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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 05.03.24
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Jason Mackey
12:40
May 10, as I've been saying.
Nicky G
12:40
Jason, everybody loves Jared, but come on, I'm the obvious choice to be given a shot, no?
Jason Mackey
12:40
I'm surprised that hasn't happened to this point.
Wayward
12:40
Jason, I am not normally a negative question asker but what is with the continued bad base running and overall poor fundamental play by the Bucs?  Are these same problems occurring in the minors?  Is it time to take a hard look at the development staff including Baker?
Jason Mackey
12:41
I'm still of the mind that it has been 32 games. But should it continue, it absolutely warrants more attention. How are they being prepared at the major league level? Developed, sure. But we're seeing veterans make mistakes, too. It also could just be a bad stretch.
Guest
12:41
Hi Jason, If the Steelers extend Tomlin's contract for 2 years does that mean they will let the no playoff win streak reach 10 seasons before they make a move to replace him?
Jason Mackey
12:42
I think the Steelers will win at least one playoff game this year.
Ryan
12:42
If we are in the race at the trade deadline, what players could you see us getting? 1b and RF is what I hope we upgrade. How about Alex Kiriloff and Josh Bell?
Jason Mackey
12:43
This chat has spanned the distance from firing everyone to what the Pirates will add at the deadline. That's a gulf, folks. I think we're a long way off before worrying if/what they could add. So much can happen.
Chris
12:43
Anyone notice that Altoona is also a no hit zone for this organization. Almost as if Cherington and Company is clueless when it comes to teaching hitting.
Jason Mackey
12:44
I'm not sure you want Cherington teaching anyone how to hit. I think it's tough to form over-arching opinions on an org based on one month. Remember, last year, with Jon Nunnally, Altoona was seen as a favorable place to be for hitters.
Nameless
12:44
Mack Daddy, is Roman Wilson a #2 WR like some believe?  Also is Pickens a WR1? He seems to have a somewhat limited route tree and attitude issues and is willing to give up on plays especially when he knows they are going to the other side of the field.
Jason Mackey
12:46
I think he can be (Wilson). I'm not expecting that out of him now, though. I'd like to see them insulate Wilson a bit, then have him win the No. 2 job. ... Pickens, yes. I question how much he was limited because of the QB. He's also the type who really WANTS the ball. Find ways to feed him until defenses do something. ... Personally, I don't care if a WR with his ability blocks. Go make plays, and you're not gonna complain to me when I target you 15 times a game.
Cullen
12:47
Haines claims that he has never coached the players to be to patient and see pitches and not be aggressive but that doesnt really jive with the eye test...Does Haines statements square with what youve heard from players/seen in the clubhouse?
Jason Mackey
12:48
I'd rather react to a specific quote, but what I can say is this: Hitters are coached to have a specific approach. They're also asked to process a lot. Even if Andy isn't coaching them to not be aggressive, asking hitters to take their approach outside an area of comfort can dull aggressiveness.
Jackie
12:48
would Ron Washington’s approach the baseball defense help the Pirates? If so, where can they find a coach to come in and start such defensive drills and  situational infield and outfield practice? Derek Shelton capable implementing this? Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:49
Ron Washington's approach? What, make fundamental plays? Yeah, that would help. Ha. Not trying to be a smart a&$, at least not to you. But the Pirates' defensive problems are not philosophy-driven as much as they are poor execution. They also practice the stuff quite a bit, which makes the struggles even more maddening.
Tommac48inYtown
12:50
2024 was supposedly the 5th year of the 5 year plan of rebuilding the team through prospects from within the organization and with trades with other teams when Bell and other rising stars were dealt away.  It appears that the plan has failed.  Do you think it is time to start over on yet another 5 year plan?  Seems like it has been that way for the past 25 years anyway.  Your thoughts??
Jason Mackey
12:50
Absolutely not. They're four games under .500 after five weeks. The offense has sucked lately. Not defending it. But starting a new total rebuild? Huge overreaction.
Bednar's Lat
12:50
Jason, this has gotten to the point where even I'm concerned.  The same stuff that made hitter's look silly in years past is getting absolutely hammered.   You got any thoughts and/or theories?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I'd take 15 to get right. You didn't suddenly forget how to pitch, but I think we're seeing what a fine line there is between being really good and getting hit.
