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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 04.14.23
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Jason Mackey
12:30
Hopefully soon. I don't get it with Mathias. How he had 24 good games with Texas last year is beyond me.
Scott
12:30
Most talk is always about extending Reynolds or Cruz long term. While the Pirates like to keep things quiet any whispers to locking up Keller? He seems like a different guy since this time last year not just on the mound but his presence as a leader in the Clubhouse.
Jason Mackey
12:31
Yeah, he has become more of a leader. That's been cool to see. No whispers, though. Also, as I've learned with the Reynolds stuff, they can really shut people out if they try. So ... it wouldn't shock me if some cursory discussions have occurred, but they've also been very intentional about keeping them under wraps.
Nate B
12:31
Biggest Surprise/ disappointment in the first 2 weeks of the season
Jason Mackey
12:33
Biggest surprise I might go bullpen. Can't say I'm terribly surprised, but it's probably the most noticeable turnaround. Biggest disappointment would be injuries to Bru and Burrows, along with Hayes not matching the power he had in spring, though I think it will get here eventually.
Nate B
12:33
What do they do/ who do they have for starting pitching depth?
Jason Mackey
12:34
Luis Ortiz is the obvious one. Quinn Priester isn't ready. Osvaldo Bido is kind of a sleeper. If there's a meteoric rise guy, like Ortiz in 2022, I could see it being Jared Jones. Dude's electric.
David B.
12:34
Hi Jason, thanks for the chats and sorry to be among the first of what I can only imagine are a deluge of Reynolds questions. That said, anything new? I saw Heyman discussing the inclusion of a no trade clause as well as the possibility of restructuring the money or adding more money. My armchair perspective is that increasing the money is the only chance, since I just don’t see any opt-out making sense. If they will do 106 million, I don’t get why they can’t just take a plunge and up it a little more. The alternative seems like decisively going backwards, especially if we trade him.
Jason Mackey
12:36
Heyman kills me. The Pirates don't do no-trade clauses. Not defending it. It's sort of insane if you think about it. But it's not exactly news. And, of course, shifting things around has been part of the discussions. Has to be. Would hope they're not negotiating the color of towels. The issue with what you're suggesting is assuming Reynolds agrees. I don't know if he will or not. I've tried to find out how MUST HAVE the opt-out is and do not have a firm enough grasp. But I have no doubt they've discussed other formulations of a deal.
Wayward
12:36
What's the move when Stephenson gets activated?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Would think Moreta, because he has options.
Ryan
12:36
Rodolfo appears to be hitting pretty well currently. Also been surprised by the play of Joe
Jason Mackey
12:37
Yeah, Connor has been excellent. We've seen Castro do it before. Similar to Suwinski, just needs to strike out less.
Phil
12:37
Hey Jason, have you heard anything on the Pirates discussing extension with Mitch? He only has two years of control left after this year and is only going to get more expensive as he improves. Last month, the Athletic projected about 4 years $40 mill to buy out his last two years of control plus 2 years of FA. (2/13 and 2/27). This seems reasonable with fairly low risk for the Pirates. But get that it takes two to tango. I’m just not confident that any of our current group in majors and AAA will ever exceed what Mitch is becoming.
Jason Mackey
12:38
Have not heard Keller whispers, as I typed before. Per usual, if I had, you would have read about them in another form by now. That's also not to say discussions haven't taken place. Agree with you that it would behoove them to get something done.
Rickey
12:38
Thoughts on oviedo so far? His last start was about as dominating as it gets
Jason Mackey
12:38
When he's on and attacking the zone, dude is elite. Love the slider. Big fan of what I've seen.
Justin
12:38
With Brubaker and Burrows out, the AAA SP depth that I'm aware of consists of Ortiz, Priester, and Bido.  Who are the other minor league SP's that we could see if there's a few more injuries to the staff?  I suppose they could stretch JC Flowers back out?
