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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 09.02.22
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Jason Mackey
11:45
Hey, everyone, and welcome to my weekly chat. Thanks for stopping by. You know the drill. We'll get started in about 15 minutes.
12:02
OK, everyone, let's do this.
The Real TP Hunter
12:02
Jason, fantastic game last night and kudos to you and the PG staff for excellent coverage. So many big plays and big players, but perhaps the kid that most impressed me was the WV QB, Daniels. The guy is unshakeable and made big throws all night with Pitt players draped all over him. I think he is going to be the Mountaineers' Kenny Pickett this season. Can they win the Big 12 behind him?
Jason Mackey
12:04
Thanks, TP Hunter. Glad you enjoyed it. I was quite proud of the job we did as well. It's funny you mention that. Sat next to Zeise last night, and we said that a lot about Daniels -- this kid can play. I don't know about winning the Big 12, seems a bit lofty at this point, but I can see WVU having a solid season. Impressed with Daniels, Donaldson, Ford-Wheaton and a couple others.
The Real TP Hunter
12:04
Do you think there is any chance that the braintrusts at Pitt and WVU get together and figure out a way to fill in the gaps in the future schedules so the Brawl again becomes an annual event?
Jason Mackey
12:05
One would sure hope, right? Not looking at either's commitments here, but, I mean, if you were there last night, no matter which side you're on or what your interests are, how is that not played every year? I think it would make the schools some money. Ha.
Tom G
12:05
Any word from those involved in the Pirates Hall of Fame selection process as to why Dick Groat was not included in first group selected for induction?It seems such a shame considering his age and his contributions to Pittsburgh sports history.
Jason Mackey
12:07
I don't disagree, Tom. Not only Groat, ElRoy Face and Vernon Law, too. All 90-plus. World Series champs. Cy Young winner. One of the best relievers ever. On one side, I love the spirited debate. No matter what, someone was going to be left off. That said, I don't understand having such a large class AND leaving off these guys, as well as Barry Bonds. If you're gonna have 19, what's the difference between 19 and 23, including the guys we're talking about? I could also understand saying they're gonna start with 10 and expand out. If that's the case and they were omitted, it would make more sense.
Steelmike
12:08
Why have The Pirate coaches not been able to improve Key’s hit tool. He is consistently late and is lacking power. I have a tough time believing this is all the offense he can produce.
Jason Mackey
12:09
Coaches can only do so much for timing, Mike. I agree he has been late. That said, he also likes to drive the ball middle and the opposite way. So I think there's a measure of embracing that while also bringing out pull-side power. We also need to remember how young and inexperienced he is -- relatively speaking, of course. He's still less than 1,000 PA. I agree that it's not nothing, but he's also able to change and evolve, which I think was expected when he signed his deal.
Halvybuckets
12:10
Where does Neal Brown's decision to punt rank among Frost's onside kick and Narduzzi's 4th down call against PSU?
Jason Mackey
12:11
I think most would probably say Brown punting, but honestly, I thought Frost's decision was worse. Nebraska has lost a bunch of close games with him as coach. Could it be that maybe he's the issue?
Cullen
12:11
Endy Rodriguez is absolutely raking at AA Altoona, at what point does he start profiling as an everyday player vs super utility guy?
Jason Mackey
12:12
He really is. Wow. Endy has been dominant. ... Honestly, Cullen, now for me. I've never been wowed by Endy at C, although I'm saying he's bad there. I'm just saying that it's like I say, "Oh my gosh, we CAN'T move him." Given his offense, obviously they need to play him every day. But I'd almost like for them to pick somewhere -- maybe first, probably outfield -- and let him grow some there. Love the bat, though.
colin
12:13
why did they stop playing the backyard brawl? what made it come to an end? Also why isn't pitt scheduled with penn state? is it a money thing?
Jason Mackey
12:16
Oh, boy, Colin. You stepped on a landmine. No, seriously: There are myriad reasons. The breaking up of the Big East. In Penn State's case, probably a disregard, dislike of something of paper, where I don't think Paterno or any other Penn State coach has felt like playing Pitt benefits them. And I sort of get it based on the stature of that program. Remember, I went to Westminster. This isn't picking Pitt or Penn State. But I think both programs being super competitive hasn't always aligned. That said, they need to play. Pitt and WVU should play. It's sort of a money thing, but it's also a logistics/stupidity thing. Because what happened last night? As I said before, that'll bring in money.
Rex
12:16
Hey Jason-  Your read please, do you believe WVU was better than expected or was Pitt not the team we thought they were?
Jason Mackey
12:17
Couple things: One, I was impressed with WVU. I think the Mountaineers will be better than expected. Daniels looks solid. Gonna be fun to follow them in the Big 12. I also think Pitt is capable of more. They didn't run the ball particularly well. Slovis can be better with some decision-making. I didn't like how they defended some zone runs by WVU. Lot of things to clean up, as Pat Narduzzi and others said postgame.
The truth
12:17
Hammond looks like the next great Pitt RB. That guy can absolutely play. What do you think about him?
Jason Mackey
12:18
I had the same thought. I love the way he runs -- fearless. I hate running back timeshares. I'm not completely against them but always have some doubts over effectiveness. My hope is that someone would show they deserve to be the feature guy. I thought Hammond took those first steps last night.
