The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Inside the Parker - Yanks Lit, Miggy 500 Props, 7x All-Star Matt Holliday Talks NL West, NY Post Ken Davidoff on Bombers Tear

Episode Date: August 26, 2021

This week on Inside the (Rob) Parker, Rob gives his take on the steamrolling Yankees steamrolling in the midst of an 11-game winning streak, his thoughts on Miguel Cabrera's 500th career home run, and his first impressions of the freshly released MLB postseason schedule, Also, Pocket Protector Stat of the Week, Foul or Fair, Betting on the Bases.Guests: 7x All-Star Matt Holliday discusses the NL West race, if the Dodgers can ever catch the Giants, and offers his thoughts on Miguel Cabrera's 500th homer. NY Post Columnist Ken Davidoff breaks down the Yankees 11-game winning streak andClick 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. 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 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. I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford 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 Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes,

follow at Clifford and at TikTok podcast network on TikTok. You know you've been at the job for years and at your annual review, your boss gives the 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.

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restrictions, apply. Full details on Carnival.com, ships, registry, Bahamas, 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 83. Rob Parker. All right, welcome into the podcast. I'm your host Rob Parker.

What a show we have for you today? Former Major League outfielder Matt Holiday stops by with some thoughts on going on in the major leagues. Plus New York Post baseball columnist Ken Davidoff with these hot New York Yankees. He'll give us a skinny on that. Plus foul or fair, that and much more. Let's go.

Better up. 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. It's impossible to not lead this podcast off with the Yankees.

I mean, like seriously. I thought they were dead. A couple weeks ago, we talked about it. I didn't know what they were going to do with the trade deadline. I thought they were going to sell players. I just, the franchise seemed dead. They couldn't score. They were losing.

It just seemed like to be a mess. And here we are. The Yankees are like steamrolling. They went to Atlanta. Both teams have won nine games in a row. and they won both games against the Braves to take it to 11 in a row going into Wednesday. And it's the longest winning streak by the Yankees

since 1985. I mean, 1985? No, you mean that the Yankees that won the World Series in 96 and 98 and 99 and 2000? Remember that juggernaut? That team was. With Mariano and Andy Pettit and Derek Jeter and all those Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, they never won 11 games in a row.

It speaks volumes. And the pitching is there. The hitting. I don't know. I picked the Padres and the Yankees before the season started. And it looked like both of my teams are going to be out as far as my prediction. But the Yankees have given me hope and the Yankees have. played some great baseball, and it'll be interesting to see how they finished out the month.

Number two. McGee hits number 500. That's right. Miguel Cabrera finally gets it. He was trying to do it in Detroit in front of the big crowds at home, but it just didn't happen. He gets it done in Toronto. And what an accomplishment it is. It really is, as a guy who covered Miguel Cabrera in Detroit, who watched him, I remember

when there was a big debate on whether he deserved a triple crown or. or not with all the pencil protector, geeks, stats, analysts, and all those people trying to say that it wasn't a big deal that he had triple crown numbers. This guy's a Hall of Famer. He gets my vote. It's an incredible feat.

It's just not that easy to do. People think, oh, if you stick around a long time, it is his 19th year in the big leagues, but he made it happen. And he's the first player to reach 500 home run since David Ortiz back in 2015. First player to reach it as a tiger. So people in Detroit were just thrilled about that. And the first Venezuelan born player to get there.

And only six of the 28 players who have reached 500 were born outside of the United States. And that's Ortiz, Pujos, Sosa, Palmero and Ramirez. So he joins a very elite class. and they're going to have a celebration for him on September 24th. There will be a celebration dubbed Miggy Celebration Day when they play the Royals. So Miguel Cabrera, just an incredible hitter. I say people always say he's like one of the greatest right-handed hitters. I just think he's one of the greatest hitters I have a saw right or left.

Miguel Cabrera, Mazel Toff, number 500, and officially, Miggi, you have my Hall of Fame vote five years after you retire. Number three. On Wednesday, Major League Baseball announced the postseason schedule for 2021, which will open up with an American League wildcard game. That'll be on ESPN Tuesday, October 5th. I mean, let's not, it's about a month away. And then the National League wild card game will be on that Wednesday, October 6th on TBS.

Game 1 of the 2021 World Series is on Fox that scheduled for October 26th at the home of the league champion with the superior regular season record. So that'll be the team that would host game one. And then the schedule follows Sunday, October 3rd, of course. when the regular season is over. So it's going to be very, very interesting. And both AL Division Series will be scheduled to begin Thursday, October 7th. So the schedule's in place. You know the home.

