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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 08.26.22
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Donna
12:31
Hi Jason, do you think the Pirates  should/will retain their hitting and pitching coaches?  Thank you!
Jason Mackey
12:32
I don't see how they can, Donna. You can't bring everyone back. At this point I would say Marin over Haines in terms of who goes, just because Haines just got here. They like Dewey Robinson and Josh Hopper a lot. Would think there's a solution in there somewhere on the pitching side.
Tom
12:33
Will Duquesne keep it close?
Jason Mackey
12:33
I think so, Tom. I don't think it'll be a single-score game, but I don't expect them to lose by 45 either. Duquesne should have a pretty good team this year. I'm excited to follow them now that I actually have the time.
Tom
12:33
Everybody is so worried about ILB and OLB depth; how about the Steelers' starting corners? Can the defense really be dominant with them?
Jason Mackey
12:34
Short answer: no. Ha. You bring up a solid point. And, really, the secondary as a whole aside from Minkah. Does Terrell Edmunds inspire a bunch of confidence? Ahkello Witherspoon in a big-time role? I don't know. I don't hate it, but questions are certainly understandable.
Charles
12:34
I believe Mason has had a raw deal starting the day he was drafted and Ben’s  immature attitude towards him.  I think the our other qbs have more talent, but if Mason is traded, do you think he has the ability to be a starter in the NFL?
Jason Mackey
12:35
I do, Charles. And I agree with you. I sympathize with Mason. That said, this isn't middle school. You need to perform, and he hasn't. But the tools are there. I wonder what getting a bigger opportunity would do for him. Might really help.
Steven
12:35
What’re you most looking forward to this fall in the new role?
Jason Mackey
12:36
College football. By 400 miles. Ha. ... And really just being able to immerse myself in football. I wasn't able to do that with the baseball gig. Was also the season, then World Series, then offseason. I watched it, don't get me wrong. But there's a difference between being a fan and actually working on stories relative to it.
Ryan
12:36
Do you believe that Sunday’s game will actually determine who QB1 is or do you think it’s more than likely going to be Mitch (unless something drastic happens)?
Jason Mackey
12:37
I'm not buying that noise. I think it's Mitch until something happens. I don't think they want to do anything crazy with Kenny. If Mitch stinks or gets hurt, then I think they'll change. But I would be shocked if they went to Kenny this early.
Christian
12:37
Who do you think has a better season this year? Pitt or Penn State, and why?
Jason Mackey
12:39
I'm gonna say Pitt, but this is an awesome question, and I think it'll be close. My reasoning: better line play. Penn State has plenty of OL questions. Love PJ Mustipher, but the Nittany Lions' defense lost plenty. Like Kancey and Baldonado and others for Pitt. I just think they're going to be able to control the line of scrimmage better. But I think Penn State will do a better job of running the ball. Excited to see this Singleton kid everyone keeps raving about.
Ryan
12:39
Do you see the Steelers keeping Benny Snell and cutting/PS Jaylen Warren or they keep Warren and cut Snell? I’d honestly go the latter but I know Snell is pretty good on ST.
Jason Mackey
12:40
I really, really don't see them cutting Jaylen Warren. He has been solid. Benny Snell might be a little redundant, but in the end, I think they both make it.
Jock Sutherland
12:40
Ohio state is favorite by 15 1/2 points over ND in what I gotta believe is the biggest point spread ever for a top 5 matchup.     OSU that good or is ND that overrated?  I’m picking the latter.
Jason Mackey
12:41
I can't wait for this game, Jock. I think OSU is that good, honestly. Seriously, the Buckeyes' offense was incredible last year. Love Stroud, Henderson, Smith-Njigba. Now the defense could actually improve? Nothing against Notre Dame, I just think a lot of Ohio State, which will probably lose by three scores because I typed this.
Trey
12:42
Jason, you may be a Phish neophyte (or maybe not), but when was I at my peak? Did you see/hear the 2015 Chicago show with the boys? I can't sing, but I was jamming that night....
Jason Mackey
12:43
I've really, really been getting into Phish lately. Just finished the Clifford Ball. Listened to Ventura '13 on my way to Philly. I've tried and tried, but only recently has it truly resonated. Assuming you're talking about Fare Thee Well? Incredible stuff. And what's this crap about Earnest not being able to sing? Disagree.
