 1 is over-aggressive. At some point, yeah, maybe. But I think they want to give him every chance to produce. I agree, it's bad now. But even 27 at-bats is an incredibly small sample. (And I know; people are gonna point out he's stunk before. I get it. But we're talking about him trying to find something RIGHT NOW.)
Guest
12:29
Besides Hayes, is there any player on the current roster effectively on their no-trade list? Possibly Reynolds?
Jason Mackey
12:30
Yeah, possibly Reynolds. Possibly Newman, at least as far as the major league team. Maybe some of the relievers who are pitching really well on nothing contracts.
Gabe
12:30
If you had to compare this team to a pre-2013 team, what year might you compare them to?
Jason Mackey
12:32
Gabe, we're one game into the season. I feel like it's a little early for that. That said, maaaaybe 2011, but I really don't know. Mix different guys. Bullpen was decent (though different). You could see some of the makings.
Mike
12:32
Do you think the Pirates will EVER put up the kind of money it would take to sign Hayes or someone of his ilk - ie likely Lindor-neighborhood money? And is that necessarily a bad thing if they don't? ie unload him and keep restocking with prospects like the Rays do. Curious what you think the long-term MO is after covering the team for awhile and talking with Nutting.
Jason Mackey
12:34
They're never going to sign anyone to Lindor money, no. Is Hayes going to warrant that? I don't know. Looks like he might. But, yeah, I have a tough time seeing them give anyone Lindor money. And I don't think they should. I hope by that time baseball has a better financial structure. If that happens, then I think ownership might commit to a long-term contract that fits within a capped system. But not like the Lindor thing, no. As things stand now, the Pirates are much better served letting guys walk and doing everything possible to ensure that have a developmental system in place. Lose guys at the top end, but bring in more talent, develop it right and repeat cycle over and over.
Old Man River
12:34
Jason, I must say on behalf of myself and others of my generation, that I am disappointed with thePirates’ cashless ticket purchase policy. I understand that youth must be served and that this generation is much more computer and technology savvy than mine, but not being able to buy a ticket with money or a credit card is unbelievable.
Jason Mackey
12:36
(This is not a Pirates complain queue ... oh wait, it kind of is.)  ... I get it. I'm 37, but I got up this morning and bought a newspaper in Chicago ... two, actually. Because I don't like to look at screens for any longer than we have to. But it's the way the world is shifting. I don't know what else to tell you. Gotta learn it if you want to go.
Jacque Strap
12:36
Here's a radical idea...if the Pirates do bat the pitcher eighth, I would suggest batting Polanco 9th and telling him to never swing, unless he has to sac bunt. He might get on base more often that way.
Jason Mackey
12:36
I see our Gregory Polanco confidence is sky high at the moment ...
Yuri
12:36
Hello Jason.  What are the Pirates’ plans for O’Neill Cruz?  Will he continue to play shortstop or be developed to play outfield?  Thank you Jason
Jason Mackey
12:37
Hey Yuri. Everything we've heard to this point, Oneil will stay at shortstop but still work in the outfield. Could depend on where jobs are available, too. I think they want to expose him to both. Bigger issue for Cruz will be hitting. He turned it around late, but he had a lousy start to spring.
jack flash
12:37
when Crick returns, do you foresee him in a high leverage role (i.e. setup man) or more situational?
Jason Mackey
12:38
Good question, Jack. Actually the subject of my off-day story that I need to finish here soon. I see them trying Crick in high-leverage situations. I'm surprised they didn't use Feliz there yesterday, though. Six innings with a lead, Big Mike sat. I'm curious how Crick's return might affect Feliz.
Sammy
12:38
What's the difference in pitching philosophies between Searage and Marin?
Jason Mackey
12:40
Searage: ball low in the zone, sinkers/two-seamers, this is our mold, and you fit within that. ... Marin: what are your strengths? Let's accentuate those. No set mold. We're gonna let you pitch how you pitch most effectively. ... Marin and Co. are way more reliant on tech and analytics, not only knowing how to get those metrics but also how to apply them. What the Pirates did while Cole and Glasnow were here was laughably far behind how the game had evolved everywhere else. The Pirates, due to their own arrogance and stubbornness, never changed.
12:41
Marin has also preached more with tunneling. They're using more four-seamers up in the zone and relying on spin pitches.
Mark
12:42
Gregory Polanco - 2551 ABs career. I don't think another month is going to change his value. And I remember some folks gushing about his hot start this Spring and no one said "small sample size!"
Jason Mackey
12:43
I disagree with you. Some of those ABs have been good. He has produced during stretches of his career. If he does again, they could move him, if that team believes he's in a good place and has things turned around. ... I'm sorry, but I don't have the specs on what every person said or didn't say during spring about the sample size. But I'm telling you they're letting him play, hoping there's a spark. If there is, the desirable outcome is to move him.
