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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 08.11.21
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Wayward
1:02
Whats the rotation look like to end the year?  Could it be a 6 guy group?
Jason Mackey
1:03
It's a six-guy group right now: Kuhl, Brault, Crowe, Keller, Brubaker and Wilson. I could see Yajure getting time. Maybe Dillon Peters or Max Kranick again.
Bill
1:03
Thinking of going to Altoona next year for my first Curve game. Hoping guys like Gonzales, Pegeruo, Priester are there by then. Have you been there for a game? Any recommendations?
Jason Mackey
1:04
Nothing food-related, sorry. I've never eaten much besides chain stuff around there. I think they easily will be by next year. That's gonna be fun for Pirates writers, to have that group so close.
Future Value Enjoyer
1:04
What kind of value could a Gamel trade bring back
Jason Mackey
1:04
Not a ton. He' a fourth outfielder on a good team. Nothing wrong with that, but I don't think they would be expecting premium prospects.
Drew
1:04
Hi Jason, it's been a tough stretch of games lately, so I'm going to ask a general baseball question.  What is the most memorable baseball game/moment that you witnessed in person?  (Doesn't have to be a game that you covered professionally. Could be one you just attended for fun.)  I'll say that mine is the game I went to when I was 9, and Willie Stargell hit the last home run over the right field roof at Forbes Field.
Jason Mackey
1:06
Mine was going to a game at PNC Park with my dad and son. Because of when he got sick, it's the only one we made it to. Can't remember much about the game, just that my dad was so damn happy to take his grandson to a baseball game. And I got to see the two of them just living it up. (I honestly don't remember the specifics of the game.)
Gonzo
1:06
Hey Jason.  While obviously not happy with Polanco’s play, I don’t think anyone can find fault with his attitude and enthusiasm for the Pirates.  When his baseball career is over, do you think the Pirates will find a job for him within the organization, I
Jason Mackey
1:07
Eh, I think we're way too premature for that one, Gonzo. I do love Greg's attitude, though. Need to be objective about his playing, and no, I don't think he should be playing every day. But you will meet few nicer or more well-liked by everyone. Good dude.
Alan
1:07
I'm in my early 60's.  Will I ever see the Pirates in the World Series?  As an aside, I was atbbthe last AS game here, Game 5 of 1979.
Jason Mackey
1:07
Sure. Just make sure you live to be 110. Nah, seriously. I think MLB will change it financial structure. I think once that happens, it will be a much more level playing field.
Justin
1:07
this might really sound like a dumb question, but do you think they've ever asked Kevin Newman to just... swing harder?   Obviously such a thing would hurt his K rate, but he could probably add 20% to his k rate and still be usable.   It's just so clear that the current formula isnt working.
Jason Mackey
1:08
He's swinging hard. That's not the issue. The issue seems to be connecting the barrel of the bat to the ball.
A different Bill
1:08
If the Phillies don’t pick up Cutch’s option, is there any chance the Pirates could give him a look as right fielder? Not sure how much he’d want, but he’d bring a strong veteran presence to a young team, as well as provide some much needed power. Could excite a fan base as well.
Jason Mackey
1:09
There's a chance. However, a couple things here. One, he would have to fit within their overall business model -- basically don't spend more than you have to on the major league team while prospects are developing. Also think Cutch would have better options both in terms of playing time, competitiveness and money. But I don't wanna say never, because you just don't know.
Woobie
1:09
How long of a leash do you give Alford? He’s physically talented and there are few decent OF options, but it’s hard to look past the strikeouts in April and lately since his return.
Jason Mackey
1:10
It's been three games. I give him a hell of a lot more than three games.
Woobie
1:10
Do you see more promotions? Or are those maybe counterproductive with the minor league season winding down in a few weeks ?
Jason Mackey
1:10
They have about another month or something like that. No, I think you will see promotions. I think it makes sense to give guys a taste of what exists at the next level, something to think about during the offseason.
