Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
This is the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Duran at near mid court.
Speaker 3 (00:12):
Right's on angle three for the wind get yeah, hey.
Speaker 4 (00:15):
Know that with three tens of a second remaining, they'll
check the clock, but it's a Cady three, just his
second one of the day from twenty eight feet with
Suns defenders in front of him. They'll reset the clock
in one point one time out of the Suns.
Speaker 5 (00:39):
Then there was an inbound and it was intercepted by
Josh Okogi, and that is the game Rockets win last night,
one ninety seven over the Suns at Toyota Center. With
that we say away we go. Good morning here. It
is the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole Sports Talk
seven to ninety one more day without coal. Chris Gordy
(01:00):
going to be in here with me this morning, so
look forward to being able to chop it up with
Gordy here for the next four hours. And of course
we'll get into a lot of last night's game. Of course,
the Texans getting ready for playoff game number one of
hopefully many. I mean Willie Anderson Junior who played it
(01:21):
for you yesterday saying that you know we only need
four of these and you get four straight to add
on to the ninth straight. We've already won the close
out the regular season. Well then your World champs, the
Lombardi Trophy is coming back to Houston, So got to
get through number one Monday night in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.
And a little bit from Demiko Ryan's visit with the
(01:42):
media yesterday. We'll have that for you here a little
bit later on in the show. And of course Tatsuya
and my is officially a Houston astro and also trying
to mimic an astro's legend, so we'll get into that too.
But as always too, once we get into the conversation,
you are always welcome. The door is always open. As
soon as that clock hits six am. Seven one three
(02:06):
two one two five seven ninety is the way to
get in. But I mean, you know, look, phone calls
are like any other conversation. You know, you don't call
somebody for the sake of just calling them. I mean,
I really hope you don't, Like, aren't we kind of
past that it's twenty twenty six, Like I remember yesterday
I was asking you what your New Year's resolutions are.
But that's one of those things like if it is
(02:27):
one of those that you feel like it is almost
a defcom one and then like does it go the
opposite direction, like and then if it's one, then it's like,
you know, things are like really dire, like you know,
nuclear weapons are being fired up and like all of
that kind of stuff, Like you don't want that the
military folks out there hit me up with that if
I'm if I'm right or wrong on that. But you know,
(02:48):
when you call someone, I mean more often than not,
you want to make sure that it's one of two things.
Either A it's the utmost importance. So if it's the
utmost importance and you want to put a vo it
when you can't put a face along with it, then
sure absolutely. The other one is obviously how close are
you with that person? Are you really dear friends, are
(03:10):
you family? Either of those things otherwise a text, an email,
maybe an occasional DM, but I would say probably a
text or an email if you're close enough, those would
suffice enough.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
So there you go.
Speaker 5 (03:23):
So when it comes to calls, though, I would say
that you know, more often than not, once we've started
a conversation, then jump in because I'd tell like, one
of those things too, is look, we want to get
everybody in and there's a reason why. I also say
too that you know, if we've talked about it's fair game.
You know we talk Texans, Okay, yeah, sure, jump on in,
(03:44):
talk rockets, Bingo. There you go, talk Astros, there you go.
But it's also though too, it's like a conversation at
a party. Kind of think about it like that where
you walk up on a conversation, if you're doing it right,
take inventory of the conversation. First, what are they talking about? Well,
you know what's being said, and then finally that trips
(04:05):
up in your brain. Hey, you know I got something
to add here, Go ahead and add it in there
you go, love to have it. But if you walk
up on a conversation, you don't really know the context
of it, and then you know it's you just throw
something in and it completely just record scratch.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Just throws it off.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
I mean it's kind of the same deal here.
Speaker 5 (04:25):
So that is not you know, like I've said, we
only have two rules on this show. And the two
rules are very simple, and they're mostly for me and
Cole or whoever you know is in these shares. When
either of us is out. Number one always have fun
and number two, don't take yourself too seriously. Both of
those things. Think if you lived by both of those,
(04:45):
you're doing okay. But anyway, the Rockets last night able
to get the three point win over the Suns at
Toyota Center. First half was not looking good like at
all as the Rockets were down the half sixty to
fifty four. And then in the third and fourth quarters.
(05:06):
How many times have I told you with the Rockets
that at least that third quarter that kind of tells
you how the night's gonna go. Where we've seen it
in like for example, when they went two and four
on that West Coast road trip, the third quarter was
the killer. That's the one that allowed for teams to
get back in it. And then, of course, at least
a couple of times we saw fourth quarters that were
same deal, not great whatsoever, and some of them went
(05:30):
overtime they lost, And last night looked like he was
gonna go overtime. And then Kevin Durant rose up and said, no, no, no, no,
no no no. You guys brought me in here to
be the closer. That's what I'm gonna be. And two
defenders draped all over him. He says, hey, I'm six eleven.
I'm Kevin Durant. Don't you know who I am? And
even in the post game, I don't know if you
(05:50):
were listening too much where he said, if he goes
to his right right there and he's got that shot,
oh he's taken it.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
That's his area right there.
Speaker 5 (06:00):
And good thing he did last night because he got
up to throw that ball, threw the hoop from behind
a three point arc, and the Rockets able to win
this one. But I mean, just overall, it was a
just okay performance at least from the field, it was
awful again from three awful nine of thirty seven last night.
(06:21):
Free throw line wasn't great either, fifteen to twenty one.
So offensively, right now, this team still has their awards.
I don't think there's any question about that. He turned
the basketball over fourteen times. It's not one of their worst.
But still, I mean you could see that right now,
the cohesion of this offense and just the overall flow
of it is off. And a huge reason for that
(06:42):
is I told you all last night on Rockets Rap
if you were listening and appreciate all of you. As
a matter of fact, gosh, I don't think that we've
ever had that level of contributions from all of you
on the phone lines, and appreciate all of you who
hopped in with us. I mean it was almost you know,
after a huge Astros win, because it seems like for
us that the Astro tenth Inning Show gets a lot
(07:03):
of listener interaction on the phone lines, which love absolutely
please jump in. People are passionate about the Shrows and
for good reason. You know, we've seen a lot of
winning baseball over there, and you want to be a
part of a winner, and you know, when things aren't
going great, of course, that's when people usually get fired.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Up and they want to share their opinions that way.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
And last night it was the good with the Rockets,
where of course Kevin Durant that's why you got him,
That's why he's here. And as I said last night,
obviously I'm a big movie guy. I threw out the
line from Office Space about Michael Bolton. I mean, I
celebrate his entire catalog. I think most of us last
night and for most of this season, have been kind
(07:46):
of like Bob slide L and Bob Porter, the consultants
they're at in a tech. They feel the same way,
but instead of Michael Bolton, it's about Kevin Durant. Massive
fan of that guy, and as I mentioned with him
last night, the game winner twenty six points out of him.
Nice bounce back performance by Jabari Smith Junior too. You
love to see that he made the most threes of anyone.
(08:08):
I mean again, I remind you only nine of them
were made in this game, and two of them were
made by Kevin Durant, including the game winner. So the
rest of the team not great. Two of six from
Tarry Easton, one of four and one of four from
both Dori and Finney Smith and also from Reed Shephard.
So I mean offensively, as I said, something's a little
(08:31):
offt and I know you know that's gonna you know,
precipitate the calls and the tweets about point guard, point guard,
need a point guard.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
I get all of that.
Speaker 5 (08:37):
I understand it, but you also have to remember what
Alprin Shingoon does in this offense. Is that a lot
of it once you cross the timeline is going to
center through number twenty eight. He's going to be the
guy that is going to either take it himself. And
we also see what he is from a distribution perspective too.
He's fantastic at that. He's really good at that. So
(09:00):
not having him out there right now is thrown off
flow for this team. I mean, just take a look
at how they started in Dallas the other night. Eleven
two runs start the game. I mean, it was looking
like it was going to be one of those where
if you're a Mavericks fan sit in that building, you're
probably like, hm, well that's probably why we're twelve and
twenty three. This team is just much better than we are.
And then he goes down and the offense completely really
(09:24):
fell off.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
In that game, and it was not exactly what you
wanted to see.
Speaker 5 (09:28):
So I mean a little bit better last night, but still,
I mean it just goes to show you how important
Alprin Shingoon is to this team. And look, I would
venture to say, and I'm not wishing this whatsoever, if
you had to be without Kevin Durant for a few games,
I really think offensively, you would be not gonna say fine,
(09:50):
because I mean that would be losing about twenty five
to thirty plus points in that game. So then that's
you know, Ima Udoka and the coach is going to
Jabari Smith Junior, to Tarry Easton to him and Thompson
to Read Shepherd whoever else in saying hey, you know,
you guys could make that up right, like, you know,
that's that's no problem. And of course, you know they
kind of give him that hesitant look for a second
(10:11):
of you know, oh yeah, yeah, yeah, sure, sure, that's
absolutely so. I mean, you don't want to be around him,
you don't want to be without him for a long
period of time. But I mean you saw it last
year with this roster constructed with Alprin Shingun you know,
on the floor for much of the season, and that
was a team that was able to get you the
second best record in the Western Conference. Now wanted to
(10:32):
get you in the end not much. But now you've
got Kevin Durant, You've got the closer. And I will
give you Mayadoka credit here, Gordy where probably after the
you know, inbound that they had for a chance at
a game winner in New Orleans, and I think that
(10:53):
it was pretty clear to see that Kevin Durant was
a little annoyed with Hey, you know, isn't that why
I'm here?
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Like I aren't.
Speaker 5 (11:00):
Aren't I supposed to be the guy in that situation
that he may or doka Ever since, when it comes
to those situations, knows, hey, my guys six eleven and
he's got all the length in the world. He's one
of the best shooters in the game, probably one of
the best game has ever seen. So when it comes
to trying to be able to send everybody home happy
with a final shot, I think I should go to
number seven before I go to number twenty eight.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
Well, it's easy to say that, but they've they've had
times late in games where teams have double teamed them.
I mean, they're like, we are not letting them.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
They did it last night.
Speaker 3 (11:30):
I just it's it's it's gonna be tough, and that's
where I think you have to have somebody else emerge
and step up and show that they can be that guy.
Alpi I think has one game winner this year, but
you know there's been times where he's fumbled that ball
away the final seconds and or taken any i'll advise shot.
So that's still something to remember when we get the postseason.
(11:50):
Top it can't always be Durant in crunch time again.
That's that's what he's here for primarily. But again, those
other teams know that they're not stupid. They're gonna go,
oh yeah, let's double even triple team that guy we'll
leave open to Men Thompson on the wing.
Speaker 5 (12:04):
I just feel like winin out number seven. I mean,
and that's one of those that I think if you're
Emai Adoka and it doesn't go your way, you can
go to the podium and feel good about your answer
of I mean, he's Kevin Durant, Like, what else are
we supposed to do?
Speaker 2 (12:19):
What they did?
Speaker 5 (12:20):
You know, did the Lakers say, well, everybody's gonna be
going after Kobe Bryant, so you know we can't get
the ball in the Kobe Bryant. And the same deal
with Lebron. I mean, remember, for the longest time with Lebron,
it was dude, stop being passive, you're the guy, be
the guy.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
I'll just say so, Rockets are fortunate to get out
with the win last night. I mean, now, that was
a game where you look at the numbers. I mean,
you shot forty four percent from the field, but twenty
four percent from three. That's two consecutive games you've shot
twenty four percent from three.
Speaker 2 (12:48):
You were ten of.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Forty one in Dallas and that loss nine to thirty
seven last night, and then the free throws, you're seventy
one percent of the line.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Like you just look at those numbers and go, oh, rockets.
They was that game.
Speaker 5 (13:01):
Think Kelvin Sampson got into the building early and put
some of those lids on the rim because that's apparently
one of his things, you know, to really teach getting
after the basketball, you know, rebounding all all of that
kind of stuff.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
Rebound him fifty one to forty. But it's just again
this it's the it's the biggest concern. I mean, coming
into the season, we knew point guard was a big question.
But then the other part of is three point shooting
and who can be that consistent three point shot? And
you know Jabari three for eight, Tory Finny Smith won
for four, Reach Shepherd won for four, and Durant two
(13:35):
for twelve. I mean it's ten three attempts last night.
So again he made the one to count it that
that mattered most, and that's what's important. You got the win.
But yeah, they're just kinda again you know, they they're
doing they're doing fine. I mean what they won four
in a row before the lost in Dallas and then
the win last night. It just feels like this is
gonna be that stretch of the season where all right,
(13:57):
they're not shooting well, They're gonna live without al you
for a little while.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
Just find a way to keep grinding and winning.
Speaker 5 (14:02):
Perhaps Kevin Durant was fueled by pettiness at the end
of the game last night, and he was asked about
in the postgame press conference. We'll share that with you
here on the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole. That
other voice you just heard, of course, is our program
director Chris Gordy subbon in this morning. Appreciate you waking
up early with us. Roger Jason see right there. We'll
get you involved too. You want to join them seven
(14:24):
one three two on two five seven ninety. Again, it's
Sebone three two on two five seven ninety. We're just
getting going here. It's a Tuesday on the Morning Drive
right here, Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
Back to the Morning Drive. Here's Dan Matthews and Cole Thompson.
Speaker 5 (14:42):
Hey, you want to go to the FCS Championship game.
Imagine that conversation. I couldn't even name the teams in
the Division two level. Montana States and Illinois State.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Think it was Arizona State. Well, Arizona State's an FBS team. No, yeah,
you're right, Yeah it was Illinois. Yeah, it's pick a
state that you barely talk about.
Speaker 3 (15:05):
That's that's that's that's Division two.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (15:09):
But South Dakota wasn't or North Dakota State. They for years,
I was gonna say, yeah, North Akota State. South Dakota
is really good. The jack Rabbits, Uh, they're they're also
pretty good, I mean a few years ago, uh, before
they made the jump to FBS. Sam Houston, it's really good.
So Willie Fritz's old stops. So anyway, so you get
the Rockets winning the last night one to ninety seven.
(15:32):
You also are getting the Texans ready for their playoff
game Monday night in Pittsburgh against the Stillers, and uh
got the Tatsuya in my officially introduced yesterday over at
DIYK in Park. We'll have some of the thoughts from
his press conference and also to the question of the day,
(15:52):
we just do it out on the at Sports Talk
seven ninety on Twitter. What would you tell himy and
his wife to visit next in Houston, because I mean,
you already hit the Texans scheme, then you went to
the Rocket scheme the other night. Apparently I didn't know
that Jim Crane had a restaurant. That was what Scott
Boris said yesterday. It's the place right next to the ballpark.
Speaker 3 (16:13):
Oh okay, yeah, he bought that whole, all that property,
like he keeps buying up the property right around dyke
In Park. Okay, that's that's been a couple of years
now though. Okay, Well, I mean, I just I had
no idea. So bring the bring the credit card if
you're going. Okay, So it's one of those I mean,
it's good. It's the fine dining, but it's yeah, it's
(16:34):
it's it's a little bit of shock.
Speaker 5 (16:36):
Once you see that itemized receipt come to your table.
You're saying, oh my god, well it's the thing. Don't
be shocked. That's just be prepared going in. Okay, all right,
all right, Well you know we were told once in
a Disney song, be prerepared, so.
Speaker 3 (16:49):
Jim will look at you and go, hey, payroll don't
pay for itself.
Speaker 5 (16:52):
But well it's not only that, I mean it would
also maybe even be you know, you got somebody at
the door that's you know, like a nicer bouncer, but
still you know they see it and they're like, yeah,
this isn't a place for you. So it's EM Yeah, okay,
think about it is. I was talking about it with
Steve Sparks yesterday. My tie, my tie, so em I.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
Well, it's just tough because we were just talking about
the rockets and may mm hmm.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
So we have MA and EM. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
So and then Texans kicker is Kayimi Fairbair and his
nickname is Amy well well represented, so we have emy
em and yeah, there you go. See all three, all
three major teams here in Houston, said Simpatico. Simpatico seven
one three, two one two five seven ninety is the
(17:39):
way to get in.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
Roger's gonna lead us off this morning. Good morning, Roger, Hey,
good morning Jens.
Speaker 6 (17:46):
Yeah, a good way to catch the vibe of Houston. Man.
You got two really good, two really good games that
he went to. They weren't pretty bad to start off
his uh, his astros uh Astro's career. Uh he needs
to go to U of h next said I would
be a pretty good, uh nice little uh you know,
atmosphere for him to that's fairy.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
They got Texas, Yeah, they got Texas. Yeah.
Speaker 6 (18:09):
Yeah, that's to start the tour.
Speaker 7 (18:11):
Man.
Speaker 6 (18:11):
Uh so uh with with the Rockets, man, they need
a point guard, man, we need a point guard bad
it think it as walky as all get out.
Speaker 8 (18:19):
Man.
Speaker 6 (18:20):
It's just he could have even get into our sets
sometimes and it was just I don't want to just
get a helter skilter basketball. He worked out, you know,
because we got the talent and we got defense. Always
shows up most of the time. But yeah, we're gonna
be in some games. Uh. I love Dylan Brooks, man,
he's just it isn't trip, man. He just likes to
(18:43):
mess with everybody.
Speaker 9 (18:44):
He's a good guy.
Speaker 6 (18:45):
Man. I kind of missed that deed.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
That team was him too. He was out on the court.
Speaker 3 (18:50):
He was hugging literally every player on the court after
the game.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
I mean, that guy brought so much.
Speaker 10 (18:56):
Man.
Speaker 6 (18:56):
I just is there's some way we can get him back,
that'd be great. Uh anyway, Yeah, brings Shepherd for all
his good intentions. I love the kid. Man, he's just
not there in the development. I'm not sure if he's
gonna get there. He can be a nice three in
d guy for you. But he just can't do both.
Speaker 11 (19:15):
Man.
Speaker 6 (19:15):
He's just sometimes he's overwhelmed and he you know, he's
undersized to start with, but he just he's just not
a facilitator, man. And uh, even with the points center,
when Alfie comes back, you know, he gets kind of
it gets kind of bogged down as well. We've got
to somehow get this fixed because it's getting it looks wonky.
(19:35):
And I'm in Thompson. He's he's brilliant and he's awkward.
He's amazing, but I don't know if you want to
right into the quantum rum twice and just ran into
a mysterious forcefield wall where he just went to the
cup and just threw the ball up in the air twice.
I'm not sure what that was about. But yeah, we
we just need a point guard fellas moving forward and uh,
(19:59):
well we'll let's see you next time fellas. Have a
great tuesday, all.
Speaker 5 (20:02):
Right, you two, Roger, I appreciate and thanks for falling
you know just what we threw out there. Like I said,
it's not a role, it's just I'm just trying to
help you all out in terms of the calls. But
with Reed Shephard. You know, I talked about it a
little bit last night on Rockets Rap Gordy. I just
I think right now that they are more concerned. In
(20:23):
concern might not even be the right word, but there's
more of a focus on, hey, get your shot, get
your shot, get confident in that part of your game,
because that is really the main part of your game.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
And then we'll work down from there.
Speaker 5 (20:36):
Then we can probably start working a little bit on
the facilitation and just you know, being able to set
this offense and being able to run this offense.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
And I just not a bad passer.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
I think it's just the role is like he's moving
back and forth back, and it's right all right. You know,
like if you're just the one, then okay, you know
your role. If you're just a two, then you know
your role.
Speaker 6 (20:56):
Right.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
It's like they're kind of having them do a little
bit of both.
Speaker 5 (20:59):
I just think that long term, they probably view him
as being more of a two to go along with Fred.
Speaker 3 (21:05):
I think that's what he was drafted for. I think
that's what his ideal fit is now. Again, he ran
Point at Kentucky, ran Point in high school. He you know,
he's he's not a bad passer. It's just I don't know.
I just think like to be. I don't think he's
a primary point guard at the NBA position. I think
he can play it at times. It's just, yeah, he's
much better sitting in that corner knockdown threes. He's still
(21:29):
an underrated defender too. But yeah, it's funny. It's funny
about Read because earliest season he had some rough games
and people are like, ah, it's not ready. Then he
had a stream games where he was really good and
people like, look, we might have some Marie Sheppard here,
and then you know, he has a bad game or two,
but I don't know. Again, so it's like, you know,
you're on the wagon, off the wagon. I remind you again,
(21:50):
Kid's only twenty one. I mean he's you know, he's
still getting his footing here in this league. I think
he's going to continue to develop and get better and better.
But to Roger's original point, yes, they were missing a
point guard. Every time I see Fred van vlieton street
clothes hugging somebody after a game, like please get healthy.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
I wish you were here.
Speaker 5 (22:07):
Well, I mean, you know, and also to what you
were just saying about read Shepherd Jabari Smith Junior. I
think fits into that because I mean he was, you know,
at least for the longest time where it was you
know man, I mean has rafel Stone just really missed
on these guys and then you saw it during the
playoffs last year getting confidence in that shot. Had a
bad game against Dallas, but in decent enough bounced.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
Back last night. Jabari, there's somebodys I look at a
go are you here tonight? Did Jabari? Ply tonight? I
didn't see him?
Speaker 3 (22:33):
Like right, It's just like man, a guy like that
with that capability, like he just who who went right
before him?
Speaker 2 (22:41):
Was that the Banco draft. I'd have to go back
and look, but I think you're right.
Speaker 3 (22:47):
It's just it's like man just could just be consistent,
just show up consistently, night in and night out. Give
me fifteen and six or whatever.
Speaker 5 (22:56):
Well it gives you that you feel good about your chances,
and well, good news he gave two more than that
last night seventeen in order to help you beat the
Suns by three one ninety solo chet Jabbari?
Speaker 2 (23:06):
That was that draft? Okay, all right, yeah, no, that's
a good draft.
Speaker 5 (23:10):
I mean, all three of those guys making strong contributions
in the league right now.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Well, you don't remember that.
Speaker 3 (23:14):
The night of that draft, it was people thought was
it was Jabbari, Jabari Jabari, And then the day of
the draft, Wosh put out I'm hearing Paulo number one
because the Rockets were sold on Pollow like, oh, it's
gonna because it was kind of consensus Chet was gonna
go number two to Okay see, and we were the
whole week lean up to it, We're thinking, oh, it's
(23:34):
gonna be Polo and Houston, and then all of a
sudden they're like, no, Paulo number one.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
We're like, are you kidding?
Speaker 3 (23:39):
Jabari, who has been the consensus number one player in
this draft, is gonna fall to three. And again he's
been a fine again. Fifteen and six is what he's
averaging this year. I just need a little bit more
consistent now.
Speaker 5 (23:50):
It's almost like when the Astros drafted Carlos Korea and
everybody was like, no, it's Buxton. Buxton's a gay because
the thought was Buxton was more expensive, right, Carlos being
at National.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
Was gonna be a little bit cheaper.
Speaker 3 (24:01):
But I think I mean now Bucks has come on
in the backstretch of his career, but I think it's
I think it's safe to say Carlos is still slightly
the better player.
Speaker 5 (24:10):
I was gonna say, how do you think that worked out?
And I think it's worked out pretty well. Good news
for the Astros. They got him back, so that is
good for sure. Jason, see right there, you're gonna be involved.
You want to join them? Sebone three two one two
five seven nine. That almost sounded like a threat. I
didn't mean it that way. You're going to be involved, No,
you know, we'll involve you in the conversation.
Speaker 2 (24:29):
Of course.
Speaker 5 (24:30):
Everybody welcome at seb one three two one two five
seven ninety. I mentioned a little bit of pettiness out
of Kevin Durant. Well you know what, we're gonna have
that for you next too, because his answer was a lot,
a lot of fun after the game, So we'll have
that for you.
Speaker 2 (24:45):
It is the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole.
Speaker 5 (24:47):
No, Cole Thompson, Chris Gordy in for him right here,
Sportstox seven ninety Please five for five.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
Hey, it's Craig Vigia. Listen to the Home of the
Astros in your home. Just tell you're smart speaker, play
sports Fox seven ninety on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 5 (25:03):
But of course, as we've mentioned, seven one three, two
one two five seven ninety, all are welcome. So if
you want to jump in, you get your chance. We'll
hear from Kevin Durant here in just a couple of seconds.
Jason and Conrad want to wait you Good morning, Jason.
Speaker 8 (25:17):
I'll tell you what before I get to the rockets.
There's nothing gonna be more fitting than watching the Texans
knock Aaron Rodgers that diva on his put next Monday night.
That's gonna be great to watch.
Speaker 2 (25:29):
He's an old man, Jason, go easy on him. He's
an old man.
Speaker 8 (25:33):
Well, you know he's always talked bad about Houston and
I don't like Houston. Well, what what a pitty way
the city that you hate in your career?
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Yeah, he said that. I was gonna say, wait, but
you know what, Jason, I'm with you.
Speaker 5 (25:46):
But yeah, what what you gotta tell yourself whatever rat
poison repellent you gotta throw out there, I'm with it.
Speaker 2 (25:52):
Jason said, that's it. That's it.
Speaker 1 (25:55):
You know.
Speaker 5 (25:55):
He said that place is an absolute piece of junk
and it's garbage.
Speaker 2 (25:58):
That's exactly what I heard him say. For sure.
Speaker 8 (26:01):
Yep, yep. You know when it comes to the Rockets,
you know, we know how important Durant and Singdoon is
to the Rockets. But I think a lot of the
reason why the Rockets are in the position they're in.
And I know Udoka gets a lot of credit, but
(26:23):
I really think if he wasn't our coach, I wanted
to ask, y'all, would this be the same team we're
watching now or would they be as good as they
are or would they be struggling? Because I think Udoka
is part of the reason why this team is doing
as well as they are right now.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
Oh, there's no doubt. I mean, yeah, if this were appreciated, Buddy,
I don't know who was Steven Silas, No, they would
not be twenty two and eleven.
Speaker 5 (26:54):
I mean there is a least I would say. It's
not even a vocal minority. It's a very small faction
that have called im Yudoka. Who was the Mamma there
goes that man, Mark Jackson. Mark Jackson, because I mean
remember that was the thought in uh Golden State, that
he got him as far as they could and then
(27:16):
they went with somebody else. I mean, you know, I mean,
you know, somebody else, kind of like, hey, Grady Little
got the Red Sox. As far as we can now,
let's bring in Terry Francona. What a retread? You sure
anyone World titles. I'm not saying that's the case here.
I'm just I'm saying that. You know, look, not every
head coach is perfect, but I think we can agree
here that at least, you know, there's been a pretty
(27:39):
steady improvement every single year, and one of the things
you wanted to improve this year was being able to
knock down outside shots.
Speaker 2 (27:47):
As of lately, it's not gone well.
Speaker 5 (27:49):
But that's the play on the floor. That's not that's
not on im Yadoka. You know what Imadoka expects two things,
physicality and stifling defense, and try to be able to
deliver that. And you're I heard him say it the
other night, where you know, the reason why they lost
it to Mavericks was when he just didn't knock down shots.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
It wasn't an effort thing. Guys played hard. That's not
the problem.
Speaker 5 (28:09):
Because we've also heard it the other way that when
you lose a game like that, you usually expect that
he May Dooka is going to go to the podium
and he's going to absolutely go scorched earth on his guys,
and he didn't do that.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
I won the game, so that's that's the most important.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
But yeah, I mean, look, he May's I mean, he's
the reason this team, you know, was last year made
the playoffs and was considered ahead of schedule. And again,
the young guys are still developing and all that. But
you go and get a stud like Kevin Durant to
add to the mix, there's still some nights where I
think that the defense is not as good as he
(28:45):
May wants it to be, and that that was understood
when you traded away a Dylan Brooks.
Speaker 2 (28:50):
You're gonna lose a little bit of that.
Speaker 3 (28:51):
And Durant I think does his best, but he's not
I wouldn't call him an elite defender by he means,
but I.
Speaker 5 (28:57):
Think he's been better than you thought he was going
to be. Yeah, that's been the case for me. But
I mean, that's that's the difference of the team from
last year. The team from last year was grinded out.
We're fine winning a game ninety eight to ninety two.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
You know, but this.
Speaker 5 (29:10):
Year somewhat improved. Jeff Van Gundy basketball. Yeah, hey, you
won an eighty two seventy four final. You better come
on out to Toyota Center and watch them. Jeff Van
Gundy ball.
Speaker 3 (29:21):
Those are those Spurs championship teams in the final here
from San Antonio.
Speaker 2 (29:25):
Spurs eighty eight in Memphis, seventy two.
Speaker 5 (29:29):
Hell that them against Larry Brown in Detroit where the
final score is eighty eight to eighty. Oh, it's like
college basketball games now are doing that.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
That's the ugliest, grossest, not entertaining championship teams, those Spurs teams.
Speaker 5 (29:43):
Well, obviously, Kevin Durant is now part of the Rockets,
and we know that of the mini teams that he
has been a part of in his NBA career, the
most recent was the Phoenix Suns. We beat the Suns
last night that final shot. Listen to what he said
in the post game when he was asked about being
able to knocked down the game winner against the team
that sent them away.
Speaker 2 (30:07):
I assume you're gonna play that audio, Katie.
Speaker 12 (30:10):
I know you still have love within that organization, but
as a competitor, does it mean any more to you?
Speaker 2 (30:14):
To be able to hit that one against your former guys.
Speaker 13 (30:17):
Most definitely, you know what I'm saying, a place that
I didn't want to leave, and my first time being.
Speaker 2 (30:26):
To sound I don't want to sound.
Speaker 13 (30:29):
Too dramatic, but I will be kicked out of a place,
you know what I'm saying. And it felt like that.
You know, I've been scapegoaded, you know what I'm saying
for the issues we had as a team last year. Yeah,
it felt good to beat them and hit the game
winning shot.
Speaker 2 (30:47):
But that's that's all it is.
Speaker 13 (30:49):
It's not just for the moment, you know, it's something
tomorrow I won't even think about, you know. So it
was it was a fun game, Like I said, of course, yeah,
I felt you played with a little chip on your
show that as your former team, especially when they trading.
Speaker 5 (31:02):
We know that Kevin Durant's got great short term memory
and he's definitely got great long term memory. So I mean, sure,
in the moment, it's not like, you know what, I'm
gonna show these sobs, I'm gonna knock down this three pointer,
show them what they're missing. But after the fact, yeah,
probably was a little bit of you know, excitement, and
I don't know if you caught the postgame interview that
(31:24):
Vanessa richardson Space City Home Network did on the floor,
and if you go to Toyota Center, they'll play it
over the speakers there so you can hear the conversation.
That was a fun atmosphere like that was almost like
you know how when you watch one of the majors
in tennis where they'll you know, interview the player on
the court, and like at the US Open, it's always
kind of a routy your atmosphere, so people will be.
Speaker 2 (31:42):
Hooting and hollering doing all of that.
Speaker 5 (31:44):
It's kind of what it felt like like it felt
like later in the regular season, you know, gearing towards
postseason basketball, and people were excited. Then you got the
MVP chance going. So Katie, look, if nothing else, you
can be comforted in your loved here.
Speaker 2 (31:59):
We love you.
Speaker 5 (32:00):
As as I said, you know, I'm Bob Porter, Bob
Slidell the consultants instead of Michael Bolton, it's Kevin Durant.
Speaker 2 (32:07):
Celebrate this entire catalog. What was the deal with the
shot clock going off or whatever?
Speaker 5 (32:13):
All of them, the the the game clock, the shot clock, everything.
So I mean that was a little bit of a
delay there. I believe it was in the second quarter
was when that happened. And then of course they had
to keep time or to.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
The PA guy.
Speaker 5 (32:26):
I'm guessing whoever his spotter is, I mean everybody else
there where. I think even too, they you know, even
had some concerns with the you know horn to be
able to buzz people in for substitutions or to signify
that it's the end of the quarter wasn't gonna work.
So I think somebody over there had to have a
legit like buy from home depot air hoorn to be
(32:48):
able to set no like you heard them both if
you were watching or listening at the time, like you
heard that it was you know, the and then like
you know the you know, a little little airhorn to
go with it. There's different variations of air horns too.
You want to buy the larger one because the little
one is one that like kind of is like, well,
that's cute. You're trying to be an air horn. It's crazy.
Speaker 3 (33:07):
In the You're of Our Lord twenty twenty six, we
could still have things like yeah, the clock's not working. Yeah,
in a game, we need somebody to keep hand by time.
Speaker 2 (33:17):
By hand.
Speaker 5 (33:18):
Oh by the way, too, did you notice who the
one of the referees was. I'm wondering was this the
same crew that you had in Denver? But Zach Zarba
was the official, So I'm wondering if he may. You know,
I gotta believe by God's been bygones. You know, it's
it's all good. He said what he said. It's kind
of one of those that you get it out of
your system. Once it's out of your system, you're fine.
You move on.
Speaker 3 (33:38):
Do we think he gave him a Christmas gift? I
don't think so. Maybe he just gave him a hello.
Speaker 5 (33:46):
Like that's kind of one of those like where you
don't necessarily have beef with each other anymore, so you're
willing to at least give that part of small talk.
Speaker 2 (33:53):
Yeah, maybe that was it. It was crazy.
Speaker 3 (33:56):
But you know on in the field that the Texas
Bowl last week, Uh, the referees all all talking to
each other as they're getting ready for the game.
Speaker 2 (34:05):
I didn't realize.
Speaker 3 (34:06):
Maybe it's just it's a college thing and maybe I
don't know if they do in the NFL, but the
refs were all like stretching and doing all this and
then like the the the end zone judge. He was
like doing like uh like exercises and then like acting
like he was watching the ball and then like getting
down low.
Speaker 2 (34:25):
I'm like, I've never seen this before.
Speaker 11 (34:28):
That was very d You.
Speaker 5 (34:29):
Every once in a while, like especially you go to
an NBA game, you will see while you know, the
final shoot around is you know, going on before you
get to the national anthem or everything, you will see
a referee who will maybe go like baseline the timeline
and back, you know, run like a.
Speaker 2 (34:44):
They gotta be conditioned. That's it.
Speaker 5 (34:46):
That No, that's the thing. You don't see any overweight
you know NBA referees. I mean that's you're running that
much during the game. I mean, you know, it's kind
of like soccer midfield officials like you're running, you're you're
you're out there moving, even even the ones with the
flags on the on the sidelines there. You know, you
got to be able to you know, go side to side,
do all that, get in front of the place so
(35:06):
then you can see if somebody offside.
Speaker 3 (35:08):
All of that kind of stuff. Now, I'm always love
when an old referee takes a fall and I go,
why why we have old referees like like I have
to shade Dick Bavetta that way. I say, you know
the legend in life that was Dick College and NFL.
To me, it's okay if we have a twenty five
year old referee, I kind of love good eyesight, like
I kind.
Speaker 5 (35:26):
Of love I guess it's it's I mean, you know,
because College, you know the NFL, you got the back
judge and you know the referee both in the backfield.
I'm trying to think who the midfield ref is. But
I always love whenever like a running back is, you know,
making their cut and the referee can't get out of
the way, or a referee gets hit by the football,
you know, on a pass or something like that, and
(35:48):
they usually kind.
Speaker 2 (35:48):
Of makes me laugh a little bit. It's kind of funny.
Speaker 3 (35:51):
I just say, again, what, what where is the unwritten
rule that it's got to be all old people don't
get it?
Speaker 5 (35:57):
Well, I mean it's also too I mean, people gotta
want to do that job, and doesn't seem like there's
a ton of takers for that. Has you know in Totsim,
has he maybe already rid h town of some demons.
We'll discuss right here as we continue on the Morning
Drive with Dan and Cole, Sportstock seven ninety again Chris
Gordy and for Cole Thompson.
Speaker 2 (36:18):
Here it is SportsTalk seven ninety.
Speaker 9 (36:22):
H Town.
Speaker 2 (36:23):
The Morning Drive continues. Now, now here's Dan and.
Speaker 5 (36:27):
Cole where number forty five in honor of Garrett Cole.
But that's not the demon that has been maybe maybe
exercised away from the Houston area. So I saw this
on Twitter this morning before we started the show, and
(36:48):
it was Pat talks Texans on Twitter. Get him to
Pittsburgh on Monday. Man might be the anti Ted Cruz.
You think about it. Sunday, he is in the building
at NRG Stadium and you're able to have the late
field goal and then the Tommy Togi you know, scoop
(37:08):
and score and you beat the Colts. Last night he's
in the building and the Rockets able to have a
strong second half, stronger second half than they did in
the first and you get the it wasn't a walk off,
but you get the game winner by Kevin Durant. So
is Tatsuya in my the elixir to the Ted Cruz curse?
Speaker 3 (37:33):
Uh? Very well, could be. We'll see. Let's get him
over to you Vic tonight. Let's find out.
Speaker 2 (37:37):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (37:38):
Yeah, so of course you of h can be taken
on Texas Tech tonight over there at Fortida Center. But
I mean, yeah, that would probably be something else. He
do you want to see even some more basketball, you know,
be able to check out, you know, a really good
college team. There'd be a possibility, I believe, if I'm
not mistaken.
Speaker 2 (37:58):
I think Joe A. Spot is going to be in
the building tonight. You know, he and Kelvin Samson are
really tight.
Speaker 3 (38:03):
Yeah, and Joe Joe, Joe's the supporter of all things
Houston sports.
Speaker 2 (38:07):
Absolutely he is, Absolutely he is.
Speaker 5 (38:09):
But another thing too with tatsu and my I saw
this on Twitter too, that.
Speaker 2 (38:15):
Apparently he tried ramen. I don't know if you caught
that part.
Speaker 5 (38:18):
In this press conference yesterday, he was asked about I
guess there's Tatsuja ramen. But this was on his Twitter account.
It seems that my son's nickname in Houston is Ramen. Tatsuya,
so I'm going to eat ramen. And then there's a
picture of a bowl of ramen right there. So there
(38:38):
you go, seeing his way around Houston. I am I
am very.
Speaker 3 (38:43):
Ignorant when it comes to particular international foods.
Speaker 5 (38:47):
So so that's a restaurant, well, I mean just or
it's a type of ram I guess it's a type
of ramen. I'm not sure. I mean, I'm with you,
especially when it comes to ramen. I just I ate
the ninety nine some ones in college.
Speaker 3 (39:02):
Sure, so it's one of those, like I mean, now,
a little butter and salt in there, Yeah, the.
Speaker 2 (39:06):
Quality is a little bit better.
Speaker 11 (39:07):
You know.
Speaker 5 (39:08):
Well, also to throw some hot sauce in there. That's
that's the key. That's that's that's the way to be
able to enjoy some ramen. But yeah, I mean I'm
usually one of those that, like, you know, certain foods
if I feel like I've got to work even more
for it, And ramin's one of them, Like I just
I don't mind it. I'll eat it, but I kind
(39:28):
of feel like there's got to be a lot of work.
It's like, Okay, do I use my spoon here? Do
I use my chopsticks here? Like, well, give me the
gist of what was the what was overall tone?
Speaker 3 (39:36):
You feel like, I mean, he's where's he gonna slide
in this rotation?
Speaker 5 (39:40):
I mean it seems like that he will slide in
at number two. I mean, no, no, no more than
number three head of Javier.
Speaker 2 (39:47):
It could be. Yeah, I mean I think that probably.
Speaker 5 (39:50):
I as I've said, I believe that you feel a
lot better about this rotation with Christian Robber as a
number three than you do about him as a number two.
Then you also, you paid all that money. I mean,
that's paying money for a guy. It's gonna be a
front of your rotation guy. Not like the front of
the rotation because that's Hunter Brown clearly, but I mean
you pay that money, you're expecting that guy to be
(40:11):
a massive contributor for you.
Speaker 11 (40:12):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (40:13):
Is making a He's making a pretty petty too.
Speaker 9 (40:15):
He is.
Speaker 2 (40:16):
He's cheap now, he is.
Speaker 5 (40:17):
It's just with Hobby here, it's been the consistency being
able to go longer in the games. I mean that's
one of the things with Christian Hobber is you throw strikes, well,
then okay, you gotta love it, but starts walking guys,
and we're talking four or five inning starts, and it's like, eh,
can't have that out of.
Speaker 2 (40:34):
My number two?
Speaker 3 (40:35):
Am I is your sixth highest paid player? Can you
name the five players who make more than him. Obviously,
I'll tve To is number one, making your Doun is
fourth making nineteen million year. I mean the easiest is mccullors. No,
mccullors is right behind him by it's seventeen m all right,
So I missed. I missed on the immaculate grid square. No,
(41:00):
Josh hater, he is buddy nineteen million a year. You
got two.
Speaker 2 (41:05):
More, two more. Let's see Astro.
Speaker 3 (41:08):
Second and third highest paid players Christian Walker. Christian Walker
is third, making twenty million.
Speaker 5 (41:14):
Okay, and then he said the second highest paid see
a Korea.
Speaker 2 (41:20):
Yes, twenty yeah, just over twenty one million. See, I
mean it was.
Speaker 5 (41:24):
It was one of those that you know, racking the brain,
but don't really need to rack the brain that much there,
So there you go. All right, seven one, three, two
and two five seven ninety is the number to get in.
We will get back into the tatsu Emi conversation and uh,
you know, also to some interesting things said by Dana
Brown yesterday both dering and after the press conference.
Speaker 2 (41:43):
So we'll have that for you.
Speaker 5 (41:44):
But uh, if there's a little piece of advice to
give to Dimico in the Texans over there, I think
we've got it next and we'll share that with you
here as it is the Morning Drive with Dan and
Cole Sports Talk seven to ninety right here KD Houston KTDHD.
Speaker 2 (42:03):
As a Rocket.
Speaker 1 (42:05):
Sports Talk seven your home for your home teams and
iHeartRadio stations guaranteed. You mean, this is the Morning Drive
with Dad and Cole.
Speaker 5 (42:25):
Look, yesterday was the Mondays for a lot of people,
and I understand, yes, Lawrence, I know that'll get you.
Speaker 3 (42:31):
Yesterday was a grind it get back into gear mode.
Speaker 2 (42:36):
That's boy. It was.
Speaker 5 (42:37):
I mean, you know, there are certain days where, you know,
a lot of jobs are a lot harder than others.
But everybody I think can relate to finally the head
hitting the pillow, Like there are certain days where it's
just like once once that happens, you're just like, you
know what, and then it'll be nice for this to
be able to go for like twenty.
Speaker 3 (42:58):
Hours the nerve. We actually had a few people here
in the office still out. Get your ass back to
the office.
