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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 05.11.23
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Jason Mackey
12:20
Well, as covered, Endy just came back from an elbow thing and is hitting .256. Would not mind seeing more. Given Henry's stature -- 1-1, nice bonus, etc. -- I don't think it's absurd to expect him to play some Triple-A, though I think they should get that started now. They're also paying Hedges $5 million. The idea is probably to play him, hope he produces or adds value in some way, then trade when one/both of Davis/Endy is ready.
Anthony
12:20
What positions do you see Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis playing when they come up to the majors? I have hard time seeing them just as catchers or designated hitters.
Jason Mackey
12:21
Oh, dear. The Henry/Endy chat. ... I see Henry catching primarily. Maybe -- maybe -- some RF. But likely the 1C. Endy I think could move to 1B. Would also be fine in the OF or at 2B.
Steven
12:21
Hey Jason, thanks for your coverage. This is sort of my take on everything going on with the Pirates. Coming into the season, I was excited to see development and see some more of our prospects come up (Davis, Endy, Swags, Priester, etc) and see what they can do. After the hot start, I was like, “This is awesome. If we collapse, eh, oh well.. good to know where we sort of are and continue developing”. Currently, I’m frustrated because it feels like last year again a little. Plate discipline is not good. We’re calling up guys from AAA that are not part of the future and we’re keeping guys that aren’t performing and obviously aren’t part of the future. Whether it’s financial related or they feel like prospects aren’t ready - so freaking what. How are we supposed to get a gage on guys if they’re not being brought up? I’d much rather us bring up prospect after prospect, give them some run and then be able to see if you’ve got something or not, and then if you don’t, you can put them back down or move on.
Jason Mackey
12:22
Thanks for the thoughts. As I've been saying, I think there needs to be some patience here. You can just bring up the entire farm system because the MLB team has played a crappy 10 games.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:22
Was it a bit premature to give Shelton his extension? If the team loses 100 games, do the Pirates go in another direction or stay the course?
Jason Mackey
12:23
If the team loses another 100 games, yeah, that's gonna be bad, especially with them tied to at least two more years of Shelton. Honestly, I think they keep him regardless. But I agree with you: That would not be good.
Bob Prince was the best
12:23
Jason, I'm still excited about the Pirates start this year. I'm interested in the team addressing pitching depth and the catching situation.  when do you see Davis and Rodriguez being brought up  ? Also, who do you feel that the Pirates will draft with the #1 pick, I'm hoping the kid from LSU is the pick, your thoughts  ?
Jason Mackey
12:24
Guys, I'm bagging the Henry/Endy talk. We've gone there. ... I still think it's Dylan Crews. I like how you put that, though: The LSU kid. Ha. Could be Skenes, but I haven't seen enough to move off of wanting Crews. Look forward to delving deeper into draft stuff soon.
Steven
12:24
I’m not jumping off the train and will continue to watch and support and look for development but just the way this organization does things is so frustrating. I don’t get it. I try to see both sides of everything, but like.. aside from financial related stuff we constantly bring up - I don’t understand why this lineup isn’t filled with prospects to be honest (I get it now since we’re leading the division) but like.. come on.
Jason Mackey
12:24
Right. They're leading the division. It's been 10 games. Breathe.
Steven
12:24
Am I wrong to be sort of frustrated that Reynolds hasn’t hit a home run since I think his blistering White Sox series? Correct me if I’m wrong, but where has his power gone?
Jason Mackey
12:26
Reynolds is slugging .522 and has 5 homers in 36 games. On pace for 23-25. I'd pick other fights.
Bob Prince was the best
12:26
Hello Jason,  which veteran gets traded first for prospects  ? Do you think that the Pirates will extend McCutchen so he can finish his career in Pittsburgh  ?
Jason Mackey
12:27
Here's an upset pick there: Connor Joe. I've liked Joe a lot. He's a great dude. Has had a solid year. I think he's using the playing time to really help himself. The Pirates can also most easily replace him. Second might be Hill, but he has to be a little more consistent than he's been of late.
Gene
12:27
How is O’Neil Cruz progressing after his surgery? Also do you think he plays again this year?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Here's Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk yesterday on Cruz. And yes: "Oneil Cruz is a little over four weeks (post surgery). He’s going to get a one-month checkup with X-rays, but things are looking really good. The wound is healing really good from the scar. You can see his ankle now. The swelling has subsided. He’s resumed some upper-body seated strengthening and he’ll have another about four weeks of non-weight bearing status. Overall, he’s making good strides."
