The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Inside the Parker - Surging White Sox, Potential Trade Deadline Deals, Betts Disappointment, Nats Shooting

Episode Date: July 22, 2021

This week on Inside the (Rob) Parker, Rob is on the road in Chicago and discusses the surging White Sox, which star could be on the block at the trade deadline, Mookie Betts disappointing 2021 campaign, and Rob's story about attending the Nats game when a shooting occurred. Also, Pocket Protector Stat of the Week, Foul or Fair and Betting on the Bases.Guests: Chicago Cubs Beat Writer Russell Dorsey discusses the Cubs chances for a 2nd half surge, and if they are ready to sell at the trade deadline.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 I Heart Radio app,

Apple Podcast, 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.

You know you've been at the job for years and at your annual review, your boss gives a promotion to someone else? Like, it went to the new hire of all people. And when you try to talk to your boss, he shuts you out. AT&T hears you. For a while now, they've been making sure every customer, both new and existing, is being heard. At AT&T, everyone gets promoted to the best deals. Check out smartphone pricing for everyone at ATT.com forward slash best deals. Restrictions and exceptions may apply. Did you know Amazon provides ways of working that fit your lifestyle?

They know you value your time outside of work, juggling family, school, friends, or other activities. That's why they offer a variety of shifts that work for you. There are full-time, part-time, and even temporary opportunities that can work with your schedule, with great starting pay and sign-on bonuses. If you want a career that fits and adapts to your lifestyle, head to Amazon.com slash apply. Amazon is a proud equal opportunity employer. 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 83. Rob Parker. Welcome to the podcast. My name is Rob Parker. I'm your host. We're going to do a very special Chicago edition of Inside the Parker.

That's where I am. We're going to talk about those Chicago white socks who are streaking. And we're going to talk about the future of the Chicago Cubs. Plus, I'll give you some inside. to the shooting incident that happened at National's Park in Washington, D.C., where I was in attendance. That and much more, let's go. Better up. To lead off, it's getting robbed.

And keep them up. Rob's hot take on the three biggest stories in Major League Baseball. Number one. On Wednesday night, I was in Chicago at the White Sox Twins game to get a first-hand look at those street. Chicago White Sox, who went into the game with a 58 and 37 record, red hot, 8 and 2 in their previous 10, had a 9-and-a-half game lead in the AL Central, the biggest lead in any division, and they have just been great. I mean, I was wrong. I thought Tony LaRoucester was the wrong guy for this young team, but boy, have they just hit the gas and been playing some really,

really good baseball, including Tim Anderson. Tim Anderson had his 16-game hitting streak snapped on Tuesday night when he went 0-4-5 against the Twins. But what a season he has put together batting 309, nine home runs, 36 RBIs, 62 runs scored. And he has been that lightning rod for the team. this franchise. He really is. He is a star. The Chicago White Sox, we remember last year, we're disappointed when they lost to the Oakland A's and the playoffs. This is a different team. And they have staying power. They got pitching, hitting, everything that they do. I like this

team a lot. It reminds me of the San Diego Padres in the National League. They have a lot of swag, they're hip, they're fun, and they've taken over Chicago. I've got to admit this. People are into the white side. Number two. Next Friday is the trade deadline in Major League Baseball. That's Friday, July 30th. And one of the big names out there is Nelson Cruz, the Minnesota Twins, D.H.

He's 41 years old. The twins are out of it. They're 40 and 54 going into Wednesday night's game against the White Sox. They've had a lot of injuries. That was a really good team. They made the playoffs a year ago, but it's not happening. So obviously, they're going to unload some players as the deadline approaches. But Nelson Cruz is still raking. I mean, look at his numbers. 295 batting average, 19 home runs, 49 RBI. There's a great chance. He's not going to be with the twins. Somebody can use that bat.

There are enough teams buying for the playoffs who can plug Nelson Cruz into their lineup and have this guy be productive for the second half of the season. So we won't see Nelson Cruz with the twins come to the trade deadline. Number three.

Los Angeles Dodger Wrightfield, the Mookie Betts just can't get a break. I mean, he's had a lot of injuries this year. Hadn't been himself, but finally looked like he had turned the corner at the plate. He was scorching hot and had a four-game stretch where he had 12 hits and 16 at bats batting 7.50.

