The summer heat has been intense over the past week. The same could be said when yours truly will turn the temperature up even higher as I delve into what the sports world has to offer on this latest edition of the podcast. On deck:
(4:18) Baseball picks up from where it left off before the All-Star Break as the 'second half' of the season begins. There were some interesting storylines with teams that we've kept an eye on, in particular, the Mariners laying a dud vs. the Astros after winning 14 in a row. The Astros gunning for the title of the best team in the sport? The Red Sox floundering. Can they be sellers at the trade deadline? The Orioles monster series vs. the Rays after losing 4 of 6 since their 10 game winning streak. The Phillies were embarrassed by the Cubs at home with the Braves looming in their next series. The Giants were a no show in LA as they were swept in four games. And then, there are the Mets. Any concern as they're slowly losing their grip on first place? Could they be in second place after their series against the Yankees? All of the above, plus the latest wild card races in the AL & NL as we inch closer to the dog days of August.
(31:54) Kyler Murray signs a huge extension with the Arizona Cardinals, to no one's surprise, but what about Lamar Jackson as the Ravens seem to be half-stepping on an extension with their former MVP? Will he get signed before the season begins? As for the college circuit, national champion coach, Kirby Smart of Georgia signs a 10 year/112 million dollar contract? Is that insane for a college coach? Also, where is Jimmy Garoppolo going now that Cleveland has inked both Josh Rosen and AJ McCarron to their roster?
(42:52) There was a blockbuster trade in the NHL as the Calgary Flames send Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers for Jonathan Huberdeau, players and a lottery protected first round pick in 2025. Does this make the Panthers a favorite in the East? Does Tkachuk change the culture of a team that won the President's Trophy last year?
(47:28) Are the Celtics really engaging in discussions for Kevin Durant? Why is this a possibility? I'll explain why I'm not in favor of bringing him onto the team. (CORRECTION: I mentioned that if a trade between the Nets and Celtics were to take place that the Celtics will give up their first round picks in 2025, '27 & '29. NOT '15, '17 & '19 like I mentioned. My apologies for the gaffe.)
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Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.