September 12, 2024 • 33 mins
On this week’s edition of Inside the (Rob) Parker, Rob discusses Aaron Judge's race to break his own American League home run record, why the NL and AL Cy Young award races don't seem as 'sexy' as they should this year and his biggest problem with people telling Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom they should take the rest of the season off. Plus, Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor swings by to discuss the club’s season thus far. Newsday columnist David Lennon swings by to discuss how Francisco Lindor could shake up the NL MVP race, whether or not the New York Yankees have enough pitching to make a World Series run and much more! Finally, we’ve got appearances by MLBBro.com managing editor JR Gamble and analytics guru Anthony Masterson.
Subscribe and download all of the latest Inside the Parker podcasts and follow Rob on Twitter!! #OddCouple
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
From the Berkshars to the sound from wherever you live
in MLB America. This is inside the Parker. You give
us twenty two minutes and we'll give you the scoop
on Major League Baseball. Now here's Baseball Hall of Fame
voter number seventy, Rob Parker.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome into the podcast. I'm your host, Rob Parker. What
a great show we have for you today. My goodness, gracious.
We have a Cleveland Guardians catcher Bow Nailer. He stops by,
Plus Dave Lennont he's the baseball columnist for Newsday in
New York.
Speaker 3 (00:42):
Plus foul Affair. Let's go.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
Better to lead off, it's getting robbed and keep them on.
Rob's hot take on the three biggest stories in Major
League Baseball.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Number one. Okay, I'll admit it. No way did I
think we would be here. When Aaron Judge had his
fifty first home run. I was convinced he was going
to break his American League record easily. He was hitting
home runs almost every other day. It was outrageous. And
(01:17):
coming into Thursday, he is now going fifteen one five
fifteen games without a home run, and I'm watching closely.
They're throwing the ball by him, all speed stuff, he
might not making contact. I mean he was so locked
in bat three point thirty three where he was I
(01:39):
had never seen a guy that locked in, and now
he's going ice.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Cold as far as the long ball, and this is baseball.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Everything has a way of kind of figuring itself out
and going back to aving. Nobody can master hitting or
hitting home runs. This game will bring you to your knees.
And that's what's happening to Judge. With the number of
games left, the number of home runs he needs, he
would need two or three home runs in one game
(02:08):
just to even have any chance of getting the sixty.
Speaker 3 (02:12):
Again. Before it looked like with just.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Needing nine to get there that it would be. It
would happen, and it's tough. That's why many guys haven't
hit sixty home runs or more and multiple seasons. But
it'll be interesting to see how Aaron Judge finishes. Can
he finish with a flurry. I'm gonna say no, it's
not gonna happen. This stretch is like the second longest
(02:35):
in his career, and I think the longest since twenty
nineteen or something like that. Like it's been that long
for him to go this long. At one point during
his hot streak, he was hitting a home run like
every seven at bats, seven or eight at bats, which
is just mind boggling. And now we've gone more than
(02:57):
two weeks without a long ball and Judge number two
MLB dot Com, they have it right. The cy Young
race is not as sexy as the MVP.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
It just it just isn't.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
First of all, in the National League you have Chris
Sale who has been tremendous all year. I don't think
there's any debate on him really winning it. And then
looking at the numbers, I guess people are trying to say, well,
the only thing you can look at is maybe the
Triple Crown numbers of pitching. Uh, you know where you
(03:41):
lead in three different categories and stuff. I just don't
think that that's the same as the MVP you have
In the American League, Aaron Judge, we believe that the
home runs, the RBIs the batting average. Bobby Wood Junior
has had a tremendous year. Any other year, Bobby Wood
Junior would be the MVP. But Aaron Judge, despite his
(04:03):
slump in the last couple of weeks, has put together
enough that I think he's gonna win the MVP, And
with sho hail Tani, there's still us watching because we
want to see if he gets to fifty to fifty.
If he gets to fifty to fifty, I just don't
see how it is anyway he won't win it. But
watching individual pitchers pitch once every five days compared to
(04:29):
hitters playing every day, all the different stats and information
that goes into an MVP, I just think, hands down,
the MVP race is always more exciting, more interesting, more fun.
And pitchers, you know, they're a big part of the game.
We respect what they do, but I don't think we
watched them as closely, and because they don't pitch every day,
(04:52):
I think that's what takes out the edge for fans
when it comes to MVP watching and Cy Young.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Watch number three.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
I don't think there's a debate, but some people are
making it a debate.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Should Jacob de Gram and Max Shirs are not not
pitch this season? The older pitchers injuries all over the place,
especially Shurs is older, and of course the Gram just
can't stay healthy, the talented pitcher. But some people are saying,
why would the Rangers bring them back to pitch in
(05:28):
the final, you know, three weeks, eighteen games or whatever,
that they should just take the rest of the year off,
rest all winner, and we'll see you in spring training.
Speaker 3 (05:39):
I disagree with that.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
I think if a guy is healthy, you should get
him back out there as soon as possible. You don't
want a guy to just sit a long time and
think it's going to be the same. Even if the
guy will get to go out there shurs Are or
de Gram and make two starts and just feel comfortable
about being back on the mound facing live hitters in
(06:02):
real game action, and then you have something if he
finishes strong, to look forward to in the offseason. Hay,
he had two good starts. Both of these guys. Next
year we can pencil them in. Maybe they can stay healthy,
and you can look at the Rangers and say, you
know what, with these two guys added to their rotation,
they're gonna get back into the playoffs and have another
(06:23):
shot at a World Series.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Here comes the big interview. Listen and learn. It's so good.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Now let's welcome in Bow Naylor, of course catcher with
the Cleveland Guardians here on inside the Parker Bow.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
How are you, thanks?
Speaker 4 (06:41):
For joining us then really, well, I appreciate you having
me over here, no doubt.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
Let's talk about the Guardians and your journey. You guys
were in first place by yourself since April fourteenth, and
then those pesky Royals tied you put you guys weather
the storm. What was that like, you know, losing three
out of four at home and actually being tied for first.
Speaker 4 (07:02):
I mean, I feel like, you know, kind of having
the the whole season in perspective, it was just a
moment in time. You know, we'd understand the work that
we've done to get there, to really put us in
that in that great spot, and we didn't let that
series or anything a part of that kind of take
away from the work that we've done.
Speaker 5 (07:21):
So you know, I feel like we just.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
Kind of had it in the back of our minds
that you know, sure it sucks, you know, obviously don't
want to lose, but you know, it just the way
the game goes. Baseball's baseball, and you know, I've been
saying as a recent that you know, it's really competitive
right now, so you know, you just tip your cap
off to some good baseball games and you know, just
continue to work to try to get on the good
side of it.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
And then you guys went to Kansas City, where it
could have been really disaster, go on the road after
not playing well at home and you went to a
out of three day.
Speaker 5 (07:51):
What'd that say about your ball club?
Speaker 4 (07:53):
Uh? Yeah, I mean I think it really just said
a lot that you know, we're not here to hit
panic buttons.
Speaker 5 (07:59):
You know, we have our head on our shoulders.
Speaker 4 (08:02):
You know, we understand our goal here at the end,
and that's obviously the winner World Series, and you know,
always having that in perspective, you know, really just going
into the to the park one day at a time,
understanding that, you know, when we can have our mindset
on the day and winning one day at a time,
you know by the end of it, we're going to
be in a really good spot. So just you know,
going there with a good head on our shoulders.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
And the division really got competitive. Obviously, we know about
the Twins. They made the playoffs last year. Kansas City
lost over one hundred games last year and look where
they are. Are you surprised at how the competitive and
the Tigers are actually playing really good baseball too?