And remember, Mookie didn't go to the All-Star game in Denver. He wanted to take the time off so that he could recoup and feel better. He came out of the All-Star break scorching hot with seven hits, in nine at bats all against the Colorado Rockies. But then here we go again. On 719, he was scratched from the starting lineup with some inflammation in his hip. And then Mukie Betts pinch hit in that game.

The Dodgers were hoping it was a game that the Dodgers lost. And they were hoping that, you know, they could get an bat out of him. But we'll have to wait and see. But what a season the injuries have really. curtailed Mookie Betts, especially once he's gotten on his hot streak. So that's

disappointing. I know Dodger fans can't feel good at this point. Here comes the big interview. Listen and learn. Oh, it's so good. What a horrifying scene at Nationals Park last Saturday night in Washington, D.C.

And I just happened to be in the stands on vacation enjoying baseball, the Padre against the nationals with some friends when we heard shots ring out at the stadium. So I even had to jump into work

even though I was on vacation and calling to the odd couple on Fox Sports Radio, my radio show with Chris Bussard. And I talked to Chris Bussar and Ryan Hollins who was filling in for me and I told him about the scary situation I was involved in.

Take a listen. Hey, Rob, forgive my ignorance, but you're actually at the game with the shooting. And, you know, me from the outside goes, if they were shooting outside, I might want to stay where we were. But seriously, take us into that scene. We're glad you're okay. Glad to my understanding. No one was hurt or injured. But what was that like, man?

And where were you, man? So we were sitting on the first base side, like near right field. So we heard the shots. I was there with three of my buddies. And when we heard the pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, with like six or seven shots, I turned to my friends and I'm like, dude, those were shot. So then we look up over where the shots came from,

which was like the third base concourse. And then all of a sudden we see people running to the center field, you know, exit. And I'm like, look at those people. What's going on? Like they're running for their lives. So we see that. look back down on the field, none of the players or the umpires or anybody's on the field or in the dugout. So we're like, man, something's happening. So we're looking around still, you just don't know

what's going on. We know we heard shots, but we didn't know if it was inside or outside. So we decide, let's get out of the building. We get up, get on the concourse. We start heading towards the center field, exigate. And then all of a sudden, like a stampede of people start racing our way, women screaming and carrying on. It was. like it was unbelievable. Like people just were like going berserk. It was chaos. So we see this and I say

to myself, there's only one thing going on here that could be and that means that there's either a shooter in the building or two and they're shooting people and they're coming our way. So we turn around and start running the other way the people are running and we push our way

into a concessions like office where they're managing the people. There's some workers in there, we muscle our way in and jump into a storage closet. And I'm in there with eight or ten people, and we're talking about should we put the file cabinet

up against the door? Should the guys hold on to the door? Because we just don't know. You know, like, after you find out it was a shooting outside, nobody inside got shot or whatever, but at that very moment, I have never been as scared in my

life. I honestly thought there was a shooter in the building, the way people responded. So it was one of those moments that I'll never forget. It shook me. It really did. I really... 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 them, I'm not so great.

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 you're saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford 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 Cliverts 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 Little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at a podcast. I'm Sam Jek. 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 all day, but just so you 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 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, Keer Gaines. 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 Hardway, and listen now. We thought there was a shooter inside this stadium. How, I mean, part of the danger as well in a situation like that is people getting stampeded, right? So what was, what did you see? Some people got knocked over. There were people not, they didn't get, you know, trampled. over, but people did fall. You know, people are trying to get out of the way.

We lost my best friend is Fred, and Fred got separated from us. So it was four of us. The three of us made it into, you know, the office and the closet, and then we look around and like, where's Fred? Oh, oh, you know, and then I call Fred

and find out that he got separated because of the crowd and couldn't get to where we were, but he was okay and we connected with him, so he was all right, but it was It was definitely one of those moments that was like out of a horror movie, to be honest. Wow. Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation.

Catch all of our shows at Fox SportsRadio.com. And within the IHeartRadio app, search FSR to listen live. Did you know Amazon provides ways of working that fit your lifestyle? They know you value your time outside of work, juggling families, school, friends, or other activities. That's why they offer a variety of shifts that work for you. There are full-time, part-time, and even temporary opportunities that can work with your schedule, with great starting pay and sign-on bonuses. If you want a career that fits and adapts to your lifestyle, head to Amazon.com slash apply.

