The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Inside the Parker: Opening Day Edition! Rob's World Series Pick; 60-Game Season Storylines; Guest: Christian Yelich on 2020 Unknown

Episode Date: July 23, 2020

This week on Inside the (Rob) Parker, opening day is finally here and Rob is ready to roll. He weighs in on the Dodgers locking up Mookie Betts to a massive 12-year deal, opening day matchups and gives his 2020 World Series prediction.Brewers slugger Christian Yelich discusses his fit with the Brewers, and what he expects in the uncharted territory of the 2020 season. Former GM Jim Bowden looks at some of the top storylines heading into the 60-game season .Click here to subscribe and download all of the latest Inside the Parker podcasts!! 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. On the Look Back at it podcast.

For 1979, 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. Hey, what's good, y'all? You're listening to Learn the Hardway with your favorite therapist and host, Kear Games. This space is about black men's experiences, having honest conversations that it's really not safe to have anywhere, but you're having them with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing. How many men carry a suit or armor.

It signals to the world that you're not to be played with. And just because you have the capability that doesn't. not mean that you need to. Listen to learn the hard way on the AHA radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Get right to the romance and find the way to wow this Valentine's with 1800flowers.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 399-9-99, or upgrade to 24 red rose. roses for $10 more. Go to 1,800flowers.com slash tune in. That's 1,800flowers.com

slash tune in. 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. Welcome into the podcast. I am your host, Rob Parker. and what a show on opening day. That's right. We'll have Milwaukee Brewers Slugger, Christian Yelich. He stops by the program.

Also, former Major League General Manager Jim Bowden from CBS Sports HQ, The Athletic and Series XM. He'll give us some storylines for this coming baseball season. That and much more. Let's go. To lead off, it's getting robbed. And keep him up. Rob's hot take.

on the three biggest stories in Major League Baseball. Number one. To quote the East Side Cheddar Boys out of Detroit, it's always better with the cheddar. Just ask Mookie Betts, who on Wednesday signed a 13-year, $380 million deal reportedly, which will keep him in Los Angeles for the rest of his career. What a smart move by the Dodgers.

They really don't have big contracts on their books. They give themselves a cornerstone. They did the right thing from the standpoint. They didn't want Mookie Betts to even entertain the idea of going and playing, I mean, playing the field and trying to get offers and getting into the free agent market. They just made it very simple. He's their guy, even during a pandemic. This guy can do it all.

hit, throw, field is positioned, everything you would want, hit for power. Mookie Betts is a home run by the Dodgers. And maybe, just maybe, he will be a piece that will finally snap the Dodgers. World Series drought. They're looking for their first World Series since 1988. Number two. Monday marked the anniversary of Hank Aaron's final home run in his Major League career, which of course was suitable for framing, Hank Aaron hit 755 home runs.

Think about this. Hank was so great if you took away his 755 home runs, he still would have 3,000 hits. That's how prolific he was with the bat. He was a home run hitter but bat at 305. and since it was, you know, brought back up about Hank Aaron and what his accomplishments were, you know there were some people out there saying that, you know, Hank Aaron is the real home run king and it's not Barry Bonds. And I got news for you.

No way, no how. Barry Bonds is the home run king, not Hank Aaron. Barry Bonds hit more home runs in his Major League career. than Hank Aaron. When you look in the record books, they all count people. You can't pick and choose and say they don't count and you don't want to count this. No, Barry Bonds is the home run king. Hank Aaron was a great player, but he's second.

Number three. 2020 is the year of the judge. Yes, it's time for Aaron Judge. to play a complete season and lead the New York Yankees to a World Series. That's what baseball needs from Aaron Judge. Baseball needs Aaron Judge more than the Yankees need them. The Yankees have won a ton of championships. They need a star player with his charisma, that smile, that home run swing, that swag, all that stuff rolled up into one.

