Podcast appearances and mentions of jason mackey

Hour 4 with Jeff Hathhorn: Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. "I expect them to be aggressive" at the trade deadline. Ben Cherington said deals aren't getting done now. Jason doesn't think the Pirates have to shed payroll in order to add players. It's time to move on from Dennis Santana and he cannot pitch in later innings. Austin's team crushed Jeff and Mullsy for his team at The Open.

"I expect them to be aggressive" at the trade deadline. Ben Cherington said deals aren't getting done now. Jason doesn't think the Pirates have to shed payroll in order to add players. It's time to move on from Dennis Santana and he cannot pitch in later innings. Oneil Cruz's timeline has been pushed back. The Pirates need Endy Rodriguez back.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason does not think the Pirates would part with Seth Hernandez in a deal even if it involved Mason Miller. He doesn't think the Padres will move Miller. Which prospects would be on the table if the Pirates are buying at the deadline? Jason does not see a trade involving Oneil Cruz happening. Jason said he would trade Cruz for Miller straight up, but made it clear that it won't happen. Jason likes the idea of trading for multiple relievers instead of a big dog like Miller, which also wouldn't require the movement of their own stars. Jason thinks pretty much every prospect outside of Hernandez should be on the table. What would a potential extension for Esmerlyn Valdez look like? We reacted to a trade that was made during the call, which was the Pirates acquiring a former 1st round pick. Jason doesn't think the Pirates trade for a starting pitcher. A few other quick questions regarding the trade deadline.

Why is the idea of trading Oneil Cruz gaining steam? Is it fan driven or is it Fan driven? Is it all about one particular trade idea that could net them Mason Miller? People are loving Jake Mangum and think he can easily fill the void full-time. We don't get it. The Yankees reportedly ‘love' the idea of trading for Mason Miller. Isn't it fair to say every team would want him? Do the Pirates only need a guy that can get 3 outs? Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason does not think the Pirates would part with Seth Hernandez in a deal even if it involved Mason Miller. He doesn't think the Padres will move Miller. Which prospects would be on the table if the Pirates are buying at the deadline? Jason does not see a trade involving Oneil Cruz happening. Jason said he would trade Cruz for Miller straight up, but made it clear that it won't happen. Jason likes the idea of trading for multiple relievers instead of a big dog like Miller, which also wouldn't require the movement of their own stars. Jason thinks pretty much every prospect outside of Hernandez should be on the table. What would a potential extension for Esmerlyn Valdez look like? We reacted to a trade that was made during the call, which was the Pirates acquiring a former 1st round pick. Jason doesn't think the Pirates trade for a starting pitcher. A few other quick questions regarding the trade deadline.

Hour 4 with Jeff Hathhorn: Matt Clement's son Madden was drafted by Kansas City in the 15th round. Matt was lost in the draft this year with slot values and other places. Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Paul Skenes and Braxton Ashcraft are very good friends. They were both very frustrated that no one from the offense was named an All-Star. Paul Skenes is ok with the velocity being down and doesn't think it's hurting his pitching.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Paul Skenes and Braxton Ashcraft are very good friends. They were both very frustrated that no one from the offense was named an All-Star. Paul Skenes is ok with the velocity being down and doesn't think it's hurting his pitching. Skenes likes helping Jones, Ashcraft, and others, and is in a good place. Jason expects the Pirates to be very active at the deadline. 

Paul Skenes said that he did not want an All-Star break, as the Pirates are rolling right now. Poni and Mueller spend a minute listening to Limits catch strays from Pomp and Joe. Jason Mackey sat down with Paul Skenes at the All-Star Game, and Skenes called his first half of the season weird. Skenes graded his first half of the season a B. ALL ACCESS w/ Aditi – Aditi is a massive soccer fan, and just missed England's goal to make it 1-0 against Argentina. Aditi says that conspiracy theories are always possibilities when it regards Aaron Rodgers. Todd Haley said that the new Steelers WR duo of DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman can be like Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Aditi would rather have Lamar Jackson than Joe Burrow, much to the chagrin of Poni. Donny Football Debrief – CBS Sports made a list of the 5 best and worsts QB situations in the NFL. The Steelers were not in the bottom 5.

