On this week’s edition of Inside the (Rob) Parker, Rob discusses the ongoing NL MVP race between Shohei Ohtani and Marcell Ozuna, Aaron Judge's 'Little League' controversy and how Juan Soto's breakout season could impact Judge and the New York Yankees moving forward. Plus, World Series champion and Sportsnet LA host Jerry Hairston Jr checks in to share his thoughts on the Los Angeles Dodgers' season thus far, how the club has been able to navigate a rash of injuries to their pitching staff and much more! Later, Cleveland Guardians broadcaster Tom Hamilton swings by to discuss the club's recent series against the Yankees and whether or not Cleveland has what it takes to make a push towards the postseason. Finally, we’ve got appearances by MLBBro.com managing editor JR Gamble and analytics guru Anthony Masterson.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
From the berkshears 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 seven, Rob Parker.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome into the podcast. I'm your host, Rob Parker. What
a show we have for you today.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
Former Major league outfielder Jerry Harriston Junior, who's also an
analyst for sportsnet LA and covers the Dodgers. Plus we'll
talk with Cleveland Guardians radio voice Tom Hamilton, one of
the best in the business.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
We'll talk to those guys. Plus foul affair. Let's go.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Better to lead off, it's getting.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Robbed to keep them on.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Rob's hot take, and the three biggest stories in Major
League Baseball.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
Number one, we know the Dynamics with Aaron Judge, who
got his big contract last year and people were happy
that he wound up staying with the Yankees. But the
Yankees have bigger fish to frog. And we already know
Juan Soto's having a career year in the Bronx. He's
bonded with the fans. This is the guy who turned
(01:18):
down four hundred and forty million dollars. No one expects
him to get seven hundred million like show Hey God.
But the bigger question is will Aaron Judge be cool
which Juan Soto getting a bigger contract than him? Remember
Aaron Judge got three hundred and sixty million dollars for
(01:42):
nine years, a huge contract. But there's no way that
Juan Soto's not going to get five or approaching six
hundred million dollars. And you know what, I don't think
it's going to be an issue. I think it's all
about timing. Juan Soto's way younger.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Than Aaron.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Aaron Judge's thirty two, wan Soto's twenty five, twenty six,
twenty six years old, so he has longer years to
play more money. I don't think it will be an issue.
I really don't. I think Judge is happy with his
contract where he is, and I don't see how Juan
(02:30):
Soto's not gonna get way more than Aaron Jones's. Just
if the Yankees play around, they'll lose him. But I
don't know how they don't want to pay that guy.
He's been a stud for the Yankees. He the pressure
of playing in New York isn't an issue, and the
Yankee fans have embraced him big time. I think he's
gonna get anywhere between five hundred and fifty and six
(02:51):
hundred million dollars.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
I don't know how he won't get it.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
Number two, the hunt for the n L MVP has
definitely heated up. I think almost all year we thought
for sure it would be show hal Tony, who's closing
in on the forty forty club has had a.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Tremendous season, and even after moving into.
Speaker 3 (03:13):
The leadoff spot once Mookie Betts was heard, and he's
had a tremendous season. But Marcella Zuna all of a
sudden came out of nowhere and is leading for a
triple crown. He's only a few home runs behind show
hal Tony going into Friday's action. So I don't know
(03:33):
about you. I don't know how you can discount and
not reward a guy who can win the triple Crown.
If he wins the triple Crown, he's going to be
the National League MVP, even though six only six players
have done forty forty, which show Hey will certainly get.
That's an impressive stat too, but since only two players
(03:57):
have hit for the Triple Crown since nineteen sixty seven,
that's even more impressive. I think Azuna will be the
National League MVP if he topped Otani and he wins
the Triple Crown in the National League. I can't believe
writers will discount that and give it to show Hey
because of his popularity. Because he had more stolen bases
(04:20):
to lead the league in home runs, batting average, and
RBI is an incredible feat. The last guy to do
it was Miguel Cabra in twenty twelve. There were a
lot of analytic guys who wanted to pick Mike Trout
over him, and Miguel wanted because the writers respect the
Triple Crown. It is a tough thing to do and
(04:40):
it has to be respected. And my vote would be
for Zuna if he does win the Triple Crown.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Number three.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
It comes as no big surprise that the Yankees vehemently
back Aaron Judge after a state Nyland Little league coach
ripped the Yankee slugger for not paying enough attention to
its kids when the Yankees and Tigers played at the
Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and I get it.
(05:08):
I saw all the pictures I saw were of Aaron
Judge around kids, and apparently this one coach went public
and ripped Aaron Judge and said he didn't say to
hide to the kids, and he disappointed the kids. I'm
sure it's hard to make sure that all the kids
get the attention that they want when they see a
major League baseball player, but I thought the coach was
(05:30):
out of line, kind of big timing, you know, the
Yankees and Aaron Judge by going to the media and
complaining about the situation, because they could have turned into
a visit for the kids, and the Yankees even said
that they're up to having a visit with the kids,
come to the Yankee stadium and meet Aaron Judge and
have more time. That's not the way you do it.
(05:50):
And he could have easily contacted the Yankees and said, hey,
my kids really didn't get enough time with Judge. Some
of them were disappointed. Is there any way we can
come to the stadium on a personal visit. We were
in the Little League World Series and we would love
to spend a little time before a game with Aaron
Judge and the Yankees and I do not believe that
the Yankees would have said no. So it was unfortunate.
(06:14):
And Aaron Judge has a spotless reputation, and the Yankees
weren't gonna sit there and allow him to have his
name and reputation dragged through the mud by.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Little league coach from Staten Island.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
So I think the Yankees handled it the right way,
and I think the little league.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Coach was out of bounds.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Here comes the Big Interview. Listen and learn what's so good? Now?
Speaker 3 (06:38):
Let's welcome into the podcast. Former Major league outfielder Jerry
Harriston Junior is also works for sportsnet LA covers the Dodgers.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
What's up, Jerry? How are you Rob Parker?
Speaker 4 (06:50):
What's going on? Brother?
Speaker 5 (06:50):
Hey?
Speaker 2 (06:51):
You been man? Doing just fine? Great to have you on.
We want to catch up on the Dodgers and talk
about the Dogs. It's been a weird season, Jerry.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
The Dodgers have a great record, but it doesn't feel
great like I don't know, it just feels weird. At
some stretches they've been pretty mediocre. Other stretches they've been outstanding.
