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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 08.28.19
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Jason Mackey
11:26
Hi folks, welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. We're going to get started at noon. Leave your questions, and I will get back to them then. Thanks, Mackey.
Shiver me Timbers
12:00
Hi Jason...with all the talk about Clint Hurdle and Neal Huntington possibly being let go, is there any talk about who might replace them?   Thanks.
pozone
12:00
Jason any chance Hurdle and Huntingdon get the boot?
Jason Mackey
12:01
I think there's a chance, yes. However, I would say Hurdle is more likely than Huntington, if I'm ranking them. But from the sound of it, you don't hear a lot of full-scale changes, which is obviously what would have to happen for Huntington to lose his job. If they replaced Hurdle, I think it would be with someone like Jeff Banister or Tom Prince -- someone on staff.
GSMP
12:01
MLB has always publicly backed Pirates ownership on the team's spending. But is there any sense behind closed doors that MLB is pushing the Pirates to make significant increases in the MLB payroll?
Jason Mackey
12:02
I don't think so, in large part because they would have to push a couple other teams first. Plus -- and I know fans don't wanna hear this right now, but it's true -- it wasn't long ago that they were actually competitive. Even at the All-Star break, they were 2 1/2 games out of first place, with the same payroll.
fan
12:02
Jason, I was floored by the news of the death of Neal Casal. I think I was perhaps  his biggest fan and loved all of his work. Very sad news indeed. Do you happen to know if he ever played with the Dead back in the 60s or if he ever did any work with any modern artists? I haven't followed him in about 15 years or so. Very sad. Thanks Jason
Jason Mackey
12:03
I believe Neal was involved in Move Me Brightly, a show that celebrated what would've been Jerry's 70th birthday. Loved Casal. So sad.
Guest
12:04
Name of 2020 FA who might sign with the bucs for next season, please.
Jason Mackey
12:04
I don't think it's going to be anybody big, No. 1. Two, perhaps someone like Michael Wacha. But again, it's a little early to start just randomly throwing out names.
GSMP
12:04
How would you rate the current state of the Pirates minor league prospects. To me there are some decent prospects like Craig and Hayes. But no one that really gets you excited. Cruz would be the closet. I'd say its a C- right now.
Jason Mackey
12:05
I think that's fair. It's certainly not as good as it should be for how they conduct business and where they draft. Quinn Priester -- recently promoted to Morgantown and starting tonight -- is also an intriguing option. He seems to be handling the pro ball thing very well. But they do lack in the upper echelon prospects.
Alex
12:05
Jason: Is there a realistic scenario in which Bob Nutting will sell (or be forced) to sell the team so we can get an owner that will increase payroll and spend more money on talented players?
Jason Mackey
12:06
I'm sure there's a scenario, but I don't see that as a realistic possibility. It would make sense for Nutting to cash out, with some naming-rights issues with PNC Park and an expiring TV deal ahead. However, I've heard nothing to indicate Nutting is interested in selling.
histroy buff
12:06
Jason, what is the baseball retirement equivalent to Andrew Luck stepping away from the game this week?  Historically, I'm guessing maybe Lou Gehrig. Thoughts? Some might say Sandy Koufax.
Jason Mackey
12:07
Honestly, I don't know if there's much an equivalent anywhere for a player of Luck's stature doing what he did.
Tito
12:07
Mackey, "If I Had the World to Give " by the Grateful Dead (album version). I had it going on repeat yesterday during the Bucs game from the 4th inning on. We won, but it darn near drove my daughter crazy. She doesn't like the Dead all that much.    A lot of scholars have talked about music and the connection to positive thinking and extrapolating that to an ability to send positive (or groovy) vibes to help people out. I truly believe that that song helped the Pirates yesterday. Its vibes helped.   Have you ever read up on this phenomenon?   Also, you might be interested to know that I followed theDEAD for three years in my youth and I met Jerry and he was cool. Thanks, Mackey.
Jason Mackey
12:07
I have not, sorry. But glad you enjoyed the listen.
Guest
12:07
Who would be a good candidate to replace Hurdle next season? In your opinion, what KIND OF manager does this team need?
