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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 12.02.22
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Jason Mackey
12:27
I don't agree with that assessment, no. If that was true, how do you explain 2013-15, 98 wins, etc.? Would it help if Bob spent more? Sure. But they can win without it. Look at other small-market teams like Cleveland, Oakland and Tampa. They haven't spend a ton more than the Pirates, if any. But they've been smarter. They've drafted and developed better, and they've kept their stupid trades to a minimum.
Matt
12:27
It seems that over the past few weeks the messaging around the pirates has changed that they weren’t planning on doing much this offseason to now they would like to try to win a few more games.  What do you think has caused the change?
Jason Mackey
12:28
I'm not expecting them to load up or anything. Probably a couple things here. Their initial messaging wasn't good. Too vague. Not sure people were all that excited about looking for opportunity or whatever Ben said. There's also BAMTECH money, that's one. Two, I think they realize they probably need to take a step forward to get people in the ballpark. No secret they need the gate. And fans ain't showing up to watch another 100-loss season. Not at a rate they would need.
The Dude
12:28
The Santana signing doesn’t thrill me. Either he’ll underperform and join that long line, or he’ll be better than expected and be traded for prospects by the deadline. Am I wrong?
Jason Mackey
12:28
I don't know if you're wrong. Nobody does. But I don't agree with you for reasons that I've already outlined.
Bill
12:28
Jason, do you expect the Bucs to select someone in Rule 5 draft? I'm intrigued by Phillies #7 prospect LHP Erik Miller, fills a need too. They would have to clear 40 man space.
Jason Mackey
12:29
I do, Bill. And I wouldn't hate Miller. Don't think clearing 40-man space is an issue. I worry more about keeping him on the roster and dedicated reps to him. Seems like Miller can handle it. Still think I would prefer Lopez.
Bill
12:30
To follow up on my Rule 5 question, I'm very concerned we may lose Nunez. I know 1B/DH types dont get picked often and hes young at 21, but its a risk dont you think? I do expect Sabol to be picked, maybe Gorski too
Jason Mackey
12:30
I think Sabol and Gorski are gonna be OK. We'll see. I don't feel the same way about Nunez. Working in the Pirates' favor is that usually isn't a popular position. Same time, he's been getting plenty of attention for being available. All it takes is one ...
DJ
12:31
I agree with your latest analysis that the new talk from Cherington strikes a different chord. My question might be a bit blunt, but I wonder if you would agree that a good litmus test for all of this is whether or not we actually sign a mid-tier free agent for 3ish years? I’m fine with simply improving the baseball team in 2023 on short deals, even if it’s a “75-win team on paper”, or whatever anyone wants to say. But I feel as though I need a bit more in order to be convinced, in terms of financial commitment and term. There are plenty of options at SP, as well as even some everyday players like Benintendi who could be options. Adding a good player who makes 10-15M per year on top of remaining minor additions is what it would take for me to think that the actions line up with the new words.
Jason Mackey
12:34
It wouldn't hurt, DJ. However, remember the player perspective. Who among players with halfway decent options would want to tether themselves to a team having just lost at a 100-loss pace for three years? (Answer: no one). In other words, the Pirates need to walk before running. Maybe they land that guy, maybe they don't. But it's about more than wanting to do it.
Coach O
12:34
If you had to take an educated guess, what do you think the net operating profit is in a normal year for Pirates? Just ballpark figure. By normal let’s assume 1.7 million attendance and $80 million MLB payroll. If we just had some reasonable idea it sure would put an end to the argument among those that think they are hoarding money and those that think they are operating reasonably from a business standpoint. Somebody is right and somebody is wrong and I’m so sick and tired of this issue always hanging over the Pirates.
Jason Mackey
12:35
Coach O, I'm not a business reporter or an account. I cover baseball. I could go through Mark Belko's coverage and cite his reporting, but honestly, Mark is the best. I would encourage you to read the pieces he's done on the Pirates. They're as comprehensive as it gets. No guesswork involved.
Ryan
12:36
Good Afternoon Jason when do you think pirates make another signing or trade what position catcher
Jason Mackey
12:36
I would expect them to do something at the Winter Meetings. I disagree with Chase De Jong, though. I think it'll be a starting pitcher before catcher. They need to let Roberto Perez play some, then see what makes sense.
Guest
12:36
Who do you expect to be the biggest surprise in 2023?  The biggest disappointment?
Jason Mackey
12:37
Biggest surprise is Ke'Bryan Hayes finding legit offense. Biggest disappointment is going to be nobody really taking hold of 2B. Those are only predictions, mind you.
