JotCast | Jason Mackey's sports chat: 08.22.24

Jason Mackey's sports chat: 08.22.24

Jason Mackey

11:48

Hello, everyone. Thanks for finding my Friday ... err, Thursday chat. We're going to be here for the duration, so adjust your calendars. Per usual, any topic goes. We'll get started here shortly.

Will

11:49

Seems minor given Pirates extensive issues in depth and roster construction, but what did the Pirates see in De La Cruz that the Marlins didn't? Cost was low, but the there's opportunity cost in not upgrading the OF and plugging replacement level talent into the regular lineup. There was speculation that DLC was a potential non-tender candidate this offseason, and the HRs hide some terrible underlying metrics. Is Cherrington up to the task of evaluating MLB talent?

Jason Mackey

11:51

Gonna start a little early. Hope that's OK. May also have to dip out slightly early for Steelers. ... I think those are two different discussions, Will. They like his HR potential. I also think he has been in a big funk since he arrived. Not sure this is anywhere close to what the Pirates thought they were getting. I would like to see more before coming to a conclusion. As far as Cherington, maybe. Their record of trades is terrible. Look at the past two free agent classes the Pirates have signed. There's no defending that.

JoeHa

11:51

Hey Jason …In your opinion are the alarming number of strikeouts by the Pirates due to lack of ability or poor approach to hitting Nothing positive can happen offensively if you don’t put the ball in play and at least make the defense make a play. Thanks and keep up the great work.

Jason Mackey

11:53

Thanks, JoeHa. Probably both, though I know that answer is unhelpful. If I had to pick one, I would say poor approach or way to stubborn of an approach -- and I don't mean that in a good way. They're trying to execute something that isn't good for everyone. Some guys are more comfortable working an at-bat, sure. Some also aren't. Great example recently was Corey Seager. He loves hitting heat early. That wouldn't fit what the Pirates are doing, and that's dumb. They're also making guys who should be more natural see ball/hit ball guys calculate way too much and lean too heavily into an approach instead of staying aggressive and living with some occasional faults.

Will

11:53

Triolo provides defensive and positional flexibility, but does his bat justify remaining in Pittsburgh for a full season? His bat is below even the low Pirates line and he has chronic back issues to blame.

Jason Mackey

11:55

Triolo doesn't have chronic back issues. You could be cross-wiring him and Hayes. But here's where I'm at with that idea: Nobody with a sub-.600 OPS should be guaranteed anything. I like Triolo. I like him personally, and I like his versatility. But there hasn't been enough offense. Hayes is a different case because he's been hurt. He's been rotten this year, but I'm more interested in finding out how to fix his back because he's under contract for a decent chunk of change (by Pirates standards).

62 Stack Monster

11:55

Hi Jason. When will the next 5-year plan begin?

Jason Mackey

11:55

I hope they don't need one. That would not go over well.

Jeff

11:55

PG didn’t send beat writer to Texas for Rangers series. Is this something that may happen again this season for road games?

Jason Mackey

11:56

We did not, that's correct. And, yes, unfortunately. The reality of our business and using travel funds as intentionally and efficiently as possible. We look at all of those things all the time.

Gene

11:56

Do you think there will be changes in the Pirates coaching staff next year?

Jason Mackey

11:56

Yes, I do. This hasn't been good enough, and I can't see how they could justify bringing the hitting group back at this rate.

demosthenes98

11:57

The Sheetz debacle provides further proof that the people running the Pirates just don't have what it takes to operate a major league team. Isn't it time for the commissioner to invoke the best interests of baseball and take control of the team pending a sale? It was done with the Dodgers in the early 2010s.

Jason Mackey

11:58

I wouldn't base their qualifications to run a team on an ad campaign that was rectified later that day. ... That being said, I understand the frustration. I understand objectively looking at what the Pirates have been under Bob Nutting (2007-present) and saying that's not good enough. A completely fair take. I don't think this current group is completely screwed, mind you, but I don't think we're at the point where the commission steps in.

Rick

11:58

92 Dream team vs 24 KD/Curry/LBJ team. Who you got?

Jason Mackey

12:00

1992 Dream Team all the way. Magic, Stockton, Bird, Barkley, MJ, Pippen, Mullin, Malone, Robinson, Ewing ... wanted to see how many I could name off the top of my head. I missed a few. But how can it not be this group?

Mike

12:00

If the unthinkable happens and Crosby doesn’t want to sign here again where and for what return could the Pens get at the trade deadline? Can’t let him go for nothing.

Jason Mackey

12:02

No doubt. And I would be surprised if a move like that came at the deadline. Probably offseason, if it all. Still don't think it'll happen. But for (a lack of) fun, would imagine a Canadian market or Colorado to play with Nate. Return-wise, that's hard to say. Multiple picks, including high-rounders and a couple NHL-ready players back? Would imagine there would have to be cap maneuvering for the acquiring team. The whole idea of it, though, makes me sick.

