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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 09.22.21
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Jason
12:40
Which Pirates could get the biggest returns in trades this winter?
Jason Mackey
12:42
Another good question. Don't know if anyone would fetch anything particularly big, but potentially Brault if he can prove he's healthy or Kuhl, as a starter. Would be intrigued by Gamel, maybe Moran, too. Assuming you don't mean, like, Reynolds or Hayes. Would hope they aren't trading those guys. And Stallings, too. Stallings would net them something, but I've gotten zero indication they're interested in moving him.
ev
12:42
Hi Jason, someone jokingly stated that perhaps the Curve should play at PNC and the Bucs play Altoona.  That is really not a bad idea to perhaps showcase a game or two for the Indy and Altoona affiliates at PNC so that the fans here could catch a glimpse of the future Buccos...
Jason Mackey
12:43
I don't think the MLBPA is going to let a team send its players to a minor league ballpark because it wants to pump/promote their replacements. I know what you're saying. I've advocating buy into the minor leagues as much as anyone. But you're not going to see a stadium swap.
For bsesack
12:44
I assume they mean tickets at the window
Jason Mackey
12:44
I guess. And forgive me hear, because I never do this, obviously: You can't buy tickets at the window? I don't understand.
MjB
12:44
I find it amazing that our offense has improved since we fired the hitting coach.  Then again, correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Shelton does have a little background in the approach to hitting.  What are the odds he is the current mastermind of this slight upgrade?   I know that it was thought to be a group effort at this point, but hitters do not want advice from six different individuals.
Jason Mackey
12:45
Yes, Shelton was a longtime hitting coach. Couple things here. He would probably be the first to tell you it's not just him. Two, I think it's player-driven more than anything. Yoshi has helped. Same as Alford, some Tucker improvements, etc. It's also a small sample. Lastly, I think you see moves like this affect change, regardless of sport. I think of hockey teams firing their coach, then seeing the players wake up. That's happened a time or two here, no?
Mike Z
12:45
Hi Jason, love your Pirates coverage, it’s the reason I subscribe to the P-G I went to a Baxsox-Curve game in Bowie last weekend to check out the AA club. Dud of a game, but my question is: should we perhaps curb our enthusiasm about the team’s minor league turnaround when a team with Cruz, Martin, Mitchell, Bae, Smith-njigba (sp?) and Contreras finished with a losing record? Granted the two best on that list missed a bunch of time with injuries, but it’s still not an insignificant part of the envisioned future major league team. Thanks!
Jason Mackey
12:47
Thank you so much for that Mike! We very much appreciate your business. ... I don't think so. Here's why: No matter what, the Pirates aren't going to have a 100% hit rate on prospects. Nobody does. But you need a couple, and the more you have in the minors, the better your odds. Also, baseball takes more than a half-dozen good players, as you mentioned. Curve has Roansy and a couple others, but the pitching staff wasn't deep enough. Cruz and Contreras, as you said, were also hurt.
12:48
I look at it like this: The MLB team needs all the help it can get right now. The Pirates have a greater volume of prospects and more high-rankings ones than they've had in a long time. Typically that translates to wins, but not always. Regardless, there is an appreciable amount of talent in the system.
ev
12:51
I didn't mean a stadium swap,  I only meant a game where Indy or Altoona can play at PNC.
Jason Mackey
12:51
Ahhh, OK. Sorry. I misunderstood. Then, yes. Absolutely I would do that. I actually think that would be a really neat event and might suggest it to some folks.
Guest
12:55
Jason, need to echo that I have enjoyed your and Mike’s  coverage this year.  If the Bucs add a position player this off-season where do you it? OF ?
Jason Mackey
12:56
Thank you very much! I appreciate that. Seriously. Especially this week. ... I would go OF, yes. Maybe middle infield, but I think I would honestly, if I could pick, like to see them like re-sign Yoshi and extend Reynolds. If they do that, I don't care what else they do, honestly. Push the kids and grow the group in 2022, even if the results will probably be bad.
Marc G.
1:01
I'm curious to know more about Travis Williams's role. He came from the NHL so I'm assuming GMBC is in charge of baseball operations. What are Williams's primary duties? Thanks
Jason Mackey
1:03
Yes, Cherington handles baseball duties. I'm sure Travis chimes in or talks about things, but those certainly don't seem to be his primary responsibilities. I can tell you Travis oversees the business side, which I know is vague. Ticket sales. Marketing. Promotion. Partnerships. Sponsorships. Outreach. That sort of thing.
1:05
OK, folks. Looks like that will do it for this week. Thanks so much for participating! Talk to you again -- for one of the final ones -- next Wednesday.
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