You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 09.01.21
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
Clyde
12:39
Do you think NL with adopt a DH as early as next season? Yoshi would be a great candidate to fill that spot if they bring him back
Jason Mackey
12:40
Yes, I do. I think that's an easy concession in the CBA -- because it means another job and a more entertaining product. And I agree with you on Yoshi, although I want to see a larger sample size, which they will obviously get.
Benson DuBois
12:40
Given the Clemente legacy, are the Pirates the most popular team in Puerto Rico?
Jason Mackey
12:40
I've never been, but I would have to imagine so.
david-
12:40
Does Reynolds get to 100 RBI?
Jason Mackey
12:41
Not unless it's like Chuck E. Cheese and you can kick in some cash for any tickets you need to add to get to 300 or whatever. But nearly an RBI per game with this awesome? That's tough.
Clyde
12:41
Is Polanco eligible to see any big league time with Toronto this season after signing a minor league deal?
Jason Mackey
12:42
Yes, he is. Postseason he would have to replacement someone on the 10- or 60-day IL via letter to the commissioner's office petitioning to be added. (There wouldn't be an issue there.)
Clyde
12:42
If you had to take a guess at the 2022 opening day starter, who would be your guess?
Jason Mackey
12:42
At this point, I guess I would go with Brault.
Chuck
12:42
Was Neil Walker in the booth an audition? Thought he crushed it, but I like Capps, Rock, and Walk too. How many color analysts are too many color analysts?
Jason Mackey
12:42
They're going to pare them after the season. Walker might well become the full-time guy, then they sprinkle in others. This was a transition year all along. And Neil will be back.
Joel
12:43
BTW, I’m pretty sure the Pirates top 10 prospect list in 2014 included Taillon, Glasnow, Bell, and Meadows. That’s impressive by any measure. The fact that two of them were included in the one of the worst trades in major league history is not the fault of the scouts or the prospect evaluators.
Jason Mackey
12:43
Agree 100%. And the fact that they were traded speaks to the developmental problems the Pirates had. They never should have been candidates for that. That was problem No. 1, IMO.
ev
12:43
Hi Jason, I've asked one of your colleagues, via chats like this, if he thought there would be a baseball strike next season.  If there is, and a lockout/work stoppage follows, how might that impact player development?  It seems as though such a scenario would be particularly adverse for teams like the Bucs who are trying to build with prospects.  Without play and instruction, the advancement or plan stalls as well.
Jason Mackey
12:45
That's a tricky one. My first blush answer would be to say, yeah, absolutely it will impact them. At the same time, it probably depends on the scope of things and how things transpire with minor league guys, who are not part of the MLBPA. I doubt they would cross, but you never know. Probably depends on what it looks like. Side note: The stuff you hear about talks between the two sides has been halfway encouraging so I do like that. Or maybe I'm just overly optimistic. But it's good that they're at least sorta talking.
Matt from LA
12:45
Speaking of PNC Park, do you see it as becoming a "modern day" Fenway or Wrigley where they make improvements to it over the years but keep it in place rather than replace it? Considering the location and the sightlines, it would be hard to replace or improve upon it!
Jason Mackey
12:48
I think those are lofty goals. However, I don't see how or why they would think about moving it. Or moving to a new stadium. Just replace and update the existing one, which is damn near perfect ... except the video board.
wvpirate
12:51
This year the Pirates have been terrible.  And so has attendance. So along with being patient.  Do you see the Pirates signing a couple of free agents this winter as a stop gap until the next wave arrives?  I am hoping for a floor being added to the new player/owner agreement
Jason Mackey
12:52
I think they will sign some, but nobody huge. Maybe a Tyler Anderson type. But I think they're going to prioritize 40-man roster spots for younger players and see what those guys can do. I also love that way of doing things. Agree with you, though. I really hope the next CBA includes a floor and a cap, although I'm not terribly optimistic that it will.
Chuck
12:52
Is Marcano playing any SS in Indi? Never heard much about his glove or his ability to handle short
Jason Mackey
12:53
I think he can, but no, he has played most second, third and some outfield. I think because of Cruz, Castillo, Peguero and others, they want to see what he can do other places. A bigger issue for Marcano right now is the hitting.
Chuck
12:53
What do you make of Oviedo? I realize he was forced onto the big league roster due to rule5, but he was clearly overmatched this year. Is he still considered to be a part of next years rotation?
Jason Mackey
12:54
I think he's a candidate, although at this point, he looks to me like someone who would benefit from some time at Class AAA. If you made me predict right this second -- which you are -- I think that's ultimately where he starts.
Clyde
12:56
If Shelton has a season similar to this one next year, does his seat start warming up?
Jason Mackey
12:58
I think it depends, Clyde. He will be without a contract for the following year -- if nothing changes. So, yeah, if they don't feel like they're making meaningful progress with him, then sure, they could look to go in a different direction. But I think it's not just going to be about wins and losses. Will be more about having a plan, preparing, culture, individual players getting better, etc.
OK, folks. That does it for me this week. Thanks so much for participating. Have a special thing I'm working on tonight that I'm excited for yinz to read about. You'll know it soon enough. Talk to you next Wednesday.
Connecting…