Jason Mackey: Hey everyone. Welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. Thanks for stopping by. We'll get started at noon.
Jason Mackey: OK, folks. We'll get going a little early this week.
Turner Ward Fan Club: 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: 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: 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: 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: Thoughts on me and Rowdy potentially being teammates again? Will it work
Jason Mackey: 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: 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: 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.: 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: 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: 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: 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: Has something gone wrong with the Martin Perez deal since the Pirates have not announced it yet?
Jason Mackey: No. I expect it to be announced today. Just a matter of schedules and getting him in town for a physical.
Wayward: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Thanks, Rich. Hope you're doing well.
Brent: What is your realistic starting pitching target for the Pirates? Any new developments that we should be aware of?
Jason Mackey: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: You’re the White Sox GM…I’m offering Bae Peguro Jared Jones and Stalin Polanco for Cease…are we dealing ?
Jason Mackey: 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: 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: 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: Do you think I could get traded?
Jason Mackey: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
Jimmy L: Jason, there was never really any doubt that this spindly minor league backstop was HOF material, was there? All false humility aside. Gracias
Jason Mackey: Certainly glad Leyland got it. Very well-deserved.
Steve: What happened to cause separation between Keller and the Pirates on a possible extension? Going from they were close to a deal to not sensing it gets done is a pretty dramatic change in a shirt period of time.
Jason Mackey: Yeah, information, I suppose. But I hear ya. Counterpoint: Look at the starting pitching this offseason. It's been crazy. I don't know this for a fact, but suppose Keller looked at this and was like, "Wait a second. It's two years. Maaaaaybe I should just hang on." Again, I don't know, and he would never say. But if you're asking what changed -- that.
Adrian: With the news a few weeks ago that Mark Cuban was selling most of the Mavs and leaving Shark Tank, do you ever see a scenario in which he would be interested in buying the Pirates? If not, why???
Jason Mackey: Well, because I emailed him after that and asked. He said he's absolutely not interested -- still.
Fred: The rumors about Manaea and/or Adam Frazier: just rumors, due diligence, or genuine interest from the club there?
Jason Mackey: Manaea, yes. There's interest and has been interest. Now, whether that means a path to a deal getting done. That's different. I also think it's nuts that we're now reporting interest. "I'm interested in eating a $200 steak tonight. Doesn't mean I'll do it, but I am interested in doing it." Have not heard the Frazier one myself.
Justin: You recently mentioned that it sounds like Bauer is a no-fly zone for the Pirates. Do you get the same sense on Mike Clevinger?
Jason Mackey: Have not explicitly asked in the way that I have about Bauer, but I would imagine the school of thought is the same. Basically not wanting to deal with the off-the-field stuff with which both would come.
Peggy: Jason, I’m a bit of a wild card when it comes to trade bait, no? I could be a fine player, or just as likely, I could flame out like Kenny P. Tough call. Your thoughts, if any?
Jason Mackey: I like ya, Peggy. Agree, I think you could be really good. But Pirates need -- like, need need -- pitching, and you have to give to get. I have other young second baseman. I'd feel bad, but I'd deal ya if it got something done.
Wayward: Jason, using your crystal ball where do you see Triolo playing his most innings at, 1B, 2B, OF?
Jason Mackey: At this point, second base. But I don't think it'll be by much. I think it's gonna be a pretty even split among those three and 3B.
Fred: If they add another bat via FA or trade, what position is it most likely to be?
Jason Mackey: I'm not sure, Fred. This is a good one. I don't see Taylor/Santana happening, though I know the "interest" is out there. Like, they've said Rowdy is gonna play a lot of 1B. Is that not true now? Why get Olivares if you're not gonna use him? What if Davis hits but can't catch? Just strange to think they would land either Taylor or Santana at this point. I still think they need catching help. Also wouldn't mind the other two; they're solid players, and the Pirates obviously need help. I just don't see them as likely given how they normally operate.
Alex: If you had to guess who starts opening day at second base?
Jason Mackey: Triolo. Peguero is traded, and Triolo has a better spring than Nick G., who starts in the minors to get more playing time.
62 Stack Monster: Jason, have the Pirates spent any international pool money this off season on anyone? Recall that they traded Austin Hedges for extra pool money...
