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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 09.30.22
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Jason Mackey
11:56
Hello, everyone, and thanks for stopping by my weekly sports chat. A lot to cover. We'll get going here in a few minutes.
soggy
12:07
Always enjoy the chats Jason.  The Pirates could use another power bat in their lineup.  How about  they sign Aaron Judge to a 5 year $250MM contract??  Ok... realistically I think they need a power bat at 1B & a non dumpster dive SP this offseason.  Who would you think would be a good fit & be available via FA or Trade?
Jason Mackey
12:08
Thanks, soggy. Not sure I would hold my breath for Judge. However, I do think they will address 1B in a relatively meaningful way. It's been a black hole this season. It's actually a fairly easy spot to handle via free agency. I would not bother trading because I don't think you have to.
The truth
12:09
How are the Steelers going to survive the next 4 weeks after the Jets? This is murderers row. Bills, Bucs, Dolphins, Eagles?!
Jason Mackey
12:10
It's a really good question. Was talking about this with Carter on Wednesday, but I think the Jets game could be unfortunately be really big? What if they lose? Then with those four looming? My goodness. That's brutal. And not inspiring at all.
The truth
12:10
If we lose to the Jets...... right or wrong....... is there any chance Pickett starts against the Bills?
Jason Mackey
12:11
I would love to sit here and tell you yes, but I don't think so, at least from everything you hear coming out of UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Tomlin is very much doubling down on Mitch. I don't get it, but everything I've heard about the offense this season involves HCMT wanting to avoid playing Kenny Pickett if at all possible.
The truth
12:11
I actually thought the Matt Canada hire was good. Good lord, was I wrong....... he seems to have gotten the job based off his one good year at Pitt. How did the Steelers mangle this so bad? He looks like hes trying to run a University of Maryland offense.
Jason Mackey
12:12
Same. And, worse, they're sticking with him. Of all the play-callers and offensive minds out there, the Steelers wound up with this guy? My goodness. So many brutal things at play here. Boring offense. No sense for play-calling. Doesn't go over the middle. Not sure I see any of it getting any better.
Grover
12:12
Is Endy or Henry Davis the catcher of the future?
Jason Mackey
12:14
I'm not sure they know, Grover. And that's OK. I have a couple thoughts on this one. 1. Their catching depth is now pretty decent. You have Endy, Henry and Blake Sabol. That doesn't suck. 2. Could they one day rotate three while playing guys in other positions? Maybe. 3. Worried a little about Henry's offense while at the same time really encouraged by what I hear about Endy. Kid is legit. Some nice buzz about Sabol, too.
12:22
Folks, either there's a technical glitch or nobody is asking anything. Not sure which. But it's showing people in the room, with no questions coming across. If you asked something, or want to, fire away.
Grover
12:33
Have you asked the Pirates players about the low attendance for the most recent games and what their thoughts of playing in front of basically no one feels?
Jason Mackey
12:35
I have not, Grover. At the same time, I would not expect any of them to say much. Obviously they don't like it. They're also trying to do their job -- which is unfortunately to perform well enough to probably go somewhere else. What good would ripping the organization do? Might help me, but paints them as a malcontent.
Scott Stout
12:35
Who let the dogs out?
Jason Mackey
12:36
That's a very good question, Scott. You would think after two decades, someone would have figured that one out already.
Frank
12:36
Jason - if you were the Steelers head coach, what changes would you make offensively right now - players and coaches?
Jason Mackey
12:37
Hi Frank. I would start with three. 1. Fire Matt Canada, hire a young, up-and-coming play-caller. 2. Start Kenny Pickett over Mitch Trubisky. 3. Involve Jaylen Warren & George Pickens more in the offense. Obviously Warren needs to not fumble. I would absolutely be trying to get Pickens the ball more and allow the big man to make some plays. I still don't think they're doing that enough.
