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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 08.02.24
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Jason Mackey
11:51
Hello, everyone. Welcome to my weekly sports chat. Thanks for stopping by. We'll get started in a few minutes, but feel free to leave your questions now.
12:03
Let's do this. Just started into some Dead & Company 7/1/23 (Folsom Field) ...
SDWC
12:03
Looking at the remaining Pirates schedule, it looks pretty challenging. Other than a short stretch of the Nats and Marlins back to back, they’ll have a rough road ahead to make a run at the playoffs.
Jason Mackey
12:04
Don't disagree with you. Same time, they've recently won series against the Astros, Phillies, Cardinals & Brewers. To me, it's more about them playing well -- and hitting -- than it is about any specific opponent.
SDWC
12:04
Why do the Pirates strike out so much?
Jason Mackey
12:05
My own opinion: They're operating with an approach that emphasizing seeing a lot of pitches and working deep in counts. That's not the best for every hitter, and I think you've seen young guys try to execute a process that's not necessarily best for them.
SDWC
12:05
When reading comments from certain players, it’s often written that what they say is through Stephen Morales translating. Do they really not speak any English, or is this just a way for reporters to make sure they capture what the player really means to say without possible misinterpretation?
Jason Mackey
12:07
It depends. Some players speak limited English. Some maybe lack confidence in their English. I would say accuracy matters no matter the circumstance. I know personally, I never want to misinterpret anything a player says. That's obviously more likely to happen in a player's second language.
ulln
12:07
I have to say, they made us wait for it but I am very pleased with how the Pirates operated during the Trade Deadline! Getting solid role pieces that will help now and in the future while giving up very little in return was good work. I think it is very wise for them to plug some obvious holes now and then let everything play out the rest of the season and reassess at the end of the year. Going into this season everyone was worried about the rotation and we were desperate to trade for an Edward Cabrera type. Now the rotation is seemingly set with depth and that is no longer a pressing need. Point being, that things change very quickly in baseball and most of the young bats on our roster have less than 1000 ABs at the MLB level so we really dont know who they are at this point. Letting everything play out and internal improvements from guys already in the system + plugging a few key holes in the offseason immediately makes this team a contender. Spending 40m on a few key pieces and watch this team take off!
Jason Mackey
12:08
Is this my chat or yours? I'm kidding. I agree with some of what you're saying. They clearly knew what they had pitching-wise more than any of us did. Bailey Falter is a good example. Same time, they've been wrong on other players. Patience can be a tough needle to thread in baseball. Different than other sports, for sure.
Gene
12:09
If the Pirates are battle for a playoff spot do they limit Skenes and Jones innings?
Jason Mackey
12:09
Absolutely not. That's why they did what they did with Paul. Jared isn't a concern because his injury kept his innings low.
ulln
12:09
Would I be correct in assuming the Pirates young rotation and the emergence of Skenes + some promising young bats+ playing ~.500 baseball will make the Pirates a more attractive free agency destination this offseason?
Jason Mackey
12:09
I would have to think so, yes.
ulln
12:09
Can Bryan De La Cruz play 1B? His Savant page and underlying metrics indicate his is a mediocre fielder. Obvsioulsy we havent seen much of him ye but if he is comfortable and competent at 1B that could plug a major hole for us. On the flip side, if he isnt a 1B do you see the Pirates trying to plug the 1B hole internally (Reynolds, Joe, etc) or go for a Free Agent or resign Rowdy?t
Jason Mackey
12:11
He's never played 1B as a pro, which doesn't make me feel great about it. I can't speak on his aptitude for it. Understand the need to worry about 1B for next season given Rowdy's contract, but they should be able to do better than De La Cruz. I'd be fine bringing Rowdy back if that was an option. Don't know how I feel about Reynolds there. Maybe. Would also think FA would be a way to address it.
ulln
12:12
Im looking to get back into hockey again but Im not really sure where to start. When I was getting into baseball, watching games and following your reporting definetley helped me understand some of the nuances of the game and get a balanced understanding. Are there any podcasts, reporters, guides, etc that you would recommend to get me started?
Jason Mackey
12:14
Sure. And you should get into hockey. It's an awesome sport. I'll obviously start with Matt Vensel, who writes the technical side of hockey extremely well. I've told him that. I'm jealous of how much Matt understands with the nuance of the game. I always enjoyed Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts podcast. Also when I was on the beat, I found SiriusXM NHL Network extremely helpful when learning about the rest of the league, as well as subscribing to The Hockey news. The best thing I can tell you is to do it. I know it's simple, but if you don't understand something, email me, Matt or any other writer. It's also OK to not know. That's that we're here for.
Gene
12:14
After watching the Hall of Fame game last night the new kickoff scenario looks like a mess. Your thoughts please.