Jason Mackey: Yeah, it doesn't totally work like that. Last January they signed a bunch -- Jun-Seok Shim and Raymond Mola were the two biggest names. There will be another round of that later this month, when the Pirates are expected to sign OF Brailyn Brazoban (No. 12 Baseball America) and SS Abdiel Feliz (No. 34 BA), among many others.
Pickens G: Jason, what would be your pick for a feel good redemption story with the Buccos?
Jason Mackey: Hmm ... I like this. I'm going simple. How about Cruz comes back, he's healthy, and he does everything we expected him to do in 2023? That would help sooo much.
Chris: Hey Jason, question about your thoughts on what’s a fair expectation for this season. The way I see it, if they sign one more pitcher, coupled with Cruz’s return and the hopeful development of a lot of young hitters, and hopefully adding Skenes by June, this team can win 85 games and compete for a wild card. Am I crazy to think that?
Jason Mackey: You are not. I think that's reasonable. That's what I've been saying -- 84-85 win. I know it looks nuts now, but again, I still they have another move in them. It's just taking a bit.
Justin: do you get the sense that they *care* that they're about to have Piratesfest without having made any significant needle-moving moves that make them better than last yr? Like at work, I know when i'm about to present something that isn't really complete lol. It's not a great feeling. Do you sense any embarrassment or anything on that?
Jason Mackey: Yeah, I don't think they love it. And I'm sure it's been a discussion. At the same time, they need to make the smartest move for 2024 (and beyond) and do things oriented toward baseball, not PiratesFest. Sometimes stuff just takes longer than expected, which is what we're seeing here. But I don't think they should make a panic move because PiratesFest is coming.
Justin: We are eeking closer and closer to Pitchers and Catchers. Do you think that they have historical data saying that prices go down as you get closer to spring training?
Jason Mackey: I don't know about prices going down, but more activity, yeah. Think about it as a player. You think you're good. You think you deserve a contract. You're not settling for anything. You also realize teams have their plans. You're waiting it out. Same time, we get into January, you also wanna have a job. You wanna have a solid role. So, it forces the issue. I suppose prices could be friendly, but it's more about a heightened sense of urgency.
Wil: Is Bauer a realistic option? If so, what his contract will look like? I don’t see my teams wanting to deal with the guy. If it was me, I say go for it, the guy can pitch. What other options you see in the pitching market? Alex wood/michael Lorenzen ???
Jason Mackey: Yeah, Fort is big on Alex Wood. Not argument. Said on Pitching In that every ask I've made on the Bauer front has led me to believe that it's extremely unlikely they would go there. That being said, if they're in a pickle with pitching -- they might be -- perhaps that changes things. But I still don't think it's likely they invite it.
Andrew S: Jason I kinda figured that with the Bucs having a foot bit of pitching prospects either arriving this summer or next, I didn’t really think they were gonna sign one to a multi-year deal. I’m okay with it as long as they don’t deal Solometo. Offseason has been very slow for sure. 6 weeks before spring training and I think they will win about 80-82 games. Question however, does Edward Cabrera come to PIT? Thanks.
Jason Mackey: They're not gonna deal Solometo. Don't see how that would make sense for them. I think there's a chance on Cabrera, sure. It makes a lot of sense. Marlins need middle infield help. Pirates can offer it. But the price is gonna be really high given how much control with which he comes.
Bertha: Jason, true or false: Brian Reynolds offensive production will improve over the 2023 campaign?
Jason Mackey: True.
Steve: Are they more likely to add behind the plate with versatility and carry 3 catchers or go catcher only?
Jason Mackey: I think they will add behind the plate. I just don't anticipate it being a big deal move. Probably something more minor, giving Davis & Delay runway ... but also guarding against something bad happening.
Sidney Crosby: Jason with my contract ending in 2025, do you think the Pirates sign me? I’ve proven that I can hit bombs over that Clemente wall in BP.
Jason Mackey: Ha. I love it. DH option? Where would you play in the field?