Woobie
1:10
I found it interesting that Tucker was mentioned recently by the FO. Is that lip service or do the Pirates still think he’s possibly part of the future plans?
Jason Mackey
1:11
I don't think they know exactly. I think you're going to see them try to find out the rest of the way. I would be shocked if he's not up here soon.
CoalportKid
1:11
Call me cynical... I just don't see a major league rotation even with rose-colored glassed in the whole system. No 1s, 2s or 3s, maybe 3-4 4s and 5s. Am I wrong?
Jason Mackey
1:12
I don't know what you're saying. Is your point that Roansy Contreras, Quinn Priester, Miguel Yajure, Jared Jones, Carmen Mlodzinski and a handful of others can't form a legitimate rotation? Would have to disagree with you there.
A different Bill
1:12
I can understand the Pirates wanting to do right by Polanco and letting him play out the rest of the season. He’s seems like the type of guy you’d want around young players. But do you think he needs to start as much as he is?
Jason Mackey
1:12
No, I don't. I think they could spread it around more than they have.
Woobie
1:12
Do you like the short-term rotation outlook going forward? Guys like Yajure, Contreras, Brubaker, and even Kuhl, Brault and maybe Keller are interesting, but are any of these guys No. 2 or 3s on a good staff? The lack of potential top tier guys, aside from maybe Priester or if you dream on Jones, is an issue that’s not brought up enough IMO.
Jason Mackey
1:14
I have no issue with the short-term outlook going forward. Guys and girls: These past two questions have sorta said the rotation is automatically going to stink. I'm not buying that. Would I like to see them get more arms? Yes, absolutely. And I think they will. But my God. They have one of the best-ranked farm systems in the majors. They've improved pitching. No, it's not done. And they're only rankings, I get it. But by that same logic, it also doesn't automatically suck.
Guest
1:14
Bae has done well in AA, considering injury time and his age, but will he be lost in the shuffle or do you think he gets to at least establish himself at second before the rest of the players arrive?
Jason Mackey
1:15
I think he will get to do as much as his bat allows. If he hits, believe me, they will find a place for him. He can play short, second, the outfield. If he hits, he'll play. I'm not worried about that.
A different Bill
1:15
The pirates are on pace to lose 100+ and are currently slotted at the 4th overall pick next year. Is it common to have 4 teams losing 100+ games?
Jason Mackey
1:15
More than anybody would like it to be, yes.
Terry Martin-Alpharetta, GA
1:15
Hey Jason, Enjoy your work and insight into Pirates Baseball. In your opinion what do you anticipate the Pirates doing with the outfield moving forward? Might they look at a FA this offseason? We know Reynolds and Gamel will be there. Alford if he continues to produce. But with Swaggerty hurt. He can't be counted on to contribute. Oliva has not done well in his limited spots. Curious as to what you think...Terry Martin, Bucs Fan in Greater Atlanta, GA
Jason Mackey
1:16
Hey Terry. Yeah, I can see them adding a depth piece there. But they also need to be mindful of Swaggerty, Oliva, etc. They don't want to re-Polanco themselves. Need to see more out of Alford and Tucker to know what they have.
Bruce
1:16
Who would Be the Pirates emergency catcher!
Jason Mackey
1:17
Me. ... Nah, would've been Evans. Now ... man, I don't know. Bednar? Ha.
Otis
1:17
In honor of JA Happ spinning another gem against the bucs last night, In your opinion, should he have started over Cole in the 2015 wildcard game?
Jason Mackey
1:18
I'm not of that opinion, no. I was fine with the decision to start Cole.
Guest
1:18
hi Jason. I say call up Tucker and Chavis. Send Newman and Castro down. Let Tucker, Park, and Chavis occupy  SS, 2B, and RF for last 50 games.
Jason Mackey
1:18
I don't think you need to commit to all 50, but I'm with you on Chavis and Tucker up, Newman and someone else down. Probably wouldn't be Castro for me. I'd give him a few more games to see.
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