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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 04.15.20
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Jason Mackey
11:43
Hi folks. Welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. Plenty to talk about -- hopefully. Feel free to ask your questions now. I'll be back at noon to answer them. Thanks!
12:03
Alright, let's get rolling here.
BVA123
12:03
What’s a Josh Bell extension look like???? Highly doubt they re sign him but what about guys like Reynolds, Newman,
Jason Mackey
12:14
That's an interesting question, BVA123. And, I agree, I think it's probably more likely that they extend Reynolds and Newman -- buying out some arbitration years -- than extending Bell. Which is also unfortunate, because I think they should extend Bell. As for what it will look like, one interesting comp is Miguel Sano from the Twins, who recently signed a three-year, $30 million deal. In five years, Sano has 118 home runs, 315 RBIs and has been worth 7.8 bWAR. Entering his fifth year in the league, Bell has 78 home runs, 287 RBIs and has been worth 3.0 WAR. That said, I think if there's a season and Bell performs like he did in May and June 2019, then maybe things change. But Sano might at least offer something of a starting point, should Bell have a really good 2020.
Retire21
12:16
I read ESPN may televise some Korean League games. I would probably (try) to watch. Is Kang back in that league?
Jason Mackey
12:18
I do not believe so. Kang or not, I'm with you: I'll pretty much watch any live (and legitimate) sporting event right now.
Elroy
12:19
What’s some pirate players reaction to the Arizona plan?
Jason Mackey
12:21
Thanks for the question, Elroy. Light day. Need all the participation we can get. I would say the majority of the single ones are for it. They just want to play baseball and can deal with any circumstances under which that occurs. I think the guys with families -- there are, admittedly, not many on the roster -- have a tougher time with it. But I think the overriding sentiment goes something like this: If MLB and infectious disease experts can figure out a way to do this safely, then let's go. Because nobody wants to miss an entire season.
Deshawn
12:29
any chance we see baseball in the next 2 months?
Jason Mackey
12:31
Hi Deshawn. Yeah, I think so. After reading what Dr. Fauci had to say on it, I think there's actually a pretty strong chance, although it'll obviously be in Arizona, Florida or both. And I don't think that's the worst thing. If they want to have a season, that's what they need to do to do it safely. As long as they're not putting anyone at risk, I think there's a way to make this work.
TP Ranger
12:31
Hi Jason, I hope you and your family are well. Of the alternative season options mentioned, I am intrigued by the Florida-Arizona proposal where 15 teams would play in each state, out of their normal divisions and leagues. I think it would generate great interest, even without fans in the stands. What is your opinion of this, as opposed to everything happening in Arizona?
Jason Mackey
12:32
Thanks, TP Ranger. Same to you. I actually just said this to my wife this morning: I'm not sure why, but I like the Florida-Arizona plan better than just the Arizona plan. Maybe it's because I know Florida a little bit. Maybe it's the time zone, I don't know. Or maybe I'm an idiot and should embrace the Arizona thing more. Not ruling that out. But yeah, of the available options, I think breaking it up via Grapefruit League and Cactus League would be highly entertaining. I guess the downside is there's always going to be an asterisk next to the season.
TP Ranger
12:32
Jason, is there any word about whether MLB would allow a special preseason trade opportunity to help teams adjust their rosters in the event that the pitching staffs would need to be enlarged because of the proposed double-headers?
Jason Mackey
12:34
At some point rosters will unfreeze, which I guess would help with what you're talking about. However, I think a bigger way MLB will address this -- and they have to -- is through expanded rosters. I fully expect that to happen. It's just a matter of how large MLB is willing to make them.
Colts Corral
12:34
Are you surprised that Nutting would allow his MLB employees to do the Covid testing given his general disregard for employees or others ?
Jason Mackey
12:36
I'm not surprised given how the Pirates have treated COVID-19 since Day 1, and I also think your claim is baseless. Nutting isn't an out-and-out jerk like many think. Has he made mistakes? Absolutely. He'll tell you that. I also think he should spend more than he does -- and if he simply can't, then sell the team and do something else. I'm not defending his ownership by saying where it is right now is acceptable, but he's also not going around stealing peoples' pets or anything like that.
TP Ranger
12:37
Jason, what are your thoughts on expanding the playoffs during a shortened season? Maybe go to a 16-team format, eight from each league or, in the Florida-Arizona based scenario, eight from each state?
Jason Mackey
12:38
I'm OK with it -- now. Not a huge proponent normally, although I realize I'm probably going to lose that battle. That's ... whatever. But right now, with absolutely unique circumstances, I would be in favor of something like that. Especially if they decide to play a significantly shortened regular season in favor of it. You almost have to.
Chuck s.
