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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 09.12.24
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Russell
12:18
Jason, my impressive political skills will be put to the test if I don't get in the lineup soon, no?  I do have the ability to throw the ball over the sacred middle, if Coach T and the Fed Ex have not noticed. Didn't we just pay Muth decent cash to catch such passes?
Jason Mackey
12:19
I've watched you throw and work out. You don't look like someone who's ready for NFL action. Also, the job is to win. If Fields is doing that, I don't care about your feelings.
Munkeefist
12:19
Who are the biggest extension candidates on the Pirates this offseason and how likely would a Hayes trade be?
Jason Mackey
12:20
I can't see a Hayes trade. Not that another team wouldn't be interested, but they'd all want to see the medicals. And that ain't great. ... I'm not sure they have any, to be honest. Skenes and Cruz are two people are gonna want, but I don't see a deal getting done with either.
Coach T
12:20
Jason, when I say "to be completely honest with you" for the millionth time, does it have any real meaning since I'm on record as preferring to use my press conferences to spread absolute BS and outright falsehoods?
Jason Mackey
12:20
None in my book. You're a football coach. You're not paid to be honest. You're paid to win games.
62 Stack Monster
12:20
Jason, What is the Pirates' "standard"? Is it competitive baseball or is it profits? Applying semantics, the Chicago White Sox compete, ere go they are competitive.  Does Bob Nutting see the Pirates as competitive in this regard? It seems to me, that he is complacent with the team's continued presence as cellar dwelling residents.  Because of his indifference, the Pirates have no identity, other than cellar dwelling, wait till next year, have a bobblehead, watch the fireworks, and enjoy hot dogs (hold the bun), circus identity. What is the standard?
Jason Mackey
12:22
Yeah, I feel like this is a huge crossroads for the Pirates. I don't have an issue with what they did -- rebuilding. They weren't going to win in 2020-22. Wasn't the plan and never is for what they did. They got better in '23. I'll give them that. This year, they haven't. It's not good enough. If Nutting stays with it, yeah, I think you're accepting mediocrity, and that's not cool. But I do think it's possible Nutting sees what the Pirates have done and wants them to take another step -- which would mean firings given how things have fallen short.
Guest
12:22
Who's side of the Kendrick/Drake beef is the clubhouse on? How about Block?
Jason Mackey
12:22
I think the Block angle is more important than the clubhouse. I'll check in next time I see him.
Gene
12:22
What is the status on WR Wilson and if he is healthy can he contribute much.
Jason Mackey
12:23
He's been limited. Can't imagine he makes it back in time for Denver. But, yeah. If he's healthy, I think he can absolutely contribute. There's opportunity here. He's also a willing and able blocker. I'm eager to see that play out with the Steelers.
The Man Mulcahey
12:23
Jason, IKF has displayed enough issues defensively at short that there is no way he should be penciled in as the starting SS in 2025, correct? And being better than OC at short does not move the proverbial needle, IMHO. Your thoughts, if any?
Jason Mackey
12:23
I'd rather see IKF at shortstop. If he doesn't play short, who does? I'm fine with it.
KBH
12:23
Jason, is it time to perhaps get a second, third or fourth opinion on my chronic and apparently undiagnosable back issues? I mean Tiger Woods has had around ten microdiscectomies and still manages to hit it 295 (which is about 100 yards past Starkey's average poke, if anyone is interested).
Jason Mackey
12:24
Yeah, I mean, they've gotten those. Getting more opinions isn't the problem. Treating it has been the issue. It's why I've said I don't think Hayes will play again this year. Only way to fix what he has isn't surgery. It's rest.
Prince Bob
12:24
Did you have much reaction to the Heather Lyke firing? It surprised me because basketball is rebounding (pun semi intended) and football was good lately other than last year. Should Narduzzi be at all concerned about his job? Capel?
Jason Mackey
12:25
I've written a lot of much reaction, including today. I was stunned. Pitt better have a better idea. I guess I get Pitt wanting someone who's more NIL-forward, but I also think they're losing sight of what Pitt is -- it's not Ohio State and never will be. I think Heather did a lot of good things, and that should not be forgotten. ... I don't think so on either, unless the programs suddenly go down the tubes. But as long as they're winning and competitive, I can't imagine the new person suddenly gets eager to move on.
Prince Bob
12:25
When a major league player is unavailable temporarily, IL. personal leave, etc., and a minor leaguer is called up to fill the vacancy, does it set off a chain reaction of minor league call ups, i.e., AA to AAA, high A to AA, etc. or does someone just go short handed?
