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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 08.02.24
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KDub
12:30
Jason, enjoyed your work. What do you make of Pitt having a chip on its shoulder this season, coming off a bad year and seemingly low expectations? Can they surprise this season?
Jason Mackey
12:31
Hey KDub. Gracias. I love it, honestly. I think 3-9 was a fluke. I think Pitt goes back to a bowl. I like what Kade Bell has brought. Curious to see how some young guys step up on the defensive side. I just answered saying I think 7-5 is possible. I could even see them going 8-4. People will think I'm crazy, which is fine. But I'm not as down on the Panthers as others. I think there's some real talent there at WR, RB, S and a few other spots.
Kegger
12:31
So the Pirates add players at deadline, but still manage to reduce payroll?  Really handcuffing the GM in moves.
Jason Mackey
12:32
How so? Cherington seemed to balance things out with Perez money-wise. Maybe it was intentional, maybe not. But not sure how that handcuffs Ben. Also don't know what kinda role Perez would've played post-deadline.
JF
12:32
Hi Jason. Does 83/84 wins get the Pirates in the playoffs? I have seen 87 tossed around but am thinking that is less obtainable since they would have to go roughly 12 games over .500 the rest of the way to get to 87/88 wins. Thanks
Jason Mackey
12:36
I don't think 84 gets it done. I think they'll need closer to 87. Don't know about your math, though. They're 55-53. If they finish 29-25, they would be 84-78. ... If they finish 32-22, they would be 87-75. I think it's probably more of the former than the latter.
Theo
12:36
Jason, what are you hearing about Endy’s rehab?  Do you think he will be ready by the start of next season?
Jason Mackey
12:38
Second part first -- yes. No issues there. He's full go hitting from the left side and throwing out to 100 feet. Wouldn't shock me if he gets DH-only reps in the minors this year. His rehab has gone every bit as well as expected.
Commissioner
12:38
Do you expect McCutchen’s playing time to be reduced? Pittsburgh’s love for him is well deserved, but unfortunately his dh performance is not up to par. Thank you
Jason Mackey
12:40
Cutch has been going through it, I know. He's hitting .211 with a .668 OPS since the calendar flipped to June. I think ideally, Cutch rediscovers what he was doing in March/April and May. I hope that happens. The lineup should be more competitive now post-deadline. If they have a better option, I'm sure the Pirates would take it over sentimentality toward Cutch.
Kenny, Kansas City
12:41
Good afternoon, enjoy your chats.  What is the status of Malcom Nunez?  Is he still considered a possibility to make the Pirates at first or third?
Jason Mackey
12:42
Thanks, Kenny. He's been in Triple-A this season. Been a fairly anonymous season for him, honestly: 92 G, .267 BA, .736. You're not gonna bench Rowdy. You're probaly not gonna bench Hayes. Not sure where Nunez would fit at this point.
Jason
12:42
Hey Jason! Do you think Sod will sign on 8/7/24 and if he doesn’t is there any reason for concern?
Jason Mackey
12:43
At this point, they have to, right? I'm not concerned. I've heard no concerned voiced from anybody in/around the organization. But five days away, it's too perfect.
Ryan
12:43
Good Afternoon Jason what do you think about the play of Joey Bart and Michael A Taylor both have looked good recently GO BUCS this weekend vs Arizona
Jason Mackey
12:44
Joey Bart has been a sneaky good find this season. He's their starting catcher, plain and simple. And I like what he's added with an approach and some power. Likable dude, too. Michael A. Taylor ... this might be one of the biggest keys to the season, honestly. Can the Pirates get the version of Taylor they had in Houston? That lengthens the lineup big-time. It would also help when it comes to outfield defense next to Bryan De La Cruz.
Guest
12:44
Was there any discussion or disagreement regarding if Skenes would be the first pick or was it an obvious choice that the Pirates couldn't screw up?
Jason Mackey
12:45
Externally, we heard a lot about them considering all options. Maybe that's accurate. The Pirates always cast a wide net with stuff and do a bunch of leg work on it. That's true for the draft, FA, trades, all of it. So I'm sure they approached it with an open mind. But ... my goodness, what if they didn't pick Skenes? I don't even wanna think about it.
Tyler
12:45
What wrong with Ke’bryan Hayes? Is he injured or just underperforming?
Jason Mackey
12:46
Maybe both? I wish I had an answer. I'd sell it. But as I said earlier, if you're out there, you're gonna be judged accordingly. And he hasn't been good ehough, obviously. There's a lot that looks off to me. On-time for heat. Launch angle way down -- beating balls into the ground. Body language isn't great. Could be any number of things.