How would you categorize the Dodgers season thus far?
Speaker 4 (07:15):
I'm going to say incomplete, because I'm kind of right
with you and a Dodger players, Dodger manager Dave Roberts
will probably agree with you, because we haven't played our
best baseball now. Granted we just got superstar Rookie Betts
back about ten days ago. Max Munsey just came back
in the mix. Anytime you're losing superstar players like you know,
(07:38):
obviously Mookie Betts, a great player like Max Munsey, you
don't have glass now he's on the il. So they've
won ball games, they've scratched and clawed to the best
record in the National League, you know, but they've yet
hit their stride. I think that's a great sign. I
think it just goes to show the leadership that manager
(07:59):
Dave Roberts has and the leadership that's in the clubhouse.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
No doubt, it's incredible because sometimes they look and go, man,
this team is not playing up the par And you're right,
a lot of injuries, a lot of situations going on.
Tell me about the pitching. That's what scares me about
this team. Too many pitching injuries are you're relying on
Clayton Kershaw to save the day in October or you know,
like the.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Pitching scares me. But should I should Should I not
be afraid?
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Well, you can be afraid.
Speaker 4 (08:28):
I think the pitching has to be healthy. They understand that.
I know. Yamamoto just threw a bullpen yesterday and all
signs point to him, you know, continuing his progress. Hopefully
we get him back in a couple of weeks because
he's a game changer. Glass now is on the il.
Hopefully we get him back. Those are two guys that
the Dodgers need. They need them to pitch well in October.
(08:50):
So they're hoping that they get those two guys back.
And you get those guys along with Jack Flaherty, who's
been outstanding. Now that's a great one one through three.
You add a Clayton Kershaw and the mix who's been
pitching really well, especially his last two starts. Now you
have a one through four that can meet in October.
And we all know, no matter what you what you
kind of line do you have, what kind of team
(09:12):
you have, you got to have starting pitching in the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
No doubt about it. Jerry Harriston Junior from U Sports
Net LA joining us. He covers the Dodgers. Uh, let's
just talk about the NL West real quick. Uh, the
Padres and the Diamondbacks had a hot streak. Padres are
a little scary too. What do you make of the
competition and those two teams.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
Well, the Padres have been red hot. You know, they've
always had a really good lineup that could score runs.
Speaker 5 (09:39):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
They play really good defensively. Manam mc child's is as
good as it gets as far as not only being
a great on the offensive end, a great run producer,
he is great defensively as well at third base. Uh.
Their bullpen, you can make a case their bullpen, especially
their back into the bullpen, is the best in baseball.
You know, they get a lead, you know in the
six or seventh, they're going to be tough to come
(10:01):
back and score runs on. So I think that team
is kind of built for the playoffs, built for the postseason.
They got experience, they got superstar power as well. So
they've been playing great baseball and I expect them to
play great baseball toward the end of the season on
into September. The d Backs, you know, again we talk
about leadership in great clubhouse, they must have a great clubhouse.
(10:24):
They must have great leadership because they've they lost Totel Marte,
they lost Christian Walker, two studs in their lineup, and
they continue to win ball games. Gorbyn Carroll is having
a great second half of the season. You know, he's
a stud. So I expect the d Backs, I expect
the Padres that played great baseball down the stretch, and
I expect all three teams to be in the postseason.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
The Dodgers, d Backs, and Padres amazing.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
No doubt about Nick came from the dead. They were dead, ye,
the Dbacks, They really were. The Dodgers released Jason Hayward
a little surprise to me. I know, he wasn't swinging
a bat the way that he had been. Buddy had
had some big hits for the Dodgers. I mean, he's
a pros pro. He was great with the Dodgers.
Speaker 4 (11:06):
To me, for the most part, I think I think
he is great for any franchise. You know, you ask
about a guy who's a leader, who's the best leaders,
top five leaders in this game. Jason Hayward has to
be the top of that list. You ask anybody that
played with him, that has managed him. Dave Roberts just
sings his praises and just being around Jason a little
(11:28):
bit getting a chance to know him as a person.
He is one of the best people I've ever been around.
Whatever he wants to do in this game, he'll get
a chance to do it. If he wants to manage someday,
he'll be a manager. If he wants to be a GM,
he'll have an opportunity to do so. He's a guy
that you want in your organization. I think I was
a little bit surprised by the move. Again, this is
the big leagues. You know, you shouldn't be surprised about anything.
(11:51):
It's a tough business. But you mentioned, you know, he
was four for eight in a pitch hitting role with
two home runs. Pinch hitting in this game is probably
the hardest job to do. Come off the bench cold
and give a good at bat, and Jason Heyward did that.
I have a feeling, you know, we're gonna miss him
with the Dodgers, but I have a feeling he's gonna
land on his feet somewhere, either continue to play or
(12:13):
get in the front office, or you know, getting that
in the in the dugout and be a future big
league manager.
Speaker 5 (12:19):
No doubt.
Speaker 3 (12:20):
His name is Jerry Harrison Jr. One of the best
in the business breaking down Major League Baseball. Man, we
appreciate your time and energy.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
Jerry, thank you anytime for you Rob. I always enjoyed
talking a little baseball and basketball.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
You know it, my man. Always thank you Bud.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Anytime, brother, anytime.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
It was a big a Big Leagues or is it fair?
And now from mlbbro dot com here's Jrgamba Jr.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
Is it foul or fair to say that Chisholm is
being overly optimistic when he says he'll be back close
to one hundred percent from a UCL injury.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
After his ten day stint on the IL.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
I'm going to say foul. That is a foul balls.
Speaker 6 (13:17):
However, the Yankees have seen to Dodger Sirius bullet that
would have been a terrible blow to their World Series
hopes if Jazzism Junior was going to miss the rest
of the season, which was initially reported as a possibility.
But while Chisholm has boldly reiterated that he believes he
can return at the end of the ten day IL period,
(13:38):
Yankees manager Aaron Boone calls that prediction a little ambitious
and suggests that Jazz Pumps breaks a bit it's great
news that Jazz feels good like it's a possibility that
he could come back in ten days, but he's been
known to say things that his body camp back up
in the past. Jazz is swinging off the tee, according
(13:59):
to report, at about fifty to seventy percent speed for
the first time or the Yankees off day on Monday.
