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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 09.11.19
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Jason Mackey
1:01
Alright folks, away we go. Thanks, as always, for participating.
Diego
1:04
Hi Jason...does the Vasquez-Crick altercation affect the chances of either one being traded?
Jason Mackey
1:05
Hi Diego, I wouldn't think so. With Vazquez, even though apparently he threw the first punch, I can't see that affecting his value. He's still extremely good, and there's a history of Crick being mad about stuff. Maybe he snapped. Regardless, I don't think it changes anything. With Crick, same deal. He's struggled plenty this year. Not sure there was much value to begin with, at least relatively speaking.
GPT
1:05
At the end of the day it's win/losses and runs allowed, but I'm encouraged by Keller's ability to miss bats.  He can't have a .500 BABIP against forever, right?
Jason Mackey
1:07
It's also wins, losses and runs allowed in the middle of the day, just to be completely accurate. But I agree with you. He has swing-and-miss stuff. He'll get better, hopefully for the Pirates here. The makings are there; he just has to learn more how to pitch. Right now, honestly, James Marvel is more advanced than Keller is. Keller has better stuff, obviously, and a much higher ceiling, but he still has some developing to do.
Roger
1:07
Who starts thursday? Are there any additional details on musgroves vague foot injury?
Jason Mackey
1:08
It could be Joe. He's testing his foot, trying to see if he can go. I've been asked this a few times on Twitter. Maybe you're the one who asked, Roger. But they're not telling us, because I don't think they know, either. It depends on how he feels today.
Montross
1:08
Do you/your sources feel Polanco will be the starting right fielder next year or have the Pirates basically written him off?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
1:09
Assuming his body cooperates, it'll be Polanco. How much does he play? That's an interesting -- and fair -- question. But they've invested in Polanco, and they believe in him. That said, he's had a lengthy injury history; I'm not sure they can count on him for anything more than, 120 or 130 games, if that. Need to have a backup plan. But they do believe he'll be their starting right fielder in 2020, yes.
GhostOfIvanToncic
1:09
Re: Crick's two altercations this year -- is this an unfortunate coincidence brought on by the Pirates' woeful record? Or is he a bit too sensitive / willing to lock horns with teammates?
Jason Mackey
1:10
I think there's a few things going on here. One, Crick needs to be a little less mad. Two, if he does have a problem, he needs to talk to, say, Clint Hurdle or another authority figure about it. Three, Felipe Vazquez shouldn't be throwing punches, obviously. If that happened, then Crick is certainly allowed to defend himself. And I get that fights and arguments happen. But not this frequently. Usually there's a better culture created or avenues provided to where it doesn't come to this.
Ron J
1:10
Do u miss not writing about hockey ?
Jason Mackey
1:12
Would it make you feel better if I said yes? The Penguins are such a better team! ... Honestly, no. Hard to believe, I know, but beat writers aren't fans. We get paid the same if they win or lose. Do I miss some of the people over there? Sure, I do. There are a lot of good people in that organization. But the Pirates have a lot of good people, too. There are also some insane storylines right now with this team that are fascinating to me. So, no. I don't miss hockey. Love it. But don't miss it.
Chris
1:12
Can we release Kyle Crick now or do we have to wait for some reason?
Jason Mackey
1:13
I think they need to find out why in the world he's so pissed off. I'd like to think they could salvage things. I think Crick has all the tools to be a very good high-leverage reliever. But I think he needs to learn from this, and I think the team does as well.
Alfan
1:13
Plan for 2020.  Keep Vasquez, strengthen weaknesses rather than create another.  Crick or Kela the closer; dont think so.  Maybe Santanna and Kuhl help the pitching.  Need to solve right field, catcher could be upgraded, and the best starter they can find/afford.  What say u?
Jason Mackey
1:14
I don't disagree with you, but you're asking the Pirates to spend on a RF, C and P? I don't know if I see that happening. I think the more reasonable expectation is to turn Vazquez into those players and use Kela to close. Believe me, if I'm a fan, absolutely I'd want them to keep Vazquez. But I think you have to realistic on how they do business.
Getahobby
1:16
It appears Hurdle has lost control of his team with the frequent altercations. I feel he must be fired. Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:18
Will Clint Hurdle get fired for the 8,000th time. ... I think he should, yes. But I have my doubts whether he will. Things just run their course sometimes. I think this is a decent, young ball club with some interesting pieces -- Newman, Reynolds, Bell, etc. I don't have a lot of confidence that Hurdle is the right manager for them right now. I'd rather see a younger guy come in, and they could all grow together. I just have my doubts on whether that's what they're going to do.
pozone
1:18
Hurdle has obviously lost the team. How far will Nutting blow up the Team?
