You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's sports chat: 02.27.25
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Tim and Maria
12:32
Hi Jason, we were big fans of Mike Lange and would like to know if you ever met him.  Our thoughts are with his family.  RIP Mike.
Jason Mackey
12:33
Yes, same. And, yeah. I did meet and know Mikey. Not as well as some, but he had a sizable impact on me. Rather than re-describe, I'm guessing you missed this piece that I wrote on the night he died:  https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/jason-mackey/2025/02/19/penguins-m...
Marsha B.
12:33
Hi Jason, what are you hearing it would take to get Deebo?  I’m hearing a 4th round pick might do it.  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:33
Pretty much the same, Martha. That's either wrong or ... I don't know. I would absolutely do it for a fourth. Where do I sign?
Aces High
12:34
Saw an article on the MLB best position players under 25 and not one Pirate. How can the scouting and drafting improve to stop this embarrassment when drafting in the top 10 has become an annual rite of passage?
Jason Mackey
12:35
They do have the best pitcher in MLB, but I hear you. The drafting and development hasn't been good enough. Not gonna argue that point. ... It can improve by coaching players better, getting those things to translate, scouting better, drafting the right guys ... I think that's fairly intuitive, no?
Curious in Cali
12:35
Color me optimistic, but I'm sensing some really good vibes coming out of ST. I realize it's ONLY Spring, but Davis' swing tweaks look good, Gorski showing some pop, and Key looking healthy...have you seen anything that makes you want to up your Win projection for the Bucs?
Jason Mackey
12:35
84-85. It's spring. There are naturally going to be positive storylines. But I do agree with you, very much so, on Key. They need him healthy.
Guest
12:36
Is it strange to you that Rooney interviews players and asks about Tomlins performance? Does this wet noodle not have eyes of his own?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Not weird, no. Not totally sure what you're saying, but it's not strange for an owner to gather intel about his coach -- who makes a lot of money.
Baseball Broski
12:36
Last year I finished my voyage to all 30 MLB stadiums.  How many have you been to?  What are your top 5? I think I'd go San Diego, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, NY Mets.
Jason Mackey
12:39
Not 30. NYM is the only NL one I'm missing. In the AL, it's NYY, MIN, CWS and OAK. So, 25/30. I'll take it. I've done 30/32 in the NHL (off the beat for Utah and Seattle). NHL-wise, I've done 18 of the 32. Still pretty decent, I'd say.
MjB
12:39
I'm an idealist who believes in possibilities...a healthy Hayes, a fully invested CF called Cruz, a closer who rebounds, and a lineup that can keep teams in a game.  Like all fans though, you really have to look at the offense and say, "What would this team be seen as if they had one bona fide major league hitter beyond Brian Reynolds?"  Everyone else is a question mark because of age, uncertainty, or a history of injuries.
Jason Mackey
12:40
Yeah, there are a lot of those. I don't think this offense is going to be elite. But if they can get to 17th or 18th in runs, I think that could really be the difference.
Benson DuBois
12:40
If he ends up as a free agent, why not Darnold for Steelers?  All he did was win 14 games against NFL competition.  4,319 yards and 36 TD.  He is 27 and in his prime.  Not 37 and near the end.  Granted the last two games did not go well for him.  It has taken a while for him to develop, though the Jets have a knack from ruining elite QBs.  In a league where elite QB's have won 53 of 59 Super Bowls, he is clearly the best available if the Vikings don't tag him.  Get McCown here as his QB coach.  Get a receiver to play opposite GP.  Not being a fit for the Arthur Smith offense is no reason.  A good OC builds around what he has.
Jason Mackey
12:41
It depends on the number for me. I'm not against it. But I'm not going to get in a bidding war with the Giants for his services or anything like that. I think there's the possibility Darnold could have been made a lot better by the system. For that I'm probably going to try and stay conservative.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:42
I can't remember when all of the Pittsburgh sports teams were this bad all at once with no hope in the immediate future. The Steelers look like they are headed for a rebuild without a QB, the Pens are trying to rebuild but cannot do it right because of the horrible contracts they have on the books and the Pirates are well... the Pirates with Nutting not helping the cause and finally Pitt b ball and football look like they are getting worse instead of better but the coaches can't be fired because of stupid extensions given to each. It is very tough to be a Yinzer fan right now! Any hope for the future?
Jason Mackey
12:43
This sounds like my topic on the radio last night. Ha. Which has it the worst? I think there's hope for the future, sure. The Pirates rotation. The Penguins' being able to rebuild -- and already with somewhat of a start. The Steelers if they execute a solid plan these next 2 months or so: the right QB, sign a legit WR2, draft well, etc. It could happen.
PrinceBob
12:43
When I started watching football quarterbacks called almost all their own plays and while I know that's not been the case for ages, until after this past season I thought quarterbacks always had the option of calling audibles at the line. This was one of the arguments for having a veteran quarterback, i.e., he'd be better at it. Now I read that even Rothlisberger wasn't allowed to audible in later years. Is this common ow? Is there a reason for this beyond coaches being control freaks? And what would happen if a Wilson or Rothlisberger called an audible anyway?
Jason Mackey
12:44
It's not common -- to prevent veteran QBs from doing that, no. If you a vet, you have that authority. We saw what happens. People press on you, I suppose. But you get to a point where you don't care, right? Were they gonna bench Ben? No. Ultimately the players are gonna do what the quarterback says.
Mr Ed
12:45
Of any non team broadcast or journalist professional who speaks or writes about the Pirates you seem to be the least critical of them. You criticize at times to be sure but usually you follow by taking a glass half full look. For instance, Pham can be a good clubhouse influence, your column of IFs, where you laid out six or seven internal scenarios of players that could make for a successful season. What do you see in Shelton, Cherington, and Nutting to have earned this benefit of the doubt by you that others in your profession don’t possess? I know in written form this may come off as criticism of you honestly it is not I read your columns regularly and enjoy them. I just don’t see that this leadership group has earned anything but skepticism at best based upon their track record.
Jason Mackey
12:45
It is criticism, Ed. Let's be honest. But you wanna go there, OK, let's go there.
12:48
I approach things the way I do/have because it's common sense. Just because something happened, doesn't mean it will always happen again.

