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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 12.16.20
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Drew
12:36
Question about the new draft league of which the West Virginia Black Bears will play. I'm not clear on how the players will be chosen for this league.  If a college player elects to play in this league are they concluding their collegiate careers?  Or is this more like the Cape Cod wooden bat league in that players who aren't drafted can continue their collegiate careers?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Here's a passage from Baseball America that explains it: "While high school players will be allowed to participate, the league is primarily designed for players who have just completed their junior and senior years of college baseball and are therefore draft eligible. Draft-eligible junior college players (who are eligible to be drafted after each year of college) would also be a potential target for the six-team league."
12:37
My take: Yeah, it's like the Cape Cod League. Playing does not render you ineligible for anything. It's simply a chance to showcase yourself when you're draft-eligible. Does that make sense?
Wayward Eer
12:37
is the 4th OF going to an internal option or FA?  If FA what kind of guy do you see them looking at and who would be some rough targets?
Jason Mackey
12:39
I expect the fourth outfielder to be an external signing. And, honestly, like I said before, that's soooo hard to predict with the Pirates. I can give you possibilities. Delino DeShields, Tyler Naquin and Ben Gamel all make sense. But it's so hard to predict when you get toward the bottom of a FA and try to match that up with a team like the Pirates.
BranchRichey
12:39
When are going to see a trade finalized?
Jason Mackey
12:39
Tuesday at 12:34 p.m. Mark it down.
Danny
12:39
Who all do you predict Cherington will trade this winter?
Jason Mackey
12:40
I'm expecting Frazier and Musgrove to go. I also give an outside shot of Taillon and/or Bell going. Perhaps Richard Rodriguez and/or Chris Stratton in the bullpen.
Danny
12:40
Any word on who the next Altoona manager may be?
Jason Mackey
12:41
Not yet. My guess is they're gonna get the PDL signed and finalized before announcing anything. I've heard that Miguel Perez was a strong possibility.
KevinNewman
12:41
I think I should have received more playing time than Gonzalez last year. What say you?
Jason Mackey
12:43
Kevin, I like ya, but you had a .556 OPS, made a bunch of errors and didn't steal a base. Not sure you should complain about having your playing time siphoned.
Danny
12:43
Do you have any potential free agents the Bucs could be interested in? Maybe an outfielder and reliever? I think Tyler Naquin could be a nice fit
Jason Mackey
12:44
Same things I've been repeating -- tough to say because it's early, and they don't spend a lot. I agree Naquin would be a nice fit, but it also depends on the market. Remember, Pittsburgh isn't exactly a destination for these guys. Many of them are likely waiting and holding out hope for something better.
Christian
12:44
Any chance of a Neil Walker reunion this year? I know Neal said he spoke to Ben Cherington last offseason about a bench role.
Jason Mackey
12:45
Those were extremely cursory talks, if they even qualified as that. And no, I don't see a match there. Until, of course, Walker becomes the primary color man on AT&T SportsNet broadcasts.
GoldGloveHeist
12:45
Why didn’t stallings win it this season?
Jason Mackey
12:45
Tucker Barnhart played on a better team and handled a better pitching staff.
FarmSystemHype
12:45
Hayes looks like the real deal. Jury out on Keller still. They say we have a top farm system. But been waiting for awhile. I guess we’ll find out in 2023.
Jason Mackey
12:46
I think you might be overstating the quality of the Pirates' system. They have some pieces, sure, but the volume of prospects isn't what it needs to be.
Southside Jimmy
12:46
Hey Jason.  Being a traditionalist, I never cared for the designated hitter but have come around to liking it.  Have you heard if the National League will consider making the dh rule permanent after the 2021 season?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:47
I would anticipate it becoming permanent after the next CBA, yes. I'm a traditionalist, too. Grew up watching National League ball. But baseball needs to change. Its resistance to it is costing the sport, as more people watch the NBA, NFL or NHL because it's a more easily consumable product.
Woj from W Mifflin
12:47
Any speculation on the upcoming MLB labor agreement? Is there any hope of MLB creating an economic environment like the NFL and NHL where all teams have to work within a defined budget?  If the players agree to a salary cap would the owners commit to a salary floor?  Maybe this is too far out in the future given the more immediate concerns but appreciate if you can share anything you have heard.  Thanks for the chats Jason!
Jason Mackey
12:48
I would like to think so, but I don't see that happening. I'm expecting a lot of stupidity and bickering when the CBA expires, because these two sides don't like or trust each other, and they both view this as sort of a watershed moment for the sport, a fight they can't afford to lose. Bottom line, I just don't see the players agreeing to a cap.
Rule5?
12:48
Since we picked up Oviedo, who was selected in the rule 5, then traded to us, do we still have to stash him on the main roster this year?
Jason Mackey
12:49
Yes, they do. Or offer him back to the Mets for $50,000.
wvpirate
12:49
How important do you think having some veterans on the team? Especially in the bullpen and the bench. Right now we have a very young bullpen.  I feel a veteran would help teach them how to prepare.
Jason Mackey
12:50
Derek Holland was a quote-unquote veteran in 2020. How much did that help? I think some of that stuff is overblown. If guys don't know how to prepare, then they shouldn't be there. That being said, I think that type of add is valuable for a team that's growing into contending. I think of Gary Roberts with the Penguins way back when. Or Billy Guerin. That sort of thing. But when you're this young and bad like the Pirates are, I think you're probably best served just listening to the coaches.
Ricky
12:50
i can’t believe we didn’t sign Puig over the winter meetings. What are you hearing on the situation?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I know, right? I thought that would be a sure thing. Must have been an issue with the house they rented for him atop Mt. Washington. That's the only thing I can think about.
Pirates fan
12:51
2 names I would like the pirates to look into. Carlos Rodon and Eddie Rosario
Jason Mackey
12:51
I'm sure they'll look into them. They just won't sign either one.
GrantJackson
12:51
Burdi looked fine last year, needed TJ, then DFA? Was it worth maybe keeping him for the year to see how it played out?
Jason Mackey
12:52
It's not that. They DFA'd Burdi for a procedural reason that I covered here: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2020/11/09/nick-burdi-free...
12:53
Basically he would've been on a non-guaranteed minor league deal. They're giving him a chance to find work but also hoping to retain him.
Pirates fan
12:53
Pirates should trade for Clint Frazier
Jason Mackey
12:53
If they do something with Taillon/Bell, I suppose I could see it.
Wayward Eer
12:53
Which FA market do you see falling to Bucs level first, buy low backend/starter, RP,  or 4th OF type?
Jason Mackey
12:54
I think the fourth outfielder would probably be the easiest to grab, though that's a lot of feel on my part. Maybe because jobs there are a little more finite than a swing-type pitcher.
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