ESPN, TBS, will have all your games. And, of course, MLB Network, I'm sure we'll have a couple sprinkled in as well. So as we get ready for the final month of the season, there's still things to be decided. I mean, there's a couple divisions, you know, I think are set with the white socks, having a big lead in the Milwaukee Brewers as far as winning their division. I still want to keep an eye on the NL West with the Dodgers and Giants going into Wednesday. The Giants still held a two and a half game lead. And the Padreys on the outside looking in with the Reds, are they going to be able to overtake the Reds? So there's a lot of stuff in that NL West that is like a big division to look at.

And I'm not sure if the Yankees can catch the raise. They're four and a half out going into Wednesday. But that'll be interesting to two to see if the Yankees can catch them. They made up 10 and a half games on the Red Sox if they can overtake the raise as well. Here comes the big interview. Listen and learn. Oh, it's so good. All right.

Now let's welcome into the podcast, former Major League outfielder Matt Holiday. and Matt, welcome to the podcast. How are you doing? I'm good, Rob. How are you? Man, doing, doing great. So many different things I love to talk to you about. Let's start here with the Giants and the Dodgers. Will the Giants be able to hang on

or will the Dodgers catch them? The Giants have held on all year when people kept thinking they were going to fall and the Dodgers just haven't given up. Who's going to be? win this division because it's a big thing, Matt, as you know, the team that doesn't win the division has to play in a one-game playoff and could get knocked out. Yeah, I mean, I think all along I've thought that eventually the Dodgers roster would catch the Giants and especially when they,

when they acquired Scher and Trey Turner, it almost seemed like a matter of time before the Dodgers would overtake the Giants. But there just seems to be something special going on with this Giants team. And I think you look at the leadership and the play of Buster Posey and Crawford this year. And I noticed both of them left the game last night with some sort of injuries, which I think could end up playing a big part in this if those seem to be more severe than maybe initially thought. But I would say the Dodgers have a better roster, but it seems like they have a hard time catching these giants. No, I'm with you. It just seems it's incredible where they are.

Let me ask you about the Padres. The Padres were my pick coming in that they would win the division. Part of it was that the Dodgers have won in eight years in a row. You know what I mean? It's really hard to do that. And I like the roster that the Padres have. But they've fallen on hard times now. Now they're struggling, you know, to be able to overtake the Cincinnati Reds for that final playoff spot.

They're not out of it. But they got to start winning soon. What do you think are the Padres dead or can they get back in this? Well, obviously the pitching injuries have taken a toll. They've had to mix and match in the rotation a lot lately. They've had to do the spot starts, the bullpen games, and those are tough games to win. I think if they can get a couple more of their guys healthy, I definitely like their roster compared to the other teams that are vying for that wild card spot, I think they stand out

to me as the favorite, but they got to get it going soon. You know, they should have the offense to help them, I think, carry the load a little bit. But right now, they're just not getting enough pitching in the rotation. Their studs aren't going deep enough into the games to get on any kind of role. So it is a bit concerning and as well as the Reds are swinging the bat. But I would say if I had to bet, I'd say the Padres end up in that wild card spot. Our guest is Matt Holliday, former Major League outfielder who broke in with the Colorado Rockies at 299 career home runs. Finished his career with the Rockies as well, played other places.

But Matt, you played the outfield, left field. The Padres put Tatis in the outfield trying to save his shoulder to keep him in the lineup. Is it easy to make that transition or is he athletic enough and good enough that he'll be able to do it without? hurting that team. I think he'll be fine. I mean, when you talk about an athlete, a young athlete, he runs really well. He could throw, has great arm strength. I think it'll be a pretty easy transition for him, knowing that he's a son of a major leagging ballers. I'm guessing he grew up shagging balls in the outfield at major league stadiums and running balls down. And I'm guessing he has some experience playing some outfield. So I think he'll be fine. I don't think that's an

issue. I think he's one of those guys that with some some time under his belt, which he has about a little over a month of the seasoning. I think if they do make it into the playoffs, they should be just fine having him in the outfield. And I'm interested to see what happens with that long term. He has led the league in errors. He's made some errors at shortstop. And if he's more comfortable playing outfield, that allows him to free his mind up a little bit and it would help his offensive game that much more. So it would be interesting to see, what that looks like short tam and long term. You know, we saw Robin Yount

that happened with Robin Yount with the Brewers. You remember, they moved him from shortstop to center field. This guy went on to be a Hall of Famer. So guys have moved and it hasn't stopped them from achieving. So I'm with you. I think there's a good chance.

