Podcast appearances and mentions of jason mackey

Another labor job for Paul Skenes yesterday in a Pirates win. Poni feels like the public sentiment toward Skenes this year has become very personal and visceral. Is it deserved? Has it gotten as bad as Poni thinks? People are calling in saying he needs to change his diet and dump his girlfriend. Why might the turn be so rotten? The guys pointed out some comments Skenes has made over the course of the season on topics like the World Baseball Classic, the pending work stoppage and his overall performance. The Morning Show was ignored by Curt Schilling today. Calls about Paul Skenes. Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Is the Paul Skenes problem simply come down to a mechanical fix? Is Skenes pushing too hard since he knows things haven't gone well for him this season? The guys asked Jason about how much blame/credit Bill Murphy deserves, and he thinks it's a little bit too much on both sides. Jason thinks the most valid complaint from fans is Skenes being hard against the salary cap in baseball because that doesn't go over well with fans, especially in Pittsburgh. Jason thought the Pirates had a pretty good pitching program in place with Oscar Marin at the helm. The guys credited Andrew McCutchen for being an MVP that loved being part of Pittsburgh and with the Pirates, where as Skenes feels like a hired-gun or a mercenary. Why was Ben Cherington suggesting Skenes was having an ‘excellent' year?

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Is the Paul Skenes problem simply come down to a mechanical fix? Is Skenes pushing too hard since he knows things haven't gone well for him this season? The guys asked Jason about how much blame/credit Bill Murphy deserves, and he thinks it's a little bit too much on both sides. Jason thinks the most valid complaint from fans is Skenes being hard against the salary cap in baseball because that doesn't go over well with fans, especially in Pittsburgh. Jason thought the Pirates had a pretty good pitching program in place with Oscar Marin at the helm. The guys credited Andrew McCutchen for being an MVP that loved being part of Pittsburgh and with the Pirates, where as Skenes feels like a hired-gun or a mercenary. Why was Ben Cherington suggesting Skenes was having an ‘excellent' year?

If Paul Skenes pitches poorly and the Pirates lose, Jason thinks there's a chance he's shut down. Ben Cherington said Skenes has been excellent, and Skenes is still top 10 in pitcher WAR, but Jason doesn't think it's been a terrible season. Jason wishes Braxton Ashcraft would have had another complete game. Jason believes Konnor Griffin will be back when eligible on Sept. 4.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: If Paul Skenes pitches poorly and the Pirates lose, Jason Mackey thinks there's a chance he's shut down. He thinks it would be tough for the Pirates to keep Ben Cherington if they finish last. Could the Steelers trade Mason Rudolph? McCarthy said he knows what he has in Rudolph, and maybe that means he gets traded.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson discuss some players they would consider shutting down if the Pirates fall too far to recover for a playoff spot. Also, Pirates' broadcaster Neil Walker and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. August 18, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Hour 1: The guys react to Drew Allar's Steelers debut last night. Who will be the Steelers' starting QB in 2027 now? And Nick Farabaugh joins the show to break down yesterday's preseason game. Hour 2: Is it time for the Steelers to move on now from Mason Rudolph? Was Aaron Rodgers almost forced to play in last night's preseason game? Dom details his Acrisure Stadium experience yesterday with “Harry” Callas. And Dom says everyone is embarrassing themselves with their Drew Allar hype. Hour 3: Mark Kaboly joins the show in-studio for the full hour! Poni shares a crazy Kevin Costner story. Could Drew Allar start games for the Steelers this season? And are the Steelers trying to cleanse themselves of Mike Tomlin? Hour 4: Poni reveals a Ben Cherington rumor that someone texted him earlier today. Jason Mackey joins the show to go through the latest news with the Pirates and Paul Skenes. And are there too many movie remakes these days?

Hour 4: Poni reveals a Ben Cherington rumor that someone texted him earlier today. Jason Mackey joins the show to go through the latest news with the Pirates and Paul Skenes. And are there too many movie remakes these days?

Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani: Matt Clement wants the starting pitchers to taste meaningful games in August and September and be able to extend inning counts. Paul Skenes is not concerned about velocity and Jason would argue he does need more than 96 mph. Pirates insider Jason Mackey thinks taking Skenes out after 65 innings shows they think Skenes is fatigued.

