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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 06.04.21
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Jason Mackey
11:36
Yeah, I think it's a mutual thing at this point. He has found a home and some serious comfortability in the bullpen.
Chris George
11:36
It’s been reported the Pirates will have two teams in the GCL this summer.  Pirates Black and Pirates Gold.   When do you think they will release the rosters for these?  Going to be interesting to see the young talent here.  Of course this is part of the domestic 180 minor league roster.  So I would guess around 55 or so here
Jason Mackey
11:36
I can't imagine it would be much longer before we see rosters. Inside of two weeks, for sure. Probably less.
PrinceBob
11:37
Yeah, I am pretty much assuming the worst outcomes in terms of the Pirates anymore. I've heard that he'll spend when it's time so often it's just hard to believe it ever will be time. And I don't know what goes into hiring a GM or what kind of assurances an owner makes when it happens, so I don't know how those assurances can be backed up. So I can imagine in 3-4 years having the prospects in the majors and it still not being time to spend.
Jason Mackey
11:38
I hope not. If they're in contention and Bob doesn't spend, that's gonna be really bad. Have said this before, but I think Cherington will lose it at that point. He's said time and time again that he believes he has the resources here to compete. I'm perfectly fine letting it play out and formulating an opinion whenever that happens.
Wayward
11:38
Thanks for the chats Jason.  When Evens and Moran are ready who goes.  I am assuming Craig.  Which one of Tom or Gamel stay?  Personally I like Gamel.
Jason Mackey
11:38
My pleasure. I think Tom probably stays, honestly. Because -- Moneyball quote -- he gets on base.
Big Ern
11:38
I know that the Pirates are going to draft one of those pitchers in the draft. My question is ...What about the outfield and future power prospects. The cupboard looks to be full of pitching and infielders that hit for average. I don’t see anything (besides Swaggerty and he is now hurt) to fill the outfield and help make this team more competitive. You need power as well. Something this organization severely lacks.
Jason Mackey
11:41
I don't think they're going to draft one of the two pitches, personally. Also, Alexander Mojica (Low-A) has an absurd amount of power. Aaron Shackelford (High-A) is tied for the league lead in home runs. Mason Martin and Oneil Cruz has a ton of power. Even Rodolfo Castro. Swaggerty actually isn't a huge power guy, so I'm not quite sure of the point you're trying to make. I think Lawlar, House, Mayer and Davis are all in play. Leiter and Rocker are, too. Don't get me wrong. But I think it could also come down to asks and how the Pirates might want to play this from a strategy standpoint -- spend heavy early or spready that bonus money out over two picks.
Bill
11:41
You mentioned Bligh Madris in your first answer. I don’t think many people know too much about him. Who is he and are the pirates high on him? I know he’s progressed through the minors pretty fast so he seems interpreting to management?
Jason Mackey
11:46
Will have an article on him soon. JUCO kid out of Colorado Mesa. Outfielder. Spent the offseason playing in Australian, of all places. Was doing OK in Altoona and has taken well to Indy. Hasn't shown a ton power, more gap-to-gap stuff. Was a utility guy coming out of school but has stuck to the outfield, I believe. Think he moves pretty well out there. He talked yesterday about how much the work in Australia did for his development.
Sunner in Orlando
11:46
How much of the gate sales at PNC Park influence someone like Nutting to say "well I'm getting killed at the gate so I can't increase payroll". I guess the question is how much of the gate sales contribute to the team's profits/losses versus profit sharing and TV deals?
Jason Mackey
11:47
I can't give you a percentage if that's what you're looking for. Obviously gate revenue matters. Look at what happened in 2020, when the Pirates had none. And I think it probably matters for smaller market teams more. That said, the Pirates are also believed to have a pretty solid TV deal for their market size.
PrinceBob
11:47
I think last week you said something that seemed like you think there will be a MLB salary cap, at least I think you did. And now you've said it again. Is there something you know making you say that or is it wishful thinking?
Jason Mackey
11:48
It's part logic, part wishful thinking. The NBA has figured out a way. The same for the NFL. Why can't MLB? I think MLB is starting to take a long look in the mirror regarding its relevance in the sporting landscape, and that's good. It should. And part of what is wrong with the game right now, as much as pace of play, home runs/walks/strikeouts and stick substance use, is the whacked out financnes.
Rich in SH
11:49
I fully agree with the notion that you can never have enough talent, especially in an organization like the rebuilding pirates. However I am curious if the pirates look at their organizational depth at middle infield (Pegeuro,Cruz, Escotto, Bae, Gonzalez, etc) and think if it makes sense to take a high school SS (Lawler/Mayer) at 1:1 over a guy like Jack Leiter or my sleeper pick for them, catcher Henry Davis from Louisville. What do you think?
Jason Mackey
11:50
You can't draft for need in baseball. And I don't think they will. I think they're going to draft to try and get as much talent as possible. That could mean taking House -- I'm just making up a name -- because they can sign him for less, then dumping that money into a second-rounder and paying him above slot. I don't see Cherington drafting at 1-1 based on position. Worry about that later.
Justin
11:50
When do you think a lineup involving Reynolds Swaggerty Hayes Cruz Gonzales could happen?  Mid to late 2022?
Jason Mackey
11:51
Yeah, that's reasonable, I suppose. My concern would be Gonzales and how much his finger thing will set him back. But I certainly wouldn't rule out the possibility.
