I am your host, Dave Ettinger, of CBS Sports Radio Network, and in today’s episode I yell at the New York Mets and break down the latest moves by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Category: MLB
DaveTalksSports Podcast – Episode 3: “There’s Always Something To Talk About.”
I’m your host, Dave Ettinger of CBS Sports Radio Network, and in today’s episode I take a stance on netting at MLB stadiums, provide NBA free agency news, and call for a MLB “Manager’s” job.
DaveTalksSports Podcast – Episode 2: “It’s Wednesday, Not Tuesday.”
Good morning everyone.
Check out Episode 2 of my new DaveTalksSports Podcast: “It’s Wednesday, Not Tuesday.”
I’m your host, Dave Ettinger of CBS Sports Radio Network, and in today’s episode I predict the future of NBA Free Agency and once again recognize the Yankees’ greatness!!
We’re Doin’ And We’re Dyin’ Over Heeeerrrreeee!!!!
Extra games. Extra innings. Extra FUN!!
That’s what the young MLB postseason has brought home from the toy store.
Starting with not one, but two, game 163s, both the National League West and Central divisions were decided in winner-take-all fashion Monday night. The winners, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers, were rewarded with an actual (five game) series. The losers, the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies, had the pleasure of enduring the stress of win-or-go-home Tuesday night. After an impressive 95-67 season, the Chicago Cubs had the displeasure of losing consecutive games, and will watch the postseason like the rest of us — from their couch.
A ruthless diatribe on the inane nature of the one-game-playoff (in MLB) will not be found here today, for one man can only belabor the same point so many times….
The Rockies, behind Kyle Freeland, the best pitcher you’ve never heard of, took down the Cubs 2-1 F/13. The Rockies now have the privilege of traveling to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers in the National League Division Series.
This series should be a good time, as the Rockies have won 10-of-their-last-12, and the Brewers have won 10-of-their-last-11.
But….that’s enough talk about the league that will inevitably finish in 2nd place….
Tonight, the 100-win New York Yankees will face-off against the bullpen-gaming Oakland Athletics. Man, what has happened to MLB?! It’s win-or-go-home at Yankee Stadium, as Luis Severino will take the bump for the pinstripes. For the Athletics, Liam Hendriks will get the “start”. I’m not saying this because I’m a Yankee fan, but if they can’t knock this clown around, they don’t deserve to play the Boston Red Sox.
I mean..I dare you to name 10 players on the Athletics’ roster….Oh no, take your time. I’ll wait….
Gary Sanchez, despite the uninformed public’s opinion, will be behind the plate (where he belongs). And the Yankees will waste a roster spot for this game by carrying three catchers.
We can dissect, debate, think, and rethink the potential outcome of this game until the cows come home. But at the end of the day, there’s no reason the Yankees should lose. And IF they figure out how to lose, don’t call the fire department….
Let the streets burn.
Score Prediction: Yankees 6, Athletics 3.
Boom!
Leave your incorrect predictions in the comment section below.
Take It Down A Notch New York!!
Hey, you!!
Don’t jump!!
Step down from the ledge and slowly..walk..away.
While New York’s MLB teams are having polar opposite seasons, both seem ready to hit the panic button….
The New York Yankees
The Yankees have the 3rd best record in MLB (63-35). They’re in the midst of a spectacular season, on pace to win 104 games, and head to the postseason for the one billionth time. However, Yankee fans, alongside local writers and talk show hosts, are leaning toward the panic button — again. That’s my cue….
Allow me to say the same thing I said when the Yankees were 9-9 (on April 20th):
Yes, I’m aware they’re 13-13 since June 22nd. Yes, I’m also aware they’re 6 games back of the Red Sox in the AL East. And YES, I’m aware if they don’t win the division they’ll have to settle for a (ridiculous) one-game playoff. But let’s stop pretending the Yankees are falling off a cliff. Offensively speaking, they either lead, or are in the top-five, of the following statistical categories:
Lead: home runs (162) and slugging percentage (.462)
Top-Five: runs (511), total bases (1555), r.b.i. (493), and on base percentage (.332)
And while everyone is freaking out, clamoring for a new starting pitcher, their pitching staff ranks in the top-five of the following categories:
Top-Five: e.r.a. (3.56), ks (977), saves (30), and runs allowed (382)
Now, I’m not saying everything is perfect. The Red Sox ARE 40 GAMES OVER .500 (71-31)!!!! And while I trust Luis Severino, and the Yankees, in a home, one-game playoff against the Seattle Mariners, ANYTHING can happen.
Have I mentioned how much I despise this wild card, playoff format?!
