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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 06.03.20
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Jason Mackey
2:29
Not at this point, no. He said they're still working through that.
Too Tall 21
2:29
Jason, where in the world is Rob Manfred?  I see absolutely no leadership coming out of the Commissioner’s office.  He should have Tony Clark & the players’ executive committee, along with the comparable group representing the owners, locked in a room with a dictate to come out only once a deal is reached.  Does he not have the power to do this? Does he not have the respect and influence as Commissioner to get both sides to come to an agreement. Where have you gone Bowie Kuhn?
Jason Mackey
2:31
It's not just Manfred. Clark is guilty, too. But I do understand Clark's side more than Manfred's. The players have been screwed over so many times in this league, they're almost constantly on-guard. None of this should be that hard, but yet somehow, it is. That said, I don't know why they can't get this done in private. Nobody should hear anything about this crap. Were it me, I would have MLB and the owners in a room, along with the MLBPA, and nobody could leave until everything was figure out. No chance for leaks. Get it done in one day. Of course, that'll never happen. But that's what I'd do.
Drew
2:31
Any idea if all the players on the taxi squad have to also be on the 40 man roster?  There are usually one or two guys on the 40 man roster who have to be added or be subject to the rule 5 draft but they aren't quite ready for the majors yet.  While I can see how participating in workouts with the taxi squad would benefit such players more than sitting at home, I still think the team would benefit from having all the players on the squad ready to play in the majors.
Jason Mackey
2:32
Good question, Drew. I would think they revamp the 40-man roster rule for this season. Maybe make it a 50-man? Or maybe a separate designation. But I see what you're saying. You want to incentivize development, and you wouldn't want to prohibit that by letting business interfere.
Sammy
2:32
Speaking of brink, Ben and Derrick may be on the brink of changing their minds about joining the Pirates with all the inherent problems and old and new injuries.  If the Pirates didn’t have bad luck, they wouldn’t have any at all. Maybe they would be better off not playing this season.
Jason Mackey
2:35
I don't think that's how they're looking at it, Sammy. I don't think that's how anyone on the inside looks at it, to be quite honest. I think Cherington sees opportunity here -- a city crazy for baseball and the ability to build a team the way he wants. He believes in himself. Maybe he's nuts and screws that up. I don't know. But I can see why someone who believes in their abilities relative to player development and the draft -- which Cherington does -- can look at a market like Pittsburgh and be able to do a pretty cool, well-received thing by turning it around.
Clint
2:35
Do you think the injury to Archer will effect the Pirates draft plans this year?
Jason Mackey
2:36
Hi Clint. No, I don't. Baseball is weird that way. Draft picks are so far off. Nobody the Pirates would've drafted was going to pitch in 2020 or 2021, most likely. They'll have the strategy.
Danny
2:38
Any word on what you think Pirates will do in the draft? College seems like the popular choice, bag specifically but Keith Law said they’re taking a hard look at Mick Abel.
Jason Mackey
2:40
Hi Danny, I have a tough time believing they will go with Mick Abel, honestly. A couple weeks ago they were getting linked to college hitters. Now, this. They need a catcher. They also need arms. And in a five-round draft with a comp pick, I'd rather see them go the college bat rout at No. 7, then maybe use a little more $$$ on their comp pick. But there are a number of impact college bats at No. 7 that could make for really excellent picks.
Wayward
2:41
Any chance you could take a stab at the 50 man?  Probable to much of an ask for a chat but maybe a twitter post later?
Jason Mackey
2:44
I think we need to see some rules first. But, I mean, take the 40-man and add to it: Holland, Erlin ... maybe a development spot or two for Priester, Malone, Peguero, Swaggerty and Siani ... Oliva could be depth, then maybe some depth pitchers like Marvel, Noesi, Mears or Del Pozo.
Danny
2:44
Agreed Jason. I think college bat is the way to go in first round with a bunch of quality pitchers both college and prep that should be available at 31 and 44. Thanks for these chats!
Jason Mackey
2:46
If they could get a prep kid at No. 31 and maybe add some extra incentive for him to sign -- perhaps they increase the value of the pick -- I'd be OK with it. But passing on, say, Kjerstad to take Abel, I wouldn't be OK with that.
Annie
2:46
Jason, I like your response to Sammy, but Cherington won’t be able to do much if Nutting doesn’t enable him to do his job. Good luck Ben!
Jason Mackey
2:47
I agree with you, Annie. Bob needs to do a better job of supporting Ben. Like after the 2015 season. Say that happens again. I believe that Nutting will react differently. I think he's looking at Cherington and Shelton to get the Pirates back to that point in a couple years, and when they do that, I think it will be on Nutting to conduct himself differently.
2:48
And if this thing breaks down because Bob refuses to spend what's necessary at that point or they don't treat fans right or whatever, then go nuts. Blame him. Get mad. Boycott. I don't care. But I truly believe that, assuming this group can get things turned around, the next move will look different.
Hoops Fan
2:48
Any chance of Fans in the stadium?
Jason Mackey
2:48
I don't see it happening, Hoops Fan. I'm sorry. Not this season. I'd be stunned.
Drew
2:58
When you get the chance to speak with Shelton or Kelly, obviously they are a bit disappointed in the delay, but do they still convey the same level of excitement that they did during the first days of Spring Training?
Jason Mackey
2:59
Oh, absolutely. Maybe even more. The energy those two have is really something. Players love and respect it. It has completely changed the vibe around the team. And, yeah, it hasn't dissipated at all this entire time.
wvpirate
2:59
Does a shorten season make Burdi no longer under rule 5 rules? Or maybe just a shorten time he needs to be in the majors?
Jason Mackey
3:04
That's a good question, wvpirate. I'll need to check on that to give you a complete answer. First blush, I don't think so. I would imagine the same rules would apply. But I would like to check before giving you something more concrete. Please remind me on this next week.
OK, folks. Thanks so much for participating this week. Until next time ...
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