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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 05.17.24
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Jason Mackey
1:01
Hmm ... Grateful Dead Stones covers ... It's All Over Now? The Last Time? What am I missing? Great question.
John D
1:01
Do you sense alarm along Pirates brass regarding the hitting woes. Especially considering that it is affecting every major prospect in the minors as well?
Jason Mackey
1:02
I don't. Probably not the answer you wanna hear ... could also be them not letting much slip out publicly ... or trying not to. But, no. Right or wrong, does not feel like they're pressing the panic button externally or internally.
John D
1:02
and what does the team President do exactly?  How can anyone be satisfied with the performance of the GM and coaching at all levels?
Jason Mackey
1:03
In this situation, Travis Williams is more on the business side. It's titled poorly. He "oversees" baseball operations, but it's essentially Cherington calling the shots. They honestly should separate the two to make it easier for fans to understand.
Butch
1:03
So in understanding the resume of the Pirates head of player development and the payroll structure wouldnt it make more sense to overpay the developmental coaches and bring in guys that have a great track record.  Purge the folks from the top developmental teams.  I understand they may not want to leave a top ranked org.  But, money talks and BS walks!
Jason Mackey
1:04
Well, they sort of have tried to do that ... not always well ... but they have spent more money on development. I think you can argue that they'd be wise to spend it better, but they have invested there. Need more results.
PrinceBob
1:04
Do you think Scottie Scheffler will get jail time?
Jason Mackey
1:04
No, I don't. That whole thing seemed like such a gigantic and stupid misunderstanding.
Sully
1:04
Jason, do you think that Jersey chatter calmed down after thinking that I was dissing The Garden State?  Some of your chat participants take this exercise, and likely life itself, way too seriously, if you ask me.
Jason Mackey
1:05
No, I don't. I think it may have died down because they couldn't agree on compensation, which may drag this on (thankful aren't we all). Yes, I would agree people take this too seriously sometimes. But it's also what makes Pittsburgh such a great sports town. I welcome it.
Cullen
1:05
Can you give any insight into the Pirates thought process on who should be platoon guys vs everyday guys? Some of these decisions are straight up baffling. (Joe and Jack being platoon, Triolo being an everyday guy, Olivares barely playing, Michael Taylor playing nearly every day, etc) Is it possible the Pirates are VASTLY overvaluing defense
Jason Mackey
1:07
I don't know if I have a magical answer for you there. It seems pretty hit & miss. I'd argue Triolo was more defense and trying to give him runway, and that switch has flipped. With Jack, there was the idea of hitting against lefties. He stunk for a bit, then improved, then his whole game hit the skids. Seems Connor Joe has sort of proven himself to be more than a platoon guy, so they've been managing that. I think they're also trying to get Rowdy at-bats to maybe spark him.
Omar
1:07
Jason, so Cam wants to play another 2 or 3 years?  That adds a whole new unfavorable dimension to this situation.
Jason Mackey
1:08
Wants to and will are two different things, IMO. He can want to play all he wants. The Steelers are gonna want cap relief & certainty. There has to be a middle ground. Two more years instead of three, with options on the back end?
Cullen
1:08
Any insight into who the Pirates are looking at for the 2024 draft? If one of the college bats/high upside prep SS/CF guys are available and we go pitching I think that will make the fanbase lose it lol
Jason Mackey
1:08
Sorry. Nuthin' for ya there. Not the time.
Would imagine they're looking at everyone at this point.
62 Stack Monster
1:08
Is Bart Haannegraaff to blame for the Pirates' organziational wide hitting failures?  Who hired him anyway?
Jason Mackey
1:09
Dear God no. Also, did you just type every letter twice? Why Bart Hanegraaff is being either propped up or pilloried is baffling to me. He's a part of the organization. Not the GM or the manager.
Olivia
1:10
Jason, was I really impressed with the 'burgh, or was I just being PC considering the circumstances?  I mean Louisiana is not exactly a utopian society.....
