You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.22.20
powered byJotCast
Jason Mackey
11:15
Hi folks. Welcome to my weekly chat. Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to leave your questions now, and I'll be back at noon to answer them. -- Mackey.
11:59
OK, and away we go ...
Bob
11:59
What does a bench coach and quality control coach do?
Jason Mackey
12:01
Couple different things, Bob. The most notable thing you're seeing a bench coach do now is Don Kelly running spring training 1.0 and 2.0. The bench coach should also be something of a conduit to players -- alerting them if they're starting or sitting, monitoring attitudes, etc. He might assist in strategy or present ideas. There aren't defined rules, but it's sort of a Jr. Manager kinda thing. Quality control coach can be used a bunch of different ways. There are teams that want this guy to focus more on analytics and how they're being implemented. Maybe it's making sure players understand this info or not how to get it. Could be look-aheads on opponents or examining positioning. Even help with pitching. A lot of different things.
Walter
12:01
I have no question to pose, just a friendly reminder to everyone who may have already forgotten during these crazy times. The Houston Astros are arrogant cheaters and should forever have an asterisk next to their names. Good day.
Jason Mackey
12:01
Ha. I admire your dedication to the cause, Walter.
Nivek Morris
12:02
A lot of folks have given their opinions on what Pirate players will have break-out seasons, but which ones do you think are most likely to go in the opposite direction? Did Josh Bell, Kevin Newman, or Bryan Reynolds have career years last year? Is Jacob Stallings going to be able to replicate his acceptable 2019 batting this season?
Jason Mackey
12:04
Hmm ... so you're asking who's gonna take a step backward. ... Not Reynolds. Not Bell, either. Both have looked excellent. And honestly, I have a tough time seeing that from Newman or Stallings, either. Although Stallings would be more from a defensive standpoint. ... I don't really see anyone who fits into this particular question, Nivek. Sorry.
Mel
12:04
Jason, with the wealth of middle infielders currently on the Pirates roster ,it makes perfect sense to use their defensive skills at other positions.  When most little league teams are formed the best players are usually up the defensive middle players,shortstops,second basemen ,center fielders and catchers.  Through their careers and physical growth they may play other positions. These players are athletic and can play multiple positions.   Tucker can certainly play the outfield and could get better with practice.  They could find the correct player and position in this time. Why not?
Jason Mackey
12:07
Hi Mel. I have no issue with them trying Tucker in center field. For a couple reasons. One, they need to find out what they have in him. Can he hit major league pitching? Honestly, we don't know. Same time, I don't wanna take at-bats away from Newman or Frazier. Newman because he's a building block for me, Frazier because I think he's probably most valuable as a trade piece. If Tucker hits, OK; then let's evaluate defense. If he sticks in center, I have my CF of the future. If he doesn't, but he hits, I know him or Newman could play second. Meanwhile, you have a need for outfielders in a transition year. I'm all for it. I just think they need to do it the right way: Ease him into it. I've heard people saying he should start there Friday. C'mon. You're putting him in a position to fail. Need to let him work on it a little.
Jonathan
12:07
Any news on Cederlind?
Jason Mackey
12:07
No sir.
Jdk717
12:07
I don't see this team winning 15 games.  Last year was bad and now they are without Marte, Vazquez and Archer.  They have 3 legit starters, no closer (yet), no Polanco (shocker), the bullpen looks like a train wreck etc.  I like the new management team, but it's going to be a tough year.  What's your forecast on wins?
Jason Mackey
12:08
I think they'll win more than 15 games. Before Kela and Polanco went out, I thought the Pirates would flirt with .500. Those hurt, though they're hardly permanent. At this point I'd say 26-30.
Gene
12:08
The bullpen looks terrible what can the Pirates do to fix it at this point?
Jason Mackey
12:09
Hi Gene. I agree it has not been good. And honestly, if this is what it is, there's little they can do. They're in trouble. But we're also forming opinions on their bullpen based off of two games. I think some patience is required here.
Blackhawk Bob
12:09
Will there be any financial gain for the Pirates if the Blue Jays play in Pittsburgh and if so what will be done with the money ?
Jason Mackey
12:09
I don't think so, at least not for the Pirates. Any rent the Blue Jays would pay would go to the SEA, which owns PNC Park. (Legally-speaking, the Pirates are also renters.) I can't speak for what the SEA might do with that money.
thomastown
12:10
You did a good job covering the pros and cons of the Blue Jays playing at PNC park. It’s interesting to think there will be real Major League Baseball played there rather than just games involving the glorified minor league team that usually plays there. Now it’s sounds like this will likely happen. Since there will be no fans attending and I assume no local TV, do you think there will be any local interest in these games and how do you and your colleagues plan to cover them.