Gene
12:43
I faithfully watched the Pirates for over 60 years win or lose but it’s becoming harder to watch them this year. I hate to say it but I think Eckersley’s comments were valid, Your thoughts Jason.
Jason Mackey
12:44
I mostly agree. I don't think Eckersley was wrong, and I knew what he was trying to say. If you wanna criticize the Pirates for losing a bunch, by all means. They've made mistakes, should spend more, etc. But I would have acknowledged that they're in a total rebuild while also saying it's not the fault of those playing. I don't think it's right to publicly crap on someone on TV for doing their job.
Jimmy
12:45
Do you think that maybe Devin Bush has a problem with someone or something and is just trying to play his way out of Pittsburgh ?
Jason Mackey
12:46
I mean, that's a hell of a grudge if you're gonna torpedo your career over disliking someone. I think he comes off as a frustrated or petty in interviews. His latest one didn't help. I think his play last year was bad, which obviously hurt. You can be as much of a [jerk] as you want if you're good, but his problem has been that he hasn't done much and probably grew frustrated by his lack of health and the cycle of it all.
Darnell
12:47
Hi Jason.  I think Oneil Cruz has proven he can play shortstop.  Is there still any thought of moving him to the outfield?  If he remains at short, how does that affect the shortstop prospects in the minor league system?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:47
Hey Darnell. Cruz has been OK. I would still experiment with him out there. I wouldn't say he has been so good that I wouldn't consider moving him. Lately, honestly, he has struggled. Would wanna keep the OF door open.
Prince Bob
12:48
I know you hate the next year's lineup questions. Maybe I should have asked who of this year's call ups look like potential starters. Sorry for not being more limited.
Jason Mackey
12:49
It's all good. Was just having some fun with you. Next year's callups could be interesting: Davis, Gonzo, Peguero, Triolo, Priester. Looking forward to that.
epiballo
12:49
I thought Crosby indicated he would play three more years with the Penguins. If he plays into his 40s as you say, do you see him playing and finishing his career with some Canadian team?
Jason Mackey
12:50
Pretty sure he amended that. Plus, the dude lives hockey. I'm sorry. I just don't see him stepping away. And, if he did, I'm pretty sure he would wind up announcing, coaching or GM'ing somewhere. Loves it too much.
marshall
12:50
Jason, great work. Am I the only one who thinks R. Castro could possibly be the answer at 2nd base? He has some real maturity issues, but I think he could be a 3-4 WAR type player in the short term.  What you say?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I don't know, marshall. Honestly. It could go either way. I think he has that type of talent. I think "real maturity issues" is also strong. Does he have some growing up to do? Absolutely. There aren't many his age who can't stand to mature a little. But I think he's tremendously talented and could wind up being the answer there, sure. I like his bat.
Michael
12:51
What’s one either personal interaction or moment off the ice that made you go, “Man, Sid (Crosby) is a great dude”? Big fan of Sid here, obviously on the ice but a lot more off the ice and am curious as to some of your encounters with him in years past? Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:53
Well, I'm one of the few reporters in North America who has been to his house. Can say that. Ha. I'll give a personal one: It was after my dad passed. After a loss, room was basically empty. One of my first games back. Sid calls me over, says he was sorry to hear about my dad. Then started asking about my dad, our relationship. Spent a good 10 minutes telling Sid about how much my dad loved hockey. He didn't have to say a word, but went like 20 extra miles.
Jock Sutherland
12:53
Pirate question.    Where are Pirates in relation to where you would of thought they would be in rebuild when Shelton was hired.   Still on track.  A bit behind or way behind.  (Assuming a head of schedule is not going to be an option. )
Jason Mackey
12:54
Yeah, not ahead of schedule. I would say it's more full scale than I maybe thought or knew when he was hired. Might've been more than they thought or knew, honestly. But all things being equal, they're about on-par for a rebuild the scope of, say, the Orioles.
Sneakin Sally
12:54
Jason, Rober Palmer, Phish or Lee freaking Dorsey?
Jason Mackey
12:54
Oh, Phish. Easy.
Rich
12:54
Jason how long does it take to you write and average article once you sit down at the computer ?
Jason Mackey
12:55
It all depends on the type of story or what sort of creativity is flowing. I've written stories in 10 minutes before. But they're quickies. Bigger features could take a couple hours. Or days if they're very large. All depends on the topic and reporting that went into it.
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