Jason Mackey
12:08
I think the team needs a younger manager with different ideas, someone to relate to younger players and taking this thing in a direction more commensurate with what's happening around baseball right now. I also think it wouldn't hurt to spend some money and draft and develop better. Those things aren't on Hurdle, at least the money and drafting part.
Guest
12:08
Jason, the pirates are garbage. And there are SO MANY more games left.  With all of the "improvements" Manfred has eyes on for the game (including the NL DH, which you support in your chats for some reason), do you think he's ever considered shortening the season?  Hear me out, it creates more interest, drama. Sure you lose a few bucks at the box office, but the TV ratings jump. THoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:08
I don't think this is something that has gained legitimate traction, sorry.
123
12:08
Who is the GREATEST MLB PLAYER you have ever seen play in person?   Also, who is the nicest Pirate on the current team?
Jason Mackey
12:11
Nicest Pirate is probably Steven Brault. Greatest player I've ever seen in person is a difficult one. Trying to think back to my childhood ... Maybe Bonds. Pujols? Greg Maddux or Randy Johnson would be up there. Probably A-Rod, too.
team 1
12:11
JM, I was sad to see Cervelli go. End of an era.   I've been looking in the paper and online and have been surprised no one picked him up. Is he just letting his body heal for the rest of the season and planning to sign elsewhere in the offseason? Any chance that elsewhere could be right here in Pittsburgh? I know the fans would love to have him back.
Jason Mackey
12:11
Francisco Cervelli is playing for the Braves. It's been in the paper and online. He's doing quite well, too.
Evan
12:11
Do you think the sale of the Royals might move the needle at all for Nutting to think about the payday he could receive by cashing out? Or is he resolute on milking a civic institution turned cash-cow for generations of Lil' Nuttings to come?
Jason Mackey
12:12
I've heard that he wants to keep the franchise in the family, although the Royals cashing out is an interesting thing. Again, this isn't based on me understanding what Nutting plans to do, but I do think he could stand to make a large profit if he sold.
Josh B.
12:12
Jason...is the momentum for the National League possibly adopting the designated hitter increasing or dormant?  Personally, I would like to be able to focus on my hitting and extend my career by being a designated hitter.  Go Bucs!!
Jason Mackey
12:12
I think you would fit, Josh, although you made a nice playing with some range last night. I don't think there's been any significant movement either way, but I do it happening eventually.
Ideas for baseball
12:13
MLB IDEA: In order to generate more national interest in the MLB I had an idea that I drew from history. I don't always read your chats, but I noticed once that you get touchy about Jim Thorpe, not sure why (hope this is ok to mention), but I read in a bio the other day that in 1913 he and some other big leaguers went on a barnstorming tour of the USA in the offseason. What about a similar idea for MLB players now? Go to small towns and play exhibitions or do HR Derbys. That could be really cool. Any chance Manfred might go for it?
Jason Mackey
12:14
I don't see that happening. Major League Baseball uses the ASG -- as does other sports -- as sort of a coup to existing markets. Sending it weird places would not only decrease revenue, but it would also take that away.
Guest
12:14
Happy Birthday, Jason!    I think I heard your name mentioned on the radio this morning for local birthdays! Enjoy it, man!
Jason Mackey
12:14
It's not my birthday. Was born Nov. 7, but I'll tuck that one away for later. Thanks.
Nick
12:14
Hi Jason, how is Josh Bell Ranking among MVP candidates so far this year?
Jason Mackey
12:15
I don't think you'll see him finish as a finalist because of his massive slump out of the All-Star break and the fact that the Pirates aren't going to make the playoffs.
Sean
12:15
Chances Felipe Vazquez is a pirate come Opening Day 2020? Or are we going to kid ourselves and say we can compete for the division next year.
Jason Mackey
12:16
I think they will look to move him this offseason. I think Neal Huntington was intrigued at the deadline, but the return available prohibited them from doing anything. They have someone in Kela who can close. They're also not going to be competing for a division title and should be realistic about that. I think a team will overpay for Vazquez in the offseason.
Tone Loc
12:16
Jason, has Brian Reynolds accumulated enough at bats to be eligible for the batting average title?  And, how do you rate his chances for ROY?
Jason Mackey
12:16
Yes, he has. He's among the leaders now. I could see him being a finalist, but I don't know how it doesn't go to Pete Alonso in the NL. Believe he has, what, 42 home runs?
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