Reds, Giants, Marlins Making Waves In NL. Are The Mets Done? Kristaps To Boston/CP3 To Golden St: The Final Piece? Wemby/Bedard: This Generations Shaq/Lindros? Plus, Caribbean Vacation Vibes
I'm back in the New York and podcast groove as I have the first of two podcasts this week to close out the first half of 2023! What the sports world had to offer over the past seven days? Here's what's on deck:
(3:12) It's officially here, sports fans. I know NBA & NHL free agency is upon us. Even the NHL Draft with a potential generational star about to be selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in a one, Connor Bedard. Wimbledon is next week. Of course, there's baseball. But the time has come, we have reached this part of the sports calendar where we all dread. Welcome to the Sports Dead Zone, Part 2.
(5:41) Since there wasn't a regularly scheduled podcast this past Thursday, the reason being is because I visited the Caribbean over the past five days at Grand Cayman. I'll share what took place and give it a plug for those who are interested or have it on their radar but never actually made accommodations as a wonderful destination to unplug and relax.
(9:33) MLB is front and center as one of the only sports standing on a day to day basis. I'll get into Marcus Stroman's blister that he suffered during the London Series vs. the Cardinals (which I'll also discuss with the Mets & Phillies playing there next year) He is at or near the top of the rumor mill when it comes to the trade deadline. What this injury does to hinder his value? Commissioner Rob Manfred fessed up to not making the best decision to give the 2017 Houston Astros players immunity during the sign stealing scandal during that season. Why is this coming out now? I'll delve into the exciting, upstart Cincinnati Reds coming off of a 12 game winning streak. The Giants had a 10 game winning streak of their own. The Marlins continue to play well as star pitching prospect Eury Perez shines through a 21 inning scoreless streak. Then, you have the Mets after another rough week (losing 4 of 6 to the World Series finalists, Houston & Philadelphia) and how they found another brutal way to lose a game like they did to the Phillies yesterday. Tampa Bay is on a pace to win 108 games this year, but there have been a couple of hiccups this past week. (Wander Franco benched without All-Star production. Shane McClanahan leaves start with bad back) Aaron Judge's toe and return back in the lineup is uncertain. I'll have that and much more as I take a trip throughout the major leagues.
(32:26) The Association has been wheeling and dealing over the past week. Of course, I'll get into my thoughts on Victor Wembanyama, the #1 pick by the San Antonio Spurs and piggyback mildly on what I said during last weeks' podcast. The Celtics & Warriors made moves to secure potential final pieces to their championship puzzles. Kristaps Porzingis goes to Boston in a three way trade with Washington & Memphis. What are the keys for KP to take his game to the next level? Thoughts on Marcus Smart going to the Grizzlies in this deal as his nine year tenure in Boston concludes. As for Golden State? Chris Paul (aka CP3) goes from the Wizards to the Bay Area where Jordan Poole comes back East. Is Draymond Green's return forthcoming due to this move? I'll also discuss how the NBA Draft played out, with which top players are headed to after Wembanyama's selection by San Antonio.
(48:46) The NHL will have their draft with Round 1 Wednesday night, followed by Round 2 on Thursday. Connor Bedard is the one guy that everyone has their eyes on as the next big thing in the sport of hockey. The Blackhawks have that selection awaiting them two nights from now. How the parallels between he and the Spurs first pick in the NBA draft this year are similar to another big duo many moons ago (Shaquille O'Neal & Eric Lindros in 1992) who came in with tons of hoopla and hype, similar to these guys coming out this year.
(55:51) I'll wrap up with some NFL news regarding Tyreek Hill and his recent allegations regarding assault at a Miami Beach marina. And the untimely death of one time Steelers LB, Clark Haggans, who was part of a big play in Super Bowl XL which changed the complexion of not only the game, but possibly the outcome of the Seahawks chances to win in Detroit that year.
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Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.