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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.01.20
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Sammy
12:40
The 40-man is currently at 38, and Archer/Kramer don't seem to have been added to the 45-day IL yet, so there are at most 4 spots open at the moment--any chance Murphy, Holland, and Erlin aren't selected at this point? Seems like a lock.
Jason Mackey
12:41
Yeah, no. Locks would be a good way of putting that.
Jamie
12:41
Have you received any indication if Santana's suspension stretches into 2021 or not? There are different interpretations based on how you read the rules available at the moment (the March Agreement says prior suspensions will be served in 2020 in total, but Santana's was obviously issued after the agreement).
Jason Mackey
12:42
I agree with you. I have sought clarification from the Pirates as well. Will let you know what I get. Should be coming soon.
Guest
12:42
If the pirates get the right price do you think they trade bell this trade deadline? I don’t think they will extend him in anyway.
Jason Mackey
12:43
I don't think they will either, but I think this trade deadline is a little soon. From my understanding talking to both Scott Boras and Ben Cherington is that there's probably some mutual interest there, but that it makes sense for neither party to rush it. Cherington is learning and building. Bell wants to produce better numbers and up the value of that contract. So, what I'm saying is I think this season is unlikely. I think they probably try to talk in the offseason. If they find common ground, it gets done. If they don't, they flip him at the deadline of 2021.
Guest
12:49
What’s your thoughts on Cherington so far?
Jason Mackey
12:51
Pretty much as I expected, honestly. He seems to be smart with development. I like how they drafted. I like the moves they've made. I wish he would message things a little differently -- he's clearly smart, but I think he would do himself and the Pirates some favors by speaking more in regular terms and communicating more like a normal person. I think that's in there. I think he's a really good person. I just don't think that always comes across, either because he's not completely comfortable or wants to keep stuff quiet. But just be human. That's all. And I think the baseball side of things we'll learn over time. It's hard to say until we have some results to evaluate.
Jamie
12:51
Regarding Bell as well, it doesn't make sense to trade someone when the players available for trade are limited to 60 per team, no?
Jason Mackey
12:54
Probably not. I mean, if the trade return would be Mike Trout, I guess that would make sense, but I see what you're getting at -- you're operating within a limited window. More than that, I just don't think it's the right time for a few reasons. One, you gotta give your fans reason to get exited, especially now. Even without fans at games, it would be a great time for the Pirates to show people who follow them they care and are committed to doing this right. That doesn't involve trading your best player. Two, Bell had a lousy finish to the year. It would likely result in the return being less than it could be. If I know I'm going to trade Bell, I'm going to wait and see if he increases that value in 2020 or the first half of 2021.
wvpirate
12:54
Do you see Frazier playing in the outfield at all? Maybe to give Cole Tucker some playing time
Jason Mackey
12:56
Other than as a fourth outfielder, no. I think Frazier got comfortable at second base last year because he was able to get comfortable at second base last year. Know what I mean? I might think about it if Tucker gets a chance, keeps hitting and forces his way into the lineup -- then you have to do something -- but until that happens, I wouldn't do that to Frazier.
BobK
12:56
I'm still surprised they completely shut down minor leagues.  Any buzz on a Fall FL/AZ league?  How can you let your minor leaguers slide a year with no development/playing time?
Jason Mackey
12:57
I'm not surprised. And buzz, yes? Concrete stuff, no. The idea, as of now, is some sort of expanded fall league. But you see the way everything is going. I'm not sure I'm comfortable saying what I plan to do next week, let alone in several months. Like everything, it's tentative. ... To get development time, I think they're going to have to get creative. Use camp time. Use intrasquad games. Maybe something at Pirate City. Yes, improvement is best through games, but it's not the only route.
Ricky
12:57
Have you heard any interest the pirates have in Puig? He would be a great addition to the pirates
Jason Mackey
12:58
Ricky, I thought for a second I was going to miss you. I've heard they're planning a parade and the design of a statue. Other than that, nothing.
12:59
OK, folks. That does it for this week. Thanks so much for participating. Let's do this again next week ... when we will finally have baseball again. I hope, anyway.
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