The Yankees are encouraged by the strength and range of
motion of Chisholm's elbow. Although there was initial concern that
surgery could be an option, and Boone says they aren't
totally out of the clear.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
That's not a concern right now for the Yankees.
Speaker 6 (14:22):
After conferring with several doctors and seeing how quickly Jazz
is recovering. Knowing Jazz's injury history and how injuries in
baseball go in general, however, I would say that mid
September would be a greater time to expect Jazz back
than the beginning of September. And there's nothing wrong with that.
(14:43):
They just need him doing all that Jazz in October.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
In the Bronx, it's time for the pocket protector centro.
The analytic numbers you need to know. Well, maybe Anthony
Dane Masterson is his name.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
BS Analytics is his game. What do you got for me? Anthony?
Speaker 7 (15:06):
It seems like every week on this podcast we could
be talking in a new way about how Shoheo Tani
is changing the game even just dhing. This season, he's
the overwhelming favorite to win his third MVP a whopping
minus five thousand in Vegas, as well as his second straight,
which would be historic as the first full time DH
to win the award, as well as joining Frank Robinson
(15:26):
as the only players ever to win the award in
each league. How is he outperforming the rest of the
league in such a huge way even as just a DH.
He's leading the National League and wins above replacement at
six point three, which is indicative of how much of
another stratosphere he's into the play this season, as he's
leading the NL and home runs slugging ops among other things.
On top of all that, as of August twenty first,
(15:49):
he's only one home run and two stolen bases away
from becoming the sixth player at MLB history to join
the forty to forty club, and he's doing so at
an unreal pace. By the time this podcast airs, he
could already have reached the milestone as we sit in
the third week of August. Previous to show based potential achievement,
the fastest any players reached the forty to forty milestone
(16:10):
was two thousand and six, when the Nationals Alfonso Soriano
notched his fortieth stone base on September sixteenth of that season.
The short list is just Soriano, Ronald Acunia Junior, Alex Rodriguez,
Barry Bonds, and Jose Canseco, but the invite list at
the club is going to get one person longer, likely
sooner rather than later.
Speaker 6 (16:31):
It's the Gambler here, Vice president of operations for mlbbro
dot Com and executive producer of the MLB bro Show
podcast The Mixtape.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
Every Friday. You heard that right.
Speaker 6 (16:44):
Every Friday we bring you the best from the world
of black and Brown baseball. We covered the seven point
two percent of melanated Major leaguers from soup to nuts,
but with our own cultural flair and unique voice, We'll
take you on a ride reflecting on the accomplishment, clutch moments,
and contributions to culture that the Bros continue to breathe
(17:08):
into baseball.
Speaker 1 (17:08):
From Mookie Wilson to Mookie.
Speaker 6 (17:11):
Betts, Doctor k to Doctor Sticks, from ro 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
(17:31):
that truly capture the voice of black baseball.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
If things get.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
Out of hand, is the Boss, Rob Parker. He's kicking
up dusk.
Speaker 6 (17:39):
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.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
To the Negro leagues.
Speaker 6 (17:52):
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. Fucking up for a
wild baseball journey, showing respect to the Ogs and highlighting
the new breed of melanated malm Rogers. First thing through
MLB's pipeline, all pitching with the sound of Black Baseball.
(18:15):
We got the best starting five in the business. Listen
to the MLB Bro Show podcast the Mixtape on the iHeartRadio,
app Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
When Rob was a newspaper columnist, he lived by this motto.
If I'm writing, I'm ripping. Let's bring in a writer
or broadcaster, old or new.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
All right, now, let's welcome into the podcast a friend
of mine, one of the best voices in baseball, longtime
Cleveland Guardians play by play man on radio, mister Tom Hamilton.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
Tom, how are you.
Speaker 8 (18:53):
I'm great, Rob, Thank you for the kind words, and
you know, the feeling is mutual.
Speaker 5 (18:57):
I think the world of you.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
Tame here, buddy, and let's talk about it.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
I wanted to get you on to talk about that
series the Yankees and Guardians in the Bronx. A lot
of people looked at that and said that could be
the Alcs. With both of these teams coming into Friday,
the Yankees seventy five and fifty three and the Guardians
seventy three and fifty four.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
It has been some year for the Guardians.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
Yeah, it really has. Rob.
Speaker 8 (19:25):
You know, lately, we've just kind of stopped hitting. And
it's not been one or two guys, but it's been everybody.
And you know, that's what's got to change. Now, because
you know, all season long, this has been a ball
club that's been in the top third offensively in the
American League. It has the best bullpen in all of baseball.
In some way, somehow, they've patched together the rotation with
(19:47):
all the injuries that they have had. But they have
got to get the bats going again, and we saw
that in New York. Look, they scored nine runs and
won the ball game Tuesday night, but then scored one
run on Wednesday and Thursday. And if you're going to
play the Yankees, I mean Judge and Soto, it was
like they were on a mission to prove they should
be both the most valuable player because Judge had four
(20:10):
home runs rob in that series and he's just having
one of those incredible years. But yeah, it's been a
terrific season here. If this club can just get it
turned around offensively, they'll be fine.
Speaker 3 (20:25):
Yeah, just speaking of Judge, are you Tom and you
saw him up close? Obviously, I'm almost thinking do you
pitch to him at all? I've never seen a guy
for such an extended stretch. You know, most guys are
batting two forty in the big leagues. This guy's hitting
three thirty. Five with forty eight nine home runs. You
know what I mean, like, like, do you pitch to
(20:47):
him at all? Or should you just not pitch to him? Well,
hindsight being what it is, we shouldn't have ever pitched
to him Rob. You know, part of the issue there
too is Rob, especially when you play them in Yankee Stadium.
I mean, he had a couple of home runs. Look,
this guy can hit a home run out of Yellowstone,
So I'm not, by any means disparaging what he has done, right,
(21:11):
but at Yankee Stadium, it's a routine flyout to right
field and it's a home run in that ballpark, and
he has been smart enough to adjust his swing to
take advantage of that. I think the only way you
have a chance with him, especially in that ballpark, you
have to pound him in and you.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
Can't let him extend his owne.
Speaker 8 (21:34):
It just feels like people are afraid to pitch in.
