You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.21.21
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Justin
12:43
Did you get any sense from the team that they "crushed" the draft, or was the attitude more like a strictly business "we did what we shouldve done with the biggest bonus pool."  IDK what i'd prefer, just curious.
Jason Mackey
12:44
I think they're very happy with it. This isn't the group to do victory laps. They also realized from where they're starting and how much work there is to do. It's one of the reasons you should believe in what they're doing. They get it. They're smart. But, yeah. It's hard to look at what has happened and not be happy about it if you're them.
Hugh
12:44
Hi Jason.  If Rodriguez is traded, who do you see assuming  the closer role or will it be “bullpen by committee?”  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:44
I think Bednar shifts there.
Mason Jackey
12:44
Mason Jackey
Jason Mackey
12:44
Howdy, self.
Sko
12:44
hi Jason
Jason Mackey
12:44
Yo, Sko.
BVA123
12:44
I saw on a story from Ken Rosenthal that Reynolds isn’t going anywhere and that they will build around him and KB. have both sides talked a new contract extension or are they holding off til the winter?
Jason Mackey
12:45
I would expect both to revisit this winter. Tough in-season, especially with the draft/trade deadline within weeks of one another. But, yeah, makes plenty of sense for them to talk in the offseason.
Cullen
12:45
Any word on signing Chandler, White, and Bishop? How confident are you that we'll sign 21/21 of our picks?
Jason Mackey
12:45
Chandler has signed for $3 million. Confident on the other two. Yes, I think they get at least 20. Worry more on Kellington and Bishop.
Cullen
12:45
Should we expect most of our trades to be right at the deadline or will we see some deals leading up as well?
Jason Mackey
12:46
I'm expecting them to go right up to the deadline. With the number of teams interested in Frazier, they have zero reason to do that deal early, unless they're completely blown away by something.
Sko
12:46
Hi Jason! Can you explain to me about the slotting of money in the draft. Why would Henry Davis take less money if he was suppose to get over 8 million being the #1 pick but he took less??
Jason Mackey
12:47
Sko, I can't get into all of this right now. It's a long explanation. I would suggest Googling MLB draft rules slotting system or something of the like. Davis took that for a couple reasons. One, chance to move up and play. Two, going 1-1. Three, if he felt like his market would be 5-6, which it might have been, then he's basically doing the same, or better, for himself while also having that prestige. Matters in future contract negs. No one by then thinks about taking an under-slot deal.
Jules
12:48
Does the front office care about securing the #1 pick next year? Will we see more "creative" lineups down the stretch to enhance their chances, or does success with this group mean something longer term?
Jason Mackey
12:49
I don't think they're going to throw games if that's what you're asking. Are they de-emphasizing the present and prioritizing the future? Yeah, that's fair. But that's roster construction. I think Shelton is gonna play the group of players he thinks will help him/them win, and I think the players will get it everything they have. Remember, their contracts and reputations depend on this, too.
Justin
12:49
Do you think Kevin Newman is on the roster in 2023?  He's... not been good.
Jason Mackey
12:49
Been good defensively, but short answer would be no. I don't think he will.
Sko
12:49
Where you surprised about Crick being dfa’d?  I know he hasn’t been real good this season but I thought he was decent the last couple years.
Jason Mackey
12:50
No, I'm not. This hasn't been in a mean way, but the new regime has been very much interested in giving opportunities to their own guys. Crick has been wild for a lot of the season. Maybe he figures it out. He has great stuff. But it didn't surprise me.
Justin
12:51
if Lonnie White does not sign, they'll get a comp pick next year and have that slot added to their pool next year, correct?  I think he'll sign, but i'm just using that specific case to ask about the rule.
Jason Mackey
12:52
Hey Justin. I don't know, honestly. I'll have to check on that. Let me fire off a couple texts and get back to you.
PrinceBob
12:52
About AAA and AA schedules? They're different now for Altoona and Indianapolis than I've ever seen them, i.e. they have no games this year with the Eastern or International League teams that are closest to me, New Hampshire, Portland, or Worcester, something that's always happened before. Is this a permanent change?
Jason Mackey
12:52
Yes, I think it involves how they overhauled the minor leagues this past offseason, changing around divisions, how they travel and trying to reduce footprints, that sort of thing.
Donna
12:52
Hi Jason, who are you favorite baseball play by play announcer and color analyst?  Thanks
Jason Mackey
12:55
Hey Donna. Thank you for a breath of fresh air question. All-time, probably Vin Scully. Followed closely by Jon Miller, then the Pirates trio of Prince (old stuff I've heard), Lanny and Brownie. Color guys? Hmmm ... Was actually a Tim McCarver fan. Maybe it's sentimental, but I also always liked Don Sutton when he was doing Nats games. And honestly, I'm also a huge Wehner fan. I don't think Pittsburghers appreciate how truly good, honest and relatable he is.
Sko
12:55
After the trade deadline what prospects do you see being called up?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Could see Castro getting a chance. Alford, too. He doesn't qualify as a prospect, but I also wouldn't be shocked to see Dee Strange-Gordon at some point.
Badger
12:55
Do you really think someone would give anything for Polanco? He can either be released or maybe packaged with another guy to unload but it is really difficult to see who would want him. He can’t hit, play the field, or throw.
Jason Mackey
12:56
If they take back 90% of the salary, I think they could get a flier of a prospect. It's better than DFA'ing him, I suppose. Just get something, anything, to make yourselves feel better.
Canyon
12:56
Chances that Reynolds or Hayes get extended this off-season?
Jason Mackey
12:56
I think at least one has a long-term extension in place before opening day 2021. There's your quote. And maybe both.
PrinceBob
12:56
Assuming the Pirates get no action on Polanco at the deadline do you think they keep playing him. keep him but  bench him, or DFA him?
Jason Mackey
12:57
Depends on how their roster shakes out. I don't think they will keep playing him. If they have a roster spot and no one else pushing, maybe a bench spot. But I don't think they would be afraid to DFA him if they needed the spot.
DJS
12:57
Hi Jason, do you have any insight on Rodolfo Castro? I understand though don't agree with wanting him back playing every day instead of pinch hitting and occasionally starting (until Frazier is traded), but do you think he may have gone back to the familiar confines of Altoona instead of a new situation in Indianapolis because we may give him another shot as the full time starter in a few weeks? In other words, if he was seemingly going back down for good, why not move him to Indy and AAA pitching? Maybe keeping him in a familiar environment is an indication he'll come back and skip AAA.
Jason Mackey
12:58
It's an interesting theory, yes. And I also think they want to let Strange-Gordon keep playing at Class AAA. Nothing wrong with letting Castro mash, IMO. He did that once, came up and was very good. You bring up and interesting point about logistics. Hadn't thought of that, but very possible with a Frazier trade looming.
TPHunter
12:58
Did you expect Chandler to get $3 million? Is he that much better of a prospect than White Jr.?
Jason Mackey
12:58
I reported it, so yes.
Connecting…