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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.27.23
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Jason Mackey
11:52
Hello, everyone, and welcome to my weekly chat. Thanks for stopping by. We'll get started around noon. Just have to file a Josh Harrison story.
12:03
OK, let's do this.
Soggy
12:03
Good Morning Jason.  What is the deal with the MLB economic reform committee?  Is this prep for the next CBA in 2026?   With the loss of the regional networks & the disparity in clubs payroll, are the next few years of MLB going to be a financial battleground between owners & players??
Jason Mackey
12:04
Can't tell you a ton because it's not exactly communicated with us. And I didn't have enough time to broach it in my interview with Bob Nutting. But it's essentially a group put together to look at baseball's economic and competitive landscape. Would imagine cap/floor, revenue sources, team spending ... all of it should be further examined.
Cullen B
12:04
I know you are extremely busy, but have you considered doing an AMA on the Pittsburgh Pirates subreddit? Lots of fans there that really respect your work and would get a ton out of it!
Jason Mackey
12:05
Have not, but that doesn't mean it's not a solid idea. And, yeah, have been busy. Spring training is basically 45 consecutive 10-14-hour days. Not complaining. I love it. But extra time is something I don't have a lot of. Will run it by some people on our end, though, and see if it's something they want me to do. Nothing against it, certainly.
Wayward
12:05
Jason, if Castro wins the 2B job does Bae make the team?   I like Bae and think he adds a needed dimension to the offense.
Jason Mackey
12:07
I still think he does. I like what Bae brings. Can play a couple positions. Has looked good this spring. Honestly, I could maybe see both making it. You basically have 13 position players, right? Nine starters, and a four-man bench. Would imagine Joe is 4OF, Plawecki or Heineman 2C, then you get two more. Bae or Marcano ... or maybe both.
Keith Osik Fan Club
12:07
The news regarding the apparent implosion of AT&T Sportsnet is obviously not good. I've always wondered why the Pirates and the Penguins did not enter into a partnership to form their own network. Easier said than done, of course. And having never worked in the broadcasting business, I have no idea what the hurdles would be. Is something like this feasible? Where do you see this situation landing?
Jason Mackey
12:09
You might be right. I know it's something that has been, and continues to be discussed. However, it hasn't happened because of the existing model. And the existing model pays the Pirates $40-$60 million per year. That doesn't suck. However, if that crumbles, I think you'll see MLB bring everything in-house. I'm not as comfortable speaking for the NHL because I don't cover it. But in that model, you could go direct to consumer by eliminating in-market blackouts. Your revenue would also be subscription + advertising. Does it equal $40-$60 million? I don't know. I do expect the overall presentation of the the game to remain the same or darn close.
Keith Osik Fan Club
12:09
It's early, but has any unheralded player caught your eye?
Jason Mackey
12:11
A few, sure. Depending on how unheralded we wanna get here. What is heralded? Has anyone actually been heralded? Johan Oviedo -- not super unheralded -- but he has looked really good. Jared Triolo has been impressive. Young guy. Close to ready. Malcom Nunez is someone else to track. Dude is a monster. Ton of power.
Ryan
12:12
How has Jose Hernandez looked in camp? What does the team think of him? On opening day roster?
Jason Mackey
12:12
He would have to be, or they'd probably lose him because he's Rule 5. Watched him throw once. Throws hard. A little wild. Great stuff. I don't think it's enough to form an opinion. Saw both good and bad. Team likes him a lot. I do think they probably push it and try to get him right by Opening Day.
DaquidoBazzini
12:13
Jason- I see a lot of quotes in the past week from Bob Nutting diplomatically questioning the financial state of MLB (even quoting  Rob Manfred). Would it be that frightening or outrageous to ask him why he signed off so easily on the new players agreement just one year ago?
Jason Mackey
12:13
I asked Nutting that exact question. It was the first thing I asked him. It's included in my story here: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2023/02/24/pittsburgh-pira...
Wayward
12:13
Jason, as always thanks for the chats.  Not including the young guys who are obviously in camp for the exposure, have any of the non-roster pitchers caught your eye?   Anyone have a real chance to make the team out of spring training?
