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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.29.20
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Jason Mackey
10:49
Hello everyone. Welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. We'll get started a little early today, around 11:45 a.m., but feel free to leave your questions now. Thanks so much!
11:47
And away we go ...
Jason in Slippery Rock
11:47
Colin Moran is big and strong; do you think his power is for real? How many HRs could he hit in a regular-length season? I'm encouraged...
Jason Mackey
11:48
Hi Jason. I am encouraged, yes. Honestly, I've been encouraged by Moran since spring training; my only hesitation was whether this would translate to the regular season. Clearly, it has. Now, it needs to continue. As far as 162 ... I think he has the power for at least 20-plus, maybe 30 or more if he really gets going. But again, talking potentially. Actually doing it is a different animal.
Scott S
11:48
Jason-with some luck, the Pirates could be 4-1 after 5 games. When Kela returns, what role do you see him playing set up man or closer?
Jason Mackey
11:51
Probably a little more than luck, Scott. I think they are deficient in some areas, but I get your point: Despite hitting .194 as a team, which is last in the National League, they're 2-3. Their bullpen has stunk, too, while they're missing three of their top six arms in Kela, Crick and Santana. If they start hitting, Kela comes back, the bullpen improves, as I've been saying, this isn't a terrible baseball team. And, FWIW, I would give Burdi at least one more shot in the ninth. If he pitches well, he's gonna be my closer ... for now. That would allow me to slow-play Kela's return, which I think might be necessary given how little he has been able to do.
William
11:51
How do you see the events that have transpired this year impacting the fast approaching trade deadline and ensuing free agent market? Not just for the Pirates, but league wide as well. Also, I believe we were all Los Angeles Dodgers fans last night.
Jason Mackey
11:53
Hi William. I think Holland pitching well does not hurt at all. Now, it's one start, and we'll need to see more, but say this does continue. He's absolutely someone they can flip at the deadline. That said, they won't get anything for Dyson and probably not Kela, assuming Kela hasn't returned. It also isn't helping that he's not pitching. As for the ensuing free agent market, not sure. I worried about the overall financial landscape, then I saw the Mookie Betts contract. I don't think it will be as bad as many think.
Rich
11:53
Here are a couple fairly unimportant questions. One is that I've heard the broadcasters mention that they hope there can be fans in the stadiums later on in the season. Is that a real possibility or are they just being wishful? And why does John Ryan Murphy get referred to using both first and middle name?
Jason Mackey
11:54
Hi Rich. 1. Yes, this is something the Pirates still hope can happen. They planned to present something to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, too, a configuration that would be socially distanced and theoretically safe. Do I think it will go through? Absolutely not. Especially not now given how things have turned overall with COVID-19 and also not in the wake of the Marlins stuff. Would be an awful, irresponsible look for baseball, even more so than usual. 2. I honestly have no idea. I will try to find out, however. Perhaps it's just something that has always been that way?
Dick
11:54
I know it's early, but it looks like this team is evolving toward the past injured and younger players.Do you think Polanco will make a comeback?
Jason Mackey
11:56
Hi Dick. Good question. Polanco has not looked good since returning from COVID-19. However, I'm not giving up on him yet. I still think there's something there. You're right. They are skewing younger and giving other guys chances. But it's not like they have someone beating down the door in right field. Maybe Cole Tucker could be that guy, but I think that's an even bigger question mark than Polanco at this point. Jason Martin and Jared Oliva? Again, maybe. But I think I would still bet Polanco in that scenario.
Justin
11:56
Had this discussion the other day, if you could hypothetically add one good quality player (doesn't have to be All-Star) to the roster, which position would you choose.  I was thinking starting pitcher but may change my answer to corner outfield.  Thanks
Jason Mackey
11:56
It's starting pitcher for me. And not close. Always pitching.
Tuck
11:56
obviously there are a lot of question marks right now and few things are clicking but is there any reason for optimism that the bullpen will stabilize? i just don't know enough about some of these new names to know whether to expect more out of them. thanks!
Jason Mackey
11:58
Hey Tuck. Actually yes. I think this bullpen is better than its current 5.09 ERA. Obviously Santana isn't coming back, but there's more there with Crick. Kela is in an unfortunate spot. When he gets back, that will help a lot, slotting guys into the appropriate roles. I've liked Brubaker. I think Nik Turley has been good, too. JT Brubaker has the making of someone really, really solid, potentially deserving of more. My point is that the talent is there. But they do need to execute better and develop some roles. Right now it's all over the place.
Doug
11:58
So, this bullpen....
Jason Mackey
11:58
Bit of a head-scratcher, eh?
Doug
11:58
Do u think Moran is considered part of the future plans?
