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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 08.05.22
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Jason Mackey
12:16
He'll be playing a lot more now. Assuming they don't go out and try to claim someone.
Doug Frobel Fan Club
12:16
I don't know if this makes any sense and if it doesn't, please say so. It seems the Pirates have a group of young players like Castillo, Marcano, Suwinski, Mitchell, Madris, Castro, and Park. So far none has really taken a hold of a job. It goes beyond just "play the kids". They just don't seem to be content to run someone there every day and "say the job is yours for six weeks, sink or swim.".  It's hard for me to see how they figure any of these guys out with how Shelton constructs his lineup. For example, Marcano should be the every day 2B for the rest of the year except for the occasional day off. But I doubt we're going to see that.
Jason Mackey
12:17
It makes some sense. I understanding wanting to give guys opportunities. But Marcano's value may be as a utility type. I'm OK with him bouncing around, but you're right on this part: If he continues to hit, he should absolutely be in the lineup somewhere. And will be.
Doug Frobel Fan Club
12:18
I didn't see the tweet you made in frustration. But for my money, you're one of the best reporters in the game. Your passion, work ethic, and knowledge of the game comes through in your writing. Haters are going to hate as they say. Keep up the outstanding work
Jason Mackey
12:18
Thanks, Doug. I just got a little too affected by comments. Started arguing with people who didn't see things my way. It's a dumb way to live, and I'm sorry I let it get to me.
Justin R.
12:19
What's the upside for Marcano? He seems to have a well-developed approach at the plate and positional versatility.
Jason Mackey
12:19
You're hitting on parts of it. Has a sneaky amount of power. Obviously runs well. Solid bunter. Should be able to get on-base. A top-of-the-order presence, table-setter, that type. I like his game.
Erik
12:19
Jason how would you rate the state of our farm system? It seems as tho a lot of our top prospects don’t have the best numbers. Is that a concern
Jason Mackey
12:20
It's still top 10 in MLB. Have trouble saying it's top-five right now because of some steps backward taken, but I still think there's plenty of talent there. But, no, no huge over-arching concern about any of that. I think the big dogs -- Davis, Gonzales, etc. -- will be fine.
Guest
12:20
Oops! Hi, Jason, Do you think the Pirates will try to keep Tsutsugo in the organization, or outright release him if no one picks him?
Jason Mackey
12:21
I would be surprised if they kept him in the organization. They need to let Mason Martin work, even though it won't be up here. Could also see them wanting to keep a spot open for Malcom Nunez or give Bligh work at first base if they send him down. Just doesn't make sense to me to allocate those reps to Yoshi.
mrsafeway
12:21
Does Nick Gonzalez take over at third, or is there a chance O'Neil Cruz winds up there?  Cruz has the size and there's no question about his arm strength.  Just the lack of experience.  If you have the reflexes to play short, you can play third.
Jason Mackey
12:22
Um, Ke'Bryan is gonna play there. If either moves, it'll be to the outfield. They're not going to third.
Guest
12:22
When it comes to the trade deadline, I’m afraid the Pirates have developed a reputation of “sell at any cost” which has resulted in getting low ball offers.  I’m not smart enough to really evaluate the return they get but it seems other teams selling are able to get better returns. You’ve written about the value Quintana brought to the team. For what they got back, it seems it might just have been worth it to keep him around. And, who knows, they might have been able to strike a deal to keep him longer. They certainly are short on decent starters. So, my questions are: what do you think about my premise about their reputation and do you think the return for Quintana justified shipping him out?
Jason Mackey
12:22
I do. I have no issue at all with what they got back from Quintana. I think the world of Jose as a person, but I like the upside of Oviedo and Nunez. No issue at all trading him when it's doubtful he would sign anything long-term here.
ev
12:23
Jason, I can't process the Pirates silence at the trade deadline.  Were their vets not coveted? Did Cherington want too much? Are they going to build (future) with Newman and Gamel? Why pay that veteran salary?  I could go on,,..
Jason Mackey
12:23
I don't think they had a ton of super attractive offers, which I can sorta see. I think they did value having those guys around a little bit as older players/mentors. Don't think they re-sign either in the offseason, but I also don't think they had a ton of options at the deadline.
Guest
12:23
Any word on Suwinski timeline to return? Seems unfair to ding him for high K rate with overall high K rate for team.  Looks like he's back groove at plate.
