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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.29.22
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Jason Mackey
12:31
Yeah, I think he wants to stay. He has told me he wants to stay. But he also isn't going to do a stupid deal, which I don't think fans would expect him to do. I think he stays through the deadline. I question whether the Pirates get close to what he and his camp think he's worth. But I'm also not punting on it. Had some convos about this at the ASG. I think Reynolds is hoping to hear something legitimate this offseason, then we'll see where talks go.
Dave
12:31
Do you think Neil Huntington is unfairly criticized. It seems to be a pattern; new gm is savior then is crucified. In my adult lifetime only the Leyland/Bonds era had more success with this franchise.
Jason Mackey
12:31
Yes, I do. Hurdle, too. That former regime did a lot of stupid stuff toward the end. They also did some flat-out incredible stuff from 2013-15. Doesn't give them a free pass by any stretch, but I think we too often forget what went into the city's last brush with winning baseball.
Dave
12:32
I was looking at the Pirates payroll (I know get a life) & I see Felipe Vazquez is still on it. I know it is just paperwork & he is not getting paid. There must be a clause to dismiss if you are convicted of a major crime.
Jason Mackey
12:33
I believe there is, Dave. And also -- now I haven't looked at this in a bit -- believe it's not totally through the legal system, when it comes to appeals and such? Like it's not case-closed. I think that's probably when you see action taken.
Jake
12:33
Any insight on what's been going on with Diego Castillo? He's had one start and one PH appearance since the All-Star Break..
Jason Mackey
12:33
Yeah, that's an odd one. I don't. I haven't been around the team much, but I planned on following up with that today as a matter of fact. Has to be nursing something/working on something.
Guest
12:33
Thanks for the insightful comments on the MLB trade deadline. I can imagine why the Pirates haven’t dumped Josh VanMeter and Yoshi Tsutsugo already.
 
On another topic: Batters only get three strikes but Pirate batters seem to always “take” the first pitch, which is often right down the middle! And how many Pirate strikeouts occur by batters not even swinging! Is that a coaching suggestion? Are the Pirates getting good coaching from their batting coach? They seem to watch more pitches than swing, or is it just my misinterpretation?
 
PS: I love your columns and miss them when you get a day off!
Jason Mackey
12:35
Ha! We need some days off, my friend. I have a wife, kids. I enjoy seeing them and getting to be a human being, too. ... I think it's important to not over-generalize here -- using words like "always" -- but I get what you're saying: They take a lot of stuff. And, yeah, that is organizational. They're trying to teach plate discipline, working walks, etc. Watch "Moneyball." Same concept. They're also not yet masters of it, so that's why you see what you do.
tgmartin@logility.com
12:35
Jason, the 2nd half of the season is underway. Enjoy your analysis and articles. Who would say is due to surprise us in the 2nd half? Batter and Pitcher please? Beat'em Bucs
Jason Mackey
12:36
Batter, I think Ke'Bryan Hayes is going to have a really strong finish to the season and answer some questions about his power. Pitchers ... watch. I have a weird feeling that Bryse Wilson of all people, might be figuring some things out.
South Texas Buc
12:36
Hey Jason, there have been rumors swirling about the possible salary dump of a guy like Joey gallo with the Yankees. He’s vastly underperforming and the pirates aren’t ones to take on a contract like that, but say they threw in a mid-high level prospect in with gallo could you see them making a deal like this? It’s the exact kind of deal they should be making imo. They could dfa a tsutsugo or JSM to make room for him in the dh spot. Yeah he strikes out a ton but the pirates could use a huge power boost. He could definitely provide that with 30-40 hrs a year. Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:37
Uh, no. I don't see this happening whatsoever. I think the Pirates are going to stage something of a firesale, but I don't see how acquiring Joey Gallo would fit into what they're trying to do.
tgmartin@logility.com
12:39
What will happen to the 2nd base situation once we get past the trade deadline in your opinion? who do you anticipate being Oneil Cruz's DP partner ?
Jason Mackey
12:39
There's a wrinkle now with Ji-hwan Bae on the injured list. Most likely to start will likely be Marcano. Then I think they wanna see Bae there whenever he gets healthy. Could also see some Diego Castillo.
