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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 08.04.21
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Jason Mackey
11:47
Hi everyone. Thanks so much for stopping by. We'll chat today noon-1 p.m. Will be back shortly to answer your questions. Thanks!
Steve S.
11:56
Hi, Jason!  When do you expect to see Cole Tucker up here?  And do you expect to play the OF?  Thanks!
Jason Mackey
11:57
Hi Steve, I can't imagine will be too much longer, if he keeps it up. Couple more games, maybe? Hard to put an exact timetable on it, but I think they want to probably see a little more minor league production, then get to a spot where they can commit to giving him regular playing time. And yeah, I think the outfield will be a part of that.
Guest
11:58
In two years, who do you see in the outfield, along with Brian Reynolds?  And, who is in the infield, along with Hayes at 3B?  And who are the starting pitchers along with Yajure and Roasny?  I will check with your answer on August 4, 2023, and we will see how you do
Jason Mackey
11:59
I love these guys. There are a billion things that could happen between now and then, so I don't know of what use this answer will be. But something like Hayes, maybe Peguero or Cruz (if he stays at stays at shortstop), Castro or Gonzales at second, Martin at first. Could see Davis behind the plate, maybe Bins. OF maybe Reynolds, Swaggerty and Mitchell, plus the possibility of Cruz of Castro mixed in. I can see Canaan Smith-Njigba battling for time. Bae as well. Again, a lot will happen between now and then.
Greg
11:59
Hi Jason, hope you got that day off. I know Polanco has been doing a bit better lately, but isn"t it time to let him go and try some of the younger players? He's not a part of the future and is really wasting a roster spot.
Jason Mackey
12:03
Hey Greg. I got two days off, and they were very nice. Went up to New Wilmington, hung out with my boys, took my wife on a date. Really, really enjoyed getting to be a dad and husband. ... Polanco has actually been pretty good of late. Has an .822 OPS over the past 30 days. If he's producing, I have no issue with continuing to give him some playing time. Should it be every day? Probably not. You need to audition and think about the future. But they also owe it to Polanco, the same as any player, to let him show what he can do for next year. If he's absolutely awful, obviously that changes. But I can live with keeping him around because he's been semi-productive of late.
Mike
12:03
What are you thoughts  on the players received in the rich rod trade?
Jason Mackey
12:05
I don't know a ton about DeVito, other than he has some decent stuff and potential, but he's also at High-A. Who knows. A lot to learn. I did like watching Wilson throw the other night and some of what he did with the Braves. Given what had happened to Rodriguez post sticky stuff, I think the Pirates were smart to make the deal when and how they did. I saw enough of Wilson to want to see more, I know that.
V. Fontaine
12:05
How likely is Colin Moran to be moved in the off-season? Mason Martin is getting close to AAA. And Michael Chavis, who I think could be a real steal, can play 1B. With next year still in rebuild mode, trading Moran would seem to make sense.
Jason Mackey
12:06
I wouldn't do it. I would do all I could to make it work. Think about it: You're trading an asset at its lowest point. He's been hurt for much of this season. What could you expect to get back? I think they would be much better served by waiting and figuring the position thing out. Could have Chavis play second, rotate guys, maybe try someone in the outfield. Martin isn't part of the equation; he's not even at Class AAA yet.
V. Fontaine
12:06
Who do you think gets a September call up?
Jason Mackey
12:07
There are only a couple extra roster spots, so I don't think there's going to be some sort of massive influx. Maybe Tucker? Maybe you bring Martin up to get him some experience. Yajure? I could maybe be convinced on Roansy getting some time or Cruz as a DH.
Bill
12:08
The Davis for Chavis trade was interesting to me and GMBC is obviously very familiar with Chavis. I'm hoping they give him a look soon since he has something the team lacks overall-- power. Definitely worth a look given that he can play multiple positions. How long do you think he's in Indy for until they call him up?
Jason Mackey
12:09
I agree, Bill. I think Cherington sees something there, something that they know they can fix. And he's probably right. I've liked Chavis as a player for a long time. I don't think they're putting any sort of timetable on it. That would be dumb and counterproductive. I think when he's hitting consistently and his confidence is high.
Henry
12:09
Hi Jason.  Is there any way you see Polanco staying in Pittsburgh, even at a reduced salary?  He has a great attitude, but it appears he’s taking playing time away from the younger players.  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:10
I have a tough time believing that. I mean, it would have to be greatly reduced. Like league minimum. I mean, they will need outfielders. But they're gonna buy Polanco out for $3 million. What are other teams willing to pay? If they can get him as a FA for, say, $1 million, I think they would have interest there. It just depends on who else is willing to pay him.
PrinceBob
12:10
You may think this is premature based on one start for Mitch Keller, but if he is what he seems to be, a guy who kills in AAA but struggles in the majors, what sort of career path do you see for him? I'd assume he stays in the rotation the rest of the way hoping something clicks but if not...bullpen, might some other team give up something in hopes that can do with him what Tampa did with Glasnow?