Jason Mackey
12:15
Dunno if any will make the roster out of spring, but yeah. I like Tyler Chatwood. He has looked solid and could be up at some point. He's been around. Caleb Smith, too. Both good stories about guys trying to work their way back to the show. Angel Perdomo looks like Oneil Cruz 2.0. Nate Webb throws crazy hard and could have a shot.
Cullen B
12:15
What do you view as more likely at this point, Reynolds is extended or he is traded by the trade deadline?
Jason Mackey
12:16
Before I got down here, I would have said traded. But I'm gonna flip. The reason: The feel I get from the Pirates side is that they do want to fix this and sign him. I think Reynolds also wants to stay here -- just not on a crappy deal. If they get to 7/8 years and $105-$110 million, I think that could be close enough that something gets done. And I don't think the team looks at those figures and considers them insane.
Gene
12:16
Do you think Castro will be the starting 2nd baseman?
Jason Mackey
12:16
I do, yes.
Darnell
12:16
Hi Jason, do you see Davis or Rodriguez as the Pirates’ catcher of the future?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:17
Honestly, Darnell, both. I think that's why they're doing what they're doing. I think Henry will catch more. Endy will catch some and probably bounce to other spots. But right now, I think the plan is to use both and try to maximize roster space.
Donna
12:17
Hi Jason.  I enjoy watching the Pirates and Pens on the AT&T Sports Network.  Do you think those teams will be able to reach an agreement to continue having their games televised locally?  Thank you.
Jason Mackey
12:18
I do, Donna. They'll figure it out somehow. Not with AT&T SportsNet, obviously, but there will be something on TV. Maybe their own network or MLB/NHL-handled productions.
Carl in Carrick
12:18
Jason, if Cruz remains at shortstop, where does that leave Peguero?  Is that a decision that doesn’t need to be made right now?
Jason Mackey
12:18
That's correct, Carl. Believe Peguero has yet to play Triple-A ball. Definitely let that happen. I wanna see how Cruz fares defensively, if he continues to hit and what becomes of Peguero. Plenty of space between now and then.
Tim
12:19
Hi Jason - will Pirate City fields revert back to pre-Covid access for this Spring Training?  Attended last year and could only access small area near the restroom between 3rd baseline and 1st baseline of outer fields.  Thank you
Jason Mackey
12:20
Hi, Tim. It already did. We're at LECOM Park now for major league stuff, but Pirate City has been open just like before COVID.
Gene
12:20
Where do the Pirates rank in payroll in the MLB?
Jason Mackey
12:20
FanGraphs' projection says 28th: https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/breakdowns/payroll
MjB
12:20
How about a way too early Opening Day Lineup prediction, and PLEASE tell me that Cutch is not batting third?   That is such a Shelton move, and it's a mistake.
Jason Mackey
12:23
  1. Cruz, SS; 2. Hayes, 5; 3. Reynolds, LF; 4. Choi, 1B; 5. Santana, DH; 6. McCutchen, RF; 7. Castro, 2B; 8. Suwinski, CF; 9. Hedges, C
12:24
Not totally sold on Hayes, although he has looked a lot better. Wouldn't love Cutch at No. 3. I like Reynolds there. Could potentially see Jack or Castro getting moved up if they earn it with a strong spring.
The Real TP Hunter
12:24
Hi Jason. With the regional sports broadcast networks apparently in financial distress, are there long-term ramifications for the future of players salaries? If the owners potentially have to take a cut on their broadcast rights, won't that eventually filter down to the salaries?
Jason Mackey
12:25
Theoretically, yes. And we don't know, honestly. Yeah, as of now, they could lose an infusion of TV money. Same time, if MLB brought it all in-house, THEY would control broadcasts and make money on ads. I'm not smart enough to know how that'll all shake out.
Guest
12:25
How short of a leash does Underwood have? He's already in midseason form and that's a spot that should go to Selby.
Jason Mackey
12:26
Eventually, I think you're right. Selby will need a little more seasoning, but maybe May or June, if Underwood Jr. -- or anyone -- is struggling, I think you could see a change made.
Michael K.
12:26
Hey Jason, enjoy the chats.  Do you know if the Pirates are continuing to give Rodriguez work at first base?  Providing he could the position adequately, I could see him and Davis playing together in the near future.
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