JotCast | Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 12.23.22

Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 12.23.22

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Jason Mackey

11:50

Hello, everyone. Snowy day, cold. Perfect time to chat some ball, right? We'll get started shortly. Plenty to discuss.

12:02

And away we go ...

Cullen B

12:02

What have you heard from the Pirates camp about a Reynolds trade? Seems to be a bit more traction this week based on insiders rumors

Jason Mackey

12:03

Umm ... don't know about that latter part. Moroso tweeted that the Yankees have been in contact. I had that from the first day of the Winter Meetings. Nothing against Jon, but that's not exactly news. Teams have maintained interest. The Pirates have kept their posture, too -- sky-high ask. I don't get the sense that it's a front-burner issue for the Pirates at the moment; however, they are doing their due diligence by listening, and I suppose they could be moved with one really kick ass offer.

Cullen B

12:04

Are the Pirates completely out on Roberto Perez now with Hedges signing?

Jason Mackey

12:05

That's how it was put to me yes -- that they're out. Couple things. One, I worry about Perez's health. Essentially is he healthy enough? Also think the Pirates wanted a surer bet when it came to someone staying in the lineup. Don't think it makes sense to allocate more $$$ to that position when you should theoretically have Endy and Henry en route fairly soon.

Coach O

12:07

Making two assumptions for my question: baseball owners don’t put any of their own money into payroll and every owner makes a profit. That said, the Mets payroll when adding in luxury tax payment is almost $500 million. Given revenue sharing, and equal sharing of some monies by all owners, is it feasible Mets really take in $400 million more than Pirates on ticket sales, concessions, local television and advertising? Or said another way, after spending this much on payroll, do you think Steve Cohen is still making a bigger profit than Nutting?

Jason Mackey

12:09

Coach, not sure I'm qualified to answer your question. I would have a tough time projecting what the Mets pull in. I'd have an even tougher time calculating their profits. Certainly can't decipher which funds are going where for any owner. You also need to factor in TV money. But do I think Cohen is making more money than Nutting? Yes, I do. Doesn't excuse the Pirates' conduct. Not my point. But the Mets are doing OK.

Darnell

12:09

Happy holidays to you and your family Jason. Do you know if the Pirates tried to sign Tucker Barnhart who signed with the Cubs?

Jason Mackey

12:09

Hi Darnell. Same to you and your family. I know they met with Barnhart. Don't believe the conversations ever got terribly serious. But I know they met with him and his reps.

Yuri

12:09

Good afternoon Jason. Who would you like see the Pirates select with the first pick in the MLB draft? Enjoy the holidays. Thank you Jason.

Jason Mackey

12:11

Hi Yuri, same to you. As of now -- and I would caution that I've seen these things change shape a bunch -- I'm going with Chase Dollander, the pitcher out of Tennessee. Maybe it's just my preference for pitching -- Dylan Crews is no slouch -- but from what I've read, this kid could be really special.

Theresa

12:11

Hi Jason. Has there been any more talk about Bae playing centerfield and moving Reynolds to left? Thanks.

Jason Mackey

12:12

Hey Theresa. This is assuming Reynolds makes it to spring training, but yeah, that's absolutely part of the conversation. They view Bae as more than a CF; he can also play 2B/SS and the corner spots. But I think his speed offers a huge asset in CF, and I think they would like to see what that looks like, for sure.

PRE

12:13

Priester, Davis, Gonzales, Rodriguez - who gets the call up first in your opinion?

Jason Mackey

12:14

Good question, PRE. I like it. I'm gonna go with Endy on this one. I think he hits his way up fairly soon.

Mike Z.

12:14

I read Cherington's remarks this week that the Pirates are looking to add starting pitching and outfield help as code for what they're targeting in a trade for Reynolds. Thoughts?

Jason Mackey

12:16

Don't think you're wrong, Mike. Makes sense in terms of targets. But if you're the acquiring team, you know what the Pirates need and want. That kinda stuff is speculated about all the time. I did think Ben's comments on a couple things felt cryptic, and it wouldn't shock me if there's an element of roster construction tied to the Reynolds deal. Same time, they would be foolish to limit themselves on trade return because of position. Get the most talent. That should be the MO for any swap, in my opinion. Figure the rest out later.

