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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 04.26.23
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Jason Mackey
11:48
Hello, everyone. And thank you for joining my weekly chat. Lots to talk about. We'll get started in a couple minutes.
Sammy
11:51
Mackey look bro I have lived in a bunch of cities and you by far are the biggest homer I have ever seen when it comes to fairly covering a baseball team. Almost everything you write is positive and complimentary of the Pirates, you offer no objectivity at all. It's ridiculous actually. I'm a fan but I expect a best writer to be critical when necessary as well and you sadly are a shill for the organization. I know you won't post this but I had to get it out there.
Jason Mackey
11:51
I see we're off to a rollicking start here. Allow me to respond a couple of ways:
11:56
  1. I never shy from questions in these things, unless they're completely absurd or offensive.
  2. You are certainly entitled to dislike me or think I suck at my job. That's part of the gig. I hope that enough readers, as well as my bosses and loved ones do not share your opinion, and I don't think they do.
  3. It's funny the "biggest homer" when it comes to covering a baseball team. I'm also the reporter who has asked Nutting the most about why he doesn't spend more money, why he doesn't do business differently, why the Pirates can't be more like the Padres and why he continues to own a team. I can ask. I can't/won't physically threaten him or create answers for him so you feel better.
  4. Sitting down at a computer and typing out a message simply to tell someone they suck ... interesting.
11:58
I could go on, Sam. This job is really hard. Takes an insane amount of time, effort and familial sacrifices. I bust my ass and do the best I can. If you require someone to constantly curse at the Pirates for sucking, I would suggest you seek coverage of them elsewhere.
Wayward
11:59
Jason, I thought you piece on Nuttings involvement in the Reynolds extension was balanced and well done, yet there are always those that want to call you out as a Nutting mouthpiece/apologist, etc... As a journalist I know you are trained to expect criticism of your work but do these type of attacks become tiresome and how do you handle it?
Jason Mackey
12:01
Thanks, Wayward. One, every so often I explain things the way I did to Sammy just now. I try to avoid such responses, but I'm also human. Same time, it's my job to find out information and explain what happened. That's what I did for Reynolds. That's what I did on Penguins. That's what I've done with their rebuilding efforts. That's what I did when they fired everyone. It's unfortunate that doing that leads some to insult or question my credibility, but it's my belief that I'm doing my job. And as long as it's not my editors or family raising that stink, I mostly let it go.
Guest
12:01
How long before we see Henry Davis get promoted?
Jason Mackey
12:03
He was out of the lineup yesterday, so I thought there might be something brewing. There's not. It's tough to say. From what I understand, his offense has been very good, but he still requires work defensively. One source said to not expect anything until June. I also think if it's longer term with Endy that it might make sense to challenge Henry offensively and seeing how he fares on the defensive side. If you're talking major leagues, we're still several months away.
Wayward
12:03
Jason, thanks for the chats.  We know all of the positive things fueling the Bucs right now but what are some things you see that are concerning and could become bigger problems?
Jason Mackey
12:05
Thanks, Wayward. I worry about their depth -- pretty much everywhere. They have Ortiz to fill in the starting rotation, but not much else. Similar stuff with bats. Endy is hurt. Andujar may give them something. Mitchell? Who else? We know there will be injuries, but how do they address them? I also think the offense will level out at some point, but how far does it drop?
Shepherdstown, WV
12:06
I love my Bucs. But our pitchers must stop walking so many. It seems to me almost every time we walk one, they score. Cost us the game last night. Any stats out there that shows the percentage of those we walk that score? I bet it’s high for our pitchers if there is such a stat.
Jason Mackey
12:07
Don't know of any stats like that, but it's entirely possible it exists. The Pirates' mark of walks per nine is actually above where it is last year. Would agree I want to see them throw more strikes. They want to throw more strikes and walk fewer guys, but I would argue that it hasn't been hugely problematic to this point.
Carlo Gambino
12:07
Thanks for the chat Jason.  What prospects do you hear  that are being considered to be called up in June / July. Which veterans do you feel will bring the most positive returns  ?
Jason Mackey
12:08
Hi Carlo, you're welcome. Thanks for joining. Not really how it works with callups. They're looking for guys to push for time and earn a spot. Andujar started doing that, but there's not really a need. We also haven't seen a large enough sample size to really determine anything.
As for the vets, it's hard to say. Depends on who's playing well. Hedges could help a playoff club, though it would hurt to lose him. They're not gonna trade Cutch. If Velasquez keeps this up, he's cheap and has been really good at times.
Johnny M
12:09
Jason, are they ever going to get Swaggerty up here?
