Braves MLB's Best, Bar None? Ho-Hum NBA & NHL Free Agency, Harden's Next Stop? Lillard On The Move? Alcaraz/Djokovic's Quest To Wimbledon Final? NFL's Crackdown On Gambling
If it's early July, you know it's warm weather, cookouts and celebrating another holiday as I flex my independence as a producer and host of your favorite little podcast with all of the latest in the world of sports. On deck:
(3:03) As of this moment, there is no question that the best team in baseball from top to bottom are the Atlanta Braves. I'll explain in great detail as to why, even over organizations like the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros. I'll get into some of the key series that played out over the weekend (Marlins-Braves, Red Sox-Blue Jays, & Astros-Rangers, to name a few.) and peek at the series over the course of the Independence Day holiday.
(28:14) Free agency has begun in the both the NBA & NHL. First up, the Association. Not a lot of drama or intrigue with players changing addresses. In fact, quite a few players have stood pat with the teams they finished with last season (i.e. Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, Draymond Green, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Kyle Kuzma, Austin Reaves) among many others. The two big questions are where does James Harden end up as his departure from Philadelphia is forthcoming? And is there a destination for a one Damian Lillard (i.e. Miami, maybe?)considering his enormous contract and getting their worth for the perennial All-Star from Portland?
(42:22) As for what's transpired off the ice, there has been plenty of wheeling and dealing in the NHL, but to me, nothing to write home about. I'll get into what has taken place as of this point. How much I love the few tough guys in the sport (i.e. Milan Lucic, Ryan Reaves & Pat Maroon) getting free agent deals or in Maroon's case a trade? Plus, the Islanders re-up on goaltenders Ilya Sorokin, Semyon Varlamov & Scott Mayfield. Did these signings make them a lot better?
(47:53) Wimbledon has begun at the All England Club as the third major tennis tournament of the year has arrived. What will transpire on the women's side? Will Iga Swiatek continue her dominance? Will we have a better rematch between Carlos Alcarez-Novak Djokovic, but this time in a Final?
(54:47) The NFL has cracked down on a few players violating the leagues gambling policy. I'll share my thoughts on that. Plus, NFL fans rejoice. Training camps open up throughout the sport in a little over three weeks as I can certainly wait for another NFL season to commence.
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Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.