Tarzan: It seems as though Pirates ownership and management want the paying fans to commit to the Pirates without giving us the same level of commitment to going after a championship in Pittsburgh. I have been a longtime season ticket holder and I go to Spring Training every year. But, my commitment is starting to wane. Why do they think that it's acceptable to increase wins by 5 or 6 games, instead of going for a pennant? Fans are not stupid.
Jason Mackey: Yeah, I mean, it's not my job to tell you how to spend your money. If you don't believe in what they're doing, don't support it. That said, they took on a rebuild and now they're coming out of it. Do they do that successfully? I don't know. This is an important year for it. I just think there's a bunch of unknown to say they don't care or they're dumb. They're doing things a certain way, and we're gonna get a bunch of info this year on whether they've done it well or not.
Justin: Have you heard anything interesting about how any players' winters are going? Like i know Davis is spending time at Driveline working on his swing. Anything else similar?
Jason Mackey: Not a ton. Players tend to enjoy their winters away from us. We're gonna talk to 20+ players tonight and tomorrow at PiratesFest. I should know plenty more after that.
BucsFan: Say the Pirates and White Sox were actually talking about Cease, would you want Luis Robert as well? Since Cease is a Boras cilent and Robert has a chance to stay longer.
Jason Mackey: I would want Luis Robert, yes. Do I think it's realistic for the Pirates to obtain both via trade, given the known ask(s)? No, I don't.
brucelet: Should the Pirates sign Gary Sanchez and send Henry to AAA to work out defensive issues?
Jason Mackey: I would not be against it. I also wonder if Sanchez would want to sign here. The path to playing time is funky. He might be able to get something a little more clear.
Justin: to fred: there have been zero credible frazier rumors. "MLB Scoops" tweeted it, and the Tribune Review basically took that and said "there are internet rumors of Frazier". Awfully lazy. At that point, MLBTR took that article and repeated it. Then the internet took it and ran with it. Unless you buy "MLB SCOOPS" as a legit source, there has been zero reliable reporting on Frazier.
Jason Mackey: I don't criticize other outlets. Maybe it's true, I don't know. But I was asked, and I said that I have not heard that in my conversations with people about their plans.
Jay: Hi Jason. The Pirates have eight pitching prospects listed in their top 10. Outside of Paul Skenes, which of the minor-league pitching prospects do you think has the most upside and are any of them on target to arrive later in the second half of this season?
Jason Mackey: I'm very big on Jared Jones & Anthony Solometo. Completely different styles but excellent stuff, ability to get swing and miss, they stay in the zone. Really curious to see how these guys continue to develop. Bubba Chandler, too.
Jerry: Jason, attentive chatters will recognize that you are apparently now moving Dark Star above your previously declared GOAT of Scarlet Begonias. Just asking for a little more consistency on your part. Thanks.
Jason Mackey: College football rankings change. Mine can, too. Depends on mood.
Uncle Bobby: Whats your best guess for 2024 opening day payroll?
Jason Mackey: I'll go with around $75 million.
Trevor: Hey Jason, lot of news to take in following the news last night with us being interested in 3 free agents. Question for you is do you think the trade possibility is still alive to maybe grab Edward Cabrera? Or someone similar to his current situation being a young starter with high upside? If so, when do you think we could expect a trade, I know Pirates social media is all waiting for it to happen if it could.
Jason Mackey: Ha, I have certainly noticed that Pirates Twitter has been waiting for it to happen. Yes, I think it's entirely possible, if not likely. Again, trade > free agency is something I've heard a lot about. Also, that they need more pitching. Add it up, and yeah, Pirates Twitter should expect a move. Just hard to give an exact timeline on this stuff.
Leonard Williams: With the recent news of the Mets being interested in moving from Omar Navarez and eating up some of his 7M player option for 2024… do you see the Pirates maybe being a fit for a trade? Back up Henry, give the Pirates a lefty hitting backup catcher to give Henry his occasional off-days for a cheap option
Jason Mackey: I wouldn't. I question what you'd have to give up there. Would imagine there's a safe option available that's similar to Narvaez on the FA market. Again, I hope Henry catches and does so extremely well. I just worry about the position given his lack of work, Ali Sanchez making 7 MLB starts and Jason Delay never being a No. 1 ... shoot, what, since college?