Speaker 5 (08:41):
Yeah, of course, I mean.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
To answer your question, I'm not surprised at all, you know,
of you know, seeing the talent that's kind of come
up over the last few years, and I feel like
it was just a matter of time before, you know,
kind of things started turning around. So, you know, really
happy for the division showing out and you know, being
at the top of the competitive scale in the game.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
Our guest is both nailor of course Catcher with the
Cleveland Guardians joining us on inside the parker, Let's talk
about your pitching. How you guys have been able to
hold us together? No Shane Bieber, No Tristan McKenzie. I mean, seriously,
most teams would collapse under that, and I know other
guys have been hurt as well, But those two guys,
how how have you been able to make this work?
Speaker 4 (09:21):
I think it really just comes out to you know,
the guys that you know understand or understood that there
is an opportunity presented to be able to kind of
step up and you know, be the guys to really
help this team. I think it is really evident to
see the type of change in adjustments that the offensive
side had taken, you know, from previous years to now
(09:41):
to to really put a lot of runs on the board.
Speaker 5 (09:43):
So you know, I think that the.
Speaker 4 (09:45):
Pitches that we we've had through the course of this
year have understood that, you know, if they could put
us in a good chance, in a good spot to
win and you know, give us quality starts and just
continue to try to be as consistent as possible.
Speaker 5 (09:56):
You know, everything's gonna work out together.
Speaker 4 (09:58):
So I really I feel like, you know, with the
unfortunate situation for losing some you know, some guys early
and then just kind of you know, some some tough
moments earlier in the year, I think the spotlights to
just be on the guys that kind of stepped up
and you know, came up and really understood that they
could help us win ball games and you know, getting
(10:18):
that job done.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
How about Tristan in his last start and triple A
had eleven strikeouts picture for Columbus. Is that a sign
maybe you know he's got his act righted down there?
Speaker 4 (10:31):
Yeah, I mean I feel like that's that's a great sign.
You know, that's something that you know, you you take
and run with, you know, to be able to tell
that you know, things are starting to trend in the
right direction.
Speaker 5 (10:41):
So you know, really happy for him. That's my boy.
I love that guy.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
So you know, whenever I see him doing well, you know,
I'm always happy for him.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
How about playing.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
With your brother, obviously, that's that's a cool thing, you know.
I mean, come on, in the big leagues. You're playing
with your brother. He made the All Star team this year,
which was awesome. Is that's It's just something that could
be cool if you guys could both make the All
Star team.
Speaker 5 (11:03):
Did you talk about that at all?
Speaker 4 (11:04):
Yeah, I mean, you know, those are conversations that definitely happen.
I think we've gotten to a point, you know where
you know, we we've kind of made it seem like
it's like it's normal to be on the same team.
But you know, when it really when we really think
back to it, you know, it's really unique to be
in the position that we're in, and it's super special.
You know, we don't take any day for granted being
with each other, but to be able to see him on.
Speaker 5 (11:25):
That stage was super special this year. So happy for him,
and you know, I'm definitely, you know.
Speaker 4 (11:30):
Going to continue to work to try to be up
there with him because that would definitely make you know,
everyone in our family, probably especially my dad.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
So I was gonna say, especially no doubt, but to
see your brother and just how he's blossomed into a
star in this league. I mean that's got to be
because you know, you were there, You watch them progress,
you see these things.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
Are you still a little like wow, like this my bro?
Or are you kind of you know what I mean,
like where are you on?
Speaker 4 (11:54):
I mean yeah, yeah, in terms of you know, kind
of seeing him blossom into the type of light that
he's in right now, I'm not surprised at all, But
I don't think that takes away from any type of
feelings that I have in terms of the excitement and
just how proud that I am for him.
Speaker 5 (12:10):
Every day, you know, I get to see him.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
I've seen him work from from young to now every
day and you know, I still get that close look
to see how much he grinds to, you know, to
be a start out in that field and try to
help us win ball games. And it's truly special. So,
you know, really grateful to have him as my brother,
but you know, to also be here for you know,
the moments that I can see him go out there
and do his thing.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
Last question, the goal is always to win the World
Series or at least get there right from the American League.
You guys have as good of a shot as anybody
in the AL. I mean, obviously we know about the Orioles,
we know about the Yankees, some other teams. You feel
good about This could be a special September and October.
Speaker 5 (12:50):
Yeah, without a doubt.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
I feel like, you know, like I mentioned earlier, we
have a really good hair on our shoulders.
Speaker 5 (12:55):
I feel like we have the right guys to be
able to do the job.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
And you know, we're really competitive, so you know, we're
s cann continue to try to go out there, win
ball games, play hard, and you know, keep our heads
on on uh you know, the right things, you know,
not letting anything distract us on the outside, and just
you know.
Speaker 5 (13:12):
Be happy for where we're at. But continue to works.
Speaker 4 (13:14):
You know, you know, it's been super special getting to
this point. But the job's not done. And that's that's
the bibra in the clubhouse. Everyone's super hungry and it's
it's a really cool sight to see.
Speaker 5 (13:24):
Bo.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Thank you so much for your time. Continue success and
good luck in the playoff.
Speaker 5 (13:28):
Appreciate it. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
It was a big week in the big leagues, Who's
who's a believer? Is it foul or is it fair?
And now from mlbdbro dot Com, here's JR.
Speaker 3 (13:48):
Gamba Jr.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
Is it foul or fair to say that Jack Flowerty
has become the most important arm in the Dodgers rotation?
Speaker 3 (13:59):
Entering the posts fair, it's a football.
Speaker 6 (14:03):
At shoe Hail, Tany goes for fifty to fifty and
Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Cole prepare for what everyone
expected to be a World Series run the moment they
signed the Japanese superstar Dave Roberson has kept his team
together despite the pitching staff ravaged with injuries, and the
trade deadline deal for Jack Flaherty, who automatically has become
(14:24):
their number one pitcher, might be the move that saves
the Dodgers. Even with all that fanfare and fire power,
Flaherty was lights out on Sunday and afore nothing went
over Cleveland with seven and the third scoreless innings. Not
sure why people keep sleeping on black Jack. Whenever he's
been healthy in his career, he's been a top of
(14:45):
the line starter with all stars shutdown stuff. He was
dominating with the Tigers team earlier this season that was
offensively inept. And now that he comes to La a
loaded lineup where he's an LA kid who who dreamed
of playing with the Dodgers and now his career has
come full circle and he gets to pitch for a
(15:05):
World Series contender in his hometown. Black Jack doesn't need
any more motivation. He knows he's the key. With Walker
Bule out Gavin Stone, who led the team with twenty
five stars, he's on the il Tyler Glass now as expected,
not being able to make it through this season despite
being talented. He has elbow tendonitis and high priced Japanese
(15:29):
pitching Yamamoto. He's been out. He's scheduled to return, but
who knows. Plus Clayton Kershaw, as expected, he's out again.
I don't even know why he's still pitching. But other
than that, the Dodgers only have two rookies really to
rely on entering the playoffs. The pitching staff's ravaged and
(15:50):
there's no reliable number one starter outside of Jack Flaherty,
who he's going to get a lot of work, and
he goes from trade deadline maybe to primetime starter for
a world city's favorite. So yes pitch it wins championships,
and the Dodgers are HEARDing. They shine in light is Flaherty,
who's been pretty unhittable this season and he goes deep
(16:13):
in games. All I can say.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Is black Jack, It's time for the pocket protector centrum.
The analytic numbers you need to know.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
Well, maybe Anthony Masterson is his name, BS analytics is
his game.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
What do you got for me, Anthony?