Danny
11:51
I know it’s early but what is your take on some hot starts for minor league pitchers? Change in developmental strategies, more talent infused in the system and/or guys just maturing and taking that next step?
Jason Mackey
11:52
All of these above. I really like Joel Hanrahan as a pitching coach. I think that's one of the reasons guys have been more prepared. They also have more talent -- I.e. Yajure, Contreras, etc. Guys they have have been better developed -- Thomas, Kranick, Burrows, others. It's a mix of things. And, yeah, of course, players deserve credit for maturing and performing.
PrinceBob
11:52
I too am fine letting it play pout with Cherrington. But if I am really looking for maximum money I can imagine I'd rather have my GM lose it than fork over $50 million in extra salary. We can hope. I see that the Pirates do not have the lowest MLB payroll, Cleveland does, and is doing pretty well with it.
Jason Mackey
11:53
The Pirates should spend more. I won't disagree with that. But their recent problems are not all tied to money.
Steel C1ty
11:53
I can’t find anything on Aaron Shackelford anywhere. Who the heck is this guy? All I know is that he hits for power amd
Jason Mackey
11:53
Utility man for High-A Greensboro. Tied for the league lead in homers. I found this piece helpful in my own research: https://www.milb.com/news/appalachian-notes-aaron-shackelford-succeeds...
Big Ern
11:53
What season specifically do you predict that the Pirates will be relevant once again ( like they were in 2013-15)? And do you think Shelty will still be the manager of this team?
Jason Mackey
11:54
I think you could see things turn by 2023. I think it will be more "real" or whatever you wanna call it in 2024. Maybe more sustainable. And I don't know on Shelty. I'm not saying for sure, but he's also managed less than a full season. There's been good and bad. I think they're still very much evaluating.
David
11:55
Thanks for taking the draft questions — first I’ve seen of House being in the mix, though based on the mocks, that definitely makes sense. Would House be even more in the “underslot to spend at 37” box, on the assumption that perhaps Mayer is now more of a full slot guy? Do you think Watson or Frelick could be in play in that regard (underslot), or too much of a stretch? Seems like there could be a ton of options if we’re going position player, though personally I hope Leiter dominates the CWS and we just go for him at full slot. 70-grade fastball, efficient mechanics, like all young players more room to grow...feels to me like the bar has been set really high for him and Rocker and that none of the pre guys truly stand out.
Jason Mackey
11:56
I have heard Frelick is in play. Not so much Watson. He still could be, I just haven't heard that. But I do think they like Frelick. But this is why I keep saying there's plenty TBD. Because there is. I don't disagree with you on Leiter. They need pitching. But if you talk to those guys and think you could save a decent chunk and repurpose it with your second and third picks, given their need for talent, I can't really argue.
Justin
11:56
Do you think there is any chance the team pushes the "at least mildly try to win" window up to 2022?  Nothing crazy, but like, a few $10ish million FAs to fill, say, RF and a SP slot?  Payroll would still be absurdly low.
Jason Mackey
11:58
No, I don't. I think it's important for them to develop guys appropriately, unlike the former group. You don't do that by pushing anything. Do it right. If it takes until 2024, I'm fine with that. Just don't Glasnow and Meadows your fans. And if you're not good at the major league level, don't spend. Especially not in 2022, when I still think they're going to be in the middle of a transition. Use that money to sign guys like Hayes and Reynolds and have a coordinated push toward when these prospects are actually ready.
Matt from LA
11:58
Although I am certainly no fan of Nutting, to spend money just to spend money on the team is pointless! Why should he or any wise business person spend money when the new return will not result in any increased revenue? Just to appease the fans? That said, when the Buccos are one or two players from really competing again, then the proof will be in the pudding to his promises.
Jason Mackey
11:58
Totally agree, Matt. Or, hey, spend money now ... on a Ke'Bryan Hayes extension. Or Bryan Reynolds. Or any sort of future expenditure. But spending on the current MLB team, no way.
New Castle Pete
11:59
Is Adam Frazier still on the trading block or do they keep him as one of the building blocks for the future? Also has anyone heard from Todd Frazier?
Jason Mackey
12:01
Todd is playing for Team USA Baseball. Seems to be doing well, and good for him. I like Todd. I don't disagree with DFA'ing him. He didn't produce. But he was always nice to me. And no on Frazier. As for Adam, he has trade value. The Pirates have a first-round pick coming up in Nick Gonzales. They play the same position. Pirates aren't going to be good for a couple years. Why should the Pirates spend to extend Adam Frazier, and why would he want to stay here when he could hit the open market and play for a contender?
PrinceBob
12:01
I'm going to go totally cynical this week. It's hard to look at the NBA and see that a cap has done much for the weaker teams. If I could chose to live another 60 plus years or until New Orleans,Memphis, Charlotte, Sacramento, etc., just one of them, win a championship I think waiting for the championship is a better deal.
Jason Mackey
12:01
That's fine. You can think whatever you like. But my point is that I don't think a cap has prevented the NBA from thriving as a league. MLB should take note.
PrinceBob
12:01
Totally agree that recent problems are about more than money.
Jason Mackey
12:02
It can definitely be more than one thing.
Justin
12:02
Who gets the 2b job when Frazier is somewhat-inevitably dealt?   Hand it to Evans?
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