You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 05.11.23
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
Jason Mackey
12:41
He's a really good player and could definitely make the most sense. I would argue they will and do have superstars before him, though. Big guy at shortstop would've commanded a ton of attention had he not busted up his ankle.
SteveThePirate
12:41
Hey Jason - do we know Endy/Henry Super 2 dates? I’m assuming this probably when we will see one or both…
Jason Mackey
12:44
You don't know that stuff until after the season. Here's something to read for background on last season: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/11/super-two-status-set-at-2-128-y...
I don't think that
12:45
s why they're not here, at least not yet. Could be, but we're a touch early on that date. Need to check with my man Ethan Hullihen (you here?) on his projection for this.
Adam
12:45
Is Cutch here next season? Outlook for the future?
Jason Mackey
12:46
If you made me give an answer right now, which you are, I would say yes. I think he can still play. I think he wants to play. And I think they want him here. Maybe one of those factors changes as the season wears on, but I would say he plays one more year, then hangs 'em.
Jerry
12:46
Hayes is great in the field and hitting decent but can they win big without him hitting 20-25 HR’s?
Jason Mackey
12:47
I think so. I'm fine with him hitting 15, honestly. Just give me more contact, line drives to the gaps and running. Would be thrilled with that.
Lenny
12:47
I know Drew Maggi is not a top prospect but it seems like his demotion had a negative influence on the positive vibe in the clubhouse. After he was demoted, the team looks totally different. I feel they could have sent Mathias out instead. This isn’t the first time that the GM made a move that disrupted a positive vibe in the clubhouse. The players just don’t seem to be as loose and having fun.
Jason Mackey
12:48
I'm in the clubhouse every day. I like Drew Maggi a lot. I think his demotion had absolutely zero to do with what happened. They've been playing crappy baseball. Plain and simple. They're not hitting .100 or so with RISP because Drew Maggi left. Come on.
Dave
12:48
What are your thoughts on having young guys learn on the job. Do you think it would do to much harm or do you think let them take their lumps up here approach would work.
Jason Mackey
12:49
I think there are certain situations where it works, some where it does not. I think the Pirates -- given the stated desire to win -- need to be careful about this being proving ground territory. Need to contribute or you should be gone. (Unproductive vets are different because they're on guaranteed contracts.) But could they carry three catchers and bounce Endy around some if he gets hot ... or give Henry a look? Yeah, I don't think it would be the dumbest idea. I also don't think we're there yet.
Jerry
12:49
Whats the title of your podcast
Jason Mackey
12:50
I do a weekly YouTube show on post-gazette.com with Andrew Destin .. I appear 2-3 times per week on the Post-Gazette's North Shore Drive with Chris Carter. ... I also host Pitching In with Michael McKenry.
Jeff M
12:50
Was out of town for the 1st month of season and didn't see any games until recently. Was excited about their play in April.  But since I have been able to watch games I feel like I am seeing more of the same from the past 100 loss seasons. A drop off was inevitable but seems like a team that forgot how to play baseball. What has happened to their basic fundamentals?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I've watched pretty much every inning, Jeff. As I've been saying, they're in a bad stretch. They're playing poorly. They're not making fundamental plays, either because they're mentally wrapped around the axle or aren't consistent enough physically. I think we're going to find out more if they can't snap out of this.
Gus
12:51
Is there any reason to be concerned about Termarr Johnson’s really high K%?
Jason Mackey
12:52
Not from this corner. Remember, he missed, like, all of spring training. I need to see a much larger sample size before reacting to what I've seen out of him thus far.
DJ
12:52
Hi Jason, I imagine that the Davis/Endy chat will start to dominate, but hopefully this is a new perspective. The argument for Hedges centers on intangibles that are hard to quantify other than pitch framing, where he obviously excels. Wouldn’t this general defensive and game calling excellence be a reason to get one of the young catchers under his tutelage for as much time as possible? It seems like if the bat is ready, there will continue to be defensive nuances to refine, but how much of these need to be done in the minors? Add in the fact that we’re not getting a ton out of bench spots and it seems like the conclusion is that the MLB team could carry three catchers with the prospect getting some work in at DH or another position for a game or two a week in order to keep their bat fresh.
Jason Mackey
12:54
It *** HAS *** dominated. Your comment, though, is reasonable. I think this is a route they could easily go. I would probably endorse it given what I know about Hedges as a person. But two things: I wanna see Henry vs. Triple-A first. That's non-negotiable for me. I also wanna give Endy time after coming back from the elbow. It's more important to get their development right than to be super quick with it.  If in a month Endy is crushing the ball, bring him up as the third catcher and figure it out.
Gus
12:54
What is Quinn Priester’s ceiling? Incredible curveball but his fastball doesn’t seem like it plays
Jason Mackey
12:55
I would push back against that big time. He throws 96-97 mph, four-seamer and sinker. Also had a slider and changeup. Priester is learning Triple-A. Getting beat around some, also having some solid starts. As I've been saying, he's not ready. But it's not because of his fastball. Needs to get more consistent and have a better handle on who he is and using his weapons.
12:56
OK, folks. Thanks so much for doing this. Need to  call my mom, write another story and cut the grass. Big off day here in the Mackey house. Ha. Talk to ya next week!
Connecting…