Amazon is a proud, equal opportunity employer. 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. If I could be you and you could be me for just one hour. If you could find a way to get inside. Each other's mind. Walk a mile in my shoes. Walk a mile in my shoes. Walk my own my shoes. We've all felt left out. And for some, that feeling lasts more than a moment. We can change that. Learn how at belonging begins with us.org. Brought to you by 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. What do you got for me, Anthony? Is it possible for the son of a hospital? of Famer, mega-hyped prospect in the running to become the youngest player in MLB history to win

the Triple Crown, All-Star Game MVP, somehow underrated? It seems we may have reached that point with one Vladimir Guerrero Jr. this season. As of Tuesday morning, he's a thousandth of a point behind Michael Brantley for the lead in batting average, though he has 70 more plate appearances than Brantley, three homers behind the headline stealing Shohei Otani and four RBI up on the aforementioned Shoah. And while RBI are hardly the best barometer of a player's talent in evaluation anymore, come on, man, it's still pretty cool. It's a triple crown. What's more impressive about Vladdy Jr. Is he goes far beyond the traditional triple crown categories, however. He's tops in OPS, a tick under 1100, even better than any of Mike Trout's best seasons, by the way. His OPS plus

of 195, a stat that takes into account ballpark and league where league averages 100, and each number above or below is a percentage, meaning he's 95% better than league average of the season, is only surpassed by guys like Giambi, Trout, Tomey, and McGuire in the AL in the last 25 years. And what's even more impressive is the fact that he's a complete power hitter at such a young age. In a full season, there's been only one other player, 22 or younger, to hit at least 325, have an OBP of at least 425, and have a slugging percentage over 650, all numbers fly to Junior hits at this point. That player, Ted Williams in 1941, yes, the year he hit 406. Now, Shohei might steal all the ink and rightfully so, but if he somehow falters in the second

half, don't be shocked if Flattie Jr. garners much more MVP consideration going forward. It was a big week in the big leagues. Who's up? Who's up? Or is it fair? And now, here Shadow League. dot com MLB insider J.R. Gamble All right, J.R. Is it foul or fair to say that the Mets can tread water

without their ace Jacob de Grom? Fair. It's a fair ball. Even without Jacob de Grom, who will be needed in the playoffs, the Mets can survive with Taiwan Walker and Marcus Strowman throwing lights out

as they have all season. The Mets offense is pretty inept outside of Pete Alonzo, and adding a proven bat like Chris Bryant can only help them in the National League East. There is reportedly a bidding war between the Washington Nationals and Mets, but if I'm Bryant, I definitely want to come to a first place team that desperately needs me to remain in first place. Washington hasn't been consistent all season long. And they seem to need a lot more than a solid bat.

As far as the Mets go, a reliable all-star hitter added to the mix is all they really need. The pitching is solid and Bryant's only 29 and can still rake. He hit 31 homers in 2019 and has 16 homers and 48 RBI, which would put him second on the Mets immediately. So to trade for him as a no-brainer. only problem is the Cubs will be looking to fleece the Mets are in a position of power right now and don't have to make a move but if they do they'll probably have to give up some top prospects including MLB bro Khalil Lee it seems like a perfect match for the Mets and Bryant and he'd probably be revived playing in a new town get it done

Now it's time for betting on the bases with Dave Gascott. Love that money. Love that money. Rob, what is up, man? It's been a long time. Let's get right into it. First things first on Friday night. Got the San Francisco Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pirates, one of the worst teams in all of Major League Baseball. The Giants, it looks like they're not going anywhere. National League West Division is up for grabs of the Giants, the Dodgers, and of course the San Diego Padres. I'm taking the home team, the Giants in this one. Will Crowe going for Pittsburgh. He's one in five this season with an ERA at. 612. Speaking of the Dodgers, they have dominated the Colorado Rockies this season. David Price is on the bump Friday night. First pitch is at 1010 Eastern. I'm taking the Dodgers in this one. Hands down,

the Dodgers should have their way this entire series as well against Colorado. And then on top of that, the Chicago Cubs, they get things underway a little bit earlier on Friday in the windy city against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Zach Gellon going for them, one and four this season, ERA at 386. Zach Davies going for the home team in this one. Arizona. I was nearly 30 games under 500 on the season. Some pound the cubbies in that one as well. Take out for Trash Talk Twitter. Your chance to trash anyone or anything in Major League Baseball.