Hell, if Severino pitches like he did Monday night, the Yankees’ postseason will be over before it starts. Which brings me to Mr. Gary Sanchez, the laziest man in show business. The Yankees lost 7-6 to the Tampa Bay Rays Monday night. While Sanchez wasn’t the sole reason the Yankees lost, he certainly DID NOT help their cause:
http://www.espn.com/core/video/iframe?id=24178715&endcard=false
Gary, Gary, Gary….
Gary Sanchez is the most talented, offensive catcher in baseball. Despite his despicable .188 batting average this season, he’s in scoring position every time he steps in the batter’s box. However, effort, energy, and hustle are not things you’re born with. They are not predetermined. ANYONE can hustle!! So, for Gary Sanchez to lollygag after a baseball, that bounced off his own foot, down the 3rd baseline, and allow a runner to score from 2nd base, is inexcusable. For Gary Sanchez to not run out a ground out, because he THOUGHT the play was going to 2nd base, is reprehensible. Side Note: It did go to 2nd base. And he was still thrown out at 1st.
While the Yankees need Sanchez’s bat in the lineup, he MUST be benched for at least one game.
The moral of the story is the Yankees will be fine. It couldn’t hurt to add a starting pitcher along the lines of Chris Archer or J.A. Happ, but I won’t freak out if they stand pat.
**For those who read this far….THANK YOU!! This is also a friendly reminder that I am a rare breed of human. They call me an ‘Objective Yankee Fan’.**
Check back with DaveTalksSports.com tomorrow to catch me tie a pretty little bow around the ineptitude we call the New York Mets.
One Does Not Simply Tell Gregg Popovich What To Do
This has been a unique week….
How often do two top-five players, in different sports, get traded in the same week?!
Kawhi Leonard Gets Shipped North Of The Border
Ask, and you shall receive. The only thing is, you don’t always get exactly what you ask for. Despite being lauded as the NBA’s gold standard over the past two decades, the San Antonio Spurs and Kawhi Leonard grew out of love. In June, Leonard publicly requested a trade. Leonard’s destination wish-list was short: The Los Angeles Lakers.
As hard as it is to imagine Gregg Popovich laughing, he probably doubled over when he heard Leonard’s request.
Oh, you want to play in sunny California, for one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, in Popovich’s conference?!?! That’s cute. Instead, Leonard was banished to the Toronto Raptors for the final year of his contract. In return, the Spurs received DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a 2022 1st-round top-20 protected pick.
The Spurs won this trade — by a lot.
Yes, Leonard is better than DeRozan, so (assuming Leonard is a good soldier this year) the Raptors have a chance in the Eastern Conference. However, knowing Leonard wasn’t going to resign with the Spurs, and CLEARLY isn’t going to resign with the Raptors, the haul the Spurs got for their disgruntled (rental) superstar is astonishing. DeRozan is an all-star who’s under contract for three more years. And don’t sleep on the 22-year old, seven-footer (Poeltl). He’s the type of player Popovich turns into a 10 point, 8 rebound machine, providing depth in the frontcourt.
I’m Moving To Los Angeles!!
It’s good to be Manny Machado.
It’s not every day you start your day on the worst team in MLB (Baltimore Orioles), and end your day on a World Series contender (Los Angeles Dodgers). Also, the weather is slightly better in L.A. than Baltimore — last time I checked.
Like I said….it’s GOOD to be Manny Machado.
Just like Kawhi Leonard, Manny Machado is a top-five player in his respective sport. Just like Leonard, Machado is an expiring contract, and wasn’t expected to resign with his former team. And just like Leonard, Machado helped bring his former team quite the haul.
The Orioles received five prospects for Machado: outfielder Yusniel Diaz, right-handed pitchers Dean Kremer and Zach Pop, and infielders Rylan Bannon and Breyvic Valera.
Diaz is the prize here, as he was ranked #73 in Baseball Prospectus’ rankings prior to this season.
This deal makes sense for both sides. The Orioles read the tea leaves and did what they had to do, while the Dodgers immediately launched themselves into World Series contention.
And Machado seems to have adjusted nicely to his new home. He’s hitting a smooth .385 through his first three games. Yeah, he’s pretty good.
With just eight days remaining until the MLB trade deadline, stay up to date with every move on DaveTalksSports.com.
July — Don’t Knock It Until You Try It!!
You say these are the ‘dog days’ of Summer.
I say….you’re an idiot.
There’s A LOT going on in the world of sports:
Wimbledon, The World Cup, MLB’s All-Star Game/Home Run Derby, and The Open Championship.
Wimbledon
The Novak is back!!
