The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Inside the Parker - Astros Rub It In; Cinderella Marlins?; Former Astros Manager Bo Porter, MLB Writer Dave Lennon Talk Wild Card Round

Episode Date: October 1, 2020

This week on Inside the (Rob) Parker, Rob looks at another quick Twins playoff exit at the hands of the disgraced Astros, why the Marlins and Derek Jeter deserve credit for their surprising playoff run and Game 1 win over the Cubs.Guests: Former Astros Manager and MLB Analyst Bo Porter talks playoff storylines, and the pressure on the Dodgers to finally win it all. Newsday MLB Writer Dave Lennon discusses the up and down Yankees season and his take on their Game 1 win over Cleveland. Click here to subscribe and download all of the latest Inside the Parker podcasts and follow Rob on Twitter!! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Another podcast from some SNL, late-night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter.

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win.

I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media. Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifers Show. This is a place for raw, unfilled conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to the Clifford show on the Iheart radio app,

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok's podcast network on TikTok. On the Look Back at it podcast. From 1979, that was a big moment for me. 84's big to me. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English.

Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. With our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors. Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Full details on carnival.com, ships, redstreet, behind us Panama. From the Berkshires to the sound. From wherever you live in MLB America, this is Inside the Parker. You give us 22 minutes and we'll give you the scoop on Major League Baseball. Now here's Baseball Hall of Fame voter number 86. Rob Parker. All right, welcome into the podcast. We have a great show for you today.

I am your host, Rob Parker. And former Astros manager, Bo Porter, will stop by and give us some playoff insight. Also, Newsday baseball columnist Dave Lennon, he'll also jump in. Tell us about the Yankees and what they did in game one against the Indians. That and much more. Let's go. To lead all. It's getting robbed.

And keep them up. Rob's hot take on the three biggest stories in Major League Baseball. Number one. Oh, my, what a baseball plethora on Wednesday. Eight playoff games, just a smorgasbord of games to watch, action to take in. It was incredible. But unfortunately, for the Minnesota Twins and their fans, it was the sixth. Same old, same old story.

The twins were swept by the Houston Astros. The twins have now lost. Are you ready for this? Hold on to your bonnet. 18 in a row. It's a North American sports record. 18 playoff games in a row. More than any, NHL team, NBA team, NFL team.

I mean, they are in first place by themselves with the record of 18. in a row, and it is just embarrassing. I mean, they played well down the stretch, won the division out of nowhere when it looked like they weren't going to win the division, had the home series, and then only wound up scoring two runs, and their bats just went totally silent. The Astros who just didn't look like a good team actually came into the series, two games under 500, and they sweep them. So here we are again.

If you're a Twins fan, you know what? You might as well cry in your beer because they just seem like no matter what team is put together, how potent their offense is, who's pitching for them, who's the manager, none of it seems to matter. They keep losing. Number two. Say it isn't so. Yes, the most hated team in baseball America. The Houston Astros are moving on. They didn't even have a winning record.

Go look at the stats. Al Tuve had a terrible year. George Springer struggled. They didn't have Garrett Cole, who of course went to the Yankees in their rotation. Verlander was heard. What? The cheating scandal. They were berated and embarrassed and talked about and scolded by all the players

and the fans of Major League Baseball. They luckily backed their way into the playoffs. Everybody thought maybe the twins would beat them and that would be the end of the 2020. Houston Astros, we wouldn't have to see them or hear from them again and that they basically got off Scott Free because they didn't have to faith the wrath of fans. But no, they're moving on to the division series so the Astros aren't going anywhere anytime soon. they advance and they continue to rub it in the fans the face of baseball fans. Number three. It's been an incredible ride so far for the Miami Marlins who won game one of their best of three

wild card series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley on Wednesday. And the Marlins, when you think about how the season started for them with the COVID, they had 18 players test positive and to think that they couldn't play games early on. The outbreak derailed their season. Coming into the season, they were 20 to 1. Those were the odds of them making the playoffs. You know, Derek Jeter has been ripped up and down about all the moves, how they've gotten rid of the big stars that the Marlins have,

and all these young kids. They've used 61 players this year on their roster because of the COVID and because of other things and injuries. And they just had to keep digging. It tells you how deep their farm system is. But there they are with a chance to advance and knock off the Cubs, you know, after their game one victory. And you got to give Jeter some credit because he was getting all the blame. And the one thing about the Marlins, don't poo-poo them. The last two times they've been in the playoffs, they've won the World Series each time.

