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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 09.01.21
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Blackhawk Bob
12:15
Do you think baseball will go back to letting starterspitch counts to 100 / 120
Jason Mackey
12:17
Sadly, no. I wish, believe me. I long for those days. But I think things are hyper analyzed right people. Managers -- including Shelton -- believe very much in the third time through. That's their right. I don't believe as much in it, at least not compared to a guy with good stuff that night. I think that matters more than times through an order. Pitchers are also expensive investments, and I don't see any going back from where we're at now.
MjB
12:17
I like fishing.  The Pirates do too.  They are fishing for players who can be a flash in the pan, and they are hoping that flash lasts.   This strategy makes perfect sense given the long-term goals of the organization.   The question is when is it time to stop fishing and start letting the young fry swim on their own.  Specifically, without a piscatorial allusion, when do we see the real Pirates, the team that should become the young core?   I am not looking for a year where one or two make their way here, but when does that next great Pirates team begin their journey?  I just need to create a countdown calendar for the first day we're stocked.
Jason Mackey
12:18
I think next year you're going to see a 40-man roster loaded with young players and many of them get a legitimate chance. But they are going to continue fishing, to use your term. They need to. All teams do. Take a chance on someone, help him figure it out and reap the benefits. It's a smart/cheap way of acquiring talent, when the other organization has given up. Some guy named Glasnow applies.
Jps 717
12:18
Enjoyed your article about rule 5 roster issues.  After reviewing your list of potential cuts, no one should be concerned.  As Chuck Noll once said, the problem isn’t cutting …it’s stopping.  Do you think we’ll see prospects moved thru the system more quickly or that they’ll continue to staff the mlb team with dumpster dives until the prospects are ready?
Jason Mackey
12:19
They're not going to rush prospects, I can tell you that. Speaking in one answer about the development of four levels, I can't do that. It's going to be nuanced. What this group needs to have is a better sense of when to move guys along. The last group lacked with that. It was never too early or too late -- at least one of them consistently. It was just a failure to complete development. And, yeah, we're talking about a team with one of the worst records in the league. I don't see how clearing that club's 40-man for halfway decent prospects is a crunch.
Prince Bob
12:19
I also think Oliver should be in the Hall of Fame. But to me it always seemed like he was overshadowed when he was in Pittsburgh and was also never the sort of guy who attracted attention to himself. Maybe that kind of stuff has been a factor.
Jason Mackey
12:20
I don't know. I can't speak for voters everywhere. I think it's a fair take, though, for sure.
Paul
12:20
With players performing well in the minors without promotion (Priester, Gonzalez, Endy Rodriguez), how much value do you think should be put on team success versus individual success in the minors? I'm asking that because I read somewhere that Cherington wants the A ball players to play in the playoffs.  (Me? I want them to progress to the majors as quickly as makes sense)
Jason Mackey
12:22
Hey Paul. Yes, I'm the one who wrote that piece. Here's what I'm at on it: I want them to get it right. If it's gonna help Nick Gonzales to play in the playoffs, let him play in the damn playoffs. Ditto for Priester, Rodriguez, Triolo, Mlodzinski, whomever. Also, I'm willing to admit that Cherington -- and every other baseball GM -- knows more about timing than I do. I know a little about fan sentiment and expectations, probably more than Ben because I've been here longer. But it's hard for me to disagree on something like that. I think they need to not screw up development. It's too costly. If that takes 2024 for Gonzales to get here -- it won't -- then I'm OK with that.
Maz
12:23
Hi Jason. Were you surprised that MLB pipeline did not have the Pirates farm system ranked in their top 10? I was very surprised given all of the recent upgrades.
Jason Mackey
12:23
Hey Maz, I'm not sure what you're talking about. MLB Pipeline ranks the Pirates system fourth.
Matt from LA
12:23
On the past Sunday night's "Sports Showdown" on KDKA, one of the guests mentioned that in  2014 the Pirates' minor league system was voted number one in prospects but that they never came to fruition. His point was that all of this talk about the current stock of minor leaguers in the Pirate system is nice but until they actually develop and prove themselves at the MLB level, all that it is is talk. What makes this group of prospects any different than the 2014 group? Just more unfilled hope for Pirate fans?
Jason Mackey
12:25
Well, one, I would say that we don't know yet what this group will become. I'll start there. Two, I would argue that 2013-15 was decent, no? Seems that's most fans' best sports memory of the past ... I don't know, a long time. I would also add that the Pirates' flaw was not building on that. Having the best farm system for one year is cool, but they never sustained that. So, you're comparing a one-off with continue success -- not the same. Those are my thoughts.
Joel
12:26
So, small sample size, but Yoshi Tsutsugo can hit but he is a butcher in the field. Since he’s a free agent after the season, how do you see this playing out from a Pirates’ standpoint? Will Cherington gamble on there being a universal DH next year? Is there any way he’d be willing to offer a multi-year dear? Or will the Yoshi era end before it really starts?
Jason Mackey
12:27
I think we need to let this play out. There's absolutely no reason for Ben to make a decision now. I wanna see if Yoshi is actually good or turns into John Nogowski. I will say, if they somehow wind up bringing him back, man, it better be as a DH. He's not good in the field.