Jason Mackey
12:10
This is an interesting one. Swaggerty is hitting .231 with a .752 OPS. He's been OK, not great. Would normally say no, it's not worth it. Same time, I'm worried about Canaan Smith-Njigba. He needs to play. If you're gonna get him reps, it makes sense to trade out him and Swaggerty. Swapping CSN for Andujar makes them redundant with righties.
EvanMeek
12:10
Good morning, What is your take on Jose Hernandez so far? While he has pitched very little, I am impressed by what I see.
Jason Mackey
12:11
Good morning. Have liked him as well. It's been the perfect usage thus far. Lower leverage, let him develop and get confidence. Has been throwing a lot of strikes. His secondary stuff is solid. I wish they had another lefty because I don't wanna overdo it with Hernandez, but I have been very impressed with him thus far.
PhillyJake
12:12
top of the seventh, number two batter up, meat of the order. Naturally you bring on the rule five guy (ok he’s a lefty) and leave your best reliever in the pen to face 8,9 and 1 - the bottom of the order. Why don’t they bring in their best guy to face the heart of the order even if it’s the seventh inning?
Jason Mackey
12:14
The Pirates prioritize matchups more than any other team in MLB. Not sure I have an issue with bringing in Hernandez -- who has pitched well -- to go left-on-left for three batters and see what happens. I liked the move.
Guest
12:14
Jason, how likely do you see the Pirates coming to term on extensions with Cruz and Keller? Keep up the amazing work.
Jason Mackey
12:15
Thank you. I could see them getting something done with Keller. That makes a lot of sense. I think they would like to with Cruz, but I can also see why he wouldn't want to right now -- his value could skyrocket -- and they might not wanna inherit risk assumed post-ankle surgery.
Sammy is Wrong
12:15
I disagree Sammy. Jason is not a homer. He's a lot of things (just kidding) but he is certainly not a home
Jason Mackey
12:16
Ha. It's fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. There are always gonna be people who will disagree with how we do the job. That's fine. Just weird to me to join a chat like this or email someone to tell them they suck. Not my nature. If I didn't like the writer, I would just read someone else.
Mark
12:17
Any real shot Maggi gets called up again soon?
Jason Mackey
12:17
Yeah, I think they wanna get him a game/appearance. I really do. Shelton likes him a lot. It didn't work out this time, but I don't think it's the last we've heard of Drew Maggi.
Ethan
12:17
How deflated did the clubhouse feel last night after blowing a 5-run lead to end the winning streak?
Jason Mackey
12:18
Pretty dejected, honestly. Talked about this with Holderman. In past years, the Pirates would have just gone about it ho-hum, they played the Dodgers close, whatever. Different feel this time. They knew they should have won that game. Too many baserunners allowed, plays they didn't make, etc.
Ethan
12:18
(I think you do a great job btw, Sammy certainly doesn't speak for all of us lol)
Jason Mackey
12:19
Ha. Thankfully we chart how writers and stories perform. If those numbers sucked, I would worry. They don't. Far from it. Pirates fans are incredible when it comes to consuming content about this team. Truly.
I want to Believe
12:19
Jason I want to believe this team is legit in my heart but logic and history tell me otherwise. Which should I believe ?
Jason Mackey
12:20
If you're looking to believe in a playoff run, I think I would tap the brakes. If you're looking to believe that they're better this year and have a legit plan in place, then I would absolutely believe that.
Cullen B
12:20
Sammy is a moron, I wouldnt listen to him, your by far the best Pirates beat writer. and its not particularly close. For my question: Is there any way that we do not pick Dylan Crews 1:1 in the draft? Kid looks to be a potential generational talent!
Jason Mackey
12:22
Sammy isn't a moron. He/she is entitled to their opinion. Certainly no need to call someone a moron publicly. ... Anyway, the only way I see them NOT picking Crews is if there is somehow a better player or strategy available. They're not going to shy away from Crews for money or silly reasons. If it's like '21 and there's a different strategy -- I don't think there is -- that's different. My money would be on them taking Crews based on what I know now.
Cullen B
12:22
Is Jack's breakout sustainable/for real?
Jason Mackey
12:22
I think so. Have said this a few times, but the dude is supremely talented. He's also one of the smartest most well-intentioned players in that clubhouse. Usually you bet on those types. I like what he's done a lot.
Richie
12:22
Jason - don’t pay attention to the haters. You’re doing an awesome job. I always look forward to your content. Keep up the great work!
Jason Mackey
12:23
Thanks, Richie. It's all good. It's part of the job. Just every so often I respond and say my piece, then I can more easily move on from it.
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