Yes, indeed, they have. Here comes the big interview. Listen and learn. Oh, it's so good. All right, now let's welcome to the program, former Houston Astros manager, Bo Porter, who has a new project we want to hear about called Core Magazine. He's also a baseball analyst for the Washington Nationals. Hey, Bo, welcome to the podcast. Rob, thank you so much for having me on.

I'm always the pleasure to be able to sit and talk baseball and sports with you. No doubt. Let's just go real quick. The San Diego Padres made the playoffs, a great exciting story, and then they get bad news. Their ace, Mike Clevenger, who they got from the Indians, couldn't pitch, is off the wild car. roster. They put in Chris Paddock, who gets beat up in the first end. And how devastating is that

not to be able to have your ace go in game one? Well, that's shocking news. I mean, whenever you look at teams that have good seasons and you think about the guy that you, from a standpoint of being confident every time they take the ball, it's a confidence boost to the ball club when you have your ace on the mountain. When you lose that component, it's in shockwaves throughout your ball club. Speaking of pitching, let's get there. Tampa Bay, a lot of people like Tampa Bay. A lot of people think they're going to get to the World Series.

We know about Snell, their race, and they're pitching. How good is their pitching, and is it good enough to get them to the World Series? Well, one, I think it is good enough. And when you look at Tampa Bay, the strength of their pitching is the depth of it. And it's not just the depth when you look at their starters. And they're unconventional at the same time, meaning they're not afraid to use an opener. It's all about matchups, and they have one of the best bullpins. Our guest is Bo Porter, former Houston Astros manager and MLB analysts.

Let's talk about the Oakland A's. They lost game one of the playoffs, and for years, Bo. When they got in a lot of times, they win it as a wild card, and they'd only have that one game, and they wind up getting knocked out in the playoffs. They finally win the West. And if there would have been a one-game wild card, they would have been out because they lost game one, but they bounced back in game to how good are the Oakland A's

and having a series finally looks like it might help them out. Yes, I think having a series is definitely going to help them out. And when you look at the Oakland A's and the White Sox, I think this by far is the best matchup in the first round of the playoffs. And either one of these teams, whether it's the White Sox or whether it's the Oakland A's, either one of them can run the table to the World Series. But I think Oakland built a roster a little bit different this time. I think this roster is actually built for the long haul.

And I have them coming out of this series against the White Sox and being able to advance. Let's talk about advancing. And there's one team, and we all know the Los Angeles Dodgers are stacked. They were 43 and 17, by far the best team in baseball record-wise. Bo, do they have to win? the Dodgers haven't won a World Series since 1988, and they've also, when you look at it, have been to World Series two of the last three years

and haven't been able to win, do they need to win this year? I'm never won, Rob, that's a World Series or Buss, because I realize just how hard it is to win a World Series. When you look at the Los Angeles Dodgers and the tremendous success in which they've had, you know, on this run in which they've been on, I would say that this is the team that has been best suited to win the World Series.

I think that they're more balanced now. When they added Mookie Vets and they went from a, you know, left-handed dominant lineup to where now they have the balance that they've been missing when you add Mookie Vets into that lineup with Justin Turner and the other guys that they have. So I think when you look over the course of, you know, the success in which the Dodgers have enjoyed, I believe that this roster is the best roster that they've taken into the post.

season. Let's talk about the brewers who are their face, and the brewers were under 500. Christian Yellage struggled, no Lorenzo Kane. He opted out during the season. They were 29 and 31. Do they have any shot at beating the Dodgers?

Well, they do. I mean, when you look at, that's why you play the games, and the games are not one on paper. I believe the Dodgers are the better team. I believe that the Dodgers are going to come out of this series, but they won't come out of this series if they take the Brewers lightly. If they come out and they take care of business, I believe that they should be able to advance against the Brewers in two games.

