You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 06.09.21
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
Jason Mackey
12:47
I'm curious about Bae in the outfield, for the reasons you mentioned. They need those guys. He can play out there. Seems Gonzales and Peguero are their double-play combo of the future, at least for now. Bae could still be in the mix, but I'm intrigued by what he can do in the outfield.
Rungame0
12:47
Do these gaffes have a lasting effect with umpires giving other teams tbe benefit of tbe doubt on close calls?
Jason Mackey
12:48
No, I don't think so. They're going to call the game the same way regardless.
David
12:48
Have you talked to any scouts about Cal Mitchell's season? From my looks at Altoona, he's continued to spray the ball around while also cutting down on his K% significantly and increasing his BB%. The Pirates "Young Bucs" twitter account had a short video on him where he talked about improving his speed, too, which combined with his raw power, makes him intriguing. Promoting a guy directly from AA to MLB is something Huntington almost never did, but if the season remains solid, a cup of coffee might be a good thing given that there will be an opportunity there. Another option, though more of a utility guy, could be Castro (though I think he's mostly played IF), who as Persak noted last night is a real spark plug. These thoughts were prompted by an earlier question -- I don't get the hyper-focus on Polanco that a lot of fans have, since any replacement option is going to be at most a September cup of coffee, but I'm liking what I see out of Mitchell a lot.
Jason Mackey
12:49
Scouts like Mitchell, for the reasons you mentioned. Had too much swing-and-miss before this season. I do think that has improved. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in September, but I think he's still where he should be right now in Class AA. He strikes me as someone who could benefit from Class AAA. But I do think he could be here eventually. Some sneaky pop in his bat.
Bill
12:49
R.Castro is doing well at Altoona and I hope he gets to Indy soon. If Frazier is dealt, do you think Castro would get a look at 2B (they did call him up once) or do you think it would be a combo of Tucker/Newman/Gonzalez at SS/2B?
Jason Mackey
12:49
I think it would be that combo at first. But if Castro continues to show himself well, I absolutely think he will get a look. He's not far off at all.
Mark
12:49
Hi Jason.  Who would the Pirates have to package together to lure catcher Keibert Ruiz from the Dodgers, who reportedly is blocked and could be traded?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:50
A lot. And I don't think it makes sense for them to do that. They have Stallings now. Their catching prospect should be someone who's years away, not giving up multiple prospects -- which is what they'd have to pay -- for someone who's basically ready now.
EV in Melbourne
12:50
Hi Jason, I got a real kick out of Ron Cook's article today.  He offered this tidbit about Tommy Lasorda:  "..He was a disgusting human being in a lot of ways and seemed to get a kick out of treating people rudely.."  I was wondering if you have had met any outrageous personalities in your years of coverage and if you could share an instance or two?
Jason Mackey
12:52
Sure, I've met jerks. But I'm not going to complain about them on here because they're almost all active, and it does me no good to bash them. Maybe one day, but I doubt it. Nobody wants to hear a sports writer complain. And I'm not saying Ron is wrong for writing what he did. He has a different perspective and license than I do. But nobody wants to hear me whine about somebody who was rude. I will say this: Pretty much every current Pirate has been nothing but nice and respectful to me. Penguins, too.
PrinceBob
12:52
Will broadcasters travel with the teams at some time this year?
Jason Mackey
12:52
I hope so. They hope so. But they're still not sure of that.
Wayward
12:53
Were you a little surprised by the Difo DFA?  I would have thought it would have been Gamel or Tom (still dont know what they see there)?
Jason Mackey
12:53
I was. I thought Difo was a decent bench piece. I thought it would be Gamel. I thought Difo at least gives them something pinch-hitting. I know they love Tom because he gets on base.
Wayward
12:53
Do we see Brault at some point this year?  How do you think he fits, or doesnt fit, going forward?
Jason Mackey
12:53
I think we will, yeah. I think he will be a starter. And I think they need to get him some work to think more about what they might get out of him next year and beyond.
Rungame0
12:54
How much do you think these infield shifts are overused?  It takes fun away from watching the game and should be disalllwed. The SS should not be able to set up in between 1B and 2B. These infield shifts lead to less offense. OF shifts are ok.
Jason Mackey
12:54
I'm not a fan of the shifts; however, I'm not gonna get salty about it. Those are the rules. Teams are looking for every advantage they can. They're playing the numbers. But, yeah, I hope MLB puts some rules in place to prevent them.
alan
12:54
You have repeatedly said don't draft for need Well in 3 years Stallings will be 35. So why not draft the best catcher right now and have him ready in 3 years?
Jason Mackey
12:55
I don't disagree with that. But if Lawlar has a higher ceiling -- and he very well might -- I wouldn't pass on that just because the Pirates will need a catcher in a couple years. Get the best guy. Figure the rest out later.
EV in Melbourne
12:55
I didn't mean jerk personalities exclusively.. just outrageous or quirky or over the top...  positive or negative..
Jason Mackey
12:56
Not really outrageous. Cullen, Cole and Crosby were my favorites on Pens. Fleury, too. Just genuinely nice and helpful. Big Stallings fan. Taillon as well. Joe Musgrove. But those guys are more just helpful and quotable. I wouldn't say outrageous. Just guys that provide insight and help me do my job.
OK, folks. That's it for me today. I need to take care of a couple things before availability starts. Thanks so much for doing this and talk to yinz next week!
Connecting…