Speaker 2 (43:04):
It is. It was Monday, today's Tuesday, you care to
name names?
Speaker 3 (43:08):
January sixth, It is time to get back into the
grind of things.
Speaker 5 (43:11):
I'll say it again you care to name names? Well
Coles won Ah, Okay, yeah, there you go.
Speaker 3 (43:17):
See, I mean you have to say January fifth and
sixth time.
Speaker 2 (43:21):
You already taking vacation.
Speaker 5 (43:23):
Yeah, exactly all year? Brother, Hey, coach, I can't. I
can't be at the first practice of the year. What
do you mean it's the first practice of the year.
You've been waiting all year for it.
Speaker 3 (43:34):
You're gonna get to October and go, why don't have
any more vacation days left?
Speaker 2 (43:37):
Could you use them in January? Exactly? First week of January? Dude?
Speaker 5 (43:41):
Hey, look, you know what vacation is A lot like
being a starting pitcher. You don't throw your best pitches
early on. You give them just a taste. So then
once you get to the sixth and seventh inning and
you know that, you know the the fuel in the
tank is is a little low, and you still got
a little bit left right there to be able.
Speaker 2 (43:58):
To pump it up to ninety seven ninety eight.
Speaker 3 (43:59):
I say with that in my presser yesterday, maybe we
miss baseball, No, massively miss its ready like that?
Speaker 5 (44:07):
That was one of those which, by the way, I mean,
we're a couple of weeks away from FanFest over there
at dike In Park, so look forward to that.
Speaker 2 (44:14):
And I was joking with Stephen Grand.
Speaker 5 (44:15):
Yesterday of the Astros Media relations department. I said, hey,
for all this warm weather, you know for a fact
that it's going to be frigid like nobody's business. And
dyke In Park when it comes to the cold, is
seriously one of the coldest places on earth. Like it
literally is a refrigerator in there. And it was even
before I became Dike. And I understand the jokes with
the air conditioning company all that, yeah, for sure, but
(44:38):
like it's one of those that when it's cold, like
it envelops you, like it's it's a blanket around you,
no matter how many layers you got on. Both years
that I've left FanFest, I've needed my my feet to
be able to thaw out.
Speaker 3 (44:52):
Like it's felt like I like I've got ice cubes.
Well you've got some some of here is. I remember
one year George Springer had his hoodie on with a
jack over to knit cap on and his teeth were
chattering as we were about to interview him, and I said,
Georgia from Connecticut, Man, it's cold here.
Speaker 2 (45:07):
Well, I mean it's also too.
Speaker 5 (45:09):
You have to remember with you know, people who are
from cold weather areas, is that they are usually the
most averse to the cold when they move away from it.
Like my mom, you know, born and raised in Iowa,
hates the cold, hates it with every fiber of her being.
And her point is is like I'm not conditioned to
it anymore, because I mean, I will say this, I mean,
you know, my previous stop, we had enough of winter
(45:32):
and fall, like we actually had the four seasons. So
once it got to a certain point during the wintertime,
like it's like, hey, you know it's a high of
forty five today, You're like, Okay, it's not terrible, Like
that's that's what it is. It's just like, you know,
when you've kind of gone through it for a few weeks,
you can somewhat get used to it.
Speaker 2 (45:48):
And know how to prepare for it.
Speaker 5 (45:50):
But then you know, down here, every so often we
got to break out the heavy jackets and the scarves
and the gloves and all of those.
Speaker 2 (45:57):
Different types of things. Just like who else didn't like
the cold? Josel Tuvay, he wasn't. Yeah, we've had We've
had a ton of guys.
Speaker 3 (46:06):
Breggy uh but Braggie though, I mean being you know,
in an Albuquerque guy.
Speaker 2 (46:10):
It's called an Albuquerque Yeah. Where is he? I have
not heard anything on him. Yeah, it's radio silent on him.
Speaker 5 (46:17):
Maybe that's the thing with Scott Boris is you know,
with his snazzy blazer that he was wearing up there
at the podium yesterday that now it's okay.
Speaker 2 (46:25):
Breggy, now now now you know that.
Speaker 5 (46:27):
The thing that I've also appreciated from Scott Boris is
that we didn't get the the cheesy puns yesterday. That
was one of those like where it's just like maybe
maybe that's that's his material that he drops at the
league meetings. And then after that he's like, no, no, no,
we're all business.
Speaker 2 (46:43):
Did you did you say hello to him?
Speaker 9 (46:45):
I did not.
Speaker 5 (46:46):
I I meant to say hello to him. I mean,
you know, talked with them at the All Star Game, and.
Speaker 2 (46:50):
Your goal should be to get on a first name
basis with no exactly exactly.
Speaker 5 (46:55):
You know, I figure if I talk Catholicism with him too,
because he mentioned, you know, being Catholic before were and
you know, maybe I could even you know, extend the hand, hey,
peace be with you and then see if I get
and with your spirit back, I.
Speaker 2 (47:07):
Don't know, maybe that angle might work.
Speaker 3 (47:08):
I don't I'm just opened a couple of hondows fall
out of his pocket.
Speaker 5 (47:13):
Right, yeah, you know it's it's one of those like
I've told you too, you know the benefits of and
we'll get to the Texans talk the benefits of dressing
up for the occasion when it comes to games, is
or even just events. Years ago at the owner's meetings
when they were right over here at the old Inner
Continental Hotel, I decided to wear the nice suit that
my brother bought me for his wedding was Peter malar suit.
Speaker 2 (47:35):
Really nice suit. You guess who?
Speaker 3 (47:37):
I got a compliment from Scott bars Jara, Oh, Jerry Jones,
it's a very nice suit.
Speaker 5 (47:44):
Hey, what is that suit? Like we were riding in
an elevator, what is that suit? I said, Peter Malar So.
I'm wondering if maybe he said, you know what, I
need to get me a Peter Malar so.
Speaker 2 (47:55):
Or he was like I'm too good for that. I've
got custom made. But you know what, I'm a massive
Peter Malar fan. I am along with going to the
zoo to see the Monkeys. I absolutely love Peter Malar.
Speaker 3 (48:07):
Here is CBS Sports latest on Alex Pregman. His market,
like that of many other premium free agents, has been
a bit slow to develop, but things maybe starting to crystallize.
The Red Sox made an aggressive offer to bring Pregman back,
and there was a strong chance he will returned to
Boston a corner buster.
Speaker 5 (48:23):
Oldly, I mean, it's about time to have to start
making those drives to either Arizona or Florida. So I mean,
he's out in Arizona. So if he signs with the team,
that's I thought Arizona.
Speaker 3 (48:31):
Just made because that's a short plane ride over to Albuquerque,
where all his family's had.
Speaker 5 (48:35):
I just thought that that would make a lot more.
And lives in the Phoenix area too in the off season, so.
Speaker 2 (48:40):
He did the Boston thing for a year.
Speaker 3 (48:41):
That was fun and all, but like, I don't know
the Red Sox really going to give him that big, fat,
long term deal.
Speaker 5 (48:46):
But remember what a dynamic leader he was in Boston
remember that, you know, No, it was Jeff Passon like
did like a whole like you know, Oh, Alex Bregman.
They love him here so much and just what he
means to this clubs. Hey, Jeff, I hate to break
it to you, but you know he did all those
things in Houston too. But you know, we get it.
Orange team bad, We got it. That's fine, it's fine.
(49:10):
It's okay. You don't have to like us. We don't
like you, so it's okay, that's fine. I mean, I
don't have, you know, quite the beef that Ace has
with them. Adam Clanton always love that story. I've seen
me at Dyking during the playoffs, passing Clanton, well.
Speaker 3 (49:29):
Passing has gotten he is at He's taking barbs from
asters fans, so I mean for good reason.
Speaker 5 (49:34):
I mean, and sometimes it seemed like a little bit
of his contributions were personal shots. So yeah, when you
feel like it's being personally levied against you, then you're
gonna make it personal.
Speaker 3 (49:44):
So my life goes, How about this, Tomorrow's the seventh.
Two weeks from tomorrow, we will be a month out
from the first spring training game, so six weeks. Basically,
let's go.
Speaker 2 (49:57):
Let's go.
Speaker 3 (49:58):
I mean, I can already see West Pond Beach right now,
let's go. I mean, I'm excited, man, Robert Ford said,
I'm going already.
Speaker 2 (50:07):
I saw him yesterday. I just ended the season right,
Roberts in good spirits.
Speaker 3 (50:11):
I mean, he just had a nice little European vacation,
so he's he's all good, he's recharged, he's ready, he's fine.
Then Sparky two, I got the invite from Sparky as tod, Hey,
let's get out on the course. I was like, let's
go those those days in West Palm. Like, if you go,
you go for a couple of games. That's about that.
Like my cap is like two or three. Yeah, after that,
(50:35):
it is groundhog Day out there. I don't know how
they do it. I I like, I was always a
big supporter of shortened the preseason in NFL, shortened the
preseason in NBA.
Speaker 2 (50:46):
I am short in spring training. Police. I think we
get this thing down in two weeks.
Speaker 5 (50:51):
I think the players kind of feel this because a
month of games. You have to also remember that spring training,
at least traditionally was players to get in shit. Now
the expectation is, well, well, not back in like this,
you know, forties and fifties and sixties, because I mean
all those players had to work jobs during the offseason,
so I mean, maybe you can hit and do some
(51:12):
stuff there, you know, every once in a while, but no,
I mean, you got to work at tire World, like
Lou Brown.
Speaker 2 (51:18):
You can do some innersquad games.
Speaker 3 (51:19):
You can get your work, and we don't we need
to play all these spring training games.
Speaker 5 (51:22):
My personal favorite there, and maybe this is a little
bit of inside baseball and giving away a little bit
too much, but my personal favorite is early on in
spring training, where security is not completely you know, briefed
on where somebody with her credential can go and where
they cannot is. I remember going down one of the
pathways to get to one of the backfields. Hey you
can't go this way, they told me I could. And
(51:44):
then you know, of course, all right, fine, I'll do
the other way. Hey you can't go this way. All right, guys,
I got to be able to get from one way
to the other. So which one can I use? And
you know, it's one of those that people are doing
their job, They're doing what they're told. And I mean,
sometimes I trust me, I'm guilty of this. Some people
might be half listening. Trust me, I'm I'm I am
(52:04):
well versed in half listening. I think most of you
in the audience probably know that. So anyway, all right,
textan sock, because we've heard the term the rat poison before.
It might the repellent already be distributed over at NRG Park.
We'll discuss that and let you hear maybe why that's
coming out. Pray here as it is the Morning Drive
(52:26):
with Dan and Cole Sportstock seven ninety Dan.
Speaker 1 (52:31):
Matthews, Cole Thompson. This is the Morning Drive with Dan
and Cole term rat poison. So of course, I mean
we know the concept of it. We know exactly what
it is. You know, you know, a little bit of
an infestation. All right, I'll throw some of it out
there and hopefully you'll get less of an infestation. So
(52:52):
Nick Saban of course famously saying it just right up
the road there in College Station a few years ago.
Speaker 5 (52:56):
You know, you guys are writing positive things. It's rat
poison to my team. You know, I'm trying to tell
them how to improve. I'm trying to, you know, keep
them hungry doing all of those things. And of course
a lot of times it's kind of tongue in cheek
that people go along with it. I know that, you know,
Lane Kiffin kind of has some fun with it, just
from his time with Nick Saban there at Alabama. But
yesterday it was a little bit of a charm offensive
(53:20):
from Damiko Ryans when he was meeting with the media,
where you know, it's one of those that a lot
of people in Vegas included, I think the Texans are
the overwhelming favorites in this game, but Damiko Ryans saying no, no, no, no, no, Hey,
we're facing a tough football team.
Speaker 12 (53:35):
We we're excited for the matchup versus a Steeler. It's
really a great team.
Speaker 2 (53:41):
Nothing but a.
Speaker 12 (53:41):
Ton of respect, all right for coach Tomlin and the
success that he had, he's had in the league, how
he's done it for such a long time. He's a
guy who definitely have always looked up to, always respected him,
always has his teams ready to ready to go, well coached,
physical outfit.
Speaker 2 (53:59):
Like they're gonna tough.
Speaker 5 (54:01):
And I mean that is something that we've seen. I
mean we saw it on Sunday night against the Ravens.
I mean, probably almost every single Texans fan was watching
that game because at that point, you know, well, I
mean it's either we're going to Baltimore or we're going
to Pittsburgh, and you watch that Steelers team, and it
is all of those things, like because for all the
talk that people have had and the fire Tomlin chance
(54:25):
and all of those things, I mean, this is a
guy that somehow finds a way to have his team
be at least good enough. I mean, he was making
the playoffs with Mason Rudolph and can he Pickett at quarterback?
And now I mean you've got a guy that up
there in age now but still a good enough option
in Aaron Rodgers, and an offense that's going to be
(54:48):
getting a huge part of it back this week in
DK Metcalf. But I mean, all of that being said, Gordy,
as I'll continue to say, this is a game that
is a little bit of unsharted territory for the the
Texans over the last few weeks, where they've been the
overwhelming favorites, but they haven't necessarily played like the overwhelming
favorite in those games. This is one where again keep
(55:09):
your team hungry and make them know, especially right now,
that one false mistake this thing all comes unraveled.
Speaker 2 (55:16):
Because the season's over.
Speaker 3 (55:18):
Steelers went five and three at home this year. That
is still a tough place to play. I'm still call it,
gonna call it Hines Field. You all can call it
whatever the hell corporate not doing that.
Speaker 5 (55:31):
I think they still have the Heines KETCHUPI Field. I'm sorry, Pittsburgh,
you got it.
Speaker 3 (55:36):
You gotta have, you know, Hines just like always gonna
be sta not gonna be able to call it anything else.
So crypto dot com, No, that's all stupid. Call it
the Crypto Staples Center. Call this the whatever the across
Hines Field. Still it's like it used to be the
Great Western Forum. Now it's the Key of Forum. But
five and three at home this year for the Steelers,
(55:57):
they lost, uh it, lost by double digits at home
to Seattle. They beat Cleveland soundly, they beat the Colts
by touchdown when they were when the Colts were playing
really well. They lost by double digits at home to
green Bay. They beat up on Cincinnati at home. They
lost the Buffalo at home by double digits. They beat
(56:20):
beat up on Miami, and then they sneaked got by
Baltimore on Sunday nights. So when you consider that, I mean,
like Seattle is a good team, right, they're they're playoff bound.
Speaker 2 (56:34):
Green Bay? Was it good? Is green Bay in the playoff?
I haven't looked at they're playing against chicagois.
Speaker 3 (56:39):
They're a playoff team and Buffalo is a playoff team.
So in other words, basically kind of look at it
through the lens of playoff teams. Went into Pittsburgh and
won pretty handily. So if you're Houston, you gotta be
thinking that way.
Speaker 5 (56:55):
I just think that you know of all the improvements
this team has made this year, and are antenna is
raised when it comes to penalties, especially on the offensive
end and especially on the offensive line. But this has
been a team that You've had some games this year
where you're like they weren't really tunnalized much like there
have been improvements in that area where that clearly was
(57:16):
something that held you back last year, along with having
a shoddy offensive line.
Speaker 2 (57:21):
And I mean just.
Speaker 5 (57:23):
Kind of it seems like at time with the penalties,
that discipline could run amuck. Well, I mean, now this offseason,
you took care of a lot of that. A lot
of those guys that were some of those issues gone, Oh,
Laramie Touscil, now Laramie Tunssel, false start, Lartery tunsl I mean,
you know others, Chris Boyd, I mean, shoving the special
teams coach after he gets a fifteen yard penalty on
(57:45):
the opening kick against the Chiefs. I mean, you know,
he's not here anymore either, So I mean it's just
I think that, you know, a lot of credit needs
to be given to Demiko for kind of taking control
of this team. Because that's the thing too, is that
people were levying against Amko last year. You're too close
to these guys, You're too much of a friend, you
(58:06):
put way too much trust in these guys. And I
get it from his side because his rationale for it is, hey,
I know what they're going through because I went through it.
Speaker 3 (58:16):
Houston is a top ten penalized team this year, but
it's a lot better than what it was last season.
Speaker 2 (58:23):
Let's see on the.
Speaker 3 (58:24):
Road this year, they are one two, three, four, five,
six seven, seventh most penalized team on the road this year.
Speaker 5 (58:31):
When you're an aggressive playing team like they are, you
probably will, at least on the defensive end, you're going
to find yourself in some penalties. I mean a lot
of that too, is you know, and then and I mean,
you know, it's also to the road.
Speaker 2 (58:44):
The false starts are gonna happen.
Speaker 5 (58:45):
The ones for me that I just I cannot understand
for the life of me, and false start is up there,
but the ineligible man downfield, like it seriously is won
a game. Yeah, I mean, and remember too, there was
that stretch there that they had an offensive lineman whose
hand was in front of the football, so then they
(59:06):
would be called for the very rare encroachment by the
offensive line.
Speaker 2 (59:11):
I think there's a world where all three road AFC
teams win this weekend.
Speaker 5 (59:18):
I could absolutely see that, because you got Buffalo and Jacksonville.
Of course, the Texans there in Pittsburgh, and then you've
got Chargers and Chargers in New England. Okay, yeah, I
mean I would say that the Chargers just going across
the country I think could be tough, and that offensive
line could be tough, but like that's the only one
(59:41):
that I'll push back on the other two. I could
absolutely see it.
Speaker 3 (59:43):
But then I feel like Clock's gonna strike mid Dine
in Cinderella, and Drake may eventually like I don't feel like.
Speaker 5 (59:49):
He didn't hear Mike Rabel's speech talking about against the
Dolphins in Week eighteen. Hey, we took a little bit
of a nap in the second quarter, but once against
to the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (59:58):
No naps, you take a nap. Season's over.
Speaker 3 (01:00:01):
Those guys don't know, I mean Stefon Diggs dealing with
legal issues. I mean they you know, how many of
those guys on that New England team I've playoff experience
under their belt?
Speaker 5 (01:00:10):
Well we know he does variable No, well, of course him,
but Stefan Diggs does.
Speaker 2 (01:00:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:00:15):
I'm just saying like, I don't know, and the charge
has been banged up on that old line, but there's
no reason why Justin Herbert Company can't go in there
and win. I mean, I almost feel like the sexy
pick of the week is gonna be Buffalo going into
Jacksonville and they tip your captain Jacksonville. I mean, they
have played, They've played their butts off this year. Every
time I've picked against them, they have won, So they've
(01:00:36):
played great. But I think that's gonna be the sexy
pick of people going, you know what, give me Josh
Allen the Bills on the road.
Speaker 5 (01:00:42):
Great job by you, because that's a proper segue to
lead into what I want to talk about next, because
Jacksonville has been living on this one narrative all season long.
Speaker 2 (01:00:51):
But I think the narrative is in the wrong place.
Speaker 5 (01:00:53):
We'll discuss right here as it is the Morning Drive
with Dan and Cole again Chris Gordian for Cole Thompson
right here. On a Tuesday, Sports Talk seven.
Speaker 3 (01:01:00):
Ninety, Hey, Sparky from the Astros broadcast team, catch every
Astros game on Sports Talk seven ninety and iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (01:01:11):
Ass home of your Astros.
Speaker 5 (01:01:15):
And he said forty eight was taken, And I was like,
who had forty eight? I want to say that Troy
Snitker had forty eight.
Speaker 2 (01:01:21):
No, I know who it is. Who is it? He's
a reliever, Tim.
Speaker 3 (01:01:27):
Burdak, Steven Okert, Oh, really wears number forty eight?
Speaker 5 (01:01:33):
Okay, because the only I mean, you know, hater gosh
I top of my head right now, I can't even
remember what hater wears. And then a brad he was
fifty two. I know a brad is I don't pay
attention to the jersey numbers. I mean for certain guns,
seventy one, that's right, that's right, all right, So he's
got seventy one.
Speaker 2 (01:01:53):
So uh but.
Speaker 3 (01:01:54):
Yeah, my question is Steven Okert did they call him
and go hey man, I'm sure and he would.
Speaker 2 (01:01:59):
Now I'll number.
Speaker 3 (01:02:00):
I'm keeping it well, but I mean it's all so yeah, yeah, man,
it's all good.
Speaker 5 (01:02:05):
It's all good. It's it's it's it's a working thing.
But my and then Emy. So you got Amy Fairbairn
Emi and then I May. So there you go, you know,
just kind of remember that me my May, all right,
just kind of remember that, all right.
Speaker 2 (01:02:27):
So you know one of the things too.
Speaker 5 (01:02:29):
And the Jags and Liam Cohen have been really rocking this,
you know, narrative all year. Nobody believes in us. We're
a small market team. We're the underdogs, you know. After that, Okay, fine,
but you know, I just was thinking about it last
night and I was like, they're not the underdogs when
it's all said and done. I understand the Texans were
(01:02:51):
the odds on favorite to win the South this year
and that didn't happen. Congratulations Jags, all right, and enjoy
it for now. But I mean, you look at what
the Texans were able to do to get to this point.
At one point in the season, they were zero to three,
and then when you got to the midway point of
the season, eight games in, you were three and five.
And remember, at this time, it was me and you
together here on the show, Gordy, and I was saying,
(01:03:12):
you got to go seven and two the rest of
the way otherwise you're not a playoff team. And if
you went seven and two the rest of the way,
this would have been the number seven seed right now.
You would have been going to New England because obviously
you have La there and you've also got Buffalo there.
You beat both of them, so at least you had
that in your back pocket, but you would have barely
(01:03:34):
been able to get into the wildcard picture. But they
went nine to zero the rest of the way this season,
and wins over both of those teams went over the
San Francisco forty nine ers. That was part of that.
And I understand you had the Cardinals, you had the
Raiders in there. You also had a Titans trip, which
I mean that game almost didn't go your way. But
still for what the Texans have been able to do
(01:03:56):
to even be able to get to the five seed
at this point, the underdog energy is there. I mean,
we played the Demico Ryans audio for you, and I
mean this is a team that I think is feeding
off of that right now. I think in some ways
that this season Gordy. They've been able to kind of
tap into what they rode in twenty twenty three. Last
(01:04:16):
year you placed the you faced the first place schedule
and it was the exact same thing you got the
year prior. So no credit given because you didn't exceed
the expectations that are already set out there for you.
Because remember you add Stefan Diggs in company last season,
You're thinking to yourself, this has the makings of a
Super Bowl team.
Speaker 2 (01:04:35):
You get C. J.
Speaker 5 (01:04:36):
Stroud playing like he did that season, then you're gonna
be feeling really good about what you can do going forward.
And you lose to the Chiefs there in the divisional round.
But now this is a team.
Speaker 2 (01:04:45):
We played the Will.
Speaker 5 (01:04:45):
Anderson audio for you yesterday where laying it out very simply.
Four games, you know, and you take them one by one,
but four games in your Super Bowl champions This is
a team that I truly believe is writing that momentum
right now. And they don't have to be boisterous about it.
I appreciate it. Proud, but not boastful. Be proud of
(01:05:07):
what you've done for sure. Absolutely, the Texans of the Jags, no,
the Texans now the Jags at every corner are trying
to sell everybody. Hey, nobody believes in us. We get it,
thank you.
Speaker 3 (01:05:20):
Okay, that's a team that again and was picking a
fall on their face.
Speaker 2 (01:05:25):
How many of those wins were tomato cans? Okay, let's see.
Speaker 3 (01:05:28):
An eight game stretch l A Chargers playoff team, Arizona Cardinals.
Speaker 5 (01:05:33):
No good, yeah, yeah yeah, and you had to you
had to go to ot against Arizona to be able
to win that game.
Speaker 3 (01:05:39):
But please continue, Jet's no good Titans again, no good Colts.
Twice the Colts were somewhat tested Denver at Denver. That's
a great win.
Speaker 7 (01:05:49):
That is.
Speaker 3 (01:05:50):
That is I'll give you that one. Okay, that's fine,
that's fine. They're Jake Paul so Chargers and Broncos. You
hear what I said. They're Jake Paul. That's what they are.
Speaker 5 (01:05:59):
It's it's a nice enough story and you know, hey,
you know, but the thing is with Jake, he really
cares about boxing. Okay, great, and then he faced a
guy and the guy literally cracked his jaw.
Speaker 3 (01:06:09):
He reminds me that you remember the year they made
it with Blake Bortles to the AFC title game and
You're like, wow, freaking Jags are this close to the
super Bowl, and then they proceeded to fall off the
face of the earth.
Speaker 5 (01:06:20):
Well, and then it was a cautionary tale with Trevor
Lawrence because remember they had a nice wild card win
and then they had to go to Kansas City and
played Kansas City tough, and I believe that was the
game that Mahomes rolled his ankle and there were even
questions of can he even come back into the game,
did he even finish that game? Trying to remember if
Chad Henney took him the rest of the way. But
(01:06:40):
they lost that game, and coming off the field, there
was kind of a thought that, hey, Trevor Lawrence might
be like what Russell Wilson was with the Seahawks when
they lost a close playoff game to the Falcons and
the following year won the Super Bowl. And then we
kind of saw him go through a little bit of
a downturn in his career. But credit to Liam Cohen,
he's been able to get him to play the level
(01:07:02):
of football that people expected Trevor Lawrence to play. But again,
being tested heading into the playoffs, it helps having that
playoff mindset works.
Speaker 2 (01:07:11):
How many times do we see it in Major League Baseball,
Gordy of.
Speaker 3 (01:07:14):
Teams that have amazing August and Septembers, and once they
get to the postseason, it's, hey, we're playing our best baseball.
Speaker 2 (01:07:21):
This is our time.
Speaker 5 (01:07:23):
I mean the Astros, We've seen them do it numerous times,
the Braves when they beat him in twenty twenty one,
playing the best of anybody in baseball, and say it too,
the Washington Nationals in twenty nineteen, same deal, and we
all understand how that all played out. So being tested
and playing great football when it gets to that time
of the year.
Speaker 2 (01:07:43):
It matters, absolutely, it matters.
Speaker 5 (01:07:46):
And that's why if you ask me right now, who
am I taking to be able to make a longer
playoff run, There's no question it's this team right here
over that team in Jacksonville.
Speaker 3 (01:07:56):
Yeah, I again, consistency on offense has to be Therefore,
for the Texans, you gotta go find a way to
go on the road and deal with Billy Squire's the
stroke playing a top volume over there in in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 11 (01:08:12):
That's it.
Speaker 5 (01:08:12):
I don't think that's they play sticks. Renegade, Oh renegade.
Speaker 3 (01:08:16):
Sorry I miss mixed up by two songs for Billy Madison,
You're right, uh Renegade by Sticks.
Speaker 2 (01:08:23):
Billy Billy Squire. When when when Bill goods the stroke?
Speaker 5 (01:08:28):
When when when Billy thinks, uh, no, no no? The
renegade plays when when Billy thinks that, you know, all
is lost and he's no longer going to be able
to take over the company, and he's coming out of
the tent with the keg over his head and he's
so blasted that he falls over with it.
Speaker 2 (01:08:45):
Anyway, Ny stroke.
Speaker 5 (01:08:47):
Plays when he pulls up to the high school in
the denim jacket and he's driving the Pontiac Pontiac trans Am.
Speaker 3 (01:08:55):
That song also became synonymous in college baseball the past
couple of years. Team like when they made a big
pitching change, they would all like clap over their heads
when that happened.
Speaker 5 (01:09:04):
But well it was also too it was whatever Will
Ferrell's character was in Blades of Glory.
Speaker 2 (01:09:09):
That was his skating song. But get ready for rent
Day Stockholm? Was it good for you? It was good
for me? Let's smoke? Can you deal with Renegade? At
top volumes? There? CJ. Stroud?
Speaker 5 (01:09:20):
Can you still execute? I mean teams go into camp?
Randall after they do their little jump around. I'm sure
probably you could. I talked to one of our guys
up here yesterday. He said, he said something about how
far do you think the Texas could go? I said, well,
I said, as long as Fairbaron keeps making those field goals,
then go up.
Speaker 3 (01:09:36):
He goes, But can you win a super Bowl that way?
I said, brother, Let's just win some playoff games. We'll
figure out super Bowl and we get there. But yeah,
I mean, look, I think that's the biggest question is
when you talk about Stroud and expectations for him. Look,
if the offense doesn't have to be perfect, just can
you get in a field goal range? And I feel
like this defense is gonna eat on Aaron Rodgers. They
(01:09:57):
are going to I mean like Dan I'll set the
over under our three and a half sacks and go over. Yes,
I mean daneil Hadgick, Will Anderson Jr. I feel like,
and here's the thing, I think Aaron will eat He'll
he'll eat it.
Speaker 2 (01:10:10):
He'll take the ball.
Speaker 3 (01:10:12):
Uh, he's gonna try not to throw picks, gonna play
ball control. But if you're constantly sacking them and putting
them into long you know, third and longs and all
that you're gonna have short or favorable field position short
fields against CJ.
Speaker 2 (01:10:26):
You don't have to do much, bro, Just get us
in a field goal range.
Speaker 5 (01:10:29):
Two guys, two who are gonna be major difference makers
for the Texans defensively on Monday night. Share those with
you as we continue here on the Morning Drive with
Dan and Cole Chris Corney and for Cole right here
on a Tuesday Sports Talk seven ninety Cole.
Speaker 2 (01:10:47):
As the Morning Drive Cruise.
Speaker 9 (01:10:49):
Is on.
Speaker 2 (01:10:52):
In prime time.
Speaker 5 (01:10:53):
Maybe because I mean, if they were hosting a playoff game,
it would have been if I'm not Missay, Well, no,
you know what I'm actually I'm gonna I'm gonna fix that.
I think they would have been a Sunday because it
would have been in Buffalo.
Speaker 3 (01:11:08):
Well, they got rid of the Saturday ESPN game. The
three thirty game on Saturday is actually Fox. Interesting Now
that's Rams Panthers in Carolina.
Speaker 2 (01:11:17):
It's gonna be a real and then at night Saturday
night Packers Bears.
Speaker 3 (01:11:23):
That's gonna be awesome because they those two fan bases
hate each other anyway, But that's on prime.
Speaker 5 (01:11:29):
Final answer that that would have been if the Texans
were able to win get the af Yeah, it would
have been them in Buffalo on Prime.
Speaker 2 (01:11:37):
And then they would have put Packers Bears, and.
Speaker 5 (01:11:39):
Then you would have had al Michaels being like, well,
the last time we were here in Houston, it was
ho hum offensive performance by ghost teams I and Herb
Street doing that game. Yeah, and then Kaylee Hart Tongue
on the sidelines.
Speaker 2 (01:11:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:11:51):
But on Sunday, your triple header at noon on CBS
will be Bill's Jags. Three point thirty on Fox will
be the Niners at Eagles. That's gonna be fun. Forty
nine Ers have kind of underachieved here last week or so,
but going to Philly it could be like in the forties.
And then Sunday Night football be Chargers at Patriots, and
(01:12:16):
then of course Monday night seven fifteen talent Emons at Steelers.
Speaker 2 (01:12:20):
Have a weekend, have a weekend. That's exactly what we
plan on doing.
Speaker 5 (01:12:24):
Someone three two and two five seven ninety appreciate everybody
out there who listens to including uh, my buddy's lady
Taylor who stuck in traffic on six ten.
Speaker 2 (01:12:32):
So Taylor appreciate you listening. And uh it's one of
one of my really good buddies, his lady Taylor. Okay, yeah,
driving into work.
Speaker 3 (01:12:40):
Your friend's wife or girlfriend, Lady, Yeah, you're shouting out
your friend's girlfriend stuck in traffic.
Speaker 11 (01:12:49):
Oh.
Speaker 5 (01:12:49):
I mean, just you know, appreciate our listeners, is all
I'm saying, Gordy. Appreciate the audience.
Speaker 2 (01:12:54):
You know.
Speaker 5 (01:12:54):
It's it's the whole thing of a performance, you know,
because that is you know, from six to ten every
single morning. It's what we're doing. It's a it's a performance,
informative and entertaining. That's what we try to be. So
you know, yeah, you know, gotta shout out the crowd.
Do you know the biggest spread on the game. Which
game has the biggest spread this weekend? Uh, I'm gonna
(01:13:17):
probably say Patriots and Charters.
Speaker 3 (01:13:20):
No, it's the first one, Rams Panthers. Really, what's the spread?
Rams minus ten? Okay, but how many times have we
seen those under five hundred division winners They rise up
in that game.
Speaker 2 (01:13:34):
So I think I'm gonna go Carolina.
Speaker 3 (01:13:36):
Plus ten Seahawks Beast bode against the Saints. Yeah. The
second the second biggest spread is Eagles miightest four and
a half against the Niners, and you have every other
game is about about a field goal or less.
Speaker 5 (01:13:50):
You had that one year the Arizona Cardinals got in
at seven to nine.
Speaker 2 (01:13:53):
Was that the year that wasn't hunting them? We're able
to make the run for the Super Bowl? I don't
think so. Trying to remember, but still, I mean, you
know it's happened of these teams that you know, man,
they're gonna get crushed in that first game, and they're
the ones doing the crushing.
Speaker 3 (01:14:09):
So maybe that's I just look at and say, those
are all we get some really good wildcard matchups, and
then of course you're Broncos and Seahawks, so that the
Seahawks are the one seed. That's just I would have
never guessed that preseasonn.
Speaker 5 (01:14:25):
Schneider man, that guy, that guy knows how to build
a roster.
Speaker 3 (01:14:28):
You know what, I probably would not have ever picked
the Broncos either. I mean, I knew their defense would
be good, but Bo Nicks I'm not a believer in.
Speaker 5 (01:14:35):
And it's also too I gotta believe that John Schneider
is going to somehow secure an anti perseprint, a deodorant
ad or you know, handing out the high fives there
in the suite at Levi Stadium, pitting hard hard.
Speaker 3 (01:14:51):
Bo Nicks and Sam Darnold. Are your two your two
one seed quarterbacks. That's insanity.
Speaker 2 (01:15:00):
Did not go according to plan?
Speaker 5 (01:15:01):
That is I think for sure Rockets win last night
by the way, one hundred and ninety seven over the Suns.
And Totsoya I is officially an astro introduced yesday the
Gonen war to number forty five. The two guys that
I said gonna factor for the Texans defensively. Number one,
Henry Totoe has played really good football these last couple
of weeks.
Speaker 2 (01:15:21):
And this is a you know Steelers team. That's when
it comes to the run game.
Speaker 5 (01:15:26):
Jalen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, They're used a ton in the
passing game, a lot of underneath routes. That's Henry Totoe's game.
Number two Jalen Petrie. Jalen Petrie's gonna factor in this game.
And you know what, I'm gonna go ahead and call
it right now. I'm gonna call my shot seven fifty
four right here on a Tuesday tripley. If you want
to clip it. They're gonna send Petrie on a blitz.
(01:15:47):
They don't blitz very often. But Petree's gonna be sent
from out in space to come and crack Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 3 (01:15:54):
That's gonna happen. Not a crazy prediction, but yeah, I'll
give you that one. Look, I don't, I just I'm
telling you right now, over under sacked all over under
three and a half.
Speaker 5 (01:16:06):
I think that Anderson Junior probably gets him at least
a half one. Daniel Hunter, we'll get there. Don't ride off,
Sheldon Rankins Man, My guy has been getting into the backfield.
I mean, you know it was him and Anderson that
got after Justin Herberts in that game. So he's another
one to keep an eye on. We look at some.
Speaker 3 (01:16:28):
Aaron Rodgers numbers here. Okay, maybe that's not a good bet.
The season opener against the Jets, he was sacked four times.
That was the most sacks he was sacked in the
game All year. He had one, one, two, three, four
games he was sacked three times, and then all the
(01:16:50):
rest less than three sacks.
Speaker 5 (01:16:51):
You know, for Aaron Rodgers being such a fan of
conspiracy theories, I would wonder if you know, maybe Matt
Burke and you know, anybody else want to you know,
put in their players ears of Hey, anytime you bring
down Rogers, just debunk a conspiracy theory out there, we
landed on the moon.
Speaker 3 (01:17:08):
B Here's the thing about him too, he will take
the intentional grounding overtaking the sack. So like maybe that's
maybe there's something to that, the fact that one game
he was sacked four times four five times this year
he was sacked three times he did against Miles Garrett.
All the rest two sacks are less. So yeah, I
(01:17:32):
don't know. Maybe that's maybe three and a half is
a little too high for the Maybe three, maybe we'll
set the light.
Speaker 5 (01:17:37):
No no, no, no, no, put yourself out there, you know,
because you got to have the hook to be able
to get people.
Speaker 2 (01:17:43):
So three and a half.
Speaker 3 (01:17:45):
What's the most sacks the Texans have had in a
single game this year?
Speaker 5 (01:17:48):
Eight against what's his name? Against Josh Allen. There's Thursday
night football. Yeah, you know what, I'm gonna go back
to three and a half. There you go, there, you go,
stick with your convictions, Gordy. It's a good place to be.
Speaker 2 (01:18:00):
All right.
Speaker 5 (01:18:00):
The eight o'clock hour here already, would Brandon see you
guys right there?
Speaker 2 (01:18:04):
You want to join them? Seven one, three, two and
two five seven ninety.
Speaker 5 (01:18:07):
You get at seven one three two one two five
seven ninety when it.
Speaker 2 (01:18:10):
Comes to a rog well, you know what, he's just
not the same guy anymore.
Speaker 5 (01:18:15):
And we'll discuss that as we continue here on the
Morning Drive with Dan and Cole Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (01:18:22):
ABM Houston at VZHD two Houston, The Astross, the Rockets, Rockets,
ask befall your.
Speaker 9 (01:18:29):
Home for your home teams.
Speaker 1 (01:18:31):
This is Sports Talk seven ninety and iHeartRadio station guaranteed Human.
This is the Morning Drive with Dad and Cole.
Speaker 2 (01:18:49):
Because he hits the game winning three pointer.
Speaker 5 (01:18:52):
Next up you get the Blazers, first of two out
there in Portland and the first one coming up tomorrow night.
Texan's gonna get ready for the Steel on Monday nights
in Pittsburgh. And also to Tatsuya, am My is now
officially a Houston astro introduced yesterday over at tik In
Park in a crowded room over there too, mind you,
(01:19:15):
which I ended up getting in a work out a
little bit later on, so you know, able to get
on a sweat. But let's just say that the body
heating there, it was it was definitely one of those
where you're like, let's go on to the hallway finally,
And that's of course where we caught up with Dana
Brown and also Jim Crane, and you'll hear at least
from one of those people coming up next right here
(01:19:35):
on the show. As so we get into a little
bit of the Tatsuya in my conversation, because not only
is it about him, but also too once seemed like
the Astros were very committed to keeping Christian Walker in
East ok peretis around, and I gotta tell you, after
talking with Dana Brown yesterday, I was like.
Speaker 2 (01:19:54):
M seems like one of those two guys gonna be gone.
So something to think about when it comes to the Astros.
Speaker 5 (01:20:01):
Yep, for sure, someone threw seven ninety is the way
to get in.
Speaker 2 (01:20:06):
What on the North side wants to weigh and wood?
Speaker 9 (01:20:08):
Good morning, Good morning, my brothers. Hey.
Speaker 14 (01:20:11):
The Super Bowl to the Texans winning started Sunday night
when Pitchburg beat Baltimore. I watched that game and then
I went over again yesterday watching the film. These are
the keys to win in the playoff game, each game
by game, I'm gonna start with Pittsburgh right now. Now,
I notice right now, Heywood and uh TJ is are
(01:20:32):
two people we need to be aware of on that defense. Now,
what the offense need to know When I'm talking about
the office coordinator and our offensive line coach and the
quarterback coach, y'all should be telling CJ right now and
coaching them up. These games are worn by opportunities, adjustments,
and playmakers making plays. This is when the opportunity is
going to present themselves for the Texas. Now when CJ,
(01:20:55):
he's gonna be on the pitch count because he's still
coming off the long injury. He's still trying to get
his win together. Now, once CJ is on that sideline,
we got Haywood in there.
Speaker 6 (01:21:04):
He's a monster.
Speaker 14 (01:21:05):
He's a beast in that middle. Hopefully we got Trent
Brown back at right tack, or we can move Howard
back on that right guard, because we need Howard on
that guard to handle that big monster down there. Producing
the we know are soft, they gonna get they butt
whoop down there. We need a man down there at
the block. Now, once we know Heywood is down there
by himself, that's when we make our adjustment. We slide
(01:21:27):
our protection over to double up on.
Speaker 9 (01:21:30):
Haywood.
Speaker 14 (01:21:31):
If this is our opportunity now to make our deep
passes where we can hit our bombs now. But other
than that, we got the Housho understand they gonna make
their adjustment. Every team make their adjustments on the second half.
Speaker 2 (01:21:43):
With CJ.
Speaker 14 (01:21:44):
They start blitching him on second and third down. Well,
c is gonna have to realize he's gonna have to
get with his receivers. They're gonna have to cut they
ross off and start running out patterns so he can
hit them on a quick out, you know, and get
this ball out of his hand quick now. On the outfense,
that who we have to worry about is mencap and
(01:22:04):
also number thirty to running back. They're gonna throw those
little swing passes out to him. That's what we're gonna need, Petrie,
and we're gonna need a lasseter to be aware and
watch them bad boys at all times because we get
killed on the little swen passes from the past or
the other team's been killing us on that. We got
to be aware of that. We have to make our
(01:22:25):
proper adjustment. That front line of our defense need to
be on the money. They need to put Aaron Rodgers
on it. But keep that old man on it, but
keeping running out of that pocket and confused. That's how
we're gonna be, Pitchburgh. This is our way to the
super Bowl. This is our first victory. And then from
(01:22:46):
that point on, I'm gonna make adjustments and watch the
film on Buffalo and whoever else we got to face.
Speaker 2 (01:22:52):
From that point on, super.
Speaker 14 (01:22:53):
Bowl bound, texas world champions. We are on our way.
Speaker 5 (01:23:00):
Appreciate the call, would I mean, you know, you even
got the Rosta horns right there following you, So there
you go.
Speaker 2 (01:23:07):
Would fired up?
Speaker 5 (01:23:07):
And I think if nothing else, you know, he's crunching
the film over there. I think they need him over
at NRG Park. Well, we need our guy in that
film room. A few things. The Steelers the juice.
