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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 01.05.23
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Jason Mackey
11:33
Hey everyone. Welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. Thanks for stopping by. We'll get started at noon.
11:48
OK, folks. We'll get going a little early this week.
Turner Ward Fan Club
11:48
It's been a bit of frustrating off-season as a fan. I see a Jordan Montgomery still unsigned and think the Pirates could sign him to three years and $50MM. And then there's Rhys Hoskins. A one year prove it deal would be beneficial to both the Pirates and him. I would think somewhere in the neighborhood of $10MM to $15MM would be appropriate. So for $60MM to $65MM, this team's chances to make the playoffs would increase exponentially.  The Pirates have to take some calculated risks with middle tier free agents, and likely need to overpay slightly to get them to sign here.
Jason Mackey
11:50
I understand the frustration of the offseason. That's fair. However, last I saw Montgomery wanted at least 6 years, $162 million. Why in the world would he sign with the Pirates for 3 years and $50 million? That makes no sense. Someone as desirable as Montgomery, he has other options. Also, similar with Hoskins, do you think Pittsburgh is his only option? And how much better are the Pirates getting over what they have for what would be the largest contract on the team? I'm all for them spending. They should spend. But it has to be within their range.
Rob
11:50
Hi Jason. Do you know if there is any truth to the Michael A Taylor rumors or if they are looking to add an outfielder? Would assume this might push Suwinski into a platoon with olivares in right field?
Jason Mackey
11:50
I have no reason to suspect it's wrong. That said, they're not going to platoon Jack. Cherington & Shelton have both said he's earned the right to play every day, and I believe that's what will happen. I find the Taylor interest odd, though. Where he does he fit? Great player. But I wish they would add pitching first.
Carlos
11:51
Thoughts on me and Rowdy potentially being teammates again? Will it work
Jason Mackey
11:51
I have doubts, Carlos. And I like you a lot. Does Rowdy DH? OK, but what about Cutch? Does he play right field? I worry if that's any more than sparingly. Similar to Taylor, I feel like there are better ways they can spend their money at this point.
Dan
11:51
Hey Jason…6 weeks and counting… I keep hearing CF as a position of interest..I assume they’re not crazy about Jack there ? Also is Cutch strictly DH at this part of his career?
Jason Mackey
11:53
No. On a few levels. I think they're fine with  Jack there ... but also aware the offense must improve. Could bump Jack over and deepen the outfield. Not sure what that means for others, though -- Cutch, Joe, Palacios, Olivares, Davis, Bae, etc. I also think a trade could crystallize some. I still think Cutch can be more than a DH. I think it's something he wants, the Pirates want, and it would help the flexibility of their lineup.
Ben C.
11:53
Jason, when is Bob going to give me some money to spend? Look at Nick Krall’s budget in similar sized Cincinnati. They promised me and the fans they would spend as this rebuild progressed.
Jason Mackey
11:54
I know. I hear ya. There's absolutely nothing that should stop the Pirates from spending an amount similar to that of Cincinnati, Kansas City, etc. I understand a rebuild. I understand prioritizing prospects. But I also understand having holes & it costing money to fill them. They've said they will. So ... we're kinda all still waiting, and they have three sorta legitimate MLB starting pitching options.
Jason
11:55
Hey Jason. Please tell me we aren’t done making moves this offseason. I know you think they will make a trade for a SP but other than that they can’t be done. The division seems to be still open. I’m not convinced any of the pitchers the reds or cardinals added are gonna be major revelations for them. There is a chance for the pirates to win this division they need to go for it.
Jason Mackey
11:56
I don't think they're done, no. Nor should they be. They need at least one more starting pitching & likely some more certainty behind the plate. Also don't know if I see the Pirates having a chance to win the division, but I think they should add a couple more pieces and expect to win 84-85 games.
Tim
11:56
Has something gone wrong with the Martin Perez deal since the Pirates have not announced it yet?
Jason Mackey
11:56
No. I expect it to be announced today. Just a matter of schedules and getting him in town for a physical.
Wayward
11:56
Jason, can you see a situation where the Bucs would have 3 leftie starters?  I know Fort mentioned Baumgardner and there was some mlbtrade rumors concerning Paxson.  How would you feel about 3 lefties?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
11:57
Yeah, it's a bit funky. I guess I would be OK with it, though as I said to Fort, I would not be OK if MadBum was it. If they give him a chance along with trading for someone else, fine. Wouldn't have an issue. I would like the added depth. But 3/5 lefties is a little funky.
Matt
11:57
Which is more realistic?

Michael A. Taylor in CF with Reynolds in LF, Suwinski/Olivares platoon in RF?

