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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.03.19
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Jason Mackey
11:21
Hi folks and welcome to my/our weekly Pirates chat. Lots to talk about this week, as the ballclub has bounced back in a big way. Leave your questions. I'll be back at noon at answer them. Thanks, Mackey.
team fan
11:58
What is Josh Bell's contract situation and does he stay in PGH longterm?
Jason Mackey
12:00
Bell signed to an absurd contract at the moment. Believe $587,000. He has three years of arbitration, meaning he'll definitely make more based on production, then he can become an unrestricted free agent, if he so chooses. Given the Pirates' financial situation, I have a difficult time seeing them keep anyone for the duration of his contract. However, I think they would be smart to sign Bell to something ASAP and be comfortable paying a large chunk of money. Looks at what he's doing. He's worth it, and it ain't gonna get any cheaper.
Guest
12:00
Will we see more innings from Chris Stratton after the All Star Break? Could he be a driving force in a potential win streak later this month?
Jason Mackey
12:01
I think you might be taking that one a little far, but Stratton did look good during two scoreless innings of relief on Monday. As the bullpen has seemingly settled, I think Stratton is definitely of benefit as a long man -- better than some of the other pieces they've tried to fit until this point.
Guest
12:02
Mr Mackey, I have been sober for 15 years and have no interest in reliving my time following the Dead around the country. However, I am wondering 2 things: 1. have you ever listened to their March 26, 1990 show in NY state?  It is the best show they ever did if you ask me and I saw a lot of shows.
Jason Mackey
12:03
Congrats on your sobriety. ... I have. Dozin' at the Knick. Love it. I might take the Nassau run over it, but anything March '90 is incredible.
Guest
12:03
Is Josh Bell a viable choice to choose to win the HR Derby? I am considering wagering on him but don't want to lose. THanks for any insites you have.
Jason Mackey
12:03
I would have to think so. He's been hammering balls, and it looks like he's getting his left-handed power feel back. (These are actually his words; I question whether it ever left.) It would be on my short list, absolutely.
123
12:03
Dare I ask it...Can the Buccos make the Playoffs???
Jason Mackey
12:04
They're four back in the division. I think being realistic here is smart, but they're certainly in it and can. Credit to them.
sad news from MLB
12:04
Jason, terrible news from Anaheim about Tyler Skaggs. Can you say a few comments about Skaggs and his all too brief career? Terrible news.
Jason Mackey
12:05
It is terrible news. I have no personal connections. I did talk to Chris Stratton yesterday, who was friends with Skaggs. A lot of guys have been shaken up by it. The only thing I'll add is that it is a sobering dose of perspective, to better appreciate what we have and what's right in front of us because it won't always be there.
Guest
12:05
Jason, have you come across any scientologist players while covering baseball or hockey? I know a lot of actors are scientologists, but are baseball and hockey players that religion too?
Jason Mackey
12:05
I have not, no.
Fish Monger
12:05
How far away is Gonzalez from returning and what moves do you see accompanying his return? Is that the end of Jung Ho Kang?
Jason Mackey
12:06
It could be, to take the second part first. However, it doesn't look like it will be soon. So far on his rehab assignment, Gonzalez is 0 for 11 with three strikeouts. I don't think his return is gonna be fast, and he still has much to prove when he does get healthy. Best to just pump the brakes, IMO.
Swinging Bunt
12:07
Jason, do you think with Bell emerging at 1B, the Pirates will try to teach Will Craig an OF position? I'd hate for him to become trade bait based on one great first half from Josh (even though I'm happy for him!)
Jason Mackey
12:08
They've started tinkering with Craig in the outfield. However, if another team would value him at first, I would have to imagine the Pirates would listen. It's unfortunate, but you see it happen all the time. The spot just isn't open. Other teams see this, too, and I would imagine Neal is fielding offers for Craig. Just a matter of something making sense.
Ralph F
12:08
Jason, as you probably already know we lost Don Drysdale on this day in 1993. In your lifetime, is Drysdale the best pure pitcher you'e ever seen? I know that I don't think anyone has matched his stuff and style except maybe Bob Gibson. Thank you.
Jason Mackey
12:10
Umm ... in my lifetime I might say Nolan Ryan, honestly. Or maybe Randy Johnson. I loved watching Greg Maddux and would have to throw him into the conversation.
Guest
12:10
Jason, which Pirates pitcher would you name as best pitcher so far this season?
Jason Mackey
12:10
Hmm ... that's a good one. ... Would probably go Felipe Vazquez, although lately Joe Musgrove has made a bid. Trevor Williams a lot, too. ... But tough not to go Vazquez there.