Jason Mackey
1:11
Ha. You seemed happy! Welcome to Pittsburgh!
Chuck
1:11
I didn't mean the media, I meant when will coaches, FO, etc. be held accountable by being FIRED
Jason Mackey
1:11
I gotcha. Thank you for clarifying.
YINZER Tom
1:11
Henry Davis? He has not been great at the MLB level defensively at C. His offense struggled too. Is this maybe he is constantly in his head? He has a cannon for an arm. If he is going to be in AAA do we just have him work on RF and see if that helps his offense too? Be less mental just play and while figuring it out in AAA learn his better suited position?
Jason Mackey
1:12
No. I think they're doing what they should be doing with Henry. He's back in Triple-A, trying to find his swing. He changed too much up here. As I understand it, he has been feeling pretty good down there.
Guest
1:12
The Tomlin regular season streak gets a lot of attention.  The majority of those years he had Ben.  His postseason record is under .500 though.  Isn't that what counts most?  He is the equivalent of Marvin Lewis.  Why can't ownership see that?
Jason Mackey
1:13
They. Don't. Change. Coaches. This is not new. But, I understand the frustration. This reposition of the Steelers if you will should be the ultimate You Need To Win A Playoff Game Or Else scenario. But I don't know why we're surprised by the Rooneys showing loyalty to Tomlin.
Cosmo Kramer
1:13
Hello Jason. Since every decision the Pirates make is the wrong decision, shouldn't they do what my friend George does and just do the opposite?? Kidding of course, but how do the reds end up with Della Cruz, while the Pirates have to get lucky on a trade to even land a Oneil Cruz. How does the scouting and drafting department still have jobs??
Jason Mackey
1:14
Ha! Remember, he was acquired by the former group. The Pirates have actually identified some good players. Their issues have been completing development at the major league level. I think we're in the middle of seeing how those changes are working out. I'd argue that right now, it hasn't been good enough.
Stuck being the AAA/AA/Affiliate of the Pirates
1:14
I have to ask, if their minor leagues are supposed to be stocked with talent from the rebuild, then why do they at best from AAA on down  have 0.500 or worse records?
Jason Mackey
1:16
Yeah. A couple reasons. And not defending anything, as I feel like I need to preface anything when answering a question. But sometimes there are benchmarks other than wins/losses. Like for a pitcher, that might be execution a pitch to a specific area consistently. Or throwing breaking balls behind in counts at will. The process of getting there can affect results. Not saying that's it. Just that it exists. They also might have guys performing poorly or they might've drafted bad players. But we need more than 5-6 weeks to suss it out.
Stuck being the AAA/AA/Affiliate of the Pirates
1:16
The NFL has to know what it is doing with these 'revenge games' ATL, DEN, etc. (not just for Pgh but for all teams) planned so carefully at the front of the season or on national tv.  NFL schedules in the past used to have a more random feel but the schedules now definately belong in the hype and 'all style and no substance' of the 2020's.  What is your take?
Jason Mackey
1:16
I mean ... the NFL is trying to create the most interesting slate of games possible. I don't see why or how that's a bad thing.
Guest
1:16
Do they still use metal bats in collage?
Jason Mackey
1:16
They do.
Bill
1:16
Jason, Im at the point where i've absolutely had it with Shelton and his rotating musical lineups. Olivares has a HR and double last night and is benched today for the platoon matchup. Essentially you're benching him for Suwinski and Tellez to play. This manager is a joke and they will never win consistently with him.
Jason Mackey
1:17
I get the frustration. I don't think it's beneficial how they kinda don't let anyone get comfortable.
Ryan
1:17
Does Bob nutting care one bit if the team wins or losses games?maybe a very little bit since it could affect the revenue he brings in
Jason Mackey
1:18
I would/hope think so. Although the Pirates could certainly show less patience when things aren't working out. Won't disagree there.
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