Grumpy Bear
12:39
The Pirates will trade whomever they trade but, more importantly for me, please please please tell me they dfa all the other losers - Tsutsugo, VanMeter, Stratton, Marisnick - so that we can at least watch the remainder of the season with the potential future players for the Bucs. Did I ask please?
Jason Mackey
12:40
DFA all the other losers ... for crying out loud. These guys are people. I understand using roster spots for younger players ... you're not producing the org is gonna act ... they get that, too. But my goodness. These guys have wives, kids, lives, feelings just like you and I do. "DFA all the losers." Lighten up.
ev
12:40
Hi Jason, Why trade Vogelbach for Holderman just to send him down?  He had good MLB numbers with the Mets.  Is it indicative that they are planning to trade more pitching away in the next few days?
Jason Mackey
12:41
Many of their relievers are out of options. They don't want to lose anyone with the deadline sure to produce some shakeup. I hate it. I think he should be on the active roster and you make whatever move you have to make to do it. But that's why he's in Triple-A.
South Texas Buc
12:41
By the end of next season, what is the likelihood 1-10 we have a starting rotation of at least Keller, priester, Burrows,and mlodzinski,
Jason Mackey
12:42
Not good. Nothing against them, but two of the guys you mentioned have not yet started in Triple-A. Burrows, meanwhile, has struggled there. Those guys are good pitchers, but you're jumping the shark here.
Hobbes
12:42
I assume Gamel and Quintana are guarantees to be traded. Beyond that, who else will go?
Jason Mackey
ev
12:42
Jason, Is it likely that Tsutsugo and Van Meter will be DFA'd?
Jason Mackey
12:43
Head. Desk.
Guest
12:43
john, is it too early for the pirates to clean house and start over with just a few of their young players, or did they do this already?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Not sure, but I'm pretty sure the Pirates have tried this tactic before. ... Seriously, though, they're going to trade veterans on expiring deals, as they should. Anyone they can get something for. Maybe you call it cleaning house, I don't know. But they should be doing things that make sense for where they've at competitively.
Halvybuckets
12:44
If you had to guess, how different do you think the mlb roster looks on 8/3 with potential trades and DFA
Jason Mackey
12:45
Between trades and other roster moves, it wouldn't shock me to see a half-dozen young guys get promoted next week.
Steve
12:45
I wouldn’t trade Newman. I think there is still something there and the Buccos will eventually regret his departure.
Jason Mackey
12:46
You're entitled to your opinion, Steve. And you might be right. I like what Kevin has done. But I just think they need to open up that playing time to learn about younger players. We'll certainly see.
Bob
12:46
The last time the Pirates a glut of middle infielders was the Dave Cash - Willie Randolph - Rennie Stennett logjam. Different era, but there was little hesitation to picking one. How long to sort out this group?
Jason Mackey
12:47
As long as it takes, Bob. And I wouldn't compare this group to that one, at least not yet. Don't mean to duck the question, but I can't predict when players will mature any better than the Pirates or talent evaluators around the league can. You can expect, but you can't predict.
Frank In Tucson
12:47
Hi Jason.  Have you heard if Quintana is still scheduled to pitch tonight or will he be held out to avoid the chance of injury before the trade deadline?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:47
As of last night he was adamant that he wanted to pitch. Obviously others will ultimately make that call. But I have not yet heard anything today.
Halvybuckets
12:47
Are the Pirates really going to let Quintana make his start tonight?
Jason Mackey
12:47
We'll find out in a couple of hours. As of now, based on the intel I presently have, yes.
Ryan
12:47
Hey Jason, great article this AM and great work as always...re: /Reynolds/Bednar, while I agree the value might be depressed based on recent stats, the whole point for BC is that he's placed a price on these guys, almost in a vacuum, and if a contending team wants to meet it, then I feel like there's a better than even chance of a trade, no?
Jason Mackey
12:49
Thanks for the kind words, Ryan. Not sure what you're saying. Yes, GMBC has placed a value on those guys, the same as they do for all guys. And it's extremely high. Would then say that recent performance decreases the chances of an acquiring team meeting that price, no?
Justin
12:49
I understand that they should deal Quintana if they are offered enough, but pitching depth is awfully thin for this team at the moment between some ineffectiveness, injuries, and potential innings limits, etc.  Id be a little concerned about how to absorb his innings.  I suppose if they deal him, that means that THEY aren't concerned about this issue.  But would you be?
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