I don't think it goes three. But that's why we play the games. The Brewers are not going to roll over, so the Dodgers are going to have to beat them. Last thing, Bo. Tell what's about Core Magazine and how people can subscribe and find out, find it. Core is a magazine that's about champions of real excellence. We have five pillows with the magazine and it's business, it's sports, its leadership, it's philanthropy, and it's marketing.

the website is www.com. It's a quarterly periodical in which we're going to feature stories about champions. Our first publication has the apex of sports Mike Rizzo, apex of leadership,

Bill Parcells. We have feature stories called Ball to Business and that's players who have championed their ball and career and now they're championed the business space and BJ Armstrong will be featured in that. We also have have our champions for causes, and that is people who have championed their professional career

and now they're championed the philanthropic space. We're going to honor Negro League. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined.

And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger.

So if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to the Clifford show on the IHeard radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross

double-tap Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do with Little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick it here, unpack what went down,

and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill, waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 is big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack on day, but just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack. So I'm starting to see that there's a through line. We also have AIDS on the table right now.

Thank you for. sentencing. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hard Way with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests,

I'm talking. Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing. And we're still chasing it. And we don't know when we've done enough. Because people scoreboard watch.

Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross. Because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth. Are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different.

levels of trust. I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, Learn the Hardway. Open your free iHeartRadio app. Search Learn the Hardway and listen now. President Bob Kendrick, with our champions, we'll call this. It's all about, when I thought about, you know, launching this magazine, Rob, it was about trying to inspire and empower people to want to do more and be more. and that's what being the champion is all about.

Man, congratulations. Best of luck. I can't wait to look at it and get it. Subscribe. Thank you, Bo. Bo Porter's his name. Thanks for your insight and your knowledge. Yes, I appreciate you, Rob.

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And we're live here outside the Perez family home just waiting for the... And there they go. Almost on time this morning. Mom is coming out the front door strong with a double-armed kid carry. Looks like Dad has the bags. Daughter is bringing up the room. Oh, but the diaper bag wasn't closed. Diapers and toys are everywhere.

Ooh, but Mom has just nailed the perfect car seat buckle for the toddler. And now the eldest daughter, who looks to be about nine or ten, has secured herself in the booster seat. Dad zips the bag closed, and they're off. Ah, but looks like Mom doesn't realize her coffee cup is still on the roof of the car, and there it goes. Oh, that's a shame. That mug was a fam-faced.

favorite. Don't sweat the small stuff. Just nail the big stuff. Like making sure your kids are buckled correctly in the right seat for their age and size. Learn more at nhtsa.gov slash the right seat. Visit nhtsa.gov slash the right seat. brought to you by Nitsa and the ad council. It's time for the pocket protector central. The analytic numbers you need to know, well, maybe. Anthony Masterson is his name. BS analytics is his game. BS analytics is his game. What do you got for me, Anthony? Well, the 2020 regular season is in the books, and it was historic, if not wildly unorthodox. The champs finished in last.

The Marlins are in the playoffs. Juan Soto posted the highest OPS for any player under 22 in MLB history. But I'm here to talk about Shane Bieber again. Yes, the Indians ace will likely lock up the Salyung, probably unanimously, by virtue of winning the pitching triple crown, leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. Bebel was so good, he didn't just leave the ALA. in those categories. He led all of baseball, something that has not been done since Johann Santana did so for the Twins in 2006. Looking even farther back, the previous American League pitcher

to lead all of baseball in those categories was the Tigers Hal Neuhauser back in 1945. Now, Beaver became the fastest player to reach 100 strikeouts in the season, doing so in just 62 and a third innings, and his 14.2K per 9 set another all-time mark, besting Garrett Cole's number from last season. His 1.63 ERA was the lowest by an AL pitcher since they lowered the mound in 1969 to make it easier on the hitters. And here we go, the analytics, his ERA Plus, which takes league and ballpark into account, and every number over 100 is a percentage point better than league average was a monstrous 281. That means he was 181% better than league average.

