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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 05.17.24
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Guest
12:24
I’m very disappointed in how the Cam situation is being handled by both sides. First, he isn’t worth anywhere near $22 million. He should have been told to take a pay cut or be released. Second, isn’t he a long-time captain and supposedly a great team leader? His abandoning the team reflects poorly on him. Art’s father and grandfather made tough decisions with greater players than Cam and put the team first. Art seems like he is more worried about public image than what is best for the team. Is he softer than his ancestors? Is Cam not really the team guy he was made out to be?
Jason Mackey
12:25
I understand your frustration. I also think there's a path forward here. In the old days, would imagine the Chief would sit down with a player and they could kinda talk it out. That still might happen or could happen. But now we have OTAs and the means to react to holding out. I see both sides here certainly. I just think Art II needs to step in, chat with Cam and figure out a fair resolution for both sides.
Bob’s Walk
12:28
Has Nicky G turned the corner and ready to produce? Are you worried about Termarr’s horrible 2024 yet or even his  awful career numbers (other than his walks).
Jason Mackey
12:28
Certainly seems that way, huh? Looks good so far. Real small sample. ... And no, I'm not the least bit worried about Termarr. In spring, I had you guys asking about whether Termarr would break camp with the big club. Now we're talking about stinking? Come on.
Yasmani
12:29
Jason, I strike a pretty bad ass pose when I take one out of the yard.  Concurrence on your end?
Jason Mackey
12:29
Sure. Ha. Sorry, can't say I noticed much.
Called strike
12:29
Can the bucs send Suwinski to Indy without passing him thru waivers?  He needs a reset.  Bae couldn’t be worse.
Jason Mackey
12:29
Yes, he has options.
Vernon’s Law
12:29
We have drafted the supposed top hitting prospects in three drafts, Davis, Termarr and Hank Davis. Gonzo looks like he might be coming around, but there’s still a was to go. Is this an indication of our developmental hitting philosophy? Are we trying to turn them into HR or K/walk hitters when we should just let them hit?
Jason Mackey
12:30
I don't think we know what these guys will be. Especially with Termarr, who was only 18. It takes time. Nick might've figured it out. Who knows? He's the one I'm expecting the most from. Henry has played half a season in MLB. Still a long ways to go. The development philosophy should be having good at-bats. I don't see that as skewing one direction or another.
Cullen
12:31
One of the big things that sold me on this regime being different was the "player centric" model of development that you reported on. You wrote something recently about that model seemingly being abandoned and this front office seems to be repeating the Huntington regimes mistakes. Have you had a chance to talk to Cherington about this? Anything that you can tell us about their thought process or why it changed?
Jason Mackey
12:32
Have not. I also wouldn't expect to get much in the way of an answer. They'd probably argue that they aren't doing that. Or that they're simply not executing what they want to do as well as they can.
Cosmo K
12:32
Hi Jason, congrats on the new position and enjoy your day at Wrigley!  At one point I lived a short bike ride from Wrigley and was able to catch 1:20 afternoon games after the markets closed at 2:00 in the 80s early 90s. Would scalp a $5 ticket and catch the last 6-7 innings back in the day. I'll be back during football/hockey season to grill you with a question or 4, I've got Darren working on that as I type. It's Pittsburgh sports off-season for me now in Jax. Congrats again, it's well deserved!
Jason Mackey
12:44
Thanks so much, Cosmo. And sorry for the break. Actual work called. Appreciate the Darren reference!
Ryan
12:44
When do you think they get rid of Rowdy they need to do something either trade him or designate him for assignment and call up Lamb
Jason Mackey
12:45
Can't imagine they can trade him. If it doesn't change, probably a DFA and either play Joe more or bring up Lamb.
Moonlight Graham
12:45
Why so much hate on the Henry Davis 1-1 pick? The Pirates took him under slot because he was a catcher and liked his bat. They took the extra money and signed Solometo, Chandler, and White, etc. The pick is only a bust if none of these other picks make it. I think you are the only Pittsburgh sports reporter to get this. Is there a better pick from that draft so far already in the big leagues? Or am I wrong? By the way, I haven’t given up on Hank yet.