Jason Mackey
12:12
You know the Blue Jays won two fewer games than the Pirates last season, right? I agree they have more young talent, but let's not act like we're getting the '27 Yankees here. That said, I'm psyched. I think it's so neat that is going to happen. I'm not sure what we're going to do, honestly. I think I need to talk about it with my bosses at the P-G and see what our strategy will be. I think some of it will depend on if people read the stuff, too. If they do, I don't see why we wouldn't staff something happening at PNC Park. I just question whether the interest will be this high the entire time.
Donna
12:12
Hey Jason.  Since the Puig signing with the  Braves fell through because of a positive test have the Pirates shown any interest in him?
Jason Mackey
12:12
Hi Donna, I don't believe they have. Such a shame, too. They clearly do not see that he's the ticket to a World Series.
Krugerrand
12:12
Jason, if fans were permitted in the stands, which team, do you think, would sell more seats, Pirates or Blue Jays?
Jason Mackey
12:14
The Pirates, easy. After all of this time at home, I don't care if the Pirates are trotting out an outfield of Derek Bell, Chad Hermanson and J.J. Davis, people will come and watch, if for no other reason than it would feel at least somewhat normal. I think people will follow the Blue Jays, but it'll be hard because there's no emotion built up there, even if right now most of that is anger for Pittsburgh's baseball team.
Jay
12:14
Have you heard if the Pirates will be compensated for letting the Bluejays play at PNC?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:15
Answered this one above, Jay. They will benefit financially in no way, other than perhaps advertising Pittsburgh, PNC Park and looking like the good guys in this. The SEA owns PNC Park. Blue Jays would have to pay rent to them, not to the building's tenant.
Cole T
12:15
Should I be positive or slightly paranoid about my new found outfield position? I thought I was better than those other guys defensively at short? And my bat is not exactly lumber company material. Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:16
Cole, my man. Give it a shot. Could be really good for you. Newman has to play. He has hit more than you. Frazier, too. And we're not gonna move our Gold Glove finalist second baseman (other teams, yinz catch that? GOLD GLOVE) to another position and risk having anything change with a tradable asset. So, get a bigger glove.
Guest
12:16
any chance pirates could lose 50 games this year
Jason Mackey
12:17
I don't think so, but I'm pretty sure there's a large subsection of Pirates fans who think they'll lose 61 in a 60-game season.
Wayward
12:17
Any inclination that the Bucs are/will look at any of the  guys being released/opting out?  I am thinking relief arms and maybe another OFer.
Jason Mackey
12:18
If a guy opts out for one team, he's not gonna change his mind for another. Won't be allowed. Also, no. It would not sync with their entire MO to this point, which has basically been bare bones additions -- only the stuff they ABSOLUTELY had to do -- while evaluating what they have and acquiring talent at the lower levels.
Wayward
12:22
Sorry, I meant guys opting out of minor league contracts they signed with other teams, not guys opting out of playing due to Covid.
Jason Mackey
12:22
Ah, I gotcha. Thank you for clarifying. Honestly, I don't think it changes anything for them. People won't like that, but I don't think they feel the need to extend themselves at all right now for the future, again, other than what they have to do.
12:33
Have a Pirates Zoom call right now, folks, will be back as soon as possible.
Drew
12:45
Just a comment.  I know the record in exhibition games hasn't inspired much confidence in the coming season, but I think it is only fair to point out that if they play at last year's winning percentage, they would be on pace to win 25 or 26 games. I think it comes out to 25.6.  Also, as you pointed out, the Blue Jays did finish two games below the Pirates' record last year...yes, they have some of the games most highly touted prospects, but even those guys with great blood lines still have to prove it on the field.
Jason Mackey
12:47
Agree, Drew. On everything. The Pirates are certainly flawed, but I don't think they're a nine-win club. And everybody makes the Blue Jays out to be so much better. They might have more talent in the system right now, but it has not yet come to fruition.
Ross
12:47
Besides Burdi, who amongst the pen guys has looked the most crisp overall so far?
Jason Mackey
12:48
Umm ... Crick's stuff has looked good, but the velocity has been a little down. Most crisp ... tough one. This is gonna sound strange, but Clay Holmes has been pretty solid thus far. I've liked what I've seen out of him. Maybe Feliz, too, although again, the results the other night was bad.
Huge Pirates Fan
12:48
I think the pirates need to sell the farm for a big name guy to bring people back to the seats. Stadium looks pretty much empty these days. I was thinking a guy like Mike Moustakous or Christian Yelich. Possibly Jacob Toblerone.
Load More Messages
Connecting…