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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 05.03.23
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Rob K.
12:38
Hi Jason,Really would like to see Marcano as the regular 2nd baseman.  He is defensively superior to Mathias, and he has a good bat/good eye with superior speed.  Watching Mathias yesterday throw home high during the double steal sealed it for me.  His glove is just average at best and his play has cost the Pirates on more than one occasion.  What say you>
Jason Mackey
12:39
I'd rather see Bae over both of them, to be honest. If your outfield is Reynolds, Suwinski & Joe ... plus getting Cutch reps ... Bae's place to play is 2B. If you wanna rotate some, great. But I like the way he impacts games and would like to see him in there every day. Maybe Marcano, but I'm also fine with him being a super sub/late-inning guy/backup for now.
cry baby
12:39
Anyway to release a few of the UMPS in the Major Leagues? Some are missing 20% of their calls. Is there any accountablity from the league?
Jason Mackey
12:41
I don't think they're going to release umpires, no. I do think it's a vote for ABS or a modified ABS system. Wouldn't surprise me if they went to the challenge system that was tested out in the Arizona Fall League.
Wayward
12:41
If the back of the skippers' jacket said Mackey what lineup change would you make with this group?
Jason Mackey
12:42
Does the back of the skipper's jacket say Shelton? Ha. I'd play Cutch in the outfield more, maybe use Delay with slightly more regularity and try to get Ji Hwan Bae in there more times than not.
Wayward
12:42
And, as it relates to Hill, any move out of a starting role would diminish/eliminate and potential trade value!
Jason Mackey
12:43
Could be. I also think you don't want to set that example for veterans you might sign in free agency. "Hey, come sign here. We'll kick you out of the rotation in a month if you pitch well because a kid from Triple-A had a strong start."
Justin
12:43
When the Pirates first got Suwinski, the scouting report was that he was probably just a plodding DH type.  Now here we are and he's a viable CF.    How did we get here?  Did Jack just get in super good physical shape getting faster?  Is this more about hard work on technique?  Were the internet scouts just wrong?  All of the above?
Jason Mackey
12:45
I would go with all of the above. I don't remember reading the plodding DH thing, but I'll go with it. I saw Jack shortly after the trade in Altoona, and that wasn't at all what I saw. I don't know if I see a Gold Glove defender in there -- I'd still rather have him in a corner OF spot -- but he can run a little, for sure. There's power. He has improved his swing decisions. Dude works his tail off. He's very smart. He cares. He's still developing and growing.
Guest
12:45
Any chance Henry Davis gets the call before Endy?
Jason Mackey
12:46
I don't think either of them are close, honestly. Endy just got back. Was hitting .246 before he went down. They both have a lot of work to do defensively. I just think we need more data.
Mike
12:47
Jason what’s the earliest we see Davis? Tearing the cover off the ball and has looked great behind the plate every time I’ve watched. Could they call him up now and let him play right, DH, and catch a couple a week learning from Hedges? Would he be the guy called at this point if Hedges or Delay went down? Thanks!
Jason Mackey
12:48
From what I've heard, defense remains a work in progress. It certainly was from what I watched in spring. They have Hedges on a $5 million deal. Delay as of yesterday had the best OPS of any catcher. Not sure this is something they need to force. Again, I'd preach patience here.
Paul
12:48
Obviously the Pirates to the surprise of Pittsburgh fans; have started the 2023 season very successfully. In your opinion is their a player or players who have over performed to contribute to this successful start?
Jason Mackey
12:51
Good question, Paul. I think Joe has one of the biggest surprises. Went through OPS increases year-over-year, and Joe was No. 1 at +.290. Velasquez has been a revelation. DUJ in the bullpen has been solid. Those might be my top 3. Obviously there are more.
Rob K.
12:51
I found your opinion on Bae as the starting 2nd baseman interesting.  I find his plate discipline lacking, and his ability to use all fields limited.  I'm guessing the hitting coach is working with him.  Can you shed some more light on his progress at the plate?
Jason Mackey
12:52
Sure. He swung out of his shoes early. He's a unique hitter. Swinging less and making his contact has been the goal. He's gotten better. Will agree his plate discipline has lacked, absolutely. With Bae, it's almost reversed. Inside pitches are often less appealing than outside stuff he can slap the other way. Then there's the balance of when to let it eat. He's walking that line. He also has a longer swing for a small guy. Has gone a good job of shortening up some, but all of those things have been a work in progress.
12:54
OK, folks. That's it for this week. Have to do some stuff before heading to the Trop. Thanks so much for participating!
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