And that number was only eclipsed by Pedro Martinez back in two. So even though it was only 12 starts, it was one of the most remarkable seasons for a pitcher in MLB history. That ball is. It was a big week in the big leagues. Or is it fair? And now, here's shadowleague.com MLB insider, J.R. Gamble. The Astros barely made it into the 16-team playoffs and really haven't looked like a team capable of winning a World Series, especially considering that they don't have the advantages that they had in the past,

but they swept the Minnesota Twins in the Wild Card Series. J.R., is it foul or fair to say that manager Dusty Baker has enough to lead Houston to a World Series title? It's a fair ball. Winning the World Series comes down to pitching, and while Houston doesn't have a dominant staff, 12th in MLB and ERA, without Verlander and Cole as they had in past runs, It still has the confidence staff, a Hall of Fame coach with more playoff experience than any of the other managers, and they have some of the MLB's best players who have already got the job done in a club situation. Springer is a former World Series MVP, Michael Brantley's still a hit machine,

and Jose Altov is due to get hot, and now it might be the best time for him. Alex Bregman's also a beast. Despite the accusations the Astros have a winning culture, and in this wacky season anything can happen. There's no clear-cut favorite, and if a few things fall in the Astros way, they could definitely end up in the World Series. Besides, Rob, they have a lot riding on this.

Respect, legitimacy, and the championship legacy of Dusty Baker. Take out the papers in the trash. It's time for Trash Talk Twitter. Your chance to trash anyone or anything in Major League. baseball. This week's trash comes from Ajax in Detroit. He tweeted me this. The Dodgers better beat the Brewers. Milwaukee didn't even belong in the playoffs. The Brewers were 29 and

31. Worse than a 500 record. If the Dodgers lose again and don't get to the World Series with this squad, they have to say bye-bye to manager Dave Roberts. If you want your tweet read here on Trash Talking, hit me up on my Twitter at Rob Parker, FS1, and you two could be like AJ. When Rob was a newspaper columnist, he lived by this motto. If I'm writing, I'm ripping. Let's bring in a writer or broadcaster, older new.

All right, now let's welcome into the podcast. A friend of mine, I used to work with him at Newsday, the fine baseball columnist for Newsday in New York. Dave Lennon. Dave, welcome to the podcast. Hey, Rob, how's it going, man? Man, doing great. I'd love to catch up with you and talk some New York Yankees baseball, so let's do that. And first I want to say, Dave, was game one a statement sent out by the Yankees to the American League that when they're healthy and got all their pieces, they're dangerous because they beat up on Shane Bieber, who everybody thinks will win the United States.

American League side young. How impressive was that game? Well, Rob, you know, you know how New York is. I mean,

we were really giving it to the Yankees pretty hard back here about how this was a team that was only a creation of the Bronx. You know, they needed to be in their

comfy stadium with the short porch where they were 22 and 9 this year. They were terrible on the road. If they didn't get home field advantage, they were going to get

knocked out quickly. And of course, you know, the Yankeesians, are out telling us, yeah, yeah, we'll be fine. Short season. When the lights go on, you know, we'll be ready. What did they do, Rob? You know, they made us look stupid

once again because, you know, when they showed up in Cleveland, and you're facing, let's face it. I mean, Bieber's the Cy Young winner. We don't need to say things like presumptive or favorite. He's winning the Cy Young. And what the Yankees did to him on opening night of the playoffs,

you're right. A hundred percent statement game, four pitches in, judge takes him over the wall. And Rob, when Aaron Judge does something like that, you see the rest of the Yankees line up pretty quickly to follow him. Four home runs.