After coming up empty-handed in his last eight Grand Slams, Novak Djokovic has reclaimed his spot amongst the games elite. His Wimbledon victory Sunday over Kevin Anderson marked Novak’s 13th Grand Slam Title, ranking 4th all-time. Maybe, he can finally put his personal issues in the rearview mirror and get back to not sucking at tennis….
While Serena Williams’ Wimbledon Finals appearance was impressive, she fell short of her 8th ‘All England Title’. Angelique Kerber dominated Serena in straight sets (6-3, 6-3), winning her 2nd Grand Slam Title.
World Cup
Vive La France!!
France is the 2018 World Cup Champion, winning their 2nd World Cup Title in 20 years. This leaves Spain, England, and Uruguay as the only World Cup champions without multiple titles. France capped off an exciting World Cup with an entertaining, dramatic 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Imagine being at the Eiffel Tower yesterday:
That must have been AWESOME!!!!
MLB All-Star Game/Home Run Derby
I have to be honest….I know I said there’s a lot going on in sports this week, but I’m not sure I could be LESS interested in MLB’s All-Star Festivities.
The All-Star Game is awful. Nobody tries. Pitchers make one inning appearances. The game has been known to end in a tie. And it’s not how I’d choose to spend three hours of my life.
But hey, somebody will be watching. Last year, while the All-Star Game grabbed 8.6 million viewers, it was not the most watched TV event that evening. America’s Got Talent was. Sad. Oh so sad.
The Home Run Derby is cool. I’ll put it on as background noise tonight, however, this year’s Derby is lacking the most important thing of all; Star Power.
The Open Championship
Allow me to preface this statement — with a statement:
My subconscious has NOTHING to do, in any way, with my rational, conscious thought process.
Sunday night, I dreamt that Tiger Woods won the 2018 Open Championship. For those who skim articles, I’m going to repeat myself. I don’t think there’s a snowball’s chance in hell that happens, but I dreamt it. Tiger Woods is a shell of himself. While he still moves the needle (inexplicably), he has literally NO CHANCE to win a Major. Not now. Not ever.
Have a nice day!
National League Mid-Season Report
We’ve saved the worst….for last.
Yesterday, we broke down the good half (American League). Today, we’ll get to the half that still (inexplicably) lets pitchers hit (National League)….
National League
Best Team – Arizona Diamondbacks
This was harder than it looks. Figuring out the best team in the National League is like ranking your favorite diseases. At 47-34, the Diamondbacks have the 2nd best record in the National League (Milwaukee Brewers: 47-33). While the Diamondbacks, and Paul Goldschmidt, had a May to forget (Goldschmidt hit .144 in May, and the team went 8-19), they’ve bounced back to the tune of 19-7 in June.
Robbie Ray is back. Zack Godley is pitching to his abilities (again). And the other Zack (Greinke) is 5-1 since May. While the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants are nipping at their heels, expect the Diamondbacks to win their 1st NL West Division Title since 2011.
Biggest Surprise – Milwaukee Brewers
I knew the Milwaukee Brewers were a good baseball team. I just didn’t know they’d be THIS good. To have the best record in the National League, with THIS pitching staff, is no small feat. If you can name the entire starting rotation for the Brewers, I’ll make your next car payment. I’m serious. GO ahead. I’ll wait….
Even ‘The Google’ doesn’t know.
The Brewers’ roster is filled with a long list of good players. No superstars. No CY Young Award candidates. Just good, do a little bit of everything, players. Only time will tell if they can hold off the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central Division.
MVP – Freddie Freeman
Until May 14th (my birthday), A.J. Pollock was running away with the NL MVP Award. And then he got hurt. Now, your guess is as good as mine….
While the aforementioned Paul Goldschmidt has turned his life around, he’s not the MVP. Freddie is. Freddie Freeman is having the best season of his career. He’s on pace for 31 home runs, 111 rbi, and 12 sbs with a .318 batting average.
Oh, and the Atlanta Braves are in 1st place in the NL East (45-34).
CY Young – Max Scherzer
As deserving as Jacob deGrom is of a CY Young Award, Max Scherzer is THAT much better than deGrom. If this was the ‘I Feel Really Badly For You Award’, deGrom would be the unanimous victor. However, Max Scherzer is the best pitcher in MLB.
Now, OPEN YOUR EARS AND LISTEN:
Max Scherzer has been the best pitcher in MLB for the past seven years.
Yes, I’m aware Clayton Kershaw has been in MLB for the past seven years as well. But I’m also aware that you can’t win baseball games from the trainer’s room. While Clayton Kershaw’s stuff is unparalleled, Max Scherzer’s durability makes him the best, most consistent pitcher in MLB.
