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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 05.03.24
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Jason Mackey
11:49
Hey, everyone. Thanks for stopping by my weekly sports chat. You know the drill. We'll get going at noon. Fire away now and I'll be back to answer any and all questions.
Jack
12:02
Obviously, if things don't get turnaround Shelton will get fired. But if the Pirates do go up in flames this season, is Cherington on the hot seat? He certainly should be IMO
Jason Mackey
12:03
And away we go ...
12:05
Figure we're going to get a lot of this today. I hear ya. I also don't think the Pirates are close to firing either one. It is one month. They had a really good month last year -- and we saw how that turned out. It can just as easily go the other way. Yes, I know this sample size is larger. They're likely a long way from any Cherington-related move. Shelton ... I mean, if this continue for like another 4-6 weeks, sure. But still a ways to go before I would take any such talk seriously.
R.J. Reynolds Fan Club
12:05
In the words of Dennis Miller, I don't want to go on a rant here but results have to matter at some point. Derek Shelton seems like a good guy and a baseball lifer. But a change is needed. His winning percentage is .401. I get the fact that they had awful talent and the pandemic were factors early on his tenure. But again, this is a results oriented business, and the results just aren't there. Maybe Don Kelly or whoever would be the interim would be no better. But could they be any worse? And it could be better. I understand that he's going to finish the season. I have no expectation that they'll make a change mid season. It's becoming more and more frustrating to root for this team.
Jason Mackey
12:06
I get the frustration. Don't think they're close to a change. I hope this chat is about more than Fire Everyone commentary.
21inRF
12:06
I get being stubborn, but don’t the Pirates’ guys know that other teams have caught on to their passive hitting shenanigans? Now they just think they’re smart but are a step behind the rest of the league.
Jason Mackey
12:07
I'm not sure it's being a step ahead or behind. Cookie-cutter approaches are tough. This group said so itself. For some guys, it works to go deep into an at-bat. Just like for some, they love to prepare and see numbers. Others are see ball, hit ball. Making everyone the same is senseless, IMO.
Stash
12:07
Jason, despite your tendencies towards optimism, one must admit that the sample size depicting Henry D's batting ability is growing quickly, no? Did he bulk up too much, which perhaps slowed down his bat?
Jason Mackey
12:07
I don't think his bulking up has anything to do with his struggles. I think they're mental at this point. He's trying to do too much. Whether that's Haines, Henry or someone else -- probably a bit of everything -- I do not think it's a physical issue.
Stash
12:07
Jason, as an old guy who can't see all that well, I have to assume that players get their eyesight checked frequently, yes? An eye doc once told that eyesight can change overnight, and she was pretty hot in addition to being a good doc, so I listened intently.....
Jason Mackey
12:08
We've hit rock bottom.
Mel
12:08
Do you think we trade for DK Metcalf?
Jason Mackey
12:09
I don't. Believe me, I would love it if they did. But given his salary, plus what it would take, I just have a hard time seeing that materialize. I do like the type of net they're casting, however.
Stash
12:09
Jason, you gearing up to bring in that 'stache, since Paul the Savior will be here before mid-May?
Jason Mackey
12:10
I am not.
Guest
12:10
How miserable is it to cover the Pirates?  Are you just a glutton for punishment?
Jason Mackey
12:11
It's not at all. I loved covering the Pirates -- and baseball in general. If we're being completely honest, I miss it. Baseball people are awesome. I'm one of them. I like the other sports, believe me. But assuming it's miserable covering the Pirates is a fundamental understanding of the role of media. We're not fans -- thus it doesn't matter to me if they suck.
david--
12:11
Hey Jason, I recently read an article that noted Paul Skenes' fastball has little movement & may not play as well in the Majors. Have you spoken to any professionals inside or outside the Pirates organization that share that view?
Jason Mackey
12:11
No, I have not. That's a new one. Sounds a little nitpicky to me.
Trey
12:11
Jason, first came the light, then came the sound.  That's all for now. Take care. TA.
