You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 04.21.21
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Jason Mackey
12:31
Current Pirates? Would say Cole Tucker (if that counts), Jacob Stallings, Gregory Polanco, David Bednar ... they're all solid dudes, though, honestly. There aren't any who are unfriendly. Also tough right now because that sort of stuff is not allowed.
Linebacker Lounge
12:31
What will it take for the Pirates to ever have a bona fide SS!?
Jason Mackey
12:32
They have a couple good ones in their system -- Liover Peguero, Oneil Cruz, the Escotto kid is supposed to be good. I haven't cut bait on Tucker. I also think Newman should get more than 16 games.
Walker fan
12:32
Question - which Dead concert bootleg do you think most mirrors Neil Walker's career?  There is a bootleg I've been looking for in my collection from '86 and I think it was recorded in Detroit and something about the bass lines and some of the more drawn-out grooves really remind me of Neil, specifically the way he played second base. Any thoughts on this matter? Thanks Jason!
Jason Mackey
12:32
I don't. This one is a bit of a stretch, sorry.
Gabe
12:32
Is it crazy to think that maybe Colin Moran could be our first baseman of the future? I’m not putting him on Freddy Freeman’s level by any means, but Atlanta kept him around at 28 years old during their rebuild. Mason Martin is no guarantee, so why not keep Moran here at a position with little depth in the system?
Jason Mackey
12:33
Yeah, it's not crazy. I wouldn't rule it out. I also think you need to see what the player wants. Does Moran want to stick around here? Is that he doing right now sustainable? Or is it a hot start? I don't know. They don't know. That's why I said I think you need more time. I don't think the Pirates have anything against it. I just think we need more time to see where this goes.
James
12:33
With Nick Gonzalez potentially being MLB ready by mid 2022, is it a foregone conclusion that Adam Frazier is moved at the deadline or in the off-season?
Jason Mackey
12:33
I would think so. Then again, I've thought so for the past couple of trade cycles.
Gabe
12:33
I know Leiter and Rocker are good. But pitching prospects scare me. Look no further than Jamo, Glas, and Keller. Could GMBC shock the world and draft a high school SS?
Jason Mackey
12:34
I don't think you can turn down truly elite pitching when you're an organization in need of elite pitching. And they need to trust that they have a better development system in place to avoid those past shortcomings.
Bernard from 84
12:34
Joe Musgrove has been exceptional in SD. With that being said, we know about David Bednar but how about Hudson Head? It appears we’ve had a little bit of a slide in OF prospects so should we be excited about this kid? I’ve heard that the SD organization was high on him but due to no minors last year, not much known about him. What can you say?
Jason Mackey
12:35
Not much. He was not in ST. He has not played above rookie ball. Believe he's only 19. He was not yet with the team when I was down there at instructs. That said, he's an athletic, toolsy outfielder who's supposed to have an excellent arm, great bat-to-ball and a chance to add weight/power. Does have pop for someone his size. I think it will be interesting to see how he fares, especially if he winds up playing a lot at Class A.
Gabe
12:36
What is so different about the at-bats in spring and the at-bats in the regular season? Newman dropping .600 points from spring to now is baffling. Do pitchers do more homework prior to regular season starts?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Well, yeah. And you're also facing a different caliber of pitching. Those guys are also often working on stuff, where the results don't matter as much as how pitches, locations or sequences feel.
Ryan
12:36
Good afternoon Jason what do you think about the season Moran and brubaker have had so far let’s go Bucs
Jason Mackey
12:38
Hey Ryan. I think they've had very good starts. I've liked Brubaker's willingness to throw his stuff over the plate. I also really like his fastball usage. Big fan of him pitching with emotion, too. Moran has done a great job going the other way. Have liked his power for awhile. First base does not seem like too much for him. Would like to see him strike out less. But have been encouraged by both so far.
Allison Park Sweeper
12:38
Many of my all time baseball friends have bailed on the MLB due to the All Star game controversy. Does MLB now realize how bad of a decision it was to get politically engaged?
