Will the New NFL Rule Kick Out the Kickers?
Fred, Art, and Laura Snoke debate the new NFL kickoff rules as teams are hurriedly trying to incorporate the changes and put them into practice for the upcoming season. Will the rules be an improvement or fall flat? How will the rookie quarterbacks fare, and are Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, and all of the class of ‘24 ready to lead? Can traditional sports media keep up with the juggernaut of the streamers? And how many trips to the podium will Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky make in Paris?
Decisions and Redemption
Fred, Art, and Mark prognosticate about politics, pitching, and penance. Will Mark Kelly be named the Democratic VP? How many pitchers can the Dodgers go through in one season and how will the Braves cope with the loss of their two top arms? Where is Dylan Cease going to call home after the trade deadline? Should Pete Rose, the subject of a new HBO documentary, be forgiven? And with the Summer Olympics set to begin in Paris, is Simone Biles ready to reclaim her gymnastics title?
Predictions for MLB Postseason Possibilities
Fred and Art forecast which MLB teams have a likely shot at the postseason now that the All-Star game has ushered in the second half of the season. Are the Phillies, with their powerful pitching staff led by Ranger Suárez, emerging as World Series contenders? Is Garrett Crochet a potential trade chip to help the struggling White Sox? Could Clayton Kershaw be available to pitch before the end of the season? And what advantages will Russell Westbrook bring with him in his move to Denver?
Player Safety Should Be Job One
Fred, Art, and Mark hope that ALS sufferer Steve Gleason’s appearance at the ESPYs and the NFL’s new safety measures are just the beginning of more precautions to reduce the number of traumatic head injuries across heavy-contact sports. What other steps should be taken? Do the Dodgers need to bring in yet another pitcher, with Clayton Kershaw still on the injured list? Is Aaron Nola the Phillies’ secret weapon to challenge the Dodgers for the NL pennant? And what special fan will cheer on Simone Biles at the Olympics?
Can the Dodgers Get Out of Their Pitching Predicament?
Fred, Art, and sports historian Matthew DiBiase are worried about the state of the Dodgers pitching staff, as injuries have made a serious dent in their rotation. After putting out big money for Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, many fear that isn’t enough to bring in the wins. Should LA acquire one more arm before the trade deadline? Is Caitlin Clark opening doors for bigger WNBA salaries? And after paying Jayson Tatum over $300 million, what is the price tag on the World Champ Celtics?
Aaron Rodgers Passes on the Jets’ Minicamp
Fred and Art wonder if Aaron Rodgers has decided to discount the team-first mentality required for success in the NFL. Rodgers skipped the New York Jets’ offseason minicamp, raising concerns about his commitment and foreshadowing his leadership style. Will this behavior affect team chemistry? Aaron Judge is the American League frontrunner for the MLB’s Most Valuable Player, but the field is much wider for the National League. Is Mike Trout in the running? And how could Elgin Baylor be excluded from the Laker’s Top Five all-time greats?
Is J.J. Redick the Answer to the Lakers’ Woes?
Fred, Art, and Mark are adopting a wait-and-see attitude with the new Laker head coach, J.J. Redick. Will his career as a player give the Lakers the boost they need? How much time will “Hard Knocks” devote to series regulars the Bears and Caleb Williams while also spotlighting the AFC North Division? Did Willie Mays return to Rickwood Field before he passed? And does Caitlin Clark have to wait for the 2028 Olympics in LA?
More Legends Lost
Fred, Art, and Fred’s cousin Andy Baran reflect on the passing of Jerry West and Bill Walton, recounting the impact these legends have had on the world of basketball. Is Mookie Betts better suited for the outfield or should the Dodgers keep him at shortstop? Where are Charles Barkley and Inside the NBA off to next? Who is conspicuously missing from the US Olympic basketball team? And which surprising rivals might join forces in a move few thought would ever happen?
Is Gambling in Sports Too Easy?
Fred (fighting a cold), Art, and Mark question the culture of gambling among athletes as the MLB has suspended four players for betting. Pete Rose’s punishment does not seem to be a deterrent as more gambling sites partner with professional teams. Can leagues enforce their no-wagering rules? Will D. Wayne Lukas have another win with Seize the Grey at the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga? Is Caitlin Clark getting fair treatment in the press? And who will emerge victorious in the Dodger-Yankee Bronx brawl?
Will the Transfer Portal Now Offer Frequent Flyer Miles?
Fred, Art, Mark, and sports historian Matthew DiBiase ponder how a judge’s ruling that allows unlimited trips through the transfer portal will change the face of college sports. What effect will this have on the $22 million UCLA has to distribute among the various revenue- and non-revenue-generating athletic programs? Did MLB umpire Angel Henandez retire or was he fired? How will Caleb Williams handle spending his rookie season with the Chicago Bears in the spotlight on HBO’s Hard Knocks? And does Mark Cuban see eye-to-eye with Kyrie Irving?