Martin

12:16

Hi Jason, hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy and happy new year. What are the chances Reynolds gets traded before his contract expires? If traded, would it be more likely sooner than later? Thanks.

Jason Mackey

12:17

Hey Martin. Same to you. About 100%. Ha. Although I guess it depends on what you mean by "contract." Due to arbitration, the Pirates have him "under contract" through 2025, which means they could, if they wanted to, continue to pay him year-to-year, after this season what is determined through arbitration. He will definitely be traded before the Pirates lose their team control and likely before the end of this current two-year deal that he signed at the beginning of last season.

Mike Z.

12:18

I keep hearing that the Pirates fan base cares too much to allow the team to operate like the Rays - ie trading away star players when they become too expensive for a batch of potential future stars.

Jason Mackey

12:19

Don't know what you're saying there. The Pirates fan base cares a whole hell of a lot. It's impressive, honestly. And I think they just want to see wins. If you told Pirates fans the team would be the Rays -- competitive most years but often with an inability to keep players around for longer periods of time, would be willing to guess they'd take that.

Mike Z.

12:19

I don't get that argument. If that model consistently produced playoff teams, do you really think the fan base would mind? I would surely take it. The challenge is getting over that initial hump, and having a management team smart enough to keep it going. Thoughts?

Jason Mackey

12:20

Yeah, I'm with you. It's how they HAVE to do it. And they did it for the 2013-15 push. Then they got stubborn, drafted poorly, made crappy trades, etc. The cycle broke. You can't do that sort of stuff and continue to win at the major league level. Oh, and the Latin American program netted essentially nothing after Marte/Polanco. Rays haven't had those lags.

Michael Ebonezor

12:20

First timer here. With all the catching problems the Bucs had last year, we never even got a sniff of Carter Bins. I know he's no great shakes as a hitter but aside from R. Perez, no one else was either. Seems like a wasted trade since we gave up Tyler Anderson to get him and he was a second choice at that. So, where's he Bin? Merry Christmas and thanks for the coverage.

Jason Mackey

12:22

Hey Michael. Welcome to the Goodtimes as the Black Crowes might sing. You bring up a good point on Bins. Certainly want Endy/Henry to get a shot ahead of him, but if he outperforms Heineman/Delay, I'd be fine with giving him a shot. It also might be a wasted trade. They happed. Look at Clay Holmes. Doesn't excuse it, but not every one of them works out.

Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!

Uncle Floyd

12:22

Hi Jason and Merry Christmas! Do you feel there is any chance things can get worked out between the Pirates and Reynolds. In my opinion, it would send a positive message to fans if the contract issue can be resolved. He seems to be the type of person you want to build around both on and off the field. Enjoy you work!

Jason Mackey

12:23

Hey Floyd. Merry Christmas! No, I don't. I think that ship has sailed. And I don't think the Pirates are happy that the trade request was done publicly. I like Reynolds a lot. Wish he was staying. But I don't see a very big chance of it happening.

Bucs4Life

12:23

Jason - Everyone wants the Bucs to spend more on the MLB payroll. Given how young the team is even if they spent 110 Million this year on MLB payroll would it really change their record that much? They were 62-100 last year for 2023 if they improve by 10-15 wins that puts them in the 72-90/77-85 range. I think they can get to 72-90 with the roster as it sits, how much better would the be by spending 110 million? 82-82 is a 20 game improvement does 110 Million buy you that?

Jason Mackey

12:25

I think people want to see the Pirates care as much as they do. And they should. Nothing wrong with that. And, yeah, 72-90 is about where I'm expecting them to land in 2023, maybe 2-4 wins more. The difficult part is that the Pirates are trying. They've changed development, coaching, drafting, scouting, international, all kinds of crap that fans don't see. Also, to be fair, fans are paying major league prices and should get to see a major league product. But until those elevators meet on the same floor, here we are. I do think fans will start seeing the fruits of the Pirates' behind-the-scenes work, and honestly, it probably needs to happen.