Jason Mackey
12:38
There are just as many who applaud that decision, and we're not going to start a political conversation here. We're going to talk baseball. Thanks.
Justin R.
12:39
Hey Jason -- Who do you realistically envision as part of the Pirates' next competitive "core?"
Jason Mackey
12:40
Good question ... As of now ... what, Reynolds, Hayes, for sure. Brubaker? Would hope Keller. Peguero, Gonzalez. Need a catcher. Priester, Malone, the 2021 1-1, Oliva/Siani/Mitchell/Cruz in the outfield. Have liked Tahnaj Thomas. Hudson Head should be well on his way by then. Maybe Yean or Yajure, too.
Gabe
12:40
Are Tucker and Oliva expected to start the Indi season when it starts? Or are they staying in Florida?
Jason Mackey
12:41
Oliva is with the alt site group. Tucker is still in Florida. Last I heard, they were expected to start with Indy.
Linebacker Lounge
12:41
Heading to Detroit, will Hayes be in the line up tomorrow? Thanks
Jason Mackey
12:42
Can't say for sure. I think it might depend on how things go for him tonight at the alt site. I think there's a chance, sure. But they might avoid the day game after a night game and simply kick the can ahead to Minny on Friday.
Rich in CA
12:42
Jason  The Pirates biggest hole seems to be center field (starting pitching aside) with the exception of when Brian R plays there.  Alford and Fowler do not appear to be the answer.  Is there any reason to hope Alford turns it around or should we look to the minors?
Jason Mackey
12:42
There's not much in the minors, Rich. I think you can hope on Alford. Nothing wrong there. Kid has a lot of potential. But, I have a tough time seeing him figure it out without an IL or minors stint. He just looks lost.
Munkeefist
12:42
Aside from Hayes, who are the best candidates for an extension at this time and could Stallings be the catcher for that 2023-25 bloom period?
Jason Mackey
12:43
He could, sure. Because of Jake's career, there hasn't been as much wear and tear. So, I wouldn't rule it out. They also don't have any/many better options. ... If I were them, I would broach something with Reynolds and maybe Brubaker. No on Newman, unless he bounces back. No on Keller, same deal.
jim
12:44
Jason, based on performance in the minors or lack thereof with the Bucs, trades, or attrition, who do you think gets the first call up?
Jason Mackey
12:44
I would think Oliva or someone in the outfield. Just because of how bad their center fielders have been. There's opportunity out there. Outside of that, would have to be dictated by injury.
Gabe
12:44
After their performances so far this season, do you think the pirates can safely DFA Alford and/or Fowler and not worry about them being claimed?
Jason Mackey
12:45
I think they could Fowler. I worry a little about Alford. I still think someone might think they can solve him, despite the horrible start.
Dan
12:45
Think Keller should follow Glasnow's lead and let his hair grow?
Jason Mackey
12:45
Ha. There's one solution! Sure, why not. Think it would help more if he pitched with Tyler's confidence.
Jim in VT
12:45
FYI, capacity at PNC is not slated to increase in May. Season tix holders just got notice that we have a pre-sale opportunity Monday.
Jason Mackey
12:45
Thanks, Jim. That's not surprising given their difficulties filling 25%. I think the only day they did it was opening day.
Tom J.
12:46
I know we are only 16 games into the season and last year was well, last year...  But what is your assessment of Derek Shelton thus far?  I like him.
Jason Mackey
12:47
I haven't seen enough. It's hard to count last season. I don't dislike him, I know that. I think he's still learning some stuff. I think he can over-manage at times, but I also think he's kinda been forced to do that. Same time, they've been really bad at certain things at times (fielding, baserunning) and have also done those things well. So, I don't know quite what to believe yet. It's only been 76 games. Hard to believe.
Rich in CA
12:47
Hello Jason.  The Pirates pitching has the worst ERA in NL, 10th in WHIP and 12th in BB.  Amazingly 3 teams have given up more walks.  Its all about the pitching.  Do they go heavy with pitching in this years draft?  They need to draft a catcher at some point.  Can this starting staff be turned around?
Connecting…