Speaker 7 (16:33):
It's a true lost art in baseball anymore. But there's
something brewing in San Diego right now that we haven't
seen in quite some time. Luis Arise is refusing to
strike out. For years now, Arise has been one of
the best contact men in the game, and it's translated
to a high batting average, so high in fact, he's
on pace to win his third straight batting title, something
that has not been done since Miguel Cabrera from twenty
(16:55):
eleven to twenty thirteen, and he might do it with
his third different team. But what makes Arise so different
In this day and age, when players are striking out
at a twenty two and a half percent rate, the
fifth highest mark in MLB history, is Arise. A strikeout
rate is a paltry four point two percent in the
wildcard era. The only player with a lower strikeout rate
for a full season is the inimitable Tony Gwynn. He's
(17:18):
been on another level in the second half as well,
striking out only twice in his first forty three games.
As of the morning of September eleventh, he's gone one
hundred and twenty consecutive played appearances without a strikeout, the
longest single season mark since one Pierre went one forty
seventh straight in two thousand and four. What's amazing as
well about Arise is that his three twenty four career
average ranks in the top fifteen MLB history, just a
(17:41):
few ticks behind Joe Demaggio and a hairhead of former
Triple Crown winner Ducky Medwick. He's another unicorn in today's game,
just a bit different than show.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
Hey, it's the Gambler here.
Speaker 6 (17:53):
Vice president of operations for mlbbro dot Com and executive
producer of the MLB broch podcast The Mixtape. Every Friday,
you heard that right. Every Friday, we bring you the
best from the world of black and Brown baseball. We
cover the seven point two percent of melanated Major leaguers
(18:14):
from soup to nuts, but with our own cultural flair
and unique voice, will take you on a ride reflecting
on the accomplishments, clutch moments, and contribution to culture that
the Bros continue to breathe into baseball.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
From Mookie Wilson's to Mookie Betts.
Speaker 6 (18:32):
Doctor k to Doctor Styx, from Bro Bombs to stolen
bases to Black Aces. We're live at the ballparks and
also bringing you segments like Classic Hits with David Grubb,
the Black Ace Report, the Rundown, the walk Off, and
Going Deep, just to name a few of the segments
that truly capture.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
The voice of Black baseball. If things get.
Speaker 6 (18:56):
Out of hand, is the Boss, Rob Parker, He's kicking
up dust. We will gladly pay you on Tuesday from
an MLB bro doubleheader today. Remember the heart of the
game lies in the diversity of the game and the
spirit of Black baseball that dates back to.
Speaker 1 (19:11):
The Negro leagues.
Speaker 6 (19:13):
I the Gambler, your friendly neighborhood diamond checker, making sure
that you stay on top of the game and in
touch with the soul of MLB. Fuckle up for a
wild baseball journey, showing respect to the Ogs and highlighting
the new breed of melanated mal morade. First thing through
MLB's pipeline all pitching with the sound of Black Baseball,
(19:36):
we got the best starting five in the business. Listen
to the MLB bro Show podcast the Mixtape on the iHeartRadio.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. When
Rob was a newspaper columnist, he lived by this model.
If I'm writing, I'm ripping. Let's bring in a writer
or broadcaster older new.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
Now let's welcome into the podcast.
Speaker 2 (20:02):
Dave Lennon, longtime baseball columnists for news Day, one of
my best buds in the game and one of the
best baseball writers out there.
Speaker 3 (20:11):
What's up, Dave? The podcast doing great?
Speaker 1 (20:15):
How are you good?
Speaker 8 (20:16):
You know, getting to crunch time.
Speaker 9 (20:18):
So it's an interesting time of the year, especially here
in New York too, with these two teams so plenty
to keep us busy.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
No doubt, that's why I wanted to tap into you,
because you know, we kind of knew the Yankees would
get there, but the Mets got off to an awful start,
and boy did they turn it around. They're not guaranteed
to make the postseason, but they're in the hunt. I
mean it's between them in Atlanta nipping to how surprised
are you that they're in this position considering the start
(20:48):
that they had.
Speaker 9 (20:48):
Dave, Yeah, Rob, I mean we're talking about a team
that was eleven games under five hundred on May thirtieth.
So not only they dig themselves out of that hole
and get back to respectability, you know, they're in the.
Speaker 8 (21:03):
Playoff hunt and firmly entrenched in it.
Speaker 9 (21:05):
So you know they've done I think a remarkable job
because you know, Rob, in New York, when the momentum
starts pushing against you, it's kind of tough to get
back on track. You know, it's really easy to fall
in that hole and stay there. So big credit to
rookie manager Carlos Mendoza, who's done a good job keeping
(21:26):
them on track. And you know, what else can you
say about Francisco Lindor, who's really been kind of the
de facto captain of this bunch in addition to just
be having an MVP year on the field. So I
think Rob, as far as their chances for the playoffs,
I think they're probably a coin flip right now because
they get a tough schedule. I mean, they got seven
against the Phillies left heam now and they got three
(21:48):
against the Braves and they have three against the Brewers.
So if they get it to the playoffs, rob They're
going to have earned it. There's not going to be
any backing in here. Are they going to have to
fight their way into October out.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
Let's talk about Francisco Lindor.
Speaker 2 (22:02):
I remember talking to him when the Mets came to
La and I I interviewed him. He was scuffling. I
think he was batting on the two hundred and it
was ugly. It just was ugly, and he just had
the same kind of approach and just said he was
just going to keep battling and go through it. And man,
what a season he's turned into. And I know there's
(22:24):
a big push for him and the MVP Dave. He's
he's been unbelievable.
Speaker 3 (22:30):
He really is.
Speaker 2 (22:31):
The other night obviously in my in Toronto with being
no hit a home run to tider game and all that,
He's had some big hits and home runs, but how
in the world is he going to beat out shol
Hoyle Tani if he finishes.
Speaker 3 (22:45):
With fifty to fifty in home runs and stolen bases.
Speaker 8 (22:47):
Yeah, I mean, I agree with you there, Rob.
Speaker 9 (22:49):
I mean, listen, you know it hasn't been an easy
ride for Lindor either. I mean, he's got banged around
pretty good in New York. You know, signed the three
hundred and forty one million dollar deal, just huge for shortstop.
And you know, he's had slow starts basically every season
he's been here. This year too, you know, he was
he got off to a slow first couple of weeks here,
which you know isn't easy when everything's magnified. But he's
(23:12):
really turned it around, you know, as far as what
he's done on the field this year, you know, I'll
point out both offensively and defensively, you know, has really
been worthy of MVP consideration. If he wasn't going up
against Showy with Tani, who's having it. You know, let's
face it, an historic offensive year, it's probably a good
(23:33):
chance Lindor could win this, but Otani has just been
otherworldly at this point. I will say Rob that I
just think it's while Otani is probably gonna win, and
we're probably talking will he get twenty five out of
the thirty first place votes? Maybe he'll get all thirty,
But I really do think, and you're you're a historian
(23:56):
of the game as well, Rob, I mean a DH,
a full time DH has never won this award. You know,
some guys have come close. I think the closest for
first place votes, David ortizan O five got eleven first
place votes. That's the most ever by a full time MVP.
He lost to a Rod that year who had sixteen
first place votes. And if you go back even further,
(24:20):
Don Baylor in nineteen seventy nine, he was at DH
for sixty two of the games that year.
Speaker 8 (24:26):
He was the MVP.
Speaker 9 (24:27):
I think he played the other I don't know what
it was. I think maybe a hundred. It probably played
about ninety or so. He was an outfielder see primarily.
But you know that's kind of saying something. You know,
there is a value here in playing both sides of
the ball, and Lindor doesn't just you know, play defense.
He plays gold Glove caliber defense at a premium position.
