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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 06.09.21
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Jason Mackey
12:27
Damn. That's a terrific question. I'll go with Newman. But I don't feel great about it. I'd like to think Cruz, but I'm not sure he will be ready for full-time duty.
Bill
12:27
I understand the argument that Polanco is not blocking anyone but for him to be their highest paid player and most likely their worst, its unacceptable that he continues to have lazy fielding errors like last night. Even if his bat heated up, I can't see a team wanting to trade for him. At this point I would DFA him and go with any younger option at this point. He hurts this team more than he helps it. Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:29
He's still going to be their highest-paid player if you DFA him. Salaries in baseball are guaranteed. Yeah, you can DFA him and hope someone will volunteer to pay his salary. Do you think someone will do that? Do you think Polanco will voluntarily turn down that money and become a free agent? Heck no. He'll probably just go to the minors and continue to make the same amount. So the only thing you're accomplishing is opening up a roster spot. And for whom?
Justin
12:29
Would you consider dealing Stallings?  He has many years of control left, but he's also going to be 33 and likely decling by the time the team is any good.  I dont think anyone would *like* dealing him, but maybe it's worth considering.
Jason Mackey
12:30
I would listen. The offers would inform my decision. If I couldn't pass them up, yeah, maybe. But it would have to be really good. I like Stallings so much, and I think he's the perfect guy for this young team (with a young position staff). Again, my socks would have to be blown clear across the house.
Jim
12:30
Does Cole Tucker have any sort of future with the Pirates? Or even at the MLB level?
Jason Mackey
12:30
I'd like to think yes, Jim, but I'm starting to have my doubts. He just hasn't hit. I like his athleticism. I like his personality. I like his defense. He just hasn't hit. He'll get another shot, I believe that. And he had some decent at-bats. But not enough for me to confidently say he has a future here.
Madeline
12:30
Hello Jason.  I was going to ask if Nick Gonzales was primarily playing second in the minors .  Carl in Carrick asked about that but you may have overlooked it in his question.  Thank you.
Jason Mackey
12:31
Ah, crap. Thanks for pointing that out, Madeline. I did miss that. I'm a jerk. I swear, Carl, it was not intentional. Yes, Gonzales has played only second base in the minors.
Tom
12:31
Where was first base coach last night? Hayes missed first base, then
Jason Mackey
12:32
Shelton argued that Brock was watching the ball. OK, but why? What influence is he going to have there? He should be watching the runner he's paid to coach. I think it was a mistake on Brock's part, although the. lion's share of the blame should go to Hayes.
Bill
12:32
If the Pirates were to get blown away on an offer for Howard, would you move him? Also, I'm intrigued by the numbers Braeden Ogle is putting up (minus the walks). Perhaps he could be part of bullpen in future?
Jason Mackey
12:33
I am, too, Bill. Class AAA Indianapolis manager Brian Esposito talked about Ogle recently as being one of the key members to their bullpen down there. I think he will get a shot this year. And, yes, to the Howard question, I would absolutely move him. Not for a crap offer, but you're saying if I'm blown away ... yes, I would do it then.
Justin
12:33
Do you think the team thinks it found something in Chase de Jong?  Something like a #4 sp?
Jason Mackey
12:33
I think they wanna see. I don't think they know, and that's OK. But he's throwing harder with breaking stuff than he ever has before. It's an interesting trajectory, and I think they're in a spot where they can let him prove himself.
Rungame0
12:35
how fast is Mitch Keller’s fastball?  How many pitches in his repertoire?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Keller's four-seam fastball averages 94.3 mph. He also throws a slider and curveball and experiments some with a changeup.
PrinceBob
12:36
As bad as the team has been, could they have more than one all star? Rodriguez seems possible, Frazier does too and I've even seen Stallings mentioned as a possibility.
Jason Mackey
12:39
They could, sure. But I don't think it's terribly likely. And two would be the absolute max. Gonna be tough for Reynolds given the amount of OF production that exists. Rodriguez could be in a tough spot, too. I like Stallings, but I don't see him making it over Posey and Realmuto at this point.
Rungame0
12:39
Did the Cubs laugh louder than tbe Dodgers at tbe Porates mistake?  Any giggling seen by Dodger players when 1B was touched for the out on the home run ball out of play?  And how would I score that on a game program?
Jason Mackey
12:40
I didn't see any Dodgers players laughing. It would be scored 1-3. I think last night was less "funny" than the Baez play, but no less important in terms of runs the Pirates absolutely needed to have on their side.
