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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 08.19.20
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Jason Mackey
11:22
Hello, everyone, and welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. We'll get started around noon, but feel free to ask your questions now. Will be back here shortly to answer them. Thanks!
12:01
And away we go ...
Neil
12:01
Who would be the Pirates obligatory All Star representative so far?
Jason Mackey
12:02
Oh, boy, Neil. This is a tough one. Probably Colin Moran, honestly. And it wouldn't be pretty. I've kicked around in my head Phillip Evans and Erik Gonzalez, but there's just no way. Kevin Newman has been good lately, but really struggled at the beginning. Jacob Stallings' defense has been good, but there hasn't been much there offensively. So, yeah, I guess I'd go Moran.
Bill Chapman
12:02
With the Pirates obviously going no where this season, it leads me to several questions. 1. When is the trade deadline this year. Not that the Pirates have much to offer but Frazier, Dyson, Kela wrapped together might bring you a minor league pitcher or outfielder. 2. What is the status of Hayes?  Is he healthy and have a future in the big leagues and 3. Where is Jose Osuna?  I have seen or heard his name mentioned in weeks.
Jason Mackey
12:06
Hi Bill. Thanks for the questions. 1. Aug. 31. I agree on Kela, but I don't know about the other two. Dyson is hitting .143, Frazier .184. Hard to see either attracting too many offers, although Frazier had some interest at the Winter Meetings; so, it's conceivable that would still exist despite the poor start. ... 2. He's healthy, working out in Altoona and absolutely should. I'd be stunned if he's not up by the end of August. He should be up now, frankly. ... 3. Jose Osuna is on the team. I don't know why he's not playing more. Dude had 10 home runs last year. Led the NL in pinch-hit home runs. And he's basically an afterthought. His last at-bat came 16 days ago.
Neil
12:06
Are the Pirates the only team in the league that has to deal with injuries? A common retort to their poor performance points to their injuries, but I'm not seeing an All-Star roster on their IL.
Jason Mackey
12:07
Fair point, Neil. They've talked a lot about injuries, managing the bullpen, the shortened spring training, the quick ramp-up, etc. While I won't deny those are factors, they're hardly the only team dealing with them. And they haven't played well enough to overcome that. They also don't have enough talent -- because ownership should spend more -- to overcome those struggles.
Neil
12:07
Has Neil Huntington been hired by any other team? I thought I remember him being talked about as recently as last year as being desired by other teams such as the Giants. Was that all nonsense?
Jason Mackey
12:08
He has not. That was before he was fired. But he's still getting paid by the Pirates. And, hey, if it was either one of us, we'd be OK being paid to do nothing, too.
Donna
12:08
Hello Jason. While watching last night’s game, I heard that Cole Tucker has been working out at second.  It seems to me that Tucker should play short if he plays infield and Newman should move to second which could be the double play combo of the future.  I’m concerned Tucker’s play may be affected by being moved around so much.  Also, with social distancing, why are boats like the Gateway Clipper allowed to operate?  I’ve seen these large boats on the river while watching our Bucs.  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:10
I can't give you a reasonable answer on that second one, Donna. I mean, I think we all know the real answer: $$$. Same reason the casinos are allowed to operate. ... As for Tucker, I don't have any issue with it, honestly. He's been playing second dating back to spring training. So has Newman. I think Tucker has the versatility to handle it. What will hold Tucker back is his hitting. If he can figure out the offensive part -- strike out less, make more consistent contact -- then I think they'll easily find a place for him to play. I've actually kinda liked him in center. But he needs reps.
Carl
12:10
In light of Dyson’s dismal batting average, is he close to being replaced by Cole Tucker or maybe even Jason Martin?
Jason Mackey
12:12
He should be, I know that. Honestly, if this team was gonna hover around .500 or even be remotely competitive, I can see the value in someone like Dyson. Now, not so much. I'm OK keeping him around as a fourth outfielder, but that's it. He's a good vet and well-liked in the clubhouse. He can teach Tucker and Jason Martin some things. But those guys -- or maybe even Jared Oliva -- should be playing every day. Heck, even Erik Gonzalez. ... You might have to stick with Polanco (.075), hoping he figures it out, but I would rotate the other spot.
TONYSUFAK
12:12
Why dont the reporters ask Shelton any tough questions? Tired of hearing all the platitudes.
Jason Mackey
12:12
What should be asked that isn't being asked, Tony? Also, have you listened to every single one of his pre- and postgame sessions to catalog what has been asked?
Yuri
12:12
Hi Jason.  Any idea if/when Hayes will be brought up?  Can he play any other positions besides third base?  Appreciate the chats!
Jason Mackey
12:13
Hi Yuri. He's a third baseman, plain and simple. And a very good one. They haven't moved him around because he is so good defensively there. I would expect by the end of August if not before.
Jim M
12:13
Hi Jason,  I enjoyed your “Pirates Takeaways” article from this morning. Do you think the trade deadline at the end of the month might be the catalyst for playing the young guys?  Not that we should expect any big trades.  I say bring up Hayes, Will Craig, O’Neil Cruz, Cederlind etc. why not try Cruz in RF? Maybe he could hit better than 0.75.