Speaker 8 (24:49):
So I think I agree with you.
Speaker 2 (24:52):
I agree with all everything you say. The only reason
and I understand that DH have never won it. But Dave,
here's when somebody goes fifty and fifty and has never
been done I don't know how voters are going to
act like, you know what I mean, like that doesn't
matter if he didn't have the fifty stolen bases.
Speaker 3 (25:12):
I think you have an argument.
Speaker 9 (25:14):
Right, I mean, and you can't listen, the Dodgers are
always painted as this kind of juggernaut team too, and
typically they are. But you know Tani, you know, they
had to move him to the leadoff spot when Mooki
went down for a couple of months. You know, with
his injury, it hasn't been a typical Freddie Freeman year
for him. You know, he hasn't really been his MVP
kind of self. Teoscar Hernandez has been great. You know,
(25:38):
He's been a great acquisition for them. So I think
they've had to lean on Otani, you know, a lot
more than typically. So there is value in that. I'm
not just going to dismiss that he's one of the
stars on a star Leyden team. He's a stand up guy. Listen,
that there's no player like sho heey Otani in baseball.
Right now, I think that argument is settled. You know,
(25:58):
Rob when he comes back to start pitching again, they're
just going to have to retire the MVP Award because
nobody can match up with it anymore. This is the
one year that Otani's going to be vulnerable, you know,
as vulnerable as he can be. Even the MVP Lindor
is going to come awfully close to giving people a consideration.
But I think you're right. I mean, I think Otani
(26:19):
is probably in the end gonna wind.
Speaker 8 (26:21):
Up with it.
Speaker 2 (26:21):
Our guest is Dave Lennon, of course, baseball columnist at
Newsday in New York. Let's go to the Bronx and
the Yankees and talk about a couple things there. Juan
Soto on Wednesday night hit his fortieth right, doesn't that forty?
Speaker 8 (26:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (26:40):
Fortieth home run?
Speaker 2 (26:41):
A big home run at the time they were down
a two run shot. This dude has had an unbelievable
season in New York. The fans there, the Dominican fans
are crazy in love with this guy. How is he
not going to get five hundred million from the Yankees?
Speaker 9 (27:01):
I mean, I'm gonna say, you might have to go
a little higher up than that. Wow, I mean, I
really do think that it's going to be the Yankees
who are going to wind up signing him. I think
Soto has enjoyed his time here. You know, I think
there's a prestige playing for the Yankees. I think he
likes playing with Aaron Judge, you know, I think he
likes Aaron Boone his manager, although who knows. You know,
(27:22):
Boote might not be manager here next year depending on
how the playoffs go for the Yankees. So Soto's a
Scott Boars client. He's gonna want the most money. You know,
I think he's crazy if he thinks he's going to
get anywhere in the neighborhood of his show. Hey, Otani,
He's not getting seven hundred million, He's not going to
break the record there. But I think he is getting
north of five hundred. And I think Rob you know this.
(27:46):
You know, when the Yankees want somebody, they'll go the
extra mile to do. They did it for Garret Cole,
you know, they made it, gave him a record contract.
Speaker 8 (27:55):
They did it for Aaron Judge.
Speaker 9 (27:56):
You know, when they had to keep him, you know,
they said, what do you what does it take to stay?
I think it's going to be the same thing with Soda.
It's gonna be like, hey, talk to those other teams
if you want, but let us know what it's gonna
take to keep you here in New York. And I
think when push comes to shove, hal Steinbrenner is gonna
wind up with with you know, when he his checkbook
and given one soda what he wants to stay in
the Bronx.
Speaker 2 (28:17):
Last thing, Dave, the Yankees and pitching. Do they have
enough to make a run? I mean, I love their
lineup if everybody's good and healthy, you know, with Jazz,
Chisholm and Sodo and you know John Carlos stan has
had a lot of postseason home runs. If he's healthy,
(28:37):
we know judge what he can do potentially as well.
Speaker 3 (28:41):
But the pitching, do they have enough pitching?
Speaker 9 (28:44):
Yeah, Robert, it seems strange to say this about a
Yankee team come playoff time. But the concern with them
is their bullpen. You know, I think their rotation is
gonna be fine.
Speaker 2 (28:54):
Holmes, I don't know if they can continue to run
them out there.
Speaker 9 (28:58):
Yeah, I mean Garrett Cole has been has been great
on the front end. I mean not great, but he's
rounding in the form to being Garret Cole at the
right time. You know, Radon is pitched much better for them.
I think you could see a Louis Heel or even
a Clark Smidt in that third spot. We'll see what
they want to do with Stroman and Nesta Cortez. But yeah,
I mean the bullpen you've already seen. But you've already
(29:23):
seen Holmes lose his spot as closer.
Speaker 3 (29:25):
I mean he's and rightfully so, I mean you given games.
Speaker 8 (29:30):
I mean he even blew a save last night and
he wasn't even closing the game.
Speaker 9 (29:33):
Right he blew the save and the seventh inning. So yeah,
it just Holmes just they can't rely on. You know,
Luke Weaver has been a guy who they can probably
go to as closer, but getting the ball to him Rob,
I think that could be tough for this Yankee bullpen.
They just, you know, they just don't have the road
map that we usually see from the Yankees. I mean,
(29:54):
Brian Cashman didn't have his usual you know, touch and
putting together a bullpen at the trade deadline or finding
a reclamation project, you know, to put in that role.
Aside from Luke Weaver, who's been who kind of fits
that mold and is excelled. But yeah, the rest of
these guys they've had, they've had trouble piecing it together.
And as you know, Rob, if you don't have a
shutdown bullpen come playoff time, you're not getting where you
(30:16):
want to go, no.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
Doubt about it. His name is Dave Lennon.
Speaker 2 (30:19):
Check him out at newsday dot com, one of the
best baseball columnsts out there. Dave Man, always appreciate you,
and we'll see you when the postseason a man.
Speaker 8 (30:28):
I'll definitely see you, Rob.
Speaker 9 (30:29):
I know you always show up when the bright lights
come on, so I'll say I'll see it at the ballpark.
Speaker 1 (30:34):
Now, bring in the closer. Here's why MLB is better
than the NFL or NBA, and it isn't even close.
Speaker 2 (30:46):
Reason number four hundred and fifty five why Major League
Baseball is better than the NBA and better than the NFL.
Kumar Rocker is his name, and he was scheduled to
make his first major league start for the Texas Rangers
on Thursday.
Speaker 3 (31:06):
And here's the thing. In baseball, you get to look
forward to.
Speaker 2 (31:12):
Someone making their first start being called up to the
big leagues.
Speaker 3 (31:16):
We know football and basketball are different.
Speaker 2 (31:20):
We get to see those guys in college, so there's
not the same anticipation you see them. You know they're
gonna make it. It's not that many guys baseball. They
draft a ton of players. The rosters are so big
you don't know if a guy is gonna make it.
And Kumar Rocker was just like you know, the Cats
(31:40):
meou and then he had an arm injury. He was
drafted originally by the Mets. They couldn't come up with
a contract, so he went back into the draft and
the Rangers picked them up. He goes to the minor leagues.
You hope and that the guy can make it. And
there's something to look forward to if you're a Texas
Ranger your fan, and that is can this guy who
(32:04):
was electric with his stuff in college finally shake off
the injuries and become this guy that we thought that
he could be. And there's an anticipation I really want
to see, like people were anticipating all schemes in Pittsburgh.
I mean, he's not on that level as far as
where he is now, but when he was in college
(32:27):
he was the Cats. Me how people talked about a
Rocker and his future and I thought him going to
New York would have been great. But now we'll get
to see finally Kumar Rocker making a start in the
major leagues. In the words of New York TV legend
(32:48):
the late Bill Jorgensen, thanking you for your time this
time until next time.