Carl in Carrick

12:25

Just heard that the TAXES Mets owner Steve Cohen will pay signing all those free agents will pass or eclipse the Pirates PAYROLL. Unbelievable. Your t

Jason Mackey

12:26

It will eclipse it by a lot, Carl. He's set to pay $111 million in luxury taxes. The Pirates' 40-man payroll projects to, I think, $77 million, per Cot's Baseball Contracts.

Your Friend Judy

12:26

Jason,
3 quick questions. Assuming Heineman (or Delay) are added to the 40 Man as the opening Back-Up Catcher… which other three are on the Bench. Joe, Mitchell, Marcano or Bae? Is it Velasquez or Wilson #5 in opening Rotation? Who’s on your DFA Short List? Merry Christmas to you & yours my friend!!! Stay safe.

Jason Mackey

12:29

Hi Judy. 1. If we're assuming Reynolds stays, could be Marcano, Andujar, Joe and catcher. That would mean Reynolds-Bae-Suwinski OF, Hayes-Cruz-Castro-Santana INF, Choi DH. ... 2. Probably Velasquez. He'll be there somewhere. Have a tough time seeing Mitch, Ro or Bru go anywhere. Oviedo or Ortiz will win out over Wiilson, IMO. ... 3. Probably DUJ, Vilade and Swaggerty (new regime seems to have no use for him).

Thad

12:29

Hey Jason. Do you ever foresee the league office directing the Pirates and other similar teams to spend more money to be competitive or face the possibility of the owners being forced to sell their respective teams. Thank you.

Jason Mackey

12:31

Not without more pressure or uproar in the individual cities. If you put a lean on the Pirates, what about teams spending similar amounts ... but doing it well? However, if attendance becomes a daily embarrassment or there are issues outside the ballpark with irate fans protesting or unwelcome stuff like that, then, yeah, MLB might step in. Basically discontent that rises above the din. But just because they've lost and don't spend as much as others, no, I don't think that will prompt activity from MLB.

Donna

12:31

Hi Jason, Merry Christmas! As of now, who do you see in starting rotation next season?

Jason Mackey

12:32

Hi Donna. Same to you. As of now, I'd go with Mitch, Roansy, Brubaker, Velasquez and Oviedo. Maybe Wilson as a tweener type and Ortiz in Triple-A. I think they'd like a lefty in there somewhere. I would expect the Pirates to try and use a bunch of "starters," even if there are some who are technically in the bullpen but can give them 4-5 innings/two times through every fifth day or so.

Barbara J.

12:32

Hello Jason, hope you’re staying warm. I’ve heard that Franco Harris was a big baseball fan. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Did you ever have occasion to meet him? Thank you.

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Philly bob

5:23

Jason,

Chris R.

5:25

Jason, Hotel Illness is one of the greatest, least appreciated freaking rocking songs by any artist, let alone a solid music man such as myself. Your thoughts?

Mike S

5:26

Hello Jason, thanks for the chat and merry Christmas. With Oneil Cruz seemingly sticking at short for now, what is the plan for Liover Peguero? Is he in line for a position change or will Cruz eventually end up in right field and Peguero sticking at short?

Chris R.

5:28

Hypnotized by your rotten behavior. I always thought "raunchy" would have been a better lyric. Still one hell of a jam. Concurrence on your end?

Ryan

5:32

Good afternoon Jason what starting pitchers available for us to sign Merry Christmas and Happy New year

J$Money

5:33

What percent chance do you see the Pirates bringing back McCutcheon? And what team looking for an outfielder do you believe has the best assets to obtain in a Reynolds trade? Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Bob

5:37

Jason, should I have held onto those cold weather assets for awhile longer? I bought into the global warming thing, I guess. Buy low, sell high is always the goal, no?

Jerry

5:49

Jason, trying desperately to head where those chilly winds don't blow, but I'm frozen out of my VW Microbus. You happen to have any of that stuff they squirt into door locks?

Lionel Richie

6:10

Jason, please tell Steve I said “Hello.”🎵. Thanks.

C. Barnett

6:18

Jason, were you aware that there were some fine Aussie guitarists?

Courtney

6:24

Jason, if you like fine guitar work, check out me shredding on Turning Green. You are welcome.

Mike S

6:32

Not sure why they would sign a guy like vince velasquez and put him in the bullpen. Agreed? I would think he is line to be the 4th or 5th starter in the rotation?

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