You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 12.02.22
powered byJotCast
Jason Mackey
11:19
Hello, everyone. Welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. You know the drill. Leave whatever now. Will be back at noon to answer. Stay warm.
12:00
And away we go ...
Guest
12:01
A MAJOR aspect lacking for this team has been veteran leadership.  Roansy called this out at the end of this past season.  I would say this FO has more than covered this, with the pick-ups of the South Korean 1B and the Dominican, Carlos Santana.  Potential  key pieces of the future are from these two countries.  What are your feelings?
Jason Mackey
12:02
Don't know if I would say Ro "called it out." More like answered a question. But it's true -- they need more. Anyway, I like Choi/Santana. I do think they need to do more. Roberto Perez is an easy one behind the plate. Also add a veteran starter and maybe a setup man. If that's the offseason -- and I'm OK not adding in the outfield -- I'm good with it.
skeptic nut
12:02
some odds makers say buccos 20000-1 to make playoffs. do you think they are that good?
Jason Mackey
12:02
Little secret: I don't understand odds. I don't bet or gamble, and I don't understand odds. Assuming those odds are bad?
Maz01
12:04
Hi Jason, I am not sure why the Pirates signed traded for Choi & signed Santana, I don't see where either player will help them, I would rather have younger veterns and also would rather have Diaz get a shot, but that is just me.
Jason Mackey
12:04
I think you may be in the minority on that one. I know I disagree with you. Not being rude, but they need leadership like Santana can bring. Also like the platoon option. I'm completely fine with that pairing at first. I just hope they're not done, which I don't think they are.
Mols
12:05
Jason, it was a perfect opportunity to bring back Cutch but instead they sign Santana.  Do you think they signed CS to be somewhat of a mentor to Cruz and Castillo?
Jason Mackey
12:06
Yes, I do. Very much so. Although like GMBC has said, they do like him as a player, as they should. Hits the ball hard. Gets on base. Should benefit from the shift. Re: Cutch, it's a two-way street. He's gonna have other suitors. Or should. Last year, as he explained to me and Dejan Kovacevic  of DKPittsburghSports.com in Milwaukee, a big factor was playing time. Pirates are probably best served spending that on Suwinski, Bae and others.
Cullen B
12:06
Any word on extensions for Reynolds and Cruz?
Jason Mackey
12:06
No sir. If I had something, believe me, I would go with it. I wouldn't doubt there are convos at the Winter Meetings, at least exploratory or check-ins, but nothing to share at this point.
Cullen B
12:09
Should we give Bae a good look in CF next season? A OF of Reynolds/Bae/Suwinski/Andujar seems decent solid if Bae can put up similar numbers to his minors and have solid defense!
Jason Mackey
12:09
Short answer: yes. I wouldn't be surprised if there's opening day, to be honest. LF at PNC can be tricky. Reynolds knows it exceptionally well. He's been solid in center, though less so last year. Would be fine with giving Bae some run.
Guest
12:10
Hi,
Jason Mackey
12:10
Sup,
Cullen B
12:10
Do you think that Ben Cherington may use some middle infield depth to trade for a starter/another position of need?
Jason Mackey
12:11
I think it would take a really odd deal. They need to find out what they have with Cruz, Marcano, Castro and others. Not sure Castillo would fetch much. Starter is probably obtained through free agency at this point. Use playing time to sort out middle infield. Bae could be a part of this, too.
Wayward
12:13
Jason, thanks for the chats.   How much of Perez do you think the Bucs will need to see in winter ball to make a decision?  I know they have probable looked at his medicals.  What kind of money?  Same as last year or maybe a little less?
Jason Mackey
12:14
Of course! Less $$$ than last year. Like $2-$3 probably. And I think you probably know when you know. Not sure there's xxxx number of days. He rehabbed with them. They've kept tabs. See how it goes, if he's hindered, etc. Once you're confident that's good, after you keep talking to him, then you do it.
Guest
12:14
of 90 million dollars, how would you proceed?
