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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 08.25.21
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Buccos47
12:57
Hey Jason, I wanted to ask if you think Keller is going to get better the rest of the season, and how well do you think he will do in 2022?
Jason Mackey
12:57
I would hope so. But honestly, we've been through this with Mitch, I'm refraining from opinions or formulating too much of an opinion until I see some consistency. That just hasn't been the case with him.
Derrick
12:58
What kind of relationships do those on the beat have? You presumably see each other daily, but is it easy to remain friendly when it comes time to report the same story, vie for coverage, or possibly get to a story first? I'm sorry if that's too personally and you'd rather not address it.
Jason Mackey
12:59
No, that's cool. I'm fine talking about any of that stuff. Better than 9,000 questions about Newman or Polanco, believe me. We're cordial. And I think that's important because we see so much of each other. That said, we do compete. I'm extremely competitive and want to be better than everybody else who covers the team. That said, I like all those people and respect them. They do good work, and I would never, ever criticize another outlet in public. This job is hard enough. I think there are boundaries -- like not jumping in a one-on-one interview -- that we need to respect. But when we're not working, just my opinion, I see no reason we can't get along.
Mike
1:00
I’m not trying to get you to diss a competitor, just genuinely curious what you think what happened with the initial reporting on the Polanco move? Was it a case of prioritizing speed over all in chase of a scoop? Allowing what one wants to believe prevail over collection of information? Both?
Jason Mackey
1:01
I couldn't begin to tell you, Mike. And I'm not gonna criticize anyone because I've made mistakes and will make mistakes in the future. I just said before that it was a shame it came out the way it did because I think it confused a lot of people and just caused a fuss that didn't need to exist.
Woobie
1:01
Is Kuhl’s future perhaps a late inning reliever? And does his early success in the pen make it more likely he potentially stays or goes this winter?
Jason Mackey
1:01
I think we need to see more. I don't know how we can make that determination based on three outings or whatever he's had. I do think his stuff plays for a late-inning role. The slider is nasty.
Clyde
1:01
I get Newman has been outstanding with the glove. And no one is necessarily breaking down the door at that position. But can the Pirates really go into next season with Newman as their starting shortstop when he was statistically the worst bat in all of baseball this year?
Jason Mackey
1:03
I don't know if they have a better option at this point, Clyde. Maybe Marcano. Depends on development. I just think we need to kinda tap the brakes here with the Newman freakout. He's been halfway decent in August. What if that continues?
Derrick
1:03
Piggy backing off Marc's question...do you see the extra two spots given to any player permanently, or more used to give multiple players a chance?
Jason Mackey
1:03
Probably depends on how they perform, honestly. I don't think this is a cookie-cutter thing. Like it doesn't have to be one specific way.
Woobie
1:03
Should we be happy the Pirates could sweep tonight or annoyed it’s happening versus Arizona? Part of me is annoyed, but the other part says the Pirates are drafting in the top 4 barring something crazy.
Jason Mackey
1:04
I would be happy. They're gonna get a top pick. I wouldn't worry about that. Get the sweep thing in the past.
Benson DuBois
1:04
Is Reynolds more likely to be extended or dealt?
Jason Mackey
1:04
I think he's more likely to be extended.
ev
1:04
How will a winning culture be cultivated once these prospects have matriculated?
Jason Mackey
1:05
You would hope that it's been started before that. I think the culture crap gets overblown, too. You need to create an environment where people are free to be as they are, where ideas are encouraged, where the people in charge know what they're doing. The Pirates are fine there. You also need better players. Spare me the culture crap and just produce some results. That'll change the culture real fast.
Hank
1:05
Do you think there is a realistic chance we see Oniel Cruz be a September call up option? He has seemed to pick up right where he left off.
Jason Mackey
1:06
There's a chance, yeah. But I think we need to see more from him first. I don't think it's automatic by any stretch. Needs to play the field for a stretch and stay healthy.
Muncy
1:06
Is Ed Ott still in baseball? Medical issues?
Jason Mackey
1:07
I don't believe he's in baseball anymore. I do not know of any possible medical issues.
Munkeefist
1:07
Do teams put any weight into the minor league playoffs and could there be any promotions made to strengthen rosters for those games? Thanks Jason!!
Jason Mackey
1:08
Yeah, I think they do. I don't know about strengthen rosters, but there are certainly cases where maybe that becomes a valuable developmental opportunity or a challenge that somebody needs.
Boykin
1:08
Hey Jason…can you tell us more about Elijah Green?  What outfield position is he best suited for?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
1:10
He's athletic as all get out. Would say center field at this point. Tall, lean, mature and smart. Arm is good, maybe a little improvement there. Can obviously run. Right-handed hitter with a ton of power. I think I like his makeup most of all, though. Talks like he's 28 or 30.
David S.
1:11
Why the opposition to the shift? Wasn't it Wee Willie Keeler who said "hit 'em where they ain't"? Isn't that the essence of hitting? Do that enough times and the shift takes care of itself.
Jason Mackey
1:11
I thought I articulated that. I would like to see baseball get back to how it used to be played, when it was more popular. Those are different thoughts for me. I can see why teams shift and do what they do. I would also like to see more of a traditional alignment. Put more balls in play, please.
Woobie
1:12
Have you heard good things about Castillo, the other piece in the Holmes trade? Park has gotten a lot of the early attention but Castillo seems like a really well rounded player.
Jason Mackey
1:13
I have. He's been excellent. Probably not talked about enough. Has a solid amount of power. Will be curious to see when they might advance him to Class AAA. Good eye. Plays a couple different spots. Honestly reminds me a little of Rodolfo Castro.
OK, folks. That's it for me this week. Gotta go cut the grass before heading to PNC. Thanks so much, and talk to you again next week.
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