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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.14.23
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Jason Mackey
12:49
I have a deal with 93.7 FM. Brought to you by Westminster College, my alma mater!
Greg
12:50
Diaz has had an ok year but hasn't looked like a mistake since leaving Pirates.  He was greatly helped by being the lone selection from a lousy Rockies team.  He's still underwater career WAR (Fangraphs) and only .5 in his "All-Star" year
Jason Mackey
12:50
Yeah, it's possible to be happy for Diaz and think he has improved without crushing the Pirates for it.
PrinceBob
12:50
This is mostly  a general comment but inspired now by Contreras. I often think there can be too much coaching in today's game and it can get into a struggling player's head and maybe make the struggles work.
Jason Mackey
12:50
I agree with you.
ZapALord
12:50
Looks like Triolo’s bat is potentially better than the current third baseman and his fielding is nearly the same. Any chance the pirates move the incumbent for pitching help?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I would very much doubt it, at least right now. I think they think Hayes will improve offensively. I mostly agree with them, but I would also not trade Hayes now because I'm not sure you could.
PrinceBob
12:51
Do you anticipate any difficulty in getting Skenes signed>
Jason Mackey
12:51
I do not.
Frank
12:51
On the amount of signing bonus for draft picks what happens if the team does not spend the full amount and is the draft money fully invested by the team or does MLB pay some of the amount
Jason Mackey
12:52
I don't understand what you're asking, Frank. What happens if a team doesn't spend all of its pool money? Honestly, the Pirates have spent every dollar every draft I've covered. So, I don't know. But I don't believe they just pocket extra cash.
Seferg
12:52
When you look back at the last Pirates world series winners they were hitting teams and the pitching surprised/excelled in the playoffs.  The Pirates took mostly pitchers in the draft.  Do they have any hot hitting prospects in the minors?  Run production remains a serious concern at the major league level.
Jason Mackey
12:53
Yeah, I feel like we've covered this a bunch. You can look at the top 30. You don't need me for that: https://www.mlb.com/prospects/pirates/.
12:54
Also, I would point out that it's often a form of team-building -- a smart one -- to grow pitchers and buy position players, because it's cheaper. If the Pirates get enough pitching and need to supplement via free agency, there's nothing wrong there, IMO.
Guest
12:54
Jason, appreciate your work on our Bucs! Do you think we will see Tucupito or Rodolpho go down for another session at Triple AAA? They both seem to be regressing...Bucs Fan in GA
Jason Mackey
12:55
I think it's possible, yes. We need to see how they produce in the second half, if they produce. But they've both stagnated. Agree there.
Greg
12:55
ie Pirates will pay > slot for Skenes, but may have had to pay even more to Crews
Jason Mackey
12:55
It's a lot of conjecture, Greg. What if one just likes Skenes more than Crews? I happen to think that way. Others do as well.
Tobias F
12:56
How would you grade the rebuild 4 years in?  I think there is a lot to like but it’s frustrating when compared to the reds and orioles
Jason Mackey
12:57
That's fair. I think it's going slow than it should or anyone would want. Are they behind schedule? I don't know. Might depend on how this current group plus Endy & Priester grows from now until the end of the season. If they do, then the Pirates have their breakthrough next year, then it's about the Orioles pace. But if they continue what they've done in May and June and the young kids don't get any better, then, yeah, that isn't acceptable. In other words, I think the grade would be incomplete halfway through the season.
Tobias F
12:57
Do you see the pirates either trading for or signing a controllable #3 or #4 starter this offseason? Preferably not a rental like Hill
Jason Mackey
12:58
Yeah, it wouldn't surprise me if they tried to supplement that way. I don't think it would be a marquee name on a mutliyear deal, but addressing the rotation via free agency, they almost have to given the internal options they have. Or don't have.
Austin H.
12:58
I'm just asking for how it's measured. If you don't know, just say that. If you do, please share. I have millions on the line here.
Jason Mackey
1:00
It's measured using cameras positioned throughout the ballpark, same as other Statcast metrics. Basically the idea of taking a borderline pitch or one that may be an outright ball and getting a called strike or a swing on it. Beyond that, I can't tell you. But I do trust the fine folks at Baseball Savant and FanGraphs that they wouldn't cite a number that's total BS. As I've been saying, it should be AN input. Not THE input.
Greg
1:00
why argumentative?  I'm defending Skenes pick and do not think it's cost driven.  I do think Crews may get bigger bonus but who cares? :-)
Jason Mackey
1:01
Not arguing with you or anyone, Greg. Also, please understand, if I'm answering a question, it's sometimes to fan sentiment writ large. The same as if I ask a question to Shelton or a player, that person may react but it's to the genesis of the question, not the questioner. But seriously, I'm just stating my opinion on the thing.
OK, folks. That does it for me this week. Gotta do some things and head to the park. Appreciate it as always. Likely talk to ya next Friday from Anaheim.
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