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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 12.11.24
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Jason Mackey
11:27
Hey everyone. Thanks so much for finding my weekly sports chat. You know the drill. We'll get started shortly. Feel free to fire away now.
12:01
And away we go ...
Kevin
12:01
Is Horwitz an everyday first baseman? I think we may have overpaid for him but definitely an overpay if only a platoon player. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:02
Hi Kevin. I don't know. I would imagine/hope so given what they gave up to get him. I think it was too much, personally. I know there are some platoon splits in there, but I think they're probably prefer that he's in the lineup every day given some of the offensive numbers he'd produced in the minor leagues.
Ben
12:02
Jason, will my acquisition of Mr. Horwitz send a tsunami-generating shockwave throughout the sports landscape?
Jason Mackey
12:02
Um, no.
Ben
12:02
Horowitz? I’m not sure I would have traded Ortiz straight up for him. What do I know though? Being a lifelong Pirate fan is exhausting and it’s own punishment, that’s what I know. Your thoughts on this trade?
Jason Mackey
12:04
I don't love it. Why now? Feels rushed or forced. Also, I don't like trading starting pitching, especially a lot of it. Now, they have a hole in the rotation. I don't hate the player as much as I do the context around the trade.
Penny Kickett
12:04
Jason, will Coach T and I get together sometime before the game and reflect upon the significant moments we've shared along our life's journey?
Jason Mackey
12:04
I don't see that happening. And if it happens, I'll bet it's quick. But sure doesn't seem like Kenny would have any appetite for that sort of thing.
How many days until p/c report :)
12:05
Jason...Luis Ortiz for Spencer Horwitz...talk me down off the ledge.
Jason Mackey
12:05
I don't know what you're asking of me here. I gave my thoughts on the trade. I don't love it. I don't like what they gave up. I don't know why you make a move like this now. I would have rather they went out and signed someone. If you can't do that, what are we doing here?
Wayward
12:06
Jason, now that the Bucs have traded one of their starters do you think that is it as far as major leagues subtractions from the rotation?  If they make additional trades, will they be based upon minor league guys?
Jason Mackey
12:08
At this point, with this team, you never know. But, man. I don't see how you could have starting pitching as a strength, then dilute it by 40%. That's ridiculous. So, yeah. I would think/hope this is it among guys who contributed last year and were expected to be big parts in '25.
Hey yinz, have to jump off for 5 minutes to take a call. Hold please. Sorry.
12:13
OK, we're back ...
Belicheat
12:13
Jason, am I really interested in going Old School like Blue and possibly resurrecting Spygate to see whether it can flourish in the NIL landscape?
Jason Mackey
12:14
I can't see that. My own theory: Belichick is doing this because it gets him name out there, reminds GMs he's available. I don't see how he'd want the headache of coaching college right now, especially at North Carolina.
Bednar's Lat
12:14
Jason, any truth to the rumor that we've cut back on the IC Light in hopes of putting that ugly 2024 behind us?
Jason Mackey
12:15
Yeah, have heard Bednar has lost weight. I also don't think that was the issue. The velocity and movement on his fastball was great. The location was inconsistent. Don't see how weight would affect that.
Dallas
12:15
Why was Clint hurdle the Rockies representative at the draft lottery yesterday, and why hasn’t this organization embraced Clint more?
Jason Mackey
12:16
Clint works for the Rockies. He's been at several Rockies events. And, not sure. Would imagine some has to do with a new regime taking over, doing things an entirely different way. (Note: That's not an endorsement.) Also, I don't know how Clint feels about stuff considering he was fired. Not saying he harbors resentment. He more than likely does not. But as I said above, he already works for the Rockies. Not sure what else the Pirates could do.
PrinceBob
12:16
Thursday's come early this week, eh? I was a little surprised that you thought Penn State's game aginat Oregon was a better showing that it was against Ohio State even if another one touchdown loss. To me it looked pretty similar. I cannot think of any reason to go for two points when the score was 38-30. Deciding to play for the win rather than a tie is perfectly defensable but do it at 37. Missing that conversion forces them to go for two if they get another touchdown. Kicking the point at 30 leaves them an option if they get 37. What if at 37 they get the conversion but have it called back for holding? At 37 they can just kick the point. At 36 they have to go for two even if they're at the 13 yard line. They had four personal foul penalties if I remember correctly. For those of us who've followed Penn State football since the Rip Engle years that was very unPenn State like. The tackling was awful but that seems par for the course everywhere.
