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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 04.27.22
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Jason Mackey
11:20
Hello, everyone, and welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. Thanks for stopping by. You know the drill. Leave 'em here, and I'll be back at noon to answer.
12:03
OK, let's get started ...
Retire21
12:03
He's my favorite but does Yoshi look like a DFAer?
Jason Mackey
12:03
He's making $4 million. I think it's too early to make that call. But he doesn't look good.
Gilbert
12:03
Any inside information on David "big chest" Bednar's bench press numbers? I would think it would be impressive. Also, anything new with Drake Fellows. It seemed a weird situation with not knowing if he was active or not with organization when I asked last time. Thanks Jason!
Jason Mackey
12:05
"Big chest?" Are you related to Dave? No, I don't know how much he benches, although I would imagine a great deal. Fellows is at extended spring training. I don't know if I would call that "a weird situation." There are others. Would say his trajectory is probably slower than anticipated. I think that's fair.
Mike
12:05
Jason, enjoy the weekly chats keep up the good work. When do you think the Pirates are going to realize that Mitch Keller isn’t going to be a starter? 7-20 over the last few years isn’t going cut it. Middle relief may be his answer. Let Roansy Contras start and what he is all about.
Jason Mackey
12:06
I don't agree with you. One, win-loss records are dumb and flawed. I see your point on Keller struggling. He certainly has. But I'm not convinced he should be in the bullpen, and I think others feel that way. Would like to see Roansy, but I'm not giving up on Mitch.
Justin
12:06
Did you ever get word that the Tucupita/Suwinski promotion from AA, bypassing guys like Castro/Cruz/Njigba/Swaggerty from AAA, was more to do with the fact that the Curve were in Akron, and the Indians were in Iowa?  Or are they claiming that that duo deserved the shot more?
Jason Mackey
12:06
No, Shelton said postgame it was more logistical than anything. They found out early afternoon. They could not have gotten someone here from Iowa if they tried.
Dog boy
12:06
Will nutting move this team out of Pittsburgh, when fans stop going to see this team
Jason Mackey
12:06
I don't think so, no.
Mike
12:06
Jason while I’m thinking about it, Yoshi may need to sit a bit, pushing to hard, looks frustrated. Maybe he’s lost it also. May need to bring Martin up what say you
Jason Mackey
12:07
It's not that time yet. Also, Martin isn't on the roster. So you probably need to proceed with some caution there. I'm not against it. I would just wait a little.
Cliffy
12:07
With Yoshi’s struggles and Mason Martin being hot, do you think he gets a shot soon? Obviously would be tricky with him not being on the 40
Jason Mackey
12:08
Man, this seems to be the question of the week. Again, I think we need to give it some time, folks. It's still only 15 games for Yoshi.
Jeff T
12:08
The way that the Pirates are being forced to use their bullpen for a ton of innings, I would think they’re going to get worn out sooner rather than later. Besides Contreras (whom I’d rather see in the rotation, anyway), are there any Indy relieves that can help in a pinch? Or will they need to add to the 40-man from the outside?
Jason Mackey
12:09
Not a ton. Maybe Cam Alldred. He has been good at times. Could see Jerad Eickhoff coming up at some point. Perhaps Cody Bolton or Yerry De Los Santos as well. Some help. I wouldn't say a ton.
Pirates79
12:09
So I got the part that once the Pirates keep Cruz down in Indy for a certain time they get an extra year of him. Once that hits does that mean they bring him up? I’d assume with Newman and Tucker out that he’s next in line.
Jason Mackey
12:10
I think they want to see him producing at the plate and ready to contribute to the major league team -- enough that they could wind up losing his Super-2 status. He had the homer the other day, which was awesome. But he was also hitting like .200 and was still learning LF. If he pushes, I could see them promoting him. But he hasn't been on fire of late.
Justin
12:10
Do you think that the pirates think that Chase de Jong actually improved something since last year?  Any idea what that might be?  Did he have a contract opt out date or something?
Jason Mackey
12:11
Yeah, he's improved his fastball usage, throwing his slider more, attacking. Not saying Chase De Jong is going to win the Cy Young. Certainly not. But I do think they think he has improved, yes. And honestly, for that hybrid/protected role, I have zero issue with De Jong getting a shot.