Santana at 1st, Tellez moves to DH Platoon with Cutch?

Pirates sign James Paxton?

With any of these moves, roster moves have to be made on the 40-man. Who gets the short straw?
Jason Mackey
12:00
I would say Paxton is the most realistic. I don't see the first two as making much sense given their other needs (read: pitching). I'm not a big freak-out-over-the-40-man guy. Alika Williams and Kyle Nicolas are on it. There are two easy ones. Can't imagine Colin Selby is going anywhere. It'll all work out.
Philip in Washington
12:01
I just watched this week's Pitching In and I feel like you need talked off the ledge (good luck with that and this forum).  While I am super anxious for something to happen, I'm not that that worried yet and Fort is correct in that there are several examples of how I think that we might be better at the beginning of this year compared to last and that the free agents need to get out of the way before the trade routes open up.  You sounded really sure that a trade would happen by year's end - did what you were hearing out there go suddenly quiet?
Jason Mackey
12:03
Wait, I need talked off the ledge? Oh, boy. This is good. I get yelled at routinely for not being mad enough or freaking out enough. ... I think it's fair to worry about what they're doing ... while also acknowledging that it is Jan. 5. That said, they absolutely need more pitching. ... Yes, I believed a trade was going to happen. I still think it's going to happen. It's really hard to predict the timeline of those things.
D Mountain
12:03
Hey Jason, just a quick update: Aprils in Pittsburgh don’t get the ole’ gunslinger’s blood moving, but I may be interested in mid summer along the banks of The Allegheny. Have a good one.
Jason Mackey
12:03
Thanks, Rich. Hope you're doing well.
Brent
12:03
What is your realistic starting pitching target for the Pirates? Any new developments that we should be aware of?
Jason Mackey
12:04
Can't say I have a ton re: new developments. Marlins & Mariners are two teams I would target. Like Braxton & Cabrera as far as realistic options that I think would give them what they need. Also don't hate the Paxton bit of info that came out recently.
TK
12:04
Do you believe Endy’s injury changed the Pirates offseason plan? Potentially moving Endy or Henry in a deal but now not due to the injury?
Jason Mackey
12:05
I'm not sure. And I don't think we'll ever know for sure. But it would be hard to see how dealing either one fetched maximum return. They came up and were OK at best -- some good but also some warts. That doesn't always translate to great trade return. But again, we have no way of actually knowing.
Jerry
12:06
Jason, please forgive the sacrilege, but is the whole Dark Star trifecta slightly over loved? Much of my other work has more fluidity, musicality and cohesion, I sometimes think. Your thoughts, if any?
Jason Mackey
12:06
I'm a gigantic Dark Stark fan, especially when it comes to writing music. Dark Star, The Eleven, extended Playing In The Band jams ... doesn't get any better.
Dan
12:06
You’re the White Sox GM…I’m offering Bae Peguro Jared Jones and Stalin Polanco for Cease…are we dealing ?
Jason Mackey
12:07
Based on the ask right now and what I've observed, I'm willing to bet he holds out for more or says no and like asks for Skenes or something.
Justin
12:07
Do you get the feeling that people with the team think that they're doing an exceptional job at drafting, developing, trading, coaching, and ultimately building this thing?  Is there any sense of self-criticism or skepticism on how things have been going or do you feel like you speak to "yes" men?
Jason Mackey
12:09
Good question. No, I don't think they think they're doing everything right. I do think they think they've improved. I also think it's tough to truly know. I think internally, they have more patience & and a realization that it takes time. I think externally fans are pissed, wanna see winning baseball and don't particular know or care how long it takes. I think both sides have a case, honestly. It's not gonna be perfect, but for an organization that has focused so much on drafting and development, we've seen a bunch of similar failures thus far.
Nick
12:09
Do you think I could get traded?
Jason Mackey
12:09
It would help to know your last name, but sure. Why not? We're all replaceable. (I know it's Gonzales. Doesn't change my answer.)
Wayward
12:09
Jason, do you think the Bucs are ok with their catching as of now?  If not, who of the veteran guys still out there would you consider?  I would be OK with Stallings for the mentorship aspect alone.
Jason Mackey
12:10
I would be OK with Stallings, too. In fact, I would love it. I think they're "OK" with it, but I would still expect them to add, even if it's a tweener type. I think they probably have a higher opinion of it than we do, but maybe they bring in another Ali Sanchez type. I wish they would do more than that, for the record.
Hayes KB
12:10
Jason, put me down for .280 with 18 homers and 82 ribbies. Screw all those fancy stats that provide geeks with something to do. Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:11
Fancy stats like hitting the ball hard? I've always thought that to be rather important. But, yeah, it's good that you're lifting it. That's always important.
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