You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 11.18.22
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Tommac in Y-town
12:28
Jason:  What signs of optimism should be have about the 2023 Pirates?  We have already started signing "retread" position [not pitchers] free agents for next year, just we have in the past, hoping that they may have a small spark of life left in them.  It's early, but if they are starting off in this direction already, what can fans expect?  It's time for Mr. Nutting to spend on "quality" free agents.
Jason Mackey
12:30
We already got this one, Tommac. As an addendum: I would stop fixating on Nutting spending on free agents. It's like saying you're not eating until filet and lobster show up. Other dishes can taste good, too. I'm not defending it, believe me. I wish they would spend more. Their fans deserve it. But right now, I'm much more interested in the improvement of the players the Pirates have. They can win with those guys.
MjB
12:30
Let's imagine we were going to break the bank just a bit.  Based on the list below, which player would you think benefited the team most long-term?  Note:  I did not include players whom I knew we would never spend "that kind of money."   Josh Bell, Xander Bogaerts, Michael Brantley.
Jason Mackey
12:32
Good question, MjB. I'd go Bell. It's a little redundant with Choi, but I think it would carry weight with fans. I also think Bell could and would bring some important perspective from other clubhouses back here. The baseball side works. I think Bell can/will make more elsewhere, but if you're telling me money ain't a thing ...
Guest
12:32
What kind of reboot are the forever rebooting Pirates doing that won't allow for the signing of someone like Teoscar Hernandez? Is this organization afraid to compete now?
Jason Mackey
12:34
They are waiting -- and I know you won't want to hear this, but it's my job to explain -- for their core to come up. I.e. for more players to be major league ready and thus the Pirates more competitive. Other teams have done it, though I understand why Pirates fans have PTSD when it comes to this stuff because they've screwed up so many "plans." They might screw up this one, too, but I understand why you wanna wait to Burrows, Q, Davis, Peguero, Gonzales and others to get up here, then you truly have an opportunity, when those guys are here and ready.
Wayward
12:34
Jason, the current roster looks like it has the makings of a reasonable bullpen from the right hander side but no lefties.   Do you think they will sign a lefty or do the dumpster dive thing of the past couple of years?
Jason Mackey
12:34
I think they need a legitimate left-hander. Maybe that comes in the Rule 5 draft. But deeper, I think it's something they need to address via free agency.
South Texas Buc
12:34
Hi Jason, how likely from 1-10 (with 1 being little chance to 10 being 100 percent) we see all of these names up on the major league squad at some point or another in 2023? Davis, Endy, Burrows, Priester, Gonzalez, Nunez. Is it realistic to expect these guys all get at least a call up next season?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Lemme score it: Davis 9, Endy 10, Burrows 10, Priester 8, Gonzales 7, Nunez 9. And, yeah, totally realistic to expect them to get called up. They're solid players, and they've put themselves in a position where it's possible.
Bill
12:36
Do you think Henry and Nick G will start in Indianapolis? Both had question marks with Davis bad June before going back on IL and Nick too many Ks. Improbable either break camp, but could strong fall leagues have solidified them in Indianapolis? If so when could we see them in Pittsburgh?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Yeah, I think both will start in Indy. And, as far as Pittsburgh, I would say anywhere from about June on, depending on injuries or performance.  If Henry is playing well and they have an injury behind the plate, Henry could be an easier move because they have less depth.
South Texas Buc
12:37
Do you see this 2023 season as a “turn the corner” year? Or are we still a year off?
Jason Mackey
12:37
I think they will show signs of progress this year and tease. I'm predicting 72-75 wins. To answer your question, "still a year off" is probably more accurate.
PirateRican
12:37
Who in your opinion is the best Rule5 eligible prospect and should the Pirates draft him if available at number 3?
Jason Mackey
12:38
I'm torn between Jose Lopez from the Rays and Andres Chaparro from the Yankees. I'd be fine if they selected either one.
Canyon
12:38
Who do the pirates non tender today?
