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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 10.30.25
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Ben
12:30
Hey Jason, I’m shocked that Derek Shelton got another chance and so soon. What a statement about nutting and the situation that is the Pirates!! Any thoughts on the hiring? Thanks
Jason Mackey
12:31
A lot, yeah. And I've conveyed a few. Why is it a statement about Nutting? I think the Twins look at this differently than you and I. They're trusting him to be a decent person, smart, well-liked and learn. Do we really think everything here was Shelton's fault? My God, no. He screwed up, absolutely. Clearly wasn't good enough and should have been fired. But I don't think the Twins are crazy for giving him a shot.
Ben
12:32
Never mind. Just saw that you covered the Shelton issue, thanks. So why do the Steeler linebackers stink so badly as a unit? They certainly get a lot of individual hype!
Jason Mackey
12:32
All good. There are always duplicates.

They don't use 'em right. Move T.J. Play Herbig more. There have been slumps -- peaks and valleys in the middle. Bunch of factors.
Ryan
12:32
Good afternoon Jason what do you think about the new pitching coach it sounds like he’s good with pitches also who will be the new third baseman and third base coach
Jason Mackey
12:34
Not sure yet on those second two, Ryan. A lot of moving parts right now. I'd like Jordan Westburg from the Orioles at 3B but who knows if they pursue that. I like the Murphy hire a lot. From one of the best pitching organizations in baseball. Great blend of numbers, science and feel. Has a proven track record of developing guys.
Connor Williams
12:34
Hey Jason, glad to see these back. Question for ya, not baseball related. Why won’t Brad13 return my calls? Is it something I did? Is it because I’m not employed and he needs his lover to be the breadwinner?  Any advice is appreciated.
Jason Mackey
12:34
Have no idea what you're doing. But I'd appreciate you keeping whatever lame attempt at trolling this might out of my chat.
Henry Hill
12:35
Greetings Jason; not a Pirates question, but just wondering what your thoughts are on the World Series so far? Are you surprised the Blue Jays have won the past two games, especially without Springer in the lineup? Will the Dodgers bounce back and win it in 7?
Jason Mackey
12:36
I think this goes to a Game 7, Henry. Has to, right? I think it's been awesome. I was worried & kind of down on it. Boy was I wrong. Entertainment value has been really good. Ohtani's power, Yesavage, the marathon game, Vlad Jr. ... man, I don't even know where to start.
Jim K
12:36
why doesn’t baseball have a hard salary cap like hockey has?
Jason Mackey
12:37
That's a long conversation, Jim. Ha. It should, number one. But I think baseball has an inherent fear of the unknown. They know that they have an open economy now. They think a cap means players don't get paid. Look around. That happens in other sports. A lot. But baseball doesn't like change, and people in baseball a lot of times have their heads buried in the sand. This is the only way they know. It's not a better system for everyone. It's just not.
Shoe Dog
12:37
Recently watched Valdez in the Fall League. He is talented, I can see a call up in ‘26. Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:38
He is talented, and I can see him up in '26. Those are my thoughts. Ha. No, seriously. It's in there. Dude has pop. I actually like the amount of contact that he makes, no always selling out for power. Obviously he can drive the ball. Need to see it against tougher pitching, for sure. But the talent is there.
Fire BC
12:38
I guess my thinking was I hope they don’t put Joe Dellicarri back into the amateur scouting director. Just seems like whenever Horowitz was brought in it got better on paper
Jason Mackey
12:39
They're not going to do that. Zero chance.
Trade Hotline
12:39
Which is more likely?

Pirates trade:

Dauri Moreta, Thomas Harrington

Angels trade:

Taylor Ward

Pirates trade:

Mitch Keller, Termarr Johnson, Levi Sterling

Rays trade:

Yandy Diaz, Brandow Lowe
Jason Mackey
12:40
First one. I love the second, don't get me wrong. But I don't think the Rays would give up Diaz & Lowe like that in the same transaction. Shoot, if I'm the Pirates -- gotta think about this a little more -- but I honestly might be OK with a similar deal for just Lowe. Would have to be less than those 3, though.
Kevin
12:40
Hi Jason,
I imagine you probably know Nutting as well as any of the reporters in Pittsburgh who cover the Pirates regularly/semi-regularly. And so I ask you this question;
Jason Mackey
12:40
Oh, dear. What a time to hit send too soon.
Kevin
12:44
Sorry about hitting send too soon. Why doesn’t Bob Nutting talk to the media more than he does? Obviously, this team has a massive PR problem, and if Nutting were open and accessible it would seem to me that it could mitigate some of that. Travis Williams is HORRENDOUS at PR & Marketing and seems to make everything he touches worse. If Nutting would have shown up at the Don Kelly Extension press conference, yes, fans would still be pissed at his decision to retain Cherington, but at least there would be a rationale. And if he did it regularly, it could make a huge difference.
Jason Mackey
12:53
So here's where I stand on this. And I'll preface it by saying that I do think Nutting would do himself a favor by doing something at least during spring training like he used to. But I don't have an issue with Nutting accessibility.

He talked to me one-on-one when they fired Shelton, Noah on opening day. The year before he talked one-on-one with me again (January 2024) and the spring training before that. There was a 45-minute interview in March 2023 where I asked a variety of things.

I've lost count of how many times I've interviewed him, but it has been at least once a year. I've also asked him repeatedly why he can't or won't spend more, why the Pirates can't function more like the Padres or Brewers, why he continues to own the team and what it's like to be hated.

The last time I decided to present it as a Q&A, which I'm glad I did. FWIW, I do expect Nutting to talk at some point after the season.
Jim
12:53
One player GM Mackey would bring to Pittsburgh if he had his choice of any REALISTIC free agent this year.
Jason Mackey
12:54
Does that mean I can't add Schwarber or Tucker? Eugenio Suarez would be my pick, but I don't think that'll happen either. Still, I'm gonna hold out some hope. Would certainly add some pop to the lineup.
Shoe Dog Jr
12:54
Jason - is it Termarr time in the burgh? Do you think he has a chance to win the second base job?
Jason Mackey
12:55
I don't think out of spring training, no. Maybe with a strong start in Triple-A. I do think he would benefit from games there. But, yeah, I think if he's not traded -- he makes a solid candidate there -- and produces, I think it's likely we see him in Pittsburgh this season.
Todd Gak
12:55
Do you see Cutch getting into coaching or becoming the 19th analyst for Sportsnet Pittsburgh if he retires?
Jason Mackey
12:57
Thought they were only 15 but I digress. He won't be an analyst. He might disappear for a while. I think what Cutch will do upon retirement hasn't been invented yet. I see him working for either one of the major networks or Jomboy/Foul Territory as someone who's almost a comedian, a goofball, a little Barstoolish but more mature. There's such a niche for his personality and sense of humor. I've told him that. Maybe I can convince him to work for the Post-Gazette. (I highly doubt it.)
12:58
OK, folks. That does it for me this week. Thanks so much for participating! Love these chats. Talk to you next Thursday.
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