We had one guy throw pitch in and it kind
of grazed his jersey and you know, the place was
going bonkers, and it's like you have to move his feet.
You're not throwing at him. But if he doesn't think
you're ever going to work the inside part of the plate,
and he can cut that plate in half and just
(21:56):
look middle, middle away. You have no chance to get
him out.
Speaker 5 (22:00):
No doubt.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
Our guest is Tom Hamilton, one of the best radio
baseball play by play man. He's been doing the Cleveland
Guardians for a million years. I hate to tell you
how many years, but let me ask you about the
Al central and things of tighten up. Coming into Friday
twins two games out behind the Guardians, Royals two games behind.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
This is going to be.
Speaker 2 (22:21):
A dogfight the last five weeks, one and a half five.
Speaker 8 (22:24):
Weeks, well, no question, Robin. It starts Monday. We have
a day night doubleheader with Kansas City on Monday, and
those are the last four games that we play the
Royals here in Cleveland, and then we go to Kansas
City to finish up the season series that first week
in September. So you know at this point now when
(22:46):
you're talking a two games separation, these head to head battles,
they are two game swings every time you play head
to head. So obviously you're at that point now. We're okay,
even if you sweep the Royal this week, it's not over.
But I'll tell you what you better not start falling behind.
You don't want to be the division leader with a
(23:08):
potential buy in the first round and all of a
sudden had that go away in the last five weeks
of the year. But I agree with you. I think
all three teams right now are playoff capable. Right now,
if the playoffs began, all three would be in talking
about Cleveland, Minnesota, Kansas City. I wouldn't be surprised if
all three do make it.
Speaker 5 (23:29):
Rob.
Speaker 1 (23:30):
I think it's critical to win the division.
Speaker 5 (23:32):
I really do.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
I'm with you.
Speaker 5 (23:35):
I think it is.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
And one last thing, This is probably the craziest thing
in baseball. And you've been around forever. Bruce Bochi's one
of the best managers in baseball. We know that took
the Padres to the World Series, he won the three
with the Giants, and you know, and then helped.
Speaker 2 (23:51):
The Rangers, who had never won a World Series win
But the.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
Weirdest thing is that in all five of those years,
the next year his team has never made the playoffs.
And this year the Rangers are ten and a half out.
They're not making the playoffs. How strange is that for
a manager like that to not forget about making the
playoffs and not repeating, but not making the playoffs after every.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
Trip to the World Series.
Speaker 5 (24:18):
It is incredibly bizarre. Rob.
Speaker 8 (24:20):
I think it's what makes our game great because you
can't explain it. But I also think it tells you
how tough it is to do and how many times
there's a hangover from a World Series appearance the next year.
Now with cam excuse me, with Arizona, they lost the
World Series, but Rob, we played them recently. I think
(24:41):
they're one of the best teams we've played, and I
think they are proving there is no World Series hangover.
I think there has been for Texas. Yeah, they've had injury.
Everybody's had injuries, Rob.
Speaker 2 (24:52):
Yeah, everybody.
Speaker 8 (24:54):
It's the year of the Tommy John surgery or the
year of how much money is on the injured list
that are starting pitchers. But I think that's why it's
so hard in our sport to repeat. And again, the
one thing I think it bears out, Rob, is what
the Yankees did. I was talking to Paul O'Neil about
it when we were in New York here the last
(25:14):
three days. What that group did winning four World Series,
being in the hunt every year that Scott Broch has
said the best thing I've ever heard about. How hard
is it to have that motivation the next year? And
Scott Broch has said, you know what, I love chocolate cake,
(25:35):
but I want the whole cake.
Speaker 5 (25:36):
I don't want just one piece.
Speaker 8 (25:38):
And so I thought it was a great analogy in
that that club was hungry every year to replicate what
they did the year before, and it's really hard to do.
Speaker 3 (25:49):
And what you said, all I do is give you
the numbers. The last National League team to repeat as champions.
Speaker 1 (25:57):
The Big Red Machine. Wow.
Speaker 3 (26:00):
Yeah, seventy in seventy six. Six yep, seventy five, seventy six.
And the last NAT American League team to do it
the Yankees ninety nine, two thousand. That's twenty five years ago.
Think about that.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
Yeah, it just doesn't happen.
Speaker 8 (26:17):
And Rob even think about what the Yankees, what has
it been. I think it's two thousand and nine, the last.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
Two thousand and nine. You haven't been to the World
two thousand and nine.
Speaker 8 (26:26):
And they have the highest payroll every year, And that
prout doesn't guarantee anything.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
No doubt.
Speaker 3 (26:32):
His name is Tom Hamilton, one of the best in
the business. My friend, I appreciate your insight. Always great
to get you on the podcast.
Speaker 8 (26:39):
Thanks Tom Rob, Thanks and continued success. You have had
some kind of career and we're all proud of you.
And not that you need to hear that, but you're awesome.
Speaker 5 (26:48):
Now bring in.
Speaker 1 (26:49):
The closer right. Here's why MLB is better than the
NFL or NBA, and it isn't even close.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
Reason number three hundred and fifty five where Major League
Baseball is better than the NBA and better than the NFL,
it's because of the numbers of the game.
Speaker 2 (27:10):
As we enter the last four or.
Speaker 3 (27:13):
Five weeks of the Major League Baseball season, there are
numbers to watch. Can Aaron Judge hit sixty three home
runs and break his American League record? Can Marcela Zuna
win the Triple Crown in the National League He's only
a couple of home runs behind Sho hal Tani in
(27:35):
the National League.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
Those will be numbers you'll be watching. Also, batting averages.
Speaker 3 (27:41):
There are all kinds of numbers that people will look
at and say, can this happen? Down the stretch? Baseball
more than any other sport. We know what the numbers are.
We follow the numbers.
Speaker 2 (27:53):
Numbers are important.
Speaker 3 (27:54):
It doesn't mean that NBA and the NFL numbers aren't
out there, but when it comes to winning major awards,
and I think that going down the stretch, this Aaron
Judge Kenny get the sixty home runs, Canny break his
own record will be something to watch. It was like
two years ago when he set the record and beat
(28:16):
Roger Morrison's record of sixty one home runs in the
American League. You remember that we watched in all It
was awesome when he finally broke the record in Texas
and hit his sixty second home run. It was something
to marvel at. And I think that's what baseball has
over the other sports. The numbers really matter much more
(28:37):
in baseball. In the words of New York TV legend
the late Bill Jorgensen, thanking you for your time this
time until next time.
