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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 09.16.20
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Char Val Colt
1:08
Did Oscar Morin get his job through a scratch off lottery contest or on one of those reality TV shows where the 3rd runner up has to be the Pirates pitching coach ?
Jason Mackey
1:08
I think he applied, they interviewed a lot of candidates, and they thought he was the best one.
Rich
1:09
Right, I did give Musgrove an extra inning last night. Thanks for the correction. Do you think Shelton is pulling starters earlier than necessary at times this year because there's no hope for the season and he's trying to hold down starter's innings and maybe have a look at a pile of relievers?
Jason Mackey
1:10
No. I think he's pulling starters early this year because he's had to. They haven't been good enough. Like Kuhl the other day in Kansas City. What do you do? He was probably too cautious early, but I think they know what they have and know they're not going to compete and know it would be stupid to get a starting pitcher hurt during that type of season.
Go Bucs!
1:10
Speaking of Santana--have you got any indication of whether Santana will have the serve the final 20 games of his suspension next year?
Jason Mackey
1:10
We do not know. I think it will be decided after the season.
Jps717
1:10
The "build" process for this team could take years.  They are bereft of talent across the board.   Going into 2021, they dont have a single starting pitcher that can be counted on.  What do you see as a realistic time line for real improvement in this team?  On another note...why is JT Riddle even on this team, let alone starting.
Jason Mackey
1:11
Don't have a good answer for Riddle, other than I think they think he adds something. I disagree. I would argue that Keller, Brubaker and Kuhl have potential. Taillon, too, when he comes back. But they could certainly use some rotation help.
thomastown
1:11
The Pirates need to spend the rest of the season trying some different things. Musgrove has proven to be only a mediocre (at best) starter. I think they should try him as a closer. I think he could be very good in that role and he was better in relief than starting when he was in Houston. So, why not give it a try and see what we’ve got? If it doesn’t work, he can always go back next year.
Jason Mackey
1:12
I wouldn't mess with the different ways of conditioning, honestly. For what, a lost season? Also, Musgrove's strength is he throws six pitches. That plays better as a starter. He's not pitching well. I get that. But I think long-term, until they get someone better, he best serves them as a starting pitcher.
Steve
1:12
Couple games back with bases loaded, 2 outs, and a scoring opportunity for the Bucs Polanco comes up and strikes out. Next year, same situation, with a renewed focus on winning, what do you think will be the managers call?
Jason Mackey
1:13
It depends on what other options Shelton has. I also think they think they can get Polanco figured out. It's tough to just recreate a scenario the exact same the following year and expect a hard-and-fast answer.
Where’s my Clark Bar?
1:13
Jason, how can it be possible to have such poor batting averages across our lineup? It’s embarrassing....and don’t get me started on Polanco’s swing.
Jason Mackey
1:14
I think because they're not hitting the ball very much ... no, seriously, we've been over this. They're chasing. They're pressing. They're missing. They're doing a bunch of stuff. It's not like I can tell you THIS IS THE MAGICAL REASON THEY STINK. If I did -- and I know, I know, they would stink less if they spent more money, I agree -- I'd bottle that and sell it.
Gabe
1:14
Pitching prospects have not gone well with this organization. Bullington and Lincoln were bad draft picks; Jamo is always hurt; Cole was good, but not great; Glas was a “can’t miss’ and was head case once he got here; And now Keller’s struggles are getting worrisome. At the moment we’re winning the Kumar sweepstakes, but the cynic in me says he’s gonna bust. Am I wrong in thinking that?
Jason Mackey
1:15
I think you're being reactionary. You're telling me a pitcher that they have not drafted -- and may not get to draft -- is going to be a bust here? Take 'er easy, Gabe.
GPT
1:15
The #1 pick is the most important thing to be gained from this season.  More JT Riddle, Polanco, and Neverauskas, please.
Jason Mackey
1:15
Ha. I can understand that argument. Watch, the Pirates will do that, Manfred will institute a lottery, and the Pirates won't get the top pick.
AlanI
1:15
Can MLB force the owner to sell for the good of the game?
Jason Mackey
1:16
Very, very doubtful. He's not doing anything wrong. I know people want him to spend. So do I. But previous years they weren't even last in spending. Would the owners below Nutting have to sell, too?
Gabe
1:17
I’ve seen this question circling social media. Who was left with a better situation by the previous regime? Neil Huntington or Ben Cherrington?
Jason Mackey
1:18
I would have to say Cherington, and I don't think it's close. Believe it or not, they do have some pieces. They're just a few years away.
marty v
1:18
I noticed they don't issue uniform #7 anymore.  It's not retired and no one has worn it recently.  I hope they don't plan on retiring it as I guess Chuck Tanner was the last one to wear it.  I think only HOF members should have their number retired.  Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:19
I don't have any issue with that. I think it should be a feel thing. And I don't think anyone who grew up in Western Pennsylvania and followed the Pirates would say that Chuck Tanner doesn't deserve to have his number retired. And pardon the double negative.
Bill
1:20
Jason, I’ve seen your criticism of pitching Neveraskaus and I agree. But don’t you think that Cherington knows exactly what he’s doing pitching guys like him? We all know who’s going number 1, and I’m sure, knowing this seasons a wash, Cherington is gunning for Kumar Rocker and not trying his “hardest” to win in terms of on field talent. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:21
I don't think they're pitching a guy to try and lose the game, no. Do I think they're constructing their roster to maybe not be good? Potentially. But once the game started, that's the code. You're messing with guys' livelihoods at that point. Players still need to be able to perform and have that performance mean something. I honestly think they think he might turn into something. Or that they don't have a better option.
Gabe
1:21
I know I’m being reactionary, but it’s all we got! If not Kumar, what do u know about Al Leiter’s boy?
Jason Mackey
1:21
I know he's very good. Close to Kumar. But that's it. I don't think the Pirates have yet screwed up his development, but I'm sure they could.
GPT
1:22
Assuming they have minor league ball next year, do you think they'll start Gonzales in AA?  They could use his bat.  And glove.  And probably his baserunning.
Jason Mackey
1:22
Yeah, I would imagine that's where he starts. He strikes me as someone who's a little advanced for Class A. And I don't think he stays in Class AA long, either.
1:23
OK, folks. Looks like that's it for this week. Thanks, as always, for participating. Let's do this again next Wednesday!
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