Jason Mackey
12:00
I do, Doug. And here's why: They very well could wind up needing a corner infielder. Or a DH. Or both. Now, if he stops hitting, and this turns out to be a mirage, obviously that changes the calculus. But you're gonna say they have a left-handed bat who hits for power who may be a below-average third baseman? I don't care. On this team, you hit, you play. So maybe they DH Josh Bell. Maybe they DH Moran. Maybe Jose Osuna plays the outfield. Maybe Ke'Bryan Hayes is not yet ready. I don't know. But I do know if a guy is hitting, I'm finding a way to make him a part of my team, and I'm pretty sure they feel the same way.
Jim M.
12:00
Jason,  The Pirates obviously need bullpen help. Do you know if there are any recent DFAs that are worth a look?
Jason Mackey
12:01
I don't think it matters, Jim. Honestly, we've done this add ______ _______ dance before. They haven't done it. I don't see what is going to compel them to do it now. Their plan -- even if they won't say it -- is to minimize expenditures in the present and try to build for the future. A DFA'd reliever doesn't fit that.
Guest
12:01
How do you see the bullpen working out?
Jason Mackey
12:03
It's an interesting question at this point. Right now, Burdi is clearly the closer, even if Shelton doesn't want to say it. I'd try Brubaker and Turley in higher-leverage roles, just to see what happens. I think you need to give Rodriguez and Feliz more chances, and they're probably the leaders for back-end innings. Chris Stratton stays as a long man for me. I'm curious to see what Hartlieb can do, and eventually I think they need to get Blake Cederlind up here, whenever he's ready.
Colin
12:03
Hey Jason, the bullpen has had a lot of issues in the first few games, what pitchers can Shelton put in to hold down leads, or not give up runs?
Jason Mackey
12:04
This seems to be a popular question ... he's using 'em. There's no magical door that he can check behind, trust me. I suppose you could break apart the Brault/Kuhl piggyback, but I don't know if you know enough to see what makes sense. (I.e. Brault or Kuhl to the bullpen?) I think you try and gain a larger sample size with the guys you do have.
Jim M.
12:04
Jason, Addendum to my previous question:  How about someone like Mike Foltynewicz?
Jason Mackey
12:05
Addendum to my previous answer: I don't see how paying him $6 whatever million fits into their current business plan.
seferg
12:05
You had said previously to wait and see if the bullpen did better once the season started.  By my rough count the starters give up 1.25 h/w per inning with a 3.16 era and the relievers 1.47 h/w per inning with a 8.24 era (I know my numbers are off a bit but should be close).  How long til we should worry about the pen?
Jason Mackey
12:06
More than five games, I'll say that. At least in terms of officially worrying. A lot of people are asking, "What are they gonna do?" What can they do? The guys they have are the guys they have. I'm not lobbying for more Miguel Del Pozo. Maybe Geoff Hartlieb and definitely Blake Cederlind, but it's not like that's going to fix the whole thing. Some of the guys they have need to pitch better and be a little more consistent That's it.
Doug
12:06
Stallings is a good MLB starting catcher. Change my mind.
Jason Mackey
12:07
I would not argue with that. His receiving and throwing have been league-best level thus far. I'd only maybe add a "very" in there, at least from a defensive standpoint.
Owen
12:07
Humor us and take a stab at the 2021 opening day lineup including DH.
Jason Mackey
12:11
I'm here to entertain ... Newman 2B/SS, Reynolds LF, Bell 1B, Moran DH, Polanco RF, Hayes 3B, Stallings C, Tucker 2B/SS, Martin CF
12:12
Couple things: I may try Martin at leadoff. ... Newman and Tucker, whoever feels more comfortable moves. ... I don't love Bell in the No. 3 spot, but I do like Bell, Moran and Polanco as my 3-4-5 in some capacity. Could even involve Reynolds and trust that 2-5 would figure itself out.
Owen
12:12
Is Blake Cinderland an option at any point this season?
Jason Mackey
12:12
*Cederlind. And yes, absolutely. I think you'll see him. Just a matter of when he's ready.
Tuck
12:12
What should we make phillip evans? i've been impressed but my expectations really couldn't have been lower.
Jason Mackey
12:13
Admit it: You didn't even know who Phillip Evans was to start the season. Hey, for what he is -- a utility bench guy -- the Pirates could do much, much. I'd take Evans in a heartbeat over Erik Gonzalez or JT Riddle, although I could understand keeping one of those two around because they're probably better late-inning defensive infielders.
William
12:13
Is it just me, or is it actually a sad state of affairs for this team that the player we are getting the most excited about is...Colin Moran? Also, when will we stop looking at Cole Tucker through black and gold colored glasses?
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