Guest
12:43
If the Pirates, unlikely as it may be, are competitive into the summer, does the team take advantage by trading away everyone of value and restocking?  Or do they let a positive story play out for the fans?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Easy, easy. Yesterday was fun. Put down the happy juice. ... No, seriously. There's a long-term plan in place here. If they have a hot start, I don't think that will change their plans. Guys will be traded. They'll do what's best for future business.
canyon
12:44
Do you have any insight on Hayes's extension? Like any numbers or anything and do you think they'll will try again next year?
Jason Mackey
12:46
I do, yes. And I need to be careful because the stuff is talked about in off-the-record conversations; I can burn trust if I use it the wrong way. This is where they're at: Both sides remain interested in getting something done. The offer the Pirates made was much lower than what Hayes' camp wanted but still respectable for the player's limited experience. It comes down to how each sides view his current value. I do think they'll try again. I think more games and time will help. But they aren't terribly close at the moment. And I do think the Pirates have legitimate interest in getting something done now. I'm not just saying that.
Darnell
12:46
Unlike some, I believe Adam Frazier has been asset to the Pirates.  He can hit, has some power and can play a number of positions.  If he does gets traded this season, who do you think would replace him, short term and long term?  Thanks Jason.
Jason Mackey
12:48
Hi Darnell, I agree with you. Certainly been an asset. But I think that's why he's attractive to other teams. He's just a solid baseball player, although I would rather keep him at second. Anyway, to answer your questions: It depends. If Cole Tucker is hitting, maybe he gets another shot. Or they could shift Erik Gonzales there. Long-term, I think that Nick Gonzales' job. But I wouldn't want to force him to make that jump in July. That very well could be too much too soon. So it will depend on who's producing when/if a trade happens.
The Weez
12:48
I share your concern about the starters. Have no confidence right now that Keller will ever live up to his potential. Brault is so up and down. Wish Kuhl could have gone deeper yesterday. And we shall see with the veterans they signed. The kids can't arrive soon enough!
Jason Mackey
12:49
I hear ya. They need Anderson and Cahill to give them something. I think Mitch will be better in the regular season than he was in spring. (And don't say he can't be worse. Ha.) ... But I do worry about depth. Stuff will happen. Who's gonna pitch those innings?
Justin R.
12:51
Hey Jason -- Great start, so far. Early signs from Oscar Marin look promising. From your perspective, what are some of the most noticeable differences between his coaching strategy/philosophy and Ray Searage's?
Jason Mackey
12:52
Searage: ball low in the zone, sinkers/two-seamers, this is our mold, and you fit within that. ... Marin: what are your strengths? Let's accentuate those. No set mold. We're gonna let you pitch how you pitch most effectively. ... Marin and Co. are way more reliant on tech and analytics, not only knowing how to get those metrics but also how to apply them. What the Pirates did while Cole and Glasnow were here was laughably far behind how the game had evolved everywhere else. The Pirates, due to their own arrogance and stubbornness, never changed. Marin has also preached more with tunneling. They're using more four-seamers up in the zone and relying on spin pitches.
Mark
12:52
Mar 17, 2021 Chat:Dennis: Polanco is hitting well so far. Is this a sign of things to come, or an aberration?

Jason Mackey: I don't think it's an aberration. That would indicate a lack of ability. I think Polanco is plenty talented, and I'm not surprised he's doing what he's doing. The challenge will be avoiding injury and doing it over an extended stretch. That is the part that has been hard for him.
Jason Mackey
12:53
Yes. I said that. What's your point? He had a hot start, then he's hit a rough patch. That's baseball. You're looking for me to agree with your opinion. I respect. Feel however you want. But I'm telling you how I feel about the situation and the club's views on it.
canyon
12:53
When do you think the team will actually compete.
Jason Mackey
12:54
canyon, they're undefeated! Kidding. I think they will be better than most expect this season. Reasonable for a playoff return? I'm saying 2024. They flirt with it and tease people in 2023.
Jacque Strap
12:54
Regarding in game video, which is back now -- does every hitter pretty much use it? Are they only able to view at-bats from the current game, or can they look at other games also.
Jason Mackey
12:54
In some of fashion, yes. Some are more neurotic than others. And I believe they can view both.
cottcott
12:54
Do you think Alford can be an everyday MLB player?  He had a bad day at the plate yesterday.
Jason Mackey
12:55
I do, yes. He did have a bad day, I agree with you. He's been striking out too much. But the tools and the temperament are there. I'm not saying he will. But I think he absolutely can be.
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