Rick
12:51
Great to see you in the new position, and great reading for us.   But, I do miss the glory days of 016 and 017 Cup chats.   Do you miss it?
Jason Mackey
12:52
I miss the Penguins having that sort of appeal across the city. That was fun.
OC
12:52
Jason, like Henry D's sample size, mine is not exactly shrinking.  To be brutally honest, defensively, I have not looked the part of an everyday SS.  Is it time to relent and shag a few balls in right, and then take it from there?  I could be the second coming of the great Roberto, flashing the gun and mowing down baserunners, no?
Jason Mackey
12:53
I would not want to add that element into the mix right now. Oneil is example No. 1 for me of wanting to strip it down. Dude, bat first, do your thing, we're gonna back you. Play short, it's OK. Just breathe. That's how I'd handle Oneil. Less is more. Be strong and athletic. And trust that he'll get there.
Jason
12:53
Who gets fired first? Shelton, Sullivan or Tomlin?
Jason Mackey
12:54
This is a good one. Wow. ... If I have to pick, I guess I'll go Sullivan. Not Tomlin. But I think Shelton and Cherington are more aligned (right or wrong) than Dubas and Sullivan. Sully has also been around a lot longer.
Ben
12:54
Hey Jason - Steelers seem to have gotten a good group in the draft. Given the CBs and WRs available in round 2, is there someone there you would have taken over Frazier? The idea being it might be easier to find a center than a star at one of those other two positions. Thanks -
Jason Mackey
12:54
Absolutely not. The biggest for me in this draft would've been to get a center. I like the Fautanu pick. I think they accomplished both goals by playing it exactly right. But Frazier or JPJ would've been my pick all the way.
LeeMarvinWannab
12:54
I love reading your stuff and your chats. How long before you move to a bigger market?
Jason Mackey
12:57
Thank you. Never. I'm from here, I love Pittsburgh, and I'm staying here. I've turned down five jobs, including two in other markets, the past two years. You're stuck with me. No national job could be as appealing to me as doing this here. And I mean that with 1,000% sincerity. There's nowhere like Pittsburgh.
Carl
12:57
Do you think after Cutch retires, he gets into coaching or becomes the 27th Sportsnet Pittsburgh analyst for the Pirates?
Jason Mackey
12:58
The 27th analyst made me laugh. I don't think he would be an analyst. He vehemently shoots that down whenever asked. I also don't know if he would go into coaching. That might not be his thing. You know what I could see Cutch doing? Like a hybrid acting/baseball role where he uses his personality and silliness to do media/community-type stuff ... but on his own terms. Almost like hosting a web series. You'll see him after he retires, I believe that. But probably not in the capacities you mentioned.
62 Stack Monster
12:59
Jason, Your article yesterday implied, and I'm paraphrasing here, that the Pirates instructing everyone system wide of seeing as many pitches as possible which results in a stare down contest with little or nothing to show as big league hitting.  Who mandates this?  Nutting? WIlliams? Cherington? Shelty? Haines? Hannegraaff?
Jason Mackey
12:59
Yes, they're trying to see as many pitches as possible. I didn't think I was breaking news with that one. It's a shared philosophy by Cherington, Shelton and Haines, backed by Williams and Nutting.
Stash
12:59
Jason, is not having an annual Pitt/PSU game one of the dumbest things in all of sport?  Is it really all PSU's fault, as many Pitt types claim?
Jason Mackey
1:00
I'm not in a position to place blame. I don't know about the nuance of conversations. But I do agree that it's absurd. A sad commentary on the state of college athletics. That should be non-optional.
Ben
1:00
what are some examples, in any professional sport, of the manager/coach who was hired for the bottom out rebuild to still be there when the team is winning banners or at least the division? Thanks -
Jason Mackey
1:02
Man, this is a good question. I'd have to ponder this for a bit. Hasn't happened often. Hurdle was here for some crap, but I know that's not what you're getting at. I'm gonna need to think about this more.
Mat
1:02
Jason, you’ve mentioned your love of the Grateful Dead on numerous occasions. What are your thoughts on Phish?  Are there any other jam bands that you really dig?
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