12:38
what type of training is the pitchers doing ATM?
Jason Mackey
12:38
I'm not sure I understand your question, Chuck. Can you clarify?
Bernie
12:38
Are the Pirate players currently getting paid their regular season contract value?
Jason Mackey
12:40
They are not. Major League Baseball and the Players Association agreed on a $170 million settlement that will be spread across four different classes of players. They payments will be made over a two-month period. This is what these guys are getting right now -- not their normal paychecks. And it would be all they would get if a season is cancled.
TP Ranger
12:40
Jason, how late would be feasible to hold the World Series? It seems like anything past the first week of November normally would be pushing it, but the weather is pretty good in Florida and Arizona in December.
Jason Mackey
12:41
Weather-wise, I think you could do it in December or January and be fine. I think the concern that exists is more about what this does to the 2021 season. I think MLB Is OK with extending the regular season some, but if you can preserve 2021 and hope that we're more back to normal by then, I think that's the ultimate goal.
Rudy
12:41
Hi Jason,
Jason Mackey
12:41
Hi Rudy.
Rudy
12:41
Hi Jason, given that Pirates’ ownership invested nothing in the team this offseason.  What should fans reasonable expect from the team in terms of on-field performance and player development?  What should we expect from management in the following offseason?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Fair question and ask for fans right now, absolutely. If I'm a fan, I wanna see better baseball. I wanna see a team making routine plays in the field and not making stupid baserunning mistakes -- the fundamentals. I want to see pitchers competing, not serving up flight plans or walking everyone. I think this team can improve so, so much in those departments. I also wanna see a team that looks like it wants to be there. I don't think that shone through last season. I wanna see better development of talent. I wanna see them draft better and for guys to take steps at all levels. Some significant international signings, too. That would be what the Pirates are trying to fix here working.
12:45
Results-wise, I wanna see them win at least 78-80 games and hope for more. I'd want to see them at least flirt with .500 and be interesting because I don't think this city deserves to be embarrassed by its baseball team. And when/if things do change and Shelton/Cherington have the impact that many of their peers around the game expect them to, then I expect Bob Nutting to support them financially to sustain what they're doing.
Butch
12:46
If MLB would move to playing in Arizona or Florida, would they consider moving back to teams playing in their home cities at some point or would they stay in Arizona or Florida the rest of the season?
Jason Mackey
12:47
I think it would be TBD, Butch. I think you would see them start out in whatever state, expecting to stay there for the duration and hoping that things will improve society-wise throughout the year.
Call me crazy...
12:47
But I just can't imagine fans getting all that excited for something that kinda sorta looks like baseball in completely empty spring training facilities during weird times of day. Maybe for a week or two, but won't the allure of live sports fade rather quickly under these strange guidelines?
Jason Mackey
12:48
I don't want to call you anything, first off. Definitely don't want to be insulting, but I do disagree with you. I think people are hungry for something, anything to follow. I know if I was a fan -- and I wasn't getting paid to be there -- I would be glued to my TV for every game. It would absolutely increase my interest. Yeah, I'd rather there be fans in the stands and excitement and all of that, but I think we also need to look at the bigger picture here first. If we're playing sports again, that can only mean good things for this virus going away.
TP Ranger
12:49
Jason, just wanted to give you and all of your fellow staffers a tip of the hat for the continued coverage of your sports. I can imagine how hard it is to generate story ideas without any sports! Hopefully, you will have more opportunities soon!
Jason Mackey
12:50
Thanks, TP Ranger. I appreciate that. Honestly, though, I haven't found it that difficult. I've enjoyed the opportunity to write a little differently. Don't get me wrong. I'll be thrilled when things go back to normal, but I've always been pretty good at coming up with ideas. Maybe I'll just full of you know what.
Chuck s.
12:50
what type of throwing programs are they on?
Jason Mackey
12:51
Ah, that makes more sense. They're throwing bullpens twice a week. Starters are trying to stay around 3 innings or so -- enough to not kill their arms now but also enough to be able to ramp up quickly if necessary. The guidelines are loose because having facilities/throwing partners can sometimes be a challenge.
Butch
12:51
If teams were to start playing games at their spring training sites, would Minor League players also attend to workout and do something such as playing in simulated games?
Jason Mackey
12:55
I don't think they know yet, Butch. I think a couple things could happen here. If this is a model that works for MLB, who's to say MiLB doesn't try something similar? Also, in lieu of a season, yeah, guys could be at facilities working out or, in the Pirates case, maybe they would go to Pirate City. Or they just cancel the whole thing because there's just so much unknown. I just think there are a lot of routes this can go.
Butch
12:56
What do you see the roster sizes looking like if MLB would return? Also how would it work if they needed to call up players due to injury or other reasons?
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