Coach O
12:37
Not running out routine ground balls on the 1%(maybe less) chance a major leaguer will boot it or throw wildly, I don’t like it but can live with it. But standing and gawking at a well hit ball that ends up hitting off the wall, why do managers put up with this? “ Hey, you ended up at second instead of third, that fly ball would have scored you. Don’t do it again.” Conversation over.
Jason Mackey
12:38
You're talking about Miguel Andujar, obviously. I get what you're saying. I also think you need to realize the length of the season and the dynamic between professional athletes and coaches. It's not Little League. Not sure that would be the hill to die on. Now, Hayes and the sunflower seeds? I would have sat him to send a message. But I think you need to pick your spot.
soggy
12:39
I'm not overly confident that the Steelers get by the Jets this weekend with a W.  Assuming they lose & the offense continues to sputter, do you see Tomlin taking on more responsibility for the O play calling moving forward.
Jason Mackey
12:40
I don't think so. Tomlin has been a defensive guy.  Maybe they change things with Matt Canada, but it's an interesting spot and situation given what Tomlin said this week. If it's the right move now, what happens if they lose Sunday? Does it suddenly become something different? And, if it doesn't, are you just gonna keep stinking with Canada and Co.? An interesting push of the chips into the middle of the table, for sure.
soggy
12:40
One last one... What's your prediction for the Pens & biggest surprise in season?
Jason Mackey
12:42
I like the Penguins to finish second or third in the Metro. Think either the Hurricanes or Rangers will win it. My surprise: A rookie -- either Sam Poulin, Valtteri Puustinen or even Nathan Legare -- will contribute in a meaningful way.
Grover
12:42
Was Chavis surprised he was let go or did he see it coming?
Jason Mackey
12:43
He was extremely surprised. And I don't think he was particularly happy about it. He didn't talk when we asked, but just my observation of his body language and such.
Retire21
12:48
Indians/Guardians the last 25 years is like Steelers/Browns only opposite. Same size markets. Why can’t we be Cleveland in baseball?
Jason Mackey
12:49
Boy, Pirates fans would make that trade, huh? Honestly, I think the Pirates' issues -- and certainly hard to generalize such a long period of  time -- are more slanted toward doing the small-market thing poorly than money. Yes, money is a thing. Can't say it's not. But when you either pick the wrong players or don't full develop them, you're gonna have problems. Cleveland has done a better of that than the Pirates.
Retire21
12:51
A Yankee friend says Andular? Will be a crazy pickup, No?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I really like the Andujar pickup. So do others. Will be interesting to see what he does the rest of the way. Was talking about him with someone the other night. Someone who knows him extremely well. "He definitely has the hit tool."
Dj
12:51
Why is Tomlin so stubborn? Also look at Melvin. Glad we got rid of him right. Especially with TJ out
Jason Mackey
12:52
I don't blame that all on Tomlin. Seems Ingram had a pretty darn high opinion of himself, and it made sense for the Steelers to rotate him as the third. I don't think he should have been playing over Watt or Highsmith, obviously. But he also shouldn't have signed here if he thought he was going to start.
PhillyJake
12:52
Just got here, hope this wasn't asked yet - who do you see getting a cup of coffee?
Jason Mackey
12:53
When do I see myself getting a cup of coffee? Very soon.
Paul
12:53
I see some hope for the pirates
Jason Mackey
12:53
That's good, Paul. I do, too.
MjB
12:53
Is it just me, but are we seeing a new group of Pirates who hit the ball hard, stand there and admire it, and then, take off realizing it is not a home run.  I don't like it, and neither does the opponent.
Jason Mackey
12:53
Ha. You're naive if you think this isn't happening around the game. It's not just the Pirates. It's also not a big deal, IMO.
Bill Peduto's beard
12:53
Jason, What's a realistic win total for the " alleged " professional baseball team in this market for '23, 75 ? Any less, why bother..
Jason Mackey
12:54
"Alleged" professional baseball team. Good one. I think 75 is reasonable, yes. I don't think they'll go .500, but they can't possibly suck this bad again. Fans won't tolerate it. I think they will do some stuff this offseason to stop that from happening.
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