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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 04.14.21
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Jason Mackey
1:03
You would be correct on that. He's at a career-high 61.3%, although it's obviously a small sample size. I agree with you, though. What Evans has done has been really impressive. He has probably played his way into a regular role, provided this continues.
Mark
1:03
There IS a baseball reason to release Polanco - to give development ABs to Fowler, Alford, Evans, Oliva, or Stokes Jr. The salary owed Polanco is the same whether they release him or play him. The true cost of Polanco is wasting ABs that could be better used building experience and skills in anyone that MIGHT be here in 2023.
Jason Mackey
1:05
I understand what you're saying, Mark. But Fowler and Alford are getting ABs. I would argue too many of them. Evans is playing every day. Nobody is taking away his ABs. Oliva hit .120 this spring and is currently doing "skill development" work in Bradenton. Stokes Jr. maybe, but is he really gonna be around in 2023? I don't know. But I don't have any issue giving the Polanco thing more runway this season.
cottcott
1:05
Jason, thanks for this great chat.  What kind of prospect is Ji-hwan Bae?  I know he was a high end international signing after the Braves forfeited his rights for cheating.  He seems to be well built at 6-1, 185.
Jason Mackey
1:07
Yes, very much so. Bigger than you would think in person. Incredibly fast. Also an excellent defender. I think there are some issues with being able to consistently make contact. Not sure his plate discipline is where it needs to be, either. But I love the speed, love the defense. Can also play several positions.
Daniel Sametz
1:07
I mean MLB México posted on twitter that Verdugo was the first mexican player to hit a HR but as Verdugo both are born in the US so by that standards I don't understand why they don't say that Evans was the first mexican to hit a HR.
Jason Mackey
1:08
I have not seen what you're commenting on, so I'm sorry. I'm not sure I'm gonna be much help here.
Mark
1:08
"40 to 60 games is a reasonable sample size". What about 2600 ABs over 7 years? What about the last two seasons, Spring numbers and year to date? Polanco is what he is, and 50 games won't change that. And "hope and pray" that he becomes tradable is not a viable baseball business model. Other teams are probably gonna notice his 3 yr decline and not bite on 40 games.
Jason Mackey
1:12
Why not try to find out? Seriously, what's the harm in seeing what Polanco has over two months? Is he dragging down the playoff chase? Are other guys pushing for time behind him? No and No. He may stink. He may be OK. If he gets hot, maybe someone gives up a lower-level prospect for him. Could save some money this year and the buyout next. Or they're stuck with him. I don't know. But I'm willing to find out so long as nobody is showing me they absolutely have to play up here, which thus far has been the case.
Chicken Cutlets
1:12
Mark's questions about Polanco are a stunning example of bias over stats. He's conflating lots in order to fit a pre-established opinion on Polanco. The hard hit percentage has consistently gone up - last year he looked lost at the plate and didn't walk. This year, he's choosing his pitches much better, walking a ton, and still crushing the ball. It's not just about "hope and pray" we can get some trade return on him, even though that's seemingly the default of a lot of fans who already hate him for a variety of reasons. It's about actually making informed decisions, especially when you are in a season where you have punted and are assessing anyways.
Jason Mackey
1:13
*** This post has been flagged for actually featuring a logical thought process.
Ron
1:13
Why are the same broadcast announcers being used for a series and not rotating them for each game?
Jason Mackey
1:14
Hadn't even noticed that, Ron. Perhaps scheduling or to establish some sort of rhythm? Baseball is so much about the series. I can see why they would stick to that.
Mark
1:14
Stokes Jr is an intriguing mix of power and speed if he can improve the batting ave and OBP. He's 25, so the time to find out is NOW.
Jason Mackey
1:15
NOW ... after he hit .212 with 12 strikeouts (trailing only Alford and Goodwin) during spring training. Look, I'm fine giving Stokes Jr., Oliva, R.J. Reynolds or the Easter Bunny a shot in the outfield if they hit. None of the guys you're arguing for have done that.
1:16
OK, folks. Looks like that's gonna do it for this week. Thanks so much for participating. Glad to be back on our normal schedule. Talk to ya in this space next week.
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