Jason Mackey
12:45
I don't know what they have in Hank. It's too early. I love the person, work ethic and intensity. The major league production hasn't been good enough. My feeling on this is to just give it time.
Mad Dog
12:45
Jason, what is BC's excuse for utterly failing to develop a power hitting first baseman?  It's not like one-dimensional large guys that can hit for power are like finding an ILB that can cover and support the run.
Jason Mackey
12:47
I don't know his "excuse," but I would imagine a lot of teams wind up with converted first baseman. Either way, they haven't gotten enough out of that spot, I agree with you. Not defending it. It's also not the biggest deal in the world. If they would've signed Carlos Santana, I don't think I would be fielding this question. In other words, it's normal to patch holes via free agency. They just didn't do a very good job here.
Andrew
12:47
Jason, are yinzers noticing that my bat is finally starting to show signs of not being in a permanently deceased state?
Jason Mackey
12:48
Have you looked at his Baseball Savant page? Which basically shows process more so than results. Cutch has been just fine. But horribly unlucky.
Tyler
12:48
how is jack suwinski still in the majors let alone playing today he is batting under 170 i never seen nothing like this before lol
Jason Mackey
12:48
They're clearly trying to ride it out and let him work through some things. I don't agree with it, but just trying to answer your question.
OK, folks. Need to walk upstairs. Bear with me.
Nick G.
12:54
Will I be the starting 2B when Hayes comes back from injury?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Lot of questions about Nick. It's only been seven games. I think we need a larger sample size. Been good so far.
Paul
12:55
Jason, as an informed and intelligent modern-day athlete, why do I mistakenly believe that grilled meat is a healthy alternative to vegetable-based proteins, whole grains and a small amount of healthy fats?
Jason Mackey
12:55
I thought Andrew did an excellent job with the story. We're really gonna tacitly criticize Paul Skenes' diet? Come on.
Ryan
12:56
Good afternoon Jason what do you think about The season Oneil is having i Think him and Jared jones make the all star game in July
Jason Mackey
12:56
I'd go Jared at this point. If this continues for Oneil, then I think he'll have a case. But right now, the start would be what's holding him back. We just have to see where this goes. I like the adjustments he's made and maturity he has shown. Encouraging stuff.
Shoe Dog
12:57
Enough already, I am losing my mind on Non Rowdy Tellez. A total bust, bring Bae up, Joe full time at first. You couldn’t get a package of Topp’s baseball cards for him!
Who is the next pitcher to be called up?
Jason Mackey
12:58
Might say Priester just because there's really nobody else. Somehow someone named Brady Feigl has 5 wins. Nobody else has more than 2.
Cullen
12:58
As frustrating as the bats are at this moment, honestly, if the Pirates can win at pitching development and create a solid pipeline, I would call that a win for Cherington's front office. Although the caveat to that must be that they supplment lack of bats through trading pitching depth and/or free agency (which it is much easier to find value for bats anyway). Its so hard to get everything right in baseball and young pitching being the most valuable commodity in the game if we can excel at that, id take being mediocre/worse at other aspects of development. Think Cleveland 2.0
Jason Mackey
12:59
You're gonna have a tough sell telling the fan base right now that Cherington and Co. have won at anything. But, yes, of the two, I would agree that pitching is way more important. It also shouldn't be either/or. They need to be good at development. Period. It's not optional.
Saxboy
12:59
Hey Jason, it’s your favorite bicyclist/Pirates content creator! Was wondering if you had ever thought about embarking on the journey towards sobriety?
Jason Mackey
12:59
You mean other than you?
PrinceBob
1:00
Which major sport do you think is most likely to be first to expand and which do you think will be the last to do it?
Jason Mackey
1:00
I think MLB will actually expand next. It's long overdue. NFL might be next. Probably only a matter of time before it winds up overseas. That seems to be the plan -- football globally.
Mick
1:00
Jason, some of the GD's best covers are renditions of tunes originally penned by those British bad boys, correct?
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