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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.22.20
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Jason Mackey
12:49
You want them to "sell the farm" for Christian Yelich, who a couple months ago signed a massive extension to stay in Milwaukee? Gotta hope this is some sort of joke.
PhillyJake
12:49
I just asked you this on twitter - how many are left in camp now?
Jason Mackey
12:53
Believe their (PNC PARK) 40 looks like this: Pitchers (17): Brault, Brubaker, Burdi, Crick, Erlin, Feliz, Holland, Holmes, Keller, Kuhl, Musgrove, Neverauskas, Rodriguez, Stratton, Taillon, Turley, Williams

Catchers (3): Stallings, Murphy, Susac

Infielders (9): Bell, Evans, Frazier, Gonzalez, Moran, Newman, Osuna, Riddle, Tucker

Outfielders (4): Brito, Dyson, Heredia, Reynolds

COVID/undisclosed: Kela, Cederlind, Polanco
Ron T.
12:53
Is it me or do the Pirates have a history of keeping their younger prospects in the minors longer than other teams?  If so, do you think this tendency will change with the new GM and manager?
Jason Mackey
12:54
I don't know if you can make a determination any which way. They've been accused of manipulating Super 2 status, and I think some of that is fair. But I also think they jumped Polanco to the major leagues a little too earlier. I think I'd feel more comfortable saying they made the wrong development call too often in the past.
Sunner in the sunshine
12:54
Hi Jason and thanks for the chats! After watching the Indians game the other night with Rich Rod and Feliz giving up homers, it seemed like a repeat of last year's nightmare. The relievers once thought as a plus are now a huge minus in my book especially with those 2 giving up gopher balls on a regular basis. Any young guys in the organization that can come in and save the Pirate's sinking ship?
Jason Mackey
12:54
It's. Been. Two. Games. And in this case, one. Give it time.
Brenda
12:54
Jason, I enjoy the chats.  How do baseball teams determine if there is a need for captain?  I know hockey and football teams have them.  Is it history/traditional?
Jason Mackey
12:55
They don't really. It's not the same as hockey. There might be one, like Jason Varitek or Derek Jeter. But I think a lot of those times it's situations where you don't have to wonder.
PhillyJake
12:55
No news from the Zoom call ?
Jason Mackey
12:55
None. Sorry. It was Mitch Keller, who is a much better pitcher than talker.
Wayward
12:55
Which of the current Altoona pitchers due you see near the front of line to be recalled?
Jason Mackey
12:56
If something happens, probably James Marvel. He's done it before. Maybe Miguel Del Pozo, too. I'm also interested to see what Cody Bolton looks like.
Tony
12:56
During the intra-squad game that was televised I noticed the Pirates utilizing the shift.  Do you think they were just practicing fielding the shift...and not sending a signal on how to defend their own hitters?   Or am I looking too much into it
Jason Mackey
12:56
They use shifts a lot, Tony. All teams do. I think you're probably reading a little too much into it.
tmartin8757@yahoo.com
12:57
Hey Janson. Great job running the chat. I read it weekly...What do you think of Phil Evans chance to get a lot of AB's this year? He looks like he knows his way around the diamond!Bucs Fan in GA
Jason Mackey
12:58
I don't know about "a lot of at-bats," but I do think he will make the team. And I think there's a chance he could grab a bench spot. I really do. He's reliable defensively. Can play everywhere. And if he can hit, he's basically Erik Gonzalez with a better bat. I don't think you need both of those guys, and if Evans provides some pop, I think that could help him nail down a job.
Too Tall 21
12:58
Over the last couple seasons, it seemed like the bullpen guys threw more balls than strikes and when they did hit the zone, the ball hit the outfield seats. I really thought the new coaching staff was going to fix this. Wow, it sure doesn’t look like anything has changed. I wouldn’t normally worry about something like this after 2 games but the recent history says we should worry. Any chance before Friday you’ll get Marin to comment on what’s happened so far?  Thanks, Jason
Jason Mackey
12:59
I don't think Marin will be talking in the next couple days, but I can tell you this: He's not coaching these guys to throw balls. Also, it's been two games. I don't know why there seems to be such an uproar over two games -- maybe the lack of live sports over the past four months? -- but we knew relievers would be behind. Can't replicate that sort of experience. And they pitched like crap for two games. It can still change and turn around.
Josh
12:59
Is it just me, or is having coaches pitch and pitchers play center going to get the team ready at all for games? Are other teams doing this?
