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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 04.28.21
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Jason Mackey
12:36
I'll go Rich Rod for no other reason than I've said Frazier would be traded several times before now. I should try being wrong about someone else for a change.
Henry
12:37
Good afternoon Jason, who do you think will play CF for the majority of the season?
Jason Mackey
12:37
Good afternoon, Henry. I don't know. I don't think they know. My honest answer would be whoever hits, and that's probably reality. They're looking for someone to step up and take charge of the position. So far, no one has.
Wayward
12:37
Jason, thanks for the chats.  Do you hear much about how guys are doing at the alternate site?  If so any really positive reports?
Jason Mackey
12:39
Everybody you ask about it doing good, reports are positive. They won't talk about what guys are working on -- Cole Tucker for example, though that's Bradenton. They've talked about liking the pitching they have. Other than that, there isn't much anyone will say. We're not allowed to watch, and when we asked about Cole Tucker -- granted, it was Pirate City and not the alt site, but the spirit is the same -- Shelton would only say "skill development" and refused to get into specifics.
Rich in CA
12:39
Would you still rather have Josh Bell than Colin M.?  Bell is doing absolutely nothing in Wash - OPS around 400.  Granted a small sample size but when you factor in defense Colin has the edge - at least in my opinion.
Jason Mackey
12:41
I didn't say I would rather have Bell than Moran. I believe what I said was Bell is a better hitter, and I think someone who will be more productive this season offensively. Those are differently. Totality of the trade -- meaning salary saved, what they're getting out of Moran now, as well as what he could be worth, what Crowe and Yean could potentially be -- I'm absolutely fine rolling with Moran and making the move when Cherington did. And it's OK if Bell is the more productive hitter in 2021, which is what I think will ultimately happen.
Todd
12:41
Is it better for the team to finish bottom 5 in the league (worse the better) or in the 70-80 win range? Not that the upper limit of that range is even likely, but this start has to at least force you to consider this question, no?
Jason Mackey
12:43
No, it doesn't. They should play to win. Period. I think this city deserves to see them play competitive, competent baseball. That has been lacking. I think best case, they do for that a bit, maybe hit a lull, execute some trades, and we leave feeling encouraged. But if the lull never comes, the offers stink, and the Pirates somehow wind up reasonably competitive, I'm fine with that, too. Believe it or not, they do now have some prospects in the system, plus the No. 1 overall pick this summer.
Drew
12:44
Jason, I know it's early and a lot can change, but if the team remains close to .500 near the deadline, do you think that might affect/adjust the return they seek in a trade for Frazier and others?  I think you still trade the players who won't be part of the future for the best possible return, but I'm thinking that instead of an A-ball player, they might be more inclined to go after a AAA player to try to remain in competition as the rest of the season plays out.  Any thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:45
I wouldn't be so worried about Class A vs. Class AAA, but I get what you're saying. You can be a little more choosy. And, to a degree, I think they will. But the players themselves have something to say about that, too, right? If Frazier stinks, they can only be so picky. Now, he's hitting well. I'm not saying he stinks, but the players create the market and interest. It's up to Cherington and Co. to determine what might cause them to act. And I think that will be learned as we get more into the season.
Dave
12:45
How patient do you think we'll be with Newman? Gonzalez struggles with the offspeed stuff at the plate but his defense is better and he's been more consistent, whereas Newman just can't seem to get it going. I guess part of the answer depends on Hayes coming back, but in the event that he does, could things get to the point where Newman is sent down, and Difo sticks as the pinch hitter/utility IF?
Jason Mackey
12:47
I think they'll be patient for now, because they can. Once Hayes gets back, I think they will get considerably less patient. Making the lineup will be tougher. That said, you hit, you play. Simple as that. If Newman hits, they'll work it out. Same for Gonzalez. I just think the safety net is larger right now because the biggest competition for Newman is Wilmer Difo. Changes when Hayes comes back, and the biggest competition becomes Gonzo.
Justin
12:47
What do you think MLB should do with the seemingly out of control problem of pitchers using foreign grippy substances on the ball?  Just leave it alone?
Jason Mackey
12:49
I don't consider it "out of control." I would enforce things better, honestly. Like pace of play stuff. Put it on the umpires. I wonder sometimes whether we're thinking about baseball wrong. Like, we bitch and moan about the strike zone. OK, pitches are going 95-plus consistently. That's hard. It's not because those guys are stupid or don't care. It's just difficult to do. So why are we monkeying around with it? Go to robo umps but use humans to police things like foreign grippy substances or better enforce pace of play initiatives. It's like MLB is allocating its resources in an archaic way. Shocking, I know.
Munkeefist
12:49
When will the minor league rosters be revealed? We are getting close.
Jason Mackey
12:49
I'm thinking today or tomorrow.
Billy B
12:49
Hi Jason - do you have any insight from sources on the inside about PNC park possibly increasing attendance numbers? And if so, when?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I think they can hold more than they do. My suspicious is it's less of a social distancing issue and more about selling tickets. Looks bad if they can have 50% but are only attracting 25%. Nobody is gonna come out and say that, of course, but look in the outfield. There are giant tarps covering up sections. You would think, if they really needed the space to fit more, those could be repurposed, no?
Bill
12:51
Say in 2-3 months, the pirates are somehow still in the race and have shocked some people, but they need a third outfielder still. How about a trade for Andrew McCutchen to come back to PIT?
Jason Mackey
12:52
Absolutely not. Love Cutch. Love what he's done. I think this group would be interested in the least. Unless somehow Cutch brought with him to young prospects -- that would never happen -- I don't see Ben Cherington being swayed by emotional stuff, especially emotional stuff to which he is in no way tied.
Richard
12:53
Hey Jason! Any news on Dustin Fowler? I hope he clears waivers and is able to remain with the organization as I have always liked his potential.
Jason Mackey
12:53
Good point, Richard. I just sent a message checking on it. I will let you know if I get anything back.
12:58
Did get one thing: Today is the deadline, so we should know later. Will tweet/write it when I know.
Rich in CA
12:58
Jason, what happens when Hayes returns.  Gonzalez to short and platoon with Newman or trade one or Frazier and someone moves to 2nd?
Jason Mackey
12:59
Hey Rich. I don't think they will force a trade for that reason. Gotta be something they're impressed by or however you want to say it. I think you will see more of a rotation at short between Newman and Gonzalez. Said this earlier, but it will depend a lot on who hits.
OK, everyone. That will do it for this week. I have a 1 p.m. Zoom call, so I need to get going. Thanks so much for participating. Will chat with you again next Wednesday!
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