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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 08.25.21
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Todd
12:29
Is Newman's late season resurgence gonna mean he will be with the Pirates starting again next year? I think that would be a bad move. A few weeks of good hitting doesn't make up for how awful he's been most of his Pirates career.
Jason Mackey
12:30
Well, Todd, in 2019, he was really good. He was bad April-July this year, absolutely. This August has been interesting. And to answer your question, I don't think we know. I think we need to let it play out and see where this goes. I think he could be back. If this hot streak goes away, I also think the Pirates could see this as a blip and turn to someone else there.
Lance
12:30
Nobody could believe Polanco started again Monday night after he was put on waivers. I mean, why Jason why? He stinks and is not part of any future with this organization. Thankfully he didn't start yesterday but still got into the game as a pinch hitter. It drives me crazy.
Jason Mackey
12:31
I'm continually stunned how offended people get at Gregory Polanco playing. I mean, I get it to a degree, but it's not like he's the reason they aren't good. And with Alford back, you're probably going to see a rotation. Is it that offensive if he stays on the roster? (I probably answered my own question.)
Bruce
12:31
I have been very UNIMPRESSED with Rick Eckstein and Oscar Marin. Any chance 1 or both will be gone after the season?
Jason Mackey
12:32
Given how this year has unfolded, and the fact that I really doubt they're going to move on from Shelton, yeah, I would be surprised if they didn't make a change. I think Eckstein would probably be the unfortunate fall guy. I also don't think it's deserved. I think Rick is a great guy and the victim of not having enough talent. But he had been there before. The numbers are bad. You have to do something to show fans you care.
NorCal buc
12:32
I would much rather see the Pirates climb in the standings while we see dramatic improvements from Keller, Brault, and all the other starters.  I’d like to see the bullpen continue to solidly w Bednar as closer and Underwood and Stratton as set-up men.  I feel it is MUCH more important for this team to show dramatic signs of improvement with the young core we have, than to continue to loose, as proof that this group has no future.  I’d love to see at least a .500 record from here on out.  I’m willing for you to concur, Jason.
Jason Mackey
12:33
You're allowed to feel however you want. I'm fine with that, although I would like to see auditions as well. See what guys can do.
Prince Bob
12:33
How many of the starting pitchers the Pirates have used this season do you think will be in their rotation next season? And how about in 2023?
Jason Mackey
12:36
How about 2024? Or 2046? C'mon. Fourteen pitchers have made at least one start. As of now, I'll say Keller, Brubaker, Brault, Crowe, Wilson and Yajure for '22. Kuhl's in the 'pen. Kranick is close. ... '23: go Brubaker, Crowe, Keller, Wilson, Yajure and Kranick. ... I went six-man because it leaves me an easier out and because I hate randomly predictive questions where there's absolutely no way to accurately list what you're asking me to list.
Prince Bob
12:36
Did anyone not get traded that you thought would? Do you think Colin Moran is likely to be traded in the off season?
Jason Mackey
12:37
Hmmm ... yeah, I was a little surprised that neither Stratton nor Shreve got traded. I thought they both would be gone. And, no, I don't think so. I think you want to see him stay healthy and produce more before making that move. And have a succession plan that's a little more firm and closer.
Lego my Ego
12:37
Cole Tucker at this point seems to be an afterthought. I would have thought once the Pirates were out of contention he would have been brought up, kept up and played regularly to kind of give him 1 more chance to show them if he can be a solid player for them as their former first round pick. On the other hand, they continued to trot out Gregory Polanco who was giving them next to nothing. I know it's about money but something about this seems pretty ridiculous to me. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:38
I think there's still plenty of time to see what Tucker can do. He's had a ton of chances already. I think you will see him again. We don't know what he may be working on, where his comfort level is at, etc. There are human elements that go into these moves, too. Plenty of time, IMO.
Ed
12:38
Hey Jason, Do you see the Pirates designating Newman and Shreve like with Planco so they can get a few more guys up with the limited September roster space?  I can't see Newman or Shreve being with the club next year so why wait.
Jason Mackey
12:39
Because they've been serviceable major league players? You can't just randomly DFA players when they're of no use to you because then people won't sign with you. Newman has been really good in August. Shreve has been a competent major league reliever. Why can't they just continue to play? I don't see who this is hurting.
Southside Jimmy
12:39
Hey Jason.  As an avid Roberto Clemente fan, I was wondering if you know of any plans on relocating the museum from its current Lawrenceville location?  The museum is one of Pittsburgh’s unknown or under appreciated treasures.  A larger building with ample parking would certainly benefit the museum and our city.  Thanks Jason.
Jason Mackey
12:39
Hey Jimmy, I have not heard anything to confirm this. Sorry.
Wayward
12:39
Which do you think is more valuable to a minor leaguer at the end of a season, the chance to play for a championship or a promotion to a level that is not going to make the playoffs?
