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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 05.10.24
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Jason Mackey
11:28
Hey everyone. Thanks for stopping by my weekly chat. We'll get started just past noon, assuming I'm done with Steelers interviews. Looking forward to it!
12:04
OK, and away we go ...
Sharpie
12:05
Probably about time the Pirates start looking at trading Skenes. Maybe build up you minor league with some good talent, that you can trade away later, right?
Jason Mackey
12:05
Stop it. Enjoy the day/weekend. Not going there.
Sharpie
12:05
Do you see the Penguins drafting higher or lower than the 14 spot they had next year?   I think they were trying to tank at the end of the year bringing up all the young guys, but it backfired.
Jason Mackey
12:06
Not sure if they got that far, to be honest. I think they needed the young talent. I would expect more of it next season. I think they'll be drafting lower ... but not by much.
Guest
12:06
Was the win streak at the end of the year the absolute worst thing that could have happened for the Penguins? They missed the playoffs still and lost the top 10 draft spot.
Jason Mackey
12:08
It didn't help. At the same time, I think they learned some things that I hope they put into practice. Bunting helped -- Geno and the power play. My opinion maybe not theirs: I think Ned is a keeper. Obviously proved the value of having an effective power play (on the rare occasions that they did) and playing more responsible hockey in the third period (again, not a regularity.
Sharpie
12:08
Should Malkin be the 2nd line center next year?
Jason Mackey
12:08
Yes, I think so. Was fine with Malkin after Bunting joined the team. Bigger question is who plays the other wing. Not Smith. Rakell? Someone else?
Biggs from dormant
12:09
Shouldn't the Pirates be given credited for protecting the Dodgers/Yankees future Cy Young winner arm by limiting Skenes pitch count?
Jason Mackey
12:09
Have a feeling we're going to get a lot of these jokes today ...
Jake from FarmBrooke
12:09
Is Paul Skenes just another gimmick to sell some tickets like  fireworks night? He's not going to be a Pirate in 3 years, so why do people keep falling for this junk?
Jason Mackey
12:09
Why wouldn't he be a Pirate in 3 years? He's under contractual control.
Guest
12:09
In the future who will be the first to win a Super Bowl? Mike Tomlin or Jim Harbaugh? Mike Tomlin or any current NFL head coach?
Jason Mackey
12:10
Would be hard to win one in the past. ... I don't think the Steelers are going to win the Super Bowl this year -- I know, I know; I'm crazy -- so I guess I would take the any other current NFL head coach answer. I'm not sure how good the Chargers will be Harbaugh, honestly.
Guest
12:11
Hey Jason.  I'm starting to think that all three professional teams are holding on to their head coach/manager too long.  I think Tomlin got predictable and stale a decade ago.  Sullivan is now not producing in the postseason and stuck in his ways.  Shelton just makes a lot of puzzling decisions.  Of the three, who do you think will be asked move on with their life's work first and who would you move on from first?
Jason Mackey
12:12
I was asked this last week. It's a good question. I think Sullivan would/will be the first to go. I don't think the Pirates will stink to the point of costing Shelton his job. They love him. The Steelers don't fire coaches, and it certainly doesn't seem like it's gonna change soon with Tomlin. Sullivan on the other hand ... I know the FSG backing. Same time, most GMs want or get a chance to hire their own guy. If the Penguins start slow in 2024-25, it wouldn't shock me if they moved on.
Ben
12:13
Hi Jason - what are we missing on the WR logic? They have money. Even if they assess all the spare parts they brought in at a level much higher than their stats reflect, a Pickens injury is crippling. For a team that seems intent to win a first round playoff game this year, it doesn’t make sense. I could ask the same question about DBs, too.
Jason Mackey
12:14
Yeah, I hear you. They need the help. The only thing I can think is that they're playing a game of chicken. Maybe they don't wanna give up the world for Aiyuk and they think they can wait it out? They've been reportedly calling about a bunch of games. Would imagine they're not doing that for fun. Also tells me they recognize the need. They may just feel like they're overpaying.
TVC15
12:14
If the Steelers extend Tomlin's contract by 2 years are they implicitly stating that they are willing to let his no playoff win streak reach 10 years before they would consider moving on from him?