Jason Mackey
12:26
It varies. There are sometimes callups to cover. But rosters are also such that they have the depth to cover. I can't give you a blanket answer to that. It's certainly not a chai reaction every time.
Shelty
12:26
Jason, since I'll be back for Year 6 of the 5 Year Rebuild, can you suggest any You Tube videos on the bare basics of game management and baseball fundamentals that I can share with the squad for their use in the off-season?
Jason Mackey
12:26
Good one. As I said earlier, I'll believe it when Bob says it.
Prince Bob
12:27
I think it was on Monday that there was a PG story about how squeaking by Bowling Green could affect Penn State's post season prospects. Is there really any point to these sorts of articles at this time of year? If Penn State finishes unbeaten and wins the Big Ten they'll certainly be in the playoffs, probably with a bye, and no one will mention Bowling Green. Late in the season MAYBE it would matter and I can see why someone might write an article about Notre Dame's chances given that they actually lost a game where they were overwhelming favorites. Am I missing something?
Jason Mackey
12:27
Didn't see what you're talking about. I'm also not about to bash a coworker -- or anyone else in this business. But if a team struggles against Bowling Green in Week 2, maybe the concern becomes they're not good enough to make the CFP?
Sid
12:27
Jason, since I said that I expected to be back, then I will be back, yes? In other words, this is not at all similar to the Clint Hurdle situation, correct?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Correct. The Pens are on record saying they want Crosby around & to retire a Penguin. Different scenarios.
JF
12:28
Thanks for the chats Jason. I finally think I am comfortable with the over 74.5....thanks for all your reassurances LOL
Jason Mackey
12:28
I knew this one was coming. Glad I answered that question 72 times. :-)
Sunglass Bob
12:28
Jason, if we lose every remaining game, or God forbid, Rowdy takes the mound again, I can backtrack on giving BC and Shelty a 6th year to prove the validity of their 5-year plan, no?
Jason Mackey
12:29
Again, I'm not sure you approved it in the first place. If the Pirates lose out, man, committing to keeping Shelton looks very bad. Hence, why you wait.
Althea
12:29
Jason, if a team has around ten semi-viable to extremely questionable options at first base (e.g., Rowdy, Endy, Joey B, Steve Garvey, Brian Reynolds, etc.), does that not reflect poorly on the arrogant GM that cannot adequately fill one of the easiest positions on the diamond to fill given a generous 5-year timeframe?
Jason Mackey
12:30
There are plenty of things you can pluck to say Cherington hasn't done a great job thus far. Not sure 1B is where I'd go. They could maybe move Bart there next year. He could take to it and problem solved. Rowdy stunk for two months, then became himself again. Was that slump Ben's fault? I don't think so.
Adam in Boulder
12:30
1. Does Shelton's contract run through 2024 or 2025? 2. Does Cherington decide whether or not Shelton returns? 3. Do you think one or both or neither of them will return?
Jason Mackey
12:31
  1. The second one.
  2. He has input. It obviously goes above him as well.
  3. I think Ben returns & Shelton does not.
Peggy O
12:31
Jason, is my current defensive aptitude MLB-ready and we are just waiting to see if the bat ever comes around?  Or are there significant questions about my glove as well?
Jason Mackey
12:31
At second base, no. You've been good there. Not super in love with your work at SS, but at this point, I might give it a look just to see if maybe I'd rather bounce IKF.
Adam in Boulder
12:31
Who were your Post-Gazette heroes growing up, and what did you learn from them? Smizik, Cook, etc. And do you correspond with any of them in their retirement?
Jason Mackey
12:35
Yep. Smizik, Cook, Collier, Bouchette, Molinari, Dulac, Kovacevic, Madden, McMillan ... there are probably others. ... Have learned so much. Smizik: Being resolute in opinions, an area where I still need to grow. Cook: Going to things and being accountable for your work. Bouchette: Not giving a flying s&$@ what anyone thinks. Writing what you wanna write. Molinari: The sarcasm and ability to grab you with lines. Dejan and I are very similar when it comes to work ethic, obsession, what we put into this, etc. I could go on and on. But those folks are the greatest. Hell yes they're my idols. Coolest thing in the world to work alongside them & call them friends. Still talk to a vast majority of the aforementioned group.
Justin
12:35
Haven't had a chance to watch much buccos lately.  How has Oneil Cruz looked in CF?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Like a legit center fielder, honestly. Hasn't been perfect. Didn't expect it to be. But looks like they absolutely made the right move. The arm plays. Covers so much ground. Love it.
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Greg
 - 
2:18
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HI Jason,
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