Matt from LA
12:27
Although I hope otherwise, are we getting to the point where Cole Tucker and his inability to him MLB pitching is just another indication of the failure of the last regime to draft and develop players?
Jason Mackey
12:27
We could be. Or it could just be a rotten draft pick. I hope it's not. I hope Tucker figures it out. He's a good kid. But to this point -- and with little evidence to the positive -- the results simply haven't been there.
Phil in GA
12:27
Jason, I've read your pieces on how BC is approaching the minor league promotions (opting for winning together vs. promotions in some cases).  I've wanted to see Nick G. moved to AA for a few weeks now and he is obviously just on fire.  I think having 50-60 AA ABs to take into the offseason is good from a development standpoint.  Do you think he should get a shot or not a big deal, just let him start in Altoona next year?
Jason Mackey
12:30
If this recent run isn't enough to get Gonzales promoted, I don't know what could be, honestly. And if they want that group to play in competitive, meaningful games together, is that the worst thing? Again, Ben has done this before. You and me have not. If he says he wants them to go this route, I don't know how we can sit here and say "you're wrong" with a straight face.
Bill
12:30
What your thoughts on Oliva? Ive though he could be a 4th OF to provide speed and defense but he needs to hit a little. Seems to be doing well lately at Indy. With guys like Swaggerty, Mitchel, Suwinski coming and potential move of Cruz to OF, feels like Oliva needs to show something soon.
Jason Mackey
12:32
I've seen nothing to indicate to me that he's ready for MLB work at this point. Similar to Tucker, I really like him. But he also hasn't played much Class AAA ball. I would need to see him hit pitching there consistently before entertaining the idea of bringing him up. I think he could be a solid defensive outfielder with some speed and some sneaky pop. I think it's in there. But too many strikeouts and too much weak contact.
Joel
12:32
I’m sure the Pirates brain trust is aware that Greensboro’s home park is the most homer friendly park in the entire minors, even more than the desert locations in the west. Hard to believe, but there you go. Do you have any sense of if and how this factors into their evaluation of prospects like Gonzalez and Peguero? Gonzalez’s road splits are pretty unimpressive considering his high draft pedigree.
Jason Mackey
12:33
I don't think they're playing a ton of weight on park factors for a guy with an OPS around 1.100 this month. I've never been there. Maybe it is, maybe it's not. But the guy's been impacting the ball. I'm not about to throw water on it because the park might be small. If it's so small, why isn't everyone going 7 for 12 with 15 RBIs?
Clyde
12:33
Do you expect Chavis to return by season’s end? He was fun to watch.
Jason Mackey
12:34
I do, yes. Shame for him, too. I agree with you. He was fun to watch, and I think he was making an impression on the coaching staff.
Matt from LA
12:34
Jason, As a Pirate fan for over 60 years, no matter how bad they are, no matter how bad the owner, I still follow them and enjoy your insights and coverage. Although I do not always agree with you, I do find your reporting objective which is greatly appreciated and which differs greatly from the Pirate broadcasters, whom I realize work for the team. So, keep writing and keep chatting! You are certainly not the reason for the Pirates lack of success!
Jason Mackey
12:34
Thanks, Matt. No, I am not. And I won't be the reason when/if they have success. I'll simply be the dude here trying to come up with interesting story ideas and cover the team fairly. If I do those things, I'll also sleep well at night.
Tony
12:34
Have you heard anything on the Henry Davis injury? Is he done for the season?
Jason Mackey
12:35
Not done for the season, but it's expected to be multiple weeks. If they make the playoffs, he could make it back in time.
Joel
12:35
Would the Pirates ever consider going the Tampa Bay route and having a whole bunch of interchangeable pitchers who can throw multiple innings? It seems to me that Kuhl, Brubaker, and Crowe would be suited to that kind of usage.
Jason Mackey
12:35
Yeah, I think you could see that. I don't think they're ever going to be a carbon copy of the Rays, but I do think there are some traits to Tampa that they would like to emulate, this being one of them.
Matt from LA
12:35
What do think of the new MLB rule that limits the number of September callups? Doesn't it hurt a team like the Bucs who are focused on player development and evaluation even more than a playoff team trying to increase their in-game player options?
Jason Mackey
12:36
I despise it. I don't know how you go from 15 to two and not realize that something is wacky.
Ryan
12:37
Thanks Jason go Bucs tonight and the rest of the year
Jason Mackey
12:37
Thanks, Ryan.
Matt from LA
12:37
So true about the video scoreboard needing to be  replaced at PNC! Who is responsible for that, Nutting or the Stadium Authority?
Jason Mackey
12:38
That's a good question, Matt. I will check on it. I've also been meaning to re-read the lease. Technically the Stadium Authority owns the place. But the scoreboard would also be an enhancement affecting business. Again, it's an interesting area, and I need to go back and re-read to make sure I'm accurate.
Clyde
12:38
I know Ke’Bryan’s injury wasn’t serious, but would it be wise to shut him down at this point? With nothing to play for, what does he have to gain going back out there with a wrist that’s still not 100% and now a hand injury?
Jason Mackey
12:39
I've not heard that he's experiencing wrist issues, No. 1. That's a new one. But, two, I think it depends on the severity of the hand injury. To my knowledge, it's not that bad. There's hope he'll avoid the IL. I would like to see him finish strong because of the time missed.
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