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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 06.21.24
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Jason Mackey
12:11
Hey everyone. Welcome to my weekly chat. Sorry I'm getting a late start. Down at PNC Park for Sheetz event (and Bob Nutting stuff). Let's get going.
Seferg
12:16
If Skenes and Jones are on an innings limit, who will be inserted into their rotation spots when they hit their limit?
Jason Mackey
12:19
Good question. What the Pirates have done with these guys has been to try and avoid a shutdown. It remains to be seen what they'll do with Jones, who's on pace to crush his previous career-high in IP. I think you'll see them skip starts and maybe move to a six-man rotation to space them out. Could mean more opener/Ortiz. Martin Perez. Maybe Quinn Priester. I think they'll give Domingo German a shot. Mike Burrows is coming back. Those are some names who could give breathers.
Cullen
12:19
If we move Cruz off short could Triolo be this windows Jordy Mercer? Great glove at the premium spot and anything his bat adds is gravy. I have to say his actions look smooth at short every time I see him there and id bet with more consistent playing time that he is closer to the bat he had last year than this one.
Jason Mackey
12:20
He could, sure. But I think we're down the road. Where does Cruz go? Does Triolo hit enough? Does something happen with Peguero? What if Gonzales keeps hitting, does he bump over for Termarr? I have no idea. But that's part of the calculus. I need to see more offense out of Triolo. I have no doubt he can handle it defensively.
Cullen
12:20
JJ bleday seems like the perfect option to shore up our long term OF. Reynolds, JJ, Cruz (if/when he moves), Jack, and Joe would be one of the best in the league. This could also open up Reynolds exploring 1B or Joe moving there permanently if Palacios, White Jr, etc earn a spot. Bleday probably wouldn't cost a ton since this is his first year of production but I just can't see why the A's would give him up with so much control left unless we overpayed in a big way. Could a package around Harrington get talks started?
Jason Mackey
12:21
You're binging on the theoretical today, brother. Yeah, Bleday makes sense, for the reasons you outlined. Maybe the A's wanna use this as a way to restock. They're obviously not competing now. But Palacios, Lonnie White Jr., Harrington ... we're down the line. FWIW, I would really struggle to give up Harrington. Keep good young starting pitching. Other ways to address a need.
Spaceman
12:23
Nice article on the Penguin goaltender situation.  Agree with your final assessment on the two veteran goaltender tandem approach vs a Jarry trade.  Question:  You expect Pens to ride it out with what they have (with minor deals / pickups) or make a major acquisition(s) for a playoff push in 2024/2025?
Jason Mackey
12:24
Thanks, Spaceman. Appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed it. I think it might be both, honestly. And here's what I mean: They know they need to fix the power play. To fix the power play, you need what profiles as a top-six wing. To get a top-six wing, you have to pay him and probably give up something to get him or fit him under the cap. They're gonna make moves -- and probably not nips and tucks. So, yeah, I do see them making moves to get back to the playoffs in 2024-25. It's just a matter of what those become.
PrinceBob
12:25
Assuming that Henry Davis does not find his bat what do the Pirates do at catcher? Davis seems to have proven he can hit minor league pitching so there seems no point to sending him down again. Grandal doesn't add anything offensively. Are either of them so good defensively that they're assets even if they don't hit? If they find a catcher who can hit do you release Grandal? Send Davis to Indy for the balance of the season and try him in Pittsburgh again next year? And where does Jason Delay fit in all of this?
Jason Mackey
12:26
I think he will, first off. But if there's ultimately concern over Davis' bat -- I think he deserves another run of playing time after coming back from the concussion -- then they might need to go get someone. Not super concerned about getting a catcher who can hit. They have greater needs. Depends some on Bart, depends on what Henry shows. If he hits, he stays. If he struggles, then you figure it out.
JoeHa
12:26
Hey Jason….Do you think that the obsession by Pirate broadcasters with playoff positioning and games back is a bit much this early in the season. In the not so distant past this chatter didn’t begin until mid to late August. I believe everybody should focus on winning as many games as possible right now … not how many games back the Pirates are of the 3rd Wild Card spot
Jason Mackey
12:27
Remember, the broadcasts are always team-friendly. That said, I don't care. We're really gonna complain about talk about how many games out of the wild card? After what they've gone through recently, they could commit far worse crimes.
PrinceBob
12:27
How does Mlbtv still get to keep saying "watch every out of market game" in their promos when you can no longer watch out of market games that on Apple TV?
Jason Mackey
12:27
Good point. I don't know.
