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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 05.04.22
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Jason Mackey
1:17
Mike Burrows is a legit pitching prospect. Carmen Mlodzinski, Jared Jones, Anthony Solometo, Bubba Chandler ... there's a bunch. The Pirates are actually fairly well off when it comes to pitching prospects.
Earl T
1:17
Hi Jason,  Does the DH have to be for a pitcher?
Jason Mackey
1:19
I believe it does, yeah.
Mark
1:19
Hi Jason.  Weird scheduling huh?  Two off days in four days and the Bucs will get to Cincinnati almost a full day before the Reds do.  I guess they can go to Kings Island tomorrow.
Jason Mackey
1:19
Something tells me that isn't how they're gonna spend their off day. But, yeah. Odd schedule.
Stiff
1:19
Oneil Cruz is bombing in Triple A. Another overhyped Pirate prospect like Polanco, Keller and seemingly hundreds of others ? Why does this franchise get it so wrong all the time ?
Jason Mackey
1:19
Um, I don't agree with you whatsoever. He's had a rough start results-wise, yes. Is anyone really thinking that Cruz is gonna be some sort of a bust? I don't. He'll be fine.
Woj
1:20
I understand the analytics of Vogelbach batting leadoff but on a team without much power I'd rather see him in the middle of the lineup. If he gets on base, then the Bucs really need a gap shot for him to advance more than one base at a time and I hate to see him standing on 3rd with less than two outs.  Your views on how this is working out so far?
Jason Mackey
1:20
I'm right about with you. I get why they're doing it and don't have a problem with it. Same time, they're not getting enough production from the middle of the order. So, yeah, I would like to see him come up in situations where he can drive in runs because he's been one of their only guys capable of doing that thus far.
Nobody there
1:21
I see the national media dumping on the sparse crowds in Oakland this year but seemingly giving the Pirates a pass. That game last Friday (i think) where there were about 16 people in the stands. Even their usual sure-fire promotions Fireworks didn't really draw. When is the national media gonna start criticizing the Pirates attendance issues ?
Jason Mackey
1:22
First off, the Pirates and A's are different things. The Oakland situation is a downright boycott. Second of all, the crowd Saturday was actually pretty good. Yeah, not a ton of people are going, but it's not as bad as Oakland. Also, they're rebuilding. They're not winning a lot right now. It's  April and May, the weather has sucked, and the opponents haven't helped.
Jim
1:22
Jason. I’m confused. Why does Bob Nutting get so much hate? He financially supports the pirates in PITTSBURGH and lobbies on their behalf in owners meetings.
Jason Mackey
1:22
This one is dripping with sarcasm, I can tell.
twobucs
1:22
When do you think the Pirates are just going to admit the Cole Tucker was a bad pick.  He's been given 4 yrs to try to hit major league pitching, it's just not going to ever happen.  they just can't seem to move on, admit it and DFA him.
Jason Mackey
1:22
Got this a few times before, but I think they're gonna give him more runway.
George E
1:23
Hi Jason,  I know everyone want’s the pirates to spend more but question is who in there right mind would want to come to Pittsburgh? Also have they shown they can judge talent and till then don’t spend to much.
Jason Mackey
1:23
You bring up a fine point, George. One fans don't think as much about. It's true, Pittsburgh isn't exactly a destination city for players. It should be -- and is -- a focus for the Pirates to change that. Winning is the only way of doing that.
Bill
1:24
Do you see Greg Allen returning when eligible and if so, will he still get a shot at a big role in the OF?
Jason Mackey
1:24
Yeah, he'll be off the IL when he's eligible (June 6). And absolutely I see them giving him a chance to earn a regular role in the outfield once he does.
Guest
1:25
Unpopular opinion but why is it so difficult for people to know that putting lefties in a lineup against a righty is actually an advantage?
Jason Mackey
1:25
I don't view this as having one blank-slate approach. What about reverse splits?
Justin
1:25
Would you rather have Chavis and Castillo playing? It seems that people don’t understand the lefty vs righty advantage. Even if our lefties are dreadful
Jason Mackey
1:26
I would be rotating people, trying to find a spark. I care much less about splits with who we're discussing than I do about rewarding people with playing time and forcing them to show me something.
Bill
1:26
What do you think the odds are we see Cal Mitchell or Mason Martin called up by June if Yoshi and OF's continue to struggle
Jason Mackey
1:26
By June? Yeah, I think that's a reasonable timeframe. The people wanting either called up now, though, are jumping the shark.
Mike
1:26
Did you see extensions coming for shelton and cherington after the season?
Jason Mackey
1:27
Shelton is under contract through next year, so I would imagine Ben is, too. I think it's probably too early for that kind of talk.
Guest
1:28
Jason - 1) Do organizations no longer teach the hook slide, and 2) Who does VanMeter have incriminating photos of?
Jason Mackey
1:28
I don't think organizations teach sliding the way your Little League team might. Also, nobody. Although I do wonder why they're so intent on playing him. There's not much there, and the playing time could be spent so many different ways.
Alex
1:28
O’Neil Cruz reminds me of Polanco. His swing and posture. Only thing I worry about with Cruz
Jason Mackey
1:29
Because they're big, Dominican and left-handed. Mason Martin strikes out a lot, too. But we're not talking about him, are we?
Dan
1:29
It certainly seems like Shelton has been able to skate by despite lineups and decisions that have been abysmal. This team as composed should legitimately by over .500 and could be playing meaningful August baseball, which would be great for the city. Unfortunately, they make decision that can’t help but make you think they are tanking again. If Sullivan or Tomlin had made comparable decisions, they’d be getting pressed hard with articles galore.  I see very little questioning lineup composition or situational decisions.  Does the press not care, the town not care, the team not care, or all of the above?
Jason Mackey
1:30
You think this team should be over .500 and playing meaningful baseball into August? Dan, I want some of what you've got. I disagree with some stuff Derek Shelton has done, too, believe me. But I think we need to acknowledge the roster with which he's had to work. I couldn't possibly analyze Shelton's work the same way I would Sullivan or Tomlin because they're gardening with different tools, if you know what I mean.
1:33
Also, we ask Shelton every day about lineup questions and situational decisions every single day. To suggest we don't is ridiculous.
Gary
1:33
Yoshi’s defense has been bad.  Was he thought to be a good defensive 1B or is this a surprise.   Not really doing anything to help at this point if he’s not hitting HR or playing decent defense .
Jason Mackey
1:34
I thought he was better than he's looked so far, for sure. It's been rough. They need to help him find his game, so I'm OK playing him for that reason. But we will reach a point where they either need to find it or punt. May have to live with some ugly for a bit.
Little Red Machine
1:34
How do you explain how bad the Reds are ? Can you explain how bad the Reds are ? I was absolutely certain it was gonna be the Pirates with a 3-20 record not them
Jason Mackey
1:34
I can't. It's crazy. They'll bounce out of it, but certainly a rotten stretch to start and proof of how both bad and good things can snowball in this game.
1:35
OK, folks. That's it for this week. Indy game is about to start. Thanks so much for doing this. My apologies for the late start. Will talk to ya again next week!
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