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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 01.09.25
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demosthenes98
12:25
Happy belated New Year! If you had to come up with one New Year's resolution each for the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins, what would they be?
Jason Mackey
12:26
Thank you! I actually did this bit on First 10 recently.
Steelers: win a playoff game
Penguins: admit they're not going far and make necessary trades
Pirates: add to the team in a way that makes fans happy
MjB
12:26
I know that the mid to late 80's was the least promising time for Pittsburgh sports championships.  Bad Pirates teams, bad Steelers teams, and bad, but hopeful Penguins teams.  To me, right now, I see no hope of any of our teams winning a championship any time soon.  If you had to pick one, who would it be, and why?
Jason Mackey
12:27
Yeah, it's a dark time for Pittsburgh sports right now. But the Pirates do have Paul Skenes and will be the next team to win a championship, clearly.
demosthenes98
12:27
Many years ago, in a PG mailbag, Dejan Kovacevic wrote that the main difference between a beat writer and a columnist was that, as a beat writer, he could not advocate. As a beat writer turned columnist, how liberating is it to be able to advocate for what Pittsburgh sports teams should do and to judge them when they fall short?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Very much so. And Dejan is right. It's funny how people probably think differently of my takes on the Pirates -- I know I get fewer emails about it -- when I'm allowed to write my opinion and not just report news.

Those are also important distinctions, as I've tried to explain. Without covering something fairly, the opinions overtop become muddled. It's one of the many things I fear about the future of our business.
demosthenes98
12:28
I read the story in the PG the other day about MLB Players Inc. withdrawing its lawsuit against the Pirates over the Sheetz mess this past summer. In your judgment, does the Pirates' low-character ownership/management group really deserve to be let off the hook that easily?
Jason Mackey
12:29
This has nothing to do with any of that. There was an agreement put in place over the summer. It's a new frontier for everyone with this kind of stuff. I'm not concluding anything about any organization -- Sheetz, the Pirates, anyone -- based on that sort of thing.
demosthenes98
12:29
Did you know that, in 2011, MLB seized control of the Dodgers, pushing their then-current owner aside? That they did so due to the team's financial situation and the owner's inability to run the team? Just asking. No reason.
Jason Mackey
12:32
OK, we can see the narrative you're pushing. I get it. The Dodgers also filed for bankruptcy back there. Little different. But you're upset about Nutting and the Pirates. You're certainly well within your rights to feel that way, but I'm gonna move on.
MjB
12:33
I prefer the mailbags because working folks can post a question in a live chat, but cannot wait for your reply.  Live chats are great when you are available, which I rarely am.  I will not come back to this until tonight at the earliest.   However, for some reason, I never see the mailbag stuff until after it's published.  If there were a more visible link to that, I would use that.  Thanks!
Jason Mackey
12:33
Thank you for this! The solicitation for mailbag questions comes on Twitter. It's the only way I have to do that, although I should put in my mailbags that you can always email me with questions; that's a good idea.
Guest
12:34
Can't believe how many overtime losses the Pens have had this year already. Do they ever practice 3 v 3 situations? Also, they aren't doing well in the shootouts either. Are both scenarios on the goaltending or is it something else?
Jason Mackey
12:34
Yeah, it's a been a lot. Very strange. And it's not just this year. For all the skill they've -- and yes they practice this stuff, though 3-on-3 more than shootouts -- you'd think they'd be better.
Guest
12:34
Do the Steelers throw on first down this week? Can't believe the predictability of the play calling early in games. I think the best the Steelers have looked is when they run no huddle. I think they should start with that to throw off the Ravens D. What is your opinion on that possibility and strategy?
Jason Mackey
12:35
Yeah, I wouldn't be shocked if they over-correct and come out firing. One part of that I like would be the involvement of George Pickens from the jump. I think that needs to happen.
Wayward
12:35
Jason, I like a mixed bag of chats and mailbags depending upon what is going on.  Question wise, do you think the backup catchers' job is going to be a 3-way battle or is one of them going to have to be able to contribute via another position?   Also, there is no traction to bringing Grandal back?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:36
Thanks, Wayward. I appreciate the feedback. Seriously. I can't see how they would bring Grandal back. Makes no sense. They need to figure out what to do with Henry and Endy, and one of them should catch. You also have Delay. To your point, would not shock me at all if BOTH had to play another position.
Guest
12:36
Do you think the Steelers should move Watt around a bit as teams are chipping him with 2-3 guys per play. Maybe lining up Highsmith and Watt on the same side and let Herbig rush from the opposite side in obvious pass situations?
Jason Mackey
12:37
Yes. Without a doubt. That idea kinda petered out. But I liked it.