You know, he gets to a lot of balls. He throws a lot of balls away, you know, and maybe he just has to learn to hold on some of them once in a while. But he could wind up staying in the outfield. I think it would. He's such a tremendous talent. I'm with you. I think he can make that transition. Yeah, I don't think that that would be a problem for him. Like you said, I think he gets to more balls, which means he tries to make throws. He shouldn't. Some of those errors are

probably just a little bit of lapsing concentration, which is you get older. You tend to learn to lock in mentally a little bit better. Long term, he could play. He could play at shortstop, but I do think it might benefit him from a, on his career to make the move to center field or even, you know, he hits enough home runs and slugs enough that he could play a corner outfield spot. So like you said, he's a tremendous talent, a tremendous athlete. It's, it's going to be interesting. I want to hear from you. You hit 299 career home runs. You know how hard it is. It's hard to get the ball out of the ballpark. It ain't an easy thing. You know, you've got to have the right swing and all that. And Miguel Cabrera joined a... 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, 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 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 Cliverts 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 a little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam Jett. 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 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, so. 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 America. in 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, Keer 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 don't realize that we're. 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, is 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. 500 club, right? The 28th player. You know how many players have played in Major League Baseball?

Only 28 have gotten to 500 or more. How impressed are you when you see a guy, you know, reach that milestone? Yeah, I mean, it's a number that gets you in the Hall of Fame. I mean, it just, it should.

I mean, I think almost all of them are outside of some speculation on PEDs. But I think when you talk about 500 homers, it's an incredible feat. He's one of my favorite right-hand hitters of all time, if not my favorite, just to watch. I used to watch his swing a lot when I was playing just to, because he had such a pure swing. When you start talking about a triple crown, you talk about a guy that's won a batting title. He hits to all fields. He was a hitter that I wanted my swing to look like.

And I think a lot of right-hand hitters would say the same thing. And just an incredible guy. He's a lot of fun. He plays the game with a lot of good energy. It's a super impressive number. It just really is. I mean, it doesn't, it just, I guess can't say it enough that when you get to 500 homers, there's only 28 guys that have ever played the game of baseball that have got there.

It's an incredible number. And I am a Hall of Fame voter. That's one of my magic numbers. 500 home runs, you automatically get my vote. vote. I don't need to see any other stats. To me, it's 3,000 hits, 500 home runs or 300 wins, and you're in with me because to last that long

to be able to amass those stats, to me, those are magic numbers. Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our shows at foxsportsradio.com. And within the IHard Radio app, search FSR to listen live. Miller Light has always been a great tasting light for people who love beer. Sometimes what you need is simple.

A few good friends, a beer, and a taste you can depend on. Let me tell you, I went to a game with a friend the other night, and we were sitting there in our seats with Miller lights in our hands, and I remember thinking to myself, man, it doesn't get any better than this, does it? Miller Light is brewed for taste, so it hits different than those other light beers. plus it has the right balance between taste and lightness, which means you get to spend more time drinking with friends and less time thinking about what you're drinking.

Since 1975, Miller Lite has been the beer with taste you can depend on, no games, no gimmicks, just a great beer for people who like beer. Miller Light, great taste, 96 calories. Go to Miller Lite.com. or Rob Parker to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller life pretty much anywhere they sell beer. Come on, it's Miller time. Celebrate responsibly Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,

96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. 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. Let me ask you about the Milwaukee Brewers who are running away with the Ames. Central, eight and a half game lead as of Wednesday. What were the Brewers? They came, you know, from, they had a good team,

but I didn't think they'd run away with the Central. Are you surprised? I am a little surprised and not now, having seen some of the way that their young pitchers have developed, their starting rotation is probably the best, if I had to say, at least the best in the National League and maybe even the best in all the major leagues. when you start looking at their starting rotation.

And then when you got Hayter and I think Williams at the back end, you're talking about high-end pitching. They did a nice job of adding some position players. Colton Wong's had a really good season. You know, they've made some nice moves that have kind of supplemented their offense. But their in-house pitching that they've developed has turned out to be super high-end. and it's good. They're going to be a tough out.

I would say if I had to pick a National League representative right now for the World Series, I think I would go with the Milwaukee Brewer is just because of their pitching. Amazing. His name is Matt Holliday, the former Major League outfielder, also the outfield coach at Oklahoma State. Matt, man, thanks for your knowledge, man. We appreciate you on the podcast. Thanks, Rob. Anytime.