Never really a game. Even when it was close early, it just didn't feel like a game with Derek Cole on the mound. Speaking of Judge, let's go there. I think that was his ninth postseason home run. If this guy could ever stay healthy, I mean,

and you're right, he's a lightning rod for that team. And when he plays well. I've seen this guy and you have hit big postseason home runs to tie games to do things. How good can he be if he could just stay healthy? The problem, Rob,

is that we forget sometimes because he's like in and out of the lineup so much because he's been hurt the past couple years. I mean, this season, Rob, he was headed for the MVP, you know, before he suffered that cast rate. I mean, he was putting up trout-like numbers

before he went on the injured list. then he comes back and in the last 10 games he only came back for the last 10 games in the regular season, didn't hit a home run had one extra base hit I think he was hitting around 190 and again everybody was wondering

is judge going to be okay you know for the playoffs does he still need more time to get ready but again some guys just have it Rob right I mean some guys when October shows up or late September wherever we are right now they're ready you know

a switch goes off in them, and Judge is one of those guys. And you just can't hit a bigger home run for his team than he did on Tuesday night. No doubt about it. Our guest is Dave Lennon, the baseball columnist from Newsday in New York. Let's talk about Tanaka, who was the game two starter for the Yankees. And people might not realize how great he's been in the postseason, in pinstripped, with coming into Wednesday night. He had a 1.76 ERA.

He's been lights out. It's hard to believe, Rob, is that when the Yankees first signed Tanaka to that $155 million deal, you know, he was the big ace in Japan that they got. Within the first couple months, you know, they thought he was going to need Tommy John surgery. And we're talking seven years ago. But what he did was they decided to do, you. You know, the platelet, rich plasma injections, he did some rehab, came back. Elbow has never bothered him again.

And the guy really, he's been the ace of the staff. You know, you've seen it through CC, went from being an eighth, you kind of moving further down on the rotation. You know, they have coal now, so he's moved up to be the number one. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. others say it's unleashing human potential.

Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win.

Yep, that's me. Clipper Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skisks of a win. hits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated.

One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So, if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to The Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tap Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people.

I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do with a little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we picket here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill,

waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 is big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack on day, but just so you're just so you're not. y'all know. I mean, at this point, this is the second episode where we've discussed Craig, so I'm starting to see that there's a through line. We also have AIDS on the table right now, so. Thank you finishing that sentence. Yes. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really?

Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of mental health awareness month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests.

I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing. And we're still chasing it, and we don't know when we've done enough. Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses.

Steve Burns, Dustin Ross because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth or are you a good person because you're afraid because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different levels of trust.

I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, learn the hard way. Open your free,

our heart radio app, search learn the hard way and listen now. The real constant here, Rob, all along has been Tanaka. And with the Yankees, as you know, the greatness of a pitcher or a player is always measured in October. The regular season is fine.

Whatever numbers you put up during the regular season is fine. But you really separate yourself and you really become kind of a Yankee legend with your performance in October. And that's what Tanaka's done. I mean, he's been a big game pitcher for them since he's arrived. And, you know, they're hoping from the same things

with him this postseason. Last thing, Dave, when it comes to the Indians, just offensively, when I look at that lineup, a lot of guys scuffling, do they have enough hitting? Because I know they have pitching, but do they have enough hitting? And the other thing going into game two on Wednesday night is that they had lost their last nine elimination games. When you look at that lineup, is it as weak to you as it is to me? Well, Rob, if you talk to people around the league when the playoff seedings were starting to kind of come together, you know, teams didn't want to play the Indians, but it was because of the pitching staff. You know, in a short series, nobody wanted to face their top three guys in Bieber, Carasco, and Pleasack.

Those are the pitchers that scared people. And in a short series, that was enough, especially with their bullpen, too, with their top bullpen guys. So, you know, if you talk to any other teams around, but offensively, Rob, no. I mean, this lineup falls off pretty quickly after Ozir Ramirez, who, you know, she should be the MVP in my mind, too, of the American League. Lindor had a really down year for him, Rob. So, no, there's just not a lineup that scares you. You know, in years past, the Indians have really been known as kind of an offensive team

that could really kind of knock you around progressive field. That's not the case this year. And if the Yankees come in there and beat them up like they did in game one, you know, they can do some serious damage. So it's just not a deep enough lineup, even if they get by the first round, I think to really be a threat much further. All right. His name is Dave Lennon.

He's a fine baseball columnist, a friend of mine. We used to work together when I worked at Newsday. And Dave, thanks for joining the podcast, man. We appreciate it. We miss your route back east. Have a good time out there on the coast and stay safe. If you love to be remembered as the person who gives the best birthday gifts, I'm here to tell you that 1-800flowers.com is your ultimate birthday gifting destination.