Do you think I’m crazy?!?! Explain yourself in the comment section below….
American League Mid-Season Report
“Are we there yet?!”
No, but we’re about half way there….
As MLB teams approach the midway point of the season (no, the All-Star Game is not the midway point of the season), it’s time to get judgmental:
American League
Best Team – Houston Astros
While I wanted to write the Yankees in ⇑, they simply aren’t the best team in the American League. When push comes to shove, especially in the postseason, great pitching beats great hitting. While Dallas Keuchel has regressed BIG TIME, he’s still light years better than every other #5 starter on the planet. If, and when, the Yankees acquire a good starting pitcher, they’ll assuredly leap frog the Astros.
Biggest Surprise – Seattle Mariners
This is the biggest surprise in MLB this season. It’s not even close. The Mariners, despite losing arguably their best player, Robinson Cano (suspension), have the 4th best record in baseball (50-31). If you can name five players on the Mariners, I’ll give you a cookie. Go ahead….
I didn’t think so.
Behind the performances of Nelson Cruz (20 home runs), Dee Gordon (21 steals), Ryon Healy (15 home runs), Edwin Diaz (30 saves), and Mike Leake (8 wins), the Mariners are quietly having one of the more impressive seasons in MLB.
MVP – Mike Trout
While there are other worthy candidates for AL MVP (Mookie Betts and JD Martinez), Mike Trout is the best baseball player in the world. He has been for six years. Having played exactly half of the season, Trout is on pace for his most home runs in a season (46), to go along with 26 steals, while hitting .323. The man is not a man at all. He is a machine. An MVP machine.
CY Young – Luis Severino
Luis Severino is the best pitcher in the American League. I’m aware of Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Chris Sale’s accomplishments, but Severino is outperforming them all. With the most pitches of 99 m.p.h. or more in all of baseball, Severino’s stuff is electric. He’s also singlehandedly holding the Yankees’ pitching staff up with one hand, while throwing absolute, unhittable gas with the other.
Check back with DaveTalksSports tomorrow for your National League mid-season report!!
Bad New York, Bad!!
It was a forgettable weekend in New York.
The New York Mets’ losing ways CONTINUED, and the New York Yankees started a losing streak of their own.
Did one of the Mets’ disappointments sneeze on a Yankee?!
‘The Amazin’s’
The Mets continue to outdo themselves. I guess if you’re going to lose everyday, it would behoove you to find new and inventive ways to land in the loss column. Sunday afternoon was certainly new. The Mets gave up SEVEN SOLO HOME RUNS!!!! First of all, how is that even possible?? Second of all, how is that even possible?!
When the game started with back-to-back home runs by Enrique Hernandez and Max Muncy (who’s turning into a star by the way), the Metropolitans should have known it was going to be a long afternoon. Solo shots in the 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 11th innings would cap off a heart breaking 8-7 loss.
Check out all seven homers, including former Met, Justin Turner’s, decisive 11th inning blast:
Turner, ironically had the day off Sunday, but was brought off the bench in the 8th inning, only to put his former team out of their misery. The Mets have now lost six games in a row, and 13-of-14 at Citi Field. And to add insult to injury (literally), the Mets’ one bright spot this season, Brandon Nimmo, left the game in the 7th inning with a hand injury. Nimmo will have an MRI Monday on his right pinky finger, and the Mets are optimistic he’ll avoid a stint on the disabled list.
The Yankees Do Their Best Mets Impersonation
ONE MONTH.
It had been exactly one month since the Yankees lost consecutive games — and a series. Apparently, the 22nd and 23rd of the month are bad luck for the Yankees. They also went on to lose Sunday (7-6), marking their 1st three-game losing streak of the season. And to overuse the term adding insult to injury, the Yankees have seemingly lost Gary Sanchez to the disabled list as well. Sanchez strained his groin trying to beat out a double-play in the 10th inning.
Allow me stop Yankee fans from reaching for the panic button — again.
The Yankees are 50-25 on the season. And despite losing three games in a row, they still have the BEST RECORD IN MLB!! They’ll be fine.
Throughout a 162-game MLB season, teams will have offensive droughts. Players will get injured. And teams will doubt their general direction. The Yankees should do no such thing. Outside of (possibly) acquiring a good starting pitcher before the trade deadline, the Yankees should stand pat, and enjoy their winning ways.
Plus, nothing helps a struggling offense more than playing in Citizens Bank Park.
Are you a panicking Yankee fan?? Slap yourself in the face, and then explain yourself in the comment section below.
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