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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 09.12.24
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Bo Knows
12:36
Jason, the scouts were all over the place in my evaluation coming out of the draft.  Everything from Drew Brees to Kent Graham.  Where do you stand?
Jason Mackey
12:36
I'm not sure I know, Bo. I'm just glad you didn't spend another 20 years in college to find out. (I'd probably go more Kent Graham than Drew Brees.)
Jeff M
12:36
Hi Jason, What is the logic of these bullpen games? Even if it is successful it puts you in a tough spot the next game. This team should have an arm you can call up for a spot start.
Jason Mackey
12:37
Well, calling up for a spot start means roster rules come into play. Bullpen games do not. You have 8-9 guys out there. IMO, you should be able to handle a bullpen game. One advantage is you hunt matchups the entire time, theoretically giving you advantages. For the Pirates, they make the six-man thing work, which is important.
Not shocked
12:37
Why should anybody be surprised that Ben and Derek will be back next year. They're good at enabling the con and that's what this is. A con. Run by the criminal that owns them
Jason Mackey
12:39
I understand people feel this way. I'd just say reserve judgement until Nutting says for sure that Shelton is coming back. Also, even if he does and they blow up the rest of his staff, is that the worst thing? I don't know. Many will tell me it is. But there's so much that goes into the processes. if you're going to change all of those, it could still work.
Wayward
12:39
Jason, I was going to say something nice about your recent work until you posted you WVU-Pitt prediction!  Seriously which do you think is more likely, Reynolds to RF or 1B?  Seems like a Clutch return takes away the DH as an option.
Jason Mackey
12:39
Sorry about that. What about Reynolds staying in LF? That would probably be the most likely option.
Bigger game
12:39
Which is the more bitter rivalry ? Pitt/WVU or Westminster/St Vincent ?
Jason Mackey
12:40
Oh, Westminster-Grove City. It's not close. Backyard Brawl could learn a thing or three from that one. :-)
Justin
12:40
It's a little early (and always pointless) to do theoretical offseasons, but let's just say the pirates find a way to, i dunno, sign a real RF (something like Teoscar Hernandez or Tyler ONeill), Trade for a real SS, bring back cutch, and sign a 1b that's even just a little better than Rowdy was supposed to be.  I know that sounds like a lot, but let's just be aggressive and assume that they could do all that.  Think that'd be "enough"?
Jason Mackey
12:41
SS isn't a big offseason need for me. I think that's probably IKF. But if they brought back Cutch, added another bat and improved the bullpen, I would be fine with that. Their rotation is good enough. OK with Nick G at 2B. Need to figure out Hayes. Reynolds & Cruz in the OF. Maybe an add or internal improvement at RF.
Gary
12:42
Hey Jason, quite awhile ago, a survey was taken to see if the good people of  the city and the Greater Pittsburgh area would be interested in having a NBA/WNBA team.  Have you heard anything about the results of that survey?  Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:42
I have not seen any results from this. I don't think they're public yet.
Bet on It
12:42
The White Sox will be competitive and in the playoffs before the Pirates. In fact the Pirates will never finish with a winning record again
Jason Mackey
12:42
I disagree.
Cujo
12:42
Jason, will Sunglass Bob finally take notice of this sad state of affairs if the canine contingent stops showing up on the dog days? Or at least howl in extreme displeasure.
Jason Mackey
12:43
I can't imagine Bob accepts what has happened this season as OK. If he does, we've got a problem. I do think it's fair at this point to let the season play out and see where they finish.
SBJ
12:43
Hi Jason, I was wondering if Coach Smith received a game ball after the Steelers’ victory against his former team.  Thank you.
Jason Mackey
12:43
I saw Arthur in the locker room but he wasn't holding a ball.
Basil
12:43
Jason, with the seemingly never ending trade negotiations with the 49ers regarding Aiyuk that ended unsuccessfully do you think the Steelers would still try to obtain him after the season or is the way the whole process and following result quell that possibility?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Nah, I think that ship has sailed. But you bring up a good point. They still have a need at WR. Could they try to address it later this season or next offseason? Absolutely. I just don't see it being with Aiyuk after how that ended. I think they got played.
12:45
Anyone have anything else? Through all the questions.
Seven
12:46
Jason, about the Pitt AD search, do you have anyone in mind?
Jason Mackey
12:47
I'm torn. Pat Bostick and EJ Borghetti would be two choices. Both of proud Pitt folks. Wouldn't leave. They'd care. They'd do it right. I'd also want some outside perspective. But I don't want someone to swoop in here for 3 years and leave. I'd also want someone with a plan for how to up Pitt's NIL/fundraising game.
The Khan Man
12:48
Jason, since I'm an honest type to contrast with my head coach, I have to agree that we got played like a violin.  He was never leaving SF for The Rivers Three.  I will learn from this and move forward. Thanks for listening.
Jason Mackey
12:48
It's unfortunate. We all lost a bunch of time & energy with that one. Whatever, they can find someone else.
TVC15
12:48
I would prefer to see a NCAA 8 team playoff with no byes for anyone. Are teams 9-12 anymore than cannon fodder? I guess 12 teams make more money but that is about it.
Jason Mackey
12:49
I have no issue with 12. Honestly, I'd 16 and have everyone play. I've always found the CFB season shorter than it should be when considering it's a step away from the 17-game NFL. People are gonna watch. Just wait until it rolls around. This is gonna be awesome.
Lainey
12:49
Hi Jason, could you please provide us with more about the background of the Steelers’ quarterback coach?  Have you talked to him about his philosophy?
Jason Mackey
12:52
I got nothing, Lainey. I'm sorry. I have yet to meet the man. I know he's big on fundamentals and details. Was around Peyton Manning in Indy. But I know that's not a terribly helpful answer. I do think this might be an interesting column to pursue. Thank you for the suggestion.
Seven
12:53
Any word about whether Lyke's Victory complex might be scaled back to save some money? While I support the Olympic sports, that complex always struck me as a little overboard considering that there is little financial return or widespread support for those sports.
Jason Mackey
12:53
Believe there's a meeting tomorrow to discuss. But, yeah, they're gonna have to, right? It just doesn't make sense. Fundraising is way short. Lot of college sports people will tell you right that it doesn't make a ton of sense to invest in facilities. Invest in athletes.
Seven
12:53
Favorite Kevin Costner baseball movie?
Jason Mackey
12:54
Bull Durham. Haven't even tried to watch Field of Dreams since my dad died in 2018. But I think I'd still take Bull Durham. My 5-year-old is obsessed with Major League right now, and it's the greatest thing ever.
Caitlin
12:54
Jason, after a few games to learn the ropes, I have fulfilled the expectations that were thrust upon me, no?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Oh, absolutely. Is that even a question?
Seven
12:55
It is my understanding that NIL fundraising is done outside of the athletic department. Obviously it has to work in conjunction with the athletic department, but how much control does an AD have over NIL policies and procedures?
Jason Mackey
12:55
I'm not an NIL expert by any stretch, but I think you have to work with groups who support and fund such things. Someone who pursues/allows/endorses/encourages it is likely what Pitt is after.
Heidi
12:55
Good afternoon Jason, like your chats.  I hope you and your peers are compensated when appearing on Bob Pompeani’s show and 93.7, The Fan.  I enjoy the discussions and opinions which aren’t always the same.  Thanks Jason.
Connecting…
Greg
 - 
2:18
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HI Jason,
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