David M
12:11
I've read your chats many times, but have always been to shy to participate. I'm wondering a baseball question and also it is related to the Dead. Did the Dead ever play a concert at a baseball stadium, like Yankee Stadium or Dodger Stadium and if so did they include any baseball related material in those sets?  I'm not a huge Dead fan but that would be pretty neat - a long riff on Take Me Out to the Ballgame or Put Me in Coach. Anyway, I enjoy reading your chats and it would be neat to get a published question. Thanks you.
Jason Mackey
12:12
The Dead are/is baseball fans, at least marginally. Sang the national anthem before a Giants game, I believe. Have never heard them noodling on baseball tunes, although who knows, maybe they did at some point.
Guest
12:12
Any plans for the 4th of July, Mackeey??
Jason Mackey
12:12
I usually attend Colony Bash, hosted by 93.7 The Fan's Jim Colony. But we also have a family party, and that's going to take precedence. Probably a local festival or parade in the morning.
Mark Z
12:12
Jason great job on the Pirates beat, you’re a welcome addition. Q: is a Polanco/Kang package enough to bring in a quality pitcher in a potential trade?
Jason Mackey
12:13
Thanks, Mark. Appreciate that. ... I have a tough time believing it is, honestly. Polanco has potential, but the shoulder issues would probably scare off a large amount of teams. The inconsistency at the plate, too. Kang ... with his off-the-field issues, problems striking out, I can't imagine another team wanting that. If he was gonna hit 40 homers, maybe. But he's not. And he's strikeout-prone.
Jason in Slippery Rock
12:15
Should we be concerned that Will Craig may not have a position in the bigs? Also, what is your opinion of Shakedown Street, aka "Disco Dead?"
Jason Mackey
12:16
If you're concern is that Josh Bell has blossomed into a superstar then, no, I don't think you should have a concern. That's a Will Craig problem, not a Pirates problem. ... He may be a trade chip, and that's OK. Not a bad thing. ... Not a big Shakedown guy. The best versions are fine, but it's typically not something I gravitate toward.
Guest
12:16
Is it true that the Pirates were in the running to get Pujols the season he signed with the Angels? The rumor my barber was telling me is that the Pirates had an offer on the table for $2M less than the Angels and that had they upped it by $3M Pujols was willing to sign in PGH because he respects Clemente so much. If so, can you imagine how that would have changed the culture in PGH? We might have a world series ring. But apparently Nutting was too cheap to bump up the offer. Is this the case?    Did he need to buy some extra transition lenses or something?
Jason Mackey
12:17
I think you might wanna find a new barber.
D.J. Spin
12:17
Caveats about trades backfiring notwithstanding, do you think Keller has enough value to be a centerpiece for Marcus Stroman? I'm sure most fans would hate it, but from my perspective it seems more in line with committing to a window that is rapidly closing after next season, whether or not NH prefers to grant such things as competition windows. The division is more winnable than ever, and Keller might become a top of the rotation guy, but he might just as well be more of a Musgrove or Williams type. That's nothing to just give away, but Stroman gives us another guaranteed anchor now, and allows Lyles or Brault to potentially be a multi-inning weapon from the pen down the stretch, which is perhaps not insignificant given how postseason games tend to be managed.
Jason Mackey
12:18
I think it would be insane to punt on Keller at this point, for anyone. The kid has made three big league starts, and he's mostly stunk. So what? We saw flashes of the potential in Cincy. Cutting bait now is like an accelerated Tyler Glasnow thing; what happens when Keller goes somewhere else and dominates? No, I would wait it out, let Mitch work, then try it again later this summer. I think they're doing the right thing by backing off a little.
Guest
12:19
A lot of the folks in my bowling league like your writing so I decided to start picking up the Post Gazette once or twice a week to read you. I quit reading it after a delivery dispute with my paper delivery kid last summer. Anyway, I think your writing is ok. I will not subscribe but I will buy an issue here and there at the gas station. So, I guess my question is, has the Pirates bullpen got what it takes to preserve small leads down the stretch? Enough fresh arms?
Jason Mackey
12:20
Thanks for the ... words. Or whatever you wanna call that. ... I think the bullpen has shown recently that it's just fine. Have the best ERA in baseball since June 11. They have a terrific closer plus solid setup guys in Crick and Liriano, maybe soon Kela. Holmes is figuring it out. Rodriguez was tremendous in June; looks like he's back. Stratton can be a good long man. Bullpen may actually be taking some pretty decent shape.
Guest
12:20
Will the Cardinals series in early august be the defining series for this team if we want to make the postseason?
Jason Mackey
12:20
I have a hunch that might be placing too much emphasis on one series.
CowsAreLove
12:21
What are we going to do with Stallings when Cervelli comes back as he's out of options? Does he get a phantom injury? Do we immediately trade Cervelli? I can't see the Bucs risking Staliings getting away. I think he would not clear waivers.
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