Jason Mackey
12:18
Yeah, I have a commitment in the middle of the day tomorrow. I'm sorry. I didn't understand the two-point attempt either, but I'm with you: I thought  it was a better showing than Ohio State. Against a better team, as well. You're down in the weeds quite a bit there. Bottom line, they needed more stops.
Jimmy F
12:18
Jason, we beat SMU in a squeaker, overcoming my typical, some would say Coach T-like, coaching absurdities, correct?
Jason Mackey
12:19
The Tomlin dislike never ceases to amaze. We're now wedging it into a question about James Franklin. Yeah, I think Penn State wins. I'm gonna say by two scores. I like their chances in the next round as well.
Gary
12:19
Hey Jason enjoy your columns. I have to respectfully disagree with you on bednar, I’ve seen many closers fall of cliff ,with following pirates since early 70,s. My question is Jason do you think modlinsk sorry I butchered spelling, is closer material thank you Jason sir
Jason Mackey
12:20
Thanks, Gary. Note: You're allowed to disagree with whatever you want, That's the nobody. Nobody will/should ever completely agree with me. Carmen Mlodzinski, FYI. And he could be, sure. But I don't think he's regular-closer material to start '25. I think it's more likely they could employee a committee approach, which would include Mlodzinski.
PrinceBob
12:20
Is there any point to conference championship games with the new playoff format aside from making truckloads of money? Do you think Penn State, for example, would be seeded differently had Ohio State beaten Michigan and played in the championship?
Jason Mackey
12:21
Maybe not, at least in that specific case. But you mentioned it: $$$. College football ain't gonna turn that down. I do see a benefit if there are two teams that are both good and the title game decides things. Not all bad.
The Nard
12:21
Jason, has the populace stopped chuckling about my characterizing a five-game losing streak campaign as successful? Did I mention that I've become a big fan of SMU?
Jason Mackey
12:22
Unfortunately, it seems the populace jumped off the train long ago. The GameAbove Sports Bowl? Gimme a break. Pitt should have declined the invite.
Guest
12:22
This pirates trade is pathetic. A 27 year old utility man with average stats for a starting pitcher and two high upside prospects? Does this organization have no shame?
Jason Mackey
12:23
You know the answer to the second one. And, yeah, I don't like the trade. I don't like trading young pitching. Maybe Horwitz works out, but I don't understand why they can't just sign an actual baseball player. You know, like the rest of the league.
Coach T
12:23
Jason, have you been watching how I chew on the scenery and steal the scenes from those less charismatic?
Jason Mackey
12:23
You have certainly been a featured part of Hard Knocks, my man. It's been so much Steelers and Mike T.
PrinceBob
12:23
I may well be remembering incorrectly but I think over the years when baseballs economic situation came up you said, as you did yesterday, that the solution is a salary cap and salary floor. Here's where I'm vague but it seems like you thought it would eventually happen. Yesterday you said you didn't see it happening. If I'm right and you have changed your opinion on this what made it happen?
Jason Mackey
12:24
I've always been pro cap and floor. Not sure I ever thought it would happen, but I did think at various points there was a chance. Remember, this is something that does come up from time to time with the luxury tax threshold and the debate. Remember a couple years ago when there was talk about a salary floor (which would also involve a cap)?
PrinceBob
12:24
If the Pirates do like they did last off season and spend about $30 million or so on free agnets how confident are you that they'll get a better return for that money than they did last year? I've never thought Cherrington was the guy who'd get them to the post season and don't see much that would change my mind.
Jason Mackey
12:25
Yeah, between that stuff, drafts and trades, the bankable evidence is not much. I'm worried they might not even spend $30 million, if we're talking about a trade for Spencer Horwitz to play first base on Dec. 11. That's frightening.
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