Nick S
12:11
Given the injuries, do you think Cruz gets the call up in the near term or do you think his slow start In AAA will delay his call up? Where do you think he’ll play more this season in the majors, SS or OF?
Jason Mackey
12:12
Probably SS just because it's more natural to him. And, yeah, I think his slow(er) start will delay him getting up here some. If he gets hot, I think -- since we're past the team control date -- they would be OK bringing him up. He has also been kinda quiet outside of the walkoff bomb.
GoBucs
12:12
When will we see Martin? swaggerty?
Jason Mackey
12:12
I think you need to give Yoshi more runway before making a move with Martin. Swaggerty is hitting .188. Gonna need to fare better than that before we start talking promotion.
Crash
12:13
I guess the vaunted bullpen has slammed into the wall. Time for the collective freefall to begin ?
Jason Mackey
12:14
They had a crappy game last night. Right now the larger sample size has them being good, so I'm not sure why I'm going to base them stinking on the smaller one, at least at this point. I mean, they might, but I'm gonna wait and see more before arriving at that conclusion.
Sad Sad Sad
12:14
They showed an empty PNC last night on television. I honestly don't think they draw a million this year. People are done with them and after the 21-0 beatdown do you blame them ?
Jason Mackey
12:15
You think 21-0 was what caused people to get off the train? The crowd last night stunk, no doubt. It was also a cold, weeknight during school, against the Brewers. Those games never draw. They should make their hay when it's nicer out, the Cubs, Cardinals, Yankees and Red Sox are in town, and school is out. They'll get to 1 million-plus. People are also understandably pissed because of what has happened over there the last 6-7 years.
John in SC
12:15
Howdy Jason. I know it’s early in the season, but is there any concern over the records of the minor league teams, considering the Pirate’s minor league system is one of the higher rated systems? Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:16
Absolutely none, John. Minor league records I guess matter end-of-season. Certainly not now. They have a bunch of talented players there. Let the water find its level.
Justin R.
12:16
What is the upside for Michael Burrows? The guy has pitched really well but doesn't seem to be getting a ton of hype.
Jason Mackey
12:16
Yeah, you're right, it's been quiet. He could be a front-of-the-rotation type if we're talking about potential. Still a ways to go, obviously. But his stuff is filthy.
Tom J.
12:16
Hello Jason - After the blowout 23-0 loss, the next day was an impressive victory.  Fans can talk for days about a loss like that, but the players have to pack that away and move on, I trust.  Or, does there continue to be conversation among the team on such a defeat?   Thanks, Jason.
Jason Mackey
12:17
They had moved on about 15 minutes after that game. It's a loooong season. It's loooong on my side. I can't imagine what it's like for them. You move on, and they did.
Art Vandalay
12:17
With the continuous backlash of fans/union and pretty much the whole world accusing ownership of not spending money and the recent articles in PG about ticket sales and hot dogs. If Pirates ownership is really spending " the money" to better the team like they say they are, then you would think they would be more than willing to open the books to prove everyone wrong right??? What's there to hide if its true?
Jason Mackey
12:19
I don't disagree with that. If everything is on the up and up, this conversation ends real fast with documents that are edited by an independent third party, as MLB's are. Now, I get why the Pirates (and all clubs) aren't going to walk down the street showing people spreadsheets. They're proprietary, etc. But, yeah. If you wanna end the narrative, open 'em up.
For the record, I'm not accusing the Pirates of anything nefarious. I don't know. Nobody does for sure, whether they're clean or shady, without a full financial picture.
Steven
12:19
Hi Jason, curious about two things with Bednar. 1. Is he technically the team’s closer or is he co-closing with Stratton? I heard you with Stan yesterday talking about how Bednar is brought in to face the meat of a team’s lineup which I love. I think he’s got closing ability talents but they’re not really in a position to just use him in the 8th and 9th to win games and that’s it? 2. I know this is very premature but I love what I’ve seen so far, but is there any thought or idea that they might give him a little extension? Thanks. Keep up the good work.
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