You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 5.18.22
powered byJotCast
MRP
12:21
Is there any reason DS continues to start Yoshi T. despite his persistent ineptitude?
Jason Mackey
12:22
One, I think they need to give him a larger sample size. Fans will disagree with that, but it's true. Secondly, there aren't many better options. You can play Chavis, sure. But then who plays second or third?
Dan
12:22
Jason -- Don't forget Nyjer Morgan. Played pro hockey before baseball.
Jason Mackey
12:22
Who could forget Tony Plush? But I was considering only active members of the organization.
Q
12:22
Any word on today's starter?
Jason Mackey
12:23
Just announced: Wil Crowe.
Benson DuBois
12:23
Should we have faith that Oneil Cruz will figure out the OF?
Jason Mackey
12:25
Umm, tough one to answer because of how it's phrased and what we've seen. I think Oneil has all the tools to succeed out there. I also don't think he has any interest in doing it. That said, if he establishes himself as a big leaguer and we get to a position where his shortstop work is bad, Peguero is here and someone has to move, I think we might see a different motivation and result.
Wayward
12:25
Jason, as always, thanks for the chats.  Is this stretch of bad baseball just that or do you as a sign of what this team really is.
Jason Mackey
12:25
I mean, nobody is this bad. Said before, I have them at 62-100. I think that's what they are. It'll be an interesting road to get there, I'm sure. But, no, I don't think they're one-run-in-three-games bad.
Benson DuBois
12:25
Any hope to extend Quintana?
Jason Mackey
12:26
No way. The way he's pitching, why on Earth would he do that to his career?
Hunter
12:26
Hey Jason. Obviously there are plenty of people who have been disappointed by the rebuild results so far. Although it’s still quite early… what are your thoughts on how the pirates have gone about their current rebuild?
Jason Mackey
12:27
I love the minor league stuff. I think their farm system has improved in all sorts of ways -- talent, approach, coaching, tech, etc. How they're trying to win makes sense to me, too. That said, doing that well and doing something at the major league level don't have to be mutually exclusive. Spend some money at the top AND do what you're doing at the bottom would be my thought.
Guest
12:27
Hi Jason! Someone pointed out yesterday that Lonnie White was added to Bradenton’s roster, though he also appears to be on the 7-day IL. Have you heard anything about an injury for him, and do you think this is a sign he may be skipping the FCL this year?
Jason Mackey
12:27
Have not heard about Lonnie White's injury, but we talk to Todd Tomczyk today and will ask.
Bucs23
12:27
Who do you think will be the next position player called up from a group of Cruz, Martin, or Mitchell. And why?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Cruz, because he's on the 40-man roster. Martin and Mitchell have been better, frankly. They also play positions where there may be more of a major league need, but they're not on the 40-man. Need to have more certainty in both directions before that happens.
Jason P
12:28
What’s going on with Cole Tucker? Has yet to appear in a game for AAA since being optioned.
Jason Mackey
12:29
He's there. They're just letting him get away from it for a bit. I don't think that's the worst thing. Let him do some -- oh, no, here it comes -- skill development work before jumping back into games.
Guest
12:29
Have you heard anything about when Quinn Priester might return from injury since the medical staff revealed that he is working on mechanical adjustments?
Jason Mackey
12:30
Couple weeks is the expectation. I expect to hear more later today when Todd Tomczyk talks. He's throwing off a mound, so it shouldn't be too terribly long. I expect them to ease him back into it, though. Slow build.
Justin
12:30
does any player stick out as being the funniest on the team?
Jason Mackey
12:30
Vogelbach. And it's not close.
Well, I shouldn't say that. He's the most outwardly funny. Reynolds might have the best sense of humor, but it's obviously understated and dry. Gamel is pretty good, too.
Wayward
12:31
When considering the Bucs minor league players from a depth standpoint, which positional group have you seen the most improvement in over the past 2 years.  I am beginning to  think catching.
Jason Mackey
12:32
I don't disagree. Although the initial bar was awfully low.
Matt
12:32
Following up on Roansy...Indy plays at 1:35pm today and their website has no listed started. It shows as TBD
Jason Mackey
12:32
Wil Crowe is starting today. Have not heard of Roansy being called up. For the 19th time.
Jim M
12:32
Jason, What’s with all the resting of KeyBryan Hayes?  Are they being cautious with his wrist injury from last season?  I don’t get it with all the open dates (next 3 Thursdays) and rainouts.  Thanks
Jason Mackey
12:33
Yeah, it's a little strange. I wonder if he's battling something that nobody will say. Either that or, with him being such a long-term investment, they're more cautious with him than anyone else. It has been a lot, though. I agree.
john
12:33
Do you believe in the rebuild?
Jason Mackey
12:34
I do, yes. Got a little into this earlier, but I like what they're doing in the minor leagues. I just think the major league team could be made a little more competitive/interesting in the meantime. You're still a business and need to get people in the ballpark. There hasn't been enough of a reason for people to go.
Dave
12:34
I’m not a this team is terrible move them type of guy. I’ve been a diehard for 40 plus years. That being said I see no value in being invested in this current team (it’s just a bunch of also rans + Hayes/Reynolds). Plus I’m not sold on the prospects. Can you give me any reason to change my mind?
Jason Mackey
12:38
I mean, I don't work for the team, and it's not my job to sell you on them. Either you wanna care about what they're doing or you don't. I will say, they talk a lot about bringing fans along for the ride. But they don't actually do much of it. Manager doesn't talk about much detail-wise. The president hasn't talked since last February. Neither Williams nor Nutting has talked since the new CBA. Nutting hasn't taken questions from reporters since hiring Williams. I know Cherington is kinda dry, but he's at least available and gives people something about what they're doing. Bottom line, if you didn't believe you were getting a return on investment when it comes to paying what it costs to see games on AT&T SportsNet or MLB.TV or go to them with the cost of tickets, parking, food and beer, I certainly couldn't argue with you.
RS
12:39
Was there ever a reason given for Mason Martin not to be included on the 40 man roster? I would think with the lack of power throughout the organization he would be valued a little higher. I know he is a first basemen but I think they dodged a bullet by the rule 5 draft not happening this year. There may be a few guys on the 40 now who may be a little more expendable than a power hitting first baseman who bats left handed at PNC park.
Jason Mackey
12:40
Back in the Rule 5 days, I think the belief was that they could sneak a first baseman through the draft, because that position is generally occupied by better more established players on other clubs. Also, his strikeout issues.
Wayward
12:40
Jason, just fyi, Indianapolis is showing their starter tonight as TBD.
Jason Mackey
12:40
The notes they just sent out say Roansy Contreras.
Hank
12:41
How long will the pirates give chances to guys like Vanmeter, Yoshi, and Hembre? I don't understand why they continue to give regular at bats to Vanmeter and Yoshi when we have guys who are apart of the future knocking on the door in AAA.
Connecting…