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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 06.05.19
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Jason Mackey
12:35
I don't think we're there yet, honestly. I know things aren't great, but there's still plenty of time. My issue is more with how we can reasonably expect things to turn. Like, is Nick Kingham going to suddenly start pitching like a Cy Young Award winner? Probably not. Same goes for a lot of their current arms, and that's just not gonna lead to good things.
PhillyJake
12:35
I never figured Kingham for a top of the rotation guy.  But I never pegged him of the 8+ ERA extreme either.  What's happening with him?  Personally I'd love to see CH make Stallings his personal catcher and see if they can recapture some of what happened last year in Indy?
Jason Mackey
12:36
He's leaving way to many balls up and pitching behind in counts. I don't care if Johnny Bench was his catcher. He's going to get blasted. And it's weird. It's like he doesn't want to acknowledge there's a problem. Until that happens, I don't know what you do except maybe relegate him to long-relief status while working on control. I would not start him.
Jeff
12:36
The Bucs pitching staff has been decimated with injuries, and it shows with the elevated ERA and run differential.  Is it best to wait it out, let the pitchers heal, and carry on when they return?  Or would it be best to make a trade or two?  I hear Marte is becoming a trade candidate.  I'd hate to see the Bucs get worse like they did at last year's trade deadline.
Jason Mackey
12:37
I don't think you can sit around and wait and expect things to change. Past precedent tells us they won't. I think they need to be active, whether that involves Marte or someone else.
John
12:37
Clint Hurdle said in his pregame chat yesterday with joe block that rookie davis would start Friday in Milwaukee
Jason Mackey
12:37
Thank you for that. I did not hear that. So, assuming Hurdle still feels that way after last night, we should pump the brakes on Keller.
MF
12:37
What's the chances of Polanco getting traded
Jason Mackey
12:38
Not very good, I would imagine. Can't see the return being much. Doesn't make sense to sell off an asset at one of its lowest points.
Kramer
12:38
I don’t see me mentioned much anymore. Am I still considered the possible second baseman of the future? Turns out that batting title talk for AF was a bit premature...
Jason Mackey
12:39
Batting title talk might be a bit much, but I can see Frazier being the everyday 2B. I also think Newman has earned his playing time, and Cole Tucker has been a lot better. It's an interesting infield rotation right now, especially when you factor in Colin Moran, Newman's ability to play third and the possibility that Jung Ho Kang comes back soon.
DJ Spin
12:40
Sorry Jason, I think I wasn't clear enough. the Blue Jays are 20 or so games out of first, and reportedly willing to engage on moving Stroman or Sanchez well prior to the deadline to maximize their return. I'm suggesting that Huntington be willing to move his upper level minors prospects in order for the Blue Jays to add them to their core with Vlad Jr., Biggio, etc., not that the Pirates seek to acquire prospects.