7-14 Fan Morning Show 9am Hour What is Neil Walker's go-to cookout meal? Neil says he is very simple: burgers and dogs. Neil gives the Pirates a B and 82% when grading their first half. The pitching brings the grade down a lot with their poor first half. Is it possible we see Seth Hernandez coming out of the bullpen in September? Neil says it is definitely possible even if the Pirates add bullpen arms at the deadline. Hopefully there is not a revolving door between the minors and MLB arms and the bullpen is steady when it comes down the stretch. Neil suggests having him throw in low leverage situations just to see what he has. Despite the USMNT not being in the World Cup anymore, the World Cup is still happening. France and Spain play today at Jerry World. Would you rather watch the World Cup or the MLB All-Star Game? Will anyone watch the All-Star Game tonight? Will Crowley ever drink a Long Island Iced Tea again? Jason did not see the woman call Paul Skenes a future Yankee to his face. Jason was with Braxton Ashcraft at the time. Jason says that it is problematic in many aspects of the sport, especially the media. It irritates Jason, a member of the media. Skenes talked about his dip in velocity. Did Skenes have any ideas why his velocity is down? Jason has indeed consumed a cheesesteak in Philly. Crowley is jealous of Dorin's muscles.

7-14 Fan Morning Show Full Show

Jason did not see the woman call Paul Skenes a future Yankee to his face. Jason was with Braxton Ashcraft at the time. Jason says that it is problematic in many aspects of the sport, especially the media. It irritates Jason, a member of the media. Skenes talked about his dip in velocity. Did Skenes have any ideas why his velocity is down? Jason has indeed consumed a cheesesteak in Philly.

Jason Mackey talked to Paul Skenes about his drop in velocity this year. Skenes said that in his tough outings, he has not been damaged on his fastball. He also said that he is healthy and still pitching at a high level. Mullsy argues that Skenes is not pitching as well as he did the last two years, and that velocity could be a reason for that. Poni thinks that Skenes has scoffed over people acting like he hasn't pitched well over the last month, which is kind of weird considering that he has not pitched well, at least for his own standards.

Jason Mackey talked to Paul Skenes about his drop in velocity this year. Skenes said that in his tough outings, he has not been damaged on his fastball. He also said that he is healthy and still pitching at a high level. Mullsy argues that Skenes is not pitching as well as he did the last two years, and that velocity could be a reason for that. Poni thinks that Skenes has scoffed over people acting like he hasn't pitched well over the last month, which is kind of weird considering that he has not pitched well, at least for his own standards. PG columnist Noah Hiles joined the show. Paul Skenes said that he does not think he could complete the 9-9-9 challenge, because games move too fast nowadays. Noah says that he has completed this challenge three separate times. Noah says that a salary cap would help the Pirates retain Paul Skenes, but it doesn't guarantee that he would stay. The Pirates need to offer him something non-money related that other teams can't. Noah can not envision Seth Hernandez joining the Pirates at any point this season, but would not say it is completely out of the realm of possibility. Noah thinks that Jacob Gonzalez will be the starting shortstop while Konnor Griffin is down. PM Team Tuesday Draft – Best Pirates' pitchers to make the all-star game.

Phone lines were stocked full of callers reacting to another disheartening Pirates loss, which had them dropping 2 of 3 in the series against the Braves. Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Mackey doesn't think Dennis Santana will get DFA'd tonight or tomorrow. He expects them to ‘ride it out a little bit longer' despite every performance being a dumpster fire. Don Kelly told reporters he wanted to make sure Mason Montgomery fresh for tomorrow instead of trying to close out the game today. Is Mitch Keller on thin ice after another bad start today? The guys tried figuring out what the usage of Carmen Mlodzinksi is and if it will ever make sense. How much fault goes on Kelly versus the team's front office when it comes to pitching decisions? Manager's Minute – What did Don Kelly say to the media after today's game?

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Mackey doesn't think Dennis Santana will get DFA'd tonight or tomorrow. He expects them to ‘ride it out a little bit longer' despite every performance being a dumpster fire. Don Kelly told reporters he wanted to make sure Mason Montgomery fresh for tomorrow instead of trying to close out the game today. Is Mitch Keller on thin ice after another bad start today? The guys tried figuring out what the usage of Carmen Mlodzinksi is and if it will ever make sense. How much fault goes on Kelly versus the team's front office when it comes to pitching decisions?