Jason Mackey
12:15
I'd sign at least one veteran starting pitcher, Roberto Perez and a setup man, preferable a LHP. From there, I'd ask if the money continued and investigate extensions with Cruz and Reynolds.
Guest
12:15
if you were suddenly made the Pirates GM and given a psytoll
Defensewinschamps
12:16
Jason, Hope you had a fantastic holiday. With the signing of Santana at 1B, is GMBC signaling that they are finally going to start adding some legit free agents to move towards competing this year? Possibly a starter? I do not share the idea that they need a high priced catcher, are we not closer to one of our guys being ready?
Jason Mackey
12:18
Thank you. And same to you. Yes, I think they want to take a step forward this year. I think they will. People will interpret that how they want. But I think they win 72-76 games. They should and will sign a starting pitcher. ... They don't need a high-priced catcher. They need a bridge to Endy/Davis, and they can do that for fairly cheap, IMO.
Irwin M. "Fletch" Fletcher
12:18
Where do you think Miguel Andujar fits in 2023? Starter in RF or DH? Bench role? I think he has a chance to revert back to when he first came up with the Yankees, which would be huge for the Pirates.
Jason Mackey
12:19
Yeah, I'm also intrigued by Andujar. And it depends on things -- how does he hit? How do Santana/Choi hit? Who stays healthy? I like him as a 4OF and DH option, though. Need to ensure he gets ABs, which will obviously be easier if he produces.
Wayward
12:19
Jason,  if the Bucs add another starter do you see both Thompson and Wilson making the team as relief pitchers?
Jason Mackey
12:20
I think they would become relievers, yes. Given the new SP, Ro, Mitch, Brubaker, Ortiz and Oviedo, I have a tough time seeing either upend that group. Injuries, sure. I could see one of them making it as a long man in the 'pen, though.
Irwin M. "Fletch" Fletcher
12:20
Do you anticipate the Pirates making a Rule 5 selection? If so, is there a player or players they may target? Conversely, are there players you could see the Pirates losing to the draft?
Jason Mackey
12:22
Second part first: Malcom Nunez worries me. Former Cardinals prospect. Means he was probably developed right. Has power. Isn't far away. Pretty good amount of excitement out there. ... And, yeah. I wouldn't be shocked if they took someone. Jose Lopez of the Rays might be my pick.
Cullen B
12:22
Who is an underrated prospect that you expect to break out this year?
Jason Mackey
12:23
I'm not giving up on Mason Martin. I don't know if that answers your question, but I think too highly of his ability and work ethic to think he's going to be a bust. Dude works his tail off. He's smart. He's athletic and talented. He cares. Those guys more often than not figure it out.
ev
12:23
Hi Jason.  Roberto Perez filed for free agency.  Is this procedural, or does that mean he does not want to come back?
Jason Mackey
12:23
It's procedural. Has nothing to do with him returning or not.
Bill Peduto's beard
12:23
J - Mac, who's left among " affordable " starting FA pitchers that could slot in as a 4/5 in the Bucco rotation ?
Jason Mackey
12:25
I posited Michael Pineda in a piece earlier in the week. Stand by that. Tough time seeing Drew Smyly. Wade Miley could be an option. Would like to think Sean Manaea or Jose Quintana, but I'm probably dreaming. Kyle Gibson is another one they've checked on. Rob Biertempfel of the Athletic had that first, and a source subsequently confirmed to me that they like him. Makes sense.
Drew
12:25
If the Pirates make a trade before the Rule 5 draft that opens up a spot on the 40-man roster, is it possible to add a player who was left unprotected?
Jason Mackey
12:25
Sure it is. And that just might happen. We'll see. But Ben has been aggressive in the R5 in the past. Wouldn't shock me if it happened again.
Jake
12:25
Don’t you agree until ownership changes this team will never be truly competitive?  Why doesn’t the commissioner step in and push for new owners?   Thank you.
Load More Messages
Connecting…