Speaker 3 (01:23:19):
The Steelers are one two, three four five, sixth in
the league in sacks at forty eight. The Texans are
behind that at forty seven. So they've got two more
sack or one more sack than the Texans on the
season as a team. Obviously, they just got TJ. Watt back.
That is going to help them certainly this matchup. And
(01:23:40):
he mentioned watching obviously Jalen Warren as they're leading rusher
this year. He mentioned watching number thirty just a hair
under one thousand yards rushing on the gear. But do
you know who they're leading receivers in terms of catches?
Speaker 2 (01:23:56):
Is it Calvin Austin?
Speaker 3 (01:23:58):
It is Kenneth Gainwell, number two running back, and that
makes sense, big red zone target for them this year.
But he uh, seventy three catches. Just run that run
that pitch play.
Speaker 5 (01:24:11):
If you're in fourth and you know short, you know,
please please Arthur Smith, run run that play again. Because
I'll say this for Texans fans that lament and you know,
absolutely get frustrated with Nick Kayley.
Speaker 2 (01:24:24):
At least you don't have Arthur Smith.
Speaker 3 (01:24:25):
How about this? Look at their top their top receivers.
Number one is Kenneth Gainwell running back. Number two is
dk Metcalf, fodd receiver, fifty nine catches. Yeah, their number
three pass catcher is Pat fryar Muth tight end. Their
number four pass catcher is Jalen Warren with forty catches.
The running back after that it's John ou Smith.
Speaker 2 (01:24:46):
After that it's.
Speaker 3 (01:24:46):
Darnel Washington who just one on il. Both tight ends
they I mean it's like underneath throws. It is dk
Metcalf and then all running backs at tight.
Speaker 5 (01:24:55):
End underneath throws. I'm telling you that's what this offense is.
And you want to try to do the against this
Sexans defense he throws good luck? You want you want
to have this Sexans defense going downhill against Jim Okay again,
you know, just ne a reference back to the answer
I just gave you gl good luck.
Speaker 2 (01:25:12):
I mean, seriously, that's that's that's what it is for
this game.
Speaker 5 (01:25:15):
And I mean there's nobody that you know outside of
Metcalf that you worry about being able to beat you deep.
So you know, the issues that you had last week,
they're not gonna present themselves this week.
Speaker 3 (01:25:25):
You're not gonna have to worry about that. We're right
into the Texans hands, right into it. That's where Aaron
Rodgers is at this point, right checked down, Charlie.
Speaker 5 (01:25:32):
One hundred percent he is. And you know, I know
a lot of times, Oh, it's really Wendy there. Okay,
it was Wendy in Green Bay. So what was the
difference there? I mean, no, he's just he's not that
guy anymore. And even though I might say he's not
that guy anymore. Dmiko Ryans meeting with the media yesterday
over there at NRG Park, and of course he talked
about the guy that once wore number twelve, but now
(01:25:54):
where's number eight?
Speaker 12 (01:25:55):
Aaron's I mean, he's done it at a high level
for a long time because he's wanted to. Probably one
of the smartest quarterbacks played the game, does a really
good job, understands defense really well.
Speaker 2 (01:26:06):
But you know, for us, that doesn't change. We gotta
go out.
Speaker 12 (01:26:09):
It's about the guys that are playing like It's about
our guys just playing together collectively going against a really
good opponent.
Speaker 5 (01:26:16):
All right, So respect for what he's done, but look,
I'm sure probably you know how I put people in
the room of truth at times. Let's put Demko in
the room of truth. Hey, Dimiko, is he the same
guy that he was? Say, you know, twenty eleven, twenty
twelve there in Green Bay? Maybe even was it? Was
it twenty fifteen was when he had the play that
he drew up in the huddle and able to set
(01:26:36):
Mason Crosby up for the game winner against the Cowboys
in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (01:26:39):
I'm trying to remember exactly what year it was, but.
Speaker 5 (01:26:41):
Still, you know, it's it's you know, the years have
passed between now and then, and I mean it happens
to everybody. You just you're not that guy anymore. Remember
Mike Tyson saying it, I'm not that guy anymore. I
wasn't gonna try to impersonate Mike.
Speaker 2 (01:26:56):
Yeah, it again.
Speaker 3 (01:26:58):
But there is a recipe for the Steelers winning with
that offense and Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 2 (01:27:05):
It requires CJ.
Speaker 3 (01:27:07):
Stroud to corrept the bet and not play well, and
it certainly is a possibility.
Speaker 5 (01:27:12):
But you talked about too, and that's where you know
the conversation go with that. And by the way, Ray,
we'll get to you in a second. Is this offense
being consistent? I think the consistency is exactly that, don't
turn the football over, do no harm, take the hippocratic
oath of offensive football. That's exactly what it is. Is
be able to support your defense enough. But I'll tell
(01:27:33):
you what. Don't turn that football over, do not put
that football on the ground, do not throw an interception,
either of those things.
Speaker 2 (01:27:41):
So, I mean, people can get upset with Nick.
Speaker 5 (01:27:42):
Keylee again all you want, but I'm fully convinced at
this point as I've been saying that, I think it's
Nick Keayley saying, Hey, do I want to keep this
job because I got a defensive coach, and you know,
if I upset him, then I don't have very many
friends in this building anymore.
Speaker 2 (01:27:58):
So what do I do?
Speaker 5 (01:28:00):
Okay, I go ahead and try to prolong drives as
much as possible, but then also to say, I could
call this play, but then we run the risk of
it getting picked, and I don't want to do that.
Speaker 3 (01:28:10):
I'm not worried about CJ getting picked. I'm just worried
about this offensive line holding up to that Steelers pass rush.
And you haven't live in third and long territory constantly.
Speaker 2 (01:28:22):
That is a real concern. And some of that, too,
is on CJ. Gordy.
Speaker 5 (01:28:26):
I mean, you know, we even saw it against the
Colts on Sunday where he takes an intentional grounding and
I'm like, dude, you're in year three, Like how are
you still doing this?
Speaker 3 (01:28:36):
Like go side to side with that. I mean, if
you run into a sack, you run into a sack.
Speaker 5 (01:28:41):
Okay, fine, but like it, you know, just to continued
where you know, he continues to go back and back
and back right behind the line of scrimmage. It's like
now you got no opportunity anywhere. And you know, WEX
said it best yesterday as I think that probably mentally
right there, it was, Hey, I got number twelve somewhere.
Speaker 3 (01:28:58):
You didn't have number twelve out there, Nico Collins was
not playing. Yeah, that was just just simply a wrestl thing.
They didn't want to get them hurt against That's what
they say. Yeah, that's what that's what That's what they say,
and we'll take them at their word. All right, Ray,
we're working in Brandon, Yeah, you as well. Brian McTaggart
by the way, going to join us at eight thirty
(01:29:18):
as we'll get into a little bit of Tatsu and
my with the Astros. He was there yesterday, so of
course we'll catch up with tags and maybe even some
of the other things that the Astros could be working
on here in the later stages of the off season
as we get even closer to get in the West
Palm Beach for spring training.
Speaker 2 (01:29:35):
So we'll have all that right here for you.
Speaker 5 (01:29:37):
It is the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole right
here Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (01:29:42):
The Morning Drive with Dan and Cole on Sports Talk
seven ninety, Home of the Strolls, Rockets and Houston's best
sports talk.
Speaker 5 (01:29:53):
Right the Texans getting ready for Steelers Monday night in Pittsburgh,
closed out wild Card weekend, and you wish basketball tonight?
Hawk tip over there for Chita Center taking all at
Texas Tech.
Speaker 2 (01:30:03):
So that'll be a fun good basketball.
Speaker 5 (01:30:06):
Someone three two and two five seven ninety is the
way to get in at Ray wants to weigh in.
Speaker 2 (01:30:11):
Good morning, Ray, Hey, how are you doing?
Speaker 15 (01:30:14):
Good morning guys. I was a cacti yesterday looking around
and the guys are getting ready.
Speaker 2 (01:30:21):
I cannot wait.
Speaker 9 (01:30:22):
I am excited. Oh, I can't wait.
Speaker 15 (01:30:25):
Now about the Texans, guys, we have to stop thinking.
I called yesterday and said the same thing. But Houstonians,
as Houstonians, we have to stop thinking and we're just
gonna run through people. I don't trust Heywood and TJ.
Speaker 9 (01:30:46):
Watt.
Speaker 15 (01:30:46):
Those guys are extremely dangerous.
Speaker 2 (01:30:49):
They are.
Speaker 15 (01:30:50):
This guy is a Hall of Fame, He's guaranteed to
go to the Hall of Fame quarterback. I'm those are
the three things I'm worried about. I'm worried about that,
the two defenders, and I'm worried about Aaron Rodgers. I'm
not worried about metcalf. I think we're gonna lock him down.
I'm worried about these shark passes, these crossing routes. This
guy he threw five tds and NRG. He was a
(01:31:13):
lot younger, but he hit us for five or six
TVs that night.
Speaker 9 (01:31:16):
I was real mad at Aaron. This guy is deadly.
I don't care about his age.
Speaker 15 (01:31:21):
He's not the Houston people are calling in.
Speaker 2 (01:31:24):
Like he's eighty five.
Speaker 9 (01:31:26):
This guy made it to the playoffs.
Speaker 15 (01:31:29):
This guy's a went away from going to Division A round.
We gotta stop just oh we're going or we're going.
And I know we got Will Lanison. You know we
got big Playboy now, we got it. We got a
lot of people, but they have people too. And I
just don't know who's gonna win this game. I'm not
I'm I'm a diehard, touching fan bro since we started.
(01:31:49):
But I just don't know who's gonna win this game.
And we are underestimating a Hall of Fame quarterback and
possibly TJ. Wader future Hall of Famer. That's gon.
Speaker 6 (01:32:01):
TJ.
Speaker 15 (01:32:01):
CJ is gonna have two and a half seconds and
he said it's up. I need to stop holding on
to the ball.
Speaker 2 (01:32:07):
Too longer.
Speaker 15 (01:32:08):
I need to get rid of the ball faster. Bro,
You're gonna have TJ. Watt coming at you. You have
way less than three seconds and people thinking we're just
gonna blow them out.
Speaker 9 (01:32:18):
Bros.
Speaker 15 (01:32:19):
It would if it's a muggy, nasty game like Tampa Bay.
We have a lot to think about, guys. I'll go Texans.
Speaker 2 (01:32:27):
I hope we pull it out.
Speaker 9 (01:32:28):
Go Texas.
Speaker 2 (01:32:29):
But I'm not sure I appreciate the call.
Speaker 9 (01:32:32):
Ray.
Speaker 2 (01:32:33):
I mean the first part about Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 5 (01:32:35):
Look, if I'm wrong, I'll say it at this time
next Tuesday. I was wrong, He's still that guy. I
just don't see him being that guy anymore. I just
I don't and until proven wrong otherwise, I'm going to
continue to feel that way. I just again, I'm not
gonna come off of Gordy that this is a bad
matchup for the Steelers. It's an awful matchup for the
(01:32:55):
Steelers for again, the way that their offense really likes
to run. And I'm I'm not saying that Aaron's not
gonna take his shots down the field.
Speaker 2 (01:33:02):
He absolutely will.
Speaker 5 (01:33:04):
But okay, fine, you want to take that shot against
Derek Stingley Junior. You want to take it against Kamari Laster.
Don't forget on the back end, you've got Caylen Bullock
there who knows how to get his hands on interceptions too.
So like it just I just kind of feel like it's,
you know, the old shot are stabbed which way you
want it because you're getting one way or the other,
So go ahead and make it your choice.
Speaker 3 (01:33:24):
He's gonna have to play a clean game like they
did against well, look at look at two of his
most recent games against Detroit against Baltimore. Against Detroit, he
through for two sixty six one touchdown, no picks was
sacked twice. Same thing against Baltimore through for two ninety four,
one touchdown, no picks was sacked twice.
Speaker 2 (01:33:46):
It's gonna be that.
Speaker 3 (01:33:47):
It's gotta be that kind of stat line for Aaron Rodgers.
And by the way, both those games close. They beat
Detroit twenty nine to twenty four, they beat Baltimore twenty
six to twenty four. Kind of needed to prayer on
both ends right the late the late game against Detroit
where they had the goal line stand basically and then
against Baltimore where the game winning field goal for Baltimore
(01:34:07):
just hooks right, so a winging a prayer. I mean,
I think that's that's the way Pittsburgh went, you know,
if they're gonna win this game.
Speaker 2 (01:34:15):
But it's gonna be.
Speaker 3 (01:34:16):
That kind of stat line for Aaron Rodgers where he
doesn't turn the ball over, he's only sacked once or twice,
plays mistake free football, Like that's that's the way they
win this game.
Speaker 2 (01:34:26):
I just but just don't see a ward look at
the Texans play.
Speaker 3 (01:34:29):
If the Texas faces gave only two sacks, are Rodgers
they deserve to lose?
Speaker 5 (01:34:33):
Put that way, well, I think that the other part
of it, too, is exactly what we were discussing earlier.
During this nine game stretch for the Texans, they've been
playing playoff football. Almost every single one of those games
have been close wins, and that's exactly what playoff football,
for the most part is. So it's not like you're
heading into a situation where you're like, oh man, hey,
if we're in a close game on the road, this could,
you know, be a situation we don't want to be in. No,
(01:34:56):
I think it's gonna be the complete opposite. I think it's, hey,
we know how to handle this situ situation. We know
that we need just enough out of our offense and
then defensively, only been doing it all season long, get
a timely turnover like you did against Kansas City. I mean,
you know, like you did the other day against the
Colts too, where you're able to get to the quarterback
and as he's throwing it, he gets hit and the
ball gets tipped up and Elijah Hussey able to get
(01:35:18):
underneath it and able to have an interception. So like
those things are are are things that work in your
favor in this one. So look, you know, okay, fine,
you know, Pittsburgh, we want to make it ugly. The
Texans will say, that's exactly the style we love to play.
Thanks for doing it.
Speaker 2 (01:35:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:35:36):
I again, like I just look at it as if
you told me, like just give me the defensive stat
line on what you predict, like that the Texans only
have two or less sacks, they have no forced fumbles,
no interceptions, no takeaways, then yeah, then that's advantage better.
Speaker 2 (01:35:57):
How'd you do against the run? Is my question?
Speaker 11 (01:36:00):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:36:01):
I mean I don't know, Like I had a fantasy
team all year with Jalen Warren. He was he was fine,
you know, I didn't feel like he many times did
you go over one hundred yards?
Speaker 2 (01:36:13):
Their backfield is a lot like what you have.
Speaker 5 (01:36:15):
Yeah, their backfield is a lot like what you have
with Woody Marx and and company.
Speaker 3 (01:36:20):
Yeah, it's a little bit by committee. I mean, Gainwell
War's got over two under carries. Gainwell's got a little
over one hundred, so you know, it's kind of a
two for one punch. But again, the thing that just
stands out to me is Kenth Gainwell seventy three perceptions.
I have to look, is there any other running back
in the league with that many catches?
Speaker 2 (01:36:40):
Maybe Christian McCaffrey. And that's who I was gonna throw out.
I was gonna say, maybe McCaffrey.
Speaker 3 (01:36:44):
I mean, that's that is high check down, Charlie Aaron Rodgers,
pressure running back.
Speaker 5 (01:36:51):
Dump, I mean, that's it. And that is where he lives.
And you know, for the longest time people too, oh,
you know, and Rogers he's so mobile. I'm like, he's
a uive he's not mobile. I mean, that's that's been
his career. I mean, well, he every once in a while,
you know, run for a few yards, sure, but steps
slower now too, well, I mean in an achilles later
on in your career will do that to you, and
(01:37:12):
that's seemingly what it's done to him.
Speaker 2 (01:37:15):
Seventy three.
Speaker 3 (01:37:17):
Receptions for Kenneth Gainwell, that is twenty ninth most catches
on the season. Yeah, Christian McCaffrey six, he's got one
hundred and two catches. He is, He's the epitome of
pass catching running back. Bijon Robinson was going to say
he's got seventy nine one. Now, Jamior Gibbs, he gets
(01:37:41):
seventy seven Detroit's but yeah, Kenneth Gainwell. So basically, yeah,
he's your fourth fourth most catches for a running back
this year in the in the league.
Speaker 5 (01:37:52):
All Right, used to seeing number thirty nine and number
five in your grill then, because that's pretty much what's
gonna happen in that game. I'm just telling you, that's
the way I see a play out on Monday night.
All right, let's go ahead and shift gears here. Let's
get into a little bit of astros because man who's
all over the astros with astros dot com MLB dot com,
he's Brian McTaggart. He's gonna hop in with us right
here as we talk Tatsuya Ami in the Astros as
(01:38:15):
a whole. We'll do all that coming up right here
on the morning Drive with Dan and Cole. Let's talk
first though about finances. And when you talk finances Trajan Wealth,
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Speaker 2 (01:38:35):
How you get in touch with them.
Speaker 5 (01:38:36):
And I get it too, because look, yesterday, we're all
going back to work, right, We're all we're we're we're
all getting back into the swing of things and it's a.
Speaker 2 (01:38:45):
Little bit tough.
Speaker 5 (01:38:45):
So give yourself a few days to kind of get
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(01:39:07):
And and also too, you got the Champion's office available
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Speaker 2 (01:39:10):
I say it all the time. It's never too late to.
Speaker 5 (01:39:13):
Start thinking about your financial future if you have not
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financial future, then think about working with the pros. Pros
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Say it all the time too, you hear Jeff Junior
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Speaker 2 (01:39:36):
You don't know as much as they do.
Speaker 5 (01:39:38):
That and that's fine, It's all good because they're going
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dot com and don't forget tell them. Dan Matthews from
the Morning Trive on Sports Talk seven ninety sent you in.
Speaker 2 (01:40:14):
This is Jabari Smith, Jack Bari for three Smith. Stay
cut with the iHeartRadio app here every Rockets game on
Sports Talk seven nineties.
Speaker 5 (01:40:27):
Everybody leaves in heads east out to West Palm Beach
and for that much more, we catch you up with
MLB dot Com Astros dot COM's Brian McTaggart here on
the morning Drive.
Speaker 9 (01:40:37):
Tags.
Speaker 5 (01:40:38):
Appreciate it, buddy, I mean, just yesterday, you know, just
go ahead, broadview. Just what stood out to you the
most during Emai's first introduction to the Houston media and
the Astros fans.
Speaker 9 (01:40:53):
Yeah, good morning.
Speaker 16 (01:40:54):
It just seemed like he had Ah, he seemed like
he had a great personality. Just seemed like he was
a very fun guy who was very excited to be
here in Houston.
Speaker 9 (01:41:03):
I mean, he's already been.
Speaker 16 (01:41:04):
To a Texans and Rockets game, so he's a hit
in the ground running. But yeah, it just seemed like
he's he's gonna be a fun guy he gets to
know here over the next year. I don't know if
he'll be here more than a year, but you know,
it should should be fun just to see him get
acclimated to the US and see him settle into his
new surroundings.
Speaker 14 (01:41:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:41:22):
I had somebody ask me that Brian is he is
he gonna be a multi year deal? And I was like, well,
if he stinks, yes, but he's really good, he's probably
opting out. And again we'll see maybe they do sign
him a long term We'll find out on that. But
I mean, look, in a perfect world, you want him
to come in and be really awesome for the Astros
this year. That's the whole point. And data Brown's saying
(01:41:43):
that he feels good about this rotation. I know it's
early and they you know, we're a month and a
half away from spurg training games starting, But I mean,
is it is it easy to just assume he's going
to be number two or number three slot in this rotation?
Speaker 9 (01:41:59):
Yeah? I think so.
Speaker 16 (01:42:00):
I mean, I I don't see any reason why he
wouldn't be, uh, you know, at the top of the rotation.
I mean, you know, Hunter Brown's your clear cut as
now with Fromber being gone.
Speaker 9 (01:42:09):
So but I mean more than.
Speaker 16 (01:42:10):
That, it's just about you know, you know, adding adding
a guy who you know should fill up some innings, uh,
you know, help replace the void left by frianbur Valdez.
I mean They've had a four starting pitchers this offseason,
most notably Burrows and Ryan Weiss, you know from Korea.
Speaker 9 (01:42:26):
You know, who knows what you're gonna get there.
Speaker 16 (01:42:28):
But they've added some quality depth along with the guys
they have coming.
Speaker 9 (01:42:30):
Back, rrig Getty, JAVIERA.
Speaker 16 (01:42:32):
McCullers, and then you know, even going down the line
a little bit with guys like uh, you know, Colton Gordon.
Speaker 9 (01:42:40):
And guys like that.
Speaker 16 (01:42:41):
So they needed to go out and make it a
little bit of a splash in the rotation.
Speaker 9 (01:42:45):
They did that.
Speaker 16 (01:42:46):
You're right, if he pitches really well, he's gonna opt
out try to get more money. But if he does that,
that many he's pitched well for the Astros and and
he probably helped them win and get back to the playoffs.
Speaker 5 (01:42:56):
That voice is the one of Brian McTaggart MLB dot
Com Astros hopping on with us for a few minutes
here on the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole.
Speaker 2 (01:43:03):
Chris Gordy in for Cole.
Speaker 5 (01:43:06):
You know Jim Crane's side of yesterday too, being asked
about the you know, just the new efforts that they're
making right there in the Pacific rim of having Scout
in Tokyo Soul and also Taiwan as well. I mean,
is this kind of one of those things tags where
we could see every single offseason, Hey here's this guy
from Korea.
Speaker 2 (01:43:24):
Hey, here's this guy from Japan.
Speaker 16 (01:43:28):
I think so, I mean, I think I think Crane
just got fed up with the Dodgers sort of having
this little monopoly, if you want to call it that,
getting players from Japan. I mean, you know, Tany was
at the Angels first, they went to the Dodgers, but
I mean he gets there and they went to World
Series titles and Yamamotos the MVP the World Series. And
(01:43:50):
if you're not an active player in Japan and trying
to compete with these teams, and you're probably not going
to compete with this team. So he went over there
last summer to close the deal with Dykings Dyking as
far as naming rights goes. And when he was over there,
poked around the baseball Marketsaw, you know how important the
baseball market is. And you know, he's got offices all
over the world, so he brought some he hired some
(01:44:12):
scouts that are working out of his offices in those
three places you just mentioned to try to to try
to get the astros in the door. If these guys
get to know them, scout them and then report back here.
Speaker 9 (01:44:22):
But I still don't think.
Speaker 16 (01:44:23):
I mean, if they have a player coming that's going
to get from Japan, it's going to get a two
hundred and three hundred million dollar contract, They're still not
going to do that. But a guy like Imi, Yeah,
I mean they're going to try to be players and
guys with Korea as well. I mean, I think they
just realized they have to do that compete. The Dodgers
have sort of set the blueprint here and have done
(01:44:43):
it pretty well.
Speaker 2 (01:44:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:44:45):
I remember here in the you know, with with with
the Dodgers and their their TV rights and all that
over there, that they've made a ton of money is money,
and we we know what happened with Yao here with
the Rockets. Is that kind of the expectation that they
should make a lot of money on the back end
with people wanting to see my pitch overseas?
Speaker 9 (01:45:04):
Yeah, I don't know how big a name he is
over there.
Speaker 16 (01:45:06):
I mean, you know, Tany's sort of a class by
himself and sort of like Yao Ming was. I mean,
they are generational superstars so I don't know if he
may he's gonna be that that bankable, but certainly it's
gonna help get them in that market a little bit more,
and that the partnership with Dykin probably helps that as well.
So Crane just said they sort of had had ignored
(01:45:27):
that area and now they're they're gonna be full tilt
in Japan and try to become players over there.
Speaker 9 (01:45:32):
So it's gonna be very in to watch.
Speaker 16 (01:45:33):
But I yeah, I think every year now we see
guys posted from the MPB, we're gonna have to wonder,
you know, the astro is gonna be in on this guy,
and we could see it not only with pitchers but
with some hitters as well in the future.
Speaker 5 (01:45:45):
Again, Brian mctagger join us here on the Morning Drive
and tags, let's talk about the rest of the roster.
You heard Dana Brown say yes today they feel good
about starting rotation. Backup Catcher still a you know, on
the wish list. But when it comes to how are
you going to deploy Estoc Perettis and Christian Walker, did
you not kind of get the sense yesterday that Dana
(01:46:07):
Brown might be coming off of where they were emphatic
at the meetings earlier this offseason.
Speaker 2 (01:46:12):
No, neither of those guys are being moved.
Speaker 9 (01:46:16):
Yeah, I did. I got the same feeling.
Speaker 16 (01:46:18):
I think he said that anything's on the table or
something towards those lines yesterday it did, you know, it
wasn't as strong as what it was that the you
know last year, like when he said, yeah, I mean
we're not going to trade those guys. They have to
remain open minded. I mean they still need to get
a backup catcher. I mean, they can praise is ourselves
are all they want. And he's doing a pretty good
job in winter ball right now, but swinging a pretty
(01:46:40):
good bat. But uh, they you know, they're gonna lose
a pretty important piece in Caroteni, so that that just
can't be something they sweep under the rug. They have
to go out and get another catcher behind yond Or
And how do they do that?
Speaker 9 (01:46:53):
Do they do that in my trade?
Speaker 16 (01:46:54):
And can maybe they can get a reliever via trade
as well, and it would certainly help clear up what
still appears to be sort.
Speaker 9 (01:47:00):
Of a log jam on the infield.
Speaker 16 (01:47:02):
So yeah, it wouldn't surprise me if another trade is coming,
But it certainly seems like they're done pitching wise, they
just have to address the backup catching. And I'm still
surprised they haven't traded Jake Myers yet. I thought that
was pretty much gonna be a foregone conclusion.
Speaker 9 (01:47:16):
They still might.
Speaker 16 (01:47:18):
We'll see how that shakes out as they go along.
They did trade Jake Meltz and some maybe that clears
up some playing time now. So the heavy lifting's almost done,
but they still have a few things to do before
they go to Florida in five weeks.
Speaker 3 (01:47:29):
I just look at it, Brian, over the course of
a one sixty two season, I mean, it's it's still
as amazing how the twenty two season they were able
to get through with what they basically Michael Brandley was
the only significant injury that all that year. I mean,
injuries are gonna happen, and man, they have been taxed
with injuries the last couple of years, and everybody wants
to make such a big deal about that log jam
on the infield, But also part of me feels like,
(01:47:50):
maybe it's not such a bad thing if you keep
Walker with Paris and Korean and peyng in Altuve, because
odds are one of these guys is gonna miss time.
Speaker 2 (01:47:58):
This year due to injury. It's just gonna happen.
Speaker 9 (01:48:02):
Yep, very true. I mean it's not a bad problem
to have.
Speaker 16 (01:48:04):
Korea is a guy who's been injured quite a bit
throughout his career, being predicivas half the season last year.
Walker has been pretty durable, but you know, two days
not getting any younger, Paint took a ball off the
riths four or five weeks last year. You're right, there
are going to be injuries and you need that depth.
I guess the question is when they're all when they're
(01:48:25):
all healthy and playing every day, you know, how do
you keep them all, you know, on the field or
getting regular at bats.
Speaker 9 (01:48:30):
You know, you do have the d H.
Speaker 16 (01:48:31):
But the problem is it seems like jord On Albarez
is going to be a pretty much a full time
DH at this point. But I mean, these are pretty
good problems to have if you're the Astronauts where you
have too many guys. I mean, if they're healthy this
this lineup one through six, it still has a chance
to be really really good. So and I think the
signing of em sort of clears up some cloudiness in
the rotation to where now you're.
Speaker 9 (01:48:52):
Thinking like, Okay, this. This team's kind of interesting.
Speaker 16 (01:48:54):
So you know, I think going into the season, they
they're probably going to be again right there with the Mariners,
is the favorites to contend for the AO.
Speaker 5 (01:49:04):
West Tax Final one at least from me here and again,
Brian McTaggert joined us here on the morning Drive. How
the twitter fingers are are they ready to go for tonight?
Because I know that you and Texas Tech Red Raider
fans really like to pick at each other on Twitter.
Speaker 16 (01:49:20):
I love Texas Tech fans, They're great. I know if
some of them will be coming to our gym tonight
to watch the big game against Houston, so I plan
to welcome them with open arms. And it should be
a great game. So no, I mean, this is a
pretty I mean, this is a pretty good test for
both these teams.
Speaker 9 (01:49:38):
I mean, Houston probably.
Speaker 16 (01:49:39):
The biggest game they played so far this year as
far as a top fifteen team, and obviously Tech playing
the top seventeen, top seven right teams, So yeah, it
should be a lot of fun.
Speaker 5 (01:49:49):
Well, and by the way, too, you and Gordy are good, right,
I mean I know that you two kind of had
a little bit of a thing over the Texas Bowl.
Speaker 2 (01:49:55):
I just want to make sure I said it was
a good win for you of a so we're just
having some fun.
Speaker 9 (01:49:59):
Yeah, yeah, it was a good one. I can't help.
Speaker 16 (01:50:01):
But if LSU is in turnoil and doesn't care, I mean, hey,
we'll We'll play LSU anytime anywhere.
Speaker 2 (01:50:08):
I love it.
Speaker 3 (01:50:09):
Well, one more real quick for you, Brian, because I
had a buddy texted me last night the vibe I yet,
is it feels like does it feel like fromber is
going to go into spring training without a team? Like
I feel like so many of these big clients are
like more and more, especially the pitchers, were they're getting
the spring training and having to wait because those big
monster deals just aren't coming.
Speaker 16 (01:50:32):
Yeah, it's very possible, you know. And how how is
the WBC going to play into that as well? I
mean the Astros sort of wouldn't let him play three
years ago, So uh is he going to try to play?
And is you know, is he gonna come out of
there and then sign with somebody? So that's got to
be factored in as well. But uh, yeah, there's still
a bunch of big names still on the board. Of course,
(01:50:53):
the three of the biggest ones are former astros Bregman,
Tucker and Fromber and they're not coming back here, so
that's you know, problems for other people. But yeah, I
mean Bregnant didn't sign last year until spring training had started,
so us gonna be very interesting to see as we
move forward, might get some blockbuster deals while we're already
in Florida.
Speaker 5 (01:51:11):
Well, Tags, now, all you need to do is make
sure that Tatsuya and Ma is in the building tonight
over at for Tita Centeri's two and oh.
Speaker 16 (01:51:18):
Yeah, I mentioned that on on Twitter yesterday. Let's get
him court side, but he's obviously got If you threw
up the h man, we can get him throw up
the cougar handpot tonight and get that win over Texas Tech.
He certainly is a good luck charm.
Speaker 5 (01:51:30):
So far, there you go, and you know, here's the
wishing for sure, as you'll get that game over on
KPRC nine to fifty tonight.
Speaker 2 (01:51:37):
Tags, you're the best man.
Speaker 5 (01:51:38):
We'll catch up with you again here very soon and uh,
spring training be here before we know.
Speaker 9 (01:51:42):
It, yep, five weeks. So all right, guys, we'll talk.
Speaker 2 (01:51:45):
There you go.
Speaker 5 (01:51:46):
Brian McTaggart again MLB dot Com astros dot Com hopping
on with us.
Speaker 3 (01:51:50):
God bless him a chilling room. I don't know how
this guy spend five weeks in West Pump Beach.
Speaker 5 (01:51:54):
Well, then it's it's a precursor to the absolute slog
and grind that a major league season is. Yeah, so
you know, you get a nice little appetizer before you
get the full on five course meal. It is full
on Bill Murray waking up to Sonny and cher music.
It is Groundhog Day every day there. You can only
eat wahwah sandwiches so many times because I mean, I
(01:52:15):
just know that when me and Ross went, it was
just so easy. It's just like wah wah. It's like, yeah,
sure it's right there, and the sandwiches are delicious. I'll
give them that.
Speaker 3 (01:52:22):
Yeah, it's I like going those first few days because
there's it's guys all getting there for the first time.
There's newsy stuff. Oh, this guy's hurt. This guy's are
by two three weeks of this sprig Trader. It is
a drag and it's.
Speaker 5 (01:52:34):
Like keep in mind though too. We were talking about
a little bit with Joe Spatta yesterday. With the World
Baseball Classic starting even earlier this year. So I mean,
I want to say that we're just over a month
away from pitchers and catchers, like I think it's going
to be, people will be in Florida and Arizona watching
the Super Bowl and then like a day or two later,
it's they're out there working.
Speaker 2 (01:52:55):
Yep.
Speaker 5 (01:52:56):
So got that to look forward to. Brandon, see you're
right there working in I do want to get you
a little bit of the Dana Brown from yesterday because
he met with the media after the Tatsuya my press
conference and some very very interesting things said by him.
So we'll do that right here as we close out
the eight o'clock hour again, it's the Morning Drive, Dan
and Cole. Chris Gordy in for Cole this morning right
(01:53:17):
here Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (01:53:20):
They are the Morning Drive. Here's Dan Matthews and Cole Thompson.
Speaker 5 (01:53:27):
I'm be to here from Dana Brown here in just
a second, but first let's get Brandon in here.
Speaker 9 (01:53:32):
Brandon, Good morning, Good morning, Dan, Good morning, Chris Gordy.
How are you guys?
Speaker 2 (01:53:37):
Good man, how are you good?
Speaker 17 (01:53:41):
Astrov We.
Speaker 2 (01:53:44):
And happy New Year, same to you man.
Speaker 9 (01:53:48):
Happen Chris Gordy.
Speaker 5 (01:53:50):
Gordy just stepped out for a second, so you just
you're just talking one on one with me.
Speaker 9 (01:53:55):
Okay, Lockets, I did I I saw we won.
Speaker 2 (01:54:02):
We did win.
Speaker 5 (01:54:03):
And it was kind of a little bit of you know,
a tail, two different games in one brand, and it
was frustrating in the first half, and then the second half,
third quarter you start to be able to gain on them,
and then the fourth quarter obviously Kevin Durant the hero
of the day.
Speaker 2 (01:54:18):
So it was a lot of fun.
Speaker 8 (01:54:20):
Yep, Hey, we're switching out rejectors. So I'm gonna be watching.
Speaker 17 (01:54:28):
The game.
Speaker 2 (01:54:29):
Do you which game you talking about?
Speaker 17 (01:54:33):
The Rockets?
Speaker 5 (01:54:34):
Okay, all right, sweet, So you'd be able to catch
the Rockets and then, of course, soon enough you get
Astros games Texans Monday night.
Speaker 2 (01:54:40):
I see you working over there, Brandon. I like your style. Yeah,
there you go, man, you.
Speaker 5 (01:54:47):
Like tat to you? Am I you excited to see him?
You're right, you're ready to go ahead and buy your
number forty five Jersey.
Speaker 9 (01:54:53):
I haven't had it yet, but I will.
Speaker 5 (01:54:56):
Okay, all right, buddy, Well, hey, we're not too far
away from fan fest. I gotta believe you and your
mom are gonna be out there this year, right, You're
gonna come see us.
Speaker 3 (01:55:04):
Yes, are you gonna when is it?
Speaker 5 (01:55:06):
I think it's a couple of weeks from now, I think,
so I need to look that up for sure. And
then obviously you know, we'll be promoting when we're gonna
be out there. But stay tuned for that, man. We'll
we'll definitely let you know, and you know where to
find us if we're out there. Well, you know where
to find us when we are out there. So look
forward to it, Bud, like I did, right right, right
(01:55:29):
for sure.
Speaker 2 (01:55:29):
Man. I remember that's where I met you for the
first time. All right, Brandon, Hey, I appreciate it.
Speaker 11 (01:55:33):
Man.
Speaker 2 (01:55:33):
We need to hear from Dana Brown.
Speaker 5 (01:55:34):
So we're gonna get to that, but we'll catch up
with you here, uh in the very near future.
Speaker 2 (01:55:40):
Let's hear from Dana Brown.
Speaker 5 (01:55:41):
As a matter of fact, the Astros GM catching up
with the media yesterday in the hallway over there at
dyke In Park, and one of the things that he
talked about. Didn't really even think about this until tatsu
yam I brought it up. But during his press availability
where he was like, you know, just the differences between
Japanese baseball and Major League baseball is the time zone
(01:56:04):
changes because I mean you don't have to worry about
that in Japan, and also to the regularity that you
pitch with during a season in the Astros. I mean,
as you've seen from the offseason moves they've made with
their pitching staff, they're wanting to make sure that they
have enough arms going all the way throughout the season,
so that maybe means managing a workload and within my
making his adjustment to Major League Baseball, that's something that
(01:56:27):
Dana Brown and crew definitely want to try to focus.
Speaker 2 (01:56:30):
On with him.
Speaker 18 (01:56:31):
I think early in the season we have a lot
of games in a row, so we'll be in a
six man rotation. I certainly think he's going to be
able to handle it. We will protect them whatever way
we have to protect them, but make no mistake, I think,
you know, going to that six man rotation, I think
it's going to really help him out and help him adjust,
(01:56:51):
you know, to the grind and you know you've seen
outings over there where he's throwing multiple games over one
hundred pitches. We'll probably try to keep this pitch count
down some and so he'll be able to bounce back.
Speaker 11 (01:57:02):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (01:57:03):
I think there's a two way street there too, Gordy.
Speaker 5 (01:57:06):
I think that obviously, Yes, you know, you've made a
pretty sizable investment in this guy and you hope that
you are able to keep him around. We'll get to
that part in just a second. But then it's also
to the back end of the bullpen guys. I mean,
at least two years in a row, we've heard jo
Aspota talk about I don't want multiple innings out of
Josh Hater, I don't want four outs out of Brian
(01:57:26):
and Bray you, at least not early on in the season.
So I think that that's kind of feeding into all
of this as well.
Speaker 2 (01:57:31):
Yeah, you know, we're Astros fans. Hang in there, We're coming.
Speaker 5 (01:57:35):
Make no Mistake is another one that's on the Dana
Bingo card I caught that and I was.
Speaker 2 (01:57:40):
Like, that's another one, got right down on the list.
He does make no mistake.
Speaker 3 (01:57:45):
Yeah, I mean, look, it's there's so many questions, Like
every year feels like now basically post war, post post
World Series run. We go into spring training with tons
of questions, and they were a ton of questions abound
with this team going into uh spring training in in
less than six weeks and yeah, I mean I think
(01:58:08):
bullpen arms.
Speaker 2 (01:58:08):
Who's who's going to be the back end.
Speaker 3 (01:58:10):
Of you know, we expect haters back as the closer.
We expect bray you is good to go as the
setup man, but you know who's going to bridge that gap?
Speaker 2 (01:58:19):
And then again the rotation guys.
Speaker 3 (01:58:21):
I mean, yes, in a perfect world, you would love
to see Christian Javier Settle back in as that oll
reliable guy that he wants was.
Speaker 2 (01:58:31):
You know, I know it's a two.
Speaker 3 (01:58:32):
Letter too, a two word dirty word, but Lance mccullors,
you know, whatever he can give you.
Speaker 2 (01:58:38):
Maybe even three because he gotta throw the junior on it.
Speaker 3 (01:58:40):
Yeah, and then the oltfielder, I mean the outfielders between.
Speaker 2 (01:58:45):
You know, I would have.
Speaker 3 (01:58:46):
Thought they would have cut bait On Haesy Sanchez by now,
but he's still part of this team.
Speaker 5 (01:58:51):
Definitely is, and I think he's going to be counted
on for sure in terms of opt outs with Tatsuya
my We'll let you hear from Dana Brown on that,
because I mean, this is the first time that the
Astros have done that in kind of this recent trend
of teams throwing out those kind of deals, and also too,
the future of Esach Perettis Ian Christian.
Speaker 2 (01:59:10):
Walker in Astros Unis.
Speaker 5 (01:59:11):
We'll have that for you here as we start the
nine o'clock hour, it is the Morning Drive with Dan
and Cole again Chris Gordian for Cole Thompson.
Speaker 2 (01:59:17):
Right here, Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (01:59:20):
KBM E Houston ATVs E HD two Houston, home of
the Astro.
Speaker 10 (01:59:25):
And the Rockets.
Speaker 1 (01:59:28):
Sports Talk seven ninety your home for your home teams,
an iHeartRadio station guaranteed. You mean, this is the Morning
Drive with Dad and Cole.
Speaker 5 (01:59:47):
Hopefully your Tuesday is off to a hell of a start.
Speaker 2 (01:59:49):
I mean, I know that Monday it was rough. It
was rough, rough, rough.
Speaker 5 (01:59:54):
It was one of those two Gordon which by the way,
the Rockets went last night one hundred and ninety seven
over the Suns at Toyota Center and Durant nice little
game winner three pointer with seconds left. You get the
Blazers for two in Portland first one coming up tomorrow
night and then totsuya am I who we're gonna continue
to talk about right.
Speaker 2 (02:00:10):
Here as we hear a couple more from Tana Brown.
Speaker 5 (02:00:13):
But that first day back from the holiday, like it's
one of those that's you know, as you learn throughout
your career on how to use your time off, which again,
you know, like I said, maybe we're gonna have to
like have like a little intervention with Cole about you know,
hey man, like don't don't use them in January. That's
kind of like burning time outs like on the first
drive of the game, you know, or maybe even the
(02:00:33):
first drive of the second half.
Speaker 2 (02:00:35):
Brother, you can need those all right, save them up.
Speaker 5 (02:00:39):
But that that Monday back is the ultimate Oklahoma land grab.
Like the gun goes off and you're like, this is
my plot of land, and then you know know, somebody
else is claiming that plot of land. Like that's exactly
what the first Monday back from the holidays is is,
because it just seems like there is not enough of
(02:00:59):
a fire hose to put out those fires.
Speaker 11 (02:01:03):
I am.
Speaker 3 (02:01:03):
I'm excited about to start twenty twenty six. It is Uh,
it's gonna be a good year. It's gonna be a
good year. We got all three sports teams trending towards postseason.
I feel like, I mean, look, with the Rockets barring
up a collapse, they're gonna be in there. The Texans
are in there. This coming Monday. I feel like you
want to lock in the Astros as a playoff team
(02:01:24):
this year. Yeah, the quest to get back to the postseason,
the quest to have the guy dressed as Michael Myers
against you know, waving the Astros flag on the Southwest Freeway.
Speaker 2 (02:01:34):
Yeah, I'm all for it, no question. That's my that's
my job spot.