Jason Mackey
12:14
That
's what I would take out of it, which I don't love, obviously. Doubt you do, either.
Cullen
12:14
With Skenes coming up, will the Pirates be using a 5 or 6 man rotation? Will be in Pittsburgh on the 30th for the game against the Braves and if they use a 5 man rotation it will line up for a Skenes start!
Jason Mackey
12:15
Don't know. They haven't said anything about it. Six makes sense, IMO. Does at least a little to keep Skenes' and Jones' innings totals low. They also have a bunch of off-days coming up. So, might be especially hard. We'll learn more later today, I would imagine.
TVC15
12:17
Will the other 3 AFCN teams all win the division at least once before the Steelers do?
Jason Mackey
12:17
I don't think so. I said before I don't think they're going to win the Super Bowl this year. But it wouldn't shock me if they won their division.
Cullen
12:17
Since you're getting into NBA basketball and looking for a team, might I suggest the Hornets since you're already used to the pain and frustration covering the Pirates 🤣
Jason Mackey
12:18
No sir. I believe I'm good. I'm almost all the way committed to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Intrigued by the Timberwolves and Knicks, but I like what I'm hearing. Pain and frustration is not a selling point. I'm seeking the NBA because I want something that's fun. I'm not a fan of any sports team. Need that.
Guest
12:18
It seems like Pittsburgh always used to be a favorite spot for free agents to come.  Now, not so much.  Recently, Tomlin has been known to lie to players about their roles (Harrison, Blount, Mason, Pickett, Ingram, etc.).  Do you think this, plus the lack of postseason success, has made it  tougher to get quality free agents like we used to?
Jason Mackey
12:19
No, I don't. I don't think outside players look at the Steelers and think it's a junk organization or anything. It's probably the complete opposite. Winning now might have something to do with it, but that's probably it.
Cullen
12:19
Skenes is probably out of reach but would/are the Pirates considering a possible extension with Jones? He will probably price himself out of Pittsburgh soon and he looks to be the real deal. Strider is a possible comp for both contract and performance possibly
Jason Mackey
12:20
It's nothing I've heard about to this point. That said, they're not sharing info on contracts they're thinking about. My experience, it would be extremely rare on May 10 of a guy's rookie season to start dangling a bunch of money.
Guest
12:20
The Pirates hopefully could be set at starting pitching for a few years with Skenes, Jones, Keller, and possibly Priester and Chandler.  We all know the hitting is a concern.  Is it just we need better players, or is it a coaching issue that needs resolved?  There are many talented players in the organization.  It's baffling to me how they are struggling so bad.
Jason Mackey
12:24
I think it's an approach thing. I worry that they're asking young hitters to process too much while also cookie-cutter'ing this thing a little. Let hitters be themselves, even if that sometimes means they don't see any pitches. It's also a balance and May 10. I'd hope they're making some adjustments behind the scenes. I'd also like to think some of these guys will pull out of it. You're right. They're not bad baseball players. They're just playing poorly.
Guest
12:26
Friermuth has been largely ignored as a target since Ben retired.  I believe he could be a valuable weapon if used properly.  Smith seems to like using his tight ends, but Wilson doesn't like to throw over the middle.  How is that dynamic possibly going to play out?  Is Wilson the right fit for a Smith offense?
Jason Mackey
12:27
I think they're operating with a few generalizations -- Pat largely not targeted, Wilson doesn't throw over the middle, etc. Now, they exist for a reason and you're not wrong. But Wilson has thrown over the middle some and Freiermuth has been effective during stretches when healthy. I think the dynamic is simple: get the TE involved in all parts of the field. Use the run to set up the pass. Take advantage of talented players. I don't see what would prevent that.
Bob’s Walk
12:31
Who is going to Indy for Skenes and Gonzo?
Jason Mackey
12:31
Not sure at this point. We won't know until the clubhouse opens later. Those are moves that are typically leaked. I think Priester is a possibility for Skenes. You could also see Alika or Triolo go down on the position player side.
Bob’s Walk
12:31
Our WR situation is precarious, doncha think? Even Hines Ward wasn’t ready his first year, so banking on Wilson is a scary prospect, no? And, if Pickens gets hurt……or even Friermuth……??
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