JotCast | Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.29.20

Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.29.20

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Jason Mackey

12:16

Colin Moran was acquired in a trade for Gerrit Cole, a trade for a former No. 1 pick that was widely criticized. Through 10% of the season, he's tied for the home run lead. I'm not saying it's going to continue or that he's the greatest power hitter that ever lived, but I don't think it's pathetic or weird for fans to enjoy that. ... As for Tucker, I tweeted this last night. I think we're focusing on the wrong stuff. I think he's gonna be fine defensively. I worry about his ability to hit major league pitching. He strikes out too much. His pitch selection is also not very good, either chasing or watching. It's there. He has the talent and the drive. But before anointing him an every-day starter, there has to be more offense.

seferg

12:16

I saw a video clip where Iowa held their high school baseball/softball championship tournaments with limited socially distanced fans and only 7% of the 673 teams were affected by covid and 96% of the teams finished the tournament. Do you see mlb allowing a limited number of socially distanced fans in at some point?

Jason Mackey

12:17

I don't. I understand the logic behind it, believe me. I think they could have fans, people could not be morons, and it would also work out fine. I wish for fans' sake that it would, too. The games aren't the same. But give the Marlins mess and cases spiking around here -- enough to stop the Blue Jays from coming -- I don't see MLB and/or the Pa. Department of Health agreeing to that. From a league perspective, it would be a terrible look right now.

Josh

12:17

Lots of bullpen questions, but not one that I would feel may be most important this early on...Shelton's use has kind of been...interesting. Seems to be staying with pitchers too long. Thoughts?

Jason Mackey

12:19

I think he's trying to let guys prove themselves, Josh. Also, the guy has managed five games. I think we should maybe let him get a feel, too. I don't disagree that he's had a crazy long leash on a few occasions (see: Del Pozo, Miguel; also: Feliz) but it's a tough spot. Early on. Not everybody is completely ready. Pirates trying to figure out what they have. I'd just try to have some patience with it.

Owen

12:19

If things fall completely apart and pirates are awarded first pick, what do you know about Kamar Rocker?

Jason Mackey

12:21

I know that he's really, really good. I know that a future rotation of him, Brennan Malone and Quinn Priester would be incredible. I also have a tough time seeing the Pirates wind up with the first overall pick, but if they do, man would that be fun. Also, it's Kumar, not Kamar.

Owen

12:25

No disrespect to Phil Evans and Jose Osuna, but if Will Craig cant challenge those guys for a spot, does he even have one?

Jason Mackey

12:26

I don't think he does, no. It does not seem like this new regime has much faith in Will Craig, right or wrong. He hasn't gotten much of a chance. And to be fair to the new regime, too, Craig hasn't exactly forced anyone's hand dating back to spring training. Defense has been fine, but he's been quiet at the plate.

Mark C.

12:26

If you were the Pirates GM, would you take a flyer on Mike Foltynewicz?

Jason Mackey

12:26

I would want to, yes. I believe there's something there. But if I was the Pirates GM, I don't think I would have the green light to do whatever I wanted. Compared to what appears to be their current MO, I just don't see a move like this fitting.

Tuck

12:26

Keller's velo was down but he was locating his fastball much higher in the zone compared to last year. is that a coaching philosophy? or should we be worried about him locating pitches in addition to the velo drop?

Jason Mackey

12:28

It's coaching. Oscar Marin has emphasized this a lot, especially for a guy like Keller. Also, it was brutal weather-wise Sunday in St. Louis. I was there. I think that played a part, too. But, yes, Keller has been intentionally trying to utilize the upper part of the zone with his four-seamer (which has a great spin rate). My guess is he's probably trying to ensure he hits his spot. Misses up there can be bad.

Kenneth Kissel

12:28

What options do the Pirates have to acquire a new Pitcher due to the thin options currently there?

Jason Mackey

12:29

Honestly, Kenneth, not a ton. And I don't think it matters right now. As in, with their issues, I don't think they're going to be solved by the even the best free agent signing. This is, after all, the Pirates. As a fan, I think you should probably expect them to ride it out with what they do have.

Bill

12:33

In a full 162 game season, I see a guy like Dyson making a difference because of his glove/speed. With the season they are on, he's not going to be part of the future so how long would they stick with him? I'd really like to see a guy like Jared Oliva get a look in CF to see if he can be part of the solution next year.

Jason Mackey

12:35

I sort of agree with you, Bill. I think they should be looking some toward the future. But I also think it's important to have a guy like Dyson around, someone who has experience and has been on World Series clubs. Sort of a show-you-how-to-do-it kinda thing. It's a balance with playing guys like that and involving them and also getting young guys exposure.

Gabe

12:38

Can we expect a fast track to the bigs for Nick Gonzalez since he’s already been assigned to the Altoona taxi squad?