Speaker 5 (02:01:39):
Yeah, there's my all time favorite in terms of Astros
managers when it came to their their crutches was Brad Mills.
There's no doubt. Now, there's no doubt. Yeah, there's no doubt.
Like he wore that out like nobody's business. It was
his go to.
Speaker 3 (02:01:55):
The one I cannot stand that players keep saying these
days is keep the main thing.
Speaker 2 (02:01:59):
That main thing. Oh my god, I want to just
I want to. No, that's one of those we just.
Speaker 3 (02:02:07):
Got to keep the main thing. Or stay where your
feet are, you know, just gotta stay where your feet are.
Speaker 9 (02:02:12):
Thing.
Speaker 5 (02:02:13):
It's the same things, right, Yeah, it's football more than
any other sport is awful with that because I mean
more often than not, you've got people who their whole
thing is that they're good at football and not really
anything else. So then when it comes to hey, how
(02:02:33):
do you address the media. I mean, we saw it
on Hard Knocks with Bill O'Brien. Hey, this is how
you talk to the media, trying to be a good
teammates all of this, and it's just like, oh god,
the band, Like, you know, you have to remember that
every single guy in that locker room one day is
gonna have to be in front of somebody for a
job interview. So what are they gonna say, Hey, where
(02:02:55):
do you see yourself in ten years?
Speaker 9 (02:02:56):
Oh? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (02:02:57):
I'm just trying to keep the main thing, the main thing.
You didn't get the job, sorry, Like a little personality
is fine, Okay, it's fine. No, no, no, no, no. He
can't have individuals in a football locker room? Why not?
Why not?
Speaker 5 (02:03:13):
Well not everybody's the same. There you go, you just
prove my point. Just a little something that look. Disdain
Dan was a thing in a previous incarnation of this show.
And I'm a little bit of a more optimistic guy nowadays,
so a little.
Speaker 2 (02:03:30):
Less disdain Dan. But every once in a while he
pokes out.
Speaker 5 (02:03:32):
It's kind of like what Johnny Depp says about Captain
Jack Sparrow that he says, you know, he'll visit me
from time to time.
Speaker 3 (02:03:39):
So do you realize that I guess I just did
not realize this or that it was coming up so close?
Today is Tuesday, yes, Toms until fifty nine tonight? Yeah,
tomars Wednesday. Do you realize the two playoff games semifinals,
so Thursday and Friday night. I don't know why, Like,
didn't I feel like that's coming quick? Like, I don't know.
(02:04:01):
I know they took the week off. Well, the season ends,
you take, you play conference championship weekend, we take a
week off, we play Army Navy.
Speaker 2 (02:04:09):
Yeah. Yeah, a couple of weeks later we get around
to playing those next round games.
Speaker 3 (02:04:12):
Like why is it feels like, if anything, you would
take a week off, give these teams an extra week.
Speaker 2 (02:04:17):
That's why I told you.
Speaker 3 (02:04:18):
You know, the Italians say it for patients asbeta aspeta.
You know about you know how far away that Texans
Steelers Monday.
Speaker 2 (02:04:25):
Night game seems because it's the beauty of football. Man.
Speaker 3 (02:04:29):
The anticipation gets up even more when it's a football
game day. So then you're gonna have it on Thursday,
then you're gonna have it on Friday. Then you're gonna
have two of them on Saturday, three on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (02:04:37):
And then soon enough.
Speaker 3 (02:04:39):
I mean, look, you're gonna finally look and be like, man,
alarm clock's going off.
Speaker 2 (02:04:42):
Oh it's Monday.
Speaker 3 (02:04:44):
It does feel like they need to get out of
the way of They need to get out of the
way of the NFL. Though, well, that's why they're doing it.
Speaker 5 (02:04:53):
I mean, that's why you're getting the Thursday night in
the in the Friday night, is to have it that way,
and then of course you'll have the I.
Speaker 3 (02:05:00):
Feel like there's no have you heard any buzz around
Miami Old Miss on Thursday night?
Speaker 2 (02:05:03):
Like I I didn't even see. Don't know if it's
been buzz.
Speaker 5 (02:05:07):
But it's been more of annoyance from the ole Miss
side about hey, all our guys are coming back. That's
your focus right now? Okay, cool? Good because you're so
focused on you know, we can't let Lane poach any
of our guys.
Speaker 3 (02:05:20):
Yeah, that's what That's been the funny part. The last
two days. It's nothing but ole Miss's Twitter account. It
has been nothing about resigned, resigned, resign, all these players
that they're resigning for next year. I'm like, how about
some posts about hey, we had a good practice today,
We're trying to win a playoff game.
Speaker 5 (02:05:34):
Maybe show a little bit of practice footage, you know, Lily, Hey,
look how much everybody loves Pete Golding Man.
Speaker 2 (02:05:39):
I'm telling you this guy is seriously the second coming.
We love them.
Speaker 3 (02:05:43):
I would probably put my bunny on Miami right now
because it feels like there's been no talk of Ole
Miss how they're prepared for Thursday night and ready to
go like it feels like they won their super Bowl.
They beat Georgia. Oh my god, we won a playoff game.
It gets a good team. This is the pinnacle. This
is it is as good as it gets, and it's
all downhill from here.
Speaker 5 (02:06:01):
I know this is gonna shock a lot of people
in the audience, but me and you obviously do not
let our bias be too hidden. We're SEC guys, but
we're also LSU guys too. It's not gonna hurt my
feelings if if Miami absolutely pants is all miss.
Speaker 3 (02:06:18):
Yeah, I've got on my my SEC show. I've had
a lot of Big ten people talk it's back the
last few weeks. Big ten, Big ten owens college football. Look,
if Indiana wins it, it's hard to argue that would
be three straight years of three different Big Ten teams
win the national championship.
Speaker 17 (02:06:32):
Cool.
Speaker 2 (02:06:33):
I think you got to tip your down. That's a
damn good coffy.
Speaker 5 (02:06:36):
You can have Joel Klatt, Matt Lioner it and you know,
Danny Canell and all of those people cracking on the SEC.
Speaker 2 (02:06:41):
That's fine.
Speaker 3 (02:06:42):
I'll wear it. It's it's okay, It's all good. I mean, look,
seven straight years. Get to seventh straight, then we can
talk because you know the SEC did that?
Speaker 2 (02:06:50):
You did not?
Speaker 17 (02:06:50):
All?
Speaker 7 (02:06:51):
Right?
Speaker 5 (02:06:51):
Seven one, three, two and two five seven ninety Dana Brown,
as we mentioned, talking about not only Tatsuya and my
but also his team as a whole. But we'll stay
with the first guy that I mentioned, Tatsuya and my
meeting with the media yesterday, and Brown has already talked
about the workload.
Speaker 2 (02:07:08):
But the other part of it too is this could
be a one and done with am I three year deal.
Speaker 5 (02:07:13):
It could be worth as much as sixty three million,
but it's got opt outs after both seasons, and then
of course, you know, if you make it all the
way to the third, well then he's a free agent
after that. Anyway, the Astros have not lived in that world.
I mean it seems like they probably could have done
that with Alex Bregman decided against it. I mean, who
knows who else they could have possibly done it with,
And again, same deal. So in this case, right here,
(02:07:34):
Dana Brown talking about what made am I the proper
candidate to be able to receive such treatment.
Speaker 18 (02:07:40):
Yeah, I mean, look, when you're negotiating a contract, you
have to work with the other side. Obviously, you know
you'd prefer not having opt outs, but you know, sometimes
you know, you have to do these opt outs, which
we feel good about. Once he comes here, we think
he'll be in this position where he's in a championship organization.
Speaker 11 (02:08:01):
We feel like we got a chance of keeping him,
so you know, we had to work through that.
Speaker 18 (02:08:06):
But ultimately, you know, we were focused on getting them
signed and we're side that we haven't.
Speaker 5 (02:08:12):
And also, though, keep in mind the way that the
Astros have done it, I believe he's only due like
eighteen million this season. I mean, I know, I say
eighteen so it's relative terms, but then it kicks up
to whatever it is in the second year and then
the final year too, so it might behoove him to
go ahead. And even if he has a really good
season to say, I mean, I'd probably be getting this
(02:08:34):
somewhere else, so why not go ahead and just stick
and stay right where I'm at? So, I mean, I
think the Astros have been able to situate the contract
well enough to be able to make sure that that's
not really much of a concern.
Speaker 2 (02:08:45):
Yeah, I don't know, man, We'll we'll see.
Speaker 3 (02:08:50):
But again, it's like I've been trying to tell people
with Amaya, It's like, yesh, you want him to do well,
but it's like if he crushes hands down, he's gonna
opt out on a bigger deal. If he's just pretty good,
maybe he still ops up, but then maybe you get
him to stay on a on a relatively easier deal,
And if he stinks, well, then you're screwed and you're
(02:09:13):
paying it. He's definitely opting into the new year too,
and you're paying it now. Again, here's the tough part
is some of these Japanese players, at least the recent ones,
have struggled out of the gates coming over to MLB,
and then they settle in.
Speaker 2 (02:09:26):
So we'll see if that happens.
Speaker 3 (02:09:28):
Like I'm telling you, right answer, Since don't freak out
if Amai's first and mo Obi start is he goes
three three innings of six hundred runs and you're like,
oh god, what did we get a lemon here?
Speaker 6 (02:09:39):
No?
Speaker 2 (02:09:39):
I think some guys would just take them a little
while settling.
Speaker 5 (02:09:41):
You can wish in one hand and you know what
and the other when it comes to that with Astros fans,
because you know, if that's the case, then it's gonna be.
You know, look, first it was first base with you guys,
with Joseah Bray you and also Christian Walker, and now
it's this guy.
Speaker 2 (02:09:56):
I mean, can you guys sign a free agent that's
actually good?
Speaker 11 (02:09:59):
Now?
Speaker 2 (02:09:59):
It used to be the it used to be.
Speaker 3 (02:10:01):
Remember, I guess about twenty years or so ago, dice
Ca Matsuzaka came over and was awesome that first year.
Speaker 2 (02:10:08):
I was like, oh my god.
Speaker 3 (02:10:09):
And then guess what, they got more film on him
and people figured him out, and then it wasn't the same.
Speaker 2 (02:10:15):
But I don't know why.
Speaker 3 (02:10:15):
It feels like it's the reverse effect, asn't late that
somebody these international guys come over and struggle at first
and then settle into a nerve. Look at the Dodgers, well.
Speaker 2 (02:10:25):
And that's also too.
Speaker 5 (02:10:26):
I mean something else before we continue on talking, you know,
about the Astros off season, and Dana Brown weighing in
on that it seems like he's doing everything he can
in my that is, to guard against that he's not
going to play in the WBC. He also talked about
yesterday that he wants to take this time before they
get down the West Palm Beach to be able to
get his family settled here. No, he's got a wife,
(02:10:50):
so you know, being able to try to find a
place and doing all of that before then you head
out to spring training. So I think that he's trying
to set himself up and doing it the right way
where it's you know, don't put more on my plate
than I need to have. Go ahead and focus on
the off field stuff first, and then it's all baseball once.
Speaker 2 (02:11:07):
You get to Florida.
Speaker 3 (02:11:08):
Yeah, I'm looking back Yamamoto, remember two years ago when
he first got to the Dodgers, those first few start
first started, he went one in and gave five runs.
The ERA was over seven, and then he got into
a groove and that dra got lower and lower and
lower and had a finished with an ERA of three
and twenty twenty four. This past year, two forty nine
(02:11:29):
went even lower, so and look, I don't don't I
don't know if Ama is going to be as good
as Yamamoto. But that's, you know, just kind of a
comparison of how it might transition over to this league.
Speaker 5 (02:11:42):
Scott Boris seems to think so. He said as much.
He said he's as good as he did say. He
didn't say it yesterday, but he said it in the
past that he thinks he's as good as Yoshinabu. All Right,
one more from Dana Brown, and again it's about the future,
at least the immediate future of Christian Walker and east
Soak Perettis. We wondered, Hey, whe're you gonna put Perettis?
(02:12:04):
I mean, seriously, you can't put him at second. You
got jose L Tuve there, You got Christian Walker signed
for twenty million this season, so you gotta believe he's
the first baseman. And then Carlos Korea has got third
base open and they've been adamants. And we know we
talked about it with Brian McTaggart about it that they're
keeping both guys. But here's Dana Brown on the future
of both guys in a nastros Uni.
Speaker 11 (02:12:26):
Yeah, I mean right now, they're both part of this team.
Speaker 18 (02:12:30):
You know, we won't leave any stone unturned in terms of,
you know, making moves in the future, but right now,
we think that there's enough at bats, you know, for
both guys.
Speaker 11 (02:12:41):
And you know, that's kind of like where where we're
focused now.
Speaker 18 (02:12:44):
We're more focused on your backup catcher, like I said,
but we're having discussion. We will have discussions with other
clubs if they call on any of our players.
Speaker 11 (02:12:55):
So we just have to keep an open mind.
Speaker 5 (02:12:59):
Interesting, Okay, fair enough, Well, at least one thing he
said right there, and then the chaser to that shot
that he just said right there at the end, let's
carry you over that conversation is we'll continue here. It
is the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole, Cole Thompson
out Chris Gordy in this morning with you right here
on your home of the.
Speaker 2 (02:13:15):
Astros and the Rockets Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (02:13:20):
Back to the Morning Drive. Here's Dan Matthews and Cole Thompson.
Speaker 5 (02:13:27):
Texan's getting ready for the Steelers Monday in Pittsburgh close
out wild card weekend, and Tatsumi officially introduced as an Astro,
Gonna wear number forty five with the club, and we've
been talking a little bit of astros and we'll kind
of wrap up that conversation here. As you know, you
just heard what Dana Brown said in the last segment
about Christian Walker and East Ok Perettis. The shot was,
(02:13:52):
we feel like we've got you know, at bats. I mean,
that's gonna be kind of one of those where it's like, okay,
so early on the season, as far as I can tell,
you want to make sure that you're getting guys in
there every day, because I mean, again it's early on
you start utilizing the off days maybe in May June
kind of right there, you know the June swoon, all
that kind of stuff. That's that's when you start doing it.
(02:14:13):
So you want guys to play every day. So by
that logic, then you want Jose al Tuva at second
base every day. You want Carlos care Over at third
base every day. Same deal with Christian Walker at first.
So it seems like they would try to like do
this a little bit of kind of whack them mole,
like spin the wheel. Hey, Peretis, you're playing second today,
You're playing first today, Like I just I don't see
it is the way that.
Speaker 2 (02:14:35):
I just I don't think that it is going to
work out.
Speaker 5 (02:14:39):
And you hear Dana Brown say, you know, we feel
like we've got a place to give them at bats. Well,
it ain't going to be daged because that's number forty four.
You don't want to play them out in left field.
Speaker 7 (02:14:47):
I get it.
Speaker 3 (02:14:49):
Yeah, I'm just looking at fangrafts. They're projected opening day lineup.
Jeremy pen You're leading off at short. They put gord
On Helver's betting second in left field, Jose two V
batting third at second, Carlos Kraa batting fourth at third base,
Esac Parade's batting fifth, d hing, Christian Walker batting sixth
(02:15:11):
that first, Hazu Sanchez batting seventh in right. So they
won't even give that to camp Swift Smith, uh yannar
Diez batting eighth at catcher, and Jake mat Meyer's batting
knife in center.
Speaker 2 (02:15:22):
I just feel like they're something something's off there.
Speaker 3 (02:15:28):
I would put I would hope camp Smith could earn
that spot, but Dane has just been so hung up
on the damn Let you know, we.
Speaker 2 (02:15:34):
Got to get a lefty bat like, okay, how about
a good.
Speaker 3 (02:15:37):
Left bat left handed bat, not right, just a left
handed bat for the sake of left handed bats.
Speaker 5 (02:15:42):
Well, I think they tried last year. I mean, were
they not in on Ryan Mountcastle? Like, was that not
something that I that I think was out there? So
I mean, like, I think they tried, and then I
think that it was a potential play with Hazu Sanchez
and it did not work out whatsoever. So I don't know,
maybe with him they feel like, you know, get him
(02:16:03):
with Victor Rodriguez and in with Anthony Ioposi and make
some adjustments there and all of a sudden, you know,
we see the guy that you hoped that you were
getting from the Marlins in that deal, which you didn't
really give up a ton to get them. But I
just I think that they really want to shore up outfield.
And I mean, and the unfortunate truth is Estoc Brettis
(02:16:25):
can help you do that. And maybe even you know,
as I say, that would Jake Myers be of interest
to somebody and that gets you a pretty nice return
in a deal like that. That's something that I think
will happen because they can, you know, dangle Christian Walker
out there all they want. And I understand he was
the team leader and home runs and RBI last year,
(02:16:45):
but that is not going to be the bait that
is going to get the catch that you want. That
I think an est SoC perettis and you know, maybe
even Jake Myers included could get you. Brian mctager brought
it up, and it is it is a little scary that. Again,
nothing against saysar salas Are, but that's your backup catcher
(02:17:07):
right now. I mean, I just I think for now
I feel like that that is a move too, that
you know, pitching the really good guys go early. And
I thought it was a good point brought up by
you too about fromber where I mean, could we be
looking at that like where the World Baseball Classic is
almost like a showcase for him?
Speaker 3 (02:17:25):
Yeah, no, I think that's a real possibility. I think
there's a real world where we maybe even Tucker and
bregmant Now maybe Bregman pulls the trigger before spring training
just goes you know what, I got to get in
camp with somebody. But there is a world where we
go into spring training and those guys are all still unsigned.
Speaker 5 (02:17:42):
Or at least I mean, you know, it's the pitchers
and catchers show up and then they signed that week
and didn't show up. I mean kind of one of
those deals. I mean, we've seen that was.
Speaker 3 (02:17:50):
Bregmant not one of those guys last year, if I'm
not mistaken, I know that he signed the lad he
was in spring training and he was having his Boston
press conference. Okay, so it was right or right? It
was okay?
Speaker 5 (02:18:01):
Yeah, I just I was trying to remember. But I mean, look,
are you a better lineup without East? Okpretis no, you're not.
I mean, I just I think, at least without knowing
what you're getting in return, because I mean, that's the thing.
It's got to be position for position swap right there.
Tartini is still a free agent, Like I just I
think that he's bad. I think that he's fighting the
(02:18:21):
battle right now internally of do I want to be
a starting catcher because if that's the case, then I'm
probably going to a less than contending club, Or do
I want to be with a contending club? Who then says, yeah,
that's cool, man, Like, you know, we would love to
have you, especially with the seasons that you just had
in Houston, but this is what we're willing to offer
you for that, I think that's what he's up against.
Speaker 11 (02:18:43):
ITV.
Speaker 3 (02:18:43):
We're being real talk though, wouldn't ass be better on
all we starting Caratini and playing yonder dias less.
Speaker 2 (02:18:53):
I mean, I I get where you're going with that.
Speaker 5 (02:18:56):
I mean, especially with the bat kind of you know,
declining last year with U with DZ, so you'd maybe
like to attribute that to a few more games behind
the plate.
Speaker 2 (02:19:05):
So that's kind of starting to wear him down.
Speaker 5 (02:19:06):
It happens to all catchers, sure, I mean, I think
if if the money's there, but like I mean, the
tone that it kind of sounded like from mc taggart
that maybe that ship has sailed that they feel like,
you know, we just we're not going to be able
to give him the money that he's gonna want, so
you know, let's go to with the cheaper options somewhere.
I mean, I've thrown out a guy like Jonah Him
(02:19:28):
I mean is somebody that has been an All Star,
somebody that you know can be able to deliver you
some power, you know, and has been a starting catcher.
But you wouldn't be asking him to do that here.
Maybe if you did that, then you're willing to split
up some of those duties a little bit more.
Speaker 2 (02:19:43):
Well, you know your third, your third best prospect is
right Walker you Hunt, yep, And I mean he'll be
up here soon enough.
Speaker 5 (02:19:52):
Here's somebody else too, speaking of prospects, And I know
the prospect talk is one of those where it's like,
oh man to tears over here. But I've had somebody
tell me that Ethan Frye, he wouldn't be surprised that's
a mid to late season call up.
Speaker 3 (02:20:06):
Well, I was talking about Catcher. I mean, yeah, I'm
looking at MLB. You know, they do their prospect rankings
expected time of arrival for twenty twenty five. The only
guys they have listed are Bryce Matthews, who is still
their number one prospect, Number four, Miguel you Looa. He's
their best pitching prospect and they put him on the
forty man roster to protect him from the role five draft.
Speaker 2 (02:20:28):
He came on.
Speaker 3 (02:20:29):
I was actually surprised. I thought we would probably see
him get called up by the end of last year.
He is knocking on the door, so he will be
up at some point this year. The only other one
they have on here aj Bluebad down at number fourteen,
but obviously he's been up at the bigs and I think,
you know, we'll play a bigger role this year.
Speaker 2 (02:20:47):
But that's kind of it.
Speaker 3 (02:20:48):
I mean, the rest they have all projected twenty twenty
seven and later Ethan Peco they have a twenty twenty six.
So anyway, the interesting thing though, as far as catcher,
was just bringing up Yonnick because how close do you
think he is?
Speaker 2 (02:21:03):
Uh?
Speaker 3 (02:21:04):
J t Real Muto remains a free agent, but he's
a high ticket item out there, twenty three million, uh
Mitch Garver, Christian Vasquez, who of course had a little
run with her Everard Vasquez, I mean he's not a
left handed bats and then it's Victor Kartini, Jonah Him,
Gary Sanchez. I mean that's kind of the group out
Austin Barnes. So if you wanted a big league catcher,
(02:21:29):
there are some out there and available, but you know,
maybe they maybe they want to stay in the house.
Maybe they like Salazar a lot as that backup op
I Salas are hit means, but I mean, I don't
know you're ready to hand him that big of a
of a duty. Like at least Keratin, he's been around
a while in the league and knows knows how to hit.
Speaker 2 (02:21:46):
Knows how to catch, knows how to play defense well
fromer's not here anymore, so that shouldn't really be much
of an issue. Oh it's els are yeah, ridiculous. That
was ultimate gas lighting right there.
Speaker 5 (02:21:58):
Ah you know what, Yeah, just this young catcher back here,
that's not what the issue was whatsoever.
Speaker 2 (02:22:04):
And you know it wasn't.
Speaker 5 (02:22:05):
And look, Salzar, I mean he handled it about as
well because he knew he was a low man on
the roster, so don't rock the boat. But same time though, too,
I mean again, you know then hey, you know we
it was an innocent thing. But you know, Saysar, can
you take the lineup card out there?
Speaker 2 (02:22:23):
Okay? All right, So I'm guessing that was, you know,
just because coincidence. You really liked the guy you sent
him out there? Cool? Thanks? All right.
Speaker 3 (02:22:31):
You know, look, I'm all about giving the audience what
they want, and I'm going to do that next because
we had this particular request out there and I want
to be able to pay off on that, so we'll
do that.
Speaker 5 (02:22:41):
And then also too, we love Kevin Durant, well so
do you, Houston, and you showed it last night. We'll
have that for you too as well. As it is
the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole. Cole Thompson out,
Chris Gordy in for him this morning right here on
your home of the Astros and the Rocket Sports Talk
seven ninety.
Speaker 9 (02:22:57):
Houston.
Speaker 1 (02:22:58):
It's you're a home team, a fan here anytime, anywhar.
Speaker 9 (02:23:02):
Yeah, I love your home team.
Speaker 1 (02:23:03):
We'll go to Rocket and go. Just tell your smart
device SLIC Sports Top seven ninety on iHeart Radio playing
Sports Top seven ninety on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 5 (02:23:13):
Up in Portland, and then they'll finish up this little
three gamer on Sunday in Sacramento. The Texans getting ready
for the Steelers on Monday night, part of wild Card
weekend in Tatsuya my now officially an Astro meeting with
the media yesterday. He is gonna wear number forty five.
Speaking of KD too, I mean the love for Katie.
Speaker 2 (02:23:34):
We love him here. He loves us too, loves Houston.
Speaker 3 (02:23:38):
I mean, you know, trying to you know, would you
call it a riz you know of trying to get
Kay Adams, you know, to a Rockets game kind of
seemed like a little bit of it kind of was
a little bit, you know, talking about how good the
barbecue is here.
Speaker 5 (02:23:51):
Everything which he's not wrong. We got that, got great stakes,
got that too. You know, we've got we've got great everything.
I mean, let's let's be honest here in terms of
you know, food in this city, it's about as good
as can be.
Speaker 2 (02:24:03):
So you got that going for you.
Speaker 5 (02:24:05):
But last night, after the game, as the Rockets players
will do, whoever was the you know, player of the
game do an interview on the floor, uh there at
Toyota Center with Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network,
and she caught up with KD. But not only is
it the conversation between them that of course everybody there
(02:24:26):
inside Toyota Center heard, but it's also too it's.
Speaker 2 (02:24:29):
The crowd reaction to KD.
Speaker 5 (02:24:31):
And it almost kind of felt like it was like
a late season pushing into the playoffs, maybe even in
the playoffs kind of reaction to KD. But let's just
say the love is being felt all the way around.
When it comes to number seven for the Rockets.
Speaker 10 (02:24:49):
Kevin three, your second three of the game. Let the
crowd Kevin your second three pointer of the game, and
it couldn't have been better timing. What did you see
on that shot?
Speaker 13 (02:25:03):
All my three pointers felt good leaving my hand and
someone was back ram too strong, and I'm like, I'm
a hit one at some point, I kept telling the team,
but I'm ahead of three at some point, and you know,
by the grace of God, was.
Speaker 2 (02:25:14):
The last one.
Speaker 10 (02:25:16):
How would you describe the feeling as that shot left
your hands? You looked like you knew you had it
the whole time.
Speaker 2 (02:25:21):
Yeah, I mean I got to my spot.
Speaker 13 (02:25:22):
I feel like on that right wing, that pull up
is my shot, and I just tried to, you know,
lead my follow through up there and follow my focus
on my fundamentals, and they went through.
Speaker 11 (02:25:31):
We needed it.
Speaker 10 (02:25:32):
It was a game of runs the entire time. How
were you all able to put together that final run
to seal the deal?
Speaker 13 (02:25:37):
I mean it was.
Speaker 2 (02:25:38):
It was a physical game.
Speaker 13 (02:25:39):
Both teams played extremely hard on defense on the defensive
side of the ball. I just think we made more
shots to end the game. To be honest, I think
it was a pretty even game, but we made more.
Speaker 2 (02:25:47):
Shots at the end.
Speaker 10 (02:25:48):
I'm In's playmaking and ball handling in that fourth quarter
was really elite.
Speaker 2 (02:25:52):
What did you like about that?
Speaker 13 (02:25:53):
Yeah, I mean just being able to control the offense.
That three point play set us up for this game winner,
and without that three point play here getting down to
the rim and finishing the free throws, whouldn't be in
this position so big for us.
Speaker 10 (02:26:04):
Would you like to hear everybody at Toyota Center channing MVP?
Speaker 13 (02:26:09):
Yeah, I mean Van Boom ain't here so many years
being opposing player and Van Boom you know.
Speaker 11 (02:26:20):
It's Bill.
Speaker 13 (02:26:21):
It's good to come out here and get some love.
I love Houston, I love Texas. I'm just grateful and
representing the Rockets.
Speaker 10 (02:26:25):
Thanks camping.
Speaker 5 (02:26:27):
There you go, and then afterwards too. I guess it's
going to be a new tradition for the Rockets that
they have almost kind of like a control panel like
you would see in mission control at the Johnson Space
Center where whatever player gets finished talking with Vanessa after
a win, then it gets to go over and hit
the button and that launches the rocket and you get
(02:26:48):
Jonathan Sandford then, you know, holding on to the Rockets's
you know, before.
Speaker 2 (02:26:53):
The rocket goes up. So it's like the light light
the beam.
Speaker 5 (02:26:57):
Yes, yes, there's that. I'm trying to think who else
has something like that after a win? I mean, I
know in the NFL it's a lot of pregame stuff.
What's it for Sam Mills in Carolina? They have to
bang the drum and remember when they played in the
Super Bowl, it was Steph Curry that was swinging the
mallet to hit the drum there and then what in
(02:27:21):
Seattle they have the raising the twelfth Man flag.
Speaker 2 (02:27:25):
So you have all of that. So yeah, it's kind
of the NBA's version of that.
Speaker 4 (02:27:28):
I like it.
Speaker 2 (02:27:28):
I like it. It's good. Yeah, I just what's the
name for it? I guess press the button.
Speaker 6 (02:27:35):
I don't know.
Speaker 5 (02:27:36):
We're ready for launch. I'm not sure it's a working thing.
I'm sure probably people over at the rockets are listening.
If there's an official title for it, I'm willing to share.
I just I don't know. It is the first time
i'd ever seen it.
Speaker 2 (02:27:48):
It's a win. So you're not ready for launch. You
already launched, you already took off. But that's it.
Speaker 5 (02:27:54):
I mean now that land well, I mean that would
be a little tough like where it's just like the
rocket has landed, like you know, like gonna be sponsored
by Elon Musk and Tesla. They're they're whatever rockets that
can land themselves.
Speaker 3 (02:28:11):
Yeah, that's what it is. It's a rocket landing by itself. Well,
and then you know, maybe you have Elon Muskin the
building for that too.
Speaker 2 (02:28:17):
That'd be fun. He's pretty busy.
Speaker 5 (02:28:19):
I mean, I'm sure he is, but I mean two
at the same time. It's it's just the reason why
I wanted to play that for y'all is it's nice
to have that.
Speaker 2 (02:28:26):
Energy in the building again. It's like, it's fun. Didn't
somebody still light the beam?
Speaker 12 (02:28:30):
Though?
Speaker 2 (02:28:30):
I know Sacramento started it, but I thought another team
stole it. I'm not sure.
Speaker 5 (02:28:36):
I mean, you can't really like, you know, do like
what the Tampa Bay Bucks do and fire off cannons.
I mean, that wouldn't really make any sense because you
don't have anything that kind of like leads you towards
you know, the old pirate era.
Speaker 2 (02:28:48):
The Milwaukee Bucks stole the beam?
Speaker 5 (02:28:52):
Oh okay, well, I mean, look, some people would say
that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, so maybe
that's what it is.
Speaker 17 (02:28:58):
Is.
Speaker 2 (02:28:58):
You know, hey, you guys copied us because your thing's cool.
Speaker 3 (02:29:01):
Also, one comment there from him kind of it caught
my ear when he said, I've been booed so many
times coming back here. I'm like, I go back to
a decade plus ago when they played the when they
played the thunder of the playoffs hard in the early
Harden years. It was Westbrook that was the pest and
(02:29:22):
him and Patrick Beverley getting into it and all that,
Like I never really to me, it wasn't like Durant,
you know, oh I hate that guy. And then when
he was with the Warriors, I think we all respected
him and he was incredible during those playoffrunts with the Warriors.
Speaker 2 (02:29:35):
But I wasn't like Blee Durant.
Speaker 3 (02:29:38):
It was more you hated Curry, hated Klak Thompson, and
he couldn't stand Draymond. But it was kind of you know,
I don't know, maybe it's just because I've always liked Katie.
Speaker 2 (02:29:47):
I've never been like, oh damn kd.
Speaker 5 (02:29:50):
He leaned into it pretty good though, and he was
with Golden State, he like he you know, would lean
into I can be the bad guy all of that.
And then of course with the Rockets, I mean wasn't
necessarily on him even though he was out of bounds.
It was more on the officials at that point. But
of course, I mean he was involved in it. So
it's just like, no you got the benefit of the
(02:30:10):
call right there, and we lost the game because of it.
Speaker 3 (02:30:12):
Yeah, yeah, I just say again, maybe I'm maybe I'm
not remembering, but I just don't remember ever like that.
Speaker 2 (02:30:20):
Damn durd I hate him. We'll call you Andy Pettitt,
You misremember?
Speaker 3 (02:30:25):
Yeah, well did you? Did you cheer for Andy Petty
when he went back to the Yankees? Didn't really care?
I guess, yeah, forget that. Yeah, I was gonna say,
I mean, I think that's probably pretty much the case.
I just I didn't really care. Well, it's good to
have Katie in Houston. It's good to hit a game winner.
And these next couple of weeks, this is like that.
(02:30:48):
This is like that grind All Star break, right, like you,
just a lot of guys see the light at the
end of the tunnel. They want to get to that
break and get some rest. Just got to kind of
trudge through it here, get some wins, all.
Speaker 2 (02:30:59):
Right, coming out next.
Speaker 3 (02:31:00):
Goodbyes can be emotional, and this one was especially emotional.
Speaker 5 (02:31:04):
We'll share that with you. David Numbles, you're right there
working in two. You want to join him? Seven one
three two on two five seven ninety get it's seven
one three, two on two five seven ninety some Morning
Drive with Dann Cole, Chris Gordy.
Speaker 2 (02:31:15):
And for Cole Thompson. This morning right here Sports Talk
seven ninety pge Town.
Speaker 1 (02:31:21):
The Morning Drive could continues now now here's Dann and Cole.
Speaker 5 (02:31:28):
He waged basketball tonight taking on Texas Tech over there
at for Tita Center. I know that our guest earlier,
Brian McTaggart, he's going to be in the building. I
think that Joe Spota said he's going to be there,
and you know we covered it with tags. I mean
tatsu am I he's he's two and zero going the
Houston Sporting events. So why don't you know, like like
(02:31:48):
Tillman's got pull over there for Tita and and Patrick
and the crew. Throw them some seats right there on
the floor. Get him, get him to see some good
college basketball tonight. He's a competitive guy. I think I
think he would be a massive fan of Kelvin Sampson.
He may have left town already, Okay, then if he did,
then how soon enough get him over there? Like I
(02:32:10):
think they have Kansas at Forteita Center this year. They've
got a few good games and conference play over there,
so maybe get him over there, David c You're right there.
Speaker 2 (02:32:18):
Get to you in a second.
Speaker 5 (02:32:19):
But you know, the end of the NFL regular season
signifies many things, but you know, a number one, it
shows you that it's the beginning of the end where
we know that, you know, the playoffs they're great, they're fun,
and every single game we look forward to with anticipation.
But then you know that soon enough it's gonna be
the super Bowl. And then the super Bowl happens and
(02:32:40):
you're like, this is Christmas Morning as a kid. After
we're done, like the Presidents have been unwrapped, the anticipation
has been met. Now you get the twenty six and
everything until you get to New Year's and then after.
Speaker 2 (02:32:53):
That it's just you know, any other day at that point.
Speaker 5 (02:32:56):
Well, it also is the end of red zone for
the Sea and red zone obviously is a massive fan
favorite because I mean, you know, you could see every
single game you know this team is in the red zone.
Of course, Scott Hanson will kick it over there will
Scott Hanson doing a nice little send off and a
nice little sign off for red zone in the twenty
twenty five season. And if you're listening, I think you
(02:33:19):
can probably catch that. Scott maybe gets a little emotional
here as he's saying goodbye to the viewers for twenty
twenty five.
Speaker 17 (02:33:26):
As we always say, call it gets me a little bit.
Don't cry that it's over, Smile that it happened. A
fantastic twenty twenty five. God bless you in twenty twenty six.
Thank you so much for watching. Ladies and gentlemen. We
leave you as we always do, with one more look
at every touchdown from every game.
Speaker 2 (02:33:45):
Goodbye, sweet Prince. Isn't this isn't it going over to
ESPN mixt year?
Speaker 5 (02:33:50):
And that might be the case too that you know,
with the ESPN and NFL, you know, their whole partnership thing.
Speaker 2 (02:33:57):
So maybe that's part of it as well. But you
got it.
Speaker 5 (02:34:00):
Have Scott Hanson on that. He's fantastic. But here's the
trade off. Because I thought about this last night. Scott
Hansen is every bit of Ernie Johnson. Just seems like
a very magnanimous guy, seems very likable. Players seem to
really enjoy him, just you know, seems like a great personality.
The NFL needs to create their own version of inside
(02:34:22):
the NBA, and I think that Scott Hanson would be
the ideal guy to lead that desk.
Speaker 2 (02:34:27):
Yeah, I'm not going with Scott Hanson.
Speaker 3 (02:34:29):
I'm gonna go with rich Eisen because he's so likable
and everyday man.
Speaker 2 (02:34:34):
You know, he's just relatable. You just knew how to
shut me down, didn't you. You just knew. I mean,
the only other worst answer that you could have possibly
had was Mike florio Look, ESPN owns the rights now
and they have Rich Eisen back in the fold. So
here's what we do.
Speaker 3 (02:34:49):
We do an ESPN, ESPN's NFL Red zone will be
Rich Eisen, will put Steven A. Smith in there. Well,
you put it there.
Speaker 2 (02:35:02):
Who else is unlikable?
Speaker 5 (02:35:04):
Like I'm not quite to two twelve in terms of degrees,
Mike Florida checks it. That one might have just put
me over at two thirteen, two hundred and thirteen degrees fahrenheit,
we boil it.
Speaker 3 (02:35:15):
And then just because he's annoying, well, they're Joe Tessitour
in the mix too. I mean, just the entire mount
rushmore of people that I could mind not want to
hear from less, every single one of them, every single
one of them.
Speaker 5 (02:35:31):
No thanks, stephen A. Actually, you know what that's that's
not fair to stephen A. I actually don't mind Steven A.
Speaker 3 (02:35:36):
Would he's playing a red zone though, Like I mean,
why not in no doubt the Cowboys or in the
red zone.
Speaker 5 (02:35:43):
He's on everything else and then he can do his
same little stick of throwing the black felt cowboy hat
and have the cigar and do all of that.
Speaker 3 (02:35:51):
Sure, fine, I think that that's his Like you almost
have to be hosty, you know, like you gotta be
Ernie Johnson real quick.
Speaker 2 (02:35:58):
Let's check in and Jacksonville. No, Like that's that's all
you're doing.
Speaker 3 (02:36:01):
The Jernie Johnson. You you would call that the straight man.
I feel like, see, let's hev let's go to Jacksonville.
What are the worst cities I've.
Speaker 2 (02:36:10):
Ever been to? I mean, he's not wrong on that.
Jacksonville is just nothing. But you know, hey, are we
in Jacksonville?
Speaker 5 (02:36:18):
Yeah, technically, but you're in Ponavidra like it's it's it's
nothing but FM nineteen sixties around there of just long
straightaway roads with strip sinners here and there.
Speaker 3 (02:36:29):
We hit out jack Cleveland and Miami. My god, this
is a terrible game. Who's even watching this game? Like
that's what you would be getting from student, would that
be the game that's on in the waiting room to
get the hell like? That's that's what it is is
that game just plays on the continuous the NFL. And
this is what's so great about it is it is
amazing how quick you can go from worse to first.
Speaker 11 (02:36:49):
I mean it is.
Speaker 3 (02:36:50):
It is a league where parody reigns king and you
can be terrible for one or two years and then
suddenly find yourself as a playoff team.
Speaker 5 (02:36:58):
It's just it's it's fun that way. Some organizations figure
that out. I mean the one that's right around the
corner from us they did thanks to Hannah.
Speaker 14 (02:37:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (02:37:07):
Absolutely, and you finally got happy Jack Easter be out
of there, which, by the way, too, speaking of that,
because I know that, shout out to Father Clint Wrestler
if you're still you know, out there listening. And he
used to be the Texans Catholic chaplain. I mean, you
gotta wonder if the Texans have an answer to what
the Steelers broke out the other night.
Speaker 2 (02:37:27):
What did they break out?
Speaker 5 (02:37:28):
They broke out one of the Pittsburgh area priests hitting
the field with some holy water and blessing the field.
Speaker 2 (02:37:35):
So now, Father Clint, Now now it's your answer.
Speaker 3 (02:37:38):
You know, Texans, put him on the put him on
the flight, go along with with the holy water and
maybe even to the little, you know, incense swinging thing,
if you want to do that. I think that's actually
how you're able to to up the any in this.
That's That's what I really think is is something that
you can do. That's one of the hardest struggles you
have as a kid growing up, com binding religion with sports,
(02:38:01):
when you get into the conflict of both starting quarterbacks
prayed for their team to win.
Speaker 5 (02:38:06):
God's a football fan too, Okay, who you side with?
Only let the best man win? David, Real quick and humble?
What's going on?
Speaker 2 (02:38:14):
Yes, sir? Hello?
Speaker 7 (02:38:16):
Dan?
Speaker 2 (02:38:17):
What's up? Hello? Chris? Chris?
Speaker 7 (02:38:20):
Are you going to be on uh MT show today?
Speaker 11 (02:38:24):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (02:38:25):
We'll see if MPT will have me. I think it's
it's seeing Ross in the fold. But I can I
can pop in.
Speaker 7 (02:38:31):
Okay, I love you when you pop in on MT show?
But real quick, Uh Dan, what do you think about? Uh?
The Houston tex and uh uh and and the chances
that they go to the Super Bowl with c J.
Stroud right now, I have my doubts, and the reason
why I have my doubts because of what player c J.
(02:38:55):
Stroud is going to be uh with with playing the
Pittsburgh Steelers, they a big question to mark because you
always got a BOC out of the defense. I'm not scared,
but I'm concerned about sprouts.
Speaker 9 (02:39:12):
Big it being more.
Speaker 7 (02:39:15):
Careful of bumbling the football or throw in throwing in
the session.
Speaker 2 (02:39:20):
Now what do you think?
Speaker 5 (02:39:20):
Yeah, I appreciate the call, David. We got to run
here because we've got to flip it over to Matt
and Ross. Look, I mean with CJ. I think it's simple.
Don't turn the football over. That's really the crux of
it all. You don't turn the football over. You make
just enough plays and you allow this defense to be
what they can be. Then there's no reason to believe
that this team cannot only win on Monday Night. But
then you get that rematch against Denver. That's a Texans
(02:39:43):
locker room that believes they can beat that team. You
can go to Denver and you can win that game,
and then all of a sudden, we're talking about for
the first time in franchise history, this team is playing
for an AFC Championship. We'll continue to break it down
tomorrow morning again. Cole Thompson gonna be back with us
here on the show. But Gordy appreciate it, buddy. Always
good stuff from you. Chris Gordian for Cole Thompson this morning.
He's Triple Emmanuel elmart Dan Matthews here with you on
(02:40:06):
your home of the Astros in the Rockets Sports Talk
seven ninety The Matt Thomas Show with Ross.