We know there are better players in the major leagues than, Aaron Judge. I'm talking about all-around players, like a Mike Trout with the Angels. Some people might like Bryce Harper better. But when you talk about the whole package, it's Aaron Judge. He can capture the nation's attention with the muscles, with the big flies, playing on the big stage. Aaron Judge hasn't been able to do that because he hasn't been healthy the last couple of years. He's missed 110 games the last two seasons. If Aaron Judge can put it all together, lead the Yankees to a championship, he will

become that household name that baseball is looking for. Number four. It is opening day. Yes, indeed. The 2020 baseball season somehow, some way, is underway as of today, Thursday. awesome doubleheader, the Yankees and the Nationals, and then the nightcap, the Giants, and the Dodgers, and we can't wait. I know it'll be different. No fans in the stands, but people will be watching at home.

It will be interesting to see what kind of TV ratings these games get. But I know the big thing is who's going to win. I pride myself in picking the World Series champion. Last year I did pick one. Once the playoffs started, I picked the Nationals to win the World Series and they did it. This year, as good as the Dodgers are on paper and they are good. Mookie Betts was added. David Price was added even though he will not participate.

I still think the pickup by the Yankees of Garrett Cole will put the Yankees over the top. He'll take that spot at the top of the rotation, push everybody back. We already know what kind of lineup the Yankees have. Aaron George is healthy for the first time in a couple of years. If it all comes together, I'm going to pick the New York Yankees to win the World Series for the first time since 2009 in a rematch against the Dodgers first time since 1981. And the Yankees getting done in six games. That is my World Series pick. Here comes the big interview.

Listen and learn. so good. All right. Now let's welcome to the podcast, Christian Yelich, of course, star from the Milwaukee Brewers. He joins us here on Inside the Parker. Christian, how you

doing? How are you? Doing great. And you are here on behalf of our lining cougou beer. Tell us about the product. Yeah, well, they're doing a lot of promotion going on, and they've been awesome to team up with. And since we've

spent 119 days, without playing. They're going to give 119 fans, free beer, and some signed items by me. So if you want to find out some more details about that, go check out their Facebook or Instagram. They got a great beer. Summer Shandies, one of my favorites. And they're great people as well, which is always a plus. All right.

Hey, Christian, let's talk about you. Talk about that fat new contract you signed with the Brewers. Nine years, $215 million. Tell me about Milwaukee and why this is such a fit. Obviously, you've blossomed NL MVP in 2018. Things are good in Milwaukee for you. Yeah, it's a place that I really, really enjoy playing, and I was fortunate enough that I have the opportunity to play here for the next nine years,

like you said. It's a great city, a great place to play in the summer, and Miller Park's amazing. I'm just really excited about it all around and getting traded over here, too. years ago. It's definitely exceeded my expectations to put it lightly, and it's just a place that I loved playing and wanted to spend the rest of my career. People want to know last year in September you had that fractured kneecap. How is your kneecap? How are you feeling? And are you going to be ready to go when the opening day kicks off in a few days? Yeah, the kneecap feels great.

And, you know, it's more than good. Now it was good in spring training. And then we had that little three-month layoff there and give it more time to rest up and get better. I'm glad that's in the past now. You know, it's never fun rehab and injuries. So finally 100% and looking forward to getting back out there. Our guest, Christian Yellage from the, of course, Milwaukee Brewers. And let me ask you about the 2020 season, which kicks off on Thursday, 60 games in 67 days. You know, baseball is normally a marathon.

Christian, how weird will this be where every game counts and there are no taking a night off when there's only 60 games to play? Yeah, it's going to be different. It really is. There's no denying that fact. It's what we got, though. And you've got to realize that there's not really time to recover from a slow start as a player or a team.

You've got to get out the gates going. I think, you know, those bad stretches are going to be magnified, and also those hot streaks are going to mean a lot more this year? So you're going to see some crazy stuff I've got a feeling this year. But, you know, it's going to be nice to be back out there playing, and we'll see how it all plays out. The Brewers are trying to do something that has never been done in their franchise history, which is make the playoffs three years in a row.

Tell me about your club. Are you confident going in? Yeah, definitely. I think we've got a great group of guys here. Just seeing them in the inner squads here the last couple days and just getting to see them from that perspective. You usually don't get to play against your own teammates too much in a regular spring training.

