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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 11.07.24
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Jason Mackey
11:42
Hey everyone. Welcome to my weekly sports chat. Thanks for stopping by. We'll get started shortly.
11:57
And away we go ...
Munkeefist
11:57
Do you think Jaylen Warren gets a shot at being the lead dog next year if he re-signs or are they more likely to bring someone in and keep him in his current role? Thanks for the chat.
Jason Mackey
11:58
I think he could, sure. Can't imagine why he wouldn't get a shot. At the same time, I think it's a bigger discussion. I'm not closing the door on Najee returning (though if I were him, I'd test the market). Would also think the Steelers bring someone else in if Najee leaves because there's not much else there.
Cullen
11:58
2024 executive of the year Matt Arnold was a finalist for the Pirates GM job in 2019 which eventually went to Cherington. Do you have any insight on why the Pirates chose Cherington vs the other candidates? I know hindsight is 20/20 but if Ben can't deliver a deep playoff run after a 5 year rebuild its going to sting that we didn't go with Arnold after all of his success...
Jason Mackey
11:59
Yep, thought the same thing when I saw that. Makes this group look even worse. They went with Cherington because they thought he had more experience. Had worked at more levels throughout baseball and seen more than Arnold. I won't disagree with that. But I think it's probably placing too much importance on that versus someone who knows how to do what the Pirates need well, if that makes sense.
Cullen
12:00
If the Cardinals do opt for a rebuild and make players available would there be anyone you would go after? It seems like they would only let aging vets on big deals go, but would a guy like Donovan be available?
Jason Mackey
12:00
I have a hard enough time keeping track of everyone locally -- Pens, Steelers, Pirates, Pitt, Penn State, etc. I can't speak for the Cardinals. Although I would think, if they do rebuild, there would be options for the Pirates there, no doubt. Just depends on if Mozeliak would trade in the division, I suppose. But I don't know enough about the Cards' situation.
Richy
12:02
The annual pirates dumpster dive has begun with Gray and Cabbage. Is there any hope they will sign a free agent or two of significance this off season?
Jason Mackey
12:03
I sure as heck hope so. They need do, especially at first base. One thing that I think could still be true, which is why they didn't fire Derek Shelton (as much as most seem to disagree with it): They think they're close and value the continuity. Well, if you think you're close, you're not going to change the manager, and you know you need to win more than 76 games, you darn well better sign a free agent or two of significance.
epiballo
12:03
Hey Jason! Thanks for the chats! Goaltending is the key to winning hockey. How much of Jarry's failures is his own play and how much is his defense leaving him out to dry? Do you see him regaining his form and how long of a leash will he be on when he returns?
Jason Mackey
12:05
Good afternoon! My pleasure, as always. I'll go 60/40. Tough to put a percentage on it, but it's definitely both. They need to be a lot better in front of him, but think about some of the softies Jarry let in, especially on the first shot. Can't happen. It's also legal for your goalie to make tougher saves when necessary. Do I think he's going to regain his form? Amazingly, and probably crazily, yes, I do. I think he's going to bounce back from this.
Bruce McLaren
12:05
Hey Jason! What's your take on the Mike Williams pickup? I was frankly disappointed, after much more productive receivers, such as Brand Aiyuk and Davante Adams, were earlier targets.
Jason Mackey
12:07
I get it, Bruce. Talked about this today on First 10, actually. I understand the frustration. At the same time, those are No. 1s. The Steelers have a No. 1 in George Pickens. We're probably talking about a different type of deal. I don't know worry about the similar skill set stuff. Pickens is more than a deep-ball threat. I also don't need Williams to catch 9-10 balls a game. I need him to be a legit No. 2, allowing the field to open a little for Van Jefferson & Calvin Austin III. I think Williams kinda got a raw deal in New York, and I'm curious to see what all Russell Wilson can bring out of him.
Gene
12:07
Do you think Bishops playing time is going to suffer with Sutton back?
Jason Mackey
12:07
I don't, Gene. I think they really like Beanie in the slot. Now, if he struggles Sunday might they go another direction, sure. I don't rule that out. But I don't think they're looking to go away from him. I see Sutton as more of a Swiss Army Knife at the moment. Unless, of course, there are injuries.
demosthenes98
12:08
As a Grateful Dead fan, what are your thoughts on the recently deceased Phil Lesh? (Kind of surprised no one asked you about this in last week's chant.)
Jason Mackey
12:10
I was, too. Listening to 9/25/76 right now, BTW. Gearing up for Sunday with all of my favorite D.C. shows. This one is incredible. ... I was such a Phil fan. One of my favorite things about the Dead is the weirdness they embody and being genuine, caring people. Phil was the epitome. First time I saw a DVD of them live, I couldn't believe how ridiculous the dude looked. They I learned about his classical background, his love of symphonic stuff, spacey jams and overall unique approach to the bass, it's what makes the Dead great. They're not trying to be like anyone else.
demosthenes98
12:10
You've mentioned a few times that you think college sports conference realignment will result in one nationwide football-only megaconference.  Have you considered expanding this into a column?  Maybe next month when the CFP bracket is set?