I know we fans do dream up scenarios like we're playing a video game, but this seems like the most promising option right now. The Giants will probably wait until closer to the deadline to move MadBum. Stroman is controllable for another year, ground-ball pitcher, dependable. Paying the cost to get him next week could stop the bleeding. Will Craig's stock is shooting through the roof but is probably blocked. The Jays could install him at 1B or DH.
Jason Mackey
12:42
Ah, OK. That makes a bunch more sense. ... I like the Stroman trade from a baseball perspective. Usually the type of pitcher who thrives here. But I question a couple things. Would he want to be a part of this or maybe go somewhere with a legit shot at winning a World Series? And if they traded prospects -- I still might keep Will Craig -- they've be putting salary on the books. Would they do that?
Too Tall
12:42
As far as possible call ups, what about Kevin Kramer? He has been hitting well and if Frazier doesn’t find his bat, i’d be inclined to give Kramer a shot. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:42
Can he pitch? I don't see them needing infield help. Or the outfield. They're fine. They need pitching help.
Chuck
12:42
Jason,   I read the article about trading Marte and agree that may be the most prudent thing to do but only if the prospects are decent to sign Dickerson.   Do you think there is any possibility he would consider signing an extension?
Jason Mackey
12:43
Do you mean Marte or Dickerson?
Alan
12:43
Knowing what payroll was to start the season, do Pirate fans really believe this organization will make a trade(s) to obtain additional pitching of any relevance? What do they even have to offer of any significance to obtain a talented pitcher? Adding a Joe Beimel or Josh Fogg type player will make no difference. Seems the best course of action is to wait for everyone to get healthy and hope they resume pitching above their pay-grades/talent.
Jason Mackey
12:44
I see what you're saying, Alan, and you make some fine points. The only thing I would worry about is this: Will it be too late by the time everyone gets healthy? Jameson Taillon isn't throwing. Trevor Williams has plenty of buildup work. Probably at least a couple weeks until he's back, Taillon more. What sort of damage could be done by then? The season might be lost.
Chad
12:44
Any update on JT Brubaker? Also, any chance at all of Dario Agrazial getting a call up soon either to start or even bullpen?
Jason Mackey
12:46
We should hear more about him today when Todd Tomczyk talks. ... Can't say anything specific about Agrazal either way, but given what they've had lately in the bullpen -- 48 earned runs allowed over the past 51.1 innings pitches -- why the heck not?
Lee Foo
1:00
We need bullpen help? I hear Kimbrel is available, lol. If only.....
Jason Mackey
1:00
Can you imagine the Pirates adding him? I can't.
DJ Spin
1:01
I don't think Stroman has any NTC, and he was vocal about being disappointed with management not offering him an extension. He's also very close friends with Archer. 7.4 million this year and arbitration next year. Sanchez is cheaper but not as good. Neither breaks the bank even by Pirates standards.

I could see us getting burned with moving Craig, since Bell is only under control for three more years, but you have to give to get, and we have another 1B power prospect breaking out in the lower minors. It just seems like a decent fit all things considered. Between now and the ASB looks like a bloodbath on the schedule, but if we could get Stroman and Williams comes back healthy soon, maybe we survive.

If Taillon returns late-July and everybody is still healthy, then the worst pitcher can go into the bullpen. Maybe even have Keller get MLB bullpen experience later in the season. All things that are very un-Pirates like. But something's gotta give, 2/5 turns of the rotation are automatic losses right now.
Jason Mackey
1:01
You're absolutely right. I agree with a lot of what you're saying, although in no way, shape or form would I monkey around with Keller in the bullpen. The kid needs to remain a starter.
PghParty
1:01
Jason I think we all know what needs to happen. Put out the spotlight for Batman.. we need AJ Burnett back in black.
Jason Mackey
1:02
Ha. That's gonna be a thing forever, isn't it? I'm fine with it. I just think it's funny.
Chuck
1:02
I meant Dickerson.   I believe he is only under contract through next season.   If Marte is dealt, they still have Dickerson, Reynolds, Melky and Polonco.    I just have a feeling Dickerson would be reluctant to sign an extension
Jason Mackey
1:03
I think that's way down the road, honestly. You found Melky and Reynolds. You have Polanco and probably can't do anything else with him. Dickerson isn't movable. That means, to me, that Marte is the most transferrable asset here. Worry about Dickerson down the road.
Rudy
1:03
Are the pirates within 5 games of the wildcard by Sep 1?
Jason Mackey
1:03
Not at this rate, no.
theresa 44
1:03
i get really tired of the constant whining over hurdle's handling of the bullpen. he would love to bring in pitchers with talent. not his fault  they all pitch somewhere else. how do you feel?
Jason Mackey
1:04
Exactly like you do. It's like saying Huntington doesn't make moves because he's cheap or something like that. You think Huntington wouldn't love to be allowed to spend and do things like Kevin Colbert or Jim Rutherford?
OK, folks. That does it for this week. Thanks so much for participating. Yinz are the best. Until next time ...
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