Speaker 3 (32:53):
Rob Parker out he can't Davin. This could be an inside.
Speaker 8 (32:57):
The Parker See you next week, Save that time. Saint
Pans Station
From the Berkshars to the sound from wherever you live
in MLB America. This is inside the Parker. You give
us twenty two minutes and we'll give you the scoop
on Major League Baseball. Now here's Baseball Hall of Fame
voter number seventy, Rob Parker.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome into the podcast. I'm your host, Rob Parker. What
a great show we have for you today. My goodness, gracious.
We have a Cleveland Guardians catcher Bow Nailer. He stops by,
Plus Dave Lennont he's the baseball columnist for Newsday in
New York.
Speaker 3 (00:42):
Plus foul Affair. Let's go.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
Better to lead off, it's getting robbed and keep them on.
Rob's hot take on the three biggest stories in Major
League Baseball.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Number one. Okay, I'll admit it. No way did I
think we would be here. When Aaron Judge had his
fifty first home run. I was convinced he was going
to break his American League record easily. He was hitting
home runs almost every other day. It was outrageous. And
(01:17):
coming into Thursday, he is now going fifteen one five
fifteen games without a home run, and I'm watching closely.
They're throwing the ball by him, all speed stuff, he
might not making contact. I mean he was so locked
in bat three point thirty three where he was I
(01:39):
had never seen a guy that locked in, and now
he's going ice.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Cold as far as the long ball, and this is baseball.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Everything has a way of kind of figuring itself out
and going back to aving. Nobody can master hitting or
hitting home runs. This game will bring you to your knees.
And that's what's happening to Judge. With the number of
games left, the number of home runs he needs, he
would need two or three home runs in one game
(02:08):
just to even have any chance of getting the sixty.
Speaker 3 (02:12):
Again. Before it looked like with just.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Needing nine to get there that it would be. It
would happen, and it's tough. That's why many guys haven't
hit sixty home runs or more and multiple seasons. But
it'll be interesting to see how Aaron Judge finishes. Can
he finish with a flurry. I'm gonna say no, it's
not gonna happen. This stretch is like the second longest
(02:35):
in his career, and I think the longest since twenty
nineteen or something like that. Like it's been that long
for him to go this long. At one point during
his hot streak, he was hitting a home run like
every seven at bats, seven or eight at bats, which
is just mind boggling. And now we've gone more than
(02:57):
two weeks without a long ball and Judge number two
MLB dot Com, they have it right. The cy Young
race is not as sexy as the MVP.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
It just it just isn't.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
First of all, in the National League you have Chris
Sale who has been tremendous all year. I don't think
there's any debate on him really winning it. And then
looking at the numbers, I guess people are trying to say, well,
the only thing you can look at is maybe the
Triple Crown numbers of pitching. Uh, you know where you
(03:41):
lead in three different categories and stuff. I just don't
think that that's the same as the MVP you have
In the American League, Aaron Judge, we believe that the
home runs, the RBIs the batting average. Bobby Wood Junior
has had a tremendous year. Any other year, Bobby Wood
Junior would be the MVP. But Aaron Judge, despite his
(04:03):
slump in the last couple of weeks, has put together
enough that I think he's gonna win the MVP, And
with sho hail Tani, there's still us watching because we
want to see if he gets to fifty to fifty.
If he gets to fifty to fifty, I just don't
see how it is anyway he won't win it. But
watching individual pitchers pitch once every five days compared to
(04:29):
hitters playing every day, all the different stats and information
that goes into an MVP, I just think, hands down,
the MVP race is always more exciting, more interesting, more fun.
And pitchers, you know, they're a big part of the game.
We respect what they do, but I don't think we
watched them as closely, and because they don't pitch every day,
(04:52):
I think that's what takes out the edge for fans
when it comes to MVP watching and Cy Young.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Watch number three.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
I don't think there's a debate, but some people are
making it a debate.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Should Jacob de Gram and Max Shirs are not not
pitch this season? The older pitchers injuries all over the place,
especially Shurs is older, and of course the Gram just
can't stay healthy, the talented pitcher. But some people are saying,
why would the Rangers bring them back to pitch in
(05:28):
the final, you know, three weeks, eighteen games or whatever,
that they should just take the rest of the year off,
rest all winner, and we'll see you in spring training.
Speaker 3 (05:39):
I disagree with that.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
I think if a guy is healthy, you should get
him back out there as soon as possible. You don't
want a guy to just sit a long time and
think it's going to be the same. Even if the
guy will get to go out there shurs Are or
de Gram and make two starts and just feel comfortable
about being back on the mound facing live hitters in
(06:02):
real game action, and then you have something if he
finishes strong, to look forward to in the offseason. Hay,
he had two good starts. Both of these guys. Next
year we can pencil them in. Maybe they can stay healthy,
and you can look at the Rangers and say, you
know what, with these two guys added to their rotation,
they're gonna get back into the playoffs and have another
(06:23):
shot at a World Series.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Here comes the big interview. Listen and learn. It's so good.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Now let's welcome in Bow Naylor, of course catcher with
the Cleveland Guardians here on inside the Parker Bow.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
How are you, thanks?
Speaker 4 (06:41):
For joining us then really, well, I appreciate you having
me over here, no doubt.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
Let's talk about the Guardians and your journey. You guys
were in first place by yourself since April fourteenth, and
then those pesky Royals tied you put you guys weather
the storm. What was that like, you know, losing three
out of four at home and actually being tied for first.
Speaker 4 (07:02):
I mean, I feel like, you know, kind of having
the the whole season in perspective, it was just a
moment in time. You know, we'd understand the work that
we've done to get there, to really put us in
that in that great spot, and we didn't let that
series or anything a part of that kind of take
away from the work that we've done.
Speaker 5 (07:21):
So you know, I feel like we just.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
Kind of had it in the back of our minds
that you know, sure it sucks, you know, obviously don't
want to lose, but you know, it just the way
the game goes. Baseball's baseball, and you know, I've been
saying as a recent that you know, it's really competitive
right now, so you know, you just tip your cap
off to some good baseball games and you know, just
continue to work to try to get on the good
side of it.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
And then you guys went to Kansas City, where it
could have been really disaster, go on the road after
not playing well at home and you went to a
out of three day.
Speaker 5 (07:51):
What'd that say about your ball club?
Speaker 4 (07:53):
Uh? Yeah, I mean I think it really just said
a lot that you know, we're not here to hit
panic buttons.
Speaker 5 (07:59):
You know, we have our head on our shoulders.
Speaker 4 (08:02):
You know, we understand our goal here at the end,
and that's obviously the winner World Series, and you know,
always having that in perspective, you know, really just going
into the to the park one day at a time,
understanding that, you know, when we can have our mindset
on the day and winning one day at a time,
you know by the end of it, we're going to
be in a really good spot. So just you know,
going there with a good head on our shoulders.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
And the division really got competitive. Obviously, we know about
the Twins. They made the playoffs last year. Kansas City
lost over one hundred games last year and look where
they are. Are you surprised at how the competitive and
the Tigers are actually playing really good baseball too?
Speaker 5 (08:41):
Yeah, of course, I mean.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
To answer your question, I'm not surprised at all, you know,
of you know, seeing the talent that's kind of come
up over the last few years, and I feel like
it was just a matter of time before, you know,
kind of things started turning around. So, you know, really
happy for the division showing out and you know, being
at the top of the competitive scale in the game.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
Our guest is both nailor of course Catcher with the
Cleveland Guardians joining us on inside the parker, Let's talk
about your pitching. How you guys have been able to
hold us together? No Shane Bieber, No Tristan McKenzie. I mean, seriously,
most teams would collapse under that, and I know other
guys have been hurt as well, But those two guys,
how how have you been able to make this work?