Jason Mackey
1:19
At this point, I could see them firing Ray Searage. I have my doubts whether anyone else will be fired. Last night is a pretty big indictment, though, that Hurdle's message isn't getting through and there are definite problems in that clubhouse.
Alex G.
1:19
Jason: Unless Bob Nutting is willing to increase payroll, chances are very, very slim that the Pirates will ever win a World Series. That thought honestly, is heartbreaking - to think that for the next few to several years, the Pirates won't have much of a chance to win it all. Is there anything encouraging that can be said, given this outlook and the fact that Bucs Nation is beyond frustrated?
Jason Mackey
1:21
You could hope he sells, honestly. Baseball teams -- and Joe Starkey did a great job on this -- have been selling for a crapload of money. Someone would pay a premium for the Pirates, no doubt, given the ballpark and the fan base, etc. What if Nutting would sell? Could make a lot of money, and maybe someone who wants to spend what you currently have to spend in Major League Baseball buys the Pirates. How could would that be? Second option is to believe in the group they have. Teams like the A's and Rays have proven that you can win without spending a lot of money; however, you need to draft and develop better than the Pirates have recently. If they do a better job of that, and get some pitching, it can be done.
Mark
1:21
Hi Jason.  With Crick out, who is now going to give up a homer in the 8th inning?  Sorry, that's not my question.  My question is, do you know what specific preferential treatment Vasquez was getting that irked Crick so much?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
1:22
It was a few things, as I understand it. Stupid stuff like wearing a jersey during batting practice or Vazquez coming out to the bullpen late or coming and going during batting practice. I'm not saying that stuff didn't happen, but the dude wouldn't be the first closer in baseball to act weird. Plus, he's probably the best in the league at his job. I think the best move would probably be to let Vazquez be himself and keep doing what he's doing.
Sean
1:22
Chances Kyle Crick is back with the team next season?
Jason Mackey
1:23
I actually think he will be back. I think they're going to keep him around for a couple reasons: 1. They wouldn't get much for him. 2. There is a bunch of talent there. ... If they can get through to him, man, Crick could be good. Also, there's a very good chance Vazquez could be gone.
rambler66
1:23
Any chance at all that the Pirates pick up a starting pitcher in the off season? Any names stand out in the next draft?
Jason Mackey
1:24
I think they will pick up a pitcher, Rambler, but nobody who's terribly exciting, honestly. A 5/6-type they could probably bury in the bullpen until an injury occurs. The 2020 draft is supposed to be extremely deep. Do you want me to blindly throw out names, or did you have a more specific question?
Wayward
1:39
Is there any player leadership in the clubhouse.  Seems like those voices have been pretty silent?
Jason Mackey
1:40
There are. However, I think this is a learning experience for all of them. I think there could stand to be more, and I think it's a risk you run with a young team. I look at someone like Josh Bell. He's taken huge strides as a baseball player this season. I'd like to see him take the same as a leader next season and basically say, 'This crap isn't happening in my clubhouse.' And basically set the culture. So, they have voices. They're just not as strong right now as they need to be, in my opinion.
Sean
1:40
While it's obviously questions are hard to come by, how much harder is it to come up with storylines at this point in the season?
Jason Mackey
1:41
I don't find it difficult at all, Sean, to be perfectly honest. Maybe it's just me, but I'm interesting by a lot with this club. The issue for me remains finding the time to tell them and not work 24/7. But I can say I've had zero issue finding stuff to write about.
Evil Dave
1:41
David Dombrosky is available. Wouldn’t it be a perfect time to change GMs. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:41
I can't imagine he would want to come here and work under these budget constraints.
Canyon
1:41
What would be the pirates biggest need in the offseason?
Jason Mackey
1:42
I think they need to get better on the mound. I think they need to target a legit starter. Close to that will be getting more offensive production from the catcher's spot. Again, if we're just talking about players.
Guest
1:42
What are your rotation predictions for 2020? I got Marvel, Keller, Archer, Brault, and Williams/Musgrove. One has to go and I would like to see Williams get the boot over musgrove though. Bullpen should be Kuhl, Burdi, Santana, Vazquez, Rodriguez, Feliz, and Kela.
Jason Mackey
1:43
I need to see more out of Marvel before I give him a spot in 2020. I would also look at moving Vazquez, as much as I like him, and I don't think they're going to give up on Crick. Thirdly, I'd like to see them give Kuhl a shot at a starter. Can he be worse? I don't think so.
Canyon
1:43
What are the pirates biggest need in the offseason?
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