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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.01.22
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Jason Mackey
1:30
I know my mom did. She's habitually late.
Chris Harris
1:30
I’ve been actually encouraged, all things considered from the starting pitching. Need to get the walks down a bit. Got worried about Mitch the other night because he got hit pretty good, but like he’s done, he rebounded fairly well. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:31
Yeah, I think their starting pitching has been better than most expected, certainly better than the first month. Bru has been solid. Thompson will be back 7/3. Have liked what he has done. This last start for Mitch was an aberration. I just worry about the depth. There's not much beyond this current group.
Justin
1:31
What is something that to you seems like fans just tend to "not get" about how a team (particularly a rebuilding team) is run?  My personal guess is "how much a team values a 40 man roster spot, and values being able to keep a player off of it"
Jason Mackey
1:33
Just one? I could answer this for days. My general answer would be that the team doesn't act out of anger. Fans watch something, get mad and believe that necessitates action. The team is looking at things over a greater length of time and hopefully with a bunch more patience. They're also considering so many more inputs than what appears on TV. But people also don't wanna hear that.
Jay M
1:33
The concern that some people have with the Pirates is starting pitching. Aside from Ro, Quinn, maybe Burrows, do you think that they, meaning the organization, feel comfortable with the guys in their system or do you think they will want to bring in at least a pitcher from the outside to sort of seal a solid group?
Jason Mackey
1:34
I like those guys. There are more, too. Mlodzinski. Nicolas. Jones. Chandler. Solometo. But I do think they will look to add outside as well. Can never have enough pitching.
Ace
1:34
Keep hearing people, and to be fair, it’s talk radio callers, suggest a Madris/Chavis first base platoon. Does Madris have any first base experience?
Jason Mackey
1:35
Not a ton, although he did play there some in the minors. What about Yoshi? I really do believe they're gonna bring him back and let him play. Eventually you could get to Chavis/Madris, but I think we're fantasy GM'ing a bit there.
Bobert
1:35
Hi Jason. I am tired if mitch keller.
Jason Mackey
1:35
I'm not. I'm more encouraged by Mitch Keller than I've been.
Mark C.
1:35
Do you envision a scenario where Cherrington actively goes out to acquire player(s) via trade in the vain of AJ Burnette?  Like a player with a contract a team no longer wants, and the Pirates eat a certain portion of the contract?
Jason Mackey
1:36
I don't see Ben taking on a crap contract. I think he's too aware of how much he's spending and on what for that. However, as I've been saying, I do think he will see outside help at some point. I just think it'll be more efficient than taking a bad contract or something like that.
George P
1:36
With the way Reynolds has taken off, from the interactions you’ve had with people in the organization, are they thinking, “there’s the guy we know he can be, let’s try and lock him up” or “we’ve got a legitimate chip that can help us get the final pieces to finish off our plan/group”?
Jason Mackey
1:38
This is what I meant before about fan view vs. team view. They're not having conversations about Reynolds' future based on how he hit in June. Those around the team knew he would be fine. They also want him here. But some point that's not now, they're gonna have to sort out contract details. Or, maybe they're too far apart on asks and they say screw it. Or a great offer comes along at the deadline. I don't know. But his future won't be determined by a hot stretch, I know that.
Guest
1:38
Stratton DFA???
Jason Mackey
1:38
I sure hope not. I think there's more there. They did a good thing last night by using him in a different sort of situation. Let him pitch in some lower-leverage situations, maybe go multiple, and build his confidence back.
Dennis
1:38
Do you think the organization has buyers remorse about Key? Would they go back and give a bigger contract to Reynolds instead?
Jason Mackey
1:39
He's objectively the best defensive player in baseball right now. No, no buyer's remorse.
Ace
1:39
Does Yahure currently have a spot in the rotation or was that a spot start? Gotta find out what u have in him soon right?
Jason Mackey
1:39
It was a spot start. They sent him to Class AAA afterward. He could be back, obviously, but I would call it a spot start.
Brandon C
1:39
Scale of 1-10, chances that either Reynolds or Cruz get a legitimate extension before 2023?
Jason Mackey
1:40
I'll say 6.
Sean
1:40
Do you see them being aggressive with their young arms next year as they were with their young bats (Suwinski and Marcano) this year? Specifically Mlodzinski and Nicolas and depending on health and outcomes.
Jason Mackey
1:41
It's funny, Sean, some people think they've been too conservative -- I.e. Bae. I think they're gonna promote those guys when there's a need and they feel they're ready for it. I know that's something of a cop out, but they also don't have a blanket philosophy on promotions. No one does.
Justin
1:41
Do you think it's unreasonable to be a little disappointed that all of the trades of good MLB players - Taillon Musgrove Bell Frazier Stallings - has resulted in pretty much only 1 exciting pitching prospect, Roansy?  Otherwise the best prospects who are remotely close to debuting are probably Burrows and Priester, who are Neal guys.  (No offense to all the Yajure and Nicolas fans out there. Thompson is fine but i dont think anyone confuses him for being exciting).
Jason Mackey
1:42
It's completely reasonable to be frustrated by the amount of pitchers who've gone on to bigger and better things elsewhere. The Pirates are upset by that. But I think it's unfair to say they've gotten crap back. Frazier for Marcano and Suwinski was a good trade. Musgrove netted Bednar (and Endy). Stallings = Thompson, Nicolas, Scott. Don't hate that. I think you're being a little harsh on the return here.
Ace
1:42
Has the organization soured on Mason Martin?
Jason Mackey
1:43
He hasn't hit. His BA was below .200 at one point -- no, that's not the only metric, but he's been in a huge slump.
G in Phoenix
1:43
Hey Jason, enjoy the chats.  With the young guys who have made it to Pittsburgh so far this season, do you think the Pirates are stronger in the infield or outfield?  I ask this in part because of the upcoming draft.  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
1:43
Hey G, what they do in the draft won't be related at all to the major league product. It never is in baseball. Stronger in OF, BTW.
Doug Frobel
1:43
Happy Canada Day !!!
Jason Mackey
1:43
Same to you, Doug!
Ryan
1:43
Good afternoon Jason what do you think about the play of Reynolds looked good Wednesday against the Nationals go Bucs tonight and the rest of the year
Jason Mackey
1:44
Been awesome. Has looked like Bryan Reynolds. Really good catch last night. He's an MVP-caliber player. And now playing like one.
Guest
1:44
have you noticed cruz can't hit low and away pitched from left handers?
Jason Mackey
1:44
Show me the number of 23-year-old left-handed hitters who have thrived in that scenario. Also ones with long limbs.
Paul
1:45
Solometo--I might've missed it--but do you know what his injury is and when he'll be back? He was off to a good start in Bradenton and looked like someone who could move through the system more quickly than most.
Jason Mackey
1:46
Yep. Lat issue. They're being careful. Here's Mike's story on it. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2022/07/01/pirates-prospec...
Sylvester
1:46
What was the attitude like in the clubhouse when they lost so many close games?
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