Alan in Alabama
12:28
Morning! Just curious. Do you see a bunch of these chat submissions as unsatisfied "fans" just finding an opportunity to vent? I love the "Hey. Now that Tomlin signed an extension, obviously he can coach as long as he wants to and the Rooney's are satisfied with mediocrity and do not care about championships anymore" shots that are always appearing...Do these people think that Rooney and Tomlin are waiting desperately for the PG to come out so they can read what these people are saying about them? I get frustrated at times as well but I also realize that those gentlemen are in the positions that they are in for a reason...They are NOT perfect BUT they have had quite a bit of success over the years. Now they just need to get back to winning in the playoffs...and I think they are on track for that!
Jason Mackey
12:29
I respect your opinion. I also respect the opinion of those who see things differently. As I said to gentleman this morning, ripping into me because I wrote a column that was positive about Tomlin, it would be weird if everyone agreed. I just ask that you disagree at least reasonably respectfully and try to avoid name-calling, insults and other stupid stuff.
Mark C.
12:29
Do you think the very public comments by Bob Nutting this morning about not only thinking the playoffs are attainable and the need to upgrade the offense will light a fire under Ben Cherrington to show a little urgency?
Jason Mackey
12:29
I would imagine that was part of the intent in Bob saying them. And, yes. I do.
Jeff
12:29
Why is Suwinski still on mlb roster?
Jason Mackey
12:30
Would imagine they think he can work out his issues here. I understand those who disagree. I, too, would rather give him the cover of the minor leagues to find his stroke.
Ryan
12:30
Good afternoon Jason what do you think about the play of Colin Holderman and Bryan Reynolds Colin should be in the all star game so should Reynolds LETS Go BUCS
Jason Mackey
12:34
As much as I've liked what Reynolds has done recently, it's tough sledding at his position. But he has been incredible. Holderman ... sort of the same, though he has been one of the best relievers in baseball. Could see him making the ASG ahead of Reynolds, honestly. At this point, Skenes and Keller have to go. Might be tough to get a third Pirates pitcher.
Guest
12:34
Hey Jason! So uhhh… who’s starting tonight?
Jason Mackey
12:35
Carmen Mlodzinski. Would imagine Luis Ortiz serves as the bulk guy.
Fred
12:35
Rumors are out there that the Pirates do not want to part ways with their top 10 prospects. If that's the case, who are legitimate options for adding an offensive weapon to this lineup? Is there a priority on position? OF then 1st?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Don't know where that's coming from. I doubt the Pirates would trade a top 100 prospect in baseball, but most everybody is tradable -- for a price. We'll see. Bob Nutting talked today about needing offense. Would make more sense for that to happen in the outfield than first base.
Cameron
12:37
If you were in the Pirates front office, how would you manage Skenes and Jones’ innings? Skipping starts, six-man rotation, AAA, etc.?
Jason Mackey
12:37
I'd shift to a six-man rotation and space out their starts.
Guest
12:37
What happened to the pirates alternate black jersey with the gold P? Wish they would wear that at home and the black script Pittsburgh on the road.
Jason Mackey
12:37
I'm not sure. Honestly, I don't track the uniform stuff as closely as I should. I know they wear them.
Justin
12:37
What the heck happened to Jack Suwinski
Jason Mackey
12:38
I think the approach the Pirates are trying to take with him as him thinking entirely too much. I wish they would strip it down to see ball/hit ball. He seems caught in between a lot. He's a naturally gifted athlete ... and he's not taking advantage of any of it.
Jason
12:38
With prospects being more under a microscope June/July do you think it’s better to keep them at lower level longer against weaker competition, or promote them to show they can perform at a higher level?
Jason Mackey
12:39
I think it depends on the prospect. How will he respond to failure? Where's his head at mentally? Is he working on things? How far along is that process. It's never black and white.
Fitzgerald>White
12:39
Steve Blass told a great story the other day about how Danny Murtaugh once fined him $100 for not hustling to first base to cover a grounder that had gone between first and second. What would the fine be in today's dollars for Tellez standing at home plate and staring at his hit to center earlier this week, thinking that he had hit a homer? It's just embarrassing how certain players on this team have either a lack of hustle, or a lack of awareness when running the bases.
Jason Mackey
12:39
Derek Shelton said it might be bourbon. But you're right. That was ridiculous. Rowdy knew it was ridiculous. At least he got to second.
Jeff
12:39
Pirates haven’t been able to develop many impact hitters. Why would you be reluctant to give up pitching prospect for a controllable bat that is needed with the current lack of bats in system?
Jason Mackey
12:40
Because they will never spend what it takes to acquire solid starting pitching on the open market. You can find bats easier and cheaper.
Commissioner
12:40
All of this Aiyuk trade talk is exhausting. Where do you put the percentage chance the Steelers get him and what do you think it takes to get him? Thank you
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