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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 09.15.23
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Wayward
1:06
Jason, thanks for the chats.  For which of the young guys is 24 a make or break year?  I am thinking along the lines of guys like Mitchell, CSN, Marcano, etc...
Jason Mackey
1:08
Yeah, we might be past that, honestly. I have a tough time seeing how either Mitchell or Marcano fits. CSN probably the same, though he's had a strong month-plus and may get another shot.
Woobie
1:08
Can you explain the obsession with Alika Williams? He is brutal to watch offensively.
Jason Mackey
1:09
Yeah, I don't get it. He's mostly responsible defensively, and I wonder if that's not the reason -- if nothing else, they know he can do that. But why Gonzales isn't here ... that escapes me.
Woobie
1:09
Everyone talks about free agents, but why not trade some of your prospect depth for a real difference maker at SP or 1B? F
Jason Mackey
1:09
Because you don't have to if you spend money.
1:10
Also, if prospects are any good and I'm the Pirates, I'd like to keep them. It's always easier to draft/develop guys.
Guest
1:10
Jason, what do you see as a future for Josh Palacios?
Jason Mackey
1:11
Not sure. Maybe a depth OF option? Needs to be more consistent. Not sure if there's that role here, honestly. But I like his sneaky pop. Late bloomer.
Jim M.
1:11
After watching Andy Haines help Ke’Bryan Hayes with the toe tap earlier this season and Suwinski recently, in makes wonder if mlb coaches are sometimes hamstrung by implementing the GM’s office philosophy. I can’t help but wonder if more of a hybrid of Cherrington/Haines wouldn’t be better. Am I off base?
Jason Mackey
1:12
I think you're a little off, yeah. Seems like you're looking to blame Andy Haines for stuff. The front office has emphasized getting on base and zone discipline. Is that the right move? We can debate that. But I'm not sure that has much to do with physical swing changes. If he's swinging and missing, different story. As I wrote earlier, we've also see some offensive jumps. I think it may be more a cause of people expecting and wanting more, which is fair. But it's also good to take a step back sometimes.
Wilbur Wood
1:12
Does Josh Palacios have a future with the pirates?  In MLB?
Jason Mackey
1:13
I think he has a future in MLB. And maybe with the Pirates. But I would take Connor Joe over him as a depth option. I'm also keeping Cutch along with Jack, Reynolds & Henry. So, it's a little tight here.
Wayward
1:13
I want to preface this question that I am all in on Cutch coming back for all of the reasons that have been mentioned.  However, does it give you any pause if the elbow problems persist and he can only DH again next year?
Jason Mackey
1:14
Yes and no. I would like him to play the field, don't get me wrong. But I've thought about it this way, too: He was one of the team's best hitters this past season. Nothing wrong with retaining that, right? But I just think it gives you more options with that spot if he can play the outfield.
Woobie
1:14
Relievers are fickle, but do you see the makings of a really good bullpen in 2024 like I do? Bednar-Holderman-Mod could he dynamite to close out games, and there’s a bunch of situational/long/bulk guys too.
Jason Mackey
1:15
I do. I love their 7-8-9 situation. Talked about this with Fort recently. Their bullpen could be sneaky good next year. Jose Hernandez and Ryan Borucki have been solid. Bailey Falter and Andre Jackson have performed well. We'll see on Colin Selby and a couple others. But there are arms there, for sure.
PrinceBob
1:15
Thank you. So if that batter wants to go the other way would his hands go outside?
Jason Mackey
1:16
A fine point. Touche. Hands would still be inside, you're right. I now wanna see a guy hit with his hands outside the ball.
Guest
1:16
Hey Jason, appreciate your efforts to keep us up to date on everything Bucs! Do u think a SP, 1st and Of are safe bets for off season shopping? Bucs fan in Ga
Jason Mackey
1:16
Yes, I think those are reasonable expectations. Hopefully they shoot decently high on them, too.
Carl in Carrick
1:17
Hey Jason, was Hayes fined for his comments about asking for the robot umpiring system to be installed?  Also , will he face any retribution from the umpires for his comments?  Thank you.
Jason Mackey
1:17
Hey Carl. I don't know. He turned down an interview request from us, but I would imagine so. And I'd hope not. They should be calling the game straight up no matter what. I haven't noticed anything funky thus far.
Cullen
1:17
Is Chandler shut down for the rest of the year or will he make more starts at AA?
Jason Mackey
1:18
I was under the impression that he would make one more start.
Dave
1:18
Jason, this one might be a bit too specific, but as alluded to earlier in the chat, the Pirates kinda did what they said they were gonna do between last year and this year, in terms of spending to supplement and develop internally. I believe you reported the modest salary investment just after last season, and it held true. My question is if you see them stepping it up a notch with at least one premium acquisition this winter? Not the very top of the market, but something more than the piecemeal approach from
Jason Mackey
1:18
Yeah, I do. Again, I said last year around this time that I see them being active in free agency. They did that. I think it might be more targeted this winter, but the hope should be that the players are a little better/more significant.
Dave
1:19
last winter, which still worked well. In short (I think I got got off), im all for bringing Santana back at a modest one year price and wish we’d put a lot of money on someone like Giolito, or a lot a lot of money on Snell, but I just can’t see us punching that high. Will we just try to run it back with piecemeal stuff, or make a 3-5 year investment in somebody to be a major part of the equation?
Jason Mackey
1:20
I'd look three years, and I'd love it if it was Santana for one + Giolito for 3. I'll sign up for that in a heartbeat. I've explained my thoughts on the offseason a decent amount here, but I don't think a straight Run It Back will occur.
Grumpy Bear
1:20
No way Keller takes $15/year beyond his arbitration years. I guarantee some other team would pay him more. Keller is above average, which equates to $20 million+/year - especially by 2029.
Jason Mackey
1:20
You're entitled to your opinion. If the Pirates make the offer to Mitch, I'll bet it gets done. He likes it here.
Will
1:20
Will hitters with advanced SZ recognition benefit from ABS?  Thinking specifically Suwinski and Davis.  Vets like Reynolds and Cutch too, but they seem to get less squeezed than younger players.
Jason Mackey
1:21
Absolutely. I think that's a very good point. And the Pirates have a few guys with those traits.
epiballo
1:21
Not a question but a Clemente story. I was the first in line to buy the Sports Illustrated having Roberto graced the cover and got his autograph! Stood three feet from my favorite all-time Pirate! Wish I could be there in the 'Burgh for the festivities - enjoy!
Jason Mackey
1:21
Awesome. Thank you for sharing!
Vince
1:21
Jason..I begin to fear that Henry Davis is nothing more than a dh...your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:21
I don't share that sentiment. I think they need to pick one with him, though. I'm tired of the catching flirtation. Make him a RF and tell him to come back in February competent at it. Given time, I have no doubt Henry would figure it out. It's been a difficult ask to learn it on the fly.
Johnny M
1:22
In Keller's 30 starts he has thrown over 100+ pitches 13 times, been in the 90's 15 times & the other 2 in the 80's with a low of 84 pitches throw in a game. He's a bulldog out there regardless of w-l record. Somebody out there will pay the man a bump if The Pirates don't.
Jason Mackey
1:22
Certainly. Mitch has been fantastic. I hope they extend him, and I still think they will.
Johnny M
1:22
Hi Jason. Late to the party here but who would you say has inflicted the most damage batting against The Pirates. 2. They have to be teams you've seen. So I will say in the past 25 yrs, for me it's been Vladimir Guererro (Sr) & Aramis Ramirez.
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