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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 11.18.22
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AndyVanSlyke
12:51
Is there going to be a Oneil Cruz experiment in the outfield in spring training iyo?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I think they would like there to be and probably, yeah, it happens. But my sense has never been that he likes it.
Pensfan123
12:51
Will the pirates extend Mitch Keller through this arbitration years?
Jason Mackey
12:52
I don't think so. Why? So you can say you did it? As it stands, if Keller stinks, they minimize their losses. I would much rather spend money to address a need -- better 1B, more offense, another SP, bullpen help, etc. Just go year-to-year with Keller at this point. If you're not going to actually long-term him -- and I get why at this point you'd wait -- I wouldn't do something just for the next two.
Rob
12:52
Maybe newspaperman Nutting is not the biggest supporter of a free press. He's proven it with Aspen Times. Not surprised to see local media stonewalled by PBC brass
Jason Mackey
12:53
Their lack of availability is discouraging to say the least. What it tells me is that fans' money and attention is unimportant to them. Ditto for the role of media in this entire thing.
Joel
12:53
For me the #1 way to improve the Pirates within their self-imposed budget limits is to improve the bullpen. How many pitchers outside the organization right now do you see being added so that the middle innings aren’t a total disaster again?
Jason Mackey
12:54
You're not wrong, Joel. I've heard this a lot. Cheapest way to affect change. And maybe that's what they do. Especially with how allergic they are to third time through. Just bullpen it. Whatever. They simply need to play better baseball.
Tony Womack
12:54
Biggest free agent signing will be…. What’s your best guess?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Pokey Reese. Nah, just kidding. ... I think it'll be a SP: Pineda, Smyly, Wacha, etc. Would love to see them bring back Jamo, though not sure I see that happening.
Joel
12:55
Sorry, accidentally hit send —- where is Triolo going to play realistically?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Triple-A. Also, could see him shifting across the diamond to first. He was playing some 2B and 1B this fall. May be a utility type. Act shocked!
Dan
12:58
Could Matt Strahm be a logical fit for the bullpen? Would address a big need as a left-hander.
Jason Mackey
12:58
I'd love to see them sign Strahm, although last I read, there was a strong chance he would return to Boston. Someone who pitched that well probably doesn't have to come here.
Mike from MD
12:58
Do you get the sense that the Pirates would be even willing to sign someone like Quintana for 2 or 3 years?  I really got the impression from the other starters that having him here was really helpful.  With more youth coming, I would imagine that he would fit ever bit as well here, and of course, actually being an impactful pitcher.
Jason Mackey
12:59
I don't think they would have any qualms with that. The difficult thing -- and fans don't think about this -- is the other side. Why would a player who has performed well want to risk signing a multi-year deal here? If the Pirates overpay, maybe, but we know that ain't happening.
Joel
12:59
I find it interesting that the Pirates protected Triolo over Gorski since as good a defensive player as he is his best position is third base, which is occupied by a guy who should have won the Gold Glove. Where is
Jason Mackey
1:00
I get it, Joel. I think they protected Triolo because he could be added to and kept on a major league roster as a result of his defense. Utility guy, some offense, etc. Stash him on the bench and accentuate defense while finishing his development.
BVA123
1:00
If I had to guess on the young guys that come up for more than a cup of coffee. It's Endy, Burrows, Davis, and Peguero. Do you think that they will give priester the roansy treatment? Like call him up in September?
Jason Mackey
1:00
I think it could be more than that for Quinn if he pitches well. You're bang on about the rest.
Tony
1:01
Hi Jason. When it comes signing Bryan Reynolds to a longer term deal, do you have any idea what he may be looking for - years & dollars?
Jason Mackey
1:02
I've never heard it painted in dollars/years relative to their ask. Just a competitive/reasonable move. They were encouraged by how Nutting fixed the arbitration hearing mess from the spring.
Rob
1:03
Opportunity cost for Choi if there's a better external option not pursued. I don't think they currently have a legitimate MLB ready 1B/DH option
Jason Mackey
1:04
Nunez could be that soon. Sabol? Gorski? One of 'em might pan out. I get the stopgap approach. I just think they could have done better than Choi. They also might not be done over there.
Tony
1:04
sorry, I hit send too early.  I want them to sign Reynolds to a longer term deal. We can always trade him in the future.  It’s not like he has to be on the books or on the team for the entire length of the deal.
Jason Mackey
1:05
True, but then you're also perpetuating the cycle of trading your best players and ripping out fans' hearts. If you're gonna do it, might as well save some $$$ along the way.
Pensfan123
1:05
I feel like someone is gonna get an extension. Like a young guy. I think if they lock up Reynolds then there window is set really. I feel like Cruz won't get extended this winter/spring.
Jason Mackey
1:06
You have all the (gut) feels. They would be wise to do something like that. I would approach Cruz and try to get that done. Kid's gonna be a star. He got a taste. I would commit a bunch of money up front, hope he signs it, make sure he's taking care of for like eight years, and hope he outperforms the hell out of that deal and that I locked in a bargain.
Joel
1:06
Jason, welcome back to the Pirates beat. I know it’s early, but what do you project to be the most significant prospect debuts in 2023 and when do you think they will happen?
Jason Mackey
1:06
Thanks, Joel. Debuts: Endy, Burrows, Davis, Priester, Peguero. Tough to say when. Anywhere from mid-June on, probably. Unless injuries dictate something else.
Rob
1:06
Bell would be a good candidate. His glove has improved, he carries equal splits rh/lh, and good leadership qualities.  Could rotate DH/1B
Jason Mackey
1:07
Yep. Agree on all points. Says something to fans, too. If they signed a SP, Bell, Choi and Perez, you would be OK with that, guarantee.
BVA123
1:07
I'm gonna be honest I had no idea who Colin Selby was until they protected him. does he have a shot at the opening day roster?
Jason Mackey
1:08
I slept on Selby, too. I'll wear it. I didn't appreciate this kid enough. Talking to people about him the past couple days, he really has come on fast. Great velo. Terrific breaking ball. Goes after dudes. Yeah, I'd say he has a shot. Many do with the current shape of their bullpen.
Cullen
1:08
Are the Pirates probably looking for a larger sample size for Cruz before they offer an extension?
Jason Mackey
1:09
I think the Pirates would be comfortable doing something now. You see what Cruz will be. But I think it could change what that will look like. For example, it's probably fairly low now, accounting for swing and miss, errors, vs. LHP and small sample. After another year, if Cruz improves those things, no such luck.
Douglas
1:09
Did the Pirates lose any of the players not protected in the Rule 5 draft?
Jason Mackey
1:09
The Rule 5 draft isn't until the final day of MLB's Winter Meetings. (Dec. 8, I believe)
1:10
OK, folks. That does it for this week. Have a busy afternoon and evening with Pirates stuff. Thank you so much for doing this. Always fun. Talk to next week!
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