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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.16.19
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Jason Mackey
11:21
Hi folks. Welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. We're doing this a day early today because of a day game tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by. Fire away now. I'll be back at noon to answer your questions.
Rob
11:58
Who are the Pirates looking to part ways with as the trade deadline approaches. Some decent names we can unload and not miss all that much!
Jason Mackey
12:01
Hi Rob, should this continue, I would imagine the Pirates would start to explore moving the guys on expiring contracts. That means Cervelli, Kang, Dickerson, Cabrera and Liriano, of the ones who can maybe be moved, and I have some serious doubts about the first two. ... I think they would miss some with Dickerson, Cabrera and Liriano, but if you're not within striking distance of the division and not playing very good baseball, then it's worth it for the return, IMO.
SerraEagle76
12:01
What’s up with Chisenhall?  Last I read he was at home consulting other dr’s and was still collecting a paycheck from the Bucs.  What is being said about him?
Jason Mackey
12:02
Basically what you just said. He's experiencing symptoms and at home, getting another opinion every so often. I'm not expecting him to come back, but I'm also not expecting the Pirates to say or do anything that makes him look bad because it'll hurt their ability to sign off-the-street free agents.
SerraEagle76
12:02
I agree with Zeise that Bucs should buy or sell but not stand pat. Team as presently constructed is average at best. What’s your view?
Jason Mackey
12:03
It depends on return, and I don't think those of us on the outside can answer that. I certainly wouldn't trade guys like Bell or Vazquez. I suppose I'd listen on the others. It just depends on what you could or could not get. ... I'm also fine standing pat if they're close to the division, but it doesn't look like it's gonna be that wait after this Cardinals serious, unless something changes soon.
Jake in DC
12:04
How many more losses is it going to take before we sell? To be honest, I think we're more than a pitcher or two away anyway, so it might be time already.
Jason Mackey
12:05
Hey Jake. I get your point, but I see the point in putting a number on it. Neal Huntington should be having conversations, and some of it should be return. That said, if they lost five out of their next six, I think we'll know. Until that time, I think Neal is smart to keep having conversations and get a feel for what's out there. You don't HAVE to make a decision right now, even if they lose six in a row out of the break.
Jack
12:05
Is it time to be realistic and say this team as constructed and with the injuries is just not a playoff caliber team?  Playoff teams just don't take a week off every month like this team has.
Jason Mackey
12:05
We're getting close, Jack, but as I said just said, I don't think you need to put a hard-and-fast date on it. That seems like the en vogue thing to do, like you have to put some sort of official stamp on it.
Jake in DC
12:06
I don't understand the clamoring to sell Vasquez. He's and incredible player on an incredible contract for THREE MORE YEARS. Isn't that the exact kind of player you'd want to be getting? I know we could actually get #1 prospects and whatnot, but I don't understand the point.
Jason Mackey
12:06
Same. The return would have to be just absolutely ridiculous. And hey, if the Dodgers want him badly enough, maybe they do it. But it would have to be a crazy-good return.
Rob
12:08
If the Pirates lose this series, do you think they start selling and if so who and when do you think those pieces move?
Jason Mackey
12:10
I see we're going a specific direction here ... and not reading what was asked in advanced. We'll answer it again: I don't think there's a black-and-white rule, but I think losing six in a row out of the break would very much tell Neal Huntington what he should do. That said, losing six in a row out of the break isn't gonna tell him to do a dumb deal. (I know, I know; he's made enough of those on his own. Will save you guys/gals the snark.) But seriously, OK, say he chooses to sell off some expiring contracts. Would make sense. He's peddling Kang, Cervelli, Liriano, Cabrera and Dickerson. First two probably won't get you much, next three might. But I wouldn't trade those guys for nothin'.
Jeff
12:10
Hey Jason thanks the chats.  its seems like every year we are 1-2 players (1 great, 1 good) from truly competing.  last year it was hitting this year its pitching.  do you agree and if so why would the fans ever think its going to change?  whereas I agree with trying to improve by getting Archer, Archer isnt Keuchel and you give up nothing to sign him.
Jason Mackey
12:13
They should have signed Kuechel, absolutely. Or at least tried. There's no guarantee Kuechel would want to come here, also. ... I would argue they're more than 1-2 players away, but fans should care because there's also a lot of good, young talent on this team. ... If I'm a fan, I'm wanting them to add pitching, but I'm also encouraged by the pieces already in place (Musgrove, Williams, Archer, Taillon, Keller if he can develop) ... plus Vazquez on the back end, Liriano if they can keep him around, Crick if he gets right, etc. ... There's a lot of reasons to like this team, but yeah, I can see why a fan would want management to be more aggressive. That's fair.