Speaker 1 (28:51):
Rob Parker out he can't Gavin. This could be an
inside the Parker. See you next week, same bat time
from same Matt's station.
From the berkshears 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 seven, Rob Parker.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome into the podcast. I'm your host, Rob Parker. What
a show we have for you today.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
Former Major league outfielder Jerry Harriston Junior, who's also an
analyst for sportsnet LA and covers the Dodgers. Plus we'll
talk with Cleveland Guardians radio voice Tom Hamilton, one of
the best in the business.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
We'll talk to those guys. Plus foul affair. Let's go.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Better to lead off, it's getting.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Robbed to keep them on.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Rob's hot take, and the three biggest stories in Major
League Baseball.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
Number one, we know the Dynamics with Aaron Judge, who
got his big contract last year and people were happy
that he wound up staying with the Yankees. But the
Yankees have bigger fish to frog. And we already know
Juan Soto's having a career year in the Bronx. He's
bonded with the fans. This is the guy who turned
(01:18):
down four hundred and forty million dollars. No one expects
him to get seven hundred million like show Hey God.
But the bigger question is will Aaron Judge be cool
which Juan Soto getting a bigger contract than him? Remember
Aaron Judge got three hundred and sixty million dollars for
(01:42):
nine years, a huge contract. But there's no way that
Juan Soto's not going to get five or approaching six
hundred million dollars. And you know what, I don't think
it's going to be an issue. I think it's all
about timing. Juan Soto's way younger.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Than Aaron.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Aaron Judge's thirty two, wan Soto's twenty five, twenty six,
twenty six years old, so he has longer years to
play more money. I don't think it will be an issue.
I really don't. I think Judge is happy with his
contract where he is, and I don't see how Juan
(02:30):
Soto's not gonna get way more than Aaron Jones's. Just
if the Yankees play around, they'll lose him. But I
don't know how they don't want to pay that guy.
He's been a stud for the Yankees. He the pressure
of playing in New York isn't an issue, and the
Yankee fans have embraced him big time. I think he's
gonna get anywhere between five hundred and fifty and six
(02:51):
hundred million dollars.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
I don't know how he won't get it.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
Number two, the hunt for the n L MVP has
definitely heated up. I think almost all year we thought
for sure it would be show hal Tony, who's closing
in on the forty forty club has had a.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Tremendous season, and even after moving into.
Speaker 3 (03:13):
The leadoff spot once Mookie Betts was heard, and he's
had a tremendous season. But Marcella Zuna all of a
sudden came out of nowhere and is leading for a
triple crown. He's only a few home runs behind show
hal Tony going into Friday's action. So I don't know
(03:33):
about you. I don't know how you can discount and
not reward a guy who can win the triple Crown.
If he wins the triple Crown, he's going to be
the National League MVP, even though six only six players
have done forty forty, which show Hey will certainly get.
That's an impressive stat too, but since only two players
(03:57):
have hit for the Triple Crown since nineteen sixty seven,
that's even more impressive. I think Azuna will be the
National League MVP if he topped Otani and he wins
the Triple Crown in the National League. I can't believe
writers will discount that and give it to show Hey
because of his popularity. Because he had more stolen bases
(04:20):
to lead the league in home runs, batting average, and
RBI is an incredible feat. The last guy to do
it was Miguel Cabra in twenty twelve. There were a
lot of analytic guys who wanted to pick Mike Trout
over him, and Miguel wanted because the writers respect the
Triple Crown. It is a tough thing to do and
(04:40):
it has to be respected. And my vote would be
for Zuna if he does win the Triple Crown.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Number three.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
It comes as no big surprise that the Yankees vehemently
back Aaron Judge after a state Nyland Little league coach
ripped the Yankee slugger for not paying enough attention to
its kids when the Yankees and Tigers played at the
Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and I get it.
(05:08):
I saw all the pictures I saw were of Aaron
Judge around kids, and apparently this one coach went public
and ripped Aaron Judge and said he didn't say to
hide to the kids, and he disappointed the kids. I'm
sure it's hard to make sure that all the kids
get the attention that they want when they see a
major League baseball player, but I thought the coach was
(05:30):
out of line, kind of big timing, you know, the
Yankees and Aaron Judge by going to the media and
complaining about the situation, because they could have turned into
a visit for the kids, and the Yankees even said
that they're up to having a visit with the kids,
come to the Yankee stadium and meet Aaron Judge and
have more time. That's not the way you do it.
(05:50):
And he could have easily contacted the Yankees and said, hey,
my kids really didn't get enough time with Judge. Some
of them were disappointed. Is there any way we can
come to the stadium on a personal visit. We were
in the Little League World Series and we would love
to spend a little time before a game with Aaron
Judge and the Yankees and I do not believe that
the Yankees would have said no. So it was unfortunate.
(06:14):
And Aaron Judge has a spotless reputation, and the Yankees
weren't gonna sit there and allow him to have his
name and reputation dragged through the mud by.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Little league coach from Staten Island.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
So I think the Yankees handled it the right way,
and I think the little league.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Coach was out of bounds.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Here comes the Big Interview. Listen and learn what's so good? Now?
Speaker 3 (06:38):
Let's welcome into the podcast. Former Major league outfielder Jerry
Harriston Junior is also works for sportsnet LA covers the Dodgers.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
What's up, Jerry? How are you Rob Parker?
Speaker 4 (06:50):
What's going on? Brother?
Speaker 5 (06:50):
Hey?
Speaker 2 (06:51):
You been man? Doing just fine? Great to have you on.
We want to catch up on the Dodgers and talk
about the Dogs. It's been a weird season, Jerry.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
The Dodgers have a great record, but it doesn't feel
great like I don't know, it just feels weird. At
some stretches they've been pretty mediocre. Other stretches they've been outstanding.
How would you categorize the Dodgers season thus far?