1-800 Flowers has thoughtful and artfully created options that are guaranteed to deliver the best birthday surprise. Shop thousands of unique gifts at 1-800flowers.com for exclusive offers and great values. To order today, visit 1-800flowers.com tune in. That's 1,800flowers.com slash tune in. Look through your children's eyes to see the true magic of a forest. It's a storybook world for them. You look and see a tree.

They see the wrinkled face of a wizard with arms outstretched to the sky. They see treasure and pebbles. They see a windy path that could lead to adventure. And they see you. Their fearless guide is this fascinating world. Find a forest near you and start exploring at Discover the Forest. Forest.org, brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the Ad Council. Adoption of teens from foster care is a topic not enough people know about, and we're here to change that.

I'm April Dinwiddy host of the new podcast, Navigating Adoption, presented by Adopt U.S. Kids. Each episode brings you compelling real-life adoption stories told by the families that live them with commentary from experts. Visit AdoptuS.kids.org slash podcast or subscribe to navigating adoption presented by Adopt U.S. Kids. Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families and the Ad Council. Now it's time for some diamond dust with Wish TV's Phil Sanchez. Out of here! He played baseball in college. Now here is MLB knowledge.

Well, when you watch the playoffs over the next few weeks, take a close look at some of the bats the players are using, specifically the knob of some of those bats. There you'll see a label with a graphic design of black and white hands, clasped over the words heal and unite. It's all part of an initiative started by former Cincinnati Reds Great and Hall of Same Shortstop Barry Larkin. Larkin is the founder of the Project Unity Initiative, which is aimed at bringing people

together on and off the field. Larkin says that he came up with the idea in light of everything going on in our country from COVID-19 to police brutality. Now, the idea has the backing of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who said, quote, historically, our game has played a unique role in uniting our country during challenging times. We hope Project Unity can help play a small role in making a difference. Larkin is also raising money for several groups that will help improve diversity within the game. As far as the bats go, though, Larkin says that he hopes all players consider using them,

but he also understands that baseball players are creatures of habit and says that he's more than okay with players using the bat that you're most comfortable with. Either way, though, every little bit helps. Hat tip, Barry Larkin, you deserve. Perfect. Closer. Track one. Strike two. Right three.

Here's why MLB is better than the NFL or NBA. And it isn't even close. Baseball is better than the NBA and the NFL for one reason and one reason only. There always seems to be memorable moments, walk off home runs or hits that just make you remember those moments. And we saw that on Wednesday when Freddie Freeman had to walk off. RBI single to send the Braves to a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in extra innings. It was drama.

It was theater. And it reminded me that the last time the Reds had a walk-off hit to lose a playoff game, are you ready? It was 1975. And the Boston Red Sox beat them in the World Series on that famous foul or failed. a home run by Carlton Fisk. Take a listen. The 1-0 delivery to Fiske.

Swings, long drive, left field. If it stays there, it's gone. Home three games a peace. In the words of New York TV legend, the late Bill Jorgensen, thanking you for your time

this time until next time. Rob Parker, out. He can't get it. This could be an inside of Parker. See you next week. Same bad time. Same bad station. Get right to the romance

and find the way to wow this Valentine's, with 1,800flowers.com. From classic roses and bouquets to decadent chocolate-covered berries, gourmet treats, and more. Surprise your Valentine with 1,800flowers.com. Right now, get the 18-stem enchanted rose medley for $39-99, or upgrade to 24 red roses for $10 more.

Go to 1-800flowers.com slash tune-in. That's 1-800flowers.com slash tune-in. Another podcast from some SNL, late-night comedy guide, Not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and Friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, S&L's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform?

We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not. not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the Look Back at it podcast.

That was a big moment for me. 84 was big to me. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. With our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors. Like, Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild year.

It was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. Yep, that's me, Clivert Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media.

Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Cliford Show. This is a place for raw, unfilled conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to The Cliford Show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford, and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok.

This is an IHeart podcast, guaranteed human.