Speaker 4 (09:21):
I think it really just comes out to you know,
the guys that you know understand or understood that there
is an opportunity presented to be able to kind of
step up and you know, be the guys to really
help this team. I think it is really evident to
see the type of change in adjustments that the offensive
side had taken, you know, from previous years to now
(09:41):
to to really put a lot of runs on the board.
Speaker 5 (09:43):
So you know, I think that the.
Speaker 4 (09:45):
Pitches that we we've had through the course of this
year have understood that, you know, if they could put
us in a good chance, in a good spot to
win and you know, give us quality starts and just
continue to try to be as consistent as possible.
Speaker 5 (09:56):
You know, everything's gonna work out together.
Speaker 4 (09:58):
So I really I feel like, you know, with the
unfortunate situation for losing some you know, some guys early
and then just kind of you know, some some tough
moments earlier in the year, I think the spotlights to
just be on the guys that kind of stepped up
and you know, came up and really understood that they
could help us win ball games and you know, getting
(10:18):
that job done.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
How about Tristan in his last start and triple A
had eleven strikeouts picture for Columbus. Is that a sign
maybe you know he's got his act righted down there?
Speaker 4 (10:31):
Yeah, I mean I feel like that's that's a great sign.
You know, that's something that you know, you you take
and run with, you know, to be able to tell
that you know, things are starting to trend in the
right direction.
Speaker 5 (10:41):
So you know, really happy for him. That's my boy.
I love that guy.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
So you know, whenever I see him doing well, you know,
I'm always happy for him.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
How about playing.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
With your brother, obviously, that's that's a cool thing, you know.
I mean, come on, in the big leagues. You're playing
with your brother. He made the All Star team this year,
which was awesome. Is that's It's just something that could
be cool if you guys could both make the All
Star team.
Speaker 5 (11:03):
Did you talk about that at all?
Speaker 4 (11:04):
Yeah, I mean, you know, those are conversations that definitely happen.
I think we've gotten to a point, you know where
you know, we we've kind of made it seem like
it's like it's normal to be on the same team.
But you know, when it really when we really think
back to it, you know, it's really unique to be
in the position that we're in, and it's super special.
You know, we don't take any day for granted being
with each other, but to be able to see him on.
Speaker 5 (11:25):
That stage was super special this year. So happy for him,
and you know, I'm definitely, you know.
Speaker 4 (11:30):
Going to continue to work to try to be up
there with him because that would definitely make you know,
everyone in our family, probably especially my dad.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
So I was gonna say, especially no doubt, but to
see your brother and just how he's blossomed into a
star in this league. I mean that's got to be
because you know, you were there, You watch them progress,
you see these things.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
Are you still a little like wow, like this my bro?
Or are you kind of you know what I mean,
like where are you on?
Speaker 4 (11:54):
I mean yeah, yeah, in terms of you know, kind
of seeing him blossom into the type of light that
he's in right now, I'm not surprised at all, But
I don't think that takes away from any type of
feelings that I have in terms of the excitement and
just how proud that I am for him.
Speaker 5 (12:10):
Every day, you know, I get to see him.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
I've seen him work from from young to now every
day and you know, I still get that close look
to see how much he grinds to, you know, to
be a start out in that field and try to
help us win ball games. And it's truly special. So,
you know, really grateful to have him as my brother,
but you know, to also be here for you know,
the moments that I can see him go out there
and do his thing.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
Last question, the goal is always to win the World
Series or at least get there right from the American League.
You guys have as good of a shot as anybody
in the AL. I mean, obviously we know about the Orioles,
we know about the Yankees, some other teams. You feel
good about This could be a special September and October.
Speaker 5 (12:50):
Yeah, without a doubt.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
I feel like, you know, like I mentioned earlier, we
have a really good hair on our shoulders.
Speaker 5 (12:55):
I feel like we have the right guys to be
able to do the job.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
And you know, we're really competitive, so you know, we're
s cann continue to try to go out there, win
ball games, play hard, and you know, keep our heads
on on uh you know, the right things, you know,
not letting anything distract us on the outside, and just
you know.
Speaker 5 (13:12):
Be happy for where we're at. But continue to works.
Speaker 4 (13:14):
You know, you know, it's been super special getting to
this point. But the job's not done. And that's that's
the bibra in the clubhouse. Everyone's super hungry and it's
it's a really cool sight to see.
Speaker 5 (13:24):
Bo.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Thank you so much for your time. Continue success and
good luck in the playoff.
Speaker 5 (13:28):
Appreciate it. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
It was a big week in the big leagues, Who's
who's a believer? Is it foul or is it fair?
And now from mlbdbro dot Com, here's JR.
Speaker 3 (13:48):
Gamba Jr.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
Is it foul or fair to say that Jack Flowerty
has become the most important arm in the Dodgers rotation?
Speaker 3 (13:59):
Entering the posts fair, it's a football.
Speaker 6 (14:03):
At shoe Hail, Tany goes for fifty to fifty and
Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Cole prepare for what everyone
expected to be a World Series run the moment they
signed the Japanese superstar Dave Roberson has kept his team
together despite the pitching staff ravaged with injuries, and the
trade deadline deal for Jack Flaherty, who automatically has become
(14:24):
their number one pitcher, might be the move that saves
the Dodgers. Even with all that fanfare and fire power,
Flaherty was lights out on Sunday and afore nothing went
over Cleveland with seven and the third scoreless innings. Not
sure why people keep sleeping on black Jack. Whenever he's
been healthy in his career, he's been a top of
(14:45):
the line starter with all stars shutdown stuff. He was
dominating with the Tigers team earlier this season that was
offensively inept. And now that he comes to La a
loaded lineup where he's an LA kid who who dreamed
of playing with the Dodgers and now his career has
come full circle and he gets to pitch for a
(15:05):
World Series contender in his hometown. Black Jack doesn't need
any more motivation. He knows he's the key. With Walker
Bule out Gavin Stone, who led the team with twenty
five stars, he's on the il Tyler Glass now as expected,
not being able to make it through this season despite
being talented. He has elbow tendonitis and high priced Japanese
(15:29):
pitching Yamamoto. He's been out. He's scheduled to return, but
who knows. Plus Clayton Kershaw, as expected, he's out again.
I don't even know why he's still pitching. But other
than that, the Dodgers only have two rookies really to
rely on entering the playoffs. The pitching staff's ravaged and
(15:50):
there's no reliable number one starter outside of Jack Flaherty,
who he's going to get a lot of work, and
he goes from trade deadline maybe to primetime starter for
a world city's favorite. So yes pitch it wins championships,
and the Dodgers are HEARDing. They shine in light is Flaherty,
who's been pretty unhittable this season and he goes deep
(16:13):
in games. All I can say.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Is black Jack, It's time for the pocket protector centrum.
The analytic numbers you need to know.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
Well, maybe Anthony Masterson is his name, BS analytics is
his game.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
What do you got for me, Anthony?
Speaker 7 (16:33):
It's a true lost art in baseball anymore. But there's
something brewing in San Diego right now that we haven't
seen in quite some time. Luis Arise is refusing to
strike out. For years now, Arise has been one of
the best contact men in the game, and it's translated
to a high batting average, so high in fact, he's
on pace to win his third straight batting title, something
that has not been done since Miguel Cabrera from twenty
(16:55):
eleven to twenty thirteen, and he might do it with
his third different team. But what makes Arise so different
In this day and age, when players are striking out
at a twenty two and a half percent rate, the
fifth highest mark in MLB history, is Arise. A strikeout
rate is a paltry four point two percent in the
wildcard era. The only player with a lower strikeout rate
for a full season is the inimitable Tony Gwynn. He's
(17:18):
been on another level in the second half as well,
striking out only twice in his first forty three games.