Jason Mackey
1:00
Yes. It's baseball, not Navy SEAL training. I think it's OK if they laugh a little bit. And I don't think the Pirates automatically stink because they let a couple of pitchers play center field. They'll stink if they can't hit, pitch or field, and if they struggle with those things, criticize away.
Jim M.
1:00
Jason,  Dyson is said to be an upgrade defensively but how much patience will the Pirates have if he hits in the low .200s?  I’d rather see Heradia, Oliva (Cole Tucker when he’s ready).
Jason Mackey
1:02
I think it depends, Jim. Probably on the rest of their offense, and if other guys can make up for it. Maybe how they're losing games, too. And what sort of a center field he's playing. If he's truly incredible, you can live with the lack of hitting, but it's a balance, right? I have no desire to see Heredia unless somebody is getting a day off. Oliva and Tucker, sure. But I'm not convinced either is ready for regular work at this point.
Ricky
1:02
The pirates should sign Yasiel Puig. We don’t know when polanco will be back so we could use a right fielder and we have a perfect candidate here
Jason Mackey
1:02
I know, Ricky. Sooner or later they'll realize. They got a second chance, too, and still couldn't take it.
Mason Jackey
1:02
Have any pirates looked stronger coming back to summer camp this year
Jason Mackey
1:03
Not noticeably. Although it's tough because we're not allowed anywhere near them. Moran has shown some decent power, although I can't see he looks noticeably more muscular.
Vince
1:03
What’s the latest plan for Tucker and Hayes?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
1:04
They sent Hayes to Altoona. He'll get work and back up to speed. I still think they will give him a shot in Pittsburgh at some point, depending on what Moran does at the position. And I think you're going to see them spot Tucker in as he can handle it. They don't wanna rush him and screw this up. Let him learn a little bit and put him in a position to succeed. But I think he might get the odd start here and there once he's ready. Could also be a bat off the bench or play some infield, too.
Troy
1:04
Hi Jason, do the coaches feel Bell’s defensive abilities have improved?
Jason Mackey
1:04
They do, Troy. Now, the true test will be games, obviously. But so far Bell has looked better, though the throwing -- as you will soon see -- definitely looks different.
Danny
1:04
Any indication on when Polanco might return? When exactly did his test come back positive?
Jason Mackey
1:05
We don't know on the second part, Danny. MLB protocols prevent them from giving us any detail on this. Have been hearing he's expected back soon, but nothing more than that. And although nothing super concrete. Saw on Instagram he's throwing in his apartment.
Josh
1:05
Were Erlin and Murphy contracts actually selected? I just found it weird that teams were reporting based on transaction log and not simply reporting. Heck, log doesn't even say Murphy was selected, but assigned. Does not being in the park have something to do with that?
Jason Mackey
1:07
I don't know what you're referencing, Josh, but Shelton was asked yesterday about those contracts being selected and answered the question. In baseball there's a lot of information that's passed around between the team and beat writers -- I guess because there's so much of it -- that sometimes take time to show up on logs and things of that nature.
Too Tall 21
1:07
Jason, you seem down on Heredia. Based on 2 games (😄) I’ve been impressed. Looked very good in right on several occasions and pretty good at the plate as well. Coaches have been complementary, as well. What are you seeing?
Jason Mackey
1:08
I'm seeing a guy who is a little older, hasn't hit for a ton fo power and hasn't been overly impressive since the start of spring training. He hasn't been awful by any stretch. He's a good fourth outfielder. It's what it is. But I wouldn't be overly committed him 1. At the expense of my young kids and 2. Over Dyson, who's a much better fielder.
tmartin8757@yahoo.com
1:08
I'm willing to give the Bucs some time. Gee, it is only 2 games. But I do like what I saw of Musgrove, Brault and Kuhn. Curious to see what Holland will do today. If he and Keller have good year's... That would be very encouraging...The relievers are on a short lease but I think they are better than what they are showing. Beat'em Bucs...Bucs Fan in GA
Jason Mackey
1:09
Thanks for the comments. Also curious on Holland. And I do think the starting rotation has the potentially to be much better than it was last year. Believe it was last week or the week before that I went on my rant, but they're prepared much differently this season, trust me.
Stan
1:09
Who do you see as being best suited for the dh and closer roles?
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