Dan: Jason, love your work man, thanks for all you do. I know BC said as much, but do you see Henry going into the season as the every day guy behind the dish? Do you think he’s developed enough defensively to do so? Adding on to that, say he’s not there defensively but the bat comes around more, how do you see that playing out? Going to be quite the crowded outfield/DH spot especially if they’re looking to bring another outfielder in. Feel like they’re riding on Henry being ready defensively.
Jason Mackey: Hi Dan. Thank you for the kind words. I don't know. I need to see Henry more in games, and we haven't had much data there. I think it's possible. I think they would like that. I think he has the tools. But he hasn't done it. If he hits & fields (behind the plate) like crap, that's gonna be interesting. Will depend on how the RF situation looks with a variety of moving pieces there.
Dan: Hey Jason..crazy idea but with the sillly inane money being spent on starting pitching..Does this change drafting philosophies of teams like the Pirates As Royals etc ? I mean don’t they need to draft as much pitching as possible?
Jason Mackey: I think they knew that they needed to draft a metric crap ton of pitching and develop it. It's not a crazy idea. It's a common/smart practice for successful small market teams.
Dave: Have you heard any rumblings about Brady Singer? Even though the Royals have added a lot, things have never been great between player and team since he was drafted, so it wouldn't surprise me if they still dealt him. Maybe he's another one to add to the bucket of a guy like Cabrera as a more realistic trade target for one of the MIF guys we have.
Jason Mackey: Have not heard rumblings about that, but I would like it a lot. Young. Has been better than he was last year. Comes with believe 3 years of club control. Wouldn't cost an arm & and a leg.
Billy: Jason, if you had to pick the most realistic look for how our starting lineup/rotation would look like including potential acquisitions between now and Opening Day… what would it look like?
Jason Mackey: Alright, let's take a shot ... SS Cruz, LF Reynolds, DH McCutchen, 1B Tellez, 3B Hayes, CF Suwinski, RF Olivares, C Davis, 2B Peguero. As of now anyway. ... Keller-Perez-Gonzales-Contreras-Priester ... again, as of now. And I think Ortiz becomes a reliever. I also think they sign another pitcher.
Diontae: Jason, could you cover the pig iron in a pinch? Or does your knowledge stop or at least rapidly deteriorate after hockey, baseball and jam bands?
Jason Mackey: I could do it. I have done it.
Jake: I heard Robert Murray from FanSided stated he could see Yariel Rodriguez getting between 8-10M per year… with the Pirates interest in him, could you see us being more in play with that price tag?
Jason Mackey: Yeah, they're one of four finalists. But I've also heard the Blue Jays are the frontrunner. I do think Rodriguez's decision could be what's holding everything up, though. Pirates need to know if they have him or not.
Anthony: Do you expect an extension this year for someone that isn't Mitch or Bednar?
Jason Mackey: At this point, no, I don't.
Ryan: Good afternoon Jason what is the next Move The pirates Make is it a Trade or free agent signing
Jason Mackey: I think it's a trade for starting pitching, likely bundling a couple prospects.
Justin: What do you make of their choice to make the Piratesfest Q&A into an online submission process as opposed to having people ask in person? It's really hard to not see this as a little cowardly and as an attempt to control the narrative. Do you think one of the guys on the stage wanted this to be the case or do you think an HR person decided that doing in-person questions would be a disaster?
Jason Mackey: I hate it. And, yeah, I think it probably came from one of the guys on the stage. They're probably afraid of someone saying something incendiary or creating a moment that goes viral, like the kid with the shirt and Nutting a couple years back. So, they take their crap now, but it's less than if someone starts ranting into the microphone about Nutting and someone films the incident.
Jason Mackey: But for the sake of transparency and allowing fans to ask questions. I think you have to let them ask. If it becomes awkward or disrespectful, cut the mic. But screening the questions, in my opinion, is not a good look for an organization that likes to talk about transparency. That's not terribly transparent.
Cullen: Hey Jason, hope you had a great holiday! Are the Pirates waiting out other teams signing players before making a trade?
Jason Mackey: Thanks, Cullen. You as well. Yeah, we've covered a lot of this. I think they're waiting teams out. I think they're trying to make an effective trade and need to know what's happening with Yariel Rodriguez before proceeding. It's also a slow market.
