JotCast | Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.28.21

Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.28.21

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Wayward

2:22

Who are some minor league guys that have had surprising years that seem to be sustainable besides a Frazier?

Jason Mackey

2:22

Mason Martin would be No. 1. Cal Mitchell has hit really well at Class AA. I like what Cruz did before he got hurt. Some guys are Bradenton -- Head, Endy -- are probably a tick before where they should be.

Guest

2:22

Where do you expect the draft picks to fall in the top 30 prospects?

Jason Mackey

2:23

I'd say Davis top 10, maybe the other three in the 15-30 range.

Canyon

2:23

Who is next to go?

Jason Mackey

2:23

Rich Rod, I think.

Joel

2:23

Speaking of the Rule 5 draft, Oviedo has been incredibly unimpressive, both in the majors and in his minor league rehab stints. As with Tom, I am really wondering what exactly the point is? OK, you took a low risk gamble and lost —- how about admitting defeat and moving on?

Jason Mackey

2:24

Yeah, maybe they do. I wouldn't rule it out. But I think when you're bad, which the Pirates obviously are, you can afford to let guys work through things. You don't just whack someone because they have a bad start. Oviedo has pitched really well at times, too.

John

2:24

The comment about Cruz moving to the outfield made me think of something else. Wouldn’t he be a good candidate to move to 1B? Big target that gives a little more stretch to the bang-bang play. Plus if he has a glove that can play SS, surely it works at 1B. I know that 1B is usually seen as a spot for a power bat, but does Cruz show enough to be adequate in that regard?

Jason Mackey

2:24

I want Mason Martin to be my first baseman. Also, Cruz has a cannon and can cover about 30 yards in three strides. I would see if he can play the outfield first before I think about first base.

Garrett

2:24

Little late so don't know if these were asked yet is Stratton going to moved and should people be concerned that the Pirates have too many Rule 5 guys

Jason Mackey

2:25

The Rule 5 guys! No, no, no. It's OK. And yes, I think Stratton gets moved.

Canyon

2:25

any update on Cruz?

Jason Mackey

2:25

Hope to learn more later, but I do not think he's throwing yet.

Wayward

2:25

Could you see a pretty big shake up of the minor league teams roster after the trade deadline with call ups to the Bucs along with the infusion of new talent.

Jason Mackey

2:25

I think you'll see some shakeup, sure. That's normal. But I don't think there's going to be anything too terribly crazy.

Justin R.

2:25

You've been earning that paycheck this week! Thanks for all the terrific coverage. Are there any minor leagues promotions you're expecting and/or interested in over the next couple months?

Jason Mackey

2:26

Thanks, Justin. It's all in good fun. Love my job. ... Yeah, definitely. I think Martin goes up. Probably Mitchell, too. Could see Fraizer getting a bump. Priester as well. Maybe Hudson Head going up to High-A, although that might be aggressive.

Guest

2:26

Are there going to be any trades left for Friday?

Jason Mackey

2:26

Oh, yeah. Plenty.

guest

2:26

How many shortstops can fit on the head of a pin?

Jason Mackey

2:26

Ben Cherington would be a better one to ask.

Bill

2:26

If you had to predict, how many more Bucco trades by Friday?

Jason Mackey

2:27

I'm saying at least 3.

Roger

2:27

What do you think of the new PNC scoreboard?

Jason Mackey

2:27

I don't care what's on top of that thing. They need to upgrade it in the worst way. My God.

Joel

2:27

I’ve listened to a couple interviews with Anthony Solometo. He has a compelling personality and isn’t exactly shy —- his goal is to be “the best player ever.” I really hope he makes it.

Jason Mackey

2:27

I hope he does, too. A reporter's dream. Just completely honest and himself.

Bill

2:27

Have we seen the end of Cole Tucker in Pittsburgh? Feels like he could become a throw in, in a trade.

Jason Mackey

2:27

Could be, but I don't know who else would be clamoring for that. Yeah, have said it a couple times, but man, I just don't see how he gets another legitimate chance here.

Guest

2:28

Having a bunch of prospects is great but do you see any improvement to date that the current regime is better at developing such players?

Jason Mackey

2:28

Yes, a ton. They think about things differently. They coach differently. They technology differently. They focus on different things. It's night and day, I think.

EV in Melbourne

2:28

How much payroll $$ have the Bucs shed with these trades so far?

Jason Mackey

2:29

Very little. They sent money with Frazier. Holmes was pre-arb. Anderson was on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. It's not about shedding salary.

Tony TD

2:29

This is the most excited I've been about this organization in a long time. Have you heard anything from other people around baseball about what Cherington is doing?

Jason Mackey

2:29

They're very big fans. Yeah, they stink now. People know that. They know about the impending/ongoing firesale. But the future direction and what Ben has been doing has peoples' respect. He's only improving how he's perceived.

Hunter

2:29

Hey Jason! Is it possible the pirates are acquiring too many middle infield prospects?

Jason Mackey

2:29

Absolutely not. There's no such thing!

Roger

2:30

Should we pump the breaks on Hayes being anointed as the next Cutch? I know all players get pushback by the league, but the last month or so he’s made a lot of weak contact and striking out a ton. Any reason for concern?

Jason Mackey

2:30

I don't see any, no. Let's see how he bounces back. I don't think he's been struggling as much as you guys and girls seem to think he has. Not the least bit worried about Hayes.

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