Jason Mackey
12:41
It depends on how much playing they're doing and how it's going. I don't see this as an either/or question. I think it's valuable to get experience, sure. But it has to be the right experience. Is a player lacking confidence or needs a veteran role model to follow? Maybe a lot of observing will help. Does a play need physical reps to practice adjustments or tweaks? Then the playing time route might help more.
Clyde
12:41
Can you clear up that pick off play from last night? Tsutsugo was pinch hitting when Chavis was picked off. The following inning Polanco batted for the pitcher instead. Was Tsutsugo  considered used there?
Jason Mackey
12:45
Yes. Not being a smart ass with this, but if you're officially brought into the game ... well, you're brought into the game. The umpire does this by motioning to the official scorer. Once this happens, that player is in the game. Shelton then made a pitching change to bury the pitcher's spot as far as he could, taking Tsutsugo out of the game.
Wayward
12:45
Is Newman on the major league roster next year as the starting SS, super utility guy, or gone?
Jason Mackey
12:45
I don't think we know yet. I think we need to see the rest of this year play out. I think all three at this point are still in play.
Ryan
12:45
Good afternoon Jason liked what bednar has done this season so far he’s looked pretty good what do you think let’s go Bucs
Jason Mackey
12:46
Complete agree. I think he's been fantastic. One of the few bright spots and a future close, IMO.
*closer
Obviously like the velocity and mentality. Anybody who throws a splitter is OK in my book, and you don't often get a back-end guy with three pitches; his curveball is legit. Very encouraged by Bednar.
Greg
12:46
Jason, good morning from Phoenix, AZ.  I enjoy these chats and your reporting, and they are a big reason why I maintain my PG subscription.  Question, when I read about the Bucco propspect list, I do not recognize any names that are coming out of the ballclub's Latin American training facility.  A few years back, ownership of the ballclub was touting its investment in improved training facilities in the Dominican, I believe.  Are you hearing of any fruits (prospects) that are being realized from that investment?
Jason Mackey
12:51
HI Greg. Thank you so much for that. We appreciate you subscribing, believe me. There are some, yes. But they are generally at the lower levels -- I.e., not yet ranked. There are too many to name here, and I would have to go back through the club's minor league notes, but they do have some decent prospects in the DSL and FCL. One big one to know is Shalin Polanco (no relation).
Matt from LA
12:51
Jason, If another team had claimed Polanco off of waivers, in addition to his remaining salary for this year, would they also have been responsible for his next year's salary and or the buy out? If so, the move to put him on waivers was in essence a salary dump?
Jason Mackey
12:52
Yes. That team would assume all facets of his contract. It's one of the reasons he wasn't claimed. I wouldn't call it a salary dump, because they didn't actually dump his salary. Maybe a hail mary? Last chance? Not sure.
Clyde
12:52
If Tucker isn’t part of a September call up, does that pretty much let you know what the front office thinks of him?
Jason Mackey
12:52
Yeah, I think if that does happen, that would show they're done with him. I don't think that's going to be the case, however.
Rich in CA
12:52
I haven't been able to see any logic to Shelton's lineups.  This is the year to explore and try various players.  Instead they seemed to be locked in on several players.  What am I missing?
Jason Mackey
12:54
Generally speaking, I think Shelton is trying to put his best 9 players out there to win the game. ... Hold the jokes, please. But think about it. Would imagine Shelton, as he should, is trying to do his best to win. Or at least playing the more experienced players because he thinks it gives him a chance to win. If the Pirates get crushed for three years because they have played all prospects, that goes on his resume. People see that. There's a balance between caring about now and the future, and it's not always perfect.
Woobie
12:54
Any worries about Mason Martin’s K rate? It’s close to 35%, he’s been striking out more not less in the last month and even past Pirates hackers like Pedro Alvarez and Brad Elded had AA strikeout rates under 30%.
Jason Mackey
12:56
I don't know if worried is the right word. Have I noticed it? Yeah. Does it need to be lower? Yeah. I think my way of attacking it would be to actually let him experience some Class AAA and let that inform his offseason thinking and planning. See how that goes. If I have to start him in Class AA next year, I'm OK with that. I want him to give me the middle finger of it. But I'm gonna try to give a taste to help try and fix the problem.
Woobie
12:56
This was a few weeks ago, but did you have any issues with Brubaker’s “we’re having fun” comment? It bothered me and seemed like an odd thing to say when he and the team were playing horribly at the time.
Jason Mackey
12:57
I saw it both ways. I know what he's trying to say. Knowing JT, I like him and find him to be smart, thoughtful, enjoyable to talk to. Do I think that was the time or place to say what he said? No, I don't. I think you need to let fans know that you care because they're not in the clubhouse and they do care. This was not a good example of that.
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