Speaker 4 (07:15):
I'm going to say incomplete, because I'm kind of right
with you and a Dodger players, Dodger manager Dave Roberts
will probably agree with you, because we haven't played our
best baseball now. Granted we just got superstar Rookie Betts
back about ten days ago. Max Munsey just came back
in the mix. Anytime you're losing superstar players like you know,
(07:38):
obviously Mookie Betts, a great player like Max Munsey, you
don't have glass now he's on the il. So they've
won ball games, they've scratched and clawed to the best
record in the National League, you know, but they've yet
hit their stride. I think that's a great sign. I
think it just goes to show the leadership that manager
(07:59):
Dave Roberts has and the leadership that's in the clubhouse.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
No doubt, it's incredible because sometimes they look and go, man,
this team is not playing up the par And you're right,
a lot of injuries, a lot of situations going on.
Tell me about the pitching. That's what scares me about
this team. Too many pitching injuries are you're relying on
Clayton Kershaw to save the day in October or you know,
like the.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Pitching scares me. But should I should Should I not
be afraid?
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Well, you can be afraid.
Speaker 4 (08:28):
I think the pitching has to be healthy. They understand that.
I know. Yamamoto just threw a bullpen yesterday and all
signs point to him, you know, continuing his progress. Hopefully
we get him back in a couple of weeks because
he's a game changer. Glass now is on the il.
Hopefully we get him back. Those are two guys that
the Dodgers need. They need them to pitch well in October.
(08:50):
So they're hoping that they get those two guys back.
And you get those guys along with Jack Flaherty, who's
been outstanding. Now that's a great one one through three.
You add a Clayton Kershaw and the mix who's been
pitching really well, especially his last two starts. Now you
have a one through four that can meet in October.
And we all know, no matter what you what you
kind of line do you have, what kind of team
(09:12):
you have, you got to have starting pitching in the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
No doubt about it. Jerry Harriston Junior from U Sports
Net LA joining us. He covers the Dodgers. Uh, let's
just talk about the NL West real quick. Uh, the
Padres and the Diamondbacks had a hot streak. Padres are
a little scary too. What do you make of the
competition and those two teams.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
Well, the Padres have been red hot. You know, they've
always had a really good lineup that could score runs.
Speaker 5 (09:39):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
They play really good defensively. Manam mc child's is as
good as it gets as far as not only being
a great on the offensive end, a great run producer,
he is great defensively as well at third base. Uh.
Their bullpen, you can make a case their bullpen, especially
their back into the bullpen, is the best in baseball.
You know, they get a lead, you know in the
six or seventh, they're going to be tough to come
(10:01):
back and score runs on. So I think that team
is kind of built for the playoffs, built for the postseason.
They got experience, they got superstar power as well. So
they've been playing great baseball and I expect them to
play great baseball toward the end of the season on
into September. The d Backs, you know, again we talk
about leadership in great clubhouse, they must have a great clubhouse.
(10:24):
They must have great leadership because they've they lost Totel Marte,
they lost Christian Walker, two studs in their lineup, and
they continue to win ball games. Gorbyn Carroll is having
a great second half of the season. You know, he's
a stud. So I expect the d Backs, I expect
the Padres that played great baseball down the stretch, and
I expect all three teams to be in the postseason.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
The Dodgers, d Backs, and Padres amazing.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
No doubt about Nick came from the dead. They were dead, ye,
the Dbacks, They really were. The Dodgers released Jason Hayward
a little surprise to me. I know, he wasn't swinging
a bat the way that he had been. Buddy had
had some big hits for the Dodgers. I mean, he's
a pros pro. He was great with the Dodgers.
Speaker 4 (11:06):
To me, for the most part, I think I think
he is great for any franchise. You know, you ask
about a guy who's a leader, who's the best leaders,
top five leaders in this game. Jason Hayward has to
be the top of that list. You ask anybody that
played with him, that has managed him. Dave Roberts just
sings his praises and just being around Jason a little
(11:28):
bit getting a chance to know him as a person.
He is one of the best people I've ever been around.
Whatever he wants to do in this game, he'll get
a chance to do it. If he wants to manage someday,
he'll be a manager. If he wants to be a GM,
he'll have an opportunity to do so. He's a guy
that you want in your organization. I think I was
a little bit surprised by the move. Again, this is
the big leagues. You know, you shouldn't be surprised about anything.
(11:51):
It's a tough business. But you mentioned, you know, he
was four for eight in a pitch hitting role with
two home runs. Pinch hitting in this game is probably
the hardest job to do. Come off the bench cold
and give a good at bat, and Jason Heyward did that.
I have a feeling, you know, we're gonna miss him
with the Dodgers, but I have a feeling he's gonna
land on his feet somewhere, either continue to play or
(12:13):
get in the front office, or you know, getting that
in the in the dugout and be a future big
league manager.
Speaker 5 (12:19):
No doubt.
Speaker 3 (12:20):
His name is Jerry Harrison Jr. One of the best
in the business breaking down Major League Baseball. Man, we
appreciate your time and energy.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
Jerry, thank you anytime for you Rob. I always enjoyed
talking a little baseball and basketball.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
You know it, my man. Always thank you Bud.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Anytime, brother, anytime.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
It was a big a Big Leagues or is it fair?
And now from mlbbro dot com here's Jrgamba Jr.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
Is it foul or fair to say that Chisholm is
being overly optimistic when he says he'll be back close
to one hundred percent from a UCL injury.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
After his ten day stint on the IL.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
I'm going to say foul. That is a foul balls.
Speaker 6 (13:17):
However, the Yankees have seen to Dodger Sirius bullet that
would have been a terrible blow to their World Series
hopes if Jazzism Junior was going to miss the rest
of the season, which was initially reported as a possibility.
But while Chisholm has boldly reiterated that he believes he
can return at the end of the ten day IL period,
(13:38):
Yankees manager Aaron Boone calls that prediction a little ambitious
and suggests that Jazz Pumps breaks a bit it's great
news that Jazz feels good like it's a possibility that
he could come back in ten days, but he's been
known to say things that his body camp back up
in the past. Jazz is swinging off the tee, according
(13:59):
to report, at about fifty to seventy percent speed for
the first time or the Yankees off day on Monday.
The Yankees are encouraged by the strength and range of
motion of Chisholm's elbow. Although there was initial concern that
surgery could be an option, and Boone says they aren't
totally out of the clear.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
That's not a concern right now for the Yankees.
