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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 04.27.22
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Jason Mackey
12:43
I have zero issue with how Crowe and Peters have pitched or how the Pirates have managed the middle innings. Even the back end has been good. The issue has been the starters as a group not nearly being good enough.
Question ?
12:43
Is Abbey Mackey who wrote the Rob Rossi any relation ? If it is she did a great job
Jason Mackey
12:43
Hahaha. That's my beautiful wife. So, yes. And she's awesome. I just told her you liked the story.
DJ
12:44
Cruz’s slow start is frustrating, but I think what annoys me on his behalf is that he clearly never was given the shot to make the MLB team this spring. He batted low in the lineup and irregularly despite performing, and then was sent to late winter in the Midwest— hard not to think that dampened his start. For the last week, outside of a few ABs, he’s looked very bad. I guess my question is, if he does have a solid 2-3 weeks, will it be enough to reward the talent and get him max MLB experience, or is there now enough cover that the team can drag its feet through mid-June when he will clear super two? He’s gotta earn the call up, but I worry our main priority is playing service time games, talk to the contrary not withstanding.
Jason Mackey
12:45
I don't think the Super 2 thing is nearly as big of a deal as the year of team control (which I still don't agree with them on). I think if he performs -- and I get what you're saying about his slow start, believe me -- then he'll be up here. But I don't think it's gonna be automatic or anything.
Pirates79
12:45
Diego Castillo has been good but I know he’s been struggling a bit lately. Will they send him down to get some AB’s in AAA?
Jason Mackey
12:45
I think it's getting there, yes. What's saving him right now is the situation with Tucker and Newman.
Lee
12:45
Why is Nick Gonzales striking out so much and what are they doing to fix it? Last I checked it was 40%
Jason Mackey
12:46
Nick has been employing a little more of a patient approach. I don't think you need to do anything to "fix" it. Obviously you want it to be better. I think it's about learning his swing and probably shifting more toward attacking. Seems like he has erred too much in the other direction.
Joe
12:46
Did we ever get any update on a Reynolds long term contract? I know the 2 year arb deal was where they settled “for now”, but has there been any discussion since? Or are they waiting for the offseason? Thanks for all of your great reporting by the way!
Jason Mackey
12:46
Thanks, Joe. Nothing huge available in terms of updates. I expect them to talk again, yes. But I also expect that to be in the offseason.
Nick
12:46
You have start will Crowe soon right
Jason Mackey
12:47
Only one L. He gave the other one to the Cubs. And, possibly. But he has also been awesome in this role. I wouldn't be in a hurry to move him.
Pirates
12:47
thoughts on Dan Vogelbach?
Jason Mackey
12:47
Terrific add. Love his attitude. He's funny in the clubhouse, good for this group. Has produced at the plate. I've warmed to him hitting leadoff. Been a big fan of the move.
Ke’Bryan Mays Hayes
12:47
Do you think Ben Cherington watches his team’s games every night or is he too ashamed of his creation
Jason Mackey
12:47
He watches them.
G_postin
12:47
Here’s one I imagine will be a non-starter: why not tap into some of the prospect depth and try to acquire a starter and then extend him? Frankie Montas has 1 year left after this season, and would likely keep shoving in the NL Central. Imagine Gonzalez or Peguero would be enough of a headliner to be competitive. While trading prospects probably seems counterintuitive, the process of getting better can’t be to simply sit on our hands and wait. Maybe the team needs to play over its head for another six weeks, but I’m thinking more about 2023 and beyond. We need some kind of external pitching help at some point, whether it comes through free agency (Musgrove reunion?) or a surprise move like that.
Jason Mackey
12:48
I want some of whatever you had this morning. Whoa buddy.
Guest
12:48
Thoughts on David bednar doing what he did Sunday?
Jason Mackey
12:48
My man was blowing some doors. Love it. He's one of the best relievers in baseball. That should be talked about more.
Jeff
12:48
So what is Marin relationship with Shelton. Did they have a history before Pirates?
Jason Mackey
12:49
Not that I'm aware of, but they very much came in together and have been trying to fix this together. I don't see Shelton cutting bait midseason because I think it would be like admitting his own plan stinks midseason.
Joe
12:49
Are you and Persak still doing the weekly podcast? I haven’t seen a new episode in my feed for a while.
Jason Mackey
12:50
No, we're not. I asked and was told we (really I) are/am focusing efforts on the weekly newsletter.
Justin V
12:50
Who is your most under the radar spect in AAA?
Jason Mackey
12:50
Spect. I like that. Does Jared Jones count? Dude is top-100 level good. Love his stuff and attitude.
Jaden
12:50
hi Jason, what are your thoughts on when O’Neil Cruz will be coming up?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I think he has to show them he deserves it. Have touched on this. We're past the year of team control thing. Now, it's about him playing well and showing he can handle the OF.
Winter Park Fan
12:51
I get the Pirates are building from within and they do seem to have a number of good prospects, but would it hurt to have spent some money in free agency and field at least a moderately competitive team.  They have done OK to date, but using bench/backup/journeyman ballplayers, they will begin to lose and probably end up near to last year's record
Jason Mackey
12:51
I think they're going to be better than last year, personally. But as far as spending money, I think you're gonna see them spend more when a greater number of prospects are ready and it makes more sense to go for it. I agree they should spend more now, but they won't be the first MLB team that chooses to operate this way.
Jeff
12:55
Have to say they have been ok to date, but you would have to agree it’s the schedule… beating up Cubs and Nats helped this early.
Jason Mackey
12:55
Maybe. They also play the Cubs a lot. And the Reds. So that should theoretically help.
Camden
12:56
Weird question but what’s your opinion on Hoy Park. How does he fit with this team?
Jason Mackey
12:56
I've heard much weirder questions, believe me. I think he needs to produce more with the bat when he's up here. He's also not an outfielder. But right now given their need for pop, if he can hit, I'll live with whatever defensive shortcomings there might be. He's done it in the minors. Just hasn't done much in the bigs.
Pirates
12:56
is their anyway the Bucs draft Elijah Green?
Jason Mackey
12:57
He certainly fits within the range their picking. So, yeah. It's at least possible.
Drafty in here
12:57
OK since everyone else seems to be posting their thoughts on it who do you think will be the Steelers 1st pick tomorrow night ?
Jason Mackey
12:57
Jordan Davis from Georgia.
12:58
OK, everyone. That does it for this week. Thanks so much, as always, for participating. Talk to you next Wednesday.
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