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Ryan O'Hearn had one of the best days in Pirates history. The run support changed how Paul Skenes pitched. He attacked the zone. Jason thinks Brandon Lowe might still have a chance at the ASG but it's not likely. Jason didn't understand why Carmen Mlodzinski pitched yesterday.

Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Baseball Hall of Fame Director of Communications Craig Muder joined the show. Ryan O'Hearn's helmet is being sent to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The Hall of Fame takes in 400 new artifacts a year! Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Ryan O'Hearn had one of the best days in Pirates history. The run support changed how Paul Skenes pitched.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson react to comments made by a national commentator about the potential Pirates' SS Konnor Griffin has to be the next face of MLB. Also, Pirates' broadcaster Neil Walker and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. July 7, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Jason Mackey joins the show! When will the Pirates cut ties with Marcel Ozuna? Mackey says that he is not being moved because who would want him? Jason says that Paul Skenes is trying to do too much. There seem to be too many pitches Skenes is trying to mix in, and he is trying to do too much off the field. He also does not think Skenes is hurt as it would be stupid to pitch him while he was injured. Skenes also has a different delivery since his first career start. Jason says that he is still not worried about Skenes. Jason says he thinks Skenes will be named to the All-Star Team based on name recognition but won't attend. Limits brings up a trade idea that Jason says is "on drugs".

The Pirates took down the Phillies 6-1 and split the series in Philadelphia. They sit at .500 after 88 games this season. They also now lead baseball in times sitting at .500 this season with 14. Poni thinks the turning point of today's game was the first inning when Jared Jones fell behind Trea Turner, the leadoff guy, 3-0 and ended up striking him out in front of Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. The Pirates still sit at .500 after they have lost Paul Skenes last 9 starts, which could be a good sign. Pirates Insider Jason Mackey joins the show. Jason says that his biggest takeaway from today's game is that Esmerlyn Valdez is for real. Mackey is a fan of Jared Triolo because of his defense, but also mentions that his OPS is above .800 his last 13 games. Jason says that he would be surprised if Skenes is still adamant about pitching to Henry Davis after his recent struggles. He thinks it makes sense to try something new. Jason thinks that Paul Skenes puts too much on his plate and cares too much about being a people pleaser. Mackey thinks that nobody on the internet is seeing anything with Skenes that the Pirates are not seeing. Manager's Minute: Don Kelly's postgame press conference.

Pirates Insider Jason Mackey joins the show. Jason says that his biggest takeaway from today's game is that Esmerlyn Valdez is for real. Mackey is a fan of Jared Triolo because of his defense, but also mentions that his OPS is above .800 his last 13 games. Jason says that he would be surprised if Skenes is still adamant about pitching to Henry Davis after his recent struggles. He thinks it makes sense to try something new. Jason thinks that Paul Skenes puts too much on his plate and cares too much about being a people pleaser. Mackey thinks that nobody on the internet is seeing anything with Skenes that the Pirates are not seeing.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson wonder how much the Penguins could spend on one free agent for it would be too high of a price. Also, Pirates' broadcaster Neil Walker and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. June 30, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Matt Clement thinks it would be 10 games under .500. It's a desperate time for the Pirates. Matt thinks when Konnor Griffin comes back, Jared Triolo is still going to be on the team. Bob just wants to see Henry Davis hit. Jason thinks Konnor Griffin could come back this weekend at PNC Park against the Reds. Oneil Cruz is still around 3-4 weeks out.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason thinks Konnor Griffin could come back this weekend at PNC Park against the Reds. Oneil Cruz is still around 3-4 weeks out. Braxton Ashcraft is fearless. Don Kelly and Bill Murphy had a long conversation with Mitch Keller and how he needed to throw more strikes.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to discuss the latest involving the team with fill-in host "Donny Football" Chedrick.

In this hour, fill-in host "Donny Football" Chedrick previews the upcoming series between the Pirates and the Seattle Mariners. Also, Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline. And was this jinx from a couple of years ago actually good for the Steelers? June 23, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Jason Mackey joins the show to talk about why the Pirates traded Joey Bart for Hunter Stratton, what Pittsburgh will do at the DH spot moving forward, what would have happened with Henry Davis if they hadn't found a trade partner for Bart, what the catching split will be with Davis and Endy Rodriguez, if Jason respects Jeff Passan, who the Pirates could target for trades, where things stand with Carmen Mlodzinski, and more!