As of the morning of September eleventh, he's gone one
hundred and twenty consecutive played appearances without a strikeout, the
longest single season mark since one Pierre went one forty
seventh straight in two thousand and four. What's amazing as
well about Arise is that his three twenty four career
average ranks in the top fifteen MLB history, just a
(17:41):
few ticks behind Joe Demaggio and a hairhead of former
Triple Crown winner Ducky Medwick. He's another unicorn in today's game,
just a bit different than show.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
Hey, it's the Gambler here.
Speaker 6 (17:53):
Vice president of operations for mlbbro dot Com and executive
producer of the MLB broch podcast The Mixtape. Every Friday,
you heard that right. Every Friday, we bring you the
best from the world of black and Brown baseball. We
cover the seven point two percent of melanated Major leaguers
(18:14):
from soup to nuts, but with our own cultural flair
and unique voice, will take you on a ride reflecting
on the accomplishments, clutch moments, and contribution to culture that
the Bros continue to breathe into baseball.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
From Mookie Wilson's to Mookie Betts.
Speaker 6 (18:32):
Doctor k to Doctor Styx, from Bro Bombs to stolen
bases to Black Aces. We're live at the ballparks and
also bringing you segments like Classic Hits with David Grubb,
the Black Ace Report, the Rundown, the walk Off, and
Going Deep, just to name a few of the segments
that truly capture.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
The voice of Black baseball. If things get.
Speaker 6 (18:56):
Out of hand, is the Boss, Rob Parker, He's kicking
up dust. We will gladly pay you on Tuesday from
an MLB bro doubleheader today. Remember the heart of the
game lies in the diversity of the game and the
spirit of Black baseball that dates back to.
Speaker 1 (19:11):
The Negro leagues.
Speaker 6 (19:13):
I the Gambler, your friendly neighborhood diamond checker, making sure
that you stay on top of the game and in
touch with the soul of MLB. Fuckle up for a
wild baseball journey, showing respect to the Ogs and highlighting
the new breed of melanated mal morade. First thing through
MLB's pipeline all pitching with the sound of Black Baseball,
(19:36):
we got the best starting five in the business. Listen
to the MLB bro Show podcast the Mixtape on the iHeartRadio.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. When
Rob was a newspaper columnist, he lived by this model.
If I'm writing, I'm ripping. Let's bring in a writer
or broadcaster older new.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
Now let's welcome into the podcast.
Speaker 2 (20:02):
Dave Lennon, longtime baseball columnists for news Day, one of
my best buds in the game and one of the
best baseball writers out there.
Speaker 3 (20:11):
What's up, Dave? The podcast doing great?
Speaker 1 (20:15):
How are you good?
Speaker 8 (20:16):
You know, getting to crunch time.
Speaker 9 (20:18):
So it's an interesting time of the year, especially here
in New York too, with these two teams so plenty
to keep us busy.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
No doubt, that's why I wanted to tap into you,
because you know, we kind of knew the Yankees would
get there, but the Mets got off to an awful start,
and boy did they turn it around. They're not guaranteed
to make the postseason, but they're in the hunt. I
mean it's between them in Atlanta nipping to how surprised
are you that they're in this position considering the start
(20:48):
that they had.
Speaker 9 (20:48):
Dave, Yeah, Rob, I mean we're talking about a team
that was eleven games under five hundred on May thirtieth.
So not only they dig themselves out of that hole
and get back to respectability, you know, they're in the.
Speaker 8 (21:03):
Playoff hunt and firmly entrenched in it.
Speaker 9 (21:05):
So you know they've done I think a remarkable job
because you know, Rob, in New York, when the momentum
starts pushing against you, it's kind of tough to get
back on track. You know, it's really easy to fall
in that hole and stay there. So big credit to
rookie manager Carlos Mendoza, who's done a good job keeping
(21:26):
them on track. And you know, what else can you
say about Francisco Lindor, who's really been kind of the
de facto captain of this bunch in addition to just
be having an MVP year on the field. So I
think Rob, as far as their chances for the playoffs,
I think they're probably a coin flip right now because
they get a tough schedule. I mean, they got seven
against the Phillies left heam now and they got three
(21:48):
against the Braves and they have three against the Brewers.
So if they get it to the playoffs, rob They're
going to have earned it. There's not going to be
any backing in here. Are they going to have to
fight their way into October out.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
Let's talk about Francisco Lindor.
Speaker 2 (22:02):
I remember talking to him when the Mets came to
La and I I interviewed him. He was scuffling. I
think he was batting on the two hundred and it
was ugly. It just was ugly, and he just had
the same kind of approach and just said he was
just going to keep battling and go through it. And man,
what a season he's turned into. And I know there's
(22:24):
a big push for him and the MVP Dave. He's
he's been unbelievable.
Speaker 3 (22:30):
He really is.
Speaker 2 (22:31):
The other night obviously in my in Toronto with being
no hit a home run to tider game and all that,
He's had some big hits and home runs, but how
in the world is he going to beat out shol
Hoyle Tani if he finishes.
Speaker 3 (22:45):
With fifty to fifty in home runs and stolen bases.
Speaker 8 (22:47):
Yeah, I mean, I agree with you there, Rob.
Speaker 9 (22:49):
I mean, listen, you know it hasn't been an easy
ride for Lindor either. I mean, he's got banged around
pretty good in New York. You know, signed the three
hundred and forty one million dollar deal, just huge for shortstop.
And you know, he's had slow starts basically every season
he's been here. This year too, you know, he was
he got off to a slow first couple of weeks here,
which you know isn't easy when everything's magnified. But he's
(23:12):
really turned it around, you know, as far as what
he's done on the field this year, you know, I'll
point out both offensively and defensively, you know, has really
been worthy of MVP consideration. If he wasn't going up
against Showy with Tani, who's having it. You know, let's
face it, an historic offensive year, it's probably a good
(23:33):
chance Lindor could win this, but Otani has just been
otherworldly at this point. I will say Rob that I
just think it's while Otani is probably gonna win, and
we're probably talking will he get twenty five out of
the thirty first place votes? Maybe he'll get all thirty,
But I really do think, and you're you're a historian
(23:56):
of the game as well, Rob, I mean a DH,
a full time DH has never won this award. You know,
some guys have come close. I think the closest for
first place votes, David ortizan O five got eleven first
place votes. That's the most ever by a full time MVP.
He lost to a Rod that year who had sixteen
first place votes. And if you go back even further,
(24:20):
Don Baylor in nineteen seventy nine, he was at DH
for sixty two of the games that year.
Speaker 8 (24:26):
He was the MVP.
Speaker 9 (24:27):
I think he played the other I don't know what
it was. I think maybe a hundred. It probably played
about ninety or so. He was an outfielder see primarily.
But you know that's kind of saying something. You know,
there is a value here in playing both sides of
the ball, and Lindor doesn't just you know, play defense.
He plays gold Glove caliber defense at a premium position.
Speaker 8 (24:49):
So I think I agree with you.
Speaker 2 (24:52):
I agree with all everything you say. The only reason
and I understand that DH have never won it. But Dave,
here's when somebody goes fifty and fifty and has never
been done I don't know how voters are going to
act like, you know what I mean, like that doesn't
matter if he didn't have the fifty stolen bases.
Speaker 3 (25:12):
I think you have an argument.
