You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.21.23
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
AK
1:13
The biggest problem that plagues the Pirates, to me, isn't just lack of talent. It seems to be so much deeper than that. It appears that there is a lack of leadership from the top down. How else can you explain these prolonged losing streaks? They just melt down and seem that there is no direction or leadership coming from the top. They seem like a very mentally weak franchise, and that stems from the topp.
Jason Mackey
1:14
"A very mentally weak franchise." ... Have heard a lot of criticisms of the Pirates over the years. This is a new one. Gonna keep some thoughts here internal, but let's just say I think the problem is bigger/different than their collective mental state.
wvpirate
1:14
I looked and noticed Ortiz did not have a good start at AAA. Any word on Contreras?
Jason Mackey
1:15
He did not. I couldn't care less. He's working on stuff. If this is what it takes, fine. It's the minor leagues. And no, nothing yet on Contreras. He's in the FCL. Have not heard about results.
wvpirate
1:15
I thought Triolo had hammate surgery this year. Which saps power for awhile.
Jason Mackey
1:16
He did, earlier this season. His max for HRs in a minor league season is 15. It's deeper than hamate surgery, though I like Triolo. He's also a big boy. Just hasn't gotten that frame to translate into as much power as he could. Different type of player.
DJ
1:16
Trading Hayes seems like a nightmare idea. The last thing we need is for him to go to an organization that can actually get the underlying offensive metrics to translate to impact in games, and then he's a borderline MVP candidate. If anything, I think you should argue that a high priority focus should be ditching Haines and the organizational hitting philosophy in order to bring in someone who can get more from Hayes. Health is an issue, and maybe the excessive patience was good for Cruz (in very small sample early on), but yikes, trading Hayes just feels like it would end up being the worst of many bad Pirates trades.
Jason Mackey
1:17
I would not trade Hayes, for a variety of reasons. Also agree that I wish the offensive approach was different. Too many hitters have gone the other direction. Very few have actually gotten better.
George Costanza
1:17
Will Skenes be up with the big club in June of next year?
Jason Mackey
1:17
I think so. I'm not saying he will be, like reporting intentions. Just saying I think he has the ability to do it -- and will.
Johnny M
1:18
Following up on WB's question. The Pirates last year struck out a total of 1497 times which may have been a MLB record. So far this year they're at 827 & climbing per Baseball Reference. With 66 games left, at the rate they are going, they may eclipse that led by Suwinski's - 31.5 SO%. Do you think they'll actually get close?
Jason Mackey
1:18
Yeah, I do. I haven't run the numbers, but if something doesn't change, and with younger players down the stretch, I wouldn't rule it out.
George T
1:18
Not sure how to spell his name but his initials are MA.
Jason Mackey
1:20
I'm OK with Andujar getting another chance, but I'm hardly banking on any staying power from him. Looks like a Quad-A player from this vantage point.
Joel
1:20
Given the success of hitters in their third at bat with pitchers, what do you think of the idea of the Pirates, or any team, have a pitching staff of all relievers? They all go 1-2 innings. No starting pitchers. This keeps the opposing batters off balance all the time with a new pitcher in almost every at bat. Why not?
Jason Mackey
1:21
One, I don't know how sustainable that would be. Two, what about the quality? Your best guys generally aren't relievers? Three, they have good starting pitchers. You're gonna take Mitch Keller or Paul Skenes and tell them they're pitching just 1-2 innings at a clip now? I don't love it. Smells of seriously overthinking to me.
Buddy
1:21
What does a players defensive position have to do with whether he is a home run hitter?
Jason Mackey
1:22
Nothing. Just saying that typically you expect to have power from first base. That position is generally occupied by guys with so-so defense but a plus bat.
Johnny M
1:22
Had you seen Ohtani bat at all yet or were you on your hockey gig last time The Pirates played them?
Jason Mackey
1:23
I was on the beat, but I was not on the trip. Believe this will be the first time I've seen Ohtani played a regular season game live. Definitely my first trip to Angel Stadium.
1:24
OK, folks. That does it for me today. Thanks so much as always. Lot a great questions. Will talk to ya later today from the ballpark!
Connecting…