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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 06.14.23
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Jason Mackey
11:47
Hello, everyone. Welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. Thanks for stopping by. We'll get started here shortly.
12:04
And away we go ...
Pablo
12:04
Isn’t it a bit worrisome that not one of the Pirates top prospects has a stat line similar to top prospects in other systems (Jackson Holliday, Encarnacion-Strand, De La Cruz, Kjerstad, etc).
Jason Mackey
12:06
Umm ... yeah, I guess. I would also point out that Oneil Cruz is hurt, and he's probably your comp to those guys. Do I wish the Pirates had more available prospects? Sure, especially on the pitching side right now. But those guys you mentioned, they're not terribly common. And the Pirates do have one. He's just out because of a freak play at the plate.
Will
12:06
Nice tribute to Stan btw. Such a fixture in Pittsburgh sports and someone always respectful of Pittsburgh sports fans and their many opinions. Never talked down to anyone and I think that was a lot of his appeal and reason for longevity, aside from being really knowledgeable of Pittsburgh sports and culture and and an all around good guy.
Jason Mackey
12:06
Stan was the absolute best. Universally loved and respected. If I become 1/10th of what Stan was, I will consider that a success.
Donna
12:06
Good afternoon Jason.  My condolences to the Savran Family.  I would like to know if you met Mr. Savran and perhaps share a story with us.  Thank you.
Jason Mackey
12:08
I've met Stan a bunch. Always chatted at games. Was on his radio show. My family has met Stan. ... I don't know if I have one story, but it's just this: No matter when or in what capacity you talked to Stan, he was always happy. Always warm, gracious, never grumbly or complaining, even going through the hardships he did. It's a way of being that's truly astounding and inspiring.
Wayward
12:08
Jason, Thanks for the chats.  Just curious as to what your typical day covering the team on the road looks like.  I know you do a lot of guest appearance stuff but just interested in the day to day stuff.  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:09
Ha. Funny you mention that. I've actually started writing down a play-by-play of my day to see where the hours go. So far today:
8 a.m. wakeup
8:15 a.m.-8:45 a.m. breakfast
8:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. answer emails, catch up on minor league box scores, transcribe four interviews ... some logistical/life stuff
12:11
10:45 a.m. called my mom
11 a.m. doing this
Gonna try and knock out a run later. Also have to conduct another interview for a story, file expenses and book travel before heading to the park.
There, need to finish editing a Sunday story, conduct an interview for a Father's Day story and potentially start writing a feature for next week if I can get to it.
Also, obviously, reviewing game notes & research ... any pregame writing ... along with covering a game.
Post-Gazette usually has me do two Chris Carter podcast appearances per week, plus the YouTube show with Andrew, in addition to normal writing duties.
Dennis
12:12
Hey Jason.  If Davis and Rodriguez were called up to the majors today, what corresponding moves do you think would be made?  I guess there would be several options.  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:13
Hi Dennis. I don't think they would get rid of a catcher. They'd probably carry three. As such, I don't think you'd see both promoted at the same time. Probably whoever was hot. ... They'd probably send down CSN or Palacios.
NuttingHostage
12:13
When will Bob Nutting sell the team? I think a salary cap and floor would make him sell.
Jason Mackey
12:14
Nutting is actually in favor of a cap and floor. Talked to him about that in March 2021 here: https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/bob-nutting-exclusive/
Surley
12:14
I’m happy they brought back the out of town scoreboard but now I miss someone waving the K in the upper left field bleachers after a strikeout. How can we get that person back? I enjoy the little things.
Jason Mackey
12:14
I'm not sure I follow. Are you talking about the K counter?
Wayward
12:14
Jason, Moreta has had a couple of subpar outings (for him).  Is it the league adjusting, him being a little exposed or a whole lot of nothing?
Jason Mackey
12:15
I don't see it as the league adjusting, Wayward. He's made a couple of bad pitches, honestly. Is that a trend or an aberration? I don't think we know. But he has made it entirely too easy for opposing hitters, IMO.
Trooper
12:15
Jason, what are your thoughts about Malcom Nunez?  Are the Pirates high on him?
Jason Mackey
12:16
I like him. Rough start. Was the best hitter in Indy before he got hurt. Yes, they like him a lot. Ton of power. Not a 3B anymore, and that's fine. But once he gets healthy -- believe he's dealing with a shoulder impingement -- I fully expect him to get a look, provided he's productive.