Speaker 2 (02:40:10):
Come on your way right here. We will talk to
you in twenty hours
This is the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Duran at near mid court.
Speaker 3 (00:12):
Right's on angle three for the wind get yeah, hey.
Speaker 4 (00:15):
Know that with three tens of a second remaining, they'll
check the clock, but it's a Cady three, just his
second one of the day from twenty eight feet with
Suns defenders in front of him. They'll reset the clock
in one point one time out of the Suns.
Speaker 5 (00:39):
Then there was an inbound and it was intercepted by
Josh Okogi, and that is the game Rockets win last night,
one ninety seven over the Suns at Toyota Center. With
that we say away we go. Good morning here. It
is the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole Sports Talk
seven to ninety one more day without coal. Chris Gordy
(01:00):
going to be in here with me this morning, so
look forward to being able to chop it up with
Gordy here for the next four hours. And of course
we'll get into a lot of last night's game. Of course,
the Texans getting ready for playoff game number one of
hopefully many. I mean Willie Anderson Junior who played it
(01:21):
for you yesterday saying that you know we only need
four of these and you get four straight to add
on to the ninth straight. We've already won the close
out the regular season. Well then your World champs, the
Lombardi Trophy is coming back to Houston, So got to
get through number one Monday night in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.
And a little bit from Demiko Ryan's visit with the
(01:42):
media yesterday. We'll have that for you here a little
bit later on in the show. And of course Tatsuya
and my is officially a Houston astro and also trying
to mimic an astro's legend, so we'll get into that too.
But as always too, once we get into the conversation,
you are always welcome. The door is always open. As
soon as that clock hits six am. Seven one three
(02:06):
two one two five seven ninety is the way to
get in. But I mean, you know, look, phone calls
are like any other conversation. You know, you don't call
somebody for the sake of just calling them. I mean,
I really hope you don't, Like, aren't we kind of
past that it's twenty twenty six, Like I remember yesterday
I was asking you what your New Year's resolutions are.
But that's one of those things like if it is
(02:27):
one of those that you feel like it is almost
a defcom one and then like does it go the
opposite direction, like and then if it's one, then it's like,
you know, things are like really dire, like you know,
nuclear weapons are being fired up and like all of
that kind of stuff, Like you don't want that the
military folks out there hit me up with that if
I'm if I'm right or wrong on that. But you know,
(02:48):
when you call someone, I mean more often than not,
you want to make sure that it's one of two things.
Either A it's the utmost importance. So if it's the
utmost importance and you want to put a vo it
when you can't put a face along with it, then
sure absolutely. The other one is obviously how close are
you with that person? Are you really dear friends, are
(03:10):
you family? Either of those things otherwise a text, an email,
maybe an occasional DM, but I would say probably a
text or an email if you're close enough, those would
suffice enough.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
So there you go.
Speaker 5 (03:23):
So when it comes to calls, though, I would say
that you know, more often than not, once we've started
a conversation, then jump in because I'd tell like, one
of those things too, is look, we want to get
everybody in and there's a reason why. I also say
too that you know, if we've talked about it's fair game.
You know we talk Texans, Okay, yeah, sure, jump on in,
(03:44):
talk rockets, Bingo. There you go, talk Astros, there you go.
But it's also though too, it's like a conversation at
a party. Kind of think about it like that where
you walk up on a conversation, if you're doing it right,
take inventory of the conversation. First, what are they talking about? Well,
you know what's being said, and then finally that trips
(04:05):
up in your brain. Hey, you know I got something
to add here, Go ahead and add it in there
you go, love to have it. But if you walk
up on a conversation, you don't really know the context
of it, and then you know it's you just throw
something in and it completely just record scratch.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Just throws it off.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
I mean it's kind of the same deal here.
Speaker 5 (04:25):
So that is not you know, like I've said, we
only have two rules on this show. And the two
rules are very simple, and they're mostly for me and
Cole or whoever you know is in these shares. When
either of us is out. Number one always have fun
and number two, don't take yourself too seriously. Both of
those things. Think if you lived by both of those,
(04:45):
you're doing okay. But anyway, the Rockets last night able
to get the three point win over the Suns at
Toyota Center. First half was not looking good like at
all as the Rockets were down the half sixty to
fifty four. And then in the third and fourth quarters.
(05:06):
How many times have I told you with the Rockets
that at least that third quarter that kind of tells
you how the night's gonna go. Where we've seen it
in like for example, when they went two and four
on that West Coast road trip, the third quarter was
the killer. That's the one that allowed for teams to
get back in it. And then, of course, at least
a couple of times we saw fourth quarters that were
same deal, not great whatsoever, and some of them went
(05:30):
overtime they lost, And last night looked like he was
gonna go overtime. And then Kevin Durant rose up and said, no, no, no, no,
no no no. You guys brought me in here to
be the closer. That's what I'm gonna be. And two
defenders draped all over him. He says, hey, I'm six eleven.
I'm Kevin Durant. Don't you know who I am? And
even in the post game, I don't know if you
(05:50):
were listening too much where he said, if he goes
to his right right there and he's got that shot,
oh he's taken it.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
That's his area right there.
Speaker 5 (06:00):
And good thing he did last night because he got
up to throw that ball, threw the hoop from behind
a three point arc, and the Rockets able to win
this one. But I mean, just overall, it was a
just okay performance at least from the field, it was
awful again from three awful nine of thirty seven last night.
(06:21):
Free throw line wasn't great either, fifteen to twenty one.
So offensively, right now, this team still has their awards.
I don't think there's any question about that. He turned
the basketball over fourteen times. It's not one of their worst.
But still, I mean you could see that right now,
the cohesion of this offense and just the overall flow
of it is off. And a huge reason for that
(06:42):
is I told you all last night on Rockets Rap
if you were listening and appreciate all of you. As
a matter of fact, gosh, I don't think that we've
ever had that level of contributions from all of you
on the phone lines, and appreciate all of you who
hopped in with us. I mean it was almost you know,
after a huge Astros win, because it seems like for
us that the Astro tenth Inning Show gets a lot
(07:03):
of listener interaction on the phone lines, which love absolutely
please jump in. People are passionate about the Shrows and
for good reason. You know, we've seen a lot of
winning baseball over there, and you want to be a
part of a winner, and you know, when things aren't
going great, of course, that's when people usually get fired.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Up and they want to share their opinions that way.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
And last night it was the good with the Rockets,
where of course Kevin Durant that's why you got him,
That's why he's here. And as I said last night,
obviously I'm a big movie guy. I threw out the
line from Office Space about Michael Bolton. I mean, I
celebrate his entire catalog. I think most of us last
night and for most of this season, have been kind
(07:46):
of like Bob slide L and Bob Porter, the consultants
they're at in a tech. They feel the same way,
but instead of Michael Bolton, it's about Kevin Durant. Massive
fan of that guy, and as I mentioned with him
last night, the game winner twenty six points out of him.
Nice bounce back performance by Jabari Smith Junior too. You
love to see that he made the most threes of anyone.
(08:08):
I mean again, I remind you only nine of them
were made in this game, and two of them were
made by Kevin Durant, including the game winner. So the
rest of the team not great. Two of six from
Tarry Easton, one of four and one of four from
both Dori and Finney Smith and also from Reed Shephard.
So I mean offensively, as I said, something's a little
(08:31):
offt and I know you know that's gonna you know,
precipitate the calls and the tweets about point guard, point guard,
need a point guard.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
I get all of that.
Speaker 5 (08:37):
I understand it, but you also have to remember what
Alprin Shingoon does in this offense. Is that a lot
of it once you cross the timeline is going to
center through number twenty eight. He's going to be the
guy that is going to either take it himself. And
we also see what he is from a distribution perspective too.
He's fantastic at that. He's really good at that. So
(09:00):
not having him out there right now is thrown off
flow for this team. I mean, just take a look
at how they started in Dallas the other night. Eleven
two runs start the game. I mean, it was looking
like it was going to be one of those where
if you're a Mavericks fan sit in that building, you're
probably like, hm, well that's probably why we're twelve and
twenty three. This team is just much better than we are.
And then he goes down and the offense completely really
(09:24):
fell off.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
In that game, and it was not exactly what you
wanted to see.
Speaker 5 (09:28):
So I mean a little bit better last night, but still,
I mean it just goes to show you how important
Alprin Shingoon is to this team. And look, I would
venture to say, and I'm not wishing this whatsoever, if
you had to be without Kevin Durant for a few games,
I really think offensively, you would be not gonna say fine,
(09:50):
because I mean that would be losing about twenty five
to thirty plus points in that game. So then that's
you know, Ima Udoka and the coach is going to
Jabari Smith Junior, to Tarry Easton to him and Thompson
to Read Shepherd whoever else in saying hey, you know,
you guys could make that up right, like, you know,
that's that's no problem. And of course, you know they
kind of give him that hesitant look for a second
(10:11):
of you know, oh yeah, yeah, yeah, sure, sure, that's
absolutely so. I mean, you don't want to be around him,
you don't want to be without him for a long
period of time. But I mean you saw it last
year with this roster constructed with Alprin Shingun you know,
on the floor for much of the season, and that
was a team that was able to get you the
second best record in the Western Conference. Now wanted to
(10:32):
get you in the end not much. But now you've
got Kevin Durant, You've got the closer. And I will
give you Mayadoka credit here, Gordy where probably after the
you know, inbound that they had for a chance at
a game winner in New Orleans, and I think that
(10:53):
it was pretty clear to see that Kevin Durant was
a little annoyed with Hey, you know, isn't that why
I'm here?
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Like I aren't.
Speaker 5 (11:00):
Aren't I supposed to be the guy in that situation
that he may or doka Ever since, when it comes
to those situations, knows, hey, my guys six eleven and
he's got all the length in the world. He's one
of the best shooters in the game, probably one of
the best game has ever seen. So when it comes
to trying to be able to send everybody home happy
with a final shot, I think I should go to
number seven before I go to number twenty eight.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
Well, it's easy to say that, but they've they've had
times late in games where teams have double teamed them.
I mean, they're like, we are not letting them.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
They did it last night.
Speaker 3 (11:30):
I just it's it's it's gonna be tough, and that's
where I think you have to have somebody else emerge
and step up and show that they can be that guy.
Alpi I think has one game winner this year, but
you know there's been times where he's fumbled that ball
away the final seconds and or taken any i'll advise shot.
So that's still something to remember when we get the postseason.
(11:50):
Top it can't always be Durant in crunch time again.
That's that's what he's here for primarily. But again, those
other teams know that they're not stupid. They're gonna go,
oh yeah, let's double even triple team that guy we'll
leave open to Men Thompson on the wing.
Speaker 5 (12:04):
I just feel like winin out number seven. I mean,
and that's one of those that I think if you're
Emai Adoka and it doesn't go your way, you can
go to the podium and feel good about your answer
of I mean, he's Kevin Durant, Like, what else are
we supposed to do?
Speaker 2 (12:19):
What they did?
Speaker 5 (12:20):
You know, did the Lakers say, well, everybody's gonna be
going after Kobe Bryant, so you know we can't get
the ball in the Kobe Bryant. And the same deal
with Lebron. I mean, remember, for the longest time with Lebron,
it was dude, stop being passive, you're the guy, be
the guy.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
I'll just say so, Rockets are fortunate to get out
with the win last night. I mean, now, that was
a game where you look at the numbers. I mean,
you shot forty four percent from the field, but twenty
four percent from three. That's two consecutive games you've shot
twenty four percent from three.
Speaker 2 (12:48):
You were ten of.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Forty one in Dallas and that loss nine to thirty
seven last night, and then the free throws, you're seventy
one percent of the line.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Like you just look at those numbers and go, oh, rockets.
They was that game.
Speaker 5 (13:01):
Think Kelvin Sampson got into the building early and put
some of those lids on the rim because that's apparently
one of his things, you know, to really teach getting
after the basketball, you know, rebounding all all of that
kind of stuff.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
Rebound him fifty one to forty. But it's just again
this it's the it's the biggest concern. I mean, coming
into the season, we knew point guard was a big question.
But then the other part of is three point shooting
and who can be that consistent three point shot? And
you know Jabari three for eight, Tory Finny Smith won
for four, Reach Shepherd won for four, and Durant two
(13:35):
for twelve. I mean it's ten three attempts last night.
So again he made the one to count it that
that mattered most, and that's what's important. You got the win.
But yeah, they're just kinda again you know, they they're
doing they're doing fine. I mean what they won four
in a row before the lost in Dallas and then
the win last night. It just feels like this is
gonna be that stretch of the season where all right,
(13:57):
they're not shooting well, They're gonna live without al you
for a little while.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
Just find a way to keep grinding and winning.
Speaker 5 (14:02):
Perhaps Kevin Durant was fueled by pettiness at the end
of the game last night, and he was asked about
in the postgame press conference. We'll share that with you
here on the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole. That
other voice you just heard, of course, is our program
director Chris Gordy subbon in this morning. Appreciate you waking
up early with us. Roger Jason see right there. We'll
get you involved too. You want to join them seven
(14:24):
one three two on two five seven ninety. Again, it's
Sebone three two on two five seven ninety. We're just
getting going here. It's a Tuesday on the Morning Drive
right here, Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
Back to the Morning Drive. Here's Dan Matthews and Cole Thompson.
Speaker 5 (14:42):
Hey, you want to go to the FCS Championship game.
Imagine that conversation. I couldn't even name the teams in
the Division two level. Montana States and Illinois State.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Think it was Arizona State. Well, Arizona State's an FBS team. No, yeah,
you're right, Yeah it was Illinois. Yeah, it's pick a
state that you barely talk about.
Speaker 3 (15:05):
That's that's that's that's Division two.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (15:09):
But South Dakota wasn't or North Dakota State. They for years,
I was gonna say, yeah, North Akota State. South Dakota
is really good. The jack Rabbits, Uh, they're they're also
pretty good, I mean a few years ago, uh, before
they made the jump to FBS. Sam Houston, it's really good.
So Willie Fritz's old stops. So anyway, so you get
the Rockets winning the last night one to ninety seven.
(15:32):
You also are getting the Texans ready for their playoff
game Monday night in Pittsburgh against the Stillers, and uh
got the Tatsuya in my officially introduced yesterday over at
DIYK in Park. We'll have some of the thoughts from
his press conference and also to the question of the day,
(15:52):
we just do it out on the at Sports Talk
seven ninety on Twitter. What would you tell himy and
his wife to visit next in Houston, because I mean,
you already hit the Texans scheme, then you went to
the Rocket scheme the other night. Apparently I didn't know
that Jim Crane had a restaurant. That was what Scott
Boris said yesterday. It's the place right next to the ballpark.
Speaker 3 (16:13):
Oh okay, yeah, he bought that whole, all that property,
like he keeps buying up the property right around dyke
In Park. Okay, that's that's been a couple of years
now though. Okay, Well, I mean, I just I had
no idea. So bring the bring the credit card if
you're going. Okay, So it's one of those I mean,
it's good. It's the fine dining, but it's yeah, it's
(16:34):
it's it's a little bit of shock.
Speaker 5 (16:36):
Once you see that itemized receipt come to your table.
You're saying, oh my god, well it's the thing. Don't
be shocked. That's just be prepared going in. Okay, all right,
all right, Well you know we were told once in
a Disney song, be prerepared, so.
Speaker 3 (16:49):
Jim will look at you and go, hey, payroll don't
pay for itself.
Speaker 5 (16:52):
But well it's not only that, I mean it would
also maybe even be you know, you got somebody at
the door that's you know, like a nicer bouncer, but
still you know they see it and they're like, yeah,
this isn't a place for you. So it's EM Yeah, okay,
think about it is. I was talking about it with
Steve Sparks yesterday. My tie, my tie, so em I.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
Well, it's just tough because we were just talking about
the rockets and may mm hmm.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
So we have MA and EM. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
So and then Texans kicker is Kayimi Fairbair and his
nickname is Amy well well represented, so we have emy
em and yeah, there you go. See all three, all
three major teams here in Houston, said Simpatico. Simpatico seven
one three, two one two five seven ninety is the
(17:39):
way to get in.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
Roger's gonna lead us off this morning. Good morning, Roger, Hey,
good morning Jens.
Speaker 6 (17:46):
Yeah, a good way to catch the vibe of Houston. Man.
You got two really good, two really good games that
he went to. They weren't pretty bad to start off
his uh, his astros uh Astro's career. Uh he needs
to go to U of h next said I would
be a pretty good, uh nice little uh you know,
atmosphere for him to that's fairy.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
They got Texas, Yeah, they got Texas. Yeah.
Speaker 6 (18:09):
Yeah, that's to start the tour.
Speaker 7 (18:11):
Man.
Speaker 6 (18:11):
Uh so uh with with the Rockets, man, they need
a point guard, man, we need a point guard bad
it think it as walky as all get out.
Speaker 8 (18:19):
Man.
Speaker 6 (18:20):
It's just he could have even get into our sets
sometimes and it was just I don't want to just
get a helter skilter basketball. He worked out, you know,
because we got the talent and we got defense. Always
shows up most of the time. But yeah, we're gonna
be in some games. Uh. I love Dylan Brooks, man,
he's just it isn't trip, man. He just likes to
(18:43):
mess with everybody.
Speaker 9 (18:44):
He's a good guy.
Speaker 6 (18:45):
Man. I kind of missed that deed.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
That team was him too. He was out on the court.
Speaker 3 (18:50):
He was hugging literally every player on the court after
the game.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
I mean, that guy brought so much.
Speaker 10 (18:56):
Man.
Speaker 6 (18:56):
I just is there's some way we can get him back,
that'd be great. Uh anyway, Yeah, brings Shepherd for all
his good intentions. I love the kid. Man, he's just
not there in the development. I'm not sure if he's
gonna get there. He can be a nice three in
d guy for you. But he just can't do both.
Speaker 11 (19:15):
Man.
Speaker 6 (19:15):
He's just sometimes he's overwhelmed and he you know, he's
undersized to start with, but he just he's just not
a facilitator, man. And uh, even with the points center,
when Alfie comes back, you know, he gets kind of
it gets kind of bogged down as well. We've got
to somehow get this fixed because it's getting it looks wonky.
(19:35):
And I'm in Thompson. He's he's brilliant and he's awkward.
He's amazing, but I don't know if you want to
right into the quantum rum twice and just ran into
a mysterious forcefield wall where he just went to the
cup and just threw the ball up in the air twice.
I'm not sure what that was about. But yeah, we
we just need a point guard fellas moving forward and uh,
(19:59):
well we'll let's see you next time fellas. Have a
great tuesday, all.
Speaker 5 (20:02):
Right, you two, Roger, I appreciate and thanks for falling
you know just what we threw out there. Like I said,
it's not a role, it's just I'm just trying to
help you all out in terms of the calls. But
with Reed Shephard. You know, I talked about it a
little bit last night on Rockets Rap Gordy. I just
I think right now that they are more concerned. In
(20:23):
concern might not even be the right word, but there's
more of a focus on, hey, get your shot, get
your shot, get confident in that part of your game,
because that is really the main part of your game.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
And then we'll work down from there.
Speaker 5 (20:36):
Then we can probably start working a little bit on
the facilitation and just you know, being able to set
this offense and being able to run this offense.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
And I just not a bad passer.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
I think it's just the role is like he's moving
back and forth back, and it's right all right. You know,
like if you're just the one, then okay, you know
your role. If you're just a two, then you know
your role.
Speaker 6 (20:56):
Right.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
It's like they're kind of having them do a little
bit of both.
Speaker 5 (20:59):
I just think that long term, they probably view him
as being more of a two to go along with Fred.
Speaker 3 (21:05):
I think that's what he was drafted for. I think
that's what his ideal fit is now. Again, he ran
Point at Kentucky, ran Point in high school. He you know,
he's he's not a bad passer. It's just I don't know.
I just think like to be. I don't think he's
a primary point guard at the NBA position. I think
he can play it at times. It's just, yeah, he's
much better sitting in that corner knockdown threes. He's still
(21:29):
an underrated defender too. But yeah, it's funny. It's funny
about Read because earliest season he had some rough games
and people are like, ah, it's not ready. Then he
had a stream games where he was really good and
people like, look, we might have some Marie Sheppard here,
and then you know, he has a bad game or two,
but I don't know. Again, so it's like, you know,
you're on the wagon, off the wagon. I remind you again,
(21:50):
Kid's only twenty one. I mean he's you know, he's
still getting his footing here in this league. I think
he's going to continue to develop and get better and better.
But to Roger's original point, yes, they were missing a
point guard. Every time I see Fred van vlieton street
clothes hugging somebody after a game, like please get healthy.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
I wish you were here.
Speaker 5 (22:07):
Well, I mean, you know, and also to what you
were just saying about read Shepherd Jabari Smith Junior. I
think fits into that because I mean he was, you know,
at least for the longest time where it was you
know man, I mean has rafel Stone just really missed
on these guys and then you saw it during the
playoffs last year getting confidence in that shot. Had a
bad game against Dallas, but in decent enough bounced.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
Back last night. Jabari, there's somebodys I look at a
go are you here tonight? Did Jabari? Ply tonight? I
didn't see him?
Speaker 3 (22:33):
Like right, It's just like man, a guy like that
with that capability, like he just who who went right
before him?
Speaker 2 (22:41):
Was that the Banco draft. I'd have to go back
and look, but I think you're right.
Speaker 3 (22:47):
It's just it's like man just could just be consistent,
just show up consistently, night in and night out. Give
me fifteen and six or whatever.
Speaker 5 (22:56):
Well it gives you that you feel good about your chances,
and well, good news he gave two more than that
last night seventeen in order to help you beat the
Suns by three one ninety solo chet Jabbari?
Speaker 2 (23:06):
That was that draft? Okay, all right, yeah, no, that's
a good draft.
Speaker 5 (23:10):
I mean, all three of those guys making strong contributions
in the league right now.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Well, you don't remember that.
Speaker 3 (23:14):
The night of that draft, it was people thought was
it was Jabbari, Jabari Jabari, And then the day of
the draft, Wosh put out I'm hearing Paulo number one
because the Rockets were sold on Pollow like, oh, it's
gonna because it was kind of consensus Chet was gonna
go number two to Okay see, and we were the
whole week lean up to it, We're thinking, oh, it's
(23:34):
gonna be Polo and Houston, and then all of a
sudden they're like, no, Paulo number one.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
We're like, are you kidding?
Speaker 3 (23:39):
Jabari, who has been the consensus number one player in
this draft, is gonna fall to three. And again he's
been a fine again. Fifteen and six is what he's
averaging this year. I just need a little bit more
consistent now.
Speaker 5 (23:50):
It's almost like when the Astros drafted Carlos Korea and
everybody was like, no, it's Buxton. Buxton's a gay because
the thought was Buxton was more expensive, right, Carlos being
at National.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
Was gonna be a little bit cheaper.
Speaker 3 (24:01):
But I think I mean now Bucks has come on
in the backstretch of his career, but I think it's
I think it's safe to say Carlos is still slightly
the better player.
Speaker 5 (24:10):
I was gonna say, how do you think that worked out?
And I think it's worked out pretty well. Good news
for the Astros. They got him back, so that is
good for sure. Jason, see right there, you're gonna be involved.
You want to join them? Sebone three two one two
five seven nine. That almost sounded like a threat. I
didn't mean it that way. You're going to be involved, No,
you know, we'll involve you in the conversation.
Speaker 2 (24:29):
Of course.
Speaker 5 (24:30):
Everybody welcome at seb one three two one two five
seven ninety. I mentioned a little bit of pettiness out
of Kevin Durant. Well you know what, we're gonna have
that for you next too, because his answer was a lot,
a lot of fun after the game, So we'll have
that for you.
Speaker 2 (24:45):
It is the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole.
Speaker 5 (24:47):
No, Cole Thompson, Chris Gordy in for him right here,
Sportstox seven ninety Please five for five.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
Hey, it's Craig Vigia. Listen to the Home of the
Astros in your home. Just tell you're smart speaker, play
sports Fox seven ninety on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 5 (25:03):
But of course, as we've mentioned, seven one three, two
one two five seven ninety, all are welcome. So if
you want to jump in, you get your chance. We'll
hear from Kevin Durant here in just a couple of seconds.
Jason and Conrad want to wait you Good morning, Jason.
Speaker 8 (25:17):
I'll tell you what before I get to the rockets.
There's nothing gonna be more fitting than watching the Texans
knock Aaron Rodgers that diva on his put next Monday night.
That's gonna be great to watch.
Speaker 2 (25:29):
He's an old man, Jason, go easy on him. He's
an old man.
Speaker 8 (25:33):
Well, you know he's always talked bad about Houston and
I don't like Houston. Well, what what a pitty way
the city that you hate in your career?
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Yeah, he said that. I was gonna say, wait, but
you know what, Jason, I'm with you.
Speaker 5 (25:46):
But yeah, what what you gotta tell yourself whatever rat
poison repellent you gotta throw out there, I'm with it.
Speaker 2 (25:52):
Jason said, that's it. That's it.
Speaker 1 (25:55):
You know.
Speaker 5 (25:55):
He said that place is an absolute piece of junk
and it's garbage.
Speaker 2 (25:58):
That's exactly what I heard him say. For sure.
Speaker 8 (26:01):
Yep, yep. You know when it comes to the Rockets,
you know, we know how important Durant and Singdoon is
to the Rockets. But I think a lot of the
reason why the Rockets are in the position they're in.
And I know Udoka gets a lot of credit, but
(26:23):
I really think if he wasn't our coach, I wanted
to ask, y'all, would this be the same team we're
watching now or would they be as good as they
are or would they be struggling? Because I think Udoka
is part of the reason why this team is doing
as well as they are right now.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
Oh, there's no doubt. I mean, yeah, if this were appreciated, Buddy,
I don't know who was Steven Silas, No, they would
not be twenty two and eleven.
Speaker 5 (26:54):
I mean there is a least I would say. It's
not even a vocal minority. It's a very small faction
that have called im Yudoka. Who was the Mamma there
goes that man, Mark Jackson. Mark Jackson, because I mean
remember that was the thought in uh Golden State, that
he got him as far as they could and then
(27:16):
they went with somebody else. I mean, you know, I mean,
you know, somebody else, kind of like, hey, Grady Little
got the Red Sox. As far as we can now,
let's bring in Terry Francona. What a retread? You sure
anyone World titles. I'm not saying that's the case here.
I'm just I'm saying that. You know, look, not every
head coach is perfect, but I think we can agree
here that at least, you know, there's been a pretty
(27:39):
steady improvement every single year, and one of the things
you wanted to improve this year was being able to
knock down outside shots.
Speaker 2 (27:47):
As of lately, it's not gone well.
Speaker 5 (27:49):
But that's the play on the floor. That's not that's
not on im Yadoka. You know what Imadoka expects two things,
physicality and stifling defense, and try to be able to
deliver that. And you're I heard him say it the
other night, where you know, the reason why they lost
it to Mavericks was when he just didn't knock down shots.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
It wasn't an effort thing. Guys played hard. That's not
the problem.
Speaker 5 (28:09):
Because we've also heard it the other way that when
you lose a game like that, you usually expect that
he May Dooka is going to go to the podium
and he's going to absolutely go scorched earth on his guys,
and he didn't do that.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
I won the game, so that's that's the most important.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
But yeah, I mean, look, he May's I mean, he's
the reason this team, you know, was last year made
the playoffs and was considered ahead of schedule. And again,
the young guys are still developing and all that. But
you go and get a stud like Kevin Durant to
add to the mix, there's still some nights where I
think that the defense is not as good as he
(28:45):
May wants it to be, and that that was understood
when you traded away a Dylan Brooks.
Speaker 2 (28:50):
You're gonna lose a little bit of that.
Speaker 3 (28:51):
And Durant I think does his best, but he's not
I wouldn't call him an elite defender by he means,
but I.
Speaker 5 (28:57):
Think he's been better than you thought he was going
to be. Yeah, that's been the case for me. But
I mean, that's that's the difference of the team from
last year. The team from last year was grinded out.
We're fine winning a game ninety eight to ninety two.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
You know, but this.
Speaker 5 (29:10):
Year somewhat improved. Jeff Van Gundy basketball. Yeah, hey, you
won an eighty two seventy four final. You better come
on out to Toyota Center and watch them. Jeff Van
Gundy ball.
Speaker 3 (29:21):
Those are those Spurs championship teams in the final here
from San Antonio.
Speaker 2 (29:25):
Spurs eighty eight in Memphis, seventy two.
Speaker 5 (29:29):
Hell that them against Larry Brown in Detroit where the
final score is eighty eight to eighty. Oh, it's like
college basketball games now are doing that.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
That's the ugliest, grossest, not entertaining championship teams, those Spurs teams.
Speaker 5 (29:43):
Well, obviously, Kevin Durant is now part of the Rockets,
and we know that of the mini teams that he
has been a part of in his NBA career, the
most recent was the Phoenix Suns. We beat the Suns
last night that final shot. Listen to what he said
in the post game when he was asked about being
able to knocked down the game winner against the team
that sent them away.
Speaker 2 (30:07):
I assume you're gonna play that audio, Katie.
Speaker 12 (30:10):
I know you still have love within that organization, but
as a competitor, does it mean any more to you?
Speaker 2 (30:14):
To be able to hit that one against your former guys.
Speaker 13 (30:17):
Most definitely, you know what I'm saying, a place that
I didn't want to leave, and my first time being.
Speaker 2 (30:26):
To sound I don't want to sound.
Speaker 13 (30:29):
Too dramatic, but I will be kicked out of a place,
you know what I'm saying. And it felt like that.
You know, I've been scapegoaded, you know what I'm saying
for the issues we had as a team last year. Yeah,
it felt good to beat them and hit the game
winning shot.
Speaker 2 (30:47):
But that's that's all it is.
Speaker 13 (30:49):
It's not just for the moment, you know, it's something
tomorrow I won't even think about, you know. So it
was it was a fun game, Like I said, of course, yeah,
I felt you played with a little chip on your
show that as your former team, especially when they trading.
Speaker 5 (31:02):
We know that Kevin Durant's got great short term memory
and he's definitely got great long term memory. So I mean, sure,
in the moment, it's not like, you know what, I'm
gonna show these sobs, I'm gonna knock down this three pointer,
show them what they're missing. But after the fact, yeah,
probably was a little bit of you know, excitement, and
I don't know if you caught the postgame interview that
(31:24):
Vanessa richardson Space City Home Network did on the floor,
and if you go to Toyota Center, they'll play it
over the speakers there so you can hear the conversation.
That was a fun atmosphere like that was almost like
you know how when you watch one of the majors
in tennis where they'll you know, interview the player on
the court, and like at the US Open, it's always
kind of a routy your atmosphere, so people will be.
Speaker 2 (31:42):
Hooting and hollering doing all of that.
Speaker 5 (31:44):
It's kind of what it felt like like it felt
like later in the regular season, you know, gearing towards
postseason basketball, and people were excited. Then you got the
MVP chance going. So Katie, look, if nothing else, you
can be comforted in your loved here.
Speaker 2 (31:59):
We love you.
Speaker 5 (32:00):
As as I said, you know, I'm Bob Porter, Bob
Slidell the consultants instead of Michael Bolton, it's Kevin Durant.
Speaker 2 (32:07):
Celebrate this entire catalog. What was the deal with the
shot clock going off or whatever?
Speaker 5 (32:13):
All of them, the the the game clock, the shot clock, everything.
So I mean that was a little bit of a
delay there. I believe it was in the second quarter
was when that happened. And then of course they had
to keep time or to.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
The PA guy.
Speaker 5 (32:26):
I'm guessing whoever his spotter is, I mean everybody else
there where. I think even too, they you know, even
had some concerns with the you know horn to be
able to buzz people in for substitutions or to signify
that it's the end of the quarter wasn't gonna work.
So I think somebody over there had to have a
legit like buy from home depot air hoorn to be
(32:48):
able to set no like you heard them both if
you were watching or listening at the time, like you
heard that it was you know, the and then like
you know the you know, a little little airhorn to
go with it. There's different variations of air horns too.
You want to buy the larger one because the little
one is one that like kind of is like, well,
that's cute. You're trying to be an air horn. It's crazy.
Speaker 3 (33:07):
In the You're of Our Lord twenty twenty six, we
could still have things like yeah, the clock's not working. Yeah,
in a game, we need somebody to keep hand by time.
Speaker 2 (33:17):
By hand.
Speaker 5 (33:18):
Oh by the way, too, did you notice who the
one of the referees was. I'm wondering was this the
same crew that you had in Denver? But Zach Zarba
was the official, So I'm wondering if he may. You know,
I gotta believe by God's been bygones. You know, it's
it's all good. He said what he said. It's kind
of one of those that you get it out of
your system. Once it's out of your system, you're fine.
You move on.
Speaker 3 (33:38):
Do we think he gave him a Christmas gift? I
don't think so. Maybe he just gave him a hello.
Speaker 5 (33:46):
Like that's kind of one of those like where you
don't necessarily have beef with each other anymore, so you're
willing to at least give that part of small talk.
Speaker 2 (33:53):
Yeah, maybe that was it. It was crazy.
Speaker 3 (33:56):
But you know on in the field that the Texas
Bowl last week, Uh, the referees all all talking to
each other as they're getting ready for the game.
Speaker 2 (34:05):
I didn't realize.
Speaker 3 (34:06):
Maybe it's just it's a college thing and maybe I
don't know if they do in the NFL, but the
refs were all like stretching and doing all this and
then like the the the end zone judge. He was
like doing like uh like exercises and then like acting
like he was watching the ball and then like getting
down low.
Speaker 2 (34:25):
I'm like, I've never seen this before.
Speaker 11 (34:28):
That was very d You.
Speaker 5 (34:29):
Every once in a while, like especially you go to
an NBA game, you will see while you know, the
final shoot around is you know, going on before you
get to the national anthem or everything, you will see
a referee who will maybe go like baseline the timeline
and back, you know, run like a.
Speaker 2 (34:44):
They gotta be conditioned. That's it.
Speaker 5 (34:46):
That No, that's the thing. You don't see any overweight
you know NBA referees. I mean that's you're running that
much during the game. I mean, you know, it's kind
of like soccer midfield officials like you're running, you're you're
you're out there moving, even even the ones with the
flags on the on the sidelines there. You know, you
got to be able to you know, go side to side,
do all that, get in front of the place so
(35:06):
then you can see if somebody offside.
Speaker 3 (35:08):
All of that kind of stuff. Now, I'm always love
when an old referee takes a fall and I go,
why why we have old referees like like I have
to shade Dick Bavetta that way. I say, you know
the legend in life that was Dick College and NFL.
To me, it's okay if we have a twenty five
year old referee, I kind of love good eyesight, like
I kind.
Speaker 5 (35:26):
Of love I guess it's it's I mean, you know,
because College, you know the NFL, you got the back
judge and you know the referee both in the backfield.
I'm trying to think who the midfield ref is. But
I always love whenever like a running back is, you know,
making their cut and the referee can't get out of
the way, or a referee gets hit by the football,
you know, on a pass or something like that, and
(35:48):
they usually kind.
Speaker 2 (35:48):
Of makes me laugh a little bit. It's kind of funny.
Speaker 3 (35:51):
I just say, again, what, what where is the unwritten
rule that it's got to be all old people don't
get it?
Speaker 5 (35:57):
Well, I mean it's also too I mean, people gotta
want to do that job, and doesn't seem like there's
a ton of takers for that. Has you know in Totsim,
has he maybe already rid h town of some demons.
We'll discuss right here as we continue on the Morning
Drive with Dan and Cole, Sportstock seven ninety again Chris
Gordy and for Cole Thompson.
Speaker 2 (36:18):
Here it is SportsTalk seven ninety.
Speaker 9 (36:22):
H Town.
Speaker 2 (36:23):
The Morning Drive continues. Now, now here's Dan and.
Speaker 5 (36:27):
Cole where number forty five in honor of Garrett Cole.
But that's not the demon that has been maybe maybe
exercised away from the Houston area. So I saw this
on Twitter this morning before we started the show, and
(36:48):
it was Pat talks Texans on Twitter. Get him to
Pittsburgh on Monday. Man might be the anti Ted Cruz.
You think about it. Sunday, he is in the building
at NRG Stadium and you're able to have the late
field goal and then the Tommy Togi you know, scoop
(37:08):
and score and you beat the Colts. Last night he's
in the building and the Rockets able to have a
strong second half, stronger second half than they did in
the first and you get the it wasn't a walk off,
but you get the game winner by Kevin Durant. So
is Tatsuya in my the elixir to the Ted Cruz curse?
Speaker 3 (37:33):
Uh? Very well, could be. We'll see. Let's get him
over to you Vic tonight. Let's find out.
Speaker 2 (37:37):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (37:38):
Yeah, so of course you of h can be taken
on Texas Tech tonight over there at Fortida Center. But
I mean, yeah, that would probably be something else. He
do you want to see even some more basketball, you know,
be able to check out, you know, a really good
college team. There'd be a possibility, I believe, if I'm
not mistaken.
Speaker 2 (37:58):
I think Joe A. Spot is going to be in
the building tonight. You know, he and Kelvin Samson are
really tight.
Speaker 3 (38:03):
Yeah, and Joe Joe, Joe's the supporter of all things
Houston sports.
Speaker 2 (38:07):
Absolutely he is, Absolutely he is.
Speaker 5 (38:09):
But another thing too with tatsu and my I saw
this on Twitter too, that.
Speaker 2 (38:15):
Apparently he tried ramen. I don't know if you caught
that part.
Speaker 5 (38:18):
In this press conference yesterday, he was asked about I
guess there's Tatsuja ramen. But this was on his Twitter account.
It seems that my son's nickname in Houston is Ramen. Tatsuya,
so I'm going to eat ramen. And then there's a
picture of a bowl of ramen right there. So there
(38:38):
you go, seeing his way around Houston. I am I
am very.
Speaker 3 (38:43):
Ignorant when it comes to particular international foods.
Speaker 5 (38:47):
So so that's a restaurant, well, I mean just or
it's a type of ram I guess it's a type
of ramen. I'm not sure. I mean, I'm with you,
especially when it comes to ramen. I just I ate
the ninety nine some ones in college.
Speaker 3 (39:02):
Sure, so it's one of those, like I mean, now,
a little butter and salt in there, Yeah, the.
Speaker 2 (39:06):
Quality is a little bit better.
Speaker 11 (39:07):
You know.
Speaker 5 (39:08):
Well, also to throw some hot sauce in there. That's
that's the key. That's that's that's the way to be
able to enjoy some ramen. But yeah, I mean I'm
usually one of those that, like, you know, certain foods
if I feel like I've got to work even more
for it, And ramin's one of them, Like I just
I don't mind it. I'll eat it, but I kind
(39:28):
of feel like there's got to be a lot of work.
It's like, Okay, do I use my spoon here? Do
I use my chopsticks here? Like, well, give me the
gist of what was the what was overall tone?
Speaker 3 (39:36):
You feel like, I mean, he's where's he gonna slide
in this rotation?
Speaker 5 (39:40):
I mean it seems like that he will slide in
at number two. I mean, no, no, no more than
number three head of Javier.
Speaker 2 (39:47):
It could be. Yeah, I mean I think that probably.
Speaker 5 (39:50):
I as I've said, I believe that you feel a
lot better about this rotation with Christian Robber as a
number three than you do about him as a number two.
Then you also, you paid all that money. I mean,
that's paying money for a guy. It's gonna be a
front of your rotation guy. Not like the front of
the rotation because that's Hunter Brown clearly, but I mean
you pay that money, you're expecting that guy to be
(40:11):
a massive contributor for you.
Speaker 11 (40:12):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (40:13):
Is making a He's making a pretty petty too.
Speaker 9 (40:15):
He is.
Speaker 2 (40:16):
He's cheap now, he is.
Speaker 5 (40:17):
It's just with Hobby here, it's been the consistency being
able to go longer in the games. I mean that's
one of the things with Christian Hobber is you throw strikes, well,
then okay, you gotta love it, but starts walking guys,
and we're talking four or five inning starts, and it's like, eh,
can't have that out of.
Speaker 2 (40:34):
My number two?
Speaker 3 (40:35):
Am I is your sixth highest paid player? Can you
name the five players who make more than him. Obviously,
I'll tve To is number one, making your Doun is
fourth making nineteen million year. I mean the easiest is mccullors. No,
mccullors is right behind him by it's seventeen m all right,
So I missed. I missed on the immaculate grid square. No,
(41:00):
Josh hater, he is buddy nineteen million a year. You
got two.
Speaker 2 (41:05):
More, two more. Let's see Astro.
Speaker 3 (41:08):
Second and third highest paid players Christian Walker. Christian Walker
is third, making twenty million.
Speaker 5 (41:14):
Okay, and then he said the second highest paid see
a Korea.
Speaker 2 (41:20):
Yes, twenty yeah, just over twenty one million. See, I
mean it was.
Speaker 5 (41:24):
It was one of those that you know, racking the brain,
but don't really need to rack the brain that much there,
So there you go. All right, seven one, three, two
and two five seven ninety is the number to get in.
We will get back into the tatsu Emi conversation and uh,
you know, also to some interesting things said by Dana
Brown yesterday both dering and after the press conference.
Speaker 2 (41:43):
So we'll have that for you.
Speaker 5 (41:44):
But uh, if there's a little piece of advice to
give to Dimico in the Texans over there, I think
we've got it next and we'll share that with you
here as it is the Morning Drive with Dan and
Cole Sports Talk seven to ninety right here KD Houston KTDHD.
Speaker 2 (42:03):
As a Rocket.
Speaker 1 (42:05):
Sports Talk seven your home for your home teams and
iHeartRadio stations guaranteed. You mean, this is the Morning Drive
with Dad and Cole.
Speaker 5 (42:25):
Look, yesterday was the Mondays for a lot of people,
and I understand, yes, Lawrence, I know that'll get you.
Speaker 3 (42:31):
Yesterday was a grind it get back into gear mode.
Speaker 2 (42:36):
That's boy. It was.
Speaker 5 (42:37):
I mean, you know, there are certain days where, you know,
a lot of jobs are a lot harder than others.
But everybody I think can relate to finally the head
hitting the pillow, Like there are certain days where it's
just like once once that happens, you're just like, you
know what, and then it'll be nice for this to
be able to go for like twenty.