Guest
12:37
Have you heard ANYTHING about any Pirates free agent possibilities? They cannot possibly go into this season and run back the current team and expect the playoffs, right?
Jason Mackey
12:38
I think they're very close to signing Caleb Ferguson ... oh wait they did. Ha. I could see Grichuk as a fit. Verdugo less so. Ward would be a trade, but I could also see that being how they address RF. I think they'll add another righty reliever.
jr in the atl
12:38
Hey Jason, any idea on when the Jarry experiment is going to end?? I believe Blomqvist would give us a better chance at making the playoffs, unless they're going to ride Jarry for a better draft pick. Heck any goalie that stops the first shot of the game would be an improvement!!
Jason Mackey
12:39
Ha. Yeah, I've heard that's important. I don't think this will happen, but it's interesting to ponder: What if the Penguins could get something for Ned at the deadline? The Ned-line! But seriously, they need to get Blomqvist NHL reps. There's nothing they can do with Jarry. I'm sure if they could trade him, they would. His contract is guaranteed. They're kinda stuck.
Sumo Guest
12:39
January Grand Sumo starts this Sunday.  Do you think Yokozuna Teronufuji will finish this basho?   I’m hoping Hoshuryo either wins the tournament or gets enough wins to be promoted to the highest rank of Yokozuna.  Onosato still looks like the next dominant force in sumo for the next several years.  Who do you think wins this January?
Jason Mackey
12:39
Not anyone who watches what you're referencing, I know that.
bill2175
12:40
why do you think there are a large segment of so called steeler fans who want to lose saturday just so they can say they are right about mike tomlin?
Jason Mackey
12:41
Would imagine it's because they think a loss would cause Art Rooney II to fire Tomlin. Maybe it will, though I wouldn't bet my next paycheck on it or anything. I'd also think those fans are just being realistic. Steelers are a 10-point underdog or something crazy. It's reasonable to think they're going to lose.
Soulivan
12:42
Start fields if game plan is to run run run. One more weapon. Should have started him the last game. Russ isn't the answer.
Jason Mackey
12:42
You're allowed to have your opinion. I think Russ at least deserves to start. I think starting Fields would come off as a panic move. But I wouldn't stick with Russ forever if the offense stinks.
SDWC
12:42
It’s my personal opinion that Mike Tomlin is singlehandedly deteriorating this franchise every year he remains head coach. The once-proud model organization is now just a behind the times run of the mill football team. How can Art not see this?  How can he really be this stubborn?
Jason Mackey
12:43
How many times do you think this opinion, or one similar, has been aired by Steelers fans in the Noll > Cowher Era and Cowher > Tomlin Era. I get it. I'm with you. I think it's time for a change. But "singlehandedly deteriorating this franchise?" Might be a little over-dramatic.
Ryan
12:43
Good afternoon Jason Nice article about the Hinish’s what do you think about the play of Najee he has looked Good  and think you do Half mailbag and half chats
Jason Mackey
12:44
Thanks, Ryan. Another half mailbag, half chat. Love it. I think it's been ... there. Nothing spectacular, nothing terrible. I would like to see Jaylen Warren involved more. I just don't see how Najee is a long-term fit with the Steelers.
Touhy
12:44
Are we seriously considering Aaron Rodger’s? I hope not, I say let Wilson walk, resign Fields and draft a good young talent Luke Dillon Gabriel of Oregon. What say you
Jason Mackey
12:46
I really, really hope not. That would be miserable. He's 41. And not good. Depends on where they would get Gabriel. I don't love this draft class of QBs. I'd be fine if they went to Fields. But he also needs WRs, they need a RB, there are defensive needs at DE and DB. It's why I think I'd probably go Russ if he's affordable; he's a slightly surer bet to win now. (Is surer a word? I'm leaving it. It should be.)
PrinceBob.
12:46
To your question, I enjoy both chats and maibags. There's usually a lot more material in the chats. But I'm not always around at the times they happen whereas you can send a mailbag question anytime. The thing I'd like is to know in a bit of advance which one will happen in a given week. No matter, thanks for both.
Jason Mackey
12:46
Thank you for that. I think the standard practice would be to alternative. But, yeah. It can be tough to communicate en masse which is happening. As much as I try, I can't always guarantee Thursday at noon I have nothing else going on.
Wayward
12:46
Did you see anything out of Cook or Yorke in their limited appearances last year that shows they could be a regular, semi-regular with solid production?
Jason Mackey
12:48
Yeah, I did. That doesn't mean the Pirates should avoid upgrading with proven major league talent They should. But there was at least enough there that I wanted to see more.
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