Speaker 6 (14:22):
After conferring with several doctors and seeing how quickly Jazz
is recovering. Knowing Jazz's injury history and how injuries in
baseball go in general, however, I would say that mid
September would be a greater time to expect Jazz back
than the beginning of September. And there's nothing wrong with that.
(14:43):
They just need him doing all that Jazz in October.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
In the Bronx, it's time for the pocket protector centro.
The analytic numbers you need to know. Well, maybe Anthony
Dane Masterson is his name.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
BS Analytics is his game. What do you got for me? Anthony?
Speaker 7 (15:06):
It seems like every week on this podcast we could
be talking in a new way about how Shoheo Tani
is changing the game even just dhing. This season, he's
the overwhelming favorite to win his third MVP a whopping
minus five thousand in Vegas, as well as his second straight,
which would be historic as the first full time DH
to win the award, as well as joining Frank Robinson
(15:26):
as the only players ever to win the award in
each league. How is he outperforming the rest of the
league in such a huge way even as just a DH.
He's leading the National League and wins above replacement at
six point three, which is indicative of how much of
another stratosphere he's into the play this season, as he's
leading the NL and home runs slugging ops among other things.
On top of all that, as of August twenty first,
(15:49):
he's only one home run and two stolen bases away
from becoming the sixth player at MLB history to join
the forty to forty club, and he's doing so at
an unreal pace. By the time this podcast airs, he
could already have reached the milestone as we sit in
the third week of August. Previous to show based potential achievement,
the fastest any players reached the forty to forty milestone
(16:10):
was two thousand and six, when the Nationals Alfonso Soriano
notched his fortieth stone base on September sixteenth of that season.
The short list is just Soriano, Ronald Acunia Junior, Alex Rodriguez,
Barry Bonds, and Jose Canseco, but the invite list at
the club is going to get one person longer, likely
sooner rather than later.
Speaker 6 (16:31):
It's the Gambler here, Vice president of operations for mlbbro
dot Com and executive producer of the MLB bro Show
podcast The Mixtape.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
Every Friday. You heard that right.
Speaker 6 (16:44):
Every Friday we bring you the best from the world
of black and Brown baseball. We covered the seven point
two percent of melanated Major leaguers from soup to nuts,
but with our own cultural flair and unique voice, We'll
take you on a ride reflecting on the accomplishment, clutch moments,
and contributions to culture that the Bros continue to breathe
(17:08):
into baseball.
Speaker 1 (17:08):
From Mookie Wilson to Mookie.
Speaker 6 (17:11):
Betts, Doctor k to Doctor Sticks, from ro 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
(17:31):
that truly capture the voice of black baseball.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
If things get.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
Out of hand, is the Boss, Rob Parker. He's kicking
up dusk.
Speaker 6 (17:39):
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.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
To the Negro leagues.
Speaker 6 (17:52):
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. Fucking up for a
wild baseball journey, showing respect to the Ogs and highlighting
the new breed of melanated malm Rogers. First thing through
MLB's pipeline, all pitching with the sound of Black Baseball.
(18:15):
We got the best starting five in the business. Listen
to the MLB Bro Show podcast the Mixtape on the iHeartRadio,
app Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
When Rob was a newspaper columnist, he lived by this motto.
If I'm writing, I'm ripping. Let's bring in a writer
or broadcaster, old or new.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
All right, now, let's welcome into the podcast a friend
of mine, one of the best voices in baseball, longtime
Cleveland Guardians play by play man on radio, mister Tom Hamilton.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
Tom, how are you.
Speaker 8 (18:53):
I'm great, Rob, Thank you for the kind words, and
you know, the feeling is mutual.
Speaker 5 (18:57):
I think the world of you.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
Tame here, buddy, and let's talk about it.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
I wanted to get you on to talk about that
series the Yankees and Guardians in the Bronx. A lot
of people looked at that and said that could be
the Alcs. With both of these teams coming into Friday,
the Yankees seventy five and fifty three and the Guardians
seventy three and fifty four.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
It has been some year for the Guardians.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
Yeah, it really has. Rob.
Speaker 8 (19:25):
You know, lately, we've just kind of stopped hitting. And
it's not been one or two guys, but it's been everybody.
And you know, that's what's got to change. Now, because
you know, all season long, this has been a ball
club that's been in the top third offensively in the
American League. It has the best bullpen in all of baseball.
In some way, somehow, they've patched together the rotation with
(19:47):
all the injuries that they have had. But they have
got to get the bats going again, and we saw
that in New York. Look, they scored nine runs and
won the ball game Tuesday night, but then scored one
run on Wednesday and Thursday. And if you're going to
play the Yankees, I mean Judge and Soto, it was
like they were on a mission to prove they should
be both the most valuable player because Judge had four
(20:10):
home runs rob in that series and he's just having
one of those incredible years. But yeah, it's been a
terrific season here. If this club can just get it
turned around offensively, they'll be fine.
Speaker 3 (20:25):
Yeah, just speaking of Judge, are you Tom and you
saw him up close? Obviously, I'm almost thinking do you
pitch to him at all? I've never seen a guy
for such an extended stretch. You know, most guys are
batting two forty in the big leagues. This guy's hitting
three thirty. Five with forty eight nine home runs. You
know what I mean, like, like, do you pitch to
(20:47):
him at all? Or should you just not pitch to him? Well,
hindsight being what it is, we shouldn't have ever pitched
to him Rob. You know, part of the issue there
too is Rob, especially when you play them in Yankee Stadium.
I mean, he had a couple of home runs. Look,
this guy can hit a home run out of Yellowstone,
So I'm not, by any means disparaging what he has done, right,
(21:11):
but at Yankee Stadium, it's a routine flyout to right
field and it's a home run in that ballpark, and
he has been smart enough to adjust his swing to
take advantage of that. I think the only way you
have a chance with him, especially in that ballpark, you
have to pound him in and you.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
Can't let him extend his owne.
Speaker 8 (21:34):
It just feels like people are afraid to pitch in.
We had one guy throw pitch in and it kind
of grazed his jersey and you know, the place was
going bonkers, and it's like you have to move his feet.
You're not throwing at him. But if he doesn't think
you're ever going to work the inside part of the plate,
and he can cut that plate in half and just
(21:56):
look middle, middle away. You have no chance to get
him out.