Steven
12:28
Who are the next handful of guys from AAA you see getting a shot next, and how soon? You’ve mentioned Caleb Smith.
Jason Mackey
12:29
With Velasquez missing the minimum, it probably won't be starting pitchers. I think Colin Selby -- 40-man roster add this offseason -- could get a shot. Smith struggled his last time out. Maybe Osvaldo Bido at some point. Swaggerty if he comes back and produces.
Johnny M
12:29
Jason, having Hedges in the lineup is like being the only MLB team still letting the pitcher bat.
Jason Mackey
12:31
It hasn't been good. I can't disagree. In 2021, there were 16 pitchers who fared better. I do think Hedges adds value defensively. But I don't think they would be crazy to rotate Delay in more if he keeps hitting.
Steven
12:31
One final thing, lol. The podcast you and The Fort do is tremendous. I could listen to Michael talk about baseball all damn day. Thank you both for doing it and keep up the great work. I look forward to every episode.
Jason Mackey
12:32
Thanks so much. I/we appreciate that. Will let him know. We're gonna have a big two days here. Expecting Capps to join us tonight, Neil Walker tomorrow.
Johnny M
12:32
And here come The Orioles a team we play next, a rebuilding organization that was done the right way. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:33
The Orioles are really good. The Pirates, to a degree, have followed some of what they've done. I look at the '23 Pirates as potentially the '22 Orioles. Who, by the way, were 14-24 through 38 games for anyone wanting to call up the farm system or say that everything is screwed.
Fred Donkerson
12:34
Which catcher will finish with a higher batting average? Hedges or Jacob Stallings?
Jason Mackey
12:34
I'll go with Stallings.
T.j.
12:34
They need to send Castro down to the minors his defense is terrible, also they have a gold glove and MVP sitting on the bench why don't they play cutch  in the outfield ?
Jason Mackey
12:35
I don't understand that one, T.J. Planning on asking Shelton about it Friday in Baltimore. It's one thing if he had a bad ankle, which he did. Fine. But it's been a long time, and it hasn't just been that. Weird how he's no longer used out there.
Ryan
12:35
Good afternoon Jason what’s going on with the pirates they need to start winning some games and what do you think about Reynolds and Hayes so far this season
Jason Mackey
12:36
Hi Ryan. I think what I've been saying: Playing some crappy ball over the past 10. Need better starting pitching, plus making fewer outs on the bases and hitting with RISP. But overall I've been trying to tell people to have patience. Long season. They've both been fine. Reynolds has been more consistent than last year. Hayes has actually been halfway decent after a crappy start. Needs to elevate the ball more. Obviously an elite defender and should win a Gold Glove.
Guest
12:37
Do you get the sense the Pirates would be in favor of or against the automatic ball-strike system? I personally hate the idea. I think it takes a lot of the humanity and soul out of the game. But what about our players?
Jason Mackey
12:37
I think they would be in favor of the challenge system. It's a human, but you have the ability to challenge so many calls. I think they just want some recourse for what happened in Tampa.
dlongley44
12:37
Not a lot of talk about the draft, due to the great start of the season.  I really like Tennessee pitcher Chase Dollander.  Who do you think we shoud go with.  We always need pitching.
Jason Mackey
12:38
I would still go with Dylan Crews. Paul Skenes, another LSU product, should be another consideration.
George Costanza
12:38
Hello Jason. What is the timeline for Endy coming up to the big club? I certainly seems like the bat is needed.
Jason Mackey
12:39
Need to play, George. Has appeared in just 20 games, hitting .256 I believe. Had an elbow thing, as we've been talking about. I don't see the rush. If he produces for a stretch, I think he will be up here.
South Texas Buc
12:39
Jason, the defense on this team has been the biggest disappointment IMO, even more than the offense, which is really saying something. Can’t remember a team where outside of Hayes and maybe suwinski/Reynolds that when the ball is put in play you can’t help but hold your breath. The middle infield with Castro and Bae especially has been ugly. I can live with bae because of his speed on offense is special. Really would love to see the Gonzalez peguero team up here soon to solidify the defense and stop all the bonehead mistakes these middle infielders have been making. Your thoughts.
Jason Mackey
12:40
Have you seen Peguero in the minors? Now, young middle infielders make errors. Not saying he's going to be terrible. But he's not a Gold Glover in waiting. But I certainly agree the defense hasn't been good enough, especially lately. First-and-third situations, missed signs, thinking on your toes ... yeah, there have been challenges. It simply has to improve.
Jake
12:40
Is Dylan Crews all that and the best hope for the Pirates to FINALLY have a superstar player?
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