You can also win on a budget (see: Guardians, Rays, etc.) Why wouldn't I give this group a chance of that?

They were rebuilding from 2020-22. Did you want me to freak out in 2021 when they were running John Nogowski out there, for crying out loud? It was part of a process. But I know, I'm not continually telling them to eff themselves.

I was also a beat writer, which is different than a columnist.
12:50
In journalism, someone must actually report what's happening so others can react. That's what I did. Others columnized. When Ron Cook retired and I became a columnist, my job title changed. Since I took over, I would argue that my tone has changed -- because it can. See below for a sample of headlines:

If Bob Nutting won’t fix the Pirates in 2025, someone else should
12:54
Bob Nutting has said Pirates' status quo isn't good enough. Will he make the needed changes?

What the A's did with Luis Severino should serve as kick in pants for Pirates

Ben Cherington’s assessment of Pirates is hard to understand

Pirates made the first necessary changes. But there has to be more

Pirates’ disconnect with fan base approaching all-time level
Those aren't exactly glowing reviews of their work. Anyway, I just felt like sharing. Gonna move on now.
PrinceBob
12:54
Are Pitt's chances of getting into the Tournament dead unless they win the ACC Tournament or maybe get to the final? IS there any other realistic way they get in?
Jason Mackey
12:55
I don't see it. And I don't see how they win the ACC tourney. They couldn't even beat Georgia Tech, for crying out loud. This team and its struggles ... very hard to understand.
Word Salad Sandwich
12:55
Jason, The Steelers offense has looked more or less the same through 3 OCs and 6 QBs. Has MT completely taken over the offense? Jason, The Steelers defense has looked exactly the same through 2 DCs, a plethora of position coaches, and a revolving door at ILB and the secondary. Has MT completely taken over the defense?
Jason Mackey
12:56
He's the one constant, yes. And I'd argue that he meddles too much in either. Let both coordinators devise game plans that work. How about that? Novel concept.
Momo
12:56
The Pirates seem to have an above average starting rotation. However, if the starters are only pitching into the 5th or 6th inning, as that seems to be the team's philosophy, that leaves a lot of innings to be covered by a very shaky bullpen. Can the Pirates overcome this?
Jason Mackey
12:56
That's ... the current state of baseball. I'd hope so. That's why you also need to build a bullpen. If they're giving me 6 IP most nights, it's hard to get too mad.
PrinceBob
12:57
Do you guys have an office pool about who will be the Steelers' quarterback next year?
Jason Mackey
12:57
We do not. You're assuming we care, other than it consumes too much of our copy.
PrinceBob
12:57
What will the media do at Beaver Stadium next year? I know that the old press box has been taken down and that renovation will go beyond the 2025 season. I imagine there has to be something temporary in place for next season but I haven't seen anything specific.
Jason Mackey
12:58
I think each outlet will be responsible for its own JLG lift. Thankfully, Penn State will supply power and a tarp to throw over it.
Bern
12:58
Does Mike Sullivan's role as Olympic coach impact whether FSG would consider making a move at the end of the season?
Jason Mackey
12:58
I don't think so. FSG theoretically could make a move right now. But FSG also doesn't want to make a move. I don't think waiting until the end of the season changes anything.
Dan N
12:58
Noticed Braxton Ashcroft hasn’t thrown yet…anything bothering him ? Saw him pitch on multiple occasions last year and when right…he’s good !
Jason Mackey
12:59
Not sure. Tough to say since I haven't been down there. Lemme check with Andrew and Noah. They would have a better idea.
Connecting…