Speaker 5 (22:00):
No doubt.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
Our guest is Tom Hamilton, one of the best radio
baseball play by play man. He's been doing the Cleveland
Guardians for a million years. I hate to tell you
how many years, but let me ask you about the
Al central and things of tighten up. Coming into Friday
twins two games out behind the Guardians, Royals two games behind.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
This is going to be.
Speaker 2 (22:21):
A dogfight the last five weeks, one and a half five.
Speaker 8 (22:24):
Weeks, well, no question, Robin. It starts Monday. We have
a day night doubleheader with Kansas City on Monday, and
those are the last four games that we play the
Royals here in Cleveland, and then we go to Kansas
City to finish up the season series that first week
in September. So you know at this point now when
(22:46):
you're talking a two games separation, these head to head battles,
they are two game swings every time you play head
to head. So obviously you're at that point now. We're okay,
even if you sweep the Royal this week, it's not over.
But I'll tell you what you better not start falling behind.
You don't want to be the division leader with a
(23:08):
potential buy in the first round and all of a
sudden had that go away in the last five weeks
of the year. But I agree with you. I think
all three teams right now are playoff capable. Right now,
if the playoffs began, all three would be in talking
about Cleveland, Minnesota, Kansas City. I wouldn't be surprised if
all three do make it.
Speaker 5 (23:29):
Rob.
Speaker 1 (23:30):
I think it's critical to win the division.
Speaker 5 (23:32):
I really do.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
I'm with you.
Speaker 5 (23:35):
I think it is.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
And one last thing, This is probably the craziest thing
in baseball. And you've been around forever. Bruce Bochi's one
of the best managers in baseball. We know that took
the Padres to the World Series, he won the three
with the Giants, and you know, and then helped.
Speaker 2 (23:51):
The Rangers, who had never won a World Series win
But the.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
Weirdest thing is that in all five of those years,
the next year his team has never made the playoffs.
And this year the Rangers are ten and a half out.
They're not making the playoffs. How strange is that for
a manager like that to not forget about making the
playoffs and not repeating, but not making the playoffs after every.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
Trip to the World Series.
Speaker 5 (24:18):
It is incredibly bizarre. Rob.
Speaker 8 (24:20):
I think it's what makes our game great because you
can't explain it. But I also think it tells you
how tough it is to do and how many times
there's a hangover from a World Series appearance the next year.
Now with cam excuse me, with Arizona, they lost the
World Series, but Rob, we played them recently. I think
(24:41):
they're one of the best teams we've played, and I
think they are proving there is no World Series hangover.
I think there has been for Texas. Yeah, they've had injury.
Everybody's had injuries, Rob.
Speaker 2 (24:52):
Yeah, everybody.
Speaker 8 (24:54):
It's the year of the Tommy John surgery or the
year of how much money is on the injured list
that are starting pitchers. But I think that's why it's
so hard in our sport to repeat. And again, the
one thing I think it bears out, Rob, is what
the Yankees did. I was talking to Paul O'Neil about
it when we were in New York here the last
(25:14):
three days. What that group did winning four World Series,
being in the hunt every year that Scott Broch has
said the best thing I've ever heard about. How hard
is it to have that motivation the next year? And
Scott Broch has said, you know what, I love chocolate cake,
(25:35):
but I want the whole cake.
Speaker 5 (25:36):
I don't want just one piece.
Speaker 8 (25:38):
And so I thought it was a great analogy in
that that club was hungry every year to replicate what
they did the year before, and it's really hard to do.
Speaker 3 (25:49):
And what you said, all I do is give you
the numbers. The last National League team to repeat as champions.
Speaker 1 (25:57):
The Big Red Machine. Wow.
Speaker 3 (26:00):
Yeah, seventy in seventy six. Six yep, seventy five, seventy six.
And the last NAT American League team to do it
the Yankees ninety nine, two thousand. That's twenty five years ago.
Think about that.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
Yeah, it just doesn't happen.
Speaker 8 (26:17):
And Rob even think about what the Yankees, what has
it been. I think it's two thousand and nine, the last.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
Two thousand and nine. You haven't been to the World
two thousand and nine.
Speaker 8 (26:26):
And they have the highest payroll every year, And that
prout doesn't guarantee anything.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
No doubt.
Speaker 3 (26:32):
His name is Tom Hamilton, one of the best in
the business. My friend, I appreciate your insight. Always great
to get you on the podcast.
Speaker 8 (26:39):
Thanks Tom Rob, Thanks and continued success. You have had
some kind of career and we're all proud of you.
And not that you need to hear that, but you're awesome.
Speaker 5 (26:48):
Now bring in.
Speaker 1 (26:49):
The closer right. Here's why MLB is better than the
NFL or NBA, and it isn't even close.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
Reason number three hundred and fifty five where Major League
Baseball is better than the NBA and better than the NFL,
it's because of the numbers of the game.
Speaker 2 (27:10):
As we enter the last four or.
Speaker 3 (27:13):
Five weeks of the Major League Baseball season, there are
numbers to watch. Can Aaron Judge hit sixty three home
runs and break his American League record? Can Marcela Zuna
win the Triple Crown in the National League He's only
a couple of home runs behind Sho hal Tani in
(27:35):
the National League.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
Those will be numbers you'll be watching. Also, batting averages.
Speaker 3 (27:41):
There are all kinds of numbers that people will look
at and say, can this happen? Down the stretch? Baseball
more than any other sport. We know what the numbers are.
We follow the numbers.
Speaker 2 (27:53):
Numbers are important.
Speaker 3 (27:54):
It doesn't mean that NBA and the NFL numbers aren't
out there, but when it comes to winning major awards,
and I think that going down the stretch, this Aaron
Judge Kenny get the sixty home runs, Canny break his
own record will be something to watch. It was like
two years ago when he set the record and beat
(28:16):
Roger Morrison's record of sixty one home runs in the
American League. You remember that we watched in all It
was awesome when he finally broke the record in Texas
and hit his sixty second home run. It was something
to marvel at. And I think that's what baseball has
over the other sports. The numbers really matter much more
(28:37):
in baseball. In the words of New York TV legend
the late Bill Jorgensen, thanking you for your time this
time until next time.
Speaker 1 (28:51):
Rob Parker out he can't Gavin. This could be an
inside the Parker. See you next week, same bat time
from same Matt's station.
Host
Rob Parker
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