Jason Mackey
12:15
Hi Jim. It could be, although I'm not sure I would wait that long, honestly. I would send a message. You're 4-15. To whom must we be loyal here? I'd try  Hayes, Craig, Cederlind and others. What's the worst that can happen? They lose? To my knowledge, Cruz has not worked in the outfield, so I would stick with him at shortstop for now. I would worry about putting him out there in a major league game right now and what that might look like. But I would give him a shot to hit.
bob from mt. lebanon
12:15
It looks like Newman, deservedly, is back as the starting SS.  His strong 2019 season and his current hot bat are responsible for his status.  But from a pure defensive standpoint, who is the best:  Gonzalez, Newman or Tucker?  Please rate them 1-2-3.  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:17
Hi Bob. I think Gonzalez is probably the best defender in there, although Tucker is close. I also like Tucker's versatility. I think of the three, he has fared the best in the outfield. Also, by no means do I think Newman is a poor defender. I just think the other two are honestly pretty solid.
Tom
12:17
Your column today was spot on! How can Dyson get picked off in that situation, especially after the  catcher "double-clutched" his throw, I'm not impressed with Shelton's managerial decision making, ot that of his coaching staff. And how can he keep Polanco in the lineup? There is no development happening at all. Very dispointing.
Jason Mackey
12:19
Thanks, Tom. I actually wasn't convinced Dyson was safe, either. It was a close call, but I think the bigger point should be that you can't risk that happening. The Pirates have not looked terribly smart on the bases. And I don't know how I feel about Shelton, honestly. Like him as a person. Like how he is with us. But, yeah, some of the tactical decisions are questionable at best. I also would acknowledge how little talent he has to work with. Zero margin for error.
Lindy
12:19
Hey Jason.  Enjoy these chats.  I know teams aren’t exactly knocking at the Pirates’ door with the season they are having, but have you heard any trade rumors?
Jason Mackey
12:20
Hi Lindy. If I heard anything substantive on trades, I would report it, believe me. I think there's obvious interest in Kela, although teams will want to see his pitch well before doing anything. I also think this will be kind of a feeling-out process with the deadline being a little more than a month into the season.
Drew
12:20
A question about the frequent number of cross-ups in signs between the catcher and pitcher when there is a runner at second.  Obviously, the Pirates have had loads of problems with this, but in fairness I've watched a number of non-Pirate games, too, and have seen other teams have the same problem. I'm wondering if this might be reaction to the Astros' sign stealing and teams are trying to make their signs more complex or if it could be something else...fast ramp-up to the regular season, unfamiliarity between pitchers and catchers working together because more pitchers are being used, or just plain inexperience?
Jason Mackey
12:22
It's closer to the first point, Drew. Baseball teams have become incredibly ... I don't know narcissistic or skeptical of opposing teams stealing signs. I guess with the Astros mess, for good reasons. But they have several sets of signs that they cycle through, and I think we could probably say too many. I'm still a believer in you have a reasonable amount of signs, and if you notice someone trying to steal 'em, you hit someone. I think there's a line when it comes being secretive and stupid, and they're flirting with it.
Spazeroski
12:22
How can you possibly say in your article that last night’s starting pitching performance was “so-so”? Three runs in three innings is simply not acceptable for a team
Jason Mackey
12:24
It was his second MLB start. It was also a 3-3 game going into extra innings -- Brubaker gave his team a chance to win the game. But also, he's thrown a total of 11 innings over four appearances.
Oh, and I'm a total moron. So there's that. :-)
Dude
12:24
Isn’t it time to accept Polanco is just not a major league player ? His at-bat in the 10th last night was an embarrassment.
Jason Mackey
12:25
Maybe. I'm torn with Polanco. On one hand, I agree with you. I don't care who you are, .075 is really, really bad, and that player simply should not pay every day. On the other hand, they're paying Polanco a lot of money. They need him to figure it out. I almost wonder if it wouldn't do the Pirates some good to bench Polanco for a series or something and let him clear his head.
Jeff
12:25
Thanks for the chats Jason.  I am tired of the small market team excuse.  Are you?  Yes small markets can have tough years but 20+?  This team and organization is a joke and when we can get back to normal I hope people continue to stay away from the ballpark.  The town makes fun of how the Bengals are run, we are the Bengals of MLB
Jason Mackey
12:28
Yes, I don't like the small market excuse either. My argument would be the Rays and A's. They've found ways to win. Why can't the Pirates? Now, I think the previous regime had its run, and it was time to move on. It'll take time -- obviously -- for this new group to get things turned around. But I don't like saying we can't do this because of our market size. The Rooneys do it with the Steelers in the same market. Ron and Mario do it with the Penguins in the same market. And hey, if Nutting can only spend so much, fine. I'm not criticizing. I obviously do not have enough money to buy an MLB. But if you can't afford to pay what it costs to run a competitive team, please just sell the Pirates to someone who can.
wvpirate
12:28
Looks like Crick will be back soon. Any updates on Musgrove and Keller?
Jason Mackey
12:31
You're right. Won't be much longer. And we should learn more today from Todd Tomczyk -- who talks at 4:30 p.m. -- on the other two.
wvpirate
12:31
No expansion of rosters September 1st? Do you anticipate the Pirates to bring up any other young players from Altoona in September?
Jason Mackey
12:31
I would sure hope so. I don't see why they're not up here now, honestly.
James
12:31
Hi Jason, no questions for you.  Just want to recognize that yesterday was the birthday of the great Roberto Clemente.  His accomplishments on and off the field should never be forgotten.  Arriba Roberto!
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