Speaker 3 (42:58):
Hours the nerve. We actually had a few people here
in the office still out. Get your ass back to
the office.
Speaker 2 (43:04):
It is. It was Monday, today's Tuesday, you care to
name names?
Speaker 3 (43:08):
January sixth, It is time to get back into the
grind of things.
Speaker 5 (43:11):
I'll say it again you care to name names? Well
Coles won Ah, Okay, yeah, there you go.
Speaker 3 (43:17):
See, I mean you have to say January fifth and
sixth time.
Speaker 2 (43:21):
You already taking vacation.
Speaker 5 (43:23):
Yeah, exactly all year? Brother, Hey, coach, I can't. I
can't be at the first practice of the year. What
do you mean it's the first practice of the year.
You've been waiting all year for it.
Speaker 3 (43:34):
You're gonna get to October and go, why don't have
any more vacation days left?
Speaker 2 (43:37):
Could you use them in January? Exactly? First week of January? Dude?
Speaker 5 (43:41):
Hey, look, you know what vacation is A lot like
being a starting pitcher. You don't throw your best pitches
early on. You give them just a taste. So then
once you get to the sixth and seventh inning and
you know that, you know the the fuel in the
tank is is a little low, and you still got
a little bit left right there to be able.
Speaker 2 (43:58):
To pump it up to ninety seven ninety eight.
Speaker 3 (43:59):
I say with that in my presser yesterday, maybe we
miss baseball, No, massively miss its ready like that?
Speaker 5 (44:07):
That was one of those which, by the way, I mean,
we're a couple of weeks away from FanFest over there
at dike In Park, so look forward to that.
Speaker 2 (44:14):
And I was joking with Stephen Grand.
Speaker 5 (44:15):
Yesterday of the Astros Media relations department. I said, hey,
for all this warm weather, you know for a fact
that it's going to be frigid like nobody's business. And
dyke In Park when it comes to the cold, is
seriously one of the coldest places on earth. Like it
literally is a refrigerator in there. And it was even
before I became Dike. And I understand the jokes with
the air conditioning company all that, yeah, for sure, but
(44:38):
like it's one of those that when it's cold, like
it envelops you, like it's it's a blanket around you,
no matter how many layers you got on. Both years
that I've left FanFest, I've needed my my feet to
be able to thaw out.
Speaker 3 (44:52):
Like it's felt like I like I've got ice cubes.
Well you've got some some of here is. I remember
one year George Springer had his hoodie on with a
jack over to knit cap on and his teeth were
chattering as we were about to interview him, and I said,
Georgia from Connecticut, Man, it's cold here.
Speaker 2 (45:07):
Well, I mean it's also too.
Speaker 5 (45:09):
You have to remember with you know, people who are
from cold weather areas, is that they are usually the
most averse to the cold when they move away from it.
Like my mom, you know, born and raised in Iowa,
hates the cold, hates it with every fiber of her being.
And her point is is like I'm not conditioned to
it anymore, because I mean, I will say this, I mean,
you know, my previous stop, we had enough of winter
(45:32):
and fall, like we actually had the four seasons. So
once it got to a certain point during the wintertime,
like it's like, hey, you know it's a high of
forty five today, You're like, Okay, it's not terrible, Like
that's that's what it is. It's just like, you know,
when you've kind of gone through it for a few weeks,
you can somewhat get used to it.
Speaker 2 (45:48):
And know how to prepare for it.
Speaker 5 (45:50):
But then you know, down here, every so often we
got to break out the heavy jackets and the scarves
and the gloves and all of those.
Speaker 2 (45:57):
Different types of things. Just like who else didn't like
the cold? Josel Tuvay, he wasn't. Yeah, we've had We've
had a ton of guys.
Speaker 3 (46:06):
Breggy uh but Braggie though, I mean being you know,
in an Albuquerque guy.
Speaker 2 (46:10):
It's called an Albuquerque Yeah. Where is he? I have
not heard anything on him. Yeah, it's radio silent on him.
Speaker 5 (46:17):
Maybe that's the thing with Scott Boris is you know,
with his snazzy blazer that he was wearing up there
at the podium yesterday that now it's okay.
Speaker 2 (46:25):
Breggy, now now now you know that.
Speaker 5 (46:27):
The thing that I've also appreciated from Scott Boris is
that we didn't get the the cheesy puns yesterday. That
was one of those like where it's just like maybe
maybe that's that's his material that he drops at the
league meetings. And then after that he's like, no, no, no,
we're all business.
Speaker 2 (46:43):
Did you did you say hello to him?
Speaker 9 (46:45):
I did not.
Speaker 5 (46:46):
I I meant to say hello to him. I mean,
you know, talked with them at the All Star Game, and.
Speaker 2 (46:50):
Your goal should be to get on a first name
basis with no exactly exactly.
Speaker 5 (46:55):
You know, I figure if I talk Catholicism with him too,
because he mentioned, you know, being Catholic before were and
you know, maybe I could even you know, extend the hand, hey,
peace be with you and then see if I get
and with your spirit back, I.
Speaker 2 (47:07):
Don't know, maybe that angle might work.
Speaker 3 (47:08):
I don't I'm just opened a couple of hondows fall
out of his pocket.
Speaker 5 (47:13):
Right, yeah, you know it's it's one of those like
I've told you too, you know the benefits of and
we'll get to the Texans talk the benefits of dressing
up for the occasion when it comes to games, is
or even just events. Years ago at the owner's meetings
when they were right over here at the old Inner
Continental Hotel, I decided to wear the nice suit that
my brother bought me for his wedding was Peter malar suit.
Speaker 2 (47:35):
Really nice suit. You guess who?
Speaker 3 (47:37):
I got a compliment from Scott bars Jara, Oh, Jerry Jones,
it's a very nice suit.
Speaker 5 (47:44):
Hey, what is that suit? Like we were riding in
an elevator, what is that suit? I said, Peter Malar So.
I'm wondering if maybe he said, you know what, I
need to get me a Peter Malar so.
Speaker 2 (47:55):
Or he was like I'm too good for that. I've
got custom made. But you know what, I'm a massive
Peter Malar fan. I am along with going to the
zoo to see the Monkeys. I absolutely love Peter Malar.
Speaker 3 (48:07):
Here is CBS Sports latest on Alex Pregman. His market,
like that of many other premium free agents, has been
a bit slow to develop, but things maybe starting to crystallize.
The Red Sox made an aggressive offer to bring Pregman back,
and there was a strong chance he will returned to
Boston a corner buster.
Speaker 5 (48:23):
Oldly, I mean, it's about time to have to start
making those drives to either Arizona or Florida. So I mean,
he's out in Arizona. So if he signs with the team,
that's I thought Arizona.
Speaker 3 (48:31):
Just made because that's a short plane ride over to Albuquerque,
where all his family's had.
Speaker 5 (48:35):
I just thought that that would make a lot more.
And lives in the Phoenix area too in the off season, so.
Speaker 2 (48:40):
He did the Boston thing for a year.
Speaker 3 (48:41):
That was fun and all, but like, I don't know
the Red Sox really going to give him that big, fat,
long term deal.
Speaker 5 (48:46):
But remember what a dynamic leader he was in Boston
remember that, you know, No, it was Jeff Passon like
did like a whole like you know, Oh, Alex Bregman.
They love him here so much and just what he
means to this clubs. Hey, Jeff, I hate to break
it to you, but you know he did all those
things in Houston too. But you know, we get it.
Orange team bad, We got it. That's fine, it's fine.
(49:10):
It's okay. You don't have to like us. We don't
like you, so it's okay, that's fine. I mean, I
don't have, you know, quite the beef that Ace has
with them. Adam Clanton always love that story. I've seen
me at Dyking during the playoffs, passing Clanton, well.
Speaker 3 (49:29):
Passing has gotten he is at He's taking barbs from
asters fans, so I mean for good reason.
Speaker 5 (49:34):
I mean, and sometimes it seemed like a little bit
of his contributions were personal shots. So yeah, when you
feel like it's being personally levied against you, then you're
gonna make it personal.
Speaker 3 (49:44):
So my life goes, How about this, Tomorrow's the seventh.
Two weeks from tomorrow, we will be a month out
from the first spring training game, so six weeks. Basically,
let's go.
Speaker 2 (49:57):
Let's go.
Speaker 3 (49:58):
I mean, I can already see West Pond Beach right now,
let's go. I mean, I'm excited, man, Robert Ford said,
I'm going already.
Speaker 2 (50:07):
I saw him yesterday. I just ended the season right,
Roberts in good spirits.
Speaker 3 (50:11):
I mean, he just had a nice little European vacation,
so he's he's all good, he's recharged, he's ready, he's fine.
Then Sparky two, I got the invite from Sparky as tod, Hey,
let's get out on the course. I was like, let's
go those those days in West Palm. Like, if you go,
you go for a couple of games. That's about that.
Like my cap is like two or three. Yeah, after that,
(50:35):
it is groundhog Day out there. I don't know how
they do it. I I like, I was always a
big supporter of shortened the preseason in NFL, shortened the
preseason in NBA.
Speaker 2 (50:46):
I am short in spring training. Police. I think we
get this thing down in two weeks.
Speaker 5 (50:51):
I think the players kind of feel this because a
month of games. You have to also remember that spring training,
at least traditionally was players to get in shit. Now
the expectation is, well, well, not back in like this,
you know, forties and fifties and sixties, because I mean
all those players had to work jobs during the offseason,
so I mean, maybe you can hit and do some
(51:12):
stuff there, you know, every once in a while, but no,
I mean, you got to work at tire World, like
Lou Brown.
Speaker 2 (51:18):
You can do some innersquad games.
Speaker 3 (51:19):
You can get your work, and we don't we need
to play all these spring training games.
Speaker 5 (51:22):
My personal favorite there, and maybe this is a little
bit of inside baseball and giving away a little bit
too much, but my personal favorite is early on in
spring training, where security is not completely you know, briefed
on where somebody with her credential can go and where
they cannot is. I remember going down one of the
pathways to get to one of the backfields. Hey you
can't go this way, they told me I could. And
(51:44):
then you know, of course, all right, fine, I'll do
the other way. Hey you can't go this way. All right, guys,
I got to be able to get from one way
to the other. So which one can I use? And
you know, it's one of those that people are doing
their job, They're doing what they're told. And I mean,
sometimes I trust me, I'm guilty of this. Some people
might be half listening. Trust me, I'm I'm I am
(52:04):
well versed in half listening. I think most of you
in the audience probably know that. So anyway, all right,
textan sock, because we've heard the term the rat poison before.
It might the repellent already be distributed over at NRG Park.
We'll discuss that and let you hear maybe why that's
coming out. Pray here as it is the Morning Drive
(52:26):
with Dan and Cole Sportstock seven ninety Dan.
Speaker 1 (52:31):
Matthews, Cole Thompson. This is the Morning Drive with Dan
and Cole term rat poison. So of course, I mean
we know the concept of it. We know exactly what
it is. You know, you know, a little bit of
an infestation. All right, I'll throw some of it out
there and hopefully you'll get less of an infestation. So
(52:52):
Nick Saban of course famously saying it just right up
the road there in College Station a few years ago.
Speaker 5 (52:56):
You know, you guys are writing positive things. It's rat
poison to my team. You know, I'm trying to tell
them how to improve. I'm trying to, you know, keep
them hungry doing all of those things. And of course
a lot of times it's kind of tongue in cheek
that people go along with it. I know that, you know,
Lane Kiffin kind of has some fun with it, just
from his time with Nick Saban there at Alabama. But
yesterday it was a little bit of a charm offensive
(53:20):
from Damiko Ryans when he was meeting with the media,
where you know, it's one of those that a lot
of people in Vegas included, I think the Texans are
the overwhelming favorites in this game, but Damiko Ryans saying no, no, no, no, no, Hey,
we're facing a tough football team.
Speaker 12 (53:35):
We we're excited for the matchup versus a Steeler. It's
really a great team.
Speaker 2 (53:41):
Nothing but a.
Speaker 12 (53:41):
Ton of respect, all right for coach Tomlin and the
success that he had, he's had in the league, how
he's done it for such a long time. He's a
guy who definitely have always looked up to, always respected him,
always has his teams ready to ready to go, well coached,
physical outfit.
Speaker 2 (53:59):
Like they're gonna tough.
Speaker 5 (54:01):
And I mean that is something that we've seen. I
mean we saw it on Sunday night against the Ravens.
I mean, probably almost every single Texans fan was watching
that game because at that point, you know, well, I
mean it's either we're going to Baltimore or we're going
to Pittsburgh, and you watch that Steelers team, and it
is all of those things, like because for all the
talk that people have had and the fire Tomlin chance
(54:25):
and all of those things, I mean, this is a
guy that somehow finds a way to have his team
be at least good enough. I mean, he was making
the playoffs with Mason Rudolph and can he Pickett at quarterback?
And now I mean you've got a guy that up
there in age now but still a good enough option
in Aaron Rodgers, and an offense that's going to be
(54:48):
getting a huge part of it back this week in
DK Metcalf. But I mean, all of that being said, Gordy,
as I'll continue to say, this is a game that
is a little bit of unsharted territory for the the
Texans over the last few weeks, where they've been the
overwhelming favorites, but they haven't necessarily played like the overwhelming
favorite in those games. This is one where again keep
(55:09):
your team hungry and make them know, especially right now,
that one false mistake this thing all comes unraveled.
Speaker 2 (55:16):
Because the season's over.
Speaker 3 (55:18):
Steelers went five and three at home this year. That
is still a tough place to play. I'm still call it,
gonna call it Hines Field. You all can call it
whatever the hell corporate not doing that.
Speaker 5 (55:31):
I think they still have the Heines KETCHUPI Field. I'm sorry, Pittsburgh,
you got it.
Speaker 3 (55:36):
You gotta have, you know, Hines just like always gonna
be sta not gonna be able to call it anything else.
So crypto dot com, No, that's all stupid. Call it
the Crypto Staples Center. Call this the whatever the across
Hines Field. Still it's like it used to be the
Great Western Forum. Now it's the Key of Forum. But
five and three at home this year for the Steelers,
(55:57):
they lost, uh it, lost by double digits at home
to Seattle. They beat Cleveland soundly, they beat the Colts
by touchdown when they were when the Colts were playing
really well. They lost by double digits at home to
green Bay. They beat up on Cincinnati at home. They
lost the Buffalo at home by double digits. They beat
(56:20):
beat up on Miami, and then they sneaked got by
Baltimore on Sunday nights. So when you consider that, I mean,
like Seattle is a good team, right, they're they're playoff bound.
Speaker 2 (56:34):
Green Bay? Was it good? Is green Bay in the playoff?
I haven't looked at they're playing against chicagois.
Speaker 3 (56:39):
They're a playoff team and Buffalo is a playoff team.
So in other words, basically kind of look at it
through the lens of playoff teams. Went into Pittsburgh and
won pretty handily. So if you're Houston, you gotta be
thinking that way.
Speaker 5 (56:55):
I just think that you know of all the improvements
this team has made this year, and are antenna is
raised when it comes to penalties, especially on the offensive
end and especially on the offensive line. But this has
been a team that You've had some games this year
where you're like they weren't really tunnalized much like there
have been improvements in that area where that clearly was
(57:16):
something that held you back last year, along with having
a shoddy offensive line.
Speaker 2 (57:21):
And I mean just.
Speaker 5 (57:23):
Kind of it seems like at time with the penalties,
that discipline could run amuck. Well, I mean, now this offseason,
you took care of a lot of that. A lot
of those guys that were some of those issues gone, Oh,
Laramie Touscil, now Laramie Tunssel, false start, Lartery tunsl I mean,
you know others, Chris Boyd, I mean, shoving the special
teams coach after he gets a fifteen yard penalty on
(57:45):
the opening kick against the Chiefs. I mean, you know,
he's not here anymore either, So I mean it's just
I think that, you know, a lot of credit needs
to be given to Demiko for kind of taking control
of this team. Because that's the thing too, is that
people were levying against Amko last year. You're too close
to these guys, You're too much of a friend, you
(58:06):
put way too much trust in these guys. And I
get it from his side because his rationale for it is, hey,
I know what they're going through because I went through it.
Speaker 3 (58:16):
Houston is a top ten penalized team this year, but
it's a lot better than what it was last season.
Speaker 2 (58:23):
Let's see on the.
Speaker 3 (58:24):
Road this year, they are one two, three, four, five,
six seven, seventh most penalized team on the road this year.
Speaker 5 (58:31):
When you're an aggressive playing team like they are, you
probably will, at least on the defensive end, you're going
to find yourself in some penalties. I mean a lot
of that too, is you know, and then and I mean,
you know, it's also to the road.
Speaker 2 (58:44):
The false starts are gonna happen.
Speaker 5 (58:45):
The ones for me that I just I cannot understand
for the life of me, and false start is up there,
but the ineligible man downfield, like it seriously is won
a game. Yeah, I mean, and remember too, there was
that stretch there that they had an offensive lineman whose
hand was in front of the football, so then they
(59:06):
would be called for the very rare encroachment by the
offensive line.
Speaker 2 (59:11):
I think there's a world where all three road AFC
teams win this weekend.
Speaker 5 (59:18):
I could absolutely see that, because you got Buffalo and Jacksonville.
Of course, the Texans there in Pittsburgh, and then you've
got Chargers and Chargers in New England. Okay, yeah, I
mean I would say that the Chargers just going across
the country I think could be tough, and that offensive
line could be tough, but like that's the only one
(59:41):
that I'll push back on the other two. I could
absolutely see it.
Speaker 3 (59:43):
But then I feel like Clock's gonna strike mid Dine
in Cinderella, and Drake may eventually like I don't feel like.
Speaker 5 (59:49):
He didn't hear Mike Rabel's speech talking about against the
Dolphins in Week eighteen. Hey, we took a little bit
of a nap in the second quarter, but once against
to the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (59:58):
No naps, you take a nap. Season's over.
Speaker 3 (01:00:01):
Those guys don't know, I mean Stefon Diggs dealing with
legal issues. I mean they you know, how many of
those guys on that New England team I've playoff experience
under their belt?
Speaker 5 (01:00:10):
Well we know he does variable No, well, of course him,
but Stefan Diggs does.
Speaker 2 (01:00:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:00:15):
I'm just saying like, I don't know, and the charge
has been banged up on that old line, but there's
no reason why Justin Herbert Company can't go in there
and win. I mean, I almost feel like the sexy
pick of the week is gonna be Buffalo going into
Jacksonville and they tip your captain Jacksonville. I mean, they
have played, They've played their butts off this year. Every
time I've picked against them, they have won, So they've
(01:00:36):
played great. But I think that's gonna be the sexy
pick of people going, you know what, give me Josh
Allen the Bills on the road.
Speaker 5 (01:00:42):
Great job by you, because that's a proper segue to
lead into what I want to talk about next, because
Jacksonville has been living on this one narrative all season long.
Speaker 2 (01:00:51):
But I think the narrative is in the wrong place.
Speaker 5 (01:00:53):
We'll discuss right here as it is the Morning Drive
with Dan and Cole again Chris Gordian for Cole Thompson
right here. On a Tuesday, Sports Talk seven.
Speaker 3 (01:01:00):
Ninety, Hey, Sparky from the Astros broadcast team, catch every
Astros game on Sports Talk seven ninety and iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (01:01:11):
Ass home of your Astros.
Speaker 5 (01:01:15):
And he said forty eight was taken, And I was like,
who had forty eight? I want to say that Troy
Snitker had forty eight.
Speaker 2 (01:01:21):
No, I know who it is. Who is it? He's
a reliever, Tim.
Speaker 3 (01:01:27):
Burdak, Steven Okert, Oh, really wears number forty eight?
Speaker 5 (01:01:33):
Okay, because the only I mean, you know, hater gosh
I top of my head right now, I can't even
remember what hater wears. And then a brad he was
fifty two. I know a brad is I don't pay
attention to the jersey numbers. I mean for certain guns,
seventy one, that's right, that's right, all right, So he's
got seventy one.
Speaker 2 (01:01:53):
So uh but.
Speaker 3 (01:01:54):
Yeah, my question is Steven Okert did they call him
and go hey man, I'm sure and he would.
Speaker 2 (01:01:59):
Now I'll number.
Speaker 3 (01:02:00):
I'm keeping it well, but I mean it's all so yeah, yeah, man,
it's all good.
Speaker 5 (01:02:05):
It's all good. It's it's it's it's a working thing.
But my and then Emy. So you got Amy Fairbairn
Emi and then I May. So there you go, you know,
just kind of remember that me my May, all right,
just kind of remember that, all right.
Speaker 2 (01:02:27):
So you know one of the things too.
Speaker 5 (01:02:29):
And the Jags and Liam Cohen have been really rocking this,
you know, narrative all year. Nobody believes in us. We're
a small market team. We're the underdogs, you know. After that, Okay, fine,
but you know, I just was thinking about it last
night and I was like, they're not the underdogs when
it's all said and done. I understand the Texans were
(01:02:51):
the odds on favorite to win the South this year
and that didn't happen. Congratulations Jags, all right, and enjoy
it for now. But I mean, you look at what
the Texans were able to do to get to this point.
At one point in the season, they were zero to three,
and then when you got to the midway point of
the season, eight games in, you were three and five.
And remember, at this time, it was me and you
together here on the show, Gordy, and I was saying,
(01:03:12):
you got to go seven and two the rest of
the way otherwise you're not a playoff team. And if
you went seven and two the rest of the way,
this would have been the number seven seed right now.
You would have been going to New England because obviously
you have La there and you've also got Buffalo there.
You beat both of them, so at least you had
that in your back pocket, but you would have barely
(01:03:34):
been able to get into the wildcard picture. But they
went nine to zero the rest of the way this season,
and wins over both of those teams went over the
San Francisco forty nine ers. That was part of that.
And I understand you had the Cardinals, you had the
Raiders in there. You also had a Titans trip, which
I mean that game almost didn't go your way. But
still for what the Texans have been able to do
(01:03:56):
to even be able to get to the five seed
at this point, the underdog energy is there. I mean,
we played the Demico Ryans audio for you, and I
mean this is a team that I think is feeding
off of that right now. I think in some ways
that this season Gordy. They've been able to kind of
tap into what they rode in twenty twenty three. Last
(01:04:16):
year you placed the you faced the first place schedule
and it was the exact same thing you got the
year prior. So no credit given because you didn't exceed
the expectations that are already set out there for you.
Because remember you add Stefan Diggs in company last season,
You're thinking to yourself, this has the makings of a
Super Bowl team.
Speaker 2 (01:04:35):
You get C. J.
Speaker 5 (01:04:36):
Stroud playing like he did that season, then you're gonna
be feeling really good about what you can do going forward.
And you lose to the Chiefs there in the divisional round.
But now this is a team.
Speaker 2 (01:04:45):
We played the Will.
Speaker 5 (01:04:45):
Anderson audio for you yesterday where laying it out very simply.
Four games, you know, and you take them one by one,
but four games in your Super Bowl champions This is
a team that I truly believe is writing that momentum
right now. And they don't have to be boisterous about it.
I appreciate it. Proud, but not boastful. Be proud of
(01:05:07):
what you've done for sure. Absolutely, the Texans of the Jags, no,
the Texans now the Jags at every corner are trying
to sell everybody. Hey, nobody believes in us. We get it,
thank you.
Speaker 3 (01:05:20):
Okay, that's a team that again and was picking a
fall on their face.
Speaker 2 (01:05:25):
How many of those wins were tomato cans? Okay, let's see.
Speaker 3 (01:05:28):
An eight game stretch l A Chargers playoff team, Arizona Cardinals.
Speaker 5 (01:05:33):
No good, yeah, yeah yeah, and you had to you
had to go to ot against Arizona to be able
to win that game.
Speaker 3 (01:05:39):
But please continue, Jet's no good Titans again, no good Colts.
Twice the Colts were somewhat tested Denver at Denver. That's
a great win.
Speaker 7 (01:05:49):
That is.
Speaker 3 (01:05:50):
That is I'll give you that one. Okay, that's fine,
that's fine. They're Jake Paul so Chargers and Broncos. You
hear what I said. They're Jake Paul. That's what they are.
Speaker 5 (01:05:59):
It's it's a nice enough story and you know, hey,
you know, but the thing is with Jake, he really
cares about boxing. Okay, great, and then he faced a
guy and the guy literally cracked his jaw.
Speaker 3 (01:06:09):
He reminds me that you remember the year they made
it with Blake Bortles to the AFC title game and
You're like, wow, freaking Jags are this close to the
super Bowl, and then they proceeded to fall off the
face of the earth.
Speaker 5 (01:06:20):
Well, and then it was a cautionary tale with Trevor
Lawrence because remember they had a nice wild card win
and then they had to go to Kansas City and
played Kansas City tough, and I believe that was the
game that Mahomes rolled his ankle and there were even
questions of can he even come back into the game,
did he even finish that game? Trying to remember if
Chad Henney took him the rest of the way. But
(01:06:40):
they lost that game, and coming off the field, there
was kind of a thought that, hey, Trevor Lawrence might
be like what Russell Wilson was with the Seahawks when
they lost a close playoff game to the Falcons and
the following year won the Super Bowl. And then we
kind of saw him go through a little bit of
a downturn in his career. But credit to Liam Cohen,
he's been able to get him to play the level
(01:07:02):
of football that people expected Trevor Lawrence to play. But again,
being tested heading into the playoffs, it helps having that
playoff mindset works.
Speaker 2 (01:07:11):
How many times do we see it in Major League Baseball,
Gordy of.
Speaker 3 (01:07:14):
Teams that have amazing August and Septembers, and once they
get to the postseason, it's, hey, we're playing our best baseball.
Speaker 2 (01:07:21):
This is our time.
Speaker 5 (01:07:23):
I mean the Astros, We've seen them do it numerous times,
the Braves when they beat him in twenty twenty one,
playing the best of anybody in baseball, and say it too,
the Washington Nationals in twenty nineteen, same deal, and we
all understand how that all played out. So being tested
and playing great football when it gets to that time
of the year.
Speaker 2 (01:07:43):
It matters, absolutely, it matters.
Speaker 5 (01:07:46):
And that's why if you ask me right now, who
am I taking to be able to make a longer
playoff run, There's no question it's this team right here
over that team in Jacksonville.
Speaker 3 (01:07:56):
Yeah, I again, consistency on offense has to be Therefore,
for the Texans, you gotta go find a way to
go on the road and deal with Billy Squire's the
stroke playing a top volume over there in in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 11 (01:08:12):
That's it.
Speaker 5 (01:08:12):
I don't think that's they play sticks. Renegade, Oh renegade.
Speaker 3 (01:08:16):
Sorry I miss mixed up by two songs for Billy Madison,
You're right, uh Renegade by Sticks.
Speaker 2 (01:08:23):
Billy Billy Squire. When when when Bill goods the stroke?
Speaker 5 (01:08:28):
When when when Billy thinks, uh, no, no no? The
renegade plays when when Billy thinks that, you know, all
is lost and he's no longer going to be able
to take over the company, and he's coming out of
the tent with the keg over his head and he's
so blasted that he falls over with it.
Speaker 2 (01:08:45):
Anyway, Ny stroke.
Speaker 5 (01:08:47):
Plays when he pulls up to the high school in
the denim jacket and he's driving the Pontiac Pontiac trans Am.
Speaker 3 (01:08:55):
That song also became synonymous in college baseball the past
couple of years. Team like when they made a big
pitching change, they would all like clap over their heads
when that happened.
Speaker 5 (01:09:04):
But well it was also too it was whatever Will
Ferrell's character was in Blades of Glory.
Speaker 2 (01:09:09):
That was his skating song. But get ready for rent
Day Stockholm? Was it good for you? It was good
for me? Let's smoke? Can you deal with Renegade? At
top volumes? There? CJ. Stroud?
Speaker 5 (01:09:20):
Can you still execute? I mean teams go into camp?
Randall after they do their little jump around. I'm sure
probably you could. I talked to one of our guys
up here yesterday. He said, he said something about how
far do you think the Texas could go? I said, well,
I said, as long as Fairbaron keeps making those field goals,
then go up.
Speaker 3 (01:09:36):
He goes, But can you win a super Bowl that way?
I said, brother, Let's just win some playoff games. We'll
figure out super Bowl and we get there. But yeah,
I mean, look, I think that's the biggest question is
when you talk about Stroud and expectations for him. Look,
if the offense doesn't have to be perfect, just can
you get in a field goal range? And I feel
like this defense is gonna eat on Aaron Rodgers. They
(01:09:57):
are going to I mean like Dan I'll set the
over under our three and a half sacks and go over. Yes,
I mean daneil Hadgick, Will Anderson Jr. I feel like,
and here's the thing, I think Aaron will eat He'll
he'll eat it.
Speaker 2 (01:10:10):
He'll take the ball.
Speaker 3 (01:10:12):
Uh, he's gonna try not to throw picks, gonna play
ball control. But if you're constantly sacking them and putting
them into long you know, third and longs and all
that you're gonna have short or favorable field position short
fields against CJ.
Speaker 2 (01:10:26):
You don't have to do much, bro, Just get us
in a field goal range.
Speaker 5 (01:10:29):
Two guys, two who are gonna be major difference makers
for the Texans defensively on Monday night. Share those with
you as we continue here on the Morning Drive with
Dan and Cole Chris Corney and for Cole right here
on a Tuesday Sports Talk seven ninety Cole.
Speaker 2 (01:10:47):
As the Morning Drive Cruise.
Speaker 9 (01:10:49):
Is on.
Speaker 2 (01:10:52):
In prime time.
Speaker 5 (01:10:53):
Maybe because I mean, if they were hosting a playoff game,
it would have been if I'm not Missay, Well, no,
you know what I'm actually I'm gonna I'm gonna fix that.
I think they would have been a Sunday because it
would have been in Buffalo.
Speaker 3 (01:11:08):
Well, they got rid of the Saturday ESPN game. The
three thirty game on Saturday is actually Fox. Interesting Now
that's Rams Panthers in Carolina.
Speaker 2 (01:11:17):
It's gonna be a real and then at night Saturday
night Packers Bears.
Speaker 3 (01:11:23):
That's gonna be awesome because they those two fan bases
hate each other anyway, But that's on prime.
Speaker 5 (01:11:29):
Final answer that that would have been if the Texans
were able to win get the af Yeah, it would
have been them in Buffalo on Prime.
Speaker 2 (01:11:37):
And then they would have put Packers Bears, and.
Speaker 5 (01:11:39):
Then you would have had al Michaels being like, well,
the last time we were here in Houston, it was
ho hum offensive performance by ghost teams I and Herb
Street doing that game. Yeah, and then Kaylee Hart Tongue
on the sidelines.
Speaker 2 (01:11:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:11:51):
But on Sunday, your triple header at noon on CBS
will be Bill's Jags. Three point thirty on Fox will
be the Niners at Eagles. That's gonna be fun. Forty
nine Ers have kind of underachieved here last week or so,
but going to Philly it could be like in the forties.
And then Sunday Night football be Chargers at Patriots, and
(01:12:16):
then of course Monday night seven fifteen talent Emons at Steelers.
Speaker 2 (01:12:20):
Have a weekend, have a weekend. That's exactly what we
plan on doing.
Speaker 5 (01:12:24):
Someone three two and two five seven ninety appreciate everybody
out there who listens to including uh, my buddy's lady
Taylor who stuck in traffic on six ten.
Speaker 2 (01:12:32):
So Taylor appreciate you listening. And uh it's one of
one of my really good buddies, his lady Taylor. Okay, yeah,
driving into work.
Speaker 3 (01:12:40):
Your friend's wife or girlfriend, Lady, Yeah, you're shouting out
your friend's girlfriend stuck in traffic.
Speaker 11 (01:12:49):
Oh.
Speaker 5 (01:12:49):
I mean, just you know, appreciate our listeners, is all
I'm saying, Gordy. Appreciate the audience.
Speaker 2 (01:12:54):
You know.
Speaker 5 (01:12:54):
It's it's the whole thing of a performance, you know,
because that is you know, from six to ten every
single morning. It's what we're doing. It's a it's a performance,
informative and entertaining. That's what we try to be. So
you know, yeah, you know, gotta shout out the crowd.
Do you know the biggest spread on the game. Which
game has the biggest spread this weekend? Uh, I'm gonna
(01:13:17):
probably say Patriots and Charters.
Speaker 3 (01:13:20):
No, it's the first one, Rams Panthers. Really, what's the spread?
Rams minus ten? Okay, but how many times have we
seen those under five hundred division winners They rise up
in that game.
Speaker 2 (01:13:34):
So I think I'm gonna go Carolina.
Speaker 3 (01:13:36):
Plus ten Seahawks Beast bode against the Saints. Yeah. The
second the second biggest spread is Eagles miightest four and
a half against the Niners, and you have every other
game is about about a field goal or less.
Speaker 5 (01:13:50):
You had that one year the Arizona Cardinals got in
at seven to nine.
Speaker 2 (01:13:53):
Was that the year that wasn't hunting them? We're able
to make the run for the Super Bowl? I don't
think so. Trying to remember, but still, I mean, you
know it's happened of these teams that you know, man,
they're gonna get crushed in that first game, and they're
the ones doing the crushing.
Speaker 3 (01:14:09):
So maybe that's I just look at and say, those
are all we get some really good wildcard matchups, and
then of course you're Broncos and Seahawks, so that the
Seahawks are the one seed. That's just I would have
never guessed that preseasonn.
Speaker 5 (01:14:25):
Schneider man, that guy, that guy knows how to build
a roster.
Speaker 3 (01:14:28):
You know what, I probably would not have ever picked
the Broncos either. I mean, I knew their defense would
be good, but Bo Nicks I'm not a believer in.
Speaker 5 (01:14:35):
And it's also too I gotta believe that John Schneider
is going to somehow secure an anti perseprint, a deodorant
ad or you know, handing out the high fives there
in the suite at Levi Stadium, pitting hard hard.
Speaker 3 (01:14:51):
Bo Nicks and Sam Darnold. Are your two your two
one seed quarterbacks. That's insanity.
Speaker 2 (01:15:00):
Did not go according to plan?
Speaker 5 (01:15:01):
That is I think for sure Rockets win last night
by the way, one hundred and ninety seven over the Suns.
And Totsoya I is officially an astro introduced yesday the
Gonen war to number forty five. The two guys that
I said gonna factor for the Texans defensively. Number one,
Henry Totoe has played really good football these last couple
of weeks.
Speaker 2 (01:15:21):
And this is a you know Steelers team. That's when
it comes to the run game.
Speaker 5 (01:15:26):
Jalen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, They're used a ton in the
passing game, a lot of underneath routes. That's Henry Totoe's game.
Number two Jalen Petrie. Jalen Petrie's gonna factor in this game.
And you know what, I'm gonna go ahead and call
it right now. I'm gonna call my shot seven fifty
four right here on a Tuesday tripley. If you want
to clip it. They're gonna send Petrie on a blitz.
(01:15:47):
They don't blitz very often. But Petree's gonna be sent
from out in space to come and crack Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 3 (01:15:54):
That's gonna happen. Not a crazy prediction, but yeah, I'll
give you that one. Look, I don't, I just I'm
telling you right now, over under sacked all over under
three and a half.
Speaker 5 (01:16:06):
I think that Anderson Junior probably gets him at least
a half one. Daniel Hunter, we'll get there. Don't ride off,
Sheldon Rankins Man, My guy has been getting into the backfield.
I mean, you know it was him and Anderson that
got after Justin Herberts in that game. So he's another
one to keep an eye on. We look at some.
Speaker 3 (01:16:28):
Aaron Rodgers numbers here. Okay, maybe that's not a good bet.
The season opener against the Jets, he was sacked four times.
That was the most sacks he was sacked in the
game All year. He had one, one, two, three, four
games he was sacked three times, and then all the
(01:16:50):
rest less than three sacks.
Speaker 5 (01:16:51):
You know, for Aaron Rodgers being such a fan of
conspiracy theories, I would wonder if you know, maybe Matt
Burke and you know, anybody else want to you know,
put in their players ears of Hey, anytime you bring
down Rogers, just debunk a conspiracy theory out there, we
landed on the moon.
Speaker 3 (01:17:08):
B Here's the thing about him too, he will take
the intentional grounding overtaking the sack. So like maybe that's
maybe there's something to that, the fact that one game
he was sacked four times four five times this year
he was sacked three times he did against Miles Garrett.
All the rest two sacks are less. So yeah, I
(01:17:32):
don't know. Maybe that's maybe three and a half is
a little too high for the Maybe three, maybe we'll
set the light.
Speaker 5 (01:17:37):
No no, no, no, no, put yourself out there, you know,
because you got to have the hook to be able
to get people.
Speaker 2 (01:17:43):
So three and a half.
Speaker 3 (01:17:45):
What's the most sacks the Texans have had in a
single game this year?
Speaker 5 (01:17:48):
Eight against what's his name? Against Josh Allen. There's Thursday
night football. Yeah, you know what, I'm gonna go back
to three and a half. There you go, there, you go,
stick with your convictions, Gordy. It's a good place to be.
Speaker 2 (01:18:00):
All right.
Speaker 5 (01:18:00):
The eight o'clock hour here already, would Brandon see you
guys right there?
Speaker 2 (01:18:04):
You want to join them? Seven one, three, two and
two five seven ninety.
Speaker 5 (01:18:07):
You get at seven one three two one two five
seven ninety when it.
Speaker 2 (01:18:10):
Comes to a rog well, you know what, he's just
not the same guy anymore.
Speaker 5 (01:18:15):
And we'll discuss that as we continue here on the
Morning Drive with Dan and Cole Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (01:18:22):
ABM Houston at VZHD two Houston, The Astross, the Rockets, Rockets,
ask befall your.
Speaker 9 (01:18:29):
Home for your home teams.
Speaker 1 (01:18:31):
This is Sports Talk seven ninety and iHeartRadio station guaranteed Human.
This is the Morning Drive with Dad and Cole.
Speaker 2 (01:18:49):
Because he hits the game winning three pointer.
Speaker 5 (01:18:52):
Next up you get the Blazers, first of two out
there in Portland and the first one coming up tomorrow night.
Texan's gonna get ready for the Steel on Monday nights
in Pittsburgh. And also to Tatsuya, am My is now
officially a Houston astro introduced yesterday over at tik In
Park in a crowded room over there too, mind you,
(01:19:15):
which I ended up getting in a work out a
little bit later on, so you know, able to get
on a sweat. But let's just say that the body
heating there, it was it was definitely one of those
where you're like, let's go on to the hallway finally,
And that's of course where we caught up with Dana
Brown and also Jim Crane, and you'll hear at least
from one of those people coming up next right here
(01:19:35):
on the show. As so we get into a little
bit of the Tatsuya in my conversation, because not only
is it about him, but also too once seemed like
the Astros were very committed to keeping Christian Walker in
East ok peretis around, and I gotta tell you, after
talking with Dana Brown yesterday, I was like.
Speaker 2 (01:19:54):
M seems like one of those two guys gonna be gone.
So something to think about when it comes to the Astros.
Speaker 5 (01:20:01):
Yep, for sure, someone threw seven ninety is the way
to get in.
Speaker 2 (01:20:06):
What on the North side wants to weigh and wood?
Speaker 9 (01:20:08):
Good morning, Good morning, my brothers. Hey.
Speaker 14 (01:20:11):
The Super Bowl to the Texans winning started Sunday night
when Pitchburg beat Baltimore. I watched that game and then
I went over again yesterday watching the film. These are
the keys to win in the playoff game, each game
by game, I'm gonna start with Pittsburgh right now. Now,
I notice right now, Heywood and uh TJ is are
(01:20:32):
two people we need to be aware of on that defense. Now,
what the offense need to know When I'm talking about
the office coordinator and our offensive line coach and the
quarterback coach, y'all should be telling CJ right now and
coaching them up. These games are worn by opportunities, adjustments,
and playmakers making plays. This is when the opportunity is
going to present themselves for the Texas. Now when CJ,
(01:20:55):
he's gonna be on the pitch count because he's still
coming off the long injury. He's still trying to get
his win together. Now, once CJ is on that sideline,
we got Haywood in there.
Speaker 6 (01:21:04):
He's a monster.
Speaker 14 (01:21:05):
He's a beast in that middle. Hopefully we got Trent
Brown back at right tack, or we can move Howard
back on that right guard, because we need Howard on
that guard to handle that big monster down there. Producing
the we know are soft, they gonna get they butt
whoop down there. We need a man down there at
the block. Now, once we know Heywood is down there
by himself, that's when we make our adjustment. We slide
(01:21:27):
our protection over to double up on.
Speaker 9 (01:21:30):
Haywood.
Speaker 14 (01:21:31):
If this is our opportunity now to make our deep
passes where we can hit our bombs now. But other
than that, we got the Housho understand they gonna make
their adjustment. Every team make their adjustments on the second half.
Speaker 2 (01:21:43):
With CJ.
Speaker 14 (01:21:44):
They start blitching him on second and third down. Well,
c is gonna have to realize he's gonna have to
get with his receivers. They're gonna have to cut they
ross off and start running out patterns so he can
hit them on a quick out, you know, and get
this ball out of his hand quick now. On the outfense,
that who we have to worry about is mencap and
(01:22:04):
also number thirty to running back. They're gonna throw those
little swing passes out to him. That's what we're gonna need, Petrie,
and we're gonna need a lasseter to be aware and
watch them bad boys at all times because we get
killed on the little swen passes from the past or
the other team's been killing us on that. We got
to be aware of that. We have to make our
(01:22:25):
proper adjustment. That front line of our defense need to
be on the money. They need to put Aaron Rodgers
on it. But keep that old man on it, but
keeping running out of that pocket and confused. That's how
we're gonna be, Pitchburgh. This is our way to the
super Bowl. This is our first victory. And then from
(01:22:46):
that point on, I'm gonna make adjustments and watch the
film on Buffalo and whoever else we got to face.
Speaker 2 (01:22:52):
From that point on, super.
Speaker 14 (01:22:53):
Bowl bound, texas world champions. We are on our way.
Speaker 5 (01:23:00):
Appreciate the call, would I mean, you know, you even
got the Rosta horns right there following you, So there
you go.
Speaker 2 (01:23:07):
Would fired up?