The truth
12:18
Slovis was decent but largely unimpressive. Seemed to easily get rattled a few times. Do you think there’s a chance he will get replaced this year?
Jason Mackey
12:19
We're replacing a guy who completed two-thirds of his passes for 308 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers already? I'm not giving him the Heisman, but I think talking about benching him at this point might be a little harsh.
Ed
12:20
i liked the Pitt win last night but i thought the QB took too many bad sacks.... could we see Nick Patti if that continues ... Patti doesn't have the same arm but he can move
Jason Mackey
12:21
Just building off this ... it's his first game in this system. I agree he held onto the ball too long at times. A fair criticism all the way. But I think we need to remember that it was his first game, and WVU isn't terrible.
The Real TP Hunter
12:21
Thoughts on the Penquins re-upping Mike Sullivan for the next three years? It seems like the exact same roadmap that the Steelers used last year by signing Tomlin long-term before they needed to. Neither coach has distinguished himself in the postseason recently.
Jason Mackey
12:23
Although I don't quite understand the timing, I'm certainly not going to argue. I think the world of Sullivan. If they fired him, he'd have a job before he could finish smoking a cigar. They need to get out of the first round, obviously, but I have no issue retaining him and would argue that the reasons they've lost do not involve Sullivan whatsoever. Injuries, Jarry, etc. Closest might be the Islanders in 2019, but not sure Sullivan was imploring his players to be sloppy with the puck and allow odd-man rushes on the regular.
The Real TP Hunter
12:24
How would you compare the atmosphere at the Brawl last night to any other sporting event you have covered. As energetic as a Stanley Cup Final game?
Jason Mackey
12:25
It was awesome, obviously. Among the top-five I've seen for sure. I have a tough time saying it was above the Stanley Cup final, just because of the stakes of the SCF, but it wasn't that far off. I would put it above the three rounds up until the SCF, but have a tough time saying it was better or louder than Bridgestone Arena. That was nuts.
Steelmike
12:25
who should we be excited to see that is called up for the Bucs in September?
Jason Mackey
12:26
Well, for now, it's Johan Oviedo and Cal Mitchell. I'm curious to see Oviedo. They need pitching, and he would really help. I would also be looking forward to seeing Ji-hwan Bae, Travis Swaggerty and Cody Bolton.
John A
12:26
Good morning Jason! I realize we don’t have the best arms in MLB, but it is frustrating seeing how many times our staff falls apart. Is there any talk at all of going after an established, successful pitching coach to replace Oscar Marin? If we have average arms, it makes sense to really have the best coaching to get these guys to improving their performance. I know he is working with what he is given to develop, but I am not sure how really good he is at his job. Any insights?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Good morning, John. No chatter about Oscar or anyone else being gone at this point; however, I have a hard time understanding how they could lose 100 games for the second year in a row and think it's OK to bring everyone back. They also just hired Andy Haines. Maybe you say the results this year weren't good enough, but we're saying the pitching results have been ... going on year 4? I don't know. I don't think either guy has had enough to work with to get an accurate gauge, but I also think it looks like you don't care if you just stand pat.
The truth
12:28
Is Endy Rodriguez becoming the Pirates best prospect? He is apparently, according to experts and fans alike, extremely good
Jason Mackey
12:30
He's certainly one of them. I don't view the hierarchy of the rankings as firmly as others. In other words, if he's first or sixth, what's the difference? He's also not yet in Triple-A. Not trying to kill the kid. Just saying that they're rankings, not always reality. Eddy Yean was highly ranked. So was Hudson Head. Not sure we're considering them future building blocks at this point.
The truth
12:30
Another prominent Pittsburgh sports media member with the initials DK said that a big reason the pirates have not progressed is due to the losing culture and disconnect and lack of care from guys like Cherington and Williams. Do you find this to be true? Losing isn’t easy, but it’s harder whenever you don’t feel that you have support from the top.
Jason Mackey
12:33
I really don't like commenting on other media members' opinions. Dejan is allowed to say what he wants and write what he wants. I think the world of the job he's done around Pirates, and I've told him that. It's one of the reasons why I wanted to try -- because I thought he did such an amazing job. That said, I don't totally understand the context of a lack of support from those guys -- and again, we're starting a Pittsburgh media war here. Should the Pirates spend more? I think so. Are some things outside of their control (meaning Travis & Ben)? Yeah, I'd say. Do I think Travis should be more publicly available? Yes, I do. And I've written that. My opinion is that they knew they were going to lose. They knew they were going to tear it down to the studs and take it on the chin this year. And long-term, it was gonna work out. I don't know if it will or won't, but I'm just saying that the work of those two can't be it. And I don't think DK would've put it solely like that.
We are NOT starting a Pittsburgh media war. Would help if I could type.
DJ
12:33
Do you have any insight into why Swaggerty is not getting any run at the MLB level? He's seemed to be at least consistent for most of the years, and has great carrying tools in the speed and defense. I get sticking with Ben Gamel as a veteran who will literally run into the wall to make a catch, but now that it's September, it would seem to make sense to get looks at young guys. Mitchell is up, but whither Swaggerty?
Jason Mackey
12:34
I wish I did, DJ. I don't understand it either. He's on your 40. You're gonna need to decide this offseason if he's part of your plans, right? Wouldn't it be good to learn more now?
Poni
12:34
The Fan’s drop in ratings the last two months can’t be due to my infatuation with Kenny?
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