Speaker 9 (25:14):
Right, I mean, and you can't listen, the Dodgers are
always painted as this kind of juggernaut team too, and
typically they are. But you know Tani, you know, they
had to move him to the leadoff spot when Mooki
went down for a couple of months. You know, with
his injury, it hasn't been a typical Freddie Freeman year
for him. You know, he hasn't really been his MVP
kind of self. Teoscar Hernandez has been great. You know,
(25:38):
He's been a great acquisition for them. So I think
they've had to lean on Otani, you know, a lot
more than typically. So there is value in that. I'm
not just going to dismiss that he's one of the
stars on a star Leyden team. He's a stand up guy. Listen,
that there's no player like sho heey Otani in baseball.
Right now, I think that argument is settled. You know,
(25:58):
Rob when he comes back to start pitching again, they're
just going to have to retire the MVP Award because
nobody can match up with it anymore. This is the
one year that Otani's going to be vulnerable, you know,
as vulnerable as he can be. Even the MVP Lindor
is going to come awfully close to giving people a consideration.
But I think you're right. I mean, I think Otani
(26:19):
is probably in the end gonna wind.
Speaker 8 (26:21):
Up with it.
Speaker 2 (26:21):
Our guest is Dave Lennon, of course, baseball columnist at
Newsday in New York. Let's go to the Bronx and
the Yankees and talk about a couple things there. Juan
Soto on Wednesday night hit his fortieth right, doesn't that forty?
Speaker 8 (26:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (26:40):
Fortieth home run?
Speaker 2 (26:41):
A big home run at the time they were down
a two run shot. This dude has had an unbelievable
season in New York. The fans there, the Dominican fans
are crazy in love with this guy. How is he
not going to get five hundred million from the Yankees?
Speaker 9 (27:01):
I mean, I'm gonna say, you might have to go
a little higher up than that. Wow, I mean, I
really do think that it's going to be the Yankees
who are going to wind up signing him. I think
Soto has enjoyed his time here. You know, I think
there's a prestige playing for the Yankees. I think he
likes playing with Aaron Judge, you know, I think he
likes Aaron Boone his manager, although who knows. You know,
(27:22):
Boote might not be manager here next year depending on
how the playoffs go for the Yankees. So Soto's a
Scott Boars client. He's gonna want the most money. You know,
I think he's crazy if he thinks he's going to
get anywhere in the neighborhood of his show. Hey, Otani,
He's not getting seven hundred million, He's not going to
break the record there. But I think he is getting
north of five hundred. And I think Rob you know this.
(27:46):
You know, when the Yankees want somebody, they'll go the
extra mile to do. They did it for Garret Cole,
you know, they made it, gave him a record contract.
Speaker 8 (27:55):
They did it for Aaron Judge.
Speaker 9 (27:56):
You know, when they had to keep him, you know,
they said, what do you what does it take to stay?
I think it's going to be the same thing with Soda.
It's gonna be like, hey, talk to those other teams
if you want, but let us know what it's gonna
take to keep you here in New York. And I
think when push comes to shove, hal Steinbrenner is gonna
wind up with with you know, when he his checkbook
and given one soda what he wants to stay in
the Bronx.
Speaker 2 (28:17):
Last thing, Dave, the Yankees and pitching. Do they have
enough to make a run? I mean, I love their
lineup if everybody's good and healthy, you know, with Jazz,
Chisholm and Sodo and you know John Carlos stan has
had a lot of postseason home runs. If he's healthy,
(28:37):
we know judge what he can do potentially as well.
Speaker 3 (28:41):
But the pitching, do they have enough pitching?
Speaker 9 (28:44):
Yeah, Robert, it seems strange to say this about a
Yankee team come playoff time. But the concern with them
is their bullpen. You know, I think their rotation is
gonna be fine.
Speaker 2 (28:54):
Holmes, I don't know if they can continue to run
them out there.
Speaker 9 (28:58):
Yeah, I mean Garrett Cole has been has been great
on the front end. I mean not great, but he's
rounding in the form to being Garret Cole at the
right time. You know, Radon is pitched much better for them.
I think you could see a Louis Heel or even
a Clark Smidt in that third spot. We'll see what
they want to do with Stroman and Nesta Cortez. But yeah,
I mean the bullpen you've already seen. But you've already
(29:23):
seen Holmes lose his spot as closer.
Speaker 3 (29:25):
I mean he's and rightfully so, I mean you given games.
Speaker 8 (29:30):
I mean he even blew a save last night and
he wasn't even closing the game.
Speaker 9 (29:33):
Right he blew the save and the seventh inning. So yeah,
it just Holmes just they can't rely on. You know,
Luke Weaver has been a guy who they can probably
go to as closer, but getting the ball to him Rob,
I think that could be tough for this Yankee bullpen.
They just, you know, they just don't have the road
map that we usually see from the Yankees. I mean,
(29:54):
Brian Cashman didn't have his usual you know, touch and
putting together a bullpen at the trade deadline or finding
a reclamation project, you know, to put in that role.
Aside from Luke Weaver, who's been who kind of fits
that mold and is excelled. But yeah, the rest of
these guys they've had, they've had trouble piecing it together.
And as you know, Rob, if you don't have a
shutdown bullpen come playoff time, you're not getting where you
(30:16):
want to go, no.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
Doubt about it. His name is Dave Lennon.
Speaker 2 (30:19):
Check him out at newsday dot com, one of the
best baseball columnsts out there. Dave Man, always appreciate you,
and we'll see you when the postseason a man.
Speaker 8 (30:28):
I'll definitely see you, Rob.
Speaker 9 (30:29):
I know you always show up when the bright lights
come on, so I'll say I'll see it at the ballpark.
Speaker 1 (30:34):
Now, bring in the closer. Here's why MLB is better
than the NFL or NBA, and it isn't even close.
Speaker 2 (30:46):
Reason number four hundred and fifty five why Major League
Baseball is better than the NBA and better than the NFL.
Kumar Rocker is his name, and he was scheduled to
make his first major league start for the Texas Rangers
on Thursday.
Speaker 3 (31:06):
And here's the thing. In baseball, you get to look
forward to.
Speaker 2 (31:12):
Someone making their first start being called up to the
big leagues.
Speaker 3 (31:16):
We know football and basketball are different.
Speaker 2 (31:20):
We get to see those guys in college, so there's
not the same anticipation you see them. You know they're
gonna make it. It's not that many guys baseball. They
draft a ton of players. The rosters are so big
you don't know if a guy is gonna make it.
And Kumar Rocker was just like you know, the Cats
(31:40):
meou and then he had an arm injury. He was
drafted originally by the Mets. They couldn't come up with
a contract, so he went back into the draft and
the Rangers picked them up. He goes to the minor leagues.
You hope and that the guy can make it. And
there's something to look forward to if you're a Texas
Ranger your fan, and that is can this guy who
(32:04):
was electric with his stuff in college finally shake off
the injuries and become this guy that we thought that
he could be. And there's an anticipation I really want
to see, like people were anticipating all schemes in Pittsburgh.
I mean, he's not on that level as far as
where he is now, but when he was in college
(32:27):
he was the Cats. Me how people talked about a
Rocker and his future and I thought him going to
New York would have been great. But now we'll get
to see finally Kumar Rocker making a start in the
major leagues. In the words of New York TV legend
(32:48):
the late Bill Jorgensen, thanking you for your time this
time until next time.
Speaker 3 (32:53):
Rob Parker out he can't Davin. This could be an inside.
Speaker 8 (32:57):
The Parker See you next week, Save that time. Saint
Pans Station
Hosts And Creators
Rob Parker
kelvin washington
Popular Podcasts
1. Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
2. Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
3. Crime Junkie
If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.