JotCast | Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.28.21

Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.28.21

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Garrett

2:30

I know he has only played one game in Indy but is Hoy Park up in Sept.

Jason Mackey

2:30

I would think so, yes.

Wayward

2:30

Lets say there was strong interest in Stallings, Moran, Newman, Kuhl, Gamel, Difo, Gonzalez between now and the deadline, how far do you think they would tear it down?

Jason Mackey

2:30

Everybody but Stallings. And even then, I think you would have to listen to the offer. From what I've heard, they're listening on everyone.

Roger

2:31

Park is already 25 and hasn’t gotten a shot in the bigs yet. He’s putting up some impressive numbers and also has plus speed and a decent glove. I’d love to see him get a crack at playing short over Newman at some point. Whatcha think?

Jason Mackey

2:31

Yep, I think he'll get a shot. No doubt.

Joel

2:31

MI: middle infielders

Jason Mackey

2:31

See, my brain is mush. Thank you.

Jim

2:31

For the 40-man thing, I think a lot of people are seeing the wrong issue. It's not necessarily that there isn't a ton of potential fat to be trimmed (there is). It's that if they protect even the most desirable players, added to the players who won't start the 2022 season on the roster, there are hardly any spots left to field a team to start year. So, hard to bring in free agents or any other players if the whole roster is players you want to keep but aren't ready to play.

Jason Mackey

2:32

You make some very good points, Jim. But I think we should wait until after the deadline, one. And two, I think they will make some nips and tucks. They have to. But I don't think it's cataclysmic or anything like that.

Bruce

2:32

Where do you think Davis or any of the other college draft picks will start- Bradenton or Rookie League?

Jason Mackey

2:32

They're all starting out in rookie ball. Some will move up faster than others.

guest

2:32

Could they get anything for Newman aka Mr. March?We can lose 105 games with and without him.

Jason Mackey

2:33

No way. He's hitting .200!

Daniel Sametz

2:33

Hi Jason,
I hope you're great!
Would you think the Pirates would hire Gamel for another year or he's traded this year?
What do you think happens to Nogo when Moran returns?

Jason Mackey

2:33

I think Nogo becomes a bench guy or maybe shifts to the outfield. And, yeah, they could and probably would have interest in Gamel. However, if this continues for him, I bet he gets offers from teams that are actually ready to compete.

Bruce

2:33

Is Matthew Fraizer for real? Showing average, power, and speed. His changes in the offseason really seem like they paid off.

Jason Mackey

2:34

I think so. I think he's been really good. Legit prospect, in my mind. I can't wait to go see the kid play in person.

Skeptik

2:34

Excuse me JM but I am thinking that the vast majority of paying fans at the park last night saw nothing “refreshing” about last night’s game.

Jason Mackey

2:34

Neither did I. It sucked. But I believe I used the word refreshing for their draft strategy. Last night was a baseball game between the Pirates and Brewers.

Will

2:34

Considering the return the Marlins got for Marte, do you think the Pirates sold low on Frazier?

Jason Mackey

2:35

No, I don't have an issue with what they got back. We're gonna need to wait and see. What if these kids shoot up a ton next year? Look, we don't know.

Justin

2:35

(were you asking what MI means? middle infield. sorry :) )

Jason Mackey

2:35

I was. Thank you.

Terry Martin-Alpharetta, GA

2:35

Hey Jason, Appreciate your efforts on keeping us up to date on the latest Bucco News. What is our starting outfield come Sept 1st in your opinion.

Jason Mackey

2:35

Hey Terry. I'll go Gamel LF, Reynolds CF, Alford RF. Polanco has been traded.

Ray

2:35

I dont get to see many games here in Virginia...what has happened to Neuman..awesome rookie year with pop to nada..

Jason Mackey

2:36

Yeah, he's struggled to make hard contact. Doesn't strike out, has played solid defense. But a lot of softly hit stuff, easy to field. He's taken several steps backward at the plate. It's a shame. I think 2019 might've just been an aberration. Hope not. But it's looking more and more that way.

Justin

2:36

Those times where all of the beat writers tweet within the same minute that a deal is done... What happens behind the scenes there? Does every beat writer's phone start buzzing with texts from the same source?

Jason Mackey

2:38

Sometimes that's the case, yes. Not always, though. It's also not uncommon for reporters in general. Sources may talk when a meeting is done. Or maybe it's the same source filling in people with which he/she has a relationship. Or could be somebody in the organization sharing things with all of us at once.

paul maggio

2:38

Don't you think that a big part of the plan is to develop players that other teams will want to trade an important piece for when the time is right? Fans seem to be focused on who will make it to the Pirates.

Jason Mackey

2:39

No doubt. They will need to make those trades, too. There are only eight starting positions, plus pitching, obviously. The goal is to distill a bunch of talent down into a 26-man active roster. For the Pirates to get good, those trades will happen, and they need to win them.

Chris

2:39

Which players on the 40 man do you see getting non tendered in the winter? There will be a good amount of young prospects that need to be protected before the rule 5 draft.

Jason Mackey

2:39

There's way too far to go before I start guessing on that stuff, Chris. Let's get through the trade deadline and go there, IMO.

Jim

2:39

What is the reasoning for bringing up AA guys like Castro rather than assigning him to AAA to get more experience against better competition at that level first? I would like to see the new addition Hoy Park soon - he's been doing well at Wilkes-Barre for the Yankees.

Jason Mackey

2:40

Because they want to see what Castro can do. I don' think there's anything wrong with that, personally. If he sticks, Indy will have been a waste of his time and their time. He's played well. He should get a chance.

Ray

2:40

Does this chat session have a specific time every week? first time I have caught it live...like your work Jason..alot of thought and research into your articles IMHO

Jason Mackey

2:40

Thanks, Ray. It's normally noon on Wednesdays. However, Steelers made me bump it this week. Sometimes if there's a game or travel, then I also might have to move it.

Richy

2:41

What is your perspective of AAA vs AA talent. It appears to me the talent levels are about the same the difference being AAA guys tend to have some big league time /experience.

Jason Mackey

2:41

I think the Pirates have more talent in Class AA, if that's what you're asking. A lot more. I think Class AAA can often be roster filler, guys you might need in a pinch but probably aren't part of the future. Class AA may be more toolsy guys who are working on some stuff.

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