Speaker 5 (01:23:07):
And I think if nothing else, you know, he's crunching
the film over there. I think they need him over
at NRG Park. Well, we need our guy in that
film room. A few things. The Steelers the juice.
Speaker 3 (01:23:19):
The Steelers are one two, three four five, sixth in
the league in sacks at forty eight. The Texans are
behind that at forty seven. So they've got two more
sack or one more sack than the Texans on the
season as a team. Obviously, they just got TJ. Watt back.
That is going to help them certainly this matchup. And
(01:23:40):
he mentioned watching obviously Jalen Warren as they're leading rusher
this year. He mentioned watching number thirty just a hair
under one thousand yards rushing on the gear. But do
you know who they're leading receivers in terms of catches?
Speaker 2 (01:23:56):
Is it Calvin Austin?
Speaker 3 (01:23:58):
It is Kenneth Gainwell, number two running back, and that
makes sense, big red zone target for them this year.
But he uh, seventy three catches. Just run that run
that pitch play.
Speaker 5 (01:24:11):
If you're in fourth and you know short, you know,
please please Arthur Smith, run run that play again. Because
I'll say this for Texans fans that lament and you know,
absolutely get frustrated with Nick Kayley.
Speaker 2 (01:24:24):
At least you don't have Arthur Smith.
Speaker 3 (01:24:25):
How about this? Look at their top their top receivers.
Number one is Kenneth Gainwell running back. Number two is
dk Metcalf, fodd receiver, fifty nine catches. Yeah, their number
three pass catcher is Pat fryar Muth tight end. Their
number four pass catcher is Jalen Warren with forty catches.
The running back after that it's John ou Smith.
Speaker 2 (01:24:46):
After that it's.
Speaker 3 (01:24:46):
Darnel Washington who just one on il. Both tight ends
they I mean it's like underneath throws. It is dk
Metcalf and then all running backs at tight.
Speaker 5 (01:24:55):
End underneath throws. I'm telling you that's what this offense is.
And you want to try to do the against this
Sexans defense he throws good luck? You want you want
to have this Sexans defense going downhill against Jim Okay again,
you know, just ne a reference back to the answer
I just gave you gl good luck.
Speaker 2 (01:25:12):
I mean, seriously, that's that's that's what it is for
this game.
Speaker 5 (01:25:15):
And I mean there's nobody that you know outside of
Metcalf that you worry about being able to beat you deep.
So you know, the issues that you had last week,
they're not gonna present themselves this week.
Speaker 3 (01:25:25):
You're not gonna have to worry about that. We're right
into the Texans hands, right into it. That's where Aaron
Rodgers is at this point, right checked down, Charlie.
Speaker 5 (01:25:32):
One hundred percent he is. And you know, I know
a lot of times, Oh, it's really Wendy there. Okay,
it was Wendy in Green Bay. So what was the
difference there? I mean, no, he's just he's not that
guy anymore. And even though I might say he's not
that guy anymore. Dmiko Ryans meeting with the media yesterday
over there at NRG Park, and of course he talked
about the guy that once wore number twelve, but now
(01:25:54):
where's number eight?
Speaker 12 (01:25:55):
Aaron's I mean, he's done it at a high level
for a long time because he's wanted to. Probably one
of the smartest quarterbacks played the game, does a really
good job, understands defense really well.
Speaker 2 (01:26:06):
But you know, for us, that doesn't change. We gotta
go out.
Speaker 12 (01:26:09):
It's about the guys that are playing like It's about
our guys just playing together collectively going against a really
good opponent.
Speaker 5 (01:26:16):
All right, So respect for what he's done, but look,
I'm sure probably you know how I put people in
the room of truth at times. Let's put Demko in
the room of truth. Hey, Dimiko, is he the same
guy that he was? Say, you know, twenty eleven, twenty
twelve there in Green Bay? Maybe even was it? Was
it twenty fifteen was when he had the play that
he drew up in the huddle and able to set
(01:26:36):
Mason Crosby up for the game winner against the Cowboys
in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (01:26:39):
I'm trying to remember exactly what year it was, but.
Speaker 5 (01:26:41):
Still, you know, it's it's you know, the years have
passed between now and then, and I mean it happens
to everybody. You just you're not that guy anymore. Remember
Mike Tyson saying it, I'm not that guy anymore. I
wasn't gonna try to impersonate Mike.
Speaker 2 (01:26:56):
Yeah, it again.
Speaker 3 (01:26:58):
But there is a recipe for the Steelers winning with
that offense and Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 2 (01:27:05):
It requires CJ.
Speaker 3 (01:27:07):
Stroud to corrept the bet and not play well, and
it certainly is a possibility.
Speaker 5 (01:27:12):
But you talked about too, and that's where you know
the conversation go with that. And by the way, Ray,
we'll get to you in a second. Is this offense
being consistent? I think the consistency is exactly that, don't
turn the football over, do no harm, take the hippocratic
oath of offensive football. That's exactly what it is. Is
be able to support your defense enough. But I'll tell
(01:27:33):
you what. Don't turn that football over, do not put
that football on the ground, do not throw an interception,
either of those things.
Speaker 2 (01:27:41):
So, I mean, people can get upset with Nick.
Speaker 5 (01:27:42):
Keylee again all you want, but I'm fully convinced at
this point as I've been saying that, I think it's
Nick Keayley saying, Hey, do I want to keep this
job because I got a defensive coach, and you know,
if I upset him, then I don't have very many
friends in this building anymore.
Speaker 2 (01:27:58):
So what do I do?
Speaker 5 (01:28:00):
Okay, I go ahead and try to prolong drives as
much as possible, but then also to say, I could
call this play, but then we run the risk of
it getting picked, and I don't want to do that.
Speaker 3 (01:28:10):
I'm not worried about CJ getting picked. I'm just worried
about this offensive line holding up to that Steelers pass rush.
And you haven't live in third and long territory constantly.
Speaker 2 (01:28:22):
That is a real concern. And some of that, too,
is on CJ. Gordy.
Speaker 5 (01:28:26):
I mean, you know, we even saw it against the
Colts on Sunday where he takes an intentional grounding and
I'm like, dude, you're in year three, Like how are
you still doing this?
Speaker 3 (01:28:36):
Like go side to side with that. I mean, if
you run into a sack, you run into a sack.
Speaker 5 (01:28:41):
Okay, fine, but like it, you know, just to continued
where you know, he continues to go back and back
and back right behind the line of scrimmage. It's like
now you got no opportunity anywhere. And you know, WEX
said it best yesterday as I think that probably mentally
right there, it was, Hey, I got number twelve somewhere.
Speaker 3 (01:28:58):
You didn't have number twelve out there, Nico Collins was
not playing. Yeah, that was just just simply a wrestl thing.
They didn't want to get them hurt against That's what
they say. Yeah, that's what that's what That's what they say,
and we'll take them at their word. All right, Ray,
we're working in Brandon, Yeah, you as well. Brian McTaggart
by the way, going to join us at eight thirty
(01:29:18):
as we'll get into a little bit of Tatsu and
my with the Astros. He was there yesterday, so of
course we'll catch up with tags and maybe even some
of the other things that the Astros could be working
on here in the later stages of the off season
as we get even closer to get in the West
Palm Beach for spring training.
Speaker 2 (01:29:35):
So we'll have all that right here for you.
Speaker 5 (01:29:37):
It is the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole right
here Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (01:29:42):
The Morning Drive with Dan and Cole on Sports Talk
seven ninety, Home of the Strolls, Rockets and Houston's best
sports talk.
Speaker 5 (01:29:53):
Right the Texans getting ready for Steelers Monday night in Pittsburgh,
closed out wild Card weekend, and you wish basketball tonight?
Hawk tip over there for Chita Center taking all at
Texas Tech.
Speaker 2 (01:30:03):
So that'll be a fun good basketball.
Speaker 5 (01:30:06):
Someone three two and two five seven ninety is the
way to get in at Ray wants to weigh in.
Speaker 2 (01:30:11):
Good morning, Ray, Hey, how are you doing?
Speaker 15 (01:30:14):
Good morning guys. I was a cacti yesterday looking around
and the guys are getting ready.
Speaker 2 (01:30:21):
I cannot wait.
Speaker 9 (01:30:22):
I am excited. Oh, I can't wait.
Speaker 15 (01:30:25):
Now about the Texans, guys, we have to stop thinking.
I called yesterday and said the same thing. But Houstonians,
as Houstonians, we have to stop thinking and we're just
gonna run through people. I don't trust Heywood and TJ.
Speaker 9 (01:30:46):
Watt.
Speaker 15 (01:30:46):
Those guys are extremely dangerous.
Speaker 2 (01:30:49):
They are.
Speaker 15 (01:30:50):
This guy is a Hall of Fame, He's guaranteed to
go to the Hall of Fame quarterback. I'm those are
the three things I'm worried about. I'm worried about that,
the two defenders, and I'm worried about Aaron Rodgers. I'm
not worried about metcalf. I think we're gonna lock him down.
I'm worried about these shark passes, these crossing routes. This
guy he threw five tds and NRG. He was a
(01:31:13):
lot younger, but he hit us for five or six
TVs that night.
Speaker 9 (01:31:16):
I was real mad at Aaron. This guy is deadly.
I don't care about his age.
Speaker 15 (01:31:21):
He's not the Houston people are calling in.
Speaker 2 (01:31:24):
Like he's eighty five.
Speaker 9 (01:31:26):
This guy made it to the playoffs.
Speaker 15 (01:31:29):
This guy's a went away from going to Division A round.
We gotta stop just oh we're going or we're going.
And I know we got Will Lanison. You know we
got big Playboy now, we got it. We got a
lot of people, but they have people too. And I
just don't know who's gonna win this game. I'm not
I'm I'm a diehard, touching fan bro since we started.
(01:31:49):
But I just don't know who's gonna win this game.
And we are underestimating a Hall of Fame quarterback and
possibly TJ. Wader future Hall of Famer. That's gon.
Speaker 6 (01:32:01):
TJ.
Speaker 15 (01:32:01):
CJ is gonna have two and a half seconds and
he said it's up. I need to stop holding on
to the ball.
Speaker 2 (01:32:07):
Too longer.
Speaker 15 (01:32:08):
I need to get rid of the ball faster. Bro,
You're gonna have TJ. Watt coming at you. You have
way less than three seconds and people thinking we're just
gonna blow them out.
Speaker 9 (01:32:18):
Bros.
Speaker 15 (01:32:19):
It would if it's a muggy, nasty game like Tampa Bay.
We have a lot to think about, guys. I'll go Texans.
Speaker 2 (01:32:27):
I hope we pull it out.
Speaker 9 (01:32:28):
Go Texas.
Speaker 2 (01:32:29):
But I'm not sure I appreciate the call.
Speaker 9 (01:32:32):
Ray.
Speaker 2 (01:32:33):
I mean the first part about Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 5 (01:32:35):
Look, if I'm wrong, I'll say it at this time
next Tuesday. I was wrong, He's still that guy. I
just don't see him being that guy anymore. I just
I don't and until proven wrong otherwise, I'm going to
continue to feel that way. I just again, I'm not
gonna come off of Gordy that this is a bad
matchup for the Steelers. It's an awful matchup for the
(01:32:55):
Steelers for again, the way that their offense really likes
to run. And I'm I'm not saying that Aaron's not
gonna take his shots down the field.
Speaker 2 (01:33:02):
He absolutely will.
Speaker 5 (01:33:04):
But okay, fine, you want to take that shot against
Derek Stingley Junior. You want to take it against Kamari Laster.
Don't forget on the back end, you've got Caylen Bullock
there who knows how to get his hands on interceptions too.
So like it just I just kind of feel like it's,
you know, the old shot are stabbed which way you
want it because you're getting one way or the other,
So go ahead and make it your choice.
Speaker 3 (01:33:24):
He's gonna have to play a clean game like they
did against well, look at look at two of his
most recent games against Detroit against Baltimore. Against Detroit, he
through for two sixty six one touchdown, no picks was
sacked twice. Same thing against Baltimore through for two ninety four,
one touchdown, no picks was sacked twice.
Speaker 2 (01:33:46):
It's gonna be that.
Speaker 3 (01:33:47):
It's gotta be that kind of stat line for Aaron Rodgers.
And by the way, both those games close. They beat
Detroit twenty nine to twenty four, they beat Baltimore twenty
six to twenty four. Kind of needed to prayer on
both ends right the late the late game against Detroit
where they had the goal line stand basically and then
against Baltimore where the game winning field goal for Baltimore
(01:34:07):
just hooks right, so a winging a prayer. I mean,
I think that's that's the way Pittsburgh went, you know,
if they're gonna win this game.
Speaker 2 (01:34:15):
But it's gonna be.
Speaker 3 (01:34:16):
That kind of stat line for Aaron Rodgers where he
doesn't turn the ball over, he's only sacked once or twice,
plays mistake free football, Like that's that's the way they
win this game.
Speaker 2 (01:34:26):
I just but just don't see a ward look at
the Texans play.
Speaker 3 (01:34:29):
If the Texas faces gave only two sacks, are Rodgers
they deserve to lose?
Speaker 5 (01:34:33):
Put that way, well, I think that the other part
of it, too, is exactly what we were discussing earlier.
During this nine game stretch for the Texans, they've been
playing playoff football. Almost every single one of those games
have been close wins, and that's exactly what playoff football,
for the most part is. So it's not like you're
heading into a situation where you're like, oh man, hey,
if we're in a close game on the road, this could,
you know, be a situation we don't want to be in. No,
(01:34:56):
I think it's gonna be the complete opposite. I think it's, hey,
we know how to handle this situ situation. We know
that we need just enough out of our offense and
then defensively, only been doing it all season long, get
a timely turnover like you did against Kansas City. I mean,
you know, like you did the other day against the
Colts too, where you're able to get to the quarterback
and as he's throwing it, he gets hit and the
ball gets tipped up and Elijah Hussey able to get
(01:35:18):
underneath it and able to have an interception. So like
those things are are are things that work in your
favor in this one. So look, you know, okay, fine,
you know, Pittsburgh, we want to make it ugly. The
Texans will say, that's exactly the style we love to play.
Thanks for doing it.
Speaker 2 (01:35:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:35:36):
I again, like I just look at it as if
you told me, like just give me the defensive stat
line on what you predict, like that the Texans only
have two or less sacks, they have no forced fumbles,
no interceptions, no takeaways, then yeah, then that's advantage better.
Speaker 2 (01:35:57):
How'd you do against the run? Is my question?
Speaker 11 (01:36:00):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:36:01):
I mean I don't know, Like I had a fantasy
team all year with Jalen Warren. He was he was fine,
you know, I didn't feel like he many times did
you go over one hundred yards?
Speaker 2 (01:36:13):
Their backfield is a lot like what you have.
Speaker 5 (01:36:15):
Yeah, their backfield is a lot like what you have
with Woody Marx and and company.
Speaker 3 (01:36:20):
Yeah, it's a little bit by committee. I mean, Gainwell
War's got over two under carries. Gainwell's got a little
over one hundred, so you know, it's kind of a
two for one punch. But again, the thing that just
stands out to me is Kenth Gainwell seventy three perceptions.
I have to look, is there any other running back
in the league with that many catches?
Speaker 2 (01:36:40):
Maybe Christian McCaffrey. And that's who I was gonna throw out.
I was gonna say, maybe McCaffrey.
Speaker 3 (01:36:44):
I mean, that's that is high check down, Charlie Aaron Rodgers,
pressure running back.
Speaker 5 (01:36:51):
Dump, I mean, that's it. And that is where he lives.
And you know, for the longest time people too, oh,
you know, and Rogers he's so mobile. I'm like, he's
a uive he's not mobile. I mean, that's that's been
his career. I mean, well, he every once in a while,
you know, run for a few yards, sure, but steps
slower now too, well, I mean in an achilles later
on in your career will do that to you, and
(01:37:12):
that's seemingly what it's done to him.
Speaker 2 (01:37:15):
Seventy three.
Speaker 3 (01:37:17):
Receptions for Kenneth Gainwell, that is twenty ninth most catches
on the season. Yeah, Christian McCaffrey six, he's got one
hundred and two catches. He is, He's the epitome of
pass catching running back. Bijon Robinson was going to say
he's got seventy nine one. Now, Jamior Gibbs, he gets
(01:37:41):
seventy seven Detroit's but yeah, Kenneth Gainwell. So basically, yeah,
he's your fourth fourth most catches for a running back
this year in the in the league.
Speaker 5 (01:37:52):
All Right, used to seeing number thirty nine and number
five in your grill then, because that's pretty much what's
gonna happen in that game. I'm just telling you, that's
the way I see a play out on Monday night.
All right, let's go ahead and shift gears here. Let's
get into a little bit of astros because man who's
all over the astros with astros dot com MLB dot com,
he's Brian McTaggart. He's gonna hop in with us right
here as we talk Tatsuya Ami in the Astros as
(01:38:15):
a whole. We'll do all that coming up right here
on the morning Drive with Dan and Cole. Let's talk
first though about finances. And when you talk finances Trajan Wealth,
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Speaker 2 (01:38:35):
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Speaker 5 (01:38:36):
And I get it too, because look, yesterday, we're all
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Speaker 2 (01:38:45):
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Speaker 5 (01:38:45):
So give yourself a few days to kind of get
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(01:39:07):
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Speaker 2 (01:39:10):
I say it all the time. It's never too late to.
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Start thinking about your financial future if you have not
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Say it all the time too, you hear Jeff Junior
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Speaker 2 (01:39:36):
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dot com and don't forget tell them. Dan Matthews from
the Morning Trive on Sports Talk seven ninety sent you in.
Speaker 2 (01:40:14):
This is Jabari Smith, Jack Bari for three Smith. Stay
cut with the iHeartRadio app here every Rockets game on
Sports Talk seven nineties.
Speaker 5 (01:40:27):
Everybody leaves in heads east out to West Palm Beach
and for that much more, we catch you up with
MLB dot Com Astros dot COM's Brian McTaggart here on
the morning Drive.
Speaker 9 (01:40:37):
Tags.
Speaker 5 (01:40:38):
Appreciate it, buddy, I mean, just yesterday, you know, just
go ahead, broadview. Just what stood out to you the
most during Emai's first introduction to the Houston media and
the Astros fans.
Speaker 9 (01:40:53):
Yeah, good morning.
Speaker 16 (01:40:54):
It just seemed like he had Ah, he seemed like
he had a great personality. Just seemed like he was
a very fun guy who was very excited to be
here in Houston.
Speaker 9 (01:41:03):
I mean, he's already been.
Speaker 16 (01:41:04):
To a Texans and Rockets game, so he's a hit
in the ground running. But yeah, it just seemed like
he's he's gonna be a fun guy he gets to
know here over the next year. I don't know if
he'll be here more than a year, but you know,
it should should be fun just to see him get
acclimated to the US and see him settle into his
new surroundings.
Speaker 14 (01:41:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:41:22):
I had somebody ask me that Brian is he is
he gonna be a multi year deal? And I was like, well,
if he stinks, yes, but he's really good, he's probably
opting out. And again we'll see maybe they do sign
him a long term We'll find out on that. But
I mean, look, in a perfect world, you want him
to come in and be really awesome for the Astros
this year. That's the whole point. And data Brown's saying
(01:41:43):
that he feels good about this rotation. I know it's
early and they you know, we're a month and a
half away from spurg training games starting, But I mean,
is it is it easy to just assume he's going
to be number two or number three slot in this rotation?
Speaker 9 (01:41:59):
Yeah? I think so.
Speaker 16 (01:42:00):
I mean, I I don't see any reason why he
wouldn't be, uh, you know, at the top of the rotation.
I mean, you know, Hunter Brown's your clear cut as
now with Fromber being gone.
Speaker 9 (01:42:09):
So but I mean more than.
Speaker 16 (01:42:10):
That, it's just about you know, you know, adding adding
a guy who you know should fill up some innings, uh,
you know, help replace the void left by frianbur Valdez.
I mean They've had a four starting pitchers this offseason,
most notably Burrows and Ryan Weiss, you know from Korea.
Speaker 9 (01:42:26):
You know, who knows what you're gonna get there.
Speaker 16 (01:42:28):
But they've added some quality depth along with the guys
they have coming.
Speaker 9 (01:42:30):
Back, rrig Getty, JAVIERA.
Speaker 16 (01:42:32):
McCullers, and then you know, even going down the line
a little bit with guys like uh, you know, Colton Gordon.
Speaker 9 (01:42:40):
And guys like that.
Speaker 16 (01:42:41):
So they needed to go out and make it a
little bit of a splash in the rotation.
Speaker 9 (01:42:45):
They did that.
Speaker 16 (01:42:46):
You're right, if he pitches really well, he's gonna opt
out try to get more money. But if he does that,
that many he's pitched well for the Astros and and
he probably helped them win and get back to the playoffs.
Speaker 5 (01:42:56):
That voice is the one of Brian McTaggart MLB dot
Com Astros hopping on with us for a few minutes
here on the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole.
Speaker 2 (01:43:03):
Chris Gordy in for Cole.
Speaker 5 (01:43:06):
You know Jim Crane's side of yesterday too, being asked
about the you know, just the new efforts that they're
making right there in the Pacific rim of having Scout
in Tokyo Soul and also Taiwan as well. I mean,
is this kind of one of those things tags where
we could see every single offseason, Hey here's this guy
from Korea.
Speaker 2 (01:43:24):
Hey, here's this guy from Japan.
Speaker 16 (01:43:28):
I think so, I mean, I think I think Crane
just got fed up with the Dodgers sort of having
this little monopoly, if you want to call it that,
getting players from Japan. I mean, you know, Tany was
at the Angels first, they went to the Dodgers, but
I mean he gets there and they went to World
Series titles and Yamamotos the MVP the World Series. And
(01:43:50):
if you're not an active player in Japan and trying
to compete with these teams, and you're probably not going
to compete with this team. So he went over there
last summer to close the deal with Dykings Dyking as
far as naming rights goes. And when he was over there,
poked around the baseball Marketsaw, you know how important the
baseball market is. And you know, he's got offices all
over the world, so he brought some he hired some
(01:44:12):
scouts that are working out of his offices in those
three places you just mentioned to try to to try
to get the astros in the door. If these guys
get to know them, scout them and then report back here.
Speaker 9 (01:44:22):
But I still don't think.
Speaker 16 (01:44:23):
I mean, if they have a player coming that's going
to get from Japan, it's going to get a two
hundred and three hundred million dollar contract, They're still not
going to do that. But a guy like Imi, Yeah,
I mean they're going to try to be players and
guys with Korea as well. I mean, I think they
just realized they have to do that compete. The Dodgers
have sort of set the blueprint here and have done
(01:44:43):
it pretty well.
Speaker 2 (01:44:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:44:45):
I remember here in the you know, with with with
the Dodgers and their their TV rights and all that
over there, that they've made a ton of money is money,
and we we know what happened with Yao here with
the Rockets. Is that kind of the expectation that they
should make a lot of money on the back end
with people wanting to see my pitch overseas?
Speaker 9 (01:45:04):
Yeah, I don't know how big a name he is
over there.
Speaker 16 (01:45:06):
I mean, you know, Tany's sort of a class by
himself and sort of like Yao Ming was. I mean,
they are generational superstars so I don't know if he
may he's gonna be that that bankable, but certainly it's
gonna help get them in that market a little bit more,
and that the partnership with Dykin probably helps that as well.
So Crane just said they sort of had had ignored
(01:45:27):
that area and now they're they're gonna be full tilt
in Japan and try to become players over there.
Speaker 9 (01:45:32):
So it's gonna be very in to watch.
Speaker 16 (01:45:33):
But I yeah, I think every year now we see
guys posted from the MPB, we're gonna have to wonder,
you know, the astro is gonna be in on this guy,
and we could see it not only with pitchers but
with some hitters as well in the future.
Speaker 5 (01:45:45):
Again, Brian mctagger join us here on the Morning Drive
and tags, let's talk about the rest of the roster.
You heard Dana Brown say yes today they feel good
about starting rotation. Backup Catcher still a you know, on
the wish list. But when it comes to how are
you going to deploy Estoc Perettis and Christian Walker, did
you not kind of get the sense yesterday that Dana
(01:46:07):
Brown might be coming off of where they were emphatic
at the meetings earlier this offseason.
Speaker 2 (01:46:12):
No, neither of those guys are being moved.
Speaker 9 (01:46:16):
Yeah, I did. I got the same feeling.
Speaker 16 (01:46:18):
I think he said that anything's on the table or
something towards those lines yesterday it did, you know, it
wasn't as strong as what it was that the you
know last year, like when he said, yeah, I mean
we're not going to trade those guys. They have to
remain open minded. I mean they still need to get
a backup catcher. I mean, they can praise is ourselves
are all they want. And he's doing a pretty good
job in winter ball right now, but swinging a pretty
(01:46:40):
good bat. But uh, they you know, they're gonna lose
a pretty important piece in Caroteni, so that that just
can't be something they sweep under the rug. They have
to go out and get another catcher behind yond Or
And how do they do that?
Speaker 9 (01:46:53):
Do they do that in my trade?
Speaker 16 (01:46:54):
And can maybe they can get a reliever via trade
as well, and it would certainly help clear up what
still appears to be sort.
Speaker 9 (01:47:00):
Of a log jam on the infield.
Speaker 16 (01:47:02):
So yeah, it wouldn't surprise me if another trade is coming,
But it certainly seems like they're done pitching wise, they
just have to address the backup catching. And I'm still
surprised they haven't traded Jake Myers yet. I thought that
was pretty much gonna be a foregone conclusion.
Speaker 9 (01:47:16):
They still might.
Speaker 16 (01:47:18):
We'll see how that shakes out as they go along.
They did trade Jake Meltz and some maybe that clears
up some playing time now. So the heavy lifting's almost done,
but they still have a few things to do before
they go to Florida in five weeks.
Speaker 3 (01:47:29):
I just look at it, Brian, over the course of
a one sixty two season, I mean, it's it's still
as amazing how the twenty two season they were able
to get through with what they basically Michael Brandley was
the only significant injury that all that year. I mean,
injuries are gonna happen, and man, they have been taxed
with injuries the last couple of years, and everybody wants
to make such a big deal about that log jam
on the infield, But also part of me feels like,
(01:47:50):
maybe it's not such a bad thing if you keep
Walker with Paris and Korean and peyng in Altuve, because
odds are one of these guys is gonna miss time.
Speaker 2 (01:47:58):
This year due to injury. It's just gonna happen.
Speaker 9 (01:48:02):
Yep, very true. I mean it's not a bad problem
to have.
Speaker 16 (01:48:04):
Korea is a guy who's been injured quite a bit
throughout his career, being predicivas half the season last year.
Walker has been pretty durable, but you know, two days
not getting any younger, Paint took a ball off the
riths four or five weeks last year. You're right, there
are going to be injuries and you need that depth.
I guess the question is when they're all when they're
(01:48:25):
all healthy and playing every day, you know, how do
you keep them all, you know, on the field or
getting regular at bats.
Speaker 9 (01:48:30):
You know, you do have the d H.
Speaker 16 (01:48:31):
But the problem is it seems like jord On Albarez
is going to be a pretty much a full time
DH at this point. But I mean, these are pretty
good problems to have if you're the Astronauts where you
have too many guys. I mean, if they're healthy this
this lineup one through six, it still has a chance
to be really really good. So and I think the
signing of em sort of clears up some cloudiness in
the rotation to where now you're.
Speaker 9 (01:48:52):
Thinking like, Okay, this. This team's kind of interesting.
Speaker 16 (01:48:54):
So you know, I think going into the season, they
they're probably going to be again right there with the Mariners,
is the favorites to contend for the AO.
Speaker 5 (01:49:04):
West Tax Final one at least from me here and again,
Brian McTaggert joined us here on the morning Drive. How
the twitter fingers are are they ready to go for tonight?
Because I know that you and Texas Tech Red Raider
fans really like to pick at each other on Twitter.
Speaker 16 (01:49:20):
I love Texas Tech fans, They're great. I know if
some of them will be coming to our gym tonight
to watch the big game against Houston, so I plan
to welcome them with open arms. And it should be
a great game. So no, I mean, this is a
pretty I mean, this is a pretty good test for
both these teams.
Speaker 9 (01:49:38):
I mean, Houston probably.
Speaker 16 (01:49:39):
The biggest game they played so far this year as
far as a top fifteen team, and obviously Tech playing
the top seventeen, top seven right teams, So yeah, it
should be a lot of fun.
Speaker 5 (01:49:49):
Well, and by the way, too, you and Gordy are good, right,
I mean I know that you two kind of had
a little bit of a thing over the Texas Bowl.
Speaker 2 (01:49:55):
I just want to make sure I said it was
a good win for you of a so we're just
having some fun.
Speaker 9 (01:49:59):
Yeah, yeah, it was a good one. I can't help.
Speaker 16 (01:50:01):
But if LSU is in turnoil and doesn't care, I mean, hey,
we'll We'll play LSU anytime anywhere.
Speaker 2 (01:50:08):
I love it.
Speaker 3 (01:50:09):
Well, one more real quick for you, Brian, because I
had a buddy texted me last night the vibe I yet,
is it feels like does it feel like fromber is
going to go into spring training without a team? Like
I feel like so many of these big clients are
like more and more, especially the pitchers, were they're getting
the spring training and having to wait because those big
monster deals just aren't coming.
Speaker 16 (01:50:32):
Yeah, it's very possible, you know. And how how is
the WBC going to play into that as well? I
mean the Astros sort of wouldn't let him play three
years ago, So uh is he going to try to play?
And is you know, is he gonna come out of
there and then sign with somebody? So that's got to
be factored in as well. But uh, yeah, there's still
a bunch of big names still on the board. Of course,
(01:50:53):
the three of the biggest ones are former astros Bregman,
Tucker and Fromber and they're not coming back here, so
that's you know, problems for other people. But yeah, I
mean Bregnant didn't sign last year until spring training had started,
so us gonna be very interesting to see as we
move forward, might get some blockbuster deals while we're already
in Florida.
Speaker 5 (01:51:11):
Well, Tags, now, all you need to do is make
sure that Tatsuya and Ma is in the building tonight
over at for Tita Centeri's two and oh.
Speaker 16 (01:51:18):
Yeah, I mentioned that on on Twitter yesterday. Let's get
him court side, but he's obviously got If you threw
up the h man, we can get him throw up
the cougar handpot tonight and get that win over Texas Tech.
He certainly is a good luck charm.
Speaker 5 (01:51:30):
So far, there you go, and you know, here's the
wishing for sure, as you'll get that game over on
KPRC nine to fifty tonight.
Speaker 2 (01:51:37):
Tags, you're the best man.
Speaker 5 (01:51:38):
We'll catch up with you again here very soon and uh,
spring training be here before we know.
Speaker 9 (01:51:42):
It, yep, five weeks. So all right, guys, we'll talk.
Speaker 2 (01:51:45):
There you go.
Speaker 5 (01:51:46):
Brian McTaggart again MLB dot Com astros dot Com hopping
on with us.
Speaker 3 (01:51:50):
God bless him a chilling room. I don't know how
this guy spend five weeks in West Pump Beach.
Speaker 5 (01:51:54):
Well, then it's it's a precursor to the absolute slog
and grind that a major league season is. Yeah, so
you know, you get a nice little appetizer before you
get the full on five course meal. It is full
on Bill Murray waking up to Sonny and cher music.
It is Groundhog Day every day there. You can only
eat wahwah sandwiches so many times because I mean, I
(01:52:15):
just know that when me and Ross went, it was
just so easy. It's just like wah wah. It's like, yeah,
sure it's right there, and the sandwiches are delicious. I'll
give them that.
Speaker 3 (01:52:22):
Yeah, it's I like going those first few days because
there's it's guys all getting there for the first time.
There's newsy stuff. Oh, this guy's hurt. This guy's are
by two three weeks of this sprig Trader. It is
a drag and it's.
Speaker 5 (01:52:34):
Like keep in mind though too. We were talking about
a little bit with Joe Spatta yesterday. With the World
Baseball Classic starting even earlier this year. So I mean,
I want to say that we're just over a month
away from pitchers and catchers, like I think it's going
to be, people will be in Florida and Arizona watching
the Super Bowl and then like a day or two later,
it's they're out there working.
Speaker 2 (01:52:55):
Yep.
Speaker 5 (01:52:56):
So got that to look forward to. Brandon, see you're
right there working in I do want to get you
a little bit of the Dana Brown from yesterday because
he met with the media after the Tatsuya my press
conference and some very very interesting things said by him.
So we'll do that right here as we close out
the eight o'clock hour again, it's the Morning Drive, Dan
and Cole. Chris Gordy in for Cole this morning right
(01:53:17):
here Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (01:53:20):
They are the Morning Drive. Here's Dan Matthews and Cole Thompson.
Speaker 5 (01:53:27):
I'm be to here from Dana Brown here in just
a second, but first let's get Brandon in here.
Speaker 9 (01:53:32):
Brandon, Good morning, Good morning, Dan, Good morning, Chris Gordy.
How are you guys?
Speaker 2 (01:53:37):
Good man, how are you good?
Speaker 17 (01:53:41):
Astrov We.
Speaker 2 (01:53:44):
And happy New Year, same to you man.
Speaker 9 (01:53:48):
Happen Chris Gordy.
Speaker 5 (01:53:50):
Gordy just stepped out for a second, so you just
you're just talking one on one with me.
Speaker 9 (01:53:55):
Okay, Lockets, I did I I saw we won.
Speaker 2 (01:54:02):
We did win.
Speaker 5 (01:54:03):
And it was kind of a little bit of you know,
a tail, two different games in one brand, and it
was frustrating in the first half, and then the second half,
third quarter you start to be able to gain on them,
and then the fourth quarter obviously Kevin Durant the hero
of the day.
Speaker 2 (01:54:18):
So it was a lot of fun.
Speaker 8 (01:54:20):
Yep, Hey, we're switching out rejectors. So I'm gonna be watching.
Speaker 17 (01:54:28):
The game.
Speaker 2 (01:54:29):
Do you which game you talking about?
Speaker 17 (01:54:33):
The Rockets?
Speaker 5 (01:54:34):
Okay, all right, sweet, So you'd be able to catch
the Rockets and then, of course, soon enough you get
Astros games Texans Monday night.
Speaker 2 (01:54:40):
I see you working over there, Brandon. I like your style. Yeah,
there you go, man, you.
Speaker 5 (01:54:47):
Like tat to you? Am I you excited to see him?
You're right, you're ready to go ahead and buy your
number forty five Jersey.
Speaker 9 (01:54:53):
I haven't had it yet, but I will.
Speaker 5 (01:54:56):
Okay, all right, buddy, Well, hey, we're not too far
away from fan fest. I gotta believe you and your
mom are gonna be out there this year, right, You're
gonna come see us.
Speaker 3 (01:55:04):
Yes, are you gonna when is it?
Speaker 5 (01:55:06):
I think it's a couple of weeks from now, I think,
so I need to look that up for sure. And
then obviously you know, we'll be promoting when we're gonna
be out there. But stay tuned for that, man. We'll
we'll definitely let you know, and you know where to
find us if we're out there. Well, you know where
to find us when we are out there. So look
forward to it, Bud, like I did, right right, right
(01:55:29):
for sure.
Speaker 2 (01:55:29):
Man. I remember that's where I met you for the
first time. All right, Brandon, Hey, I appreciate it.
Speaker 11 (01:55:33):
Man.
Speaker 2 (01:55:33):
We need to hear from Dana Brown.
Speaker 5 (01:55:34):
So we're gonna get to that, but we'll catch up
with you here, uh in the very near future.
Speaker 2 (01:55:40):
Let's hear from Dana Brown.
Speaker 5 (01:55:41):
As a matter of fact, the Astros GM catching up
with the media yesterday in the hallway over there at
dyke In Park, and one of the things that he
talked about. Didn't really even think about this until tatsu
yam I brought it up. But during his press availability
where he was like, you know, just the differences between
Japanese baseball and Major League baseball is the time zone
(01:56:04):
changes because I mean you don't have to worry about
that in Japan, and also to the regularity that you
pitch with during a season in the Astros. I mean,
as you've seen from the offseason moves they've made with
their pitching staff, they're wanting to make sure that they
have enough arms going all the way throughout the season,
so that maybe means managing a workload and within my
making his adjustment to Major League Baseball, that's something that
(01:56:27):
Dana Brown and crew definitely want to try to focus.
Speaker 2 (01:56:30):
On with him.
Speaker 18 (01:56:31):
I think early in the season we have a lot
of games in a row, so we'll be in a
six man rotation. I certainly think he's going to be
able to handle it. We will protect them whatever way
we have to protect them, but make no mistake, I think,
you know, going to that six man rotation, I think
it's going to really help him out and help him adjust,
(01:56:51):
you know, to the grind and you know you've seen
outings over there where he's throwing multiple games over one
hundred pitches. We'll probably try to keep this pitch count
down some and so he'll be able to bounce back.
Speaker 11 (01:57:02):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (01:57:03):
I think there's a two way street there too, Gordy.
Speaker 5 (01:57:06):
I think that obviously, Yes, you know, you've made a
pretty sizable investment in this guy and you hope that
you are able to keep him around. We'll get to
that part in just a second. But then it's also
to the back end of the bullpen guys. I mean,
at least two years in a row, we've heard jo
Aspota talk about I don't want multiple innings out of
Josh Hater, I don't want four outs out of Brian
(01:57:26):
and Bray you, at least not early on in the season.
So I think that that's kind of feeding into all
of this as well.
Speaker 2 (01:57:31):
Yeah, you know, we're Astros fans. Hang in there, We're coming.
Speaker 5 (01:57:35):
Make no Mistake is another one that's on the Dana
Bingo card I caught that and I was.
Speaker 2 (01:57:40):
Like, that's another one, got right down on the list.
He does make no mistake.
Speaker 3 (01:57:45):
Yeah, I mean, look, it's there's so many questions, Like
every year feels like now basically post war, post post
World Series run. We go into spring training with tons
of questions, and they were a ton of questions abound
with this team going into uh spring training in in
less than six weeks and yeah, I mean I think
(01:58:08):
bullpen arms.
Speaker 2 (01:58:08):
Who's who's going to be the back end.
Speaker 3 (01:58:10):
Of you know, we expect haters back as the closer.
We expect bray you is good to go as the
setup man, but you know who's going to bridge that gap?
Speaker 2 (01:58:19):
And then again the rotation guys.
Speaker 3 (01:58:21):
I mean, yes, in a perfect world, you would love
to see Christian Javier Settle back in as that oll
reliable guy that he wants was.
Speaker 2 (01:58:31):
You know, I know it's a two.
Speaker 3 (01:58:32):
Letter too, a two word dirty word, but Lance mccullors,
you know, whatever he can give you.
Speaker 2 (01:58:38):
Maybe even three because he gotta throw the junior on it.
Speaker 3 (01:58:40):
Yeah, and then the oltfielder, I mean the outfielders between.
Speaker 2 (01:58:45):
You know, I would have.
Speaker 3 (01:58:46):
Thought they would have cut bait On Haesy Sanchez by now,
but he's still part of this team.
Speaker 5 (01:58:51):
Definitely is, and I think he's going to be counted
on for sure in terms of opt outs with Tatsuya
my We'll let you hear from Dana Brown on that,
because I mean, this is the first time that the
Astros have done that in kind of this recent trend
of teams throwing out those kind of deals, and also too,
the future of Esach Perettis Ian Christian.
Speaker 2 (01:59:10):
Walker in Astros Unis.
Speaker 5 (01:59:11):
We'll have that for you here as we start the
nine o'clock hour, it is the Morning Drive with Dan
and Cole again Chris Gordian for Cole Thompson.
Speaker 2 (01:59:17):
Right here, Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (01:59:20):
KBM E Houston ATVs E HD two Houston, home of
the Astro.
Speaker 10 (01:59:25):
And the Rockets.
Speaker 1 (01:59:28):
Sports Talk seven ninety your home for your home teams,
an iHeartRadio station guaranteed. You mean, this is the Morning
Drive with Dad and Cole.
Speaker 5 (01:59:47):
Hopefully your Tuesday is off to a hell of a start.
Speaker 2 (01:59:49):
I mean, I know that Monday it was rough. It
was rough, rough, rough.
Speaker 5 (01:59:54):
It was one of those two Gordon which by the way,
the Rockets went last night one hundred and ninety seven
over the Suns at Toyota Center and Durant nice little
game winner three pointer with seconds left. You get the
Blazers for two in Portland first one coming up tomorrow
night and then totsuya am I who we're gonna continue
to talk about right.
Speaker 2 (02:00:10):
Here as we hear a couple more from Tana Brown.
Speaker 5 (02:00:13):
But that first day back from the holiday, like it's
one of those that's you know, as you learn throughout
your career on how to use your time off, which again,
you know, like I said, maybe we're gonna have to
like have like a little intervention with Cole about you know,
hey man, like don't don't use them in January. That's
kind of like burning time outs like on the first
drive of the game, you know, or maybe even the
(02:00:33):
first drive of the second half.
Speaker 2 (02:00:35):
Brother, you can need those all right, save them up.
Speaker 5 (02:00:39):
But that that Monday back is the ultimate Oklahoma land grab.
Like the gun goes off and you're like, this is
my plot of land, and then you know know, somebody
else is claiming that plot of land. Like that's exactly
what the first Monday back from the holidays is is,
because it just seems like there is not enough of
(02:00:59):
a fire hose to put out those fires.
Speaker 11 (02:01:03):
I am.
Speaker 3 (02:01:03):
I'm excited about to start twenty twenty six. It is Uh,
it's gonna be a good year. It's gonna be a
good year. We got all three sports teams trending towards postseason.
I feel like, I mean, look, with the Rockets barring
up a collapse, they're gonna be in there. The Texans
are in there. This coming Monday. I feel like you
want to lock in the Astros as a playoff team
(02:01:24):
this year. Yeah, the quest to get back to the postseason,
the quest to have the guy dressed as Michael Myers
against you know, waving the Astros flag on the Southwest Freeway.
Speaker 2 (02:01:34):
Yeah, I'm all for it, no question. That's my that's
my job spot.
Speaker 5 (02:01:39):
Yeah, there's my all time favorite in terms of Astros
managers when it came to their their crutches was Brad Mills.
There's no doubt. Now, there's no doubt. Yeah, there's no doubt.
Like he wore that out like nobody's business. It was
his go to.