Hour 4: Poni has a couple questions ahead of this weekend's Pirates-Rockies series. Are we about to see a soccer revolution in the United States? Jason Mackey joins the show to go through the latest Pirates news and rumors. And Dom names who he wants SportsNet Pittsburgh to hire as their next Penguins rinkside reporter.

A Wexford volunteer firefighter joins the broadcast to tell his incredible story. Callas and Crowley yell at Mackey for typing during the interview. Mackey teases a guest and Callas and Crowley keep guessing incorrectly. Another firefighter stops by to make a donation, and he was also the AD at Clairton when Tyler Boyd played for the Bears. Five players have been linked to the Pirates as trade candidates. Do the Pirates really need help at C and 1B? How can Ozuna find a rhythm if he isn't playing with any regularity? 

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to provide some updates on the injury to SS Konnor Griffin, as well as address many of the issues this team is currently experiencing right now with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson discuss which NFL WRs are currently available that might interest the Steelers. Also, Pirates' broadcaster and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. June 16, 2026, 9:00 Hour

A remarkable comeback last night at PNC Park as the Pirates beat the Dodgers, 9-8. Tyler Callihan was the unlikely hero, homering twice for his first two home runs in Major League Baseball. What did this mean for this team? It could be a game that turns the tide of their season. Poni shouted out the crowd last night that didn't leave with the Pirates down 6-1 in the 7th. Game Balls for PIT-LAD: Tyler Callihan, Spencer Horwitz, Bryan Reynolds. Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason reacted to a magical night at PNC Park. Do we see more playing time for Tyler Callihan after his huge night? Jason thinks we could be close to the end of the line for Marcell Ozuna, especially once the team gets healthy again. How can the Pirates become a better team with challenging balls and strikes? Jason discussed the Oneil Cruz injury and what his recovery looks like. Jason paused, but believes we will see Konnor Griffin before July 1st since he can still perform in some aspects of the game. Who are some bullpen options in Triple A right now? Poni told Jason he is tired of the piggyback schedule within the rotation. Are the Pirates going to take a look at Aroldis Chapman going into the trade deadline?

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: This date in sport history. Drafting the best Steelers backup quarterbacks of the 21st century:Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. When is Ben Cherington going to acquire a bullpen arm? No one has asked Paul Skenes why he doesn't throw 100 mph anymore and Jason doesn't care. Oneil Cruz has a hand injury and occured on Saturday. Konnor Griffin has an elbow forearm injury. 

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. When is Ben Cherington going to acquire a bullpen arm? No one has asked Paul Skenes why he doesn't throw 100 mph anymore and Jason doesn't care. Oneil Cruz has a hand injury and occured on Saturday. Konnor Griffin has an elbow forearm injury.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to address the recent struggles from SP Paul Skenes, and he previews the upcoming home series the team has against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson discuss which AFC North teams have the most certainty and which ones have the most questions going into the upcoming NFL season. Also, Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline. June 9, 2026, 9:00 Hour

There are no current talks with Oneil Cruz on a long-term extension. His value is skyrocketing. Cruz's power potential is large and his plate disciplate so much better. Baseball told everyone they're trying to command small market teams to spend $171 million. It would be a game changer if the salary cap and floor goes through. A lot of players are not aware of what's going on with the labor deal. People are on the owners' side.

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. There are no current talks with Oneil Cruz on a long-term extension. His value is skyrocketing. Cruz's power potential is large and his plate discipline so much better. Baseball told everyone they're trying to command small market teams to spend $171 million. People are on the owners' side. Are we in for a summer of great baseball? Doug Whaley thinks the Steelers could only get a third round pick for T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason told us Carmen Mlodzinski will pitch tonight and will ‘piggy-back' off Jared Jones, who starts tonight. What will his role look like out of the ‘pen? The guys wondered if the role of Wilber Dotel will grow since he's one of the few arms that has been consistently reliable. Jason mentioned Joey Bart as a trade piece the Pirates could have once he gets healthy. Jason has doubts if improving the bullpen from the outside is doable. Who are some other arms in the organization that could help the big league club? Are we at the end of the line with Dennis Santana?