B Weir: Jason, have you heard Winding Roads with that Marley kid?
Jason Mackey: I have not. But I will need to check that out.
Wayward: Who moves the needle more for the Bucs this year, Burrow or Brubaker?
Jason Mackey: Brubaker. But Burrows is very good, too.
Cullen: Pirates get: Edward Cabrera
Cullen: Marlins get: Joe, Bae, Gonzales...who says no? (Also sorry this came in 2 separate questions, I accidentally pressed return)
Jason Mackey: I think the Marlins do, unfortunately.
John Cangelosy: Am I the only one who like Bae in CF?
Jason Mackey: No, I would much rather have Bae in CF than 2B. But he has to hit. What he's done so far -- and I think he deserves another chance -- hasn't been good enough to warrant every day playing time.
Cullen: Are the links to Polanco, Frazier, etc accurate? Seems weird that we would be in for a veteran MI when we have a logjam already...
Jason Mackey: Have not heard Frazier. Polanco? Greg? That's something. As a middle infielder? My head just exploded.
NC: Jason, I am curious as to how the rest of the league view the Pirates front office staff?
Jason Mackey: I can't speak for the rest of the league, as that's a lot of people. But in talking to other folks, which I obviously do, the general perception is that the Pirates have some really smart and well-respected people working for them ... albeit under constraints because of the spending aspect. But there are still a bunch of smart baseball people here who do a fine job of scouting, evaluating, drafting, developing, all that stuff.
Brett.Wineinger: Am I the only one who likes Bae in CF?
Jason Mackey: Nope. You're not.
Matt: If given 2 concrete choices: one or the other, would Nutting rather win or make a dollar for the next 5 years. One or the other.
Jason Mackey: It's a fun question but also not one that governs a baseball team. They should be able to do both. You win, you make money. But if you make dumb decisions -- which the Pirates have, independent of money -- then you lose. They've obviously been trying to make smarter ones ... and sort of have ... but that's also a slow process.
Pincornflakes: Jason, Thanks for your excellent coverage and these chats. Out of the guys that spent time on the Mlb roster last year who could you see getting pushed out? With guys like Triolo, Olivares & Palacios it seems to me that Joe's spot could be it.
Jason Mackey: Thank you for the kind words & for participating. ... Yeah, Joe could be in trouble if Rowdy hits and/or they bring Santana back. I don't know if I see where Palacios fits at this point. Those would probably be the two.
Just a Casual: Any word on the work Ortiz/Priester/Contreras have done to rectify their issues? Specifically Contreras, around this time last year we found out about Keller getting outside help and enabling him to throw harder…Bucs can’t afford to miss on all three of those guys but especially Contreras.
Jason Mackey: Not a ton. Asked Cherington at our last avail with him. Not many specifics. Requested Marin. Have not yet gotten him. We're gonna talk with Quinn this weekend. I am interested to hear what all three have been working on. Should be more consistent body movement/mechanics and velocity.
Mike: Any word on progress being made by Contrares?
Jason Mackey: Just got this one, Mike. Not a ton -- yet. Should change soon.
Guest: How many more moves do you expect the Pirates to make before ST? Given the rumors of another SP, Santana, Taylor, etc.
Jason Mackey: I'd say two that count in this category. Legitimate starting pitching depth and a lesser-than options. Maybe I'm crazy, but I don't see the fit for 1B or OF at this point.
Bucs fan in Ga: Jason, love the podcast you and Fort do! Like you, I really hope the Bucs sign Jacob Stallings! He would give Henry Davis time to develop his game at TripleAAA. With the Bucs starting pitching being in such disarray, I would think this would be a no brainer! Appreciate your efforts! Hope u get to pitch at Fantasy Camp!
Jason Mackey: Hey Terry. Thanks so much. Glad you enjoy it. Whether it's Stallings or not, like I said on there, I really think they need some more certainty behind the plate.
Jason Mackey: OK, folks. That will do it for this week. Gonna grab a run & then head in for PiratesFest media availability. Thanks so much for stopping by and asking some great questions.
Jason Mackey: jmackey@post-gazette.com and Twitter @JMackeyPG
First Published: January 5, 2024, 4:30 p.m.