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? With about six weeks left in the regular season, we're starting to see the playoff races begin to take shape. The Reds, they're surging.

The Padres, they're flailing. The Yankees, now they can't be stopped. But what's most important going forward could end up being each team's remaining schedule. The Dodgers are chasing the Giants still, but they play each other only three more times, a weekend series at the beginning of September. The Yankees only have one more series each

with their division rivals, Red Sox and Rays, while the AL West might come down to the Astros and A's playing each other on each of the season's final two weekends. The NL Wildcard race, however, could be the most intriguing of them all. The Giants or Dodgers are pretty much locked into the first spot, but Cincinnati and San Diego will be fighting to the finish. However, the rest of the way,

the Padres have the toughest, remaining schedule based on opponent win percentage at 570, a full 35 points tougher than the next closest team, Arizona. They have a gauntlet in their final 12 games, by the way, playing the Giants, Braves, and Dodgers. The Reds, on the other hand, have the second easiest schedule left at 467 opponent win percentage. Ten of their final 12 games are against Pittsburgh and Washington, by the way. Only Philly has it easier than the Red Legs. However, don't count out the Friars just yet. This season, the Padres are 32 and 22 against teams 500 or better, the best mark in the National League, and only behind Houston in all of baseball. These final six weeks are going to be fun.

It was a big week in the big leagues. Who's up? Who's up? Or is it fair? And now, from MLBBro.com, here's J.R. Gamble. Miguel Cabrere became the 28th member of baseball's distinguished 500 home run club. J.R., is it foul or is it fair to say he's the last 500 homer guy that MLB will see in a long time? That's foul. That is a foul ball.

Of course you have the young bombers like Tatis Jr. and Flagg Guerrero Jr., who almost definitely will get there in about 15. years or more, but I did come up with two legitimate names that should get there pretty soon. Nelson Cruz, who is 42, but he rakes like he's 21 still. And believe it or not, he needs just 57 more homerous to get to 500. Boy, he really crept up on us. Only two men, however, have hit even 35 career homers starting in their age 41 season. That's Carlton Fiss, who hit 53, and Barry Barnes, who at 54.

So no one's ever even done what Cruz is attempting to do. But despite his age, Cruz has 26 homers this season, so age is definitely just the number, and he's still cooking. So I see him banging down these last 57 pretty, easily over the next couple of years. Believe it or not, Giancarlo Stanton is already two-thirds of the way to 500 homers. He has 333 home runs entering Wednesday's game, and he's just 31 years old. Now, he's had a lot of health problems or he'd have even more home runs. So if you figure he's on the upside of his health, he should cruise.

to 500 home runs. That'll be five more 30 homer seasons that should about do it or eight more 20 plus homer season scattered until he's about 40. He can do it. Either way, both of these guys

are in a great position to become the 29th and 30 of the sluggers in history to achieve a mark of 500 career homers that almost guarantees them Hall of Fame induction. Turn money into more money. Now it's time for betting on the bases with Dave Gaskine.

Love that money. Love that money. Rob, what's going on as we close out the month of August in style? Hard to believe September is here, and so is Major League Baseball's postseason return. Anyways, as we close out this month, I'm looking at the Dodgers and Rockies in game number one Friday night. I'm taking to L.A. no matter what,

they're in hot pursuit of the San Francisco Giants for the National League West title. Dodgers need to keep pace with them. Rock has been brutal this season, 14 and 46 away from the happy confines of course field. Dodgers and this one to start things out. On the other side, the American League, Tampa Bay Reyes are holding off everybody now.

Boston, the New York Yankees who have come on strong as of late. So I'm taking Tampa. They're in Baltimore in this matchup. Michael Walker versus Matt Harvey in the affair. And the other game I'm looking at is in Atlanta's, the Giants and the Atlanta Braves. This should be a fantastic pitching matchup. but Max Freed will be going for the home team in this affair.

He's 11 and 7 this year with an ERA of 349. I'm looking for Atlanta to hold off San Francisco and get the W in that contest. Take out this time for Trash Talk Twitter. Your chance to trash anyone or anything in Major League Baseball. This week, the San Diego Padres were the target number one on trash talking. but we picked this one from Lloyd Christmas 76. He tweeted me this, The Padres are all hype.

