JotCast | Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.28.21

Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.28.21

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Jason Mackey

1:39

Just because the Pirates don't want them doesn't mean the Phillies do or that Philly has any less of a Rule 5 crunch. Again, I think we're putting too much stock in the Rule 5 thing. They might be included, yes. It's something of which the Pirates' front office must be mindful. But it's not everything.

RTA

1:39

The Pirates are going to have to do one of the following regarding the 40 man next year: 1. Go with an extremely young roster, particularly regarding depth; 2. Consolidate prospects by trading a few lesser ones for one better one; or 3. Risk losing multiple players in the Rule 5. Which do you think they plan on doing?

Jason Mackey

1:40

Can I pick a little bit of all three? I don't see why there's only one strategy here. You can try and trade some guys. You can make some tough decision. You can go younger. I expect them to do all of that.

Norman "Chuck" Zimmerman

1:41

In last week's chat, you referred to a clubhouse culture under Clint Hurdle that Keone Kela wasn't crazy about. I realize there were some altercations that were made public but I always understood those happen in MLB clubhouses all the time, more often than gets publicized. What was the culture like then & how is it different, if at all, under Shelton? Thanks.

Jason Mackey

1:42

I think it's significantly more laid back under Shelton. I also think he's closer with the players than Hurdle was. That said, I think Hurdle's message and style was sorely needed at that point. But I think Shelton's -- more maybe hands on, or guard down, something like that -- works with a younger team. I don't think Kela was a fan of the motivation speech type of stuff that Hurdle did well. That was my sense, anyway.

Npc210

1:42

How do you think the major league infield, from 3B to 1B, shakes out come 2023-24? There are a lot of guys and only four starting spots.

Jason Mackey

1:44

No doubt. And a lot of moving pieces right now. Corners, I'm going Hayes and Martin. Those are easier. Tougher up the middle. I'm gonna say Cruz in the outfield. Then we're looking at Peguero, Gonzales, Castro or Marcano. I have a sneaking suspicion we could see one of those four tested in the outfield as well. You'll also have a DH. So, again, I don't know what to tell you. I'm guessing if I pick two of those four. But that's the group from which I think it will come.

Steven

1:44

I loved the Frazier trade in the return for the Padres SS (not even gonna attempt to write his name) and the fact that GMBC seems very high on him. Read that Castillo was a high prospect at one point in the Yankees system so I like the Holmes trade as well.. not so much on the Anderson deal. What’s the realistic scoop on Bins and Tejada. Your tweets and their stats last night basically said to me like, “two prospects - not a lot of substance there but who knows how things play out over time” type thing.

Jason Mackey

1:45

They're all play out over time. I watched some of Tejada's delivery last night -- I'm a nerd, sorry -- and really like it. You can work with that. Bins had a .915 OPS at High-A. Long way from the bigs, I know, but it's not nothing.

Austin

1:45

Hey Jason. Hope you’re getting enough rest since the buccos have been so busy lately! What’s your prediction on what the pirates get for Rodriguez? He’s been trending down lately. I wouldn’t be surprised if they hold onto him. Do you think he’s a lock to be traded?

Jason Mackey

1:46

No rest my friend. Saturday. I hope. Same as they did for Frazier, honestly. Multiple younger, high-upside guys. And yeah, I think there's some concern with how he's pitched of late. Right or wrong, I also think there's a concern because it has coincided with stick stuff. And I said it's probably 60-40 it gets done. Pirates don't have to. They have him for a couple more years.

Jesse

1:46

Who brings back more. Rodriguez or Stratton?

Jason Mackey

1:46

Rich Rod.

Ben

1:46

I know that it is pretty clear the Pirates will not be trading Reynolds (This season at least) But if you were the gm, what type of prospect package would be a can't refuse offer?

Jason Mackey

1:47

The type of one where I would get fired if I didn't take it? Multiple top 100s? Maybe multiple top 50s? I don't know. You know it when you see it, and they're not getting it. My play would be to trade heavy right now, get all you can for everyone. Clear the roster for the offseason. Extend Hayes and Reynolds and dole out playing time to young guys who are ready.

JeffT

1:47

Hi Jason...do you think the Pirates will get more or less the same type of prospects for Rodriguez as they got for Anderson?

