You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.03.19
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Jason Mackey
12:38
I would imagine Brault takes precedence over Agrazal, first off. Taillon isn't throwing. They're waiting for symptoms to disappear and that hasn't happened. It's getting kind of scary. We're going to get an update from the Pirates' director of sports medicine, Todd Tomczyk, a little later today. Keep an eye out for that.
Wayward
12:42
People talk about a "2 year window" when they are proposing a go forward mode.  While it is nice to see the Bucs compete to me the more exciting to that a future core is really starting to come together with Bell, Newman, Diaz, Moran, Reynolds, etc...  Whats your take?
Jason Mackey
12:43
I like both. Why do we have to pick one? The only thing -- again, putting my fan hat on here -- that would make me mad is if they trade a bunch of key pieces. This group has done a heck of a job battling to stay in this thing, and I think the least management can do is let them see if through.
SalemPirate
12:43
Taillon potentially out for the rest of this season and possibly even longer would influence Pirate trade plans by how much, if any?
Jason Mackey
12:44
I think they should be looking for a starter, although they could manage if Taillon came back. Signing someone wouldn't give them too many, and they shouldn't just assume Taillon is out for the year, if that makes sense. Just need to insulate better against more potential injuries. They haven't done a good enough job of that this season.
Ke'Bryan Mays Hayes
12:44
Clay Holmes is good now, which is cool. Any indication of a change in approach that's led to better command?
Jason Mackey
12:45
Last night he talked about a lack of nibbling, basically. Attacking hitters more and not being as cautious. I also think confidence has been a factor. Getting comfortable. Believing he belongs. Knowing a bad outing won't screw his career.
Bill
12:45
Jason- You've done a great job on the beat, enjoy reading your writing. Re: Holmes and Feliz, both have been solid lately, not out of the question that if these guys figure it out and with their stuff, that they could really change the dynamic of this bullpen.. Agree?
Jason Mackey
12:46
Thanks, Bill. I appreciate the kind words. I've enjoyed it. ... Completely agree on the bullpen, and it's not just the guys you mentioned. Several have been better. They have the best bullpen in baseball since June 11. It's actually become a big strength. Richard Rodriguez has been a huge part of that, too.
Kevin?
12:47
Have the pirates soured on Kevin Kramer? Or is it just a case of him being blocked. I’d hate for vets like Kang and Gonzalez, who may not be around long, block him when he could be another potential helpful rookie
Jason Mackey
12:48
They haven't soured on him, I can tell you that. But he's hitting .268 and has an OPS of .754 this season at Class AAA. Playing behind Newman and Moran, he's going to have to wait his turn, for sure.
Pete
12:48
If the pirates are “buyers” at the deadline. Who could you see them making a move for
Jason Mackey
12:51
I think that's way down the road, honestly. If they add someone, it will be minor. The biggest addition might just be not subtracting too much.
Guest
12:51
Clay Holmes seems to have figured it out.  Any chance he could be stretched out to be a starter or is he best suited for relief?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I think he's best suited for relief. If he can help them as a long ball/sixth inning guy, that would be huge. They've needed someone to be better there.
SalemPirate
12:51
Not long ago there was talk of you doing a second chat. Still possible?
Jason Mackey
12:52
We're still thinking about it and what makes the most sense.
PENSFANINBVA
12:52
Are the Bucs Interested in anyone???
Jason Mackey
12:53
They signed a right-handed pitcher out of the Dominican yesterday, Cristopher Cruz, so I would imagine they're interested in him.
Winslow
12:53
What’s with the Marte hate in this city? I know he disappointed a lot of fans with the suspension, but that aside, why isn’t he more appreciated? I feel like people expected him to be the second coming of Cutch, which is a pretty unrealistic expectation
Jason Mackey
12:54
Agree there. And I don't sense that sort of frustration. I think people might think Marte makes some sporadic, stupid mistakes, and he does. But the guy's a heck of a ballplayer. If you have Josh Bell, to me, Marte is a great fit at No. 3.
Wayward
12:54
Would the bucs trade both Cabrera and Dickerson?
Jason Mackey
12:54
I would imagine it would be either or. That would really think their outfield depth.
John
12:54
Jason, with the offense clicking on all cylinders, do you see the Pirates adding to the starting rotation to solidify that or was last year's trade of Archer in the back of the mind of NH?  In addition, I think its prudent to resign/extend Dickerson.
Jason Mackey
12:55
I agree, but I think the Dickerson move might be tough. I think Neal is gonna approach adding the same way he did with Archer: If he can get someone with multiple years of club control, then I think he will consider it. If not, I don't think there's going to be a rental bought.
Andrew Vogel
12:55
This is a very good, young team. Even if we don't do much this year, if we keep this core together, do you see a deep playoff run in the next couple years?
Jason Mackey
12:56
I see a playoff run, yeah, if they keep everyone together and add around it. That's the shame here for people who are down on the Pirates. This is a really good, young core. If they spend just a little more money, it can be really exciting for the few years. I also understand that's not the first time any of you have heard that.
SalemPirate
12:56
FWIW, my opinion of Marte has risen this season. He's not a Hall of Famer but it would be hard to replace him.
Jason Mackey
12:56
He definitely doesn't get enough credit for his defense. Turns some balls into circuses, but also gets to many that others would not sniff.
John
12:56
Marte is an enigma and has made some bad decisions.  I don't see Polanco being the answer as well.
Jason Mackey
12:57
I'm still starting Marte as many days as I can.
D. J. Spin
12:57
Maybe Cleveland is the right fit for a Kang trade? Cheap contract, Cleveland probably doesn't want to move big pieces, but needs offense so takes a gamble. Probably not worth much more than a B or C prospect, but at least it's something. Osuna's a more well-rounded option off the bench, and Gonzalez can be a backup IF unless Tucker forces the issue of a promotion again.
Jason Mackey
12:57
If you were an opposing GM, would you want to inherit those problems for minimal return? No thanks, if I'm making those decisions.
Wayward
12:57
Untouchables in the farm system,  Keller and Hayes about it?
Jason Mackey
12:57
I'm sure there are more, but that's a pretty good starting point.
Rick in Orlando
12:57
Worried that when Polanco is healthy, he will take ab's from Dickerson and Reynolds. Can he be sent down to figure out his issues or do the Bucs continue with the 5 outfielder rotation? I say shut he and Cervelli down for the season to get them both totally healthy and then see what you have for next year.
Jason Mackey
12:59
My guess would be an outfielder is traded; however, I don't think they're going to rush Polanco. I think they want to drag this out a little and roll with what they have. Maybe he doesn't have a spot to come back to. Depends on how this goes.
Sko
12:59
Bob nutting said that they could one day sign a player for 100 million.  Would Bell be that person?
Jason Mackey
12:59
He better be if Nutting doesn't want to be universally hated by everyone in this city.
Calgon
12:59
Purely hypothetical: is there any realistic way Pirates’ fans could bring about a change in ownership?  Which areas of revenue benefit the owner the most - attendance, concessions, merchandise, tv ratings...?
Connecting…