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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 03.15.24
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Jason Mackey
11:58
It's chat time! Thanks for stopping by. We'll get started in about 2 minutes.
Maz01
12:00
Hi Jason, thanks for the chat. What is the health status on David Bednar and do you think Contreras will turn his preformance around and is he guaranteed a spot in the rotation?
Jason Mackey
12:01
Sure. Bednar was supposed to throw off the mound here soon. Not terribly worried about him. Contreras on the other hand, it hasn't been nearly consistent enough. I think he could still pitch himself into a spot -- I don't like the bullpen for Ro, and he's out of options -- but I have felt more confident in something in my life, that's for sure.
Log Jam
12:01
Jason, TJ is rapidly ascending to the second baseman throne, until that is he becomes too pricey for Bob.  So what do we do with the other 3 or 4 second baseman we have?  Seems like no one wanted Nicky G, at least not until he shows something. Peggy looks like he could be a keeper, no?  And everyone has fallen deeply in love with Jared......
Jason Mackey
12:03
Well, I'm not defending the Pirates payroll, but they do have 6 years left on Termarr, who should start in Double-A. Not sure we need to have that talk yet. As for others ... I separate Triolo from the others. I think he makes the club. Bae isn't healthy. Have been impressed at times with Peguero & Gonzales, but there's nothing that says they have to make it. Peguero has tailed off. They could both start in Triple-A, with Termarr coming on strong.
Maz01
12:03
To me Triolo would be best suited as utility, has Peggy earned  the starting secondbase job? You thoughts on both please.
Jason Mackey
12:03
I agree with you. I like Triolo bouncing around. I don't think they do. I think they want him to be the starting 2B. I think Peguero can still force his way there, but his past few have been quiet.
Cullen
12:03
Is Dewey Robinson (Former Rays "pitching guru") still with the org? What exactly does his role look like as an advisor?
Jason Mackey
12:04
Yes, he is. Around all the time. Various things. Minor league and major league side, analytics stuff and traditional coaching. He bounces around. Might be talking to the people who talk to a pitcher about a specific pitch or body movement. Might spend time with Oscar Marin on how they're preparing for MLB games. All of it. Smart guy.
Paul
12:04
Jason, the only (and only) good thing about me heading to the minors is that you will not need to bring in the 'stache that you promised one brilliant chatter. As hard as I try, I cannot imagine your journalistic mug making any type of facial hair work.  Have a good one.
Jason Mackey
12:05
Thanks ... ? My wife likes the mustache on occasion. I don't really care what anyone else thinks, honestly.
Cullen
12:05
Did Skenes pitch in high school? If he didn't really start pitching until college, it seems like there isn't much mileage on his arm which will hopefully help him stay healthy.
Jason Mackey
12:05
Yes, he pitched in high school. Can you imagine showing up at Air Force and looking like that? He's played baseball for most of his life. Actually came up as a catcher.
The Man Mulcahey
12:06
Jason, did Ben advise Paul to bide his time and take it slow, or did he sing it to him with an exquisite guitar accompaniment?
Jason Mackey
12:06
He told him to watch each card he plays ...
skimak
12:06
Do you think if the Pirates get off to a bad start that Sheltons job would be in jeopardy?
Jason Mackey
12:07
It would have to be really bad or really long. A bad first month, no way. They really believe in Shelton. It would take a lot to change Bob's mind on that, IMO.
Maz01
12:07
Jason, I am sure your aware that Jackson Holliday's grandfather Tom, grew up here in Uniontown, JH was drafted as a shortstop, will he break camp with the O's and be their 2b, or slide Henderson to 3b and open ss for him?
Jason Mackey
12:07
I have enough of a challenge keeping up with the Pirates. Sorry.
Stash
12:08
Jason, I keep having this nightmare in which we miss the playoffs by one game, and the bad mustache hurler mows down tremendously overmatched minor leaguers until mid -May.  Screw the extra year - this dude is special, no?
Jason Mackey
12:08
He's certainly special. I don't know. Cole, Verlander, Scherzer, Strasburg ... they all spent some time in the minors. I get it. I just hope that if Paul dominates the way he did last night that we're not waiting until June.
Guest
12:08
Anything you’ve heard from the Tommy Pham rumors a few days ago?
Jason Mackey
12:09
Nothing. That caught me by surprise, probably as much as yinz.
Guest
12:09
Does not seem that Contreras, Ortiz and Priester have been as consistent as the team might have hoped they’d be. I know they added Lauer but any other scuttle about adding another SP?
Jason Mackey
12:09
It's been quiet, honestly. Would never say never, but it sure seems like the top five (and next couple spots) are currently in the org.
Stash
12:09
Jason, will the chatter known as Cullen continue to receive preferential treatment in these chats of yours?
Jason Mackey
12:10
I try my best to answer every single question every week. I'm sorry some weeks I can't logistically pull it off, but nobody is getting preferential treatment.
Guest
12:10
Hey Jason, appreciate your efforts on behalf of our Buccos! In your opinion, does Akins  Williams and Bill McKinney make the 26 man roster heading north? Beat’em Bucs in Woodstock, Ga
Jason Mackey
12:11
It sure looks like they would rather have Alika as a backup INF/bench type and let Peguero and Nick G. play every day. Not as sure on McKinney. He's had a good spring, but enough to clear a roster spot? I think we need more time on that one.
Tim
12:11
Does Jared Jones legitimately have a chance to make the team?  The Pirates never promote promising rookies until June.
Jason Mackey
12:12
Fair point. They also never before spent $254 million in contract extensions over the past three offseasons. I do think Jones has a shot.
Cullen
12:12
Now that Luzardo is healthy and pitching again, do you think the Pirates and Marlins revisit a Cabrera deal or are we to late in the offseason for that? It still seems like they desperately need bats and the Pirates could def use some pitching
Jason Mackey
12:12
I don't disagree, but I would be surprise. One, it's late. Two, with the Marlins injuries, I don't know if they're in a position to deal. At least at a price the Pirates would pay.
JD Davis
12:12
Any chance pirates give me a look
Jason Mackey
12:13
I don't see it.
Geno
12:13
Jason, I had a great run in the 'burgh to say the least (despite my legions of clueless critics), but it's safe to say that I'm wash, as they say, correct?
Jason Mackey
12:14
I don't think so. I'd like to see Dubas surround you with better lineups. Penguins need more of a trigger man for Geno's line, allowing him to facilitate and probably adapt his game to age. Still a tremendous player, but I don't like Smith on his wing ... or many of the current options.
Justin
12:14
Did anyone with the team talk about the weird Aroldis video?  Laughs?  Cringes?  Like guys on the team had to make fun of him right?
Jason Mackey
12:14
I can't see how someone could watch that video and not cringe. So awkward.
Baron
12:15
Hello Jason, I’ve seen some rumblings about another starting pitcher and Tommy Pham potentially coming to Pittsburgh. Do you know if we are active in these departments?
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