So I think we're confident with the group we have. I think health and making sure we're all doing what we need to do to be available and be out there is going to be a big part of this season. But if we're able to do that, I think that I really like our chances to make it to the playoffs for the Thursday year. Christian, a lot of people, you know, we know all about the home runs, but last year you were in the 30-30 club. That used to be a big deal.

People don't steal bases anymore. Are you going to be stealing bases? Continue to do that. And why have people given up that lost art? I mean, yeah, I'm going to keep trying to do it. I think it's an important part of the game. I think it's kind of phased out just because analytically it's not really one of those things I've looked upon favorably, especially if you make an out on the basis.

Because analytics see that you've got 27 outs, and they don't want you to give any of them away on the basis. So a cost-stealing isn't good, but obviously if you're able to do it successfully at a pretty high clip, then it's something that could be advantageous. All right, last thing. You bat left-handed, you throw right-handed. How did that happen? I mean, that normally doesn't happen. Was that just at childhood?

You picked up the bat a certain way. Where did that come from? Yeah, it's just always really how I've done it. I just picked it up and it felt right that way and been doing it ever since. And I don't know why that was or what was the reasoning behind that. That's just kind of how it worked out. But I'm obviously fortunate that it did because

you know, I've been able to do it here for a big part of my life. And it's one of those things that it almost feels like it's meant to be at times. Last thing, can you guys win this? Can you guys win the World Series? You know, with only 60 games, somebody could wind up getting hot and maybe knocking off some of the teams that people have as the favorites. can your team win the World Series? Yeah, of course.

I think really there's a lot more teams that realistically have a chance to win this thing than they did than they would. 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 IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 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's big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack all 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 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 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, Ryan, 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. What's up, guys? This is Clifford Taylor the Fourth. And on my podcast, The Cliverts Show,

I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff, like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker, this linebacker walks up to me he goes, hey, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her. What? Quarterback on office blue of 42. Hey, rep, my mama want you to wave at her.

What? Hey, Ms. Parker. Listen to the Clippers show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. In a normal year, but yeah, we'll see. Like you said, it's one little bad stretch, and a good team could be, could be, be done or a team that you normally wouldn't think of could get hot for a while and sneak into that thing. And once you get in the playoffs, anything can happen. Once you're playing well at the time and you get on a little bit of a run, that's all you need. All right. His name is

Christian Yellich from the Milwaukee Brewers. Christian, good luck in the 2020 season. We appreciate you and thanks for joining the podcast. Thanks, Rob. Have a good one. Becoming a magician takes thousands of hours, right, Ashley? Oh, I'm not a magician. I'm a design specialist at the container store. But you're transformed. on closets and pantries. Well, I turn your most frustrating spaces into ones you love. With a magic wand? With Alpha.

Our customizable, adjustable, and affordable shelving and drawer system. The amazing Ashley! Making daily frustration disappear. Just doing my job. Hurry, you only have until February 13th to save 20% when you purchase $500 in Alpha. Get started with your free design at the container store today. 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 discovertheforest.org. Brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the ad council.

What grows in the forest? Trees? Sure. Know what else grows in the forest? our imagination, our sense of wonder, and our family bonds grow too, because when we disconnect from this and connect with this,

we reconnect with each other. The forest is closer than you think. Find a forest near you and start exploring at Discovertheforest.org. Brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the Ad Council. It's time for the Pocket Protector Central. The analytic numbers you need to know

No, well, maybe. Anthony Masterson is his name. BS Analytics is his game. What do you got for me, Anthony? Well, it may have taken a few extra months, but opening day is finally upon us. And in a season like this, with so few games on the docket,

a hot start is paramount for anybody who wants to make their mark. Well, I've got me thinking about the best opening day performers in MLB history. The ones who we all remember, thanks possibly to the primacy effect, you guys can go ahead and Google that one. The player with the most hit