Bill
12:15
If this slide continues for the next 10 days or so, guys like Dickerson, Melky, maybe even Liriano have to be moved right? Worst place for an organization to be is stuck in the middle of mediocrity. Not good enough to buy and not bad enough to sell. Guys like Keller, Tucker, etc need experience if they continue losing.
Jason Mackey
12:15
Next 10 days, yeah, I would imagine that sort of thing picks up. Again, assuming this slide continues.
jds317
12:15
It's been suggested that the Pirates "sell high" on Marte as part of a restructuring.  I don't see how they can  as your outfield for 2020 would be B. Reynolds and the oft injured and currently ineffective G. Polanco.  Any Marte trade would need to include a plug and play CF.  Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:16
I would be trying like hell to hang on to Marte. If someone offered me a top-tier starting pitching prospect or two -- they won't -- then yeah, I'll listen. But I would want my 2020 outfield to be Reynolds and Marte, for sure, then figure out the third piece. Hopefully it's Polanco, but if not you gotta find someone.
Tim F
12:17
Jason, have you heard the 4-19-84 dead show from Philly? I was there and it was a legendary set. Anyway my friend swears he saw Mike Schmidt there, but my friend also was on acid. I don't think Schmidt was there. He's very straight laced.  Anyway, is it true that the Buccos tried to trade to get schmidt on the Pirates back in '89? And how would that have impacted the 90-92 glorious Pirates teams? Thanks, Jason!
Jason Mackey
12:17
Have not heard that show. I'll go back and listen and let you know if I hear Mike Schmidt in the crowd.
Guest
12:17
How would you rate Bell's All Star performance, both in the HR Derby and the Game Itself?
Jason Mackey
12:18
I thought it was a bit underwhelming, to be honest. Not to criticize Josh -- clearly he was trying -- but I thought it would be a little more exciting all-around.
Pirates win!
12:19
Jason, do you and Gator have similar taste in music, food, etc. And, if not, how do you decide what to eat and what to listen to on Road Trips?
Jason Mackey
12:21
Ha. We haven't discussed music, although he's not into the Dead, I don't think. Food is hard to not find common ground in Chicago. Baseball is different, too. Not a lot of "road trips." It was probably the only time other than spring training where we'll be in the same place for an extended period of time. Until, of course, the Pirates make a World Series run.
Guest
12:21
Do the Pirates make any trades and stand firm at the DEADLINE?
Jason Mackey
12:21
I can see them making a minor trade or two.
Guest
12:21
Do you think they could trade Bell for two very high end pitching prospects while hoping Craig is the answer at first base. Or is no team willing to give them such a deal?
Jason Mackey
12:22
Absolutely not. They better not. That would and should infuriate their fanbase, and I don't care how good the prospects might be.
Proud Yinzer fan
12:22
Is it possible that Rob Manfred is a worse Commish than Selig? This bum has tons of lousy ideas to "improve" the game, but he won't even let the owners pony up the money for new netting to protect the friggin' fans?    I know you technically work for Manfred, but what is this guy's problem!
Jason Mackey
12:23
Dude, I do not work for Rob Manfred. I work for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. ... I don't have any problem with what he's doing. To be honest, I think he should be doing more. Baseball has a problem right now. People are tuning out and not going because it's slow and not appealing to a younger generation. I also think it has a safety issue with the nets. I give Manfred credit for doing what he's done, although I want to see him do more.
123
12:24
Is Pedro Alvarez still playing ball? Retired?
Jason Mackey
12:24
I don't believe he's playing anywhere.
Peter
12:24
we all know the stars have to align for this team to compete with such a low payroll.  Will this happen in the next 50 years , or are we stuck in a continuous cycle of being used as other teams farm system?
Jason Mackey
12:24
I'm comfortable saying the Pirates are going to compete within the next 50 years.
Dead fan too
12:25
Jason, I read that the new Grateful Dead featuring John Mayor (which is terrible by the way) are playing some Train songs in their sets?!?!?! As someone who famously loves the Dead and has dissed Train in these chats, how do you feel about this?  I'll tell you how I feel...It STINKS!
Jason Mackey
12:25
I don't have an opinion either way. Still need to listen to some more Train and get a good grasp of it.
Peter
12:25
With the best management team in sports,  why are we as fans stuck with another down season?  Injuries?? Please!  Short of the mariners and nationals, no team has a longer stretch between World Series visits as the bucks!
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