This week's trash comes from at Robertino 53. And he tweeted me this. I'm a Yankees fan. I trashed Cashman. He has failed to produce a chip while the Red Soxed. have retooled thrice and won thrice, first to last, last to first, saddling the team with trottering stiffs, unathletic players. Stanton will be here making Mula until the second coming.

If you want to be featured in on a trash talking man, hit me up on my Twitter at Rob Parker, F.S. one. When Rob was a newspaper columnist, he lived by this motto. If I'm writing, I'm ripping. Let's bring in a writer or broadcaster, old or new. All right, now let's welcome into the podcast. Russell Dorsey, a buddy of mine, a friend of mine,

who is the Chicago Cubs beat writer for the Chicago Sun-Time. What's up, bro? How are you? Man, I am chilling, chilling. Good to hear from you. good to see you. I, you know, it's always good to get a text for my guy, mentor, and

now, man, it's good. I'm doing well. How are you? I'm doing great. And I can't wait to see you in St. Louis on Thursday. Yes, sir. So we can chop it up and eat and catch up, you know. But let's talk about those Cubs that you cover. And

going into Thursday night's game, I mean, Wednesday night's game in St. Louis, they were tied with the Cardinals, both have 46, and 48 records. Where are the Cubs? They're tied for third place, eight and a half games out.

Is this team on the brink of collapsing or do they have a little energy left that maybe they can make a run? 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 which I'm 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 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. 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 you 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. 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, our Heart Radio app.

Search Learn the Hardway and listen now. Well, I think this is that calm before the storm. I think this is one of those seasons where everybody pretty much knows what's going to happen. they were in first place for a while, Rob. They had a good team. If you look at that lineup all paper, you're like, all right, there's still some superstars in this lineup. But at the same time, you know, they had that 11-game losing streak,

and that's really where that season, you know, in the tank. And so with that deadlines coming up, it kind of worked out for President Jed Hoyer. You can look at it and say, all right, we can use this as a time to retool a little bit, retool on the fly, maybe have some money to spend in the off-season and turn things around over the next couple of years. but it feels like this is the end for this group is currently assembled. And you talk about the trade deadline, which is next Friday, July 30th,

and Jock Peterson was already traded, right? I mean, that was a sign, wasn't it Russ, that the stores were open for business? Oh, yeah, absolutely. I think that was the warning shot to the rest of the league. Like, hey, Jets' phone is on, and he's willing to make some calls. And so you look at it and say, all right, who could be traded? So that trio of Baez, Brian and Rizzo, all those guys are in their last year, their deal. So obviously, those guys are all on the table.

Now, I don't think Baez and Rizzo go anywhere, but Bryant, with what he's been able to do, bounce back season, his versatility. That's a guy that a lot of contenders want to have on their roster. And Craig Kimball, who's come back to being the elite closer that he's proven to be borderline Hall of Fame. He's done well. And after the bounce back he had in 2020 is really shown that he could be. that elite guy again. So that's another guy that you'd say could bring back, you know,

a decent bit of value for the Cubs as they look to reach stool this thing. Russ, I just get the sense that Chris Bryan is the guy definitely that will be said. Is that your gut just that he's valuable to some teams? Yeah. If I had to put money on it, I'd say that Chris Bryan is probably the guy that gets moved. And I think there's been a misconception over the years that Chris Bryant didn't want to be a cub because of who his agent is and all the, he's one of my favorite athletes. What a favorite players to cover. You know, good guy down to earth, maybe one of the most humble superstars you'll come across.

But it just feels like that time has come. And good for Chris. If he can stay healthy and go somewhere, he's still going to be that force at the plate for a long time. He's only 29 years old. But yeah, it does feel like this is that time for Chris where he's going to get an opportunity to go play for a contender this year. Did you know Amazon provides ways of working that fit your lifestyle?

