JASON MACKEY’S PIRATES CHAT
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights from Jason Mackey’s Pirates chat, which you can join weekly at postgazette.com. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity:
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Guest: When will the schedule be released?
Jason Mackey: I believe it was supposed to come out within 72 hours of the “agreement” [Tuesday] on health and safety protocols. I don’t think it’s going to take that long.
GSMP: I’m an eternal pessimist and look at the potential starting rotation and think this team can’t win more than 20 games. And quite frankly, I’m not certain the ceiling for wins isn’t closer to 15. Do you think the starting pitching is going to be as bad as I think?
Jason Mackey: No, GSMP, I don’t. And here’s why: This group isn’t as bad as they performed last year. A big reason was preparedness. The Pirates lacked. They were too old school, to the point of being archaic. They were also stubborn. They did not adjust their pitching philosophy well enough. Third, they did a lousy job of incorporating technology. Joe Musgrove told me in spring training that they had the equipment, but nobody — mainly the coaches — knew what to do with it or how to translate the data into anything meaningful for the pitchers. It’s all bad. But that’s why I think they’ll be better in 2020.
OHIO412FAN: Will Steven Brault or Chad Kuhl take the final rotational spot?
Jason Mackey: I see that going to Brault, with Kuhl maybe used as a bulk guy — or long relief.
OHIO412FAN: I read an article from Rum Bunter explaining how Nick Burdi could be groomed as the next closer, If not 1b aside from Keone Kela. Do you think they have a solid bullpen without the unforeseen [Felipe] Vasquez?
Jason Mackey: I think it could be a sneaky good part of the team, yes. And I see why someone would think that. Burdi, if healthy, is incredible. But the health worries me. I hope he’s able to prove this season that he’s able to stay healthy for any stretch of time.
Ricky: Who is the strongest guy on the Pirates? [Gregory] Polanco?
Jason Mackey: It would be either Polanco or [Josh] Bell, I would think. Depends on what lift we’re talking about, but I also wouldn’t discount Joe Musgrove.
Too Tall 21: Do you think a small number of fans will be allowed to attend any of the games, as NASCAR did at Talladega?
Jason Mackey: No, I don’t think so. From what I understand, I would be prepared for no fans the rest of the season, especially with what has happened recently around the country.
Sam: The restriction of number of pitchers on the roster has been lifted, which would have been 13 out of 26; any idea where the Pirates may lean as far as number of pitchers available?
Jason Mackey: I would expect them to keep at least two extra pitchers. I think they could maybe go with three, but someone — maybe [Blake] Cederlind — would have to force them into that decision by how well he pitches in spring.