Jason Mackey
12:39
They could. That might be asking a lot of JC Flowers. Kyle Nicolas, maybe. But he would have to rise quickly. Not that he's a prospect but more someone they hoped could plug a hole ... but Caleb Smith is hurt. Jared Jones in Double-A is someone to watch.
Bill
12:39
How soon until you think we see Marcano come up? I wonder if his defense at SS is better than Castro
Jason Mackey
12:39
Can't imagine long if the lack of offense from Mathias and lack of defense from Castro both continue.
Bill
12:40
Do you think we will see Cody Bolton debut this year in the majors?
Jason Mackey
12:40
I do, yes. But he's a reliever now and wouldn't be an option to start.
Ryan
12:40
Good afternoon Jason what do you think about the play of Bae And Mitch Keller both have looked good so far Let’s Go Bucs
Jason Mackey
12:41
Really impressive. Can't say enough about either one, honestly. There's such a cool energy around Bae. A spark plug. He's fun. And a terrific CF. Not a huge fan of six-pitch guys, but I like Keller's mix. Basically three fastballs he's able to command. Last year wasn't a fluke.
Jose Hernandez
12:41
what have you thought of my play so far?
Jason Mackey
12:41
You've been solid, Jose. Low leverage, but keep going. Keep throwing strikes.
Justin
12:41
Obviously the Pirates are sending scouts to watch a bunch of draftable players, but have you heard any indications of extra manpower being sent to watch LSU games?
Jason Mackey
12:43
Not quite how it works. I wouldn't worry about them paying the proper amount of attention to Dylan Crews. People don't want to admit this, but the Pirates for years have spent their entire draft pool. If it's lumped into one guy or spread around, doesn't really matter. They spent a lot on Termarr last year. If Crews is the best option -- and it sure looks like he is -- they're gonna take him.
Ethan
12:43
Hey Prince Bob, not to step on Jason's toes, but the answer is no, they don't have to stay on the roster once the season is over and Rule 5 qualifications have been met, and yes, they would be eligible again. Say Hernandez sticks all season but gets outrighted at the tender deadline (for some reason). He would then be eligible again come the next Rule 5 Draft in December.
Jason Mackey
12:44
Ethan, get back to work! J/k. I'm glad you're here to answer. Knew you would know.
Concerned Fan
12:44
Do you know if Bae has taken on advocacy role or something of the like regarding his domestic violence incident when he was younger? He seems like a fun player but I find it hard to fully root for him, and although it wouldn’t excuse the behavior, something like that would seem to be a good sign, given that he’s already getting his so-called “second chance” to be a pro baseballer.
Jason Mackey
12:45
I do not know of any advocacy role that he's taken on, no. His explanation, and that of the organization, has been that Bae was young, immature, made a bad decision and has worked since that incident to become a better person. You're free to disagree with, or hate that. Just passing along their stance.
Guest
12:46
How much longer do you think Mathias lasts up with the team and would Marcano make sense as the next Triple A call up?
Jason Mackey
12:46
He would. And I can't see this going much longer.
Ayeayecapn
12:46
This question is totally from out of left field- what has become of Neal Huntington? When the change was made to Ben Cherington, I believe it was needed. But I also thought because of the Archer trade, he was unfairly vilified. He made some trades that aged well.
Jason Mackey
12:46
He's with Cleveland (again). Some sort of consultant role.
Justin
12:46
Do you have any insights as to what the team may prefer about Castro at SS over Bae?  i haven't gotten a good enough look at either yet.
Jason Mackey
12:47
It's a lot based on matchups, the overall lineup, etc. In other words, they could play Bae at short to get Suwinski, Joe or CSN in in the outfield. Or play Bae in CF to get Castro or Mathias (their thinking, not mine) in in the infield. Personally, I don't think Castro is a fit there.
Guest
12:47
Hi Jason, with Barrows on IL (possibly for the season) would you guess Ortiz is the most likely call up from Indy if there’s an opening in the rotation? If so, what do you think he needs to work on based on what you saw in September and this past spring.
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