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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 05.15.25
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Jason Mackey
11:59
And away we go ...
Matty the Delt
12:01
Is there any offensive hope for the Pirates this season? If so where does it come from.....Horowitz, Endy Rodriguez, Nick Gonzalez all coming back from IR? Hate to watch all this solid pitching being wasted.
Jason Mackey
12:02
Not enough, Matty. I and others were wrong, it appears. The offense stinks. Get this: After the Pirates hit .234 with a .672 OPS last season, averaging 4.1 runs per game, this is how they look in 2024: .219, .627 and 3.1. No amount of Spencer Horwitz, Endy Rodriguez or Nick Gonzales will fix that.
Guest
12:02
Skenes is toying with about 8 pitches in his repertoire.  I think he's realized the Pirates are just a feeder team to actual major league teams.  Do you think he's honing his craft for when he gets traded and isn't all that worried about winning here?
Jason Mackey
12:04
I disagree with that. I don't think Paul Skenes has a bide-his-time bone in his body. I don't think he's going to stay here beyond he's required to, which I say every time talk of a possible extension comes up. But he's giving everything he has while he's here. Doesn't really know another way.
Joel
12:04
Hi, Jason. Do we owe Andy Haines a collective apology? This year’s putrid offensive performance suggests that the problem is the talent not the instruction.
Jason Mackey
12:05
Possibly. I do think context absolves Haines some, although it's also possible that both haven't been very good. Meaning him and Hague.
Joel
12:05
Jason, re Henry Davis: what has happened to the guy who hit two HRs off Shohei Ohtani? His defense has improved to the point where he is a viable #2 catcher, but his offense is pathetic.
Jason Mackey
12:06
He doesn't get regular playing time. But he doesn't get more because he's behind Joey Bart and hasn't hit. I also think they've screwed around with his swing too much, although when you don't hit, you open yourself up to that sort of thing. If I was another org, I would try to buy low on Henry. In the meantime, I'd probably get him back to Triple-A when Endy returns and let him find his swing.
Mr Chows
12:06
Jason - we need to find out more about the pot of money?  How much is it?  Where is it derived from?  Gross sales?  Broadcast rights, etc.  did it go up or down from last year and why did it go down??
Jason Mackey
12:07
Are you talking about MLB? The Nightengale thing? If so, we did a story outlining where it all goes: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2025/03/16/bob-nutting-pit...
epiballo
12:07
Some think that Nutting is waiting for the lease at PNC Park to expire so he can move the team. Others think boycotting the Pirates and refusing to negotiate is the way ahead, almost guaranteeing an effort to relocate the Pirates. In your opinion, what are the chances of this happening?
Jason Mackey
12:08
Where's none? OK, here. Next to it.
Gene
12:08
Do you think the Steelers sign another FA WR or just roll with the receivers on the roster now.
Jason Mackey
12:08
I'll bet they add someone. They should. They need additional depth.
epiballo
12:08
Going forward, when do you anticipate the hiring of a new Penguins coach and which players do you think will not be with the team for the next season?
Jason Mackey
12:09
I'd say around June. It won't be quick, and Kyle Dubas said that from the outset. I do wonder if that could speed up if the Caps are ousted tonight. (I think Mitch Love makes a lot of sense.) It wouldn't shock me if they moved Karlsson and Jarry. I could see them buying out Graves.
epiballo
12:10
Some will not countenance a losing season under Mike Tomlin until they see it happen. Given their upcoming schedule and another grinder of a December, could this be the year?
Jason Mackey
12:10
I don't think so. This looks like the perfect recipe for 10-7, IMO.
epiballo
12:10
I've read a few comments that leaving later in the week for Ireland will impact the play and results of the game. I've traveled overseas enough to know that jet lag is real, but enough to affect the player's play? Seems overblown to me.
Jason Mackey
12:11
I don't know. I've never traveled to Ireland, let alone tried to play a football game after it. But I am surprised the Steelers are doing what they are because I thought there would be more marketing/business pursuits involving players. It also wouldn't hurt to be a little more acclimated. Did not expect that.
epiballo
12:11
I expected the Steelers to sign a FA WR shortly after the Pickens trade. Are they really satisfied with the WR room, or are they waiting to see if Rodgers will be the QB1 to get his input?
Jason Mackey
12:11
I would imagine Rodgers will have input there.
KDUB
12:11
Great column on the Robert Morris softball team! They've had a great year in athletics at Bobby Mo.
Jason Mackey
12:11
Thanks so much! Big game tomorrow.
TVC15
12:11
Hi Jason, Are there any NFL/college coaches on your radar for the Steelers in 2028 when Tomlin is gone? Unless they  inexplicably extend him again.
Jason Mackey
12:12
I just assumed Dino would be ready to take over by then.
epiballo
12:12
Am I crazy to think the Pirates can get back into competing for a playoff spot if their offense heats up? They have been in most of their games due to their pitching and, save for one bad inning each game, would be much closer to .500.
Jason Mackey
12:13
You're not crazy to think that could happen IF the offense heats up. It's a long season. I think you're crazy for thinking the offense could heat up. (Don't worry, I'm crazy for saying it would be any good in the first place.)
Ben
12:13
Hey Jason - here’s a fun game to play if you are teaching kids how to add and subtract decimals: how many individual pirate batting averages can you add up before you get to 1.00? Extra credit if you can get 5 or more players before reaching the total.
Jason Mackey
12:13
Brutal. Also, gonna hope this is a different Ben.
Gene
12:13
What do you think is wrong with Reynolds he is really in a funk
Jason Mackey
12:14
He's not hitting the ball much. Or very well.
12:15
(Obviously being a smartass. Sorry.) ... Serious note, Reynolds looks as unsure and unconfident as I've seen him. It's mental, not physical. Needs to shave his head, get a day away, something. Needs to stop thinking, which I know is WAY, WAY easier said than done.
Ben
12:15
seriously, I’m guessing that Cherington is trying to sign real players and that he has no budget. Ok … at what point do we trade some pitching prospects for AAA or better hitters. This is demoralizing.
Jason Mackey
12:16
Yeah, might be getting there. But do you have any confidence Cherington would properly execute that trade? I don't. Also, the Pirates' budget stinks. But they've had enough to buy some measure of offense the past few years. They've just done a poor job of it.
TVC15
12:16
I have a special place in my heart for the core 3. Is there any chance Dubas can squeeze one more Stanley Cup out of them? I wish, but  .....   if wishes were horse beggars would ride.
Jason Mackey
12:18
Man, I don't see it. A playoff appearance, sure. Maybe they surprise some people next season. But I definitely don't see a Cup. Shoot, I expect Malkin to be done in the NHL after next year, and I don't think I'm alone there.
Momo
12:18
the Pirates had
Jason Mackey
12:18
I know you sent too early, but this could really go a number of different ways.
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