You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
MLB trade deadline chat: 08.31.20
powered byJotCast
View Full Chat Next Page
Jason Mackey
1:38
Hello, everyone. Mackey here. Welcome to our trade deadline chat. It'll be me, Mike Persak and Adam Bittner. We'll be happy to take your questions on whatever. Thank you for stopping by. We'll get going here at 2 p.m.
Justin
2:03
It's 1:41 and the only news on the day was there was some interest in Adam Frazier. Should we be concerned?
Jason Mackey
2:03
And away we go ...
2:05
Hi Justin. Short answer: no. The Pirates aren't peddling assets that people are falling all over themselves to acquire. This is probably fairly intuitive given the fact that they're 9-21. Also, judging by Ben Cherington's comments yesterday, I don't think he feels like he has to do anything. Will he? I think so. But it's been quiet so far, and these are moves that general happen within an hour or so of the deadline.
Pirates
2:06
What would be an estimated return for Frazier? A top 20 from a team?
Jason Mackey
2:13
Yeah, I think that's fair. It might've been higher if not for Frazier's slow start.
Jay
2:14
who have been the most disliked pirates inside the clubhouse over the last 5 years?
Ricky
2:14
When do you except Cederlind and Hayes up
Mike Persak
2:15
Soon, Ricky. I think we're edging closer and closer. If they can send a couple of guys away at the deadline, I think that helps expedite the process.
Jason Mackey
2:15
That's tough to say. One, because I only started on the beat in May 2019. Two, because I don't think it's my job to shovel dirt on players' graves. Honestly, though -- and maybe this is because they don't spend like the Yankees or Red Sox -- they've had a pretty easy-to-like clubhouse. Guys might be quiet, but they're not jerks.
Ricky
2:16
Would rich rod or Frazier have more value
Jason Mackey
2:17
Tough to say because it really depends on who's asking and what they have, but I'd probably say Frazier. Winter Meetings helped, and he's a little more known outside of Pittsburgh. It is close, though.
Halvybuckets
2:17
Sooooo anything get done this afternoon, regarding the Pirates of course?
Jason Mackey
2:17
Been pretty quiet, Halvybuckets. I got a workout in and had lunch, if that counts for anything.
Halvybuckets
2:17
Fans seem split on dealing Kuhl, where do you stand?
Jason Mackey
2:18
I would not. While I understand fans want to see a rebuild -- and I think they should go that route -- I see Kuhl as someone who could be a part of that as opposed to someone who nets rebuilding pieces. I've really liked what I've seen from him post-TJ.
Halvybuckets
2:18
Odds we see Bell moved?
Jason Mackey
2:19
Low. There's no reason to do it now. Coming out of a slump. Shortened season. You don't have to. They haven't punted on an extension. I don't see it happening.
Trevor Williams
2:21
Much interest in me?
Jason Mackey
2:22
Indeed. Question: How do you feel about poutine?
Danny
2:22
Who is/are the most likely players to get moved today?
Sean K
2:22
With the pirates not having any catchers in their top 30 prospects,would you say it is essential that they get a catching prospect for a return in any trade made today.
Mike Persak
2:24
To Sean K: I don't think so. I get the hunger for catchers, and they need to address it at some point, but I don't think they should just be strictly going for any certain position here. Baseball is a "best player available" kind of sport. Get the prospects you like best. If that's a catcher, great. If not, you'll get one elsewhere, in theory.
Adam Bittner
2:25
Brendan
2:27
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being basically positive, what are the chances Stallings gets traded today?
Nancy
2:29
Hi guys...since the Pirates don’t seem to have much to offer, I don’t see getting much in return.  Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
2:39
Hi Nancy. I think they're trying to get back something different than they're selling. Meaning in terms of success in the major leagues, obviously they're going to get guys less able to do that right now. The trick becomes getting guys who can do that eventually. And I do see the Pirates getting that in return.
Jason Mackey
2:30
Danny: Sorry, got distracted by a text conversation with a source. Most likely Pirates to be moved: Frazier, Rodriguez, Kela ... Williams, Musgrove, maybe Kuhl ... Stratton. Doubt Polanco. That's probably it.
Mike Persak
2:31
I think they're pretty low, Brendan. Like a 3. We haven't heard a ton of buzz around him, unless I've missed something. Some catchers have already moved (Jason Castro, Austin Nola). Granted, both went to the Padres, but still. Plus, the Pirates don't have an everyday catcher ready to take his place. John Ryan Murphy is fine, but not at that level. Stallings still has some use, helping groom the pirates' young pitchers in the next few years, even if they aren't a winning team for all of them.
Jason Mackey
2:31
If you're interested, I did something to that end here: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2020/08/25/Pirates-Ben-Che...
Greg
2:31
not really a deadline question, however, do you see any scenario where the Pirates actually keep Archer beyond this season?
Jason Mackey
2:32
No, Greg, I don't. A $250,000 buyout versus an $11 million salary for a 31-year-old coming off season-ending surgery and a career-worst year ... I like Archer, but this makes zero business sense for a team that's in rebuild mode.
Jay
2:34
Another question re. The deadline. Between all of our assets LIKELY to be moved today. Any chance we can get a 50 FV player? Or are we likely to get a bunch of guys < or equal to 45?
Mike Persak
2:34
Greg: I have played devil's advocate on this before, and I don't really believe it. I also think they will buy Archer out. However, the only scenario I see for keeping him would be that they still believe he can be effective to start next season and they could get something in return for him at next year's trade deadline. That's a bit of a gamble, and it's probably not worth $11 million, but it is "a scenario," technically speaking.
Daniel
2:35
If I’m a free agent, what are my incentives for wanting to play for the Pirates?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
2:37
Hard to say, Jay. And for the uninitiated -- sure there's some -- FV means Future Value. I think it's possible. ... But, honestly, if I'm the Pirates, while I obviously want positive trade return, I'm also thinking down the line and how I might be able to develop these guys. Again, not trying to turn water into wine here, but if they get below average players now, I'm not convinced they'll be below average forever.
Mike Persak
2:38
Daniel: You can help build a winning culture in Pittsburgh! Plus they've got a ton of cap space. And if you don't buy that, I suddenly yell: "Hey! Look at that skyline behind the center field wall!" Hopefully that works.
alan
2:38
Will the Braves trade for 4 inning Joe Musgrove since they already made a trade for a pitcher?
Mike Persak
2:39
Most recent we've heard is the Braves are looking for relievers now, displeased with the starter's market. Certainly still a possibility, but I think the chances have grown lower, both because of that trade and because of price tags, demands, etc.
alan
2:40
Will any Pirate pitcher throw a complete game this year?
Connecting…