Jason Mackey
12:12
Maybe. But you're combining a few of my thoughts. I would like to see football secede from the NCAA union, so to speak. I'd like to see -- this is rough -- basically four big, big conference that are more geographical, then four smaller ones. Same deal. Bottom line, I think there's a better way they could be organizing this, and it starts with football being treated than other sports. Because it is.
PrinceBob
12:12
So once someone has shown you who they are what do you do? I get why there were "Fire Franklin" chants last Saturday from people wanting to get to the "next level" but there can't be a realistic chance that will happen can it? You can't dump a guy who's well on his way to a third consecutive season of at least ten wins, has his team in the top ten in the polls, and has a $56 buyout, can you?
Jason Mackey
12:13
Yeah, it's a tough one. Ultimately, you're right, probably not. You can write the best letter of recommendation ever. Ha. Which I did include. But they're kinda stuck. Need to win big games. Franklin has shown he can't. I don't have a great solution for that.
RS
12:13
Good morning, thank you for the chats. The Penguins blowing leads or giving up goals right after scoring one of their own is not a new development. Is this a reflection on the players, the style of play/coaching philosophy or something else?
Jason Mackey
12:14
I think it's a few things. It's not listening enough to the coach. That's part. It's not being responsible enough or adherent to the system. It's not getting good enough goaltending. I'm not sure we can boil it down to one thing, but I agree with you, it's not new.
PrinceBob
12:14
One of the arguments against college football playoffs and then against expanding them was that doing it would diminish the importance of the regular season and make football like basketball where there's really never a true "big game" because the loser of that game will still get into the tournament and play for the championship but in football the loser of a regular season big game likely won't get a chance to play for the championship. Do you think that's happened in football? Up until last year the loser of a game like Ohio State-Penn State would be in a tough spot in terms of playing for a championship but this year most everyone seems to think Penn State will be in as long as they win out.
Jason Mackey
12:15
I don't, honestly. I was at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. That was a pretty damn big game. The expanded CFP sure didn't diminish anything there. It changes the stakes, sure. But I think the benefit still outweighs what you're sacrificing. I just think once we get into the CFP, that's gonna be so fun that we're not going to question any of the process that led up to it.
greg patton
12:16
what options do the pens have to start a rebuild - they are obviously not going any place this year - also you do ever travel with Pens  they have a game in Columbus coming up - buy you a cold beverage if you do
Jason Mackey
12:17
I will be in Columbus. Bringing my family as a matter of fact. I'm doing a handful of Pens road games. Really looking forward to it, too. They don't have many options, Greg. Sadly. I don't know what, if anything, you could get for Karlsson or Jarry. At some point, perhaps you call it off with Crosby, Malkin & Letang. I don't see that happening. I think it's more likely at this point that they kinda just keep spinning their wheels and hope something goes right enough to get in.
Gene
12:17
How many players can an NFL team have on it’s practice squad and how much do they get paid?
Jason Mackey
12:18
Google tells me 16 and between $12,500 and $21,300 per week.
epiballo
12:18
Do you see Bob Nutting opening the purse strings just a little to sign a significant free agent or two? I, for one, am skeptical.
Jason Mackey
12:19
Yes, I do. But that's not saying he's going on a spending spree or anything. Just saying that I do think -- for reasons outlined above -- that you could see a halfway decent multi-year contract get done with a FA this offseason. Remember, they need to find a player who will commit to them, too. It's not a one-way street.
Gary
12:19
When will the Penguins admit failure and blow it up? New coach, new core, tank and rebuild?
Jason Mackey
12:20
We've been given no indication that it will be soon. But, if we get to the NHL trade deadline and they're awful, perhaps they reconsider. (I do agree with what you're implying; it's almost assuredly needed.) But think about this from their perspective: Why wouldn't they give it a try until then, see if they can figure it out, then make the tough decision? I don't see why they would make that decision on 11/7.
No way
12:20
I see on here and on social media free agents the Pirates should go after. Why on Earth would any even modestly good free agent with any sort of self respect wanna sign here given the garbage this owner pulled last year with Tellez ?
Jason Mackey
12:22
That situation was dumb, no doubt. And I'm not defending their behavior, please understand. But someone might come here because the Pirates offer regular playing time. They could also overpay like they did for Aroldis Chapman. Maybe someone feels like the Pirates have a chance to win. With Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Mitch Keller and Luis Ortiz atop the rotation, plus more on the way, I do think there's a case to be made. But they certainly didn't do themselves any favors with the Rowdy junk.
Punt
12:22
I thought last year Narduzzi was gonna get a decent punter. Junko is trash and only has the job because of Grandpa.
Jason Mackey
12:23
He was actually pretty solid early on. My concerns with Pitt right now also come nowhere near the punter. Offense needs to rediscover what it was doing earlier this season.
Terrible
12:23
Pitt doesn't win another game this year and doesn't win any next year. True or Overreaction ?
Jason Mackey
12:23
Overreaction. What's the point in even asking this?
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