Foolish
12:37
Is anyone silly enough to believe anything this Front Office says ? Its more castaways and retreads from now until the end of time. The truth is is that there is no talent anywhere in this entire organization. Correct ?
Jason Mackey
12:38
I don't agree with that assessment. Neither do a bunch of people who've spent a lifetime in baseball and an inordinate amount of their lives actually watching these players.
Matt
12:38
With Cruz, Castillo, Castro, Peguero, etc., the Pirates seem to be loaded with middle infielders.  Peguero should be ready at some point this upcoming season.  How do you see the middle infield working out beyond 2023?
Jason Mackey
12:39
It will wouldn't surprise me if Cruz became an outfielder. You also need to remember Termarr Johnson and Nick Gonzales. Everyone can't play. Ha. I do think Peguero becomes their shortstop of the future. Who plays on the other side? Not sure. But I have a tough time counting out Gonzales. Solid player.
PRE
12:39
Howdy Jason. Is it just me, or does it seem like Johan Oviedo is getting zero attention? Seen several articles out there that list guys like Thompson and Ortiz (who looked way more raw from what I saw) in the rotation, but made no mention of Johan. What gives?
Jason Mackey
12:40
I'm not going to comment on unnamed/unlinked articles that I probably didn't read. I haven't noticed a lack of attention on Oviedo. Every conversation I've had includes him as a very worthy candidate for the starting rotation.
Never gonna happen
12:40
Listening to your distinguished colleague Mr Zeise last night on the radio and I am now 100% convinced that winning seasons and competitive Baseball teams in Pittsburgh are a thing of the distant, distant past
Jason Mackey
12:41
I disagree with you and him (if that's what he said). But it's a free country. Also not sure the point of coming in here to say that, but whatever.
Dan M
12:41
Hey Jason, yesterday the Rays signed Zach Eflin to a 3 year, $40 million deal (a guy who’s remarkably average). If that’s the around selling point for even league average starters, do we have a chance to get anyone who would be considered an upgrade?
Jason Mackey
12:42
Upgrade over what? It's a tricky word. Do they have a chance of signing someone who can help them? Yes, I absolutely think that's the case.
Canyon
12:42
Do you think Quintana makes more or less than Matthew Boyd? Also do you think the pirates have a chance to sign him or did he play his way out of Pittsburgh?
Jason Mackey
12:42
I would expect Q to fall more along the lines of Eflin than Boyd, if that makes sense. And, yeah, I think he did. Not that he didn't love it here -- he did -- but he gave himself the chance to chase a ring. He should take it.
A matter of trust
12:42
We hear and read about all this supposed "great talent" in the minors of this team and we hear and read how these guys are "can't miss" but we've seen time and again from Glasgow, Polanco, Cruz and on and on and on they miss and miss badly. How can we say that this time it'll be different ?
Jason Mackey
12:43
Because what has happened in the past isn't always bound to repeat itself? That's a syndrome in Pittsburgh. Also, there are completely different people in charge. Not to mention the players are also, uh, different. I don't get assuming it's gonna suck just because that's the easiest narrative or thing to believe.
Tony
12:43
Jason, Thanks for the great offseason coverage.

Roberto Perez has a history of being injured (which you mentioned in your recent article) and he was only able to play 21 games last season for the Pirates. But I feel like he's being made out to be the second coming of Russell Martin.

Just because the staff likes him, when is the bar raised?  Shouldn't talent and reliability be more important?
Jason Mackey
12:44
The thing with Perez is that he doesn't need to be Russell Martin. Unlike then, they have legitimate guys coming in Endy and Davis. All he needs to do is get them there. Then mentor them. That's firmly within his grasp.
Frank
12:44
I’ve seen Gallo mentioned by Biertempfel and others. Is that just speculation on fit or are there legs to that rumor? Have you heard anything?
Jason Mackey
12:45
He fits and they like him. I don't know how you would classify that. I don't know Gallo's feelings on the Pirates since I don't know him personally. I also don't have a sense of his options. But he would fit what they need for the right price.
More unpopular
12:45
Who is more hated in Pittsburgh ? Bob Nutting or Matt Canada ?
Jason Mackey
12:45
I would go with Bob Nutting on that one. But it's probably close.
Colin
12:45
Hey Jason, do you think the Pirates sign anybody or make a trade this coming week during the winter meetings, and if they do who do you see the Bucs acquiring?
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