Sportscaster Dan Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dan Lovallo
Sportscaster Dan Lovallo comments on sports, with an emphasis on baseball, football, basketball, hockey, golf and the sports media. sportscasterdan.substack.com
www.sportscasterdan.com
New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer pitched his second rehab assignment on his recovery from an oblique injury, Wednesday night, June 29, in Hartford, CT. Pitching for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Mets’ AA affiliate in the Eastern League, the future Hall of Fame pitcher hurled against the Hartford Yard Goats, AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.
As one of the Yard Goats’ broadcasters, I had a front row seat, watching Scherzer pitch. In this podcast, I talk about Scherzer’s performance and include his Q&A with the media, after he pitched.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
When MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred met the media last week, following the owners’ meeting in New York, he covered a wide range of topics. In the conversation he hinted that the days of the over shift on batters are numbered.
The fact is the shift defense on batters has been going on for decades. They shifted on Ted Williams. They shifted on Lou Boudreau. I could go on and on. But baseball believes the shift is taking away from the game’s excitement, so changes are on the horizon.
While surfing through You Tube one day, I happened upon a game between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox on June 11, 1968. And guess what Eddie Stanky, the White Sox manager did? Correct. He employed the shift too.
In this podcast, I include a couple of play-by-play clips from Yankees broadcaster Jerry Coleman and then comment on banning the shift at the minor league level.
I hope you enjoy the podcast and feel free to subscribe to my newsletter.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Don't blame golfer Phil Mickelson. Or for that matter, don't blame any other golfer who is jumping to LIV golf. There is a war on between The PGA Tour and other golfing entities and Sportscaster Dan talks about it in his latest episode.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
The first round of the NBA playoffs between the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets should have plenty of sizzle, as I explain in this latest episode. Plus, can the content creators take a chill pill and understand that MLB seasons are 162 games in length? I go off on that subject too. I hope you enjoy the podcast.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
South Carolina was the better team Sunday night, when they defeated the UConn Huskies, 64-49, in the NCAA Women's basketball title game. UConn, however, has nothing to be ashamed of. The Gamecocks were a reflection of their coach Dawn Staley, who has built the South Carolina program into a powerhouse. I explain all of this in the podcast.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Did the Buffalo Bills blow their NFL Divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs? You can make a strong case that they did, despite the dramatic comeback in the closing minutes of regulation play. In his podcast, Sportscaster Dan explains where the Bills blew it.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
I was dead wrong on my pick of the New England Patriots winning last week's game at Buffalo. Will the New York Giants be right on their pick for a new general manager? The Giants announced their selection on Jan. 21 and I weigh in on the hire. What will it mean? How important is it the new GM be all powerful? That and more is discussed on the podcast.
https://www.giants.com/news/giants-hire-joe-schoen-as-general-manager
When the New England Patriots play the Buffalo Bills in Saturday night's AFC wild card game, weather will once again prove to be a major factor. It's one of the reasons behind my pick of the game's outcome. Meteorologist Brad Field provides the forecast for the game. He and I host a weekly, weather podcast.
http://bradfieldweather.com/episodes/
Urban Meyer is out as coach of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. What about his contract status? He signed a five-year deal estimated at anywhere between $50 and $60 million. Now he gets the pink slip 13 games into the first year of his tenure. In this podcast, Sportscaster Dan speculates on the Meyer contract situation.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
The New England Patriots made a statement in the Monday night football game on Dec. 6. Ironically, it was supposed to be the Buffalo Bills, who were supposed to make the statement. However, the Pats, sans Tom Brady, turned in a performance that was heard loud and clear throughout the entire NFL. I break all of this down in the latest Sportscaster Dan podcast.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Brian Kelly did nothing wrong when he left Norte Dame to become the new football coach at LSU.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
The New York Giants fired offensive coordinator Jason Garrett on Nov. 23, following the Giants horrendous showing against the Tampa Bucs on Monday Night Football. However, Garrett is not the problem. In this podcast, I explain what the problem with this once, proud NFL franchise is. I also remember former MLB player and manager Bill Virdon.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
There are some changes in the Sportscaster Dan Podcast and I talk about them in this latest episode.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Have you noticed the two wild card races in Major League Baseball? Entering the final stretch of the season, both the American League and National League wild card races are up for grabs among several clubs. As I explain in this episode of The Sportscaster Dan podcast, the system may be flawed and in need of tweaking, but overall, the tight battles in both leagues, heading down the stretch, are what MLB intended in order to maintain interest in September. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Another NFL season has started and the MLB regular season still has another three weeks plus to go. If the post season is played to its fullest, Game 7 of the World Series will not be played until early November. This, of course, will lead to the usual talk of seasons overlapping too much. But actually, this conversation began 60 years ago.In 1961, baseball was still America's National Pastime but pro football was gaining ground. During one radio broadcast, as Yankees teammates Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris were trying to break Babe Ruth's single season home run record, Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster Red Barber, then a New York Yankees broadcaster, saw fit to talk about football and seasons overlapping, during a Sept. 10, 1961 Yankees game against the Cleveland Indians. His discourse is the subject of my latest Sportscaster Dan podcast, and the episode includes excerpts of Barber's commentary. Thank you for listening to the podcast. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