Jason Mackey
12:12
It is premature, you're correct. You're distilling a month-plus of work and making a determination based on one start. With a pitcher who has been wildly inconsistent. Yes, I expect him to stay in the rotation. I think it's foolish to react to anything until he shows us some sort of trend. And if he doesn't, well, it's tough to build around a guy where you don't know what you're going to get out of him. So they might use him until they find something better, and I don't think they should be faulted for that. But they're gonna try to get more consistency out of him.
PrinceBob
12:12
Now this. I've coached kids' baseball teams for something like 18 years. Now and again I figure out a way to get someone to hit better so it's embarrassing to ask this, but what the heck does it mean for a hitter to "keep his hands inside the ball?"
Jason Mackey
12:13
Can mean a few things, but I usually interpret that as something like catching the ball out front. Or, more accurately, hitting it where/when you should: early to pull, middle for middle, late to take it the opposite way.
PrinceBob
12:15
And maybe one last one, what is the MLB minimum salary for a third year player? I have searched but cannot find anything.
Jason Mackey
12:16
Assuming he's not Super 2, he's under team control, which means the team can set it anywhere above the major league minimum. It's typically around $600K or so.
Carl in Carrick
12:16
Hey Jason…do you know if playing Hoy Park in right field is a consideration for the Pirates?  I would think his arm would be strong enough since he plays shortstop and second base.  Thanks Jason.
Jason Mackey
12:17
Hey Carl. It's a consideration, yes. I think there's a lot to shake out there, with Park and others in RF and the OF. But he has played there, is comfortable there and has the tools to play there. That said, I think they also want to get a look at Tucker, let Polanco play is he's productive, see what they have in Alford, etc. So, Park isn't the only guy.
Just a fan
12:17
Any chance the PNC Park main scoreboard gets updated soon?  So hard to see the video screen in daytime - looks very dated.
Jason Mackey
12:19
I have no intel that this is on the horizon, but they have to, right? It's laughably bad compared to other parks. Now, I do think a smaller one adds to the ballpark's charm. Some of those big things can be obnoxious. But they're basically rocking a GameBoy when others are playing a Nintendo Switch. It's not just the Pirates, either. Would be a group effort with the SEA, which technically owns PNC Park. But I don't care if it's Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny working together, fans deserve a better scoreboard.
Phil G.
12:19
Jason, have you heard much on Nick Gonzales’s up and down season? He seems back on track after slumping for a few weeks coming back from his injury. The national “experts” believed he should have breezed from A+ to AA given his prospect status.
Jason Mackey
12:20
Hi Phil. I don't know what to say about quote-unquote unnamed national experts, but I think it's reasonable to expect Gonzales -- or anyone -- to have to learn some stuff. There was an injury, for one. He also had a slump, which involved too much swing-and-miss, poor pitch selection and a lack of power. It's not a huge deal. They happen. He's worked himself out and has been very productive of late. Expecting anyone to "breeze" through levels doesn't make sense to me. Development takes time. Let it.
Sunner in Orlando
12:21
Hey Jason! I've been a Polanco basher for years but one thing I've noticed this year is a very positive attitude from him despite his struggles. He is the main cheerleader on the bench and seems to be very likeable. If he turns it on for the rest of the year, do the Pirates renegotiate a team friendly contract or is he gone no matter what?
Jason Mackey
12:22
Polanco has always been like that. He's a terrific person/teammate. And yeah, he's stunk as a player for the better part of three years. I won't defend that. But you can't criticize his attitude or work ethic. Got this one earlier. I think they could, but it would have to be really, really cheap. Just doesn't make sense for them to spend anything there.
Jean
12:23
Hi Jason.  Do you think Shelton will try Castro as a lead off hitter.  He seems to have a pretty good eye and his power doesn’t hurt either.  Thank you.
Jason Mackey
12:23
I hope not. I've liked Gamel in that spot, frankly. I think he gives you a better at-bat. I would like to see Castro in a position to drive in runs. I think he does that better than a lot of guys they have in the lineup right now.
Wayward
12:24
Is there any reason to bring Gonzalez off of the injured list?  To a little different scenario the same for Tom.  Seems like they have some young guys to get a look at both IF and OF.
Jason Mackey
12:25
I would for this reason: I think he gives you more than Phillip Evans. And, shoot, he might give you more than Newman. I think you know what Gonzalez is at this point, and I don't think he will be here beyond this year. But, he can help you from a bench player perspective.
Paul
12:25
Polanco has been doing so much better lately
Jason Mackey
12:25
He has. He's been starter-level productive over the past month or so. He can't throw, but he's been among their better options.
Bill
12:25
In your opinion, do you see guys like Evans, Gonzalez, and even Nogowski on the MLB roster come September? Gotta think they will want to see Park, Chavis, others get looks.
Jason Mackey
12:26
Yeah, I think it's TBD. You also wanna see guys like Chavis productive, right? You don't want to just gift him a spot. I wanna see more of Park. He's been up and down and it's hard to make a determination based off a couple games. But, yeah, I think there's a chance they could move on with those first guys you mentioned and turn it over to kids, if they're pushing for it.
Rita
12:26
Hi Jason!  Do any of the new Pirates have nicknames yet?  How about Hoy “Point “ Park and Wil “Vel” Crowe?
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