GH
12:40
What was worse…Craig’s play or Hayes missing first base?
Jason Mackey
12:40
Craig's play. Guys have missed bases before. Pretty sure no one has ever tried to chase a runner from first to home.
Rungame0
12:40
Any trade interest for Mitch Keller from other teams and would the team listen to offers?
Jason Mackey
12:41
It would be real low-ball stuff if it existed, I would think. And I think it's a moot point because the Pirates know they might be settling themselves up for another disaster if he figures it out somewhere else.
Dave
12:41
Bit of a cart before the horse question, but one thing that characterized some of Huntington's success was acquiring Burnett at a slight discount and to a lesser extent getting Cervelli, who wasn't a prospect so much as a neglected depth guy. Since the former situation is likely unrepeatable, do you think Cherington might be able to take a run at a mid-tier free agent (perhaps not immediately)? Just from 20,000 feet, it seems like extensions to Hayes and Reynolds, plus a solid FA (maybe a guy like Mark Canha or Marcus Stroman), would help change the narrative, and not be totally impossible. Maybe it's selective memory, but Cherington seems to have an even more clean, total ground-up rebuild than the kind of successful teams NH gathered together. To put it more succinctly, maybe a mid-tier FA acquisition in another year or two can be the kind of Burnett-type move for Cherington?
Jason Mackey
12:42
Yeah, I don't see that as a crazy question. There's definitely going to be a need for that guy. Or probably multiple guys. But I do think the Pirates need to get a little closer first. Right now, getting one of those guys equates to a trade chip. If the rest of the group is better and the Pirates are more competitive, it will shift into veteran leader territory. But I do think you will see Ben target that guy eventually.
Rungame0
12:42
How long is Shelton’s contract for?  What are some of his strengths as manager for this team?
Jason Mackey
12:43
We don't know, but I would suspect three years. He's a very positive guy. I think players like playing for him. I think he's more analytically savvy than he lets on with the media. I think his coaching staff likes him, too. He's relatable. For a young team, I also think it's important that he's patient, although this group will need a kick in the pants, too.
Realist
12:44
while right about the first base coach catching Hayes missing the base, sorry, the majority of blame falls on the player.  He had to know he missed first, and, with the ball over the fence and not a contested play at 2nd, he could have easily retraced  his steps and corrected the error..before it resulted in the out. He is a talent, but like any player that makes a bonehead mental error, he is not above reproach.  Not a question, but my opinion....so, what do you say?
Jason Mackey
12:44
I agree with you. I don't think I ever said anything to the contrary.
Greg
12:44
Jason thanks for the chats. I don"t understand why they are still playing 7 inning doubleheaders. Don't tell me its to save the players arms and things like that, these are professionals who get paid to do their jobs. Also, it's the fans who get ripped off paying full price for partial games, also it cheapens the game because your not playing the full game.Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:45
I understand your perspective, Greg. I think it's a different wrinkle, a way to maybe limit some travel if teams are doing that on the road or minimizing exposure while everyone is still not at 85%. I kinda like the doubleheaders, and I'd be willing to bet others feel the same way.
Danny
12:45
Jacob Stallings: Pirates 2035 manager. Can you confirm?
Jason Mackey
12:45
Would love to see it. He'd make a good one.
Gunner Prince
12:45
Good afternoon Jason
 
My question concerns Dustin Fowler, the OFer who had a brief cup of coffee with the Pirates earlier this year. He is currently slashing .257/.422/1.022 with 3 HRs and 6 RBIs in 12 games with Indianapolis this year. Looks like he has some pop in his bat and it might be worth giving him another look at some point
 
But, I've noticed he has not appeared in a game since May 25 - is he injured or what?
Jason Mackey
12:46
Believe he's injured, yes. He went on the seven-day injured list yesterday.
Rungame0
12:46
What’s your favorite ballpark to visit and why and isn’t it nice to travel to ballparks outside of tbe NL Central?
Jason Mackey
12:47
It is, absolutely. Favorite ballpark might be Wrigley, although it's hard for me to separate ballpark and city. Favorite city is San Francisco, and that might also be my favorite park. Such an incredible view.
V. Fontaine
12:47
Where do see Ji-Hwan Bae playing if makes it to Pittsburgh? There seems to be a glut of SS prospects in the organization and one likely added with the first pick in this year's draft. Could Bae be moved to CF?
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