Jason Mackey
12:23
No word but expecting it to happen relatively soon.
Lad9
12:24
Hi Jason.  Congratulations on your new role!  You will do great I am sure.  Your Vin Scully piece was amazing!  One question for you, and it probably isn't a great chat question, but I will ask it anyhow.  Do you have any idea of who the significant prospects are that need added to the 40 man in the off season to protect them from the rule 5 draft?  I know that Nunez does, I think Burrows, and if they consider Bolton a prospect he does, but after that not sure. I mean, there should be space once the roster pruning is complete I would think.  Thank you.
Jason Mackey
12:25
Admittedly haven't looked at that much -- and thank you. Part because of the deadline, part with everything else going on for me professionally. I know Nunez. Bolton, too, because he was a Rule 5 guy last year. Not sure of anyone beyond that.
ev
12:25
Jason, why is Van Meter still playing?
Jason Mackey
12:25
I'm afraid I don't have a good answer for it. Don't understand it either.
Bill
12:25
This kind of piggybacks my question ewarlier about Severino. I like GMBC and I believe in his plan and love what he's done with the system. That being said, the catcher spot at the MLB level has been awful (outside of Stallings) going back to the first year BC was here. Next year I would be fine with R. Perez coming back but they have to have a more reliable backup plan in place. Would you agree?
Jason Mackey
12:26
Yes, I would. Organizationally they are still too thin at catcher. Again, why I would take a chance on one of those guys mentioned. I'm fine seeing more of Delay. I would want more of a comfort blanket beyond that.
Chief Powhatan
12:26
Do you think Mason Martin gets a call up soon? Also, how long do the Bucs go with Allen over recalling Suwinski?
Jason Mackey
12:27
No, I don't think Martin gets called up soon. There's a lot on which he needs to improve. And, yeah, I think Allen is probably candidate No. 2 for a DFA behind VanMeter. Maybe ahead of him, depending on how you want to construct your OF.
Will
12:27
What's the latest with Contreras?  FO called is a pause but now there's talk of shutting him down til Sept or maybe the year. Are there injury concerns?  Seemed like an obvious candidate to slot into Quintana's vacated rotation slot.
Jason Mackey
12:28
I don't know what you're talking about shutting him down until September. He's pitching in Indy -- albeit in limited fashion. They're being super careful with his innings, not wanting him to jump too much year-over-year. I think they're just gonna slow play it and probably bring him back at the end of the month.
Austin
12:28
One down. Two to go. With Yoshi DFA’d and a nice series sweep of the Brewers, how much longer do you think we wait before someone comes up for JVM and Allen?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Probably this road trip.
Chief Powhatan
12:28
With only four left in a rotation that's far from world-beaters, who do the Pirates give the most opportunities to the rest of 2022?
Jason Mackey
12:32
They don't have many who are MLB-ready, to be honest. I know this will irk some people, but it wouldn't surprise me if they gave Eickhoff another shot. Bolton would be another tweener type I think they'll want to check out. Could see Oviedo up here, obviously. There'll probably be another waiver claim or two. Again, it's not great.
Craig
12:32
Do you expect there to be any interest in Dinelson Limet from the Pirates?
Jason Mackey
12:33
He has a 9.49 ERA this season. I mean, maybe. They're thin on pitching. But this strikes me as a bit of a reach.
Liam
12:33
Nick Gonzales is said to be close to returning to game like action. Does that mean he’s going to be in the lineup in Altoona soon or is that just like live reps?
Jason Mackey
12:33
A little unclear based on what TT said the other day. I think it would probably start in a controlled environment, like rookie league, then progress. I doubt they would plop him down in Altoona right away.
Jeff H.
12:34
I remember when Syd Thrift did his firesale in the 1980's, and after the final trade, he said he had his team, take a picture.  I believe that was in 1986.  Do we have our team we're going to move forward with?  Can we take a picture?  I know it was a different era, but I'm just hoping this is not a continual "trade for prospects" situation.
Jason Mackey
12:34
Umm ... I think the Pirates are always going to have shuffling in and out. Not sure I would ever take a picture of a team and expect it to stay. Not the way the game works anymore.
Chief Powhatan
12:34
I'm dreading this 10-game roadtrip but can you see a scenario where the Pirates could go 5-5?
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