Jason Mackey
12:38
If I had to predict -- and I guess I do -- Newman and Underwood Jr.
Dan
12:40
Who are some starting pitching targets the Pirates could try and sign in your mind?
Jason Mackey
12:43
These are hard because you're looking at poor past seasons and the need for starts on a cheap deal ... Michael Pineda? Would love Quintana, obviously. Sean Manaea makes a lot of sense, if he doesn't have better offers (he might). Drew Smyly had good numbers but was hurt a lot ... Pirates could present an opportunity for him.
Dan
12:43
What does an Oneil Cruz extension look like?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Really hard to say, IMO. But they would have to buy out a couple FA years, one would think. And I would have to think -- knowing where Oneil is coming from this -- that it surpasses Greg's deal.
BillC
12:44
With the addition of Ji Man Choi did the Pirates think Ji Hwan Bae needs a mentor more than Castro and Cruz do?
Jason Mackey
12:44
I don't know. It's MLB, not a buddy cop movie. I'm not sure that's why they signed Choi. I think they think he can play a reasonable 1B and maybe have more offense than he's shown.
Terry Martin-Bucs Fan in GA
12:44
Hey Jason, Do you see Jared Triolo or Hoy Park making the team this coming spring?
Jason Mackey
12:45
I don't, Terry. Nothing against them, but I think the ship has sailed on Park being a prospect. Triolo intrigues me, but I would expect him to start in Triple-A.
Rob
12:45
Unlike Cherrington, Huntington excelled at piecing together good bullpens. Is bullpen talent less undervalued than a decade ago? Bad luck? Seems like the most cost effective way to ensure decent overall team pitching but Bucs are falling short
Jason Mackey
12:46
Yeah, they haven't been as good at that. Fair. If anything, bullpen stuff has been more valued, scrutinized, analyzed, whatever you wanna say. The Pirates simply haven't spend a lot, their additions haven't worked out, and their performance has suffered as a result. That said, they do have some success stories with Bednar, Crowe, Yerry, etc.
Ryan
12:46
Good afternoon Jason what is the next move the pictures make sign a left handed pitcher and get a catcher ? Let’s go Bucs can’t wait for baseball to start soon
Jason Mackey
12:47
I'd be good with those two, yeah. Preferable a lefty starter named Jose Quintana for a three-year deal.
Rob
12:47
Any realistic shot of Bucs signing Quintana to 2 year deal?
Jason Mackey
12:47
As a segue ... and, no, Rob, sorry. I don't see it. Quintana will have better options. He wants as ring, as he should. He doesn't have to play here, and I would sign with the best team I could as well.
AndyVanSlyke
12:47
Do you think TSwag fell out of favor fitting in The Pirates plans next year?
Jason Mackey
12:48
I do, Slick. ... We've seen this regime have little regard for inherited players. Very few have broken that mold. Doesn't seem like this group has much use for Swag. Maybe he changes their mind this season, but I'm not sure I see him having an impactful role in Pittsburgh at this point.
Dr Bobby
12:48
What do you think is the holdup in signing Reynolds to a long-term contract, it is mind boggling how other teams lock up a player like him, but Buccos are stumbling all over the place.
Jason Mackey
12:49
Not to be glib, but they don't spend. Breaking news, right? If they paid the going rate for a player of Reynolds' caliber, he would say. They don't pay the going rate, however, and they try to do things a cheaper way. Which, in some senses, I get. But they operate out of extreme caution -- nice way of putting it -- and it obviously doesn't behoove Reynolds to sign a crap contract.
Rob
12:49
If  automated strike zone factor into who plays catcher. Framing would get devalued but blocking and throwing would matter. Endy is more athletic than Davis
Jason Mackey
12:50
Right. But does ABS prevent injuries from foul tips and such? Still have to call a game and work with a pitcher.
Big John
12:50
Do you think they're moving BRey to left field next year?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I think they're open to it. Probably depends on what happens with Bae and Suwinski. But I think it's an option. It's also not a dumb one considering the layout of PNC Park.
Connecting…