Randy
12:47
Enjoyed the Pitt football piece. Good stuff there. What do you think would constitute success for them this year? Penn state? And what win number do you think gets the Pirates into the postseason?
Jason Mackey
12:48
Thanks, Randy. Love me some CFB. Looking forward to doing more. ... I think above .500 and a bowl would = success. I think many fans would sign up for 7-5. Maybe I'm wrong. For Penn State, I don't know how it's not a trip to the playoff. They've been hit hard by only four going. If they don't make the expanded version, imagine it gets really loud for HCJF. I think they'll need 86-87 wins for the postseason.
Michael
12:48
Jason, I am a big fan of O’Neil Cruz, but wondering if he is trying too hard or trying to impress his teammates and the league in general.  I hope he spends the offseason working on hitting offspeed pitches and his fielding/throwing.  Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:50
I'm sure he will address many of his deficiencies this offseason. The big thing I've come to learn about Oneil is confidence. He gets down on himself fairly easily -- which is true for a lot of young players. In a way, I think it's good he's going through some of the crap that he is -- and remember how much time he missed. It's how you get over that, don't lose confidence, etc. I think he's probably more emotionally up and down than most, though, and it has been a challenge for him to prevent that from snowballing. But I do think it comes from a place of care.
Your Olde Pal Judy
12:50
The Pirates have Skenes for 5 (or6?) more years. That IS their "Window". 2024 is just a "Teaser" for us Bucco Fans. The most important item on GMBC's "To Do" List should be to Sign Skenes this Off-Season" and Buy-Out those 5 years he's got coming. "Lock him up!!!"!!! Back-Load the Deal. Next up, sign future Center Fielder Cruz to a similar, less $$$ deal. Protect their investments and build some goodwill. Nutting's got the money give us someting.
Jason Mackey
12:51
I don't see how Ben's most important thing is "buying out those five years." Not even sure what that means. The Pirates have them. They could buy out 2-3 years of free agency, but why would Paul do that? Probably for a crazy overpay, and when was the last time the Pirates overpaid for anything? Don't know if I see that one happening. I think I would rather see them address the team around Skenes -- 1B, pitching depth, etc.
12:53
Have said this before, but there has never been much traction with Oneil and an extension. Maybe that changes this offseason, but I'm not throwing $150 million at Oneil Cruz right now. I'm just not. He hasn't wanted to play outfield. Not sure he can play short. I'm not saying I'm against signing him. But HAVING to throw this giant wad of money, I'm not there.
Dingus
12:53
What are the chances Justin Fields uses all of this first-teamer time to steal the starting job Week 1?
Jason Mackey
12:53
Zero. I think Russ starts no matter what. Does Russ use this to prepare himself for, say, Week 5 if Russ can't get it done? We'll see. (FWIW, I think Wilson keeps the starting job.)
Jason
12:53
Do you think the Pirates could get  Henry Davis to play 1st base next year?
Jason Mackey
12:55
I personally don't like that option. He was actually halfway decent behind the plate. The issue was offense. He also has the second-best throwing arm on the team behind Cruz. Not sure what they do with Henry, but I don't love the idea of him at 1B. Might be more OK with him as a 2C along with Bart and maybe trying Endy there. Coming off Tommy John, one. And Endy has more meaningful experience. Same time, it's Aug. 2. Way to early to have any concrete thoughts about what they do next year. But I don't think putting Henry at 1B helps him or them.
Bob Nutting
12:55
Will I spend money this offseason Jason
Jason Mackey
12:55
Yes, Bob. You will. You spent some this offseason, too. Like $37 million. You just didn't get a great return on investment.
Randy
12:56
Almost time for some PACtion. My prediction: Tartans,  Presidents, Wolverines, Titans. CMU wins 2 playoff games, GCC, W&J, Westminster each win bowl. What say you?
Jason Mackey
12:56
PACtion! Love it. Westminster has been, and will continue to be, the best school/team in the PAC. That's my prediction.
Kevin Gorman
12:57
Does Starkey have a stupid nickname for you? I’m called Gormey the Owl for some reason. He is so weird
Jason Mackey
12:57
He likes to make fun of my "Mackey Planner" email that I used to send outlining what I was doing for the week.
Lucas M.
12:58
After watching the game last night, I’m not crazy about the new kickoff format.  If the NFL makes it permanent, is it possible that Hester may be the last kickoff returner to make the Hall of Fame?   Thank you.
Jason Mackey
12:58
I don't like it. I wish we could go back even to the way it was last year. (Preferably further than that, but I realize that ain't gonna happen.)
Darnell
12:58
Assuming Nick G comes back from his injury and plays well, do you think Shelton might use IKF at third to possibly send a message to Hayes to get his act together?  Thanks.
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