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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 11.14.24
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Jason Mackey
11:21
I don't think they want to, Timothy. I think this is something that had been discussed. I don't think they're itching to do anything. Though like I said previously, if this keeps going down a rotten path, then I don't see how they avoid them. But I wouldn't say in the near future, no.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
11:21
At what point do the Pens start selling off the assets to go into a full rebuild? I'm talking about everyone including Crosby as I would think he would not want to be a part of a rebuild in his limited number of years left. Do they wait to the trade deadline or start moving our high-end players sooner than later?
Jason Mackey
11:23
I'd at least wait until the trade deadline, at the absolute earliest. Maybe not even then. Maybe that's something you have to revisit in the offseason, once you know it's truly over. But again, shoot, if they're the worst team in the NHL at the deadline but those 3-4 guys are tradable, then absolutely I think it's reasonable to call it off. I just 1) Don't think it'll be immediate and 2) We'll know it when we get there.
James F
11:23
Jason, do you agree with what appears to be the consensus that my team is being overvalued in this new playoff system?
Jason Mackey
11:23
Yes. But I think you should be in the CFP, and I think you can win a game. As long as it's not for some reason against Ohio State.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
11:23
Do you think the Steelers need to give Fields a few series here and there to keep him engaged and to keep the opponent guessing? I also worry that Wilson may get hurt at some point this year and they need Fields to step in and step up.
Jason Mackey
11:24
At this point, honestly, no. And you're asking me if they NEED to do it. The offense has been very good with Russ. They don't NEED to change anything. Fields has also been getting practice reps and taking them seriously. If they did it would I have an issue? Of course not. A case could be made for it. But the offense has been among the best in the league since Russ took over. I'm also totally fine ensuring Fields stays healthy and not disrupting what Russ and Co. have been doing.
BC
11:24
Jason, did I really claim that my 2024 spending spree was productive? I know it's legal everywhere now, but I need to watch the inhalation.
Jason Mackey
11:27
A link to the quote would be appreciated. Lemme say this about Cherington: He has taken a lot of heat this offseason, and I get it. I'm not defending too much here, other than offering this point: They should have won 83-84 games. They underperformed on the field, due to poor fundamentals and managing (among other things, obviously). If they had won 83-84 games due to strong fundamentals and managing, etc., our opinion of Cherington would be different. In other words, I don't think it's all his fault. Now, that being said, the Pirates won 76 games in Year 5 of a rebuild/regime change. That isn't good enough. They also have obtained enough talent internationally, done a good enough job in player development or had the necessary success drafting. Ben is ultimately in charge of that and should be criticized when it doesn't go well.
Theodora
11:27
Safe travels Jason.  What are your thoughts about the Pirates’ new coaching hires?
Jason Mackey
11:28
Thanks, Theodora. Got this one above. We don't know much on Hague; it'll depend on how he gets through to players and changes the message. More is known on Strom, who I really like.
Travis
11:28
Jason, the average yinzer expected more from me under Sunglass Bob, correct?
Jason Mackey
11:30
Pirates truth: I think Travis Williams is mis-titled. He  should be labeled on the business side. His influence on baseball decisions is very minimal. I wish he was president of business operations and Cherington was president (or VP or whatever) of baseball ops. I think that was probably the plan with Ben coming here, but their stalled progress has made separating the two hard. Travis is the total opposite of Frank Coonelly, which was hugely involved in baseball. Almost too much. Travis isn't.
Rowdy
11:30
Jason, quick heads up that I'm cutting back some on the spending this holiday season, but you'll probably still get a card.
Jason Mackey
11:30
I heard I was four candy canes full of receiving my stocking. Don't know if there's any truth to that.
Tony G.
11:30
Hey Jason, in the event the Pens would fire Sullivan, are there any candidates you would like to see as his successor?
Jason Mackey
11:32
I'm not sure it matters, Tony. If they fired Sullivan, I would have to think it's either Kirk MacDonald (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton coach) or David Quinn. MacDonald has a history with Dubas and might be a better choice for ushering in a youth movement, which is what I think a Sullivan firing would trigger.
Wayward
11:32
Jason, putting your fan hat on (if you have one) is there any NHL teams that you admire the style they play and approach?
Jason Mackey
11:34
Hey, I have a Fan hat! OK, 93.7 The Fan but still. Just kidding. I don't know if I would say specific teams, although it's not hard to not enjoy watching speed and skill. I like teams that play to an identity. Scoring a ton. Leaning on speed. Maybe they're physical, finishing a bunch of checks. Perhaps excellent defense and goaltending. Teams that know what they are. It's one of the things that worries me about the Penguins -- they don't.