It's on opening day, well, with no surprise. It's the hit king, Mr. Pete Rose, with 31 of his 4,256 in his career. How about the most dingers? Well, that's a three-way tie with eight and some famous names like Griffey, Frank Robinson, and Adam Dunn? That's right. The big donkey knew how to make an entrance. Dunn's 21 RBI are also tops on opening day all time, part of, in my opinion, a criminally

underrated career for the ideal three-true outcome hitter. Now, on the mound, some more famous faces dot the leaderboards. Tom Terrific, Tom Sieber, has made the most opening day starts with 16. Justin Burlander, for reference, will be making his 12th career opening day start this season. The big train, Walter Johnson, leads all hurlers with nine career wins on opening night, while Randy Johnson struck out 107 batters in his 14 opening day starts. 26 more than Siever, the next man on that list. Cannot wait to see who will shine on opening day.

That ball is. It was a big week in the big leagues. Who's up? Who's up? Or is it fair? And now, here's shadowleague.com MLB insider, J.R. Gamble. Several San Francisco Giants players took a knee before the game on Monday night. A number of fans on Twitter didn't seem to like it.

Is it foul or fair to say that kneeling during the National Anthem and baseball, We'll hurt the game, JR. That's foul. That is a foul ball. Unless you've been living under a rock, you should know that this country has been going through a transformation. With corporations and sports franchises and people have been acknowledging the systemic racism and racial inequality that is rampant in the country.

For baseball fans especially to be offended in any way at this point with a peaceful protest to bring attention to some serious issues and support black lives, people of color, is absurd. The sport of baseball was a major vehicle in the civil rights movement. When Jackie Robinson integrated the game and opened the floodgates for African-American and Latino talent, it helped change the attitudes of businesses and people around the world. Baseball's historically a major ally to any civil rights movement, and I think some current fans forget that because participation has been down among black people

in baseball for decades now. Still, it celebrates Jackie Robinson Day, which will be held on August 28th, and the centennial celebration of the Negro Leeds is this season. I commend the players for taking it upon themselves to show support for racial equality, shown support for their fellow mankind regardless of color. Those screaming about peaceful protests before the game hurting the sport have never been a victim of systemic racism and should open their hearts. and in the historical spirit of baseball, embrace the moment,

and show support for an America where everyone has an equal chance to be successful and make our country great. It's time for Trash Talk Twitter. Your chance to trash anyone or anything in Major League Baseball. This week's winner is Octavio, and he tweeted me this. I am very disappointed that MLB has not recognized Kirk Flood's contributions to the game of baseball, his number should be retired. Shame on you, MLB. If you want a chance to win a new era snapback baseball cap, just like at Ock.

If you want a chance to win like Octavio, all you need to do is go to my Twitter at Rob Parker, FS1, and you too can have a chance to win a new era. Snapback baseball cap. All right, let's welcome to the podcast. Now, former Major League General Manager, Jim Bowden, who of course is now with CBS Sports HQ, The Athletic and Serious XM. And Jim, we have a baseball season.

Are you excited? Rob, this is so exciting. I mean, we not only have a baseball season. We have a 60-gates-schedule baseball season. We got a sprint. We got a season where we, have, instead of like 10 teams have a chance to win, we have

17 teams that have a chance to win. This is going to be really exciting. I've got goosebumps and opening day on Thursday. I can't believe it. No doubt about it. All right, let's get your five or six storylines for this coming season. We respect your opinion

when it comes to baseball. So, number one, COVID-19. Tell me about it. Well, I mean, I think COVID-19 is going to stay with the sport the whole year. And we're going to have positive tests that are going to jump up in front of us when we're not expecting it. We may have a key player that Alexa opts out because of health issues either with himself or with family.

And it's a storyline that's not going to go away. And, you know, James Click, the general manager of the Astros last week said, you know, the team that stays the healthiest and tests negative the most is probably the team that's going to be left standing in October. And although that might be an exaggeration, I think it's point. is well taken, and it will be a storyline that won't go away. Number two, of course, we just mentioned, the 60 games season in 67 days. Jim, give me a couple of surprise teams that might just might make it to the World Series.