Jason Mackey
12:11
Thank you, Trey. You're the man.
Sully
12:11
Jason, what are your thoughts regarding our egregiously inept PP?  Sid in the wrong position? No Hornqvist or reasonable facsimile thereof?  Geno's declining one-timer skills?  I'm getting heat from above and the big guy wants answers ASAP. Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:13
Ha. Hello, Mike. Hope you're enjoying the offseason. A couple things:
  1. Net-front presence. Thought that improvement with Michael Bunting.
  2. Sid closer to the net, almost behind the net at all times.
  3. I don't think it has anything to do with Geno's one-timer.
  4. Smart decisions with the puck (looking at you Karlsson & Letang)
12:14
Interesting ... as I read this, I see that the Penguins have fired Todd Reirden. Can't say I'm surprised by that.
Bob’s Walk
12:14
How optimistic are you that the Pirates will start hitting? I actually thought that their offense would be improved.
Jason Mackey
12:15
I do think they're better than this. (Would hard to be worse, I know.) I don't know how they'll get there right now, to be honest. Too many key cogs look lost. But that's the funny thing about baseball. it can change in an instant. I do think they should have a halfway decent offense. But they need to get away from the passive, walk-heavy approach ASAP.
Bob’s Walk
12:15
It doesn’t look like we’re picking up a good, experienced WR? Aren’t we putting a large onus on Roman Wilson coming out the gate ready? Our depth is razor thin. If Pickens goes down, do we run the ball 98% of the time?
Jason Mackey
12:16
There's still plenty of time. I think they need that. I like Roman Wilson, but I don't like immediately demanding that he needs to be an entrenched No. 2 and complement Pickens. I also get why they wouldn't pay what it would cost for DK Metcalf. But there's certainly a middle ground there, IMO.
Cullen
12:16
When the Pirates determine that Oneil can't stick at short is his replacement inside or outside of the Org? Is Triolo a viable guy at short? His defense and range could play and his bat would look better there.
Jason Mackey
12:17
He has a sub-.500 OPS right now (Triolo). I don't know about Cruz, but I'm not cutting bait. We also don't know what they have in Gonzales or Peguero. I think Triolo could play anywhere they ask defensively, but I need to see more offense.
Najee
12:17
Jason, to be brutally honest, I am beyond bitter about not getting a lousy $6M.  I know I cannot break the long one, but I've been a freaking workhorse for three years now.  Help me see the positives, as is your tendency. Thanks, man.
Jason Mackey
12:18
As I said on First 10 this morning, I completely understand why, in this market, especially for RBs, the Steelers would pass on picking up the fifth-year option. They could also still get something done. It's not a death knell to Harris' Steelers career.
Ryan
12:18
Do you see us trading Peguero or Gonzales with a SP prospect like Barco or Harrington for a power hitting 1b prospect who’s ready?
Jason Mackey
12:18
I doubt it. Why? I'm pretty much always against giving up young pitching. They can find someone to play 1B.
Bob’s Walk
12:18
Lots of argument that Najee’s 3.9 per carry average was the result of a poor line. How then to explain Warren, behind that SAME line averageping over 5 yards a carry? Harris had one good ability…..AVAILability, right?
Jason Mackey
12:19
I liked what Najee did, especially as part of a tandem. It's not a criticism of him. It's just efficient business. Why would I pay that money when I don't have to? And I would argue that they don't.
Caitlyn
12:19
Jason, you predicting big things in the pro league for me? Or is my long-distance gunning better suited to dominate the academic ranks?
Jason Mackey
12:20
You spelled your own name wrong. I'm expecting big things. It's gonna be cool to see how those skills translate to the WNBA. I hope the excitement carries over. I really enjoyed what Clark and others did for NCAA women's hoops.
Tom J.
12:23
Hello Jason! What is your take on the umpiring situation in baseball? For years, I always thought that baseball umpires were the best "officials" of the 4 major sports. I suppose in any of the sports, you get good and bad ones. Thanks, Jason!  - Tom J.
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