It has been quite some time since I recorded a podcast for The Sportscaster Dan Podcast, but here goes. In this episode, I discuss why Major League Baseball owners are suddenly advocates of a salary floor for big league ball clubs. Plus the college football season has arrived, and if you are a fan, like I am, then be prepared for what SiriusXM has to offer in the way of coverage. Thank you for listening to the podcast.SPORTSCASTER DAN Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Good morning, all!The 121st U.S. Open Golf Association's championship gets underway this morning and befitting the major tournament there will be near wall-to-wall television coverage on NBC, the Golf Channel and Peacock. In this podcast, I detail the television coverage times. Some other topics:As noted in my previous newsletter, here is the link to my podcast episode on the late Mel Allen, the "Voice of the Yankees." Interview with author Curt Smith.Jacob deGrom, the Mets hard-throwing right-hander was removed after three innings in last night's game against the Cubs with a sore shoulder. When he is healthy, deGrom is arguably the best pitcher in baseball. More and more, however, it appears health is becoming an issue for him.The Chicago White Sox now own the best record in baseball (43-25) after making a statement over the last three days, taking two of three from Tampa Bay, after dropping the first game of the series. The Rays are now 43-26.Enjoy the golf this weekend and expect numerous twists and turns. The U.S.G.A., governing body of this tournament, purposely positions the golf course - in this case Torrey Pines - to be difficult to make some of the golfers look like me, a weekend hacker. It won't matter. I can never relate to this extraordinary group, so I will sit back and admire them all.SPORTSCASTER DAN Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Baseball and hockey take note, Generation Z loves boxing. In a new survey published on the website Front Office Sports, boxing jumped ahead of baseball in preference among the Generation Z crowd, which encompasses ages 6-24. Meanwhile, hockey fell out of the top 10.What the survey also shows is Gen Z best consumes its sports content in bites and struggles to watch a sporting event from start to finish.In this podcast, I rundown the highlights from the survey and some of the efforts underway to attract Generation Z to sports. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Something is afoot in the world of sports. Earlier this week, in a 48 to 72 hour period, we learned of a move to form a super soccer league and money bonuses for the top golfers on the PGA Tour. In each instance, the move was not the result of any competitive outcome on the field of play.In this podcast, I sort it all out. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Everywhere you turn, it seems, betting on sporting events is being promoted. Turn on the YES Network before and during every Yankees game, and it is a sure bet you will be reminded of how you can bet on the game. And this is just the beginning. Wait until every state in the USA permits wagering on games.Therefore, it has been a tough four days for baseball, as two game-deciding calls were blown, even when the replay rule was employed. I sort all of this out on my latest podcast. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Just what baseball and golf needed, to take our minds off the politics that is now infiltrating sports; it was the perfect escape. Rather than sports being a diversion from the real world, especially during our pandemic, these days it seems the real world is seeping into the games people play. But not even the poison that has corrupted politics and is now seeping into sports could take away from the weekend that was. The performance of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani and golfer Jordan Spieth provided the perfect vaccine from a political landscape gone amok, as I described in my latest podcast. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Jim Bowden is a former major league general manager, who can now be seen on MLB-TV and read in The Athletic. With less than two weeks remaining in spring training, Bowden is proposing a whopper of a trade between the New York Yankees and the Colorado Rockies.In this podcast, I analyze the deal and why it just might work!Link to Bowden piece Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Major League Baseball is determined to speed up the game and add more variety. From making the bases bigger to robo-umpires to restricted infield defenses and plenty in between, the majors are exploring rules changes that could impact the game in future seasons.To that end, as I explain in the podcast, minor league baseball, now under the full control of MLB, will be implementing some rules changes at all levels this season, to decide whether the changes would work at the major league level.As we know, there is already precedent for this, now that MLB will once again begin extra inning games with a runner at second base and play two seven-inning games, when there is a doubleheader. The minors have used these rules for several seasons and MLB decided on using the rules in 2020 because of the Covid-19 shortened season. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Is MLB contemplating major rules changes? Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy writes that there are discussions designed to change the game to make it more appealing to a younger audience.As I point out in this podcast, what is being proposed is so off base it would not even require a decent pick off move to submerge the changes in the dust bin of recommendations. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Yes, I predicted the Kansas City Chiefs would defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV. I was wrong! Big time wrong! As I explain in the podcast, Tampa Bay, led by the magnetic Tom Brady, had the perfect game plan. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