Gene

12:02

Do the Steelers sign another WR before week1 or roll with the guys they have.

Jason Mackey

12:03

I really, really thought they would have signed someone by now, Gene. I think Aiyuk probably winds up staying in SF -- which is a separate discussion and absurd. But honestly, no. I'd be surprised if that happened. Not sure I understand it.

YINZER Tom

12:05

Jason- love the chats. Pirates are out of it. Why not prepare for 2025 now? Davis come on up and play RF. Cruz cannot catch a cold at SS maybe with his raw athletic skills CF? Enough with the entire year jumbo. He leads the league in errors. Try IKF at SS, any of the thousand 2B prospects we have accumulated at 2B. Start playing 2025 team now. See what we have?

Jason Mackey

12:07

Hey, Tom. Thanks for participating. I love them as well. I get what you're saying, but I think the moves are too much. Davis hasn't played RF all season. You're not doing him any favors there. In fact, you're probably going to embarrass him and probably kill any trade value. I also wouldn't do that to Cruz. I agree he needs to move, but the best thing for him would be getting time to work on a position he has never played. IKF will be fine wherever. And, yeah, not taking a look at Cook or Yorke (and others) ... I don't get that. Maybe it'll change after the Rangers series loss. I think they think they're still somewhat in it.

Cosmo Kramer

12:07

Is there a chance the Steelers offense is worse than last years? Worried fan here.

Jason Mackey

12:08

Not worrying yet, Cosmo. We thought this time last year they were gonna dominate. I think we need to be careful until we get into the regular season.

Cosmo Kramer

12:08

Pirates will have pitching next season. Wouldn't it make sense to spend money on 2-3 bats instead of millions on reclamation projects?

Jason Mackey

12:08

Yes. Yes, it would. They need a 1B and CF, at minimum. Probably more. But that's the starting point for me.

Mark in VA Beach

12:08

On the four letter network yesterday, a discussion ensued as to who should start at QB for the Steelers. One person said the Steelers should trade R. Wilson to the Vikings who are in need of someone, insert J. Fields as the starter, and sign R. Tannehill as the backup as he has experience in A. Smith's system during their days in Tennessee. I actually liked the idea. What are your thoughts?

Jason Mackey

12:10

My head hurts. What was the network? HGTV? TOON? DISN? So the Steelers are going to acquire a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion. Say he's in pole position, all that. Everyone acts like he's the guy. Then they're gonna sign Ryan Tannehill instead? I refuse to believe that was actually said on a national sports network.

Jeff M

12:10

How do you feel about tax payer financed stadiums?

Jason Mackey

12:13

This sounds like a loaded question, but I'm against them. Sports aren't for everybody. You want a lavish building? OK, build it. The 57-year-old who's not into sports, who doesn't care, it's not their problem. Especially when the team is going to reap all of the benefits. I'm not a fan of the proliferation of that business. There's probably more to write inside of it -- stadiums that have been there, ones that actually work to benefit citizens, etc. -- but this isn't really the setting. I understand staying competitive around leagues and whatnot. But I don't like it becoming as much of a burden on taxpayers as it has become in some places.

Ryan

12:13

Good afternoon Jason what do you think About Mitch Keller and Paul skenes Start Friday even though i couldn’t watch Friday Skenes Looked Good and Mitch Looked Great when is Mitch lined up to pitch next same with Skenes after Tonight Go Bucs vs the reds and The Cubs

Jason Mackey

12:14

Hi Ryan. Good afternoon. Keller was outstanding last start. Best I've seen him in some time. Had everything working. Was encouraging to see after much had been discussed and worried about regarding fatigue and whatnot. Skenes has had some "trouble" -- relative to him -- with consistently executing his stuff, resulting in a little wildness. I think tonight he gets back to being really dominant. Just a hunch.

12:29

Still confident the Pirates win more than 74.5?

Jason Mackey

12:30

I am. Do the math. They're 59-67. They have 36 left. Do I think they could go at least 16-20, which would net 75-87? Yes, I do. I think the pitching will help. Maybe an infusion from some young guys down the stretch. I originally had them at 84 or 85 wins. I'm not as confident with that.

Ryan

12:30

thank Jason when does Mitch pick next I’m hoping Monday and Skenes on Wednesday

Jason Mackey

12:33

I'm thinking Jones Monday, Keller Tuesday and Skenes Wednesday. That's a long time for Skenes but may not be the worst thing.

Will

12:33

sorry - that should have read "no chronic back issues"

Jason Mackey

12:33

Ahh, makes more sense now.