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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 05.26.21
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John
12:37
What are your thoughts of Oscar Marin and Derek Shelton? I think they both are below average. Do you expect both to still be with the club when the team is hopefully finally ready to contend?
Jason Mackey
12:40
I think that's still TBD, John. They could be. I think it depends on what happens in several areas. I like Marin's thinking with tech and embracing pitching in 2021. At the same time, if he can't solve Mitch Keller, that's a problem. I think the jury is still very much out there, as well as some other guys they're working on developing. With Shelton, I think he's a good dude. I think he's a little too secretive with the media right now. He's been resistant with explaining things -- like the Cole Tucker situation -- and I just don't understand taking that tack given their competitive situation. You need to let the fans (and, by proxy, media) in. You're not contending for a division title. You can tell us who's starting Tuesday or who's unavailable or talk about your lineup or any of the things that he routinely resists.
Rico
12:40
Any attendance numbers you can share with us? With the covid restrictions lifted to a degree are lots of fans showing up? When I look on tv it looks like there are tons of empty seats and PNC Park doesn't look busy at all. Also what are the tv ratings?
Jason Mackey
12:44
MLB attendance figures are all publicly available right here. I will say this: Pirates averaging 5,600 when capacity is 8,000 (rough numbers here) is 70%. 70% of 35,000  (again, rough numbers) is 24,500. Would we be having this discussion if the Pirates were drawing 24,500 a night? I don't think so. I think this week will be big to see if the crowds grow or not. I have not seen any recent TV ratings. If anyone else and I missed them, throw 'em out there.
Ricky
12:44
You know the drill right?
Jason Mackey
12:44
The Pirates are Yasiel Puig away from contending for a World Series.
FooFoo
12:45
I had us down for 62 wins. Was I overly optimistuc?
Jason Mackey
12:45
No. I still think they will avoid 100 losses.
Kyle
12:45
Hey Jason did you see that guy Vargas' at-bat yesterday? Man on 3rd and 1 out and freaking Shelton goes to that dude against a top closer? There was a reason he was released by the Cubs he STINKS! That was an embarassment to the fans and Shelton should be ashamed of himself. I'm so damn tired of the Pirates bringing in these terrible pathetic players that nobody wants.
Jason Mackey
12:46
I did, yep. It was awful. No approach. You need to find some green, upper-cut swing. He was doing nothing of the sort. I agree with a commentator earlier: I would much rather give Cole Tucker a chance and see what I have there than dole out playing time to Ildemaro Vargas. Same for Ka'ai Tom. I have been happy with Ben Gamel in left, though. Not batting second long-term, obviously. But if he's in my outfield mix right now, even as the fourth guy, I would be OK with that.
Donna
12:46
Hi Jason.  As GM, which player would you draft with the first pick?  Also, could you provide a couple names of players who might be available when the Pirates select at #37 in the second round?  Thank you .
Jason Mackey
12:52
Hi Donna, got this one earlier. I think it would be Leiter, but if the ask was high, I wouldn't be afraid to pivot to Lawlar, Mayer or House. One that interests me is Will Bednar. There are some lefties in Anthony Solometo and Josh Hartle. Couple outfielders in Jay Allen and Ethan Wilson. Honestly, it’s such a crapshoot in that spot, depending a lot on signability.
Bob
12:52
I saw your tweet that you were impressed with Cole Tucker and his double yesterday. You do realize he has looked horrible in every plate appearance until that hit right? It's obvious the kid is a bust so stop trying to act like he has all this potential. It's been 7 years Jason for Tucker, he isn't a major league hitter.
Jason Mackey
12:53
Geez, I'm sorry, Bob. I can't imagine what I was thinking. I'm glad to have you here to get me straightened out. Won't let it happen again. Got away from me there for a second. I will make sure to pass the message along to Cherington, Shelton, Cole and several scouts to try and save their time as well.
Harry
12:53
Good afternoon.  Do you think the Pirates will draft the best player available or by the position of least depth in the organization?  Personally, I like the catcher Davis who is a top prospect and would shore up the lack of catching depth.  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:54
Hey Harry. Bit of a nuanced question there, just because of MLB's slotting system and such. I have a tough time seeing them go that route, because I do think it would be a stretch talent-wise, but you never know. I like Davis a lot. I like Sal Frelick, too. I just don't know if I would be OK passing on Leiter, Rocker and the three high school kids to do it.
Sunner in Orlando
12:54
I've heard that Reynolds is now a possible trade candidate. I thought he was one of our building blocks. If The Bucs trade Frazier Reynolds and Rodriguez, they can lose 120 games this year and next year. I'm a 57year old lifelong diehard fan. Will I see a future championship in my lifetime? It seems like the rich get richer and the poor will stay poor.
Jason Mackey
12:56
Reynolds isn't a trade candidate. I'm guessing you read that in Zeise's column today, and that's not accurate. They're not trading Reynolds. I do think they will trade Frazier and Rodriguez and had that reaffirmed to me over the weekend by a scouting source I trust. I think you will, yeah. I think you will see baseball's financial structure changed, implementing a cap, which is what it will take.
Ryan
12:56
Good afternoon Jason any update on Moran or Phillip Evans let’s go Bucs
Jason Mackey
12:56
Nope. If I had it, I would report it. Doesn't do me any good to withhold news. Tomczyk talks at 4. We'll know more then.