Yeah, I mean, look, teams like the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds and the San Diego Padres and the Toronto Blue Jays, and I'll pick on those four teams, you know, over 162 game schedule, they're probably not going to make it to the playoffs. But in a 60-game truncated season, they've got a legitimate chance. And one of the things a short season gives you, if you have young pitchers, a lot of times they end up losing starts 25 to 32, and the veteran starters end up beating them, and the experienced team ends up winning,

and you've got young pitchers that get shut down. But when you're building a young team, and you have someone like the Padres with young starters like Paddock and Lamed, and maybe McKenzie Gore, if they bring them up, in a truncated season like this, you don't have to worry about shutting them down. And it's 12 starts, and that's it. And so that just adds those surprise teams in the pool and gives them a chance that they probably wouldn't have had otherwise.

Two teams that won't be a surprise if they get there, the Dodgers and the Yankees, if they do, Jim, it would be a rematch from 1981. That's how long has been since the Yankees and Dodgers have been to the World Series. Is it possible? Well, Rob, I don't think there's any doubt that you and I both think the Yankees and Dodgers are the two best teams in baseball. Las Vegas thinks it, and most baseball analysts believe it. But the one thing that I love about baseball, the best team normally doesn't win.

It just doesn't usually work that way. Would it be great for baseball? Yes. Why? Because if you get the two biggest markets in the United States and they're playing each other in October, you can imagine the ratings. You can imagine the revenue for the sport and how it would set up for the future. So I'll be honest with you. I'm rooting for Yankees Dodgers.

I want to be covering that series for the first time since 1981 Rob. I want to be sitting there in the press box next to you during that matchup. I want to see Garrett Cole against Clayton Kershaw and James Taxon against Walker Bueller. I want to see Besson-Belliger against Stanton and Judge. You couldn't write a better script. But as I said, the best thing about baseball, once you get the... October, you all of a sudden get a good starting rotation that can run the table. Just like the Nationals last year, they were a wildcard team and they're world champions

right now. Our guest is Jim Bowden, the former Major League General Manager. He's currently with CBS Sports HQ, the athletic and Sirius XM. The Astros, we've already seen it, Jim. I thought maybe we might not see them getting hit because of suspensions in the short season. But they're getting hit by pitches. Is this intentional? Well, you're going to see intentional, you're going to see unintentional, and you're going to see intentional that the players are going to say are unintentional.

Astro players are going to get some bruises, and it's going to happen. And the most important thing is the pitchers need to make sure they do it in the right spot. Don't go ahead, hunting. Do it in the spot you've got to do it. Do it once. Get it over with and move on. The commissioner's office is going to watch us closely and so is the umpires. And I think they're going to lead the opposing pitcher some room to do what they need to.

do early in the season. 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.

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 a 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 all know. I mean, at this point, 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 finishing that sentence. 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 hard way. Open your free. iHeartRadio app search learn the hard way and listen now what's up guys this is clivert Taylor the fourth and on my podcast the clivert show i'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff like being an internet famous referee we're in the middle of a game this linebacker you know these kids linebacker walks up to me he goes hey ref my mom wants you to wave at her what

quarterback on office blue 42 hey rep my mama want you to wave at her what Hey, Ms. Parker. Listen to the Clippers show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. If it gets carried away, then Commissioner's off is going to jump in and just stop it. They're not going to tolerate. So hopefully, you know, no fighting, no brawling, and they're all going to be warned. But I don't think there's any doubt, Rob. There are pitchers on the Yankees.

There are pictures on the Dodgers. There are pictures on the athletics. and they're planning on giving some bruises to some astro hitters, and you are going to see it. No doubt about it. The bad thing about the pandemic, and of course there'll be no fans in the stands. And down in Arlington, I saw them building it when I was there last summer. Globe Life, the new indoor stadium that they had built in Arlington, that's kind of a shame that fans won't be able to experience it.