Don Kelly said no one is healthy now and the players are grinding through things. Paul Skenes is not concerned about velocity and Jason would argue he does need more than 96 mph. Jason thinks taking Skenes out after 65 innings shows they think Skenes is fatigued. Jason doesn't think Skenes eases off at any time during the season or in the offseason with his strong training. He needs rest.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to address the latest issues surrounding the Pirates with the team on the brink of losing a chance at making the playoffs.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson discuss where former Steeler Ben Roethlisberger ranks all-time among the best QBs in the history of the NFL. Also, Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline. August 11, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Jason Mackey joins the show! Jason doesn't think this stretch will sink their season. Cruz is starting his rehab assignment tonight and Jason thinks he will back the later part of next week. Jason is more confident in the offense getting back on track at this point in time rather than the starting pitching. Jason says they have enough starting pitching to compete but the question remains the bullpen. If the offense and starting pitching can be better than bottom five in the league, they should still be in the race. Jason confirms that Henry Davis' name was mentioned in trade talks, but the team wasn't looking to unload him.

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Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason doesn't think that Marcell Ozuna will sign with another team. He believes the Pirates gave Ozuna plenty of chances to be in their lineup. Jason said Paul Skenes is NOT hurt. He thinks Skenes is training too much and needs to save some of himself for games. He thinks Skenes needs to throw a little bit harder and not throw his secondary pitches as much.

Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Matt Clement thinks the Marlins and Nationals are not a part of the wild card race after selling. Austin is going to his huge wiffleball tournament this weekend and his team has raised over $10,000 for Type 1 Diabetes. Jason doesn't think that Marcell Ozuna will sign with another team. He believes the Pirates gave Ozuna plenty of chances to be in their lineup. Jason said Paul Skenes is NOT hurt. He thinks Skenes is training too much and needs to save some of himself for games.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to react to the team's moves that were made at the MLB Trade Deadline on Monday with Adam Crowley.

In this hour, Adam Crowley continues talking to Matt Clement, and they discuss what they think could be causing SP Paul Skenes to have such an underwhelming season. Also, Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline. August 4, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Jason Mackey said that the Pirates are interested in Luke Weaver but imagines it would take a player like Murf Gray. He thinks Murf Gray would be the right move to trade for Weaver. Jason thinks for the right deal, the Pirates will trade anyone not named Seth Hernandez. The Penguins signed Tommy Novak to a three-year extension for $4.65 million per season. Should the Pirates pursue Robbie Ray??

Jason said that the Pirates are interested in Luke Weaver but imagines it would take a player like Murf Gray. He thinks Murf Gray would be the right move to trade for Weaver. Jason thinks for the right deal, the Pirates will trade anyone not named Seth Hernandez.  Jason doesn't see a package coming along where Hernandez is included in a deal. Sammy Stafura is becoming a headliner for a deal.

Hour 1: Chris and Donny are live at Casino Pittsburgh today! Why was Carmen Mlodzinski used in the Pirates' loss yesterday? Chris reveals he is the president of his HOA. And Jason Mackey joins the show to preview the Pirates' next moves before the deadline.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson to discuss how the team plans to approach making deals with the MLB Trade Deadline now less than a week away.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson share some stories about their experiences in and around NFL training camps with Steelers' camp beginning on Tuesday. Also, Pirates' broadcaster Neil Walker and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. July 28, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Did the front office push for Don Kelly to pull Bubba Chandler last night? The guys wanted to know the predetermined nature of decisions like the one made last night. Should we be concerned about Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn, who are both in the midst of a rough drought? Jason projects Spencer Horwitz to return ‘this weekend' and Oneil Cruz possibly in the next 2 weeks. Jason said the report of the Pirates not spending extra cash at the deadline is ‘baloney.' Jason doesn't think there will be a half measure taken this time around.

Bubba Chandler put together the best start of his career last night, but the Pirates were shutout by the Yankees in the second game of their doubleheader. The offense scoring 0 is a story, but not the big one. With Chandler cruising into the 7th inning, Don Kelly pulled him from Brandon Eisert. Predictably, the Yankees immediately scored twice to take a 2-0 lead (where the score would stay). Was it preplanned? Why can't the Pirates push aside the script if someone gives them reason to? The guys brought up times this year when a pitcher is pulled well ahead of when the team would like, so why not have the same energy now? The lack of feel has grown in the wrong direction. A tough call for the final out last night. The guys wanted to hear more heat from Don Kelly on the umpires, even in a game that was a shutout loss. Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Did the front office push for Don Kelly to pull Bubba Chandler last night? The guys wanted to know the predetermined nature of decisions like the one made last night. Should we be concerned about Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn, who are both in the midst of a rough drought? Jason projects Spencer Horwitz to return ‘this weekend' and Oneil Cruz possibly in the next 2 weeks. Jason said the report of the Pirates not spending extra cash at the deadline is ‘baloney.' Jason doesn't think there will be a half measure taken this time around.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson address a recent report that claims the Pirates are considering trading CF Oneil Cruz. Also, Pirates' broadcaster Neil Walker and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. July 21, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to address some recent rumors surrounding the team with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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?

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. 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

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.

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.