They know you value your time outside of work, juggling family, school, friends, or other activities. That's why they offer a variety of shifts that work for you. There are full-time, part-time, and even temporary opportunities that can work with your schedule, with great starting pay and sign-on bonuses. If you want a career that fits and adapts to your lifestyle, head to Amazon.com slash apply. Amazon is a proud, equal opportunity employer. Adoption of teens from foster care is a topic not enough people know about and we're here to change that. I'm April Dinnwity 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. 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 rear. 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 three, 10 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 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 and the Ad Council. Our guest is Russ Dorsey. Of course, he covers the Chicago Cubs for the Chicago Sun-Times,

the second year on the B for the Sun-Times. And let's talk about Baez and Rizzo, who you both mentioned, who of course, along with Brian all three-eighth, which is weird that all three of these guys are our franchises usually don't do that. You know, are they going to, what about Rizzo and Baye, as the chances of them resigning, or do they move on and they got the whole thing? When they won the World Series a few years back, people thought this was going to be a dynasty

with the young nucleus that they had. They got the one and that's been it. So is there a chance that those two guys can be going as well? Well, I think when we think about, yeah, we thought these guys were going to be together for 10 plus years, it didn't work out that way. They won their title, which, you know, that's always the goal. Like, if they got to this point and didn't win, that would be the best. bigger disappointment, but they have.

And sometimes, you know, as many years you've been covering sports, not just baseball, like you can't keep everybody, right? That's just the nature of the beast. So I think a lot of these guys, they got offered extensions. It wasn't to their liking. And that's fair. Them and their representation said, no, we're going to hold out.

And those guys have held out. Do I still think there's a possibility those two guys sign extensions? Sure, it might be during the off season, but I do think in some capacity, especially Rizzo, like, it's an older guy, core, Mr. Cub 2.0, that's a guy that you think is going to retire a cub. But you never know in this business. And if, you know, Javi Bia has shown himself to be one of the

most electric players in the game, that's a guy that you're going to want to keep around for a little while. So I think there's an opportunity at some point to resign those guys. It's just deciding what their number is and what the Cubs are willing to go to with them. Last thing, Russ. I'm going to the White Sox Twins game on Wednesday night in Chicago. Who would have thought that the White Sox would have the live team that is running away with it and got some swag and, you know, or hip and fun? I mean, you wouldn't have been able to convince me of that a few years ago that it wouldn't be the Cubs in this position. How surprised are you just that the Cubs are taking a back seat to the White Sox? Well, I saw the way that the Sox built this thing and they did it right.

they got some buy-in from young guys that did, as we talk about, the Cubs did sign those extensions early, and those guys have turned into studs for them. So they got those guys locked up for a little while. TA signed an extension before he even took off, and he's become one of the best players in the game, too. So they have a squad over there. They just locked up Lance Lynn,

who's coming and been a really good piece of their rotation. So they did it the right way, and they're going to be a fun team for a long time. No doubt. His name, Russ Dorsey, man. Check him out on Twitter. check out of stuff. Covers of Chicago Cubs for the Chicago Sun-Times.

One of my mentees who I'm very proud of. You know that, my man. Yes, sir. I appreciate your thing. Reason number 1,015, why Major League Baseball is better than the NBA and the NFL. On Tuesday night, after watching the NBA finals, game six wrapped up with the Milwaukee Bucks won the championship

over the Phoenix Suns. I was with a bunch of Chicago sports writers and broadcasters and guess what? We broke out in a debate about the Hall of Fame. What a shock. No, it wasn't a shock. Baseball's Hall of Fame was revered. Everybody poo-pooed the Basketball Hall of Fame.

We didn't even really bring up the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was all, the debate was all about the baseball Hall of Fame. Names were being thrown out. Stats were being thrown out. Who deserves to be in? And that's the point is that there's really only one Hall of Fame that people care about. And these weren't even just all baseball writers. These were sports writers and broadcasters who cover all the sports.

and the biggest debate, the biggest pushback, the biggest noise were about baseball players and where they fit in as far as making it to the Hall of Fame. I only had one Trump card over all those knuckleheads. I actually have a Hall of Fame vote, so I told them the pipe down. 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. Did you know Amazon provides ways of working that fit your lifestyle? They know you value your time outside of work, juggling family, school, friends, or other activities. That's why they offer a variety of shifts that work for you. There are full-time, part-time, and even temporary opportunities that can work with your schedule,

with great starting pay and sign-on bonuses. If you want a career that fits and adapts to your lifestyle, head to Amazon.com slash apply. Amazon is a proud equal opportunity employer. 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 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 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, unfilts of 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 IHeard 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. On The Look Back at it podcast. From 1979, that was a big moment for me. 84's big to me.

I'm Sam Jay. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to be. 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. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.