Jason Mackey

12:39

Hi Gabe, I think Gonzales is going to dictate that, honestly. I think he's capable. And I think this year is probably far-fetched. But I think he's going to have to perform, and then they'll move him up accordingly. It wouldn't be very smart -- or fair -- for them to script the timeline out ahead of time.

Bill

12:39

Jason, kind of odd that they passed over a couple RP on the 40 man (Howard/Ponce/Cederlind) to callup Del Pozo. That guy looked terrible.

Jason Mackey

12:40

I'm sure he wasn't trying to pitch like that, Bill. Not defending it. He stunk. But I can't imagine he was pitching like that at Altoona, the other guys were tearing it up, and they missed that decision. The guy couldn't throw a strike last night. That stinks. It happens. But someone else should get a shot. I don't know about Cederlind's readiness, though I can check today. I hear ya on Howard and Ponce, although we're really splitting hairs here. If they're worried about this decision, they're already in a heap of trouble.

Tuck

12:40

Folty's velo and spin rate are all down and it seems his pitches have less movement. Braves previously said it was mechanics but they clearly haven't figured it out. I'm not seeing the upside but I guess the staff isn't exactly deep right now...

Jason Mackey

12:41

It's a tough one. I think it would require scouting him (hence why you employ the guys). And if one of them told me, as the GM, no way, then I'd punt. But I would absolutely kick tires. I think the Pirates' concerns here are different.

A Frazier

12:47

So what do the Pirates have in me, in your humble opinion? When I first came up, there was some crazy talk about a batting title. And was that Gold Glove truly legit? Do other teams know my name? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Gracias.

Jason Mackey

12:48

Mr. Frazier. Nice homer last night. I think the Gold Glove is legit, although you might be swimming in a weak NL talent pool. But you are absolutely a valuable commodity, and I would be surprised if you finish the season with the Pirates. I could see another team valuing your contributions for a potential playoff run.

Danny

12:48

When will we see Polanco in the outfield this year? Or will he be mostly DH when he’s in the lineup?

Jason Mackey

12:49

I think he'll bounce back and forth. They were trying to slow play his return, making sure he was OK. I think you'll probably see him out there tonight, honestly.

Nate

12:49

Injuries are really killing this pen. But what about guys like Marvel and Ponce? Maybe a fast track for Bolton and have him learn through the pen like cardinals did for years. Thoughts?

Jason Mackey

12:50

I think after five games, we need not be so reactionary. What about some of the guys they do have performing better? This isn't the NFL. They haven't pitched well, I agree, but you can't react to things off of one or two outings. Like them or hate them, some of these guys have much larger sample sizes than Marvel or Ponce. I'm fine with giving those guys a look at some point, but they're gonna have to start as long guys and earn more. I also might want to keep them built up as starters in case something happen.

Danny

12:51

Follow up too: How’s Polanco’s arm reportedly after the injury? Back to about where it was or is he still building up strength?

Jason Mackey

12:51

That's absolutely fine. He had COVID-19, too. He didn't re-injure his shoulder. No issues with the throwing.

Mark C.

12:51

I just want to make sure I understand you correctly, when you say " I think the Pirates' concerns here are different", do you mean they are actively trying to keep the payroll as low as possible, no matter what? If it means taking a chance for (relatively low risk acquisition wise), to acquire a player who could help you not just now, but for the future, that would be pretty short sighted IMO.

Jason Mackey

12:52

I mean that they have spent very little to try and win this year. Not saying they're tanking, but they're not willingly taking on any substantive new payroll. Folty would require that. I'm saying signing him would not fit with the way they have operated thus far. Also, taking such a chance would be kinda nuts after this organization just laid off 45 people, right?

Shelton D

12:53

So I noticed that the yinzers were bent out of shape because I am using NB cautiously. Did they see what happened to him last year? Geez, no honeymoon in the Burgh, it seems...

Jason Mackey

12:54

Haha. I understand people being mad. That's the fun of it. People care. We all should want them to care. And part of me thinks that the day after throwing 11 pitches, Burdi can throw again. At the same time, I'd rather have him long-term because I think he's a really good pitcher and a valuable asset. So, if that's what it takes, I get it.

Tuck

12:54

What's your reaction to zeise's piece about Huntington vs. Littlefield?

Jason Mackey

12:55

After a game last night, I've been trying to spend a few minutes with my family -- have this chat, a work call, Zoom interviews, then off to the ballpark -- this morning. Sorry.

wvpirate

12:55

Does 2 more players get cut at the end of next week?

Jason Mackey

12:55

Yes. Down to 28 after two weeks.

Josh

12:55

After all the legit work I put in, I still can’t pull the darn trigger on that pesky throw to second. Did that play seal my fate as a DHer?

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