Another blown game for the Buccos last night and this one could take the cake for the 2026 season. The Pirates led 8-3 in the 7th inning in Houston, and wound up losing 11-9. Paul Skenes couldn't get out of the 5th inning then multiple bullpen arms got rocked, including ones that were previously pretty reliable. Are the lights too bright for Don Kelly? How much is on Ben Cherington? How does the blame get divvied up with the Pirates bullpen blunders? Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason told us Carmen Mlodzinski will pitch tonight and will ‘piggy-back' off Jared Jones, who starts tonight. What will his role look like out of the ‘pen? The guys wondered if the role of Wilber Dotel will grow since he's one of the few arms that has been consistently reliable. Jason mentioned Joey Bart as a trade piece the Pirates could have once he gets healthy. Jason has doubts if improving the bullpen from the outside is doable. Who are some other arms in the organization that could help the big league club? Are we at the end of the line with Dennis Santana?

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to address the latest involving the Pirates with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson discuss whether or not the Cleveland Browns will decide to trade DE Myles Garrett before the season begins. Also, Pirates insider Jason Mackey and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. June 1, 2026, 8:00 Hour

Hour 1: Is it time for the Pirates to demote Bubba Chandler? A Pittsburgh media member has gotten into a feud with Fan producers. And Jason Mackey joins the show to discuss the Pirates' pitching plans.

Jason Mackey joins, and is baffled by Austin's question about Bubba Chandler. why did Ashcraft pitch into the seventh in a blowout win, and how good Horwitz has been lately.

Austin and Sean share their first autographs. The Pirates' offense has been good, and Spencer Horwitz has been extremely underrated. Jason Mackey joins, and is baffled by Austin's question about Bubba Chandler. why did Ashcraft pitch into the seventh in a blowout win, and how good Horwitz has been lately.

Geno is back! The Pens release indicates Letang will be back as well. Austin doesn't believe this was the decision of Kyle Dubas, but rather, the Hoffman family. A caller chimes in to support the move but notes the team isn't that close to contending. If the Pens bottom out, would Malkin benefit from being moved? Another caller wants Auston Matthews. A quick 6 pack. Pirates hammered the Cubs. Braxton Ashcraft could be an All-Star. Did he pitch too deep last night? How closely should they follow an innings limit? The General chimes in to offer his cards of the week - Malkin and Ashcraft. Mark Kaboly joins to discuss the different schedule with Mike McCarthy, which rookie has impressed the most, Drew Allar's reps, the offensive line alignment, Kaboly details Derrick Harmon driving a very small car, his thoughts on Malkin's return and a hockey tidbit, Dean Lowry's return, will Porter Jr or Herbig sign extensions. Matt Clement joins to discuss his big day with Butler baseball, Braxton Ashcraft's performance, Dennis Santana's outing, Bryan Reynolds' under-the-radar success, Henry Davis and if he'll continue to get chances. Matt Clement sticks around to talk about Ozuna, if the recent call-ups should be getting those ABs instead, if Chandler is making his final start in the rotation. could Carmen Mlodzinski thrive in the bullpen, how the Pirates will manage Jared Jones. Bailey Falter got DFA'd today, so we revisit that trade with the Royals, as well as check in on Ke'Bryan Hayes. A caller gives his ideal lineup construction. How concerning are Cruz's strikeouts? Austin and Sean share their first autographs. The Pirates' offense has been good, and Spencer Horwitz has been extremely underrated. Jason Mackey joins, and is baffled by Austin's question about Bubba Chandler. why did Ashcraft pitch into the seventh in a blowout win, and how good Horwitz has been lately.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson continue discussing what the Pirates could do to continue improving upon the bullpen, specifically when Jared Jones gets activated from the IL and moves back into the starting rotation. Also, Pirates' broadcaster Neil Walker and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. May 26, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to address the latest discussions involving the team with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

Logan Arblaster fills in for Austin Bechtold behind the glass for a Memorial Day edition of Pomp and Joe! Scintillating radio with Pomp as he covers several topics including the Pirates bullpen struggles so far. Jason Mackey and Matt Clement join as guests.

Pirates' insider, Jason Mackey, joins to give his insightful answers on pressing questions going with the Pirates right now

Jason Mackey joins the show to talk about Don Kelly's bullpen management, what reliever he trusts the most right now, if the Pirates made the right call optioning Isaac Mattson, if he's panicking about Pittsburgh right now, and more!