Jason Mackey
12:15
That it looks like a mess. Ha. I hate it, frankly. I think they're trying too hard. I thought they reduced injury risks with the last cluster of changes. You're never going to take injuries out; it's football. And if you're that dedicated to reducing kickoff injuries, just start at the 25 and call it a day.
Diana
12:15
Happy Friday Jason.  Is K’Bryan ‘s back bothering him more than he is letting on? His play this season leaves a lot to be desired.
Jason Mackey
12:18
Hi Diana. Happy Friday to you, too. I think that's entirely possible. At the same time, if he's healthy enough to play, I don't know what else we're supposed to do. The Pirates need offensive production there, and they haven't gotten it from Hayes. ... It's tricky, though. Do you platoon him? That doesn't help him get into any sort of rhythm -- which has always been a big part of his previous success. I understand riding it out has led to scant production, but I still think that's the route I would go.
Carl in Carrick
12:19
Hi Jason, what’s your opinion about Justin Fields to date, good and bad?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:20
Hi Carl. I've been impressed with Fields' arm strength and athleticism. Even better than I thought it would be, honestly. I think his accuracy leaves a little to be desired, but that's obviously not a final opinion. I wanna see games. I can see why the Steelers (and previously the Bears) would be attracted to his potential.
Tyler
12:20
Hello Jason. Will the Steelers’ offensive scheme differ very much depending on who is behind center?
Jason Mackey
12:21
I honestly don't think so. At least if we're talking about the types of plays called. Now, might Fields execute things differently than Fields? Yeah, I can see that. But they should be running the ball a lot. Moving the QB around some. Involving the TEs. Not sure I see two completely different play sheets.
Rick
12:21
More glad which questions are over, 3c when Nick B left after 2 Cups or what OF bat will Bucs get?   Volume about the same for you.
Jason Mackey
12:22
That's a good comparison. The Pirates' trade deadline stuff was something. Same time, you know what? It shows people care. It's easy to lose sight of that in the moment.
Lisa G.
12:22
Ive been hearing good things about the offensive lineman McCormick.  Can you envision him being a starter next season?  Thanks Jason.
Jason Mackey
12:23
Hi Lisa. Yeah, he's been solid so far. I'm not saying he will be. But I think it's at least possible. James Daniels will be gone. Isaac Seumalo will be in the final year of his deal. They'll have a need for a guard. Wouldn't surprise me if they took McCormick, hoping he could grow into that role.
H2Pittsburgher
12:23
Hey Jason, Will Cade Bell’s offense scheme be similar to that of Todd Graham’s?  I sure hope not.
Jason Mackey
12:24
Good Q. Have thought about this. I think Todd Graham was a snake-oil salesman. I think Bell's system will be different -- and I think Bell is different. There are logical principles behind what he's doing, which I wrote about for Sunday. Limiting how complex the defense can get. Tiring them out. Preying on mistakes. Graham never put the pedal down like this. I expect it to be different.
Cullen
12:24
I agree with you that Cruz seems destined for a future in RF. Taking that ball off if Reynolds and his defensive miscues have been shocking and really cannot happen. I think the Tatis Jr. OF success should be a blueprint the Pirates could follow with Oneil. Having said that, is IKF the heir apparent for SS when he does move? That would be a temporary solution since we only control him through next year. If Triolo can get his OPS to ~.700 is he defensively competent enough to stick at short? Do we go outside the org?
Jason Mackey
12:25
I would see IKF as the most logical next step. Liover Peguero is still in the org, though I've liked him more as a 2B. Could they try Nick G there? Maybe and have Peguero at 2B, where he's been better. I don't know. They haven't moved Cruz -- and we don't know that they will. But IKF would be the most logical to me, if they chose to do that.
Carl in Carrick
12:26
I think the signing of Golden is a good move by the Steelers.  Does this mean that Holcomb is likely to be waived because of his unfortunate knee injury?  Thanks Jason.
Jason Mackey
12:28
Thanks, Carl. Not sure we know. Saw Gerry floated that as a possibility, and nobody knows better than Mr. Dulac. But I don't think Golden's presence automatically means the end of the line for Holcomb.
Guest
12:28
Would a move to the OF help Oneil with his mental mistakes and issues? If he moves to the grass theoretically he would have to be less "on" for every play and he could focus more on his bat production since OF is considered easier.
Jason Mackey
12:29
I'm not sure. I don't know if anyone truly knows that answer. Get your way of looking at it. Same time, it's not like the outfield is a thoughtful, easy thing. Whatever Cruz doesn't feel comfortable? Not saying that's a reason to avoid doing it, but shifting him there doesn't automatically mean zero concerns.
SPACEMAN
12:29
2024 Pitt Panther Football Team = 8-4 record????
Jason Mackey
12:30
I'm going 7-5. We're close.
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