Jason Mackey

1:48

I think they might do a little better because of two years of club control at a reasonable cost.

Rick

1:48

At this point ya gotta feel like the organization has all but given up on Cole Tucker. Can Marcano or Park handle shortstop?

Jason Mackey

1:48

I would agree with you there. I don't see how Tucker fights through this, although Stallings was also DFA'd twice. So who knows. Yeah, I believe both can handle it.

Mark

1:48

Please tell me we’ve seen the last of Cole Tucker in a pirates uniform. Any chance someone takes a flier on him? I’ll take a bucket of balls in exchange for him at this point

Jason Mackey

1:49

He's bothering you that much? Yeah, I think we've probably reached the end of the road with Tucker and the Pirates.

Bill

1:49

Where can I find the list of all those players Cherington drafted and who have signed with the Pirates

Jason Mackey

1:49

This is a fun site to play with: https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker

Justin

1:49

aside from the obvious candidates - RichRod, Stratton - who could you see going in a surprise trade over the next few days? I could just see the Rays salivating over being able to turn Kuhl into a 2-3 inning guy who can toss sliders 70 pct of the time, for example. Would work relatively well timing-wise with Cahill/Brault's return.

Jason Mackey

1:51

You make a good point about Kuhl. He would fit down there. Minimize his exposure to lineups, lean on that pitch. I think the Pirates would be happy to get something for him. I think Kuhl would obviously be happy to go a contender. Surprises would be Shreve, Difo, Gamel. Even Polanco.

Scott

1:51

I like the pirates strategy but why not go all in by trading reynolds and stallings? Any chance?

Jason Mackey

1:52

I don't think so, no. I think they'll listen on anyone, but they won't get anything that makes them willing to give up Reynolds. Also, they need to find common ground for an extension there.

Npc210

1:52

Are there any concerns about Nick Gonzales? It’s early and he was hurt, but a .250 average with a 32% strikeout rate isn’t ideal. And it doesn’t help that someone picked just after him (Zak Veen) is raking now.

Jason Mackey

1:52

Not at all. It's High-A. He was hurt some. I have zero concern regarding Nick. He'll be fine. He's going to struggle.

Ricardo

1:52

Hola Jason, With the price of pitching as it is, why not trade any of the pitchers they can? I don’t think there are any pitchers on the team right now that should be off limits

Jason Mackey

1:52

I agree with you. Who do you think they're saying is off-limits?

Kate

1:52

If Newman’s hitting doesn’t improve, do you see him having a place on the team next season or in the near future? Thanks Jason.

Jason Mackey

1:53

No, I don't. He's been fine defensively, but you can't have your every-day shortstop hitting .200. I think he's a fine stopgap option, but that's all it will be if the offense doesn't pick up. Need to see Marcano, Castro, Park, etc.

Gus

1:53

I assume Rich Rod and possibly Stratton could still go. But are there any dark horses? Could a team take a chance on Polanco if the Pirates eat salary? Could Difo, Gamel, or Nogowski draw interest?

Jason Mackey

1:54

Can't see Nogo. The other three, yeah. Maybe not in that order. Gamel is one I would think could entice a contender. He's manned that fourth outfielder role before. And he's having a terrific season. Shreve, too.

Mitchell

1:54

Hello Jason. I know Holmes was someone that no one thought would be traded. What’s another name/names that could be traded that no one is talking about?

Jason Mackey

1:54

Depends. Shreve and Stratton? Gamel, Polanco or Difo? Are any of those exciting enough?

Biden

1:54

What was the point of Starkey's article today? Was it supposed to be funny?

Jason Mackey

1:55

I think it was supposed to be a mix of both. Ask him. I do think he makes a good point, and it's one of the reasons I'm glad I switched. The Pirates are going to figure this out. I firmly believe that. And when they do, it could be in a post-Ben/post-Sid world where they're actually the best show in town. Think about that. Hasn't happened in my lifetime (1983-present).

1:55

Was surprised to see Crick released, was even more surprised to see Cherington really didn’t think we could get something back in a trade for him. Even if it was low tier, better than nothing with the release. Did you think there was any market for him?

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