The media, especially the Boston media, is having a field day because Tom Brady is going to another Super Bowl and Bill Belichick is not. I say, enough already. As I point out in the podcast, leave Bill Belichick alone. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Tom Brady has made a point. The Tampa Bay quarterback is now in another conference championship game, this time taking his Bucs to Green Bay to play the Packers for the NFC title on Sunday. It should be a classic matchup, Brady vs. Aaron Rodgers. In this podcast, I discuss Brady and the Bucs and why he and the Patriots had to part ways. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
There is no defense for how Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson coached his team's 2020 finale against the Washington Football Team Sunday night. In primetime, Pederson provided the optics that should disgust the league the way it disgusted those who follow and respect the game. In this episode of The Sportscaster Dan podcast, I opine how the NFL should handle the embarrassing display that was in full view on national television. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
The PGA Tour is prepared to play with or without spectators in 2021, according to Commissioner Jay Monahan. In a year end conference, Monahan stated the Tour could break even without spectators, while acknowledging some spectators could be allowed, when the tour resumes in January.What about baseball? The owners sent up a trial balloon earlier in the week about a reduced schedule in 2021, and the MLB Players Association quickly shot that down.These are among the topics I discuss in my latest Sportscaster Dan Podcast. I also look back at Dec. 18, 1968, including an interesting exercise regimen that was undertaken by then reigning U.S. Open Golf champion Lee Trevino. Be sure to subscribe to the Sportscaster Dan Podcast in your favorite podcast directory. And thank you. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
The baseball winter meetings are not what they used to be. That is the subject of my latest podcast. It is obvious that Covid-19 has changed the 2020 meetings, but I have to wonder if the dynamics of these meetings have changed forever. That is what I discuss in this episode. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
The National Basketball Association is hot. Do not believe what you are reading or hearing about "low" television ratings, etc. On Oct. 28 the Utah Jazz sold for $1.6 billion and internationally, the league's viewership for the finals was solid if not downright strong. I explain it all in my latest podcast. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Repeat after me. The NFL is not about to cancel its season, despite the latest developments, involving the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans.As I put this podcast together on Oct. 11, the Pats were forced to cancel their practice because of another Covid-19 positive case. It has also led to their game - which had been moved from Sunday to Monday - against the Denver Broncos to be postponed, again. Meanwhile, Tennessee, which had its game against Pittsburgh postponed last week because of Covid-19, had another positive test case, placing its latest game in doubt.But as I explain in this podcast, the NFL's 2020 season is not about to be given the boot. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
When the New York Yankees play the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division series next week at Petco Park, you can make a strong case that this rivalry is now bigger than the Yankees-Red Sox.In this podcast, I list the reasons why this rivalry has grown in stature and why the Rays are poised to go to deep into the playoffs during this "Fall Frenzy." Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Sunday's Steelers-Titans Week 4 NFL matchup has been postponed because of the spread of COVID-19. There is a chance the game will be rescheduled for next Monday or Tuesday. However, in my podcast, I explain why reports that the NFL's season is in jeopardy are unfounded.We heard similar stories at the start of MLB's truncated season, but from the NFL's perspective, there is too much at stake to cancel the season. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Ratings for Monday Night Football went through the roof on Sep. 21. The opener of the Las Vegas Raiders' new stadium was a hit, as ESPN carried the game across all of its platforms, including ABC. There was a reason ABC was on the list to carry the game, as I explain in this podcast. I also detail the numbers for the telecast, which resulted in a Raiders' victory over the New Orleans Saints. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
How safe is Ron Roenicke's job as manager of the Boston Red Sox? As the MLB regular season enters its final week, I speculate about the future of the Red Sox manager. There are other baseball executives who are on the hot seat, and I discuss that as well.And did you know how much Fox is willing to spend to keep the rights to the NFL? More than you might imagine and it is because you are paying for most of it. I explain how in the podcast. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
The New York Giants have started a new season, but as I explain in this podcast, they look like the same old Giants to me. In other words, expect another season with a losing record. This signature franchise in the NFL is a flop.Meanwhile, I talk about how NFL and MLB games on television without crowds, turns out to be well presented. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Are the Boston Red Sox tanking? Two Boston sportswriters made such accusations.As I state in the podcast, I'm not about to critique the sportswriters, but those are some major accusations, especially when you consider betting is about to play a major part of baseball games. That's right, fans betting on games and much more. So to use tanking and betting in the same phrase could be playing with fire. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com
Hello all. This marks the premiere of the Sportscaster Dan podcast. In conjunction with my newsletter, I will be producing a podcast on a regular basis, commenting on sports. There will be a particular emphasis on baseball, golf and sports media. I hope you will give it a listen. Your input will be welcomed. And, as always, thanks for your support. Subscribe at sportscasterdan.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sportscasterdan.com