Carl in Carrick
12:56
Hi Jason.  With Newman having a poor season at the plate, and good home to first speed, has it suggested he try bunting for basehits?  Also, do you think the drag bunt is a lost art?  I can’t remember the last time I saw one.
Jason Mackey
12:58
Probably a little bit, Carl. I also think it's harder to drag bunt when guys are throwing 98. There's also the obsession with upper-cut swings, which doesn't help. I would have no issue with Newman bunting more. That said, he's no worse of a hitter than most others in the lineup. I think I want him swinging away, just because there's a chance he may hit it.
Dave
12:58
Is there any movement yet on signing young players to long term deals so as the stabilize this franchise. Reynolds comes to mind.
Jason Mackey
12:58
Not in a meaningful sense. But I think they know they need to. As for Reynolds, it makes sense for him to wait and try to make more, which is what he's doing. And the Pirates obviously don't mind getting him cheap while making sure last year was a blip.
Sunner in Orlando
12:59
It appears the only shot the Bucs have to compete is to follow the A's and Rays model which is to develop young talent to compete and then trade them when they are ready to make money on their second contract. Are the Bucs capable of pulling this off or are they doomed for the foreseeable future?
Jason Mackey
12:59
I think they can pull it off. Look at what Cherington has done in one year developing prospects. He would need to do it again and again and again. Will he? I don't know. But he's shown he can. And that's what will be most important. Sign some guys to second contracts, sure. But you also need to back-fill. That's what those teams do so well.
Dave
12:59
Have you heard anything about OF Matthew Frazier in Greensboro? 3rd round pick out of college in 2019 (seems like a demographic easy to overlook because the pandemic more or less robbed them of their first pro season), has stepped into the top of that order over the past few weeks and seems to do a bit of everything - get on base, hit for some pop, show speed.
Jason Mackey
1:01
Hey Dave. I have not heard anything specifically, but I agree with you, he's having a nice year. I'll look into that a little more this week. Agree on the 2019 college guys. Pirates have a few who fell through the cracks. Will try to take a deeper look at Fraizer this week.
Mark
1:01
Why does everything have to be a five-year plan nowadays. The Cardinals and Yankees never seem to take that path. Remember back in the late 60s and early 70s, the Pirates came up with a ton of young players like Manny Sanguillen, Dave Cash, All Oliver, Rennie Stennet, Bob Robertson, Richie Hebner, Dock Ellis, Bruce Kison, Gene Clines, among others. Yet there was no five-year plan or taking a dive to finish first in the draft. The Pirates were 500 in 67 and 68 and finished third in 69 before winning the division in 1970. There was no rebuild. They just brought up the young guys when they  were ready. Sounds like a plan to me. By the way, we're about halfway into this five-year plan if you count 2019 and we're not even playing our younger players yet. You know there will be a lot of bumps along the road so will this plan ever actually work out.
Jason Mackey
1:02
Ha. I don't remember those days, Mark. Was born in '83. Also have never called this a five-year plan. I think you will see the Pirates competitive again in 2023, 2024 at the latest. Not contending for a World Series, mind you. But I think the major league product will be watchable.
Justin
1:02
I miss watching Ke'Bryan Hayes play baseball
Jason Mackey
1:02
I do, too.
Jacque Strap
1:03
Hi Jason. I get and understand the Pirates strategy, but I just wanted to point out this article...even the Rays, who win plenty, are getting criticized for not spending more: https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/05/26/rays-false-narrative-spending-roster...
Jason Mackey
1:03
It's 2021, everyone gets criticized for everything. What else is new?
Gabe
1:03
I don’t care if the pirates lose 90,100, or 120. As long as they show some improvement from guys that matter. And I think we’ve seen that. But I’m over watching the guys who don’t matter. That’s starting to include Erik Gonzalez and Kevin Newman
Jason Mackey
1:04
Your opinion, I won't knock it. I think Newman has improved his defense. I would be fine with playing Tucker to give him a chance. I also won't be offended if you keep Newman there because he and Tucker are their only MLB-ready shortstops, and they're roughly the same hitter right now.
Sunner in Orlando
1:04
What does it say about the organization if they pass on Rocker or Leiter because they don't want to pay them? Or is there an advantage to take a high schooler positional player for other holes they have in the system?
Jason Mackey
1:05
There's an advantage to taking a high school guy. A big one. The upside on those guys is viewed as higher. They also might be able to save a few bucks because of Leiter and Rocker being projected to go higher, although I think that is secondary. Bottom line, it's a strategy. The Pirates have, and will, spend every dollar available in the draft.
Flyin bryan
1:05
Hey Jason. Love your work man. Quick question. I hear the Collective Bargaining Agreement is up after this year. If they don’t play next year will that hurt the Pirates prospects? Also would they get the number 1 pick for 2023 then? Thanks
Jason Mackey
1:07
Thanks, Bryan. I appreciate the kind words. This is an interesting point and one on which I'm not completely clear. If they do strike, do the minors still happen? I think technically they would, since the minor league guys aren't in the MLBPA. And I'm not sure that would be viewed as crossing a picket line. As for the draft, I think it would depend. I really think they would try -- and need -- to have the 2022 draft, the order of which has obviously not yet been determined.
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