Well, look, it's going to be a tremendous stadium, and it's not going to be a hitter's park. It's going to be a fair park. You're going to be a long ball down the lines, but the ball of the dead center is not going to travel like they're used to. And with that roof closed and the air conditioning, it's going to be very fascinating to watch how the ball plays there. The other fascinating part is the infield is made up of coconut shell. And apparently the infield has really consistent bounces, and the infielders really love it. But I'll tell you one thing. I was worried when I saw the outside of the park because it looks.

more like a Walmart than what the pictures they had shown us ahead of time. But inside the stadium with the open concourses, it is gorgeous. And baseball has added another tremendous stadium to its repertoire. Hey, last thing. I need your World Series pick. You talked about it. Yankees and Dodgers potential. Is that your World Series pick and who wins?

I'm going Yankees and seven over the Dodgers. And I think Eric Cole wins game seven. That will be money well spent by the New York Yankees, no doubt. Happy opening day, baseball seasons upon us, Mr. Jim Bowden. Always a pleasure. Thanks for your input. Thanks, Rob. You've always been one of my favorites, as you know.

Peace. Get right to the romance and find the way to wow this valentines with 1800flowers.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 3999 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. What grows in the forest? Trees? Sure. Know what else grows in the forest? Our imagination, our

sense of wonder, and our family bonds grow too. Because when we disconnect from this and connect with this, We reconnect with each other. The forest is closer than you think. Find a forest near you and start exploring at Discovertheforest.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 Dinwiddie 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 Adoptuskids.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, with the baseball season about to get underway, there are several stories to keep an eye on for this short and season. Number one, how will COVID change the way the game is played? Well, we've already gotten a taste of what it will be like during the exhibition games. Players are maintaining their social distance and some are even wearing face masks. But as the season goes on, can we really expect 25-year-old athletes to not give high-fives to their teammates when something really good happens? Time will only tell. Other changes, though,

no spitting, no chewing tobacco, or sunflower seed. Good luck with that. Secondly, where will the Blue Jays play their home games after the Canadian government deny the Jays from playing at the Rogers Center? That's their home stadium. The team was expected to play at the AAA Stadium in Buffalo, but now that doesn't seem to be likely leaving the Jays with no home stadium just as the season is about to get underway.

So another source of confusion here, though, is the Canadian government, said no to the Blue Jays after allowing the NHL to hold its playoffs in Edmonton and wait for it, Toronto. And lastly, well, the fans at home like watching baseball in fanless stadiums and with artificial noise pumped in. I, for one, have no problem with it. Yeah, it was a little weird at first, but you get used to it and almost forget about it. Nothing is normal in 2020, and hopefully things will, of course, get

back to normal next season. But baseball with no fans in the stands, in my opinion, is better than no baseball at all. Closer. Track one. Strike two. Right three. Here's why MLB is better than the NFL or NBA. And it isn't even close.

The reason baseball is better than the NBA and NFL is simple. You know when the teams come on, there's not like some generic music. that kind of goes with the team that sounds like football, that sounds like basketball or something like that. Baseball, they have these theme songs, these great theme songs about the teams. And you never forget them. They're ingrained in your mind. I grew up in New York.

I grew up in Jamaica, Queens. I used to take the number seven train to Shea Stadium. And that song, Meet the Mets is ingrained. my brain. Meet the Mets. Meet the Mets. Step right up and Greek the Mets. Bring your kiddies, bring your wife. Guarantee to have the time of your life because the Mets aren't really

sock in the balls. Knocking those home runs over the wall. 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. 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 slash tune in. That's 1,800flowers.com slash tune in. 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, Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the I-Heart 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 I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the Look Back at it podcast. From 1979, 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 hear, 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. Hey, what's good, y'all?

You're listening to Learn the Hardway with your favorite therapist and host, Kear Games. This space is about black men's experiences, having honest conversations that it's really not safe to have anywhere, but you're having them with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing. How many men carry a suit or armor it? It signals to the world that you're not to be played with. And just because you have the capability that does not mean that you need to. Listen and learn the hard way on the IHard radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHart podcast.

Guaranteed human.