You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 11.26.25
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
Jim
12:37
Happy Thanksgiving Jason, Is it Nutting's PR Guy that is "leaking" this info about the miser opening his wallet to sell a few season tickets?
Jason Mackey
12:38
I don't know who's leaking it. But I do think it's funny how every national writer has taken a trip down the slide.
Tom
12:38
Lots of injuries derailed a promising start but this also might be who the Pens really are, ok but not very good. Do you start thinking about the future developement of players and lines yet and worry less about wins?
Jason Mackey
12:39
I don't see why I have to pick, Tom. I'm gonna play my first group each night. I get what they're doing with Kindel. No issue there. But when McGroarty is ready, he'll be here. Broz is here now. You have some vets you're gonna play. They've actually been pretty good.

I think it's entirely possible they're OK, a fringe playoff team, but I don't think I need to decide if they're really good or they stink right now. They only have so many options.
Matt
12:39
Seems like the ship has sailed on a Skenes extension. Most logical next option would be extend Griffin. But what about Bubba? I would like to see them do both. But Bubba could lead the rotation when it’s time to inevitably trade Skenes.
Jason Mackey
12:40
Griffin is a no-brainer for me. Best money they could spend this offseason.

Chandler ... I don't know. I'm not against it. Depends on the number. I do worry about arm injuries. If you study those extensions, they're pretty much exclusive to position players.

Obviously Paul is a special case. And Bubba might be, too. But I would need to know a number.
demosthenes98
12:40
I know this is a ways off and not Pirates-specific, but...are there expected to be any issues in the MLB CBA negotiations that don't pertain to player pay? Are there any baseball matters up for debate?
Jason Mackey
12:42
Assuming you're talking about on-field rules? Because I'd throw out something like how soon players reach free agency -- service time -- as an obvious one. But you would probably consider that player pay. With ABS, I can't think of any other on-field sticking point. Maybe some clarification or improvement of replay rules? Without getting into too much detail, there are things they could fix.
demosthenes98
12:42
How little credit do the Pirates deserve for Paul Skenes winning the NL Cy Young Award?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Weird way to ask this. You can be mad about the Pirates. You should be mad about the Pirates.

But ... I don't know, they employed his catcher, they have analytics/infrastructure that has helped him. I know the offense has stunk, but they did play defense behind him. It's not nothing. And they also afford him carte blanche to train and prepare how he wants.

Be mad all you want. You're not wrong. Just not interested in trying to make up a percentage to satiate your frustration.
Matt
12:44
Sorry to inundate you with so many questions/statemebt, but back to the Polanco/O’Hearn topic…if they can’t convince even those mid-tier guys to come to Pittsburgh, they won’t be able to crack $100 million even if they wanted to. That would be a PR nightmare after all of these national stories. Talk about shooting yourselves in the foot…
Jason Mackey
12:44
Yes, it absolutely would. They have to do something or it's gonna look really bad.
JBird
12:44
Did I miss something- are you off the Pirates beat and strictly Penguins now? Appreciate all your Pirates insight!!
Jason Mackey
12:47
I'm covering Pens for 2 months. Matt Vensel moved into an editor role, which has been both needed and a career goal of his. You never know when that might come around again -- we're also in our busiest time of the year -- so I agreed to help out on Pens.

More about me: I hate offseasons. They've been a struggle for me for a long time. My family, too. I find it weird that I'm supposed to live one way for eight months, then all of a sudden, whoops, you're not gonna do that anymore. My wife and kids have struggled with that, too.

So, I saw this as a creative change, a way to try something different this winter, something I know and like while also covering a team that's interesting.

I don't know the ending. We'll see how it goes. All I know is I've agreed to cover Pens for 2 months, and we'll revisit in January.
Jeff
12:47
I still don’t understand why it seems a given Triolo will play SS or 3b.
Jason Mackey
12:47
I don't think it is. I think he'll be on the roster. He should be on the roster. And he might just keep SS warm for Konnor Griffin, which is fine. But they need more offense.
Hoops
12:47
How's Westminster hoops this year ? Probably get run over by St Vincent again this year (lol)
Jason Mackey
12:48
Man. I've been so busy recently that I haven't looked. Shame on me. I'm a bad Titan.
Matt
12:48
Bubba Chandler extension - 8yrs/$80 Million. Would that work for both sides?
Jason Mackey
12:48
I haven't discussed it with either one. I'm sorry. Would be unfair to speculate. All I know -- what I said before -- is that those deals are often tough when involving a pitcher, because of the risk involved.
Check please
12:53
I assume Bob post dated Skenes bonus check for "February 30, 3199"
Jason Mackey
12:54
Yeah. Dumb & Dumber style with a bunch of IOUs in a briefcase.

No, seriously. One, you got a Cy Young winner for peanuts. Nothing to complain about there. Also not entirely sure who pays that money, whether it's Nutting or MLB. Would have to double-check.
Jeff
12:54
Suwinski last stand. Any hope he can do it Jason?
Jason Mackey
12:54
Not a ton, Jeff. I think he needed a change of scenery, a new hitting coach and more available playing time. They're gonna add to the OF. I don't see how he gets enough playing time to do any damage or find a rhythm. I'm surprised they didn't non-tender him.
Dinner
12:54
What's your favorite Thanksgiving dish ? White or dark meat ? Gravy ? Apple or Pumpkin pie ?
Jason Mackey
12:55
I actually like a little of both ... but I'd go dark if I had to pick. Gotta have gravy. I'm very traditional. Stuffing. Some veggie. Mashed potatoes. Not super adventurous with Thanksgiving. Slice of each, please. Always double pie. Hence why I'll go for a long run tomorrow morning. Ha.
1:00
OK, folks. That does it. Thanks so much for adjusting. We should be back to normal next week. I'll actually be doing this post morning skate in Tampa, so may be an hour or so later. Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Connecting…