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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 12.22.23
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Jason Mackey
12:44
That's gonna keep coming up. First off, have zero indication the Pirates are interested. Secondly, I don't think this is the market for it. He'd be a focal point, maybe negatively so. Would make more sense where he could go somewhere bigger and fall in line and be anonymous. For the Pirates, it would be assuming a lot of risk -- he's also a very strong personality -- for questionable payoff.
Justin
12:44
your Cutch article had some language about it being possible, if not likely, that a move that would take the spotlight off of Cutch was coming.  It wasn't entirely clear if this was sort of common-sense speculating or if it was reporting of the intentions of the team based on sources.   Can you talk about those few sentences a little?
Jason Mackey
12:46
Yeah, that seemed to get some run, which I wasn't trying to do. My contention: I think they're gonna trade multiple prospects for a legit starting pitcher, someone with years of control. I also think that's going to be received positively by the fan base. I love bringing Cutch back, believe me. I consider it an honor to cover him. At the same time, he's essentially a part-time DH. I think a No. 2 starting pitcher would be much more impactful to the team's success in 2024 and how fans perceive what the Pirates are doing. Maybe I didn't do a very good job of articulating that sentiment. If that's the case, I'm sorry.
Russ
12:46
Hi Jason!! Have the rest of the division made any significant moves to improve over last year? I know St. Louis picked up a few pitchers but I was wondering if you’ve seen any moves to bring about big changes so far?
Jason Mackey
12:47
Hey Russ. Not sure I have the time here to recap the entirety of the NL Central. Cubs hired Craig Counsell. Brewers signed Jackson Chourio to the largest contract ever for a prospect. Cards got Lynn, Gibson and Gray. Reds have done a bunch, too. There's been a lot to bring about changes.
Mark
12:47
Chances of a trade with White Sox for Cease and Robert? Or a similar trade?
Jason Mackey
12:48
As much as I'd love to say heck yeah, it's happening -- you know, like the damn parody account did -- I don't think it's terribly likely.
Justin
12:48
favorite christmas dish?
Jason Mackey
12:49
Anything but ham. It's extremely overrated.
Justin
12:49
is santa claus real
Jason Mackey
12:49
Yes. Played by Tim the Tool Man, too.
Guest
12:49
What changes do you feel should be made with so many young starters coming up and either not only not succeed. But in some instances regress? While other teams seem to develop young pitchers all the time.
Jason Mackey
12:50
They've made some changes, honestly. But here's one: tinker less. It doesn't have to be perfect right away. Feels a little nitpicky when it comes to body movement and such. That they always know a better way. Embrace more of the individuality of pitching than they do.
WC Alum
12:50
True or false: Proportionally speaking, Westminster college has put more $ into their baseball team than the Pirates have put into theirs over the past 3 years.
Jason Mackey
12:50
Ha. That's a fun question. I have no way of logically answering that, but it made me laugh. So, thank you for that.
JR
12:50
Hey Jason, if the pirates don’t add anymore starting pitching who would you want the last 2 starters in the rotation to be?
Jason Mackey
12:51
Whichever kids -- Priester, Ortiz or Ro -- figure it out. But I think they'll add, I do.
Amos P Swanson
12:51
Why does the Endy Rodriguez injury prevent him from DH’ duties at some point of the season like Otani will be doing this year?
Jason Mackey
12:52
I'm not a doctor and thus won't try to explain the physiological differences. But I do know Endy was hurt swinging. He also had a flexor tendon strain repaired. Again, I'm a medical idiot. But it's a good question to ask Todd Tomczyk in spring.
Justin
12:52
Have you heard anything about former pirate Austin Meadows?  I know he was struggling with extreme anxiety issues and havent heard anything about him or if he's even pursuing baseball employment.
Jason Mackey
12:52
I have not, sorry. I've ready about some of his issues and hope he gets well. Dealt with Austin some. Always seemed like a really great kid. Believe he's looking for work.
J$Money
12:52
Who do you think are some of the possible trade targets to become part of the Pirates starting rotation? And do you expect Keller to sign an extension prior to the start of the season? Thank you
Jason Mackey
12:53
I still do, yes, on Keller. Trade targets: Love Logan Gilbert. Marlins have a couple kids: Cabrera and Braxton. Dylan Cease is the pipedream. Clarke Schmidt from the Yankees if they would deal him.
brucelet
12:54
The White Sox just DFAd Luis Patiño. He has a lot of talent and probably wouldn't take much to get him. Would you take a flier?
Jason Mackey
12:54
I don't know. I would trust my scouts. I haven't him pitch, but the results, even in Triple-A, haven't been good. Wouldn't be against it, I know that.
WC Alum
12:54
Would the Pirates have to pay more to get highly touted free agents compared to other teams that have won more recently?
Jason Mackey
12:54
Yes, they would.
12:55
I mean, not in all cases, but generally speaking, yeah. They're not exactly destination No. 1.
Justin
12:55
i look at the lineup and just cant help but think they could use just one last bopper, preferably LH, preferably in RF.   Do you think this type of player could still be a target or are we probably just going to have to hope for a Olivares defensive breakout?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Yeah, I'm not sure I see them adding a bonafide slugger at this stage. Bigger priority remains pitching. They likely wanna leave some room for guys to play & earn jobs.
Rob
12:56
There doesn’t seem to be a long term center fielder on this roster or in the minors and they need much better defense out there. Who do think will get the most starts out there this year?
Jason Mackey
12:56
At this point, I'll go Suwinski. Would consider him a long-time OF option, maybe in center. Still think he could be better in RF. Olivares could be something. Maybe Bae figures it out. I agree there's not a crystal-clear option right now, but it doesn't mean one can't emerge.
Tommy
12:56
What is a reasonable timeline for Skenes to appear at PNC Park?
Jason Mackey
12:57
Fastest, I would say, would be like mid-May. That's assuming health and dominating pitching in the minors.
Mark Smith Fan Club
12:57
Happy Holidays. Is a rotation of Skenes (come late May), Gonzales, Keller, Perez and someone else (Mackey?) good enough to put this team in the playoffs? Or do they need another legitimate MLB starter?
Jason Mackey
12:57
I think they need another starter. And not Mackey. He stinks.
Wayward
12:57
Jason, Could both Palacios and Olivares be on the opening day roster?  In my mind it is an either or unless someone gets traded.
Jason Mackey
12:58
Yeah, they could. In that scenario, maybe Joe gets dealt? Not sure where that leaves first base. Probably Triolo.
Alex
12:58
Is Yariel Rodriguez a legitimate option for the team?
Jason Mackey
12:58
He's an option in that he's good. Do I think it's likely he's here? No, I don't.
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