Coach15
12:17
For several years, Bucco fans have heard about the talented youngsters on the farm,  high draft picks, the rating/rankings of their farm system vs other MLB farm systems, & by now, ONE would think that one or two would have made the BIG SHOW in the last 3-4 years, & sorta give hope--Has someone overhyped or overrated many/most of these, allegedly future STARS?  Many teams have young upcoming stars, tired of hearing about holding them back etc, due to service time & Buccos continue to "muddle" along with no-name middle aged journey or past their prime players-
Jason Mackey
12:19
You're asking me to answer for the entire essence of the Pirates and MLB in one chat question, coach. It's a lot. Look, here's where I come down on this stuff. And I've said this a bunch in this space. They've been rebuilding. The goal here, honestly, is to suck. And they've succeeded. Now, they're in the process of building it back. If you spend $$$, you can do it faster. If you don't, it takes longer. It has taken longer. And now they are starting to spend money. They did this stuff prior to 2013-15, and you saw what it could be. Then they got complacent/stubborn and showed everyone what the Pirates can't afford to become. This cycle works, and you can look at places like Tampa and Cleveland for proof. I think we're starting to see the results of it now. Remember, the team you're grumping out here sits in first place in mid-June. It's not all terrible.
Coach15
12:20
What are the chances the Pirates coaches are not capable or just not getting through with the minor league players & that is reason they're not progressing at a faster rate?  With several HIGH picks, isn't it time to see one make a statement, or is it time to change the PROCESS?
Jason Mackey
12:20
They have changed the process, to a very large degree. I've written a bunch of stories about how much and why they've adjusted these things. But when much of your talent is at the lower levels, it's natural for there to be a gap. I also think you're being overly critical of some of the talent they do have.
Guest
12:21
Jason, How much longer can the Buccos keep Santana in the middle of the order?
Jason Mackey
12:22
I'm surprised it hasn't happened already, honestly. A .668 OPS isn't cleanup worthy, and it's not a short sample. That said, who else do you want there? Suwinski should be 3-4, sure. I'm good with Reynolds 2 and Marcano or Bae 1. Who's being given short shrift in this scenario?
Tina
12:22
Hi Jason, I hope you can answer my question.  Why are positions like 1st base and 3rd base called power positions?  Who made that determination?
Jason Mackey
12:24
Good question, Tina. Shortstop and second baseman are often thought of as more speed and skill spots. Teams typically don't count on big-time hitters there, although that's an inaccurate oversimplification; those spots have plenty of terrific offensive players. Just saying typically corner infield, especially 1B, and corner outfield have typically been occupied by players with more power, whose value is derived more from offense. Up the middle -- thought to be more important defensively -- has more often been occupied by really good defenders. Again, these are intentional over-exaggerations. Someone is bound to yell at me and cite 17 shortstop who can hit. Just saying where the term comes from.
David S
12:24
In light of the Pirates record at the moment have you changed your projected record for the season? Second question: without doing a super deep dive how has the minor league system changed in terms of strengths and weaknesses in the BC era? Biggest area of strength and biggest area of weakness. On a personal note just want to say I admire the passion and energy you bring to your job and appreciate the coverage you provide.
Jason Mackey
12:26
Thanks, David. No, I have not changed my projection. Still 74-76 wins. Secondly, I don't know if I've seen a ton in terms of strengths and weaknesses. But they do seem to be more international than before, especially the Pacific Rim, and athleticism and versatility are valued more by this group than the older one. I don't see a huge change in terms of, say, this group has way more pitching talent than that one.
Clyde S.
12:26
Thanks for the chats Jason.  If/when Cruz resumes playing shortstop, will Marcano move to second or do you see competition for playing time there?
Jason Mackey
12:27
Yeah, I think Cruz is coming back to SS. He better be. And there won't be competition to start there; that's Cruz's job. Marcano, though, has helped himself by showing he can play the position. I still like him in more of a utility role. I also -- this could be an odd one -- might consider trading him for pitching if I have a taker, knowing Cruz is coming back.
Humberto Cota Fan Club
12:27
Long-term, what role do see Bae having? Starter at second? Starter in the outfield? Super sub?
Jason Mackey
12:28
I'm pretty sure I want to see Bae playing primarily in the outfield. And, yes, as a starter. I'd like to see them move Suwinski to right and give Bae more looks in center. He's not completely polished, but I love his speed and how he plays the position.
Humberto Cota Fan Club
12:28
Curious as to your opinion on this. I was watching some of the NCAA baseball tournament and the sound of the metal bar. Do you think colleges should go to wood bats? And do you think it will ever happen?
Jason Mackey
12:29
You're talking to someone who had his kneecap split in half by a line drive off of a metal bat. Yes, I think they should go to wood. Yesterday. Don't know if it will ever happen -- would hope player safety takes precedence at some point -- but I absolutely endorse it.
Southside Jimmy
12:30
Hey Jason.  Former Pirate Matty Alou accumulated a number of hits by chopping down on the ball and using his speed to his advantage.  Do you know if the Pirates are coaching or encouraging Bae to do the same?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:30
Maybe over time but not now. The emphasis with Bae has been getting his bat on the ball. Again, there are fancier ways to do it. Maybe Bae gets there. But they're trying to get him to make more consistent contact --  and he has.
xpressguru
12:30
I am old enough to remember the '88 team that had surprising results when Bonds, Bonilla and Van Slyke were the core. They had a "Ahead of their time" season, only to backslide in '89 prior to having the big Early 90's run. Do you see that as repeating itself this year with the possibility of having a backslide next year before a real good run is upon us?
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