Speaker 3 (02:01:55):
The one I cannot stand that players keep saying these
days is keep the main thing.
Speaker 2 (02:01:59):
That main thing. Oh my god, I want to just
I want to. No, that's one of those we just.
Speaker 3 (02:02:07):
Got to keep the main thing. Or stay where your
feet are, you know, just gotta stay where your feet are.
Speaker 9 (02:02:12):
Thing.
Speaker 5 (02:02:13):
It's the same things, right, Yeah, it's football more than
any other sport is awful with that because I mean
more often than not, you've got people who their whole
thing is that they're good at football and not really
anything else. So then when it comes to hey, how
(02:02:33):
do you address the media. I mean, we saw it
on Hard Knocks with Bill O'Brien. Hey, this is how
you talk to the media, trying to be a good
teammates all of this, and it's just like, oh god,
the band, Like, you know, you have to remember that
every single guy in that locker room one day is
gonna have to be in front of somebody for a
job interview. So what are they gonna say, Hey, where
(02:02:55):
do you see yourself in ten years?
Speaker 9 (02:02:56):
Oh? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (02:02:57):
I'm just trying to keep the main thing, the main thing.
You didn't get the job, sorry, Like a little personality
is fine, Okay, it's fine. No, no, no, no, no. He
can't have individuals in a football locker room? Why not?
Why not?
Speaker 5 (02:03:13):
Well not everybody's the same. There you go, you just
prove my point. Just a little something that look. Disdain
Dan was a thing in a previous incarnation of this show.
And I'm a little bit of a more optimistic guy nowadays,
so a little.
Speaker 2 (02:03:30):
Less disdain Dan. But every once in a while he
pokes out.
Speaker 5 (02:03:32):
It's kind of like what Johnny Depp says about Captain
Jack Sparrow that he says, you know, he'll visit me
from time to time.
Speaker 3 (02:03:39):
So do you realize that I guess I just did
not realize this or that it was coming up so close?
Today is Tuesday, yes, Toms until fifty nine tonight? Yeah,
tomars Wednesday. Do you realize the two playoff games semifinals,
so Thursday and Friday night. I don't know why, Like,
didn't I feel like that's coming quick? Like, I don't know.
(02:04:01):
I know they took the week off. Well, the season ends,
you take, you play conference championship weekend, we take a
week off, we play Army Navy.
Speaker 2 (02:04:09):
Yeah. Yeah, a couple of weeks later we get around
to playing those next round games.
Speaker 3 (02:04:12):
Like why is it feels like, if anything, you would
take a week off, give these teams an extra week.
Speaker 2 (02:04:17):
That's why I told you.
Speaker 3 (02:04:18):
You know, the Italians say it for patients asbeta aspeta.
You know about you know how far away that Texans
Steelers Monday.
Speaker 2 (02:04:25):
Night game seems because it's the beauty of football. Man.
Speaker 3 (02:04:29):
The anticipation gets up even more when it's a football
game day. So then you're gonna have it on Thursday,
then you're gonna have it on Friday. Then you're gonna
have two of them on Saturday, three on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (02:04:37):
And then soon enough.
Speaker 3 (02:04:39):
I mean, look, you're gonna finally look and be like, man,
alarm clock's going off.
Speaker 2 (02:04:42):
Oh it's Monday.
Speaker 3 (02:04:44):
It does feel like they need to get out of
the way of They need to get out of the
way of the NFL. Though, well, that's why they're doing it.
Speaker 5 (02:04:53):
I mean, that's why you're getting the Thursday night in
the in the Friday night, is to have it that way,
and then of course you'll have the I.
Speaker 3 (02:05:00):
Feel like there's no have you heard any buzz around
Miami Old Miss on Thursday night?
Speaker 2 (02:05:03):
Like I I didn't even see. Don't know if it's
been buzz.
Speaker 5 (02:05:07):
But it's been more of annoyance from the ole Miss
side about hey, all our guys are coming back. That's
your focus right now? Okay, cool? Good because you're so
focused on you know, we can't let Lane poach any
of our guys.
Speaker 3 (02:05:20):
Yeah, that's what That's been the funny part. The last
two days. It's nothing but ole Miss's Twitter account. It
has been nothing about resigned, resigned, resign, all these players
that they're resigning for next year. I'm like, how about
some posts about hey, we had a good practice today,
We're trying to win a playoff game.
Speaker 5 (02:05:34):
Maybe show a little bit of practice footage, you know, Lily, Hey,
look how much everybody loves Pete Golding Man.
Speaker 2 (02:05:39):
I'm telling you this guy is seriously the second coming.
We love them.
Speaker 3 (02:05:43):
I would probably put my bunny on Miami right now
because it feels like there's been no talk of Ole
Miss how they're prepared for Thursday night and ready to
go like it feels like they won their super Bowl.
They beat Georgia. Oh my god, we won a playoff game.
It gets a good team. This is the pinnacle. This
is it is as good as it gets, and it's
all downhill from here.
Speaker 5 (02:06:01):
I know this is gonna shock a lot of people
in the audience, but me and you obviously do not
let our bias be too hidden. We're SEC guys, but
we're also LSU guys too. It's not gonna hurt my
feelings if if Miami absolutely pants is all miss.
Speaker 3 (02:06:18):
Yeah, I've got on my my SEC show. I've had
a lot of Big ten people talk it's back the
last few weeks. Big ten, Big ten owens college football. Look,
if Indiana wins it, it's hard to argue that would
be three straight years of three different Big Ten teams
win the national championship.
Speaker 17 (02:06:32):
Cool.
Speaker 2 (02:06:33):
I think you got to tip your down. That's a
damn good coffy.
Speaker 5 (02:06:36):
You can have Joel Klatt, Matt Lioner it and you know,
Danny Canell and all of those people cracking on the SEC.
Speaker 2 (02:06:41):
That's fine.
Speaker 3 (02:06:42):
I'll wear it. It's it's okay, It's all good. I mean, look,
seven straight years. Get to seventh straight, then we can
talk because you know the SEC did that?
Speaker 2 (02:06:50):
You did not?
Speaker 17 (02:06:50):
All?
Speaker 7 (02:06:51):
Right?
Speaker 5 (02:06:51):
Seven one, three, two and two five seven ninety Dana Brown,
as we mentioned, talking about not only Tatsuya and my
but also his team as a whole. But we'll stay
with the first guy that I mentioned, Tatsuya and my
meeting with the media yesterday, and Brown has already talked
about the workload.
Speaker 2 (02:07:08):
But the other part of it too is this could
be a one and done with am I three year deal.
Speaker 5 (02:07:13):
It could be worth as much as sixty three million,
but it's got opt outs after both seasons, and then
of course, you know, if you make it all the
way to the third, well then he's a free agent
after that. Anyway, the Astros have not lived in that world.
I mean it seems like they probably could have done
that with Alex Bregman decided against it. I mean, who
knows who else they could have possibly done it with,
And again, same deal. So in this case, right here,
(02:07:34):
Dana Brown talking about what made am I the proper
candidate to be able to receive such treatment.
Speaker 18 (02:07:40):
Yeah, I mean, look, when you're negotiating a contract, you
have to work with the other side. Obviously, you know
you'd prefer not having opt outs, but you know, sometimes
you know, you have to do these opt outs, which
we feel good about. Once he comes here, we think
he'll be in this position where he's in a championship organization.
Speaker 11 (02:08:01):
We feel like we got a chance of keeping him,
so you know, we had to work through that.
Speaker 18 (02:08:06):
But ultimately, you know, we were focused on getting them
signed and we're side that we haven't.
Speaker 5 (02:08:12):
And also, though, keep in mind the way that the
Astros have done it, I believe he's only due like
eighteen million this season. I mean, I know, I say
eighteen so it's relative terms, but then it kicks up
to whatever it is in the second year and then
the final year too, so it might behoove him to
go ahead. And even if he has a really good
season to say, I mean, I'd probably be getting this
(02:08:34):
somewhere else, so why not go ahead and just stick
and stay right where I'm at? So, I mean, I
think the Astros have been able to situate the contract
well enough to be able to make sure that that's
not really much of a concern.
Speaker 2 (02:08:45):
Yeah, I don't know, man, We'll we'll see.
Speaker 3 (02:08:50):
But again, it's like I've been trying to tell people
with Amaya, It's like, yesh, you want him to do well,
but it's like if he crushes hands down, he's gonna
opt out on a bigger deal. If he's just pretty good,
maybe he still ops up, but then maybe you get
him to stay on a on a relatively easier deal,
And if he stinks, well, then you're screwed and you're
(02:09:13):
paying it. He's definitely opting into the new year too,
and you're paying it now. Again, here's the tough part
is some of these Japanese players, at least the recent ones,
have struggled out of the gates coming over to MLB,
and then they settle in.
Speaker 2 (02:09:26):
So we'll see if that happens.
Speaker 3 (02:09:28):
Like I'm telling you, right answer, Since don't freak out
if Amai's first and mo Obi start is he goes
three three innings of six hundred runs and you're like,
oh god, what did we get a lemon here?
Speaker 6 (02:09:39):
No?
Speaker 2 (02:09:39):
I think some guys would just take them a little
while settling.
Speaker 5 (02:09:41):
You can wish in one hand and you know what
and the other when it comes to that with Astros fans,
because you know, if that's the case, then it's gonna be.
You know, look, first it was first base with you guys,
with Joseah Bray you and also Christian Walker, and now
it's this guy.
Speaker 2 (02:09:56):
I mean, can you guys sign a free agent that's
actually good?
Speaker 11 (02:09:59):
Now?
Speaker 2 (02:09:59):
It used to be the it used to be.
Speaker 3 (02:10:01):
Remember, I guess about twenty years or so ago, dice
Ca Matsuzaka came over and was awesome that first year.
Speaker 2 (02:10:08):
I was like, oh my god.
Speaker 3 (02:10:09):
And then guess what, they got more film on him
and people figured him out, and then it wasn't the same.
Speaker 2 (02:10:15):
But I don't know why.
Speaker 3 (02:10:15):
It feels like it's the reverse effect, asn't late that
somebody these international guys come over and struggle at first
and then settle into a nerve. Look at the Dodgers, well.
Speaker 2 (02:10:25):
And that's also too.
Speaker 5 (02:10:26):
I mean something else before we continue on talking, you know,
about the Astros off season, and Dana Brown weighing in
on that it seems like he's doing everything he can
in my that is, to guard against that he's not
going to play in the WBC. He also talked about
yesterday that he wants to take this time before they
get down the West Palm Beach to be able to
get his family settled here. No, he's got a wife,
(02:10:50):
so you know, being able to try to find a
place and doing all of that before then you head
out to spring training. So I think that he's trying
to set himself up and doing it the right way
where it's you know, don't put more on my plate
than I need to have. Go ahead and focus on
the off field stuff first, and then it's all baseball once.
Speaker 2 (02:11:07):
You get to Florida.
Speaker 3 (02:11:08):
Yeah, I'm looking back Yamamoto, remember two years ago when
he first got to the Dodgers, those first few start
first started, he went one in and gave five runs.
The ERA was over seven, and then he got into
a groove and that dra got lower and lower and
lower and had a finished with an ERA of three
and twenty twenty four. This past year, two forty nine
(02:11:29):
went even lower, so and look, I don't don't I
don't know if Ama is going to be as good
as Yamamoto. But that's, you know, just kind of a
comparison of how it might transition over to this league.
Speaker 5 (02:11:42):
Scott Boris seems to think so. He said as much.
He said he's as good as he did say. He
didn't say it yesterday, but he said it in the
past that he thinks he's as good as Yoshinabu. All Right,
one more from Dana Brown, and again it's about the future,
at least the immediate future of Christian Walker and east
Soak Perettis. We wondered, Hey, whe're you gonna put Perettis?
(02:12:04):
I mean, seriously, you can't put him at second. You
got jose L Tuve there, You got Christian Walker signed
for twenty million this season, so you gotta believe he's
the first baseman. And then Carlos Korea has got third
base open and they've been adamants. And we know we
talked about it with Brian McTaggart about it that they're
keeping both guys. But here's Dana Brown on the future
of both guys in a nastros Uni.
Speaker 11 (02:12:26):
Yeah, I mean right now, they're both part of this team.
Speaker 18 (02:12:30):
You know, we won't leave any stone unturned in terms of,
you know, making moves in the future, but right now,
we think that there's enough at bats, you know, for
both guys.
Speaker 11 (02:12:41):
And you know, that's kind of like where where we're
focused now.
Speaker 18 (02:12:44):
We're more focused on your backup catcher, like I said,
but we're having discussion. We will have discussions with other
clubs if they call on any of our players.
Speaker 11 (02:12:55):
So we just have to keep an open mind.
Speaker 5 (02:12:59):
Interesting, Okay, fair enough, Well, at least one thing he
said right there, and then the chaser to that shot
that he just said right there at the end, let's
carry you over that conversation is we'll continue here. It
is the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole, Cole Thompson
out Chris Gordy in this morning with you right here
on your home of the.
Speaker 2 (02:13:15):
Astros and the Rockets Sports Talk seven ninety.
Speaker 1 (02:13:20):
Back to the Morning Drive. Here's Dan Matthews and Cole Thompson.
Speaker 5 (02:13:27):
Texan's getting ready for the Steelers Monday in Pittsburgh close
out wild card weekend, and Tatsumi officially introduced as an Astro,
Gonna wear number forty five with the club, and we've
been talking a little bit of astros and we'll kind
of wrap up that conversation here. As you know, you
just heard what Dana Brown said in the last segment
about Christian Walker and East Ok Perettis. The shot was,
(02:13:52):
we feel like we've got you know, at bats. I mean,
that's gonna be kind of one of those where it's like, okay,
so early on the season, as far as I can tell,
you want to make sure that you're getting guys in
there every day, because I mean, again it's early on
you start utilizing the off days maybe in May June
kind of right there, you know the June swoon, all
that kind of stuff. That's that's when you start doing it.
(02:14:13):
So you want guys to play every day. So by
that logic, then you want Jose al Tuva at second
base every day. You want Carlos care Over at third
base every day. Same deal with Christian Walker at first.
So it seems like they would try to like do
this a little bit of kind of whack them mole,
like spin the wheel. Hey, Peretis, you're playing second today,
You're playing first today, Like I just I don't see
it is the way that.
Speaker 2 (02:14:35):
I just I don't think that it is going to
work out.
Speaker 5 (02:14:39):
And you hear Dana Brown say, you know, we feel
like we've got a place to give them at bats. Well,
it ain't going to be daged because that's number forty four.
You don't want to play them out in left field.
Speaker 7 (02:14:47):
I get it.
Speaker 3 (02:14:49):
Yeah, I'm just looking at fangrafts. They're projected opening day lineup.
Jeremy pen You're leading off at short. They put gord
On Helver's betting second in left field, Jose two V
batting third at second, Carlos Kraa batting fourth at third base,
Esac Parade's batting fifth, d hing, Christian Walker batting sixth
(02:15:11):
that first, Hazu Sanchez batting seventh in right. So they
won't even give that to camp Swift Smith, uh yannar
Diez batting eighth at catcher, and Jake mat Meyer's batting
knife in center.
Speaker 2 (02:15:22):
I just feel like they're something something's off there.
Speaker 3 (02:15:28):
I would put I would hope camp Smith could earn
that spot, but Dane has just been so hung up
on the damn Let you know, we.
Speaker 2 (02:15:34):
Got to get a lefty bat like, okay, how about
a good.
Speaker 3 (02:15:37):
Left bat left handed bat, not right, just a left
handed bat for the sake of left handed bats.
Speaker 5 (02:15:42):
Well, I think they tried last year. I mean, were
they not in on Ryan Mountcastle? Like, was that not
something that I that I think was out there? So
I mean, like, I think they tried, and then I
think that it was a potential play with Hazu Sanchez
and it did not work out whatsoever. So I don't know,
maybe with him they feel like, you know, get him
(02:16:03):
with Victor Rodriguez and in with Anthony Ioposi and make
some adjustments there and all of a sudden, you know,
we see the guy that you hoped that you were
getting from the Marlins in that deal, which you didn't
really give up a ton to get them. But I
just I think that they really want to shore up outfield.
And I mean, and the unfortunate truth is Estoc Brettis
(02:16:25):
can help you do that. And maybe even you know,
as I say, that would Jake Myers be of interest
to somebody and that gets you a pretty nice return
in a deal like that. That's something that I think
will happen because they can, you know, dangle Christian Walker
out there all they want. And I understand he was
the team leader and home runs and RBI last year,
(02:16:45):
but that is not going to be the bait that
is going to get the catch that you want. That
I think an est SoC perettis and you know, maybe
even Jake Myers included could get you. Brian mctager brought
it up, and it is it is a little scary that. Again,
nothing against saysar salas Are, but that's your backup catcher
(02:17:07):
right now. I mean, I just I think for now
I feel like that that is a move too, that
you know, pitching the really good guys go early. And
I thought it was a good point brought up by
you too about fromber where I mean, could we be
looking at that like where the World Baseball Classic is
almost like a showcase for him?
Speaker 3 (02:17:25):
Yeah, no, I think that's a real possibility. I think
there's a real world where we maybe even Tucker and
bregmant Now maybe Bregman pulls the trigger before spring training
just goes you know what, I got to get in
camp with somebody. But there is a world where we
go into spring training and those guys are all still unsigned.
Speaker 5 (02:17:42):
Or at least I mean, you know, it's the pitchers
and catchers show up and then they signed that week
and didn't show up. I mean kind of one of
those deals. I mean, we've seen that was.
Speaker 3 (02:17:50):
Bregmant not one of those guys last year, if I'm
not mistaken, I know that he signed the lad he
was in spring training and he was having his Boston
press conference. Okay, so it was right or right? It
was okay?
Speaker 5 (02:18:01):
Yeah, I just I was trying to remember. But I mean, look,
are you a better lineup without East? Okpretis no, you're not.
I mean, I just I think, at least without knowing
what you're getting in return, because I mean, that's the thing.
It's got to be position for position swap right there.
Tartini is still a free agent, Like I just I
think that he's bad. I think that he's fighting the
(02:18:21):
battle right now internally of do I want to be
a starting catcher because if that's the case, then I'm
probably going to a less than contending club, Or do
I want to be with a contending club? Who then says, yeah,
that's cool, man, Like, you know, we would love to
have you, especially with the seasons that you just had
in Houston, but this is what we're willing to offer
you for that, I think that's what he's up against.
Speaker 11 (02:18:43):
ITV.
Speaker 3 (02:18:43):
We're being real talk though, wouldn't ass be better on
all we starting Caratini and playing yonder dias less.
Speaker 2 (02:18:53):
I mean, I I get where you're going with that.
Speaker 5 (02:18:56):
I mean, especially with the bat kind of you know,
declining last year with U with DZ, so you'd maybe
like to attribute that to a few more games behind
the plate.
Speaker 2 (02:19:05):
So that's kind of starting to wear him down.
Speaker 5 (02:19:06):
It happens to all catchers, sure, I mean, I think
if if the money's there, but like I mean, the
tone that it kind of sounded like from mc taggart
that maybe that ship has sailed that they feel like,
you know, we just we're not going to be able
to give him the money that he's gonna want, so
you know, let's go to with the cheaper options somewhere.
I mean, I've thrown out a guy like Jonah Him
(02:19:28):
I mean is somebody that has been an All Star,
somebody that you know can be able to deliver you
some power, you know, and has been a starting catcher.
But you wouldn't be asking him to do that here.
Maybe if you did that, then you're willing to split
up some of those duties a little bit more.
Speaker 2 (02:19:43):
Well, you know your third, your third best prospect is
right Walker you Hunt, yep, And I mean he'll be
up here soon enough.
Speaker 5 (02:19:52):
Here's somebody else too, speaking of prospects, And I know
the prospect talk is one of those where it's like,
oh man to tears over here. But I've had somebody
tell me that Ethan Frye, he wouldn't be surprised that's
a mid to late season call up.
Speaker 3 (02:20:06):
Well, I was talking about Catcher. I mean, yeah, I'm
looking at MLB. You know, they do their prospect rankings
expected time of arrival for twenty twenty five. The only
guys they have listed are Bryce Matthews, who is still
their number one prospect, Number four, Miguel you Looa. He's
their best pitching prospect and they put him on the
forty man roster to protect him from the role five draft.
Speaker 2 (02:20:28):
He came on.
Speaker 3 (02:20:29):
I was actually surprised. I thought we would probably see
him get called up by the end of last year.
He is knocking on the door, so he will be
up at some point this year. The only other one
they have on here aj Bluebad down at number fourteen,
but obviously he's been up at the bigs and I think,
you know, we'll play a bigger role this year.
Speaker 2 (02:20:47):
But that's kind of it.
Speaker 3 (02:20:48):
I mean, the rest they have all projected twenty twenty
seven and later Ethan Peco they have a twenty twenty six.
So anyway, the interesting thing though, as far as catcher,
was just bringing up Yonnick because how close do you
think he is?
Speaker 2 (02:21:03):
Uh?
Speaker 3 (02:21:04):
J t Real Muto remains a free agent, but he's
a high ticket item out there, twenty three million, uh
Mitch Garver, Christian Vasquez, who of course had a little
run with her Everard Vasquez, I mean he's not a
left handed bats and then it's Victor Kartini, Jonah Him,
Gary Sanchez. I mean that's kind of the group out
Austin Barnes. So if you wanted a big league catcher,
(02:21:29):
there are some out there and available, but you know,
maybe they maybe they want to stay in the house.
Maybe they like Salazar a lot as that backup op
I Salas are hit means, but I mean, I don't
know you're ready to hand him that big of a
of a duty. Like at least Keratin, he's been around
a while in the league and knows knows how to hit.
Speaker 2 (02:21:46):
Knows how to catch, knows how to play defense well
fromer's not here anymore, so that shouldn't really be much
of an issue. Oh it's els are yeah, ridiculous. That
was ultimate gas lighting right there.
Speaker 5 (02:21:58):
Ah you know what, Yeah, just this young catcher back here,
that's not what the issue was whatsoever.
Speaker 2 (02:22:04):
And you know it wasn't.
Speaker 5 (02:22:05):
And look, Salzar, I mean he handled it about as
well because he knew he was a low man on
the roster, so don't rock the boat. But same time though, too,
I mean again, you know then hey, you know we
it was an innocent thing. But you know, Saysar, can
you take the lineup card out there?
Speaker 2 (02:22:23):
Okay? All right, So I'm guessing that was, you know,
just because coincidence. You really liked the guy you sent
him out there? Cool? Thanks? All right.
Speaker 3 (02:22:31):
You know, look, I'm all about giving the audience what
they want, and I'm going to do that next because
we had this particular request out there and I want
to be able to pay off on that, so we'll
do that.
Speaker 5 (02:22:41):
And then also too, we love Kevin Durant, well so
do you, Houston, and you showed it last night. We'll
have that for you too as well. As it is
the Morning Drive with Dan and Cole. Cole Thompson out,
Chris Gordy in for him this morning right here on
your home of the Astros and the Rocket Sports Talk
seven ninety.
Speaker 9 (02:22:57):
Houston.
Speaker 1 (02:22:58):
It's you're a home team, a fan here anytime, anywhar.
Speaker 9 (02:23:02):
Yeah, I love your home team.
Speaker 1 (02:23:03):
We'll go to Rocket and go. Just tell your smart
device SLIC Sports Top seven ninety on iHeart Radio playing
Sports Top seven ninety on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 5 (02:23:13):
Up in Portland, and then they'll finish up this little
three gamer on Sunday in Sacramento. The Texans getting ready
for the Steelers on Monday night, part of wild Card
weekend in Tatsuya my now officially an Astro meeting with
the media yesterday. He is gonna wear number forty five.
Speaking of KD too, I mean the love for Katie.
Speaker 2 (02:23:34):
We love him here. He loves us too, loves Houston.
Speaker 3 (02:23:38):
I mean, you know, trying to you know, would you
call it a riz you know of trying to get
Kay Adams, you know, to a Rockets game kind of
seemed like a little bit of it kind of was
a little bit, you know, talking about how good the
barbecue is here.
Speaker 5 (02:23:51):
Everything which he's not wrong. We got that, got great stakes,
got that too. You know, we've got we've got great everything.
I mean, let's let's be honest here in terms of
you know, food in this city, it's about as good
as can be.
Speaker 2 (02:24:03):
So you got that going for you.
Speaker 5 (02:24:05):
But last night, after the game, as the Rockets players
will do, whoever was the you know, player of the
game do an interview on the floor, uh there at
Toyota Center with Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network,
and she caught up with KD. But not only is
it the conversation between them that of course everybody there
(02:24:26):
inside Toyota Center heard, but it's also too it's.
Speaker 2 (02:24:29):
The crowd reaction to KD.
Speaker 5 (02:24:31):
And it almost kind of felt like it was like
a late season pushing into the playoffs, maybe even in
the playoffs kind of reaction to KD. But let's just
say the love is being felt all the way around.
When it comes to number seven for the Rockets.
Speaker 10 (02:24:49):
Kevin three, your second three of the game. Let the
crowd Kevin your second three pointer of the game, and
it couldn't have been better timing. What did you see
on that shot?
Speaker 13 (02:25:03):
All my three pointers felt good leaving my hand and
someone was back ram too strong, and I'm like, I'm
a hit one at some point, I kept telling the team,
but I'm ahead of three at some point, and you know,
by the grace of God, was.
Speaker 2 (02:25:14):
The last one.
Speaker 10 (02:25:16):
How would you describe the feeling as that shot left
your hands? You looked like you knew you had it
the whole time.
Speaker 2 (02:25:21):
Yeah, I mean I got to my spot.
Speaker 13 (02:25:22):
I feel like on that right wing, that pull up
is my shot, and I just tried to, you know,
lead my follow through up there and follow my focus
on my fundamentals, and they went through.
Speaker 11 (02:25:31):
We needed it.
Speaker 10 (02:25:32):
It was a game of runs the entire time. How
were you all able to put together that final run
to seal the deal?
Speaker 13 (02:25:37):
I mean it was.
Speaker 2 (02:25:38):
It was a physical game.
Speaker 13 (02:25:39):
Both teams played extremely hard on defense on the defensive
side of the ball. I just think we made more
shots to end the game. To be honest, I think
it was a pretty even game, but we made more.
Speaker 2 (02:25:47):
Shots at the end.
Speaker 10 (02:25:48):
I'm In's playmaking and ball handling in that fourth quarter
was really elite.
Speaker 2 (02:25:52):
What did you like about that?
Speaker 13 (02:25:53):
Yeah, I mean just being able to control the offense.
That three point play set us up for this game winner,
and without that three point play here getting down to
the rim and finishing the free throws, whouldn't be in
this position so big for us.
Speaker 10 (02:26:04):
Would you like to hear everybody at Toyota Center channing MVP?
Speaker 13 (02:26:09):
Yeah, I mean Van Boom ain't here so many years
being opposing player and Van Boom you know.
Speaker 11 (02:26:20):
It's Bill.
Speaker 13 (02:26:21):
It's good to come out here and get some love.
I love Houston, I love Texas. I'm just grateful and
representing the Rockets.
Speaker 10 (02:26:25):
Thanks camping.
Speaker 5 (02:26:27):
There you go, and then afterwards too. I guess it's
going to be a new tradition for the Rockets that
they have almost kind of like a control panel like
you would see in mission control at the Johnson Space
Center where whatever player gets finished talking with Vanessa after
a win, then it gets to go over and hit
the button and that launches the rocket and you get
(02:26:48):
Jonathan Sandford then, you know, holding on to the Rockets's
you know, before.
Speaker 2 (02:26:53):
The rocket goes up. So it's like the light light
the beam.
Speaker 5 (02:26:57):
Yes, yes, there's that. I'm trying to think who else
has something like that after a win? I mean, I
know in the NFL it's a lot of pregame stuff.
What's it for Sam Mills in Carolina? They have to
bang the drum and remember when they played in the
Super Bowl, it was Steph Curry that was swinging the
mallet to hit the drum there and then what in
(02:27:21):
Seattle they have the raising the twelfth Man flag.
Speaker 2 (02:27:25):
So you have all of that. So yeah, it's kind
of the NBA's version of that.
Speaker 4 (02:27:28):
I like it.
Speaker 2 (02:27:28):
I like it. It's good. Yeah, I just what's the
name for it? I guess press the button.
Speaker 6 (02:27:35):
I don't know.
Speaker 5 (02:27:36):
We're ready for launch. I'm not sure it's a working thing.
I'm sure probably people over at the rockets are listening.
If there's an official title for it, I'm willing to share.
I just I don't know. It is the first time
i'd ever seen it.
Speaker 2 (02:27:48):
It's a win. So you're not ready for launch. You
already launched, you already took off. But that's it.
Speaker 5 (02:27:54):
I mean now that land well, I mean that would
be a little tough like where it's just like the
rocket has landed, like you know, like gonna be sponsored
by Elon Musk and Tesla. They're they're whatever rockets that
can land themselves.
Speaker 3 (02:28:11):
Yeah, that's what it is. It's a rocket landing by itself. Well,
and then you know, maybe you have Elon Muskin the
building for that too.
Speaker 2 (02:28:17):
That'd be fun. He's pretty busy.
Speaker 5 (02:28:19):
I mean, I'm sure he is, but I mean two
at the same time. It's it's just the reason why
I wanted to play that for y'all is it's nice
to have that.
Speaker 2 (02:28:26):
Energy in the building again. It's like, it's fun. Didn't
somebody still light the beam?
Speaker 12 (02:28:30):
Though?
Speaker 2 (02:28:30):
I know Sacramento started it, but I thought another team
stole it. I'm not sure.
Speaker 5 (02:28:36):
I mean, you can't really like, you know, do like
what the Tampa Bay Bucks do and fire off cannons.
I mean, that wouldn't really make any sense because you
don't have anything that kind of like leads you towards
you know, the old pirate era.
Speaker 2 (02:28:48):
The Milwaukee Bucks stole the beam?
Speaker 5 (02:28:52):
Oh okay, well, I mean, look, some people would say
that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, so maybe
that's what it is.
Speaker 17 (02:28:58):
Is.
Speaker 2 (02:28:58):
You know, hey, you guys copied us because your thing's cool.
Speaker 3 (02:29:01):
Also, one comment there from him kind of it caught
my ear when he said, I've been booed so many
times coming back here. I'm like, I go back to
a decade plus ago when they played the when they
played the thunder of the playoffs hard in the early
Harden years. It was Westbrook that was the pest and
(02:29:22):
him and Patrick Beverley getting into it and all that,
Like I never really to me, it wasn't like Durant,
you know, oh I hate that guy. And then when
he was with the Warriors, I think we all respected
him and he was incredible during those playoffrunts with the Warriors.
Speaker 2 (02:29:35):
But I wasn't like Blee Durant.
Speaker 3 (02:29:38):
It was more you hated Curry, hated Klak Thompson, and
he couldn't stand Draymond. But it was kind of you know,
I don't know, maybe it's just because I've always liked Katie.
Speaker 2 (02:29:47):
I've never been like, oh damn kd.
Speaker 5 (02:29:50):
He leaned into it pretty good though, and he was
with Golden State, he like he you know, would lean
into I can be the bad guy all of that.
And then of course with the Rockets, I mean wasn't
necessarily on him even though he was out of bounds.
It was more on the officials at that point. But
of course, I mean he was involved in it. So
it's just like, no you got the benefit of the
(02:30:10):
call right there, and we lost the game because of it.
Speaker 3 (02:30:12):
Yeah, yeah, I just say again, maybe I'm maybe I'm
not remembering, but I just don't remember ever like that.
Speaker 2 (02:30:20):
Damn durd I hate him. We'll call you Andy Pettitt,
You misremember?
Speaker 3 (02:30:25):
Yeah, well did you? Did you cheer for Andy Petty
when he went back to the Yankees? Didn't really care?
I guess, yeah, forget that. Yeah, I was gonna say,
I mean, I think that's probably pretty much the case.
I just I didn't really care. Well, it's good to
have Katie in Houston. It's good to hit a game winner.
And these next couple of weeks, this is like that.
(02:30:48):
This is like that grind All Star break, right, like you,
just a lot of guys see the light at the
end of the tunnel. They want to get to that
break and get some rest. Just got to kind of
trudge through it here, get some wins, all.
Speaker 2 (02:30:59):
Right, coming out next.
Speaker 3 (02:31:00):
Goodbyes can be emotional, and this one was especially emotional.
Speaker 5 (02:31:04):
We'll share that with you. David Numbles, you're right there
working in two. You want to join him? Seven one
three two on two five seven ninety get it's seven
one three, two on two five seven ninety some Morning
Drive with Dann Cole, Chris Gordy.
Speaker 2 (02:31:15):
And for Cole Thompson. This morning right here Sports Talk
seven ninety pge Town.
Speaker 1 (02:31:21):
The Morning Drive could continues now now here's Dann and Cole.
Speaker 5 (02:31:28):
He waged basketball tonight taking on Texas Tech over there
at for Tita Center. I know that our guest earlier,
Brian McTaggart, he's going to be in the building. I
think that Joe Spota said he's going to be there,
and you know we covered it with tags. I mean
tatsu am I he's he's two and zero going the
Houston Sporting events. So why don't you know, like like
(02:31:48):
Tillman's got pull over there for Tita and and Patrick
and the crew. Throw them some seats right there on
the floor. Get him, get him to see some good
college basketball tonight. He's a competitive guy. I think I
think he would be a massive fan of Kelvin Sampson.
He may have left town already, Okay, then if he did,
then how soon enough get him over there? Like I
(02:32:10):
think they have Kansas at Forteita Center this year. They've
got a few good games and conference play over there,
so maybe get him over there, David c You're right there.
Speaker 2 (02:32:18):
Get to you in a second.
Speaker 5 (02:32:19):
But you know, the end of the NFL regular season
signifies many things, but you know, a number one, it
shows you that it's the beginning of the end where
we know that, you know, the playoffs they're great, they're fun,
and every single game we look forward to with anticipation.
But then you know that soon enough it's gonna be
the super Bowl. And then the super Bowl happens and
(02:32:40):
you're like, this is Christmas Morning as a kid. After
we're done, like the Presidents have been unwrapped, the anticipation
has been met. Now you get the twenty six and
everything until you get to New Year's and then after.
Speaker 2 (02:32:53):
That it's just you know, any other day at that point.
Speaker 5 (02:32:56):
Well, it also is the end of red zone for
the Sea and red zone obviously is a massive fan
favorite because I mean, you know, you could see every
single game you know this team is in the red zone.
Of course, Scott Hanson will kick it over there will
Scott Hanson doing a nice little send off and a
nice little sign off for red zone in the twenty
twenty five season. And if you're listening, I think you
(02:33:19):
can probably catch that. Scott maybe gets a little emotional
here as he's saying goodbye to the viewers for twenty
twenty five.
Speaker 17 (02:33:26):
As we always say, call it gets me a little bit.
Don't cry that it's over, Smile that it happened. A
fantastic twenty twenty five. God bless you in twenty twenty six.
Thank you so much for watching. Ladies and gentlemen. We
leave you as we always do, with one more look
at every touchdown from every game.
Speaker 2 (02:33:45):
Goodbye, sweet Prince. Isn't this isn't it going over to
ESPN mixt year?
Speaker 5 (02:33:50):
And that might be the case too that you know,
with the ESPN and NFL, you know, their whole partnership thing.
Speaker 2 (02:33:57):
So maybe that's part of it as well. But you
got it.
Speaker 5 (02:34:00):
Have Scott Hanson on that. He's fantastic. But here's the
trade off. Because I thought about this last night. Scott
Hansen is every bit of Ernie Johnson. Just seems like
a very magnanimous guy, seems very likable. Players seem to
really enjoy him, just you know, seems like a great personality.
The NFL needs to create their own version of inside
(02:34:22):
the NBA, and I think that Scott Hanson would be
the ideal guy to lead that desk.
Speaker 2 (02:34:27):
Yeah, I'm not going with Scott Hanson.
Speaker 3 (02:34:29):
I'm gonna go with rich Eisen because he's so likable
and everyday man.
Speaker 2 (02:34:34):
You know, he's just relatable. You just knew how to
shut me down, didn't you. You just knew. I mean,
the only other worst answer that you could have possibly
had was Mike florio Look, ESPN owns the rights now
and they have Rich Eisen back in the fold. So
here's what we do.
Speaker 3 (02:34:49):
We do an ESPN, ESPN's NFL Red zone will be
Rich Eisen, will put Steven A. Smith in there. Well,
you put it there.
Speaker 2 (02:35:02):
Who else is unlikable?
Speaker 5 (02:35:04):
Like I'm not quite to two twelve in terms of degrees,
Mike Florida checks it. That one might have just put
me over at two thirteen, two hundred and thirteen degrees fahrenheit,
we boil it.
Speaker 3 (02:35:15):
And then just because he's annoying, well, they're Joe Tessitour
in the mix too. I mean, just the entire mount
rushmore of people that I could mind not want to
hear from less, every single one of them, every single
one of them.
Speaker 5 (02:35:31):
No thanks, stephen A. Actually, you know what that's that's
not fair to stephen A. I actually don't mind Steven A.
Speaker 3 (02:35:36):
Would he's playing a red zone though, Like I mean,
why not in no doubt the Cowboys or in the
red zone.
Speaker 5 (02:35:43):
He's on everything else and then he can do his
same little stick of throwing the black felt cowboy hat
and have the cigar and do all of that.
Speaker 3 (02:35:51):
Sure, fine, I think that that's his Like you almost
have to be hosty, you know, like you gotta be
Ernie Johnson real quick.
Speaker 2 (02:35:58):
Let's check in and Jacksonville. No, Like that's that's all
you're doing.
Speaker 3 (02:36:01):
The Jernie Johnson. You you would call that the straight man.
I feel like, see, let's hev let's go to Jacksonville.
What are the worst cities I've.
Speaker 2 (02:36:10):
Ever been to? I mean, he's not wrong on that.
Jacksonville is just nothing. But you know, hey, are we
in Jacksonville?
Speaker 5 (02:36:18):
Yeah, technically, but you're in Ponavidra like it's it's it's
nothing but FM nineteen sixties around there of just long
straightaway roads with strip sinners here and there.
Speaker 3 (02:36:29):
We hit out jack Cleveland and Miami. My god, this
is a terrible game. Who's even watching this game? Like
that's what you would be getting from student, would that
be the game that's on in the waiting room to
get the hell like? That's that's what it is is
that game just plays on the continuous the NFL. And
this is what's so great about it is it is
amazing how quick you can go from worse to first.
Speaker 11 (02:36:49):
I mean it is.
Speaker 3 (02:36:50):
It is a league where parody reigns king and you
can be terrible for one or two years and then
suddenly find yourself as a playoff team.
Speaker 5 (02:36:58):
It's just it's it's fun that way. Some organizations figure
that out. I mean the one that's right around the
corner from us they did thanks to Hannah.
Speaker 14 (02:37:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (02:37:07):
Absolutely, and you finally got happy Jack Easter be out
of there, which, by the way, too, speaking of that,
because I know that, shout out to Father Clint Wrestler
if you're still you know, out there listening. And he
used to be the Texans Catholic chaplain. I mean, you
gotta wonder if the Texans have an answer to what
the Steelers broke out the other night.
Speaker 2 (02:37:27):
What did they break out?
Speaker 5 (02:37:28):
They broke out one of the Pittsburgh area priests hitting
the field with some holy water and blessing the field.
Speaker 2 (02:37:35):
So now, Father Clint, Now now it's your answer.
Speaker 3 (02:37:38):
You know, Texans, put him on the put him on
the flight, go along with with the holy water and
maybe even to the little, you know, incense swinging thing,
if you want to do that. I think that's actually
how you're able to to up the any in this.
That's That's what I really think is is something that
you can do. That's one of the hardest struggles you
have as a kid growing up, com binding religion with sports,
(02:38:01):
when you get into the conflict of both starting quarterbacks
prayed for their team to win.
Speaker 5 (02:38:06):
God's a football fan too, Okay, who you side with?
Only let the best man win? David, Real quick and humble?
What's going on?
Speaker 2 (02:38:14):
Yes, sir? Hello?
Speaker 7 (02:38:16):
Dan?
Speaker 2 (02:38:17):
What's up? Hello? Chris? Chris?
Speaker 7 (02:38:20):
Are you going to be on uh MT show today?
Speaker 11 (02:38:24):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (02:38:25):
We'll see if MPT will have me. I think it's
it's seeing Ross in the fold. But I can I
can pop in.
Speaker 7 (02:38:31):
Okay, I love you when you pop in on MT show?
But real quick, Uh Dan, what do you think about? Uh?
The Houston tex and uh uh and and the chances
that they go to the Super Bowl with c J.
Stroud right now, I have my doubts, and the reason
why I have my doubts because of what player c J.
(02:38:55):
Stroud is going to be uh with with playing the
Pittsburgh Steelers, they a big question to mark because you
always got a BOC out of the defense. I'm not scared,
but I'm concerned about sprouts.
Speaker 9 (02:39:12):
Big it being more.
Speaker 7 (02:39:15):
Careful of bumbling the football or throw in throwing in
the session.
Speaker 2 (02:39:20):
Now what do you think?
Speaker 5 (02:39:20):
Yeah, I appreciate the call, David. We got to run
here because we've got to flip it over to Matt
and Ross. Look, I mean with CJ. I think it's simple.
Don't turn the football over. That's really the crux of
it all. You don't turn the football over. You make
just enough plays and you allow this defense to be
what they can be. Then there's no reason to believe
that this team cannot only win on Monday Night. But
then you get that rematch against Denver. That's a Texans
(02:39:43):
locker room that believes they can beat that team. You
can go to Denver and you can win that game,
and then all of a sudden, we're talking about for
the first time in franchise history, this team is playing
for an AFC Championship. We'll continue to break it down
tomorrow morning again. Cole Thompson gonna be back with us
here on the show. But Gordy appreciate it, buddy. Always
good stuff from you. Chris Gordian for Cole Thompson this morning.
He's Triple Emmanuel elmart Dan Matthews here with you on
(02:40:06):
your home of the Astros in the Rockets Sports Talk
seven ninety The Matt Thomas Show with Ross.
Speaker 2 (02:40:10):
Come on your way right here. We will talk to
you in twenty hours
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