Minkah
11:34
Jason, to be completely honest with you, great safeties throughout the history of the world managed to make the occasional play, even if they were not being targeted. Your thoughts, if any?
Jason Mackey
11:35
I think both can be true. I get Minkah's last-line-of-defense argument. Most times, Terry McLaurin excluded, he has fit that description. I think the Steelers could be using him differently, too. More in the box, near the line of scrimmage, etc. Lastly, he makes a ton of money. I don't care about the first couple of things mentioned. At that number, I want splash plays. If he's not delivering those, I'm sorry, I can get someone to do the other stuff for a lot cheaper and re-appropriate those savings elsewhere.
Bern
11:35
You get to be GM for a day, what's the first thing you do with the Pens roster or coaching staff?
Jason Mackey
11:39
That's a tough one. If you say first thing, as much as I like him, I'd fire Sullivan. I don't want to say a total blow up -- though it would be on my mind -- until I see if they'll rally around someone new. Has happened a bunch throughout Penguins history. If it continue and they stink, I would admit it's over and rebuild, however you wanna define that. I'd give Sid the choice but trade anything else I could (and I'd expect Sid to want to win, and I sure wouldn't begrudge him for it). But I think they're just caught in between right now, which is a terrible place to be in pro sports.
Richy
11:39
A psychological analysis for team Pittsburgh …..schizophrenia ….Pens are in manic depression, pirates  are just plain depressing and the Steelers are hopefully providing a ray of optimism.  Dr. Mackey can you prescribe a cure so we can return to euphoria?
Jason Mackey
11:42
Thought for a second you were giving me a Jimi Hendrix reference. The Pirates might not suck next year. Just think about their pitching staff: Skenes, Jones, Keller, Ortiz, Falter, Oviedo, Burrows, Chandler, Harrington & Ashcraft. Ten names. That's pretty good. What if they could solve Bednar and Holderman and add to the bullpen? There are important pieces there. Bart was solid, Reynolds & Cruz are good, spend on a bat, get Hayes healthy, etc. They're not completely screwed.
Aces High
11:42
What if any affect will the small protest and billboards downtown have on the horrendously cheap ownership?? They are already the laughing stock of baseball. Any chance this provokes them to sign a real free agent in the off season. No not Soto.
Jason Mackey
11:43
I think the Pirates will spend about what they've spent the past two years in free agency, maybe a tough more. It's also not -- as I outlined above -- everything. I would sign off on $34 million if you told me they were going to get back requisite value. Or, geez, maybe even better value. Imagine that.
Cullen
11:43
With arb raises, Kellers $10m pay bump, etc how much do you reasonably expect the Pirates to spend this offseason in free agency?
Jason Mackey
11:44
They spent around $35 million last year. I'd think in a similar range. Can't imagine why they would spend less given the Skenes Window they have open.
KDUB
11:44
Does Pitt have a chance this Saturday?
Jason Mackey
11:45
I think so. Pitt has been due a bounce-back offensive game. They've gotten away from it, for a variety of reasons. I could see Holstein and Bell finally putting a solid performance together.
Cappie
11:45
I saw a thing on Facebook that says the Penguins are to be the least successful team in the NHL until 2028-29. I find that hard to believe. I know that the salary cap has been a challenge for them. How are they looking in the next 3 years or so salary wise and will we see a better product next year ?
Jason Mackey
11:46
We're talking about random prognostications from Facebook? Come on, now. Obviously I don't have a crystal ball or things of that nature, as Mike Tomlin might say. But I'd argue they're closer to being a worse product than a better one in 2025-26, in large part because I think they're probably closer to a full-on rebuild than they are contending for the playoffs.
Aces High
11:47
The Pens need a lottery pick. Any generational talents available in the next few years when they will be finishing near the bottom of the league?
Jason Mackey
11:49
Brampton (OHL) RW Porter Martone and Boston College C James Hagens are the top two picks in '25, at least as of now. I'll be honest. I have too much to track to know much about '26.
Olivia
11:49
Jason, was the shot I took at Saban off-the-cuff, or did Paul feed me that tidbit in advance?
Jason Mackey
11:49
Didn't see any of it, Liv. Sorry.
Mitch
11:49
Jason, does the ole' arm just give out some come August?
Jason Mackey
11:50
I don't think so. There were some solid starts in there, too. I think it's more just consistency over 162.
Steinbrenner
11:50
Mister Skenes and Reynolds are going to have to be clean shaven if they want to play for us next season. I know Mr. Nutting will insist on a trade this off-season. We are willing to make that transaction. Provided we only have to part with mediocre minor league prospects
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