Third place in the N.O. West, playing like mother fathers. Wow. I mean, other than curse words, I get it. If you want your tweet to be on Trash Talking next week, make sure you hit me up on my Twitter at Rob Parker, F. 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 it to the podcast, one of my favorite people, a friend of mine, New York Post baseball writer, Ken Davidoff. Ken, welcome to the podcast, buddy. Rob, it's always an honor to be in a conversation with you of any sort. My man, hey, I got to, you know, you cover. all of baseball, but we got to talk about the Yankees and their hot streak,

going into Wednesday night. They have won 11 in a row first time since 1985. And what's been the turnaround, Ken, for the Bronx farmers? There's been a few different things, Rob, but I think it starts with their starting pitching. It's really been superb, even as Garrett Cole and Jordan Montgomery missed time with COVID and some other guys have been injured. The starting pitching has really led the way. Then I think you go to the lineup balance. You know, even though Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallen aren't crushing it, just to have those guys in the lineup,

makes the opposing manager think about, you know, what to do bullpen-wise. And then they've got a little more athletic. You talk about Tyler Wade. He's been stealing a lot of bases, and then they have this young shortstop, Andrew Veles, who's been filling in for Glaver Torres, who's injured, and he brings a lot of athleticism

in defense and speed. Talk about the shortstop. And talk about a Bronx tale. I mean, he's from the Bronx, been in the minor leagues for a while, sleeping in his family's bed, you know, in his home in the Bronx. I mean, and he had his first home run at Yankee Stadium and he's made some plays. I mean, what a great little story that is. For sure.

He spent some time in the major leagues a lot. He's been on the Orioles and the raise. So he's kind of like a quadruble way type. 27 years old, and the Yankees signed him over the offseason, no minor league contract, only got his shot when Torres got hurt. And he, yeah, he's certainly an inspirational guy, just a high-energy guy. And with all due respect to Glaber Torres, who has made a few all-star teams already, you know, Glaver is on a natural, or I guess he's a natural shortstop in one way,

but he certainly doesn't look like a shortstop, not the most athletic guy. Whereas Andrew Alasquez is more of an athletic guy, strong defensive shortstop, made a great play to save a game against the Red Sox and then runs the bases really well. So he's brought a different element to the team. Our guest is New York Post baseball columnist Ken Davidoff. Ken, also, G. and Carlos Stanton has been big for the Yankees. How much has putting them back in the outfield helped just, you know, to get him not just being a DH but playing every day or am I making too much of that? 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, Clivert 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-tapped 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 Jay.

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 Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Keer 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. No, contrary, I'm all fair. I don't think you're making enough of it. I think it's been huge. And to their credit, I had my doubts. This is a guy who's gotten, who's been so injured the last few years. Like, why increase the risk and send him out there?

But he appears to be in far better condition in the last couple of years. and it's been a dual benefit, Rob, because he says himself, Stanton, that he's hitting better because he likes playing the field and not having to think about hitting all the time. And then by playing him in the field, they open up the DH spot for Luke Voigt, who's been superb.

He was just American League player of the week because Voight lost his first base job to Anthony Rizzo. Okay, Ken, last thing. Can the Yankees get to the World Series from the American League? And I say that because, you know, over the last few years, they've been close and they just can't seem to get over the hump. But the one team that, to me, that's really in the way is the Chicago White Sox, and they've

basically owned them. I think they've only lost one time to the White Sox. Is that their nemesis, or is it still Tampa Bay? Oh, I think it's still Tampa Bay, Rob. You know, Tampa Bay eliminated them from the playoffs last year. Tampa Bay was trying to get its second straight AL East title with a vastly, uh, vastly, uh, a smaller payroll than the Yankees have, really kind of showing up the Yankees in a way, right?

And, you know, the Razor largely had the Yankees number, really since the start of last year. So, yeah, I think the Razor, yeah, the nemesis that the Yankees are going to try to overcome. Can they do it, of course, and I'll have better shape to do it as well, just based on the way they played recently. All right. Here it is, man.

Check out his column in the New York Post, one of the best baseball writers in the country. and I'm proud to say a friend of mine, Mr. Ken Davidoff. Ken, appreciate you. Hey, Rob, I got one question for you. Are you ripping? If I'm writing for Deadspin, you know I'm ripping. I love it. It's Jones and for baseball. A fan's take on the game we love.

Hello, everyone. Hope all is well. Despite being a missed of Huff for the playoffs, I want to take a brief intermission from that to talk about Miguel Cabrub, becoming the 28th player to join the illustrious 500 home run club on Sunday. Since we're in the year 2021, that means that there's a generation started from the year 2010 that might not know how special he was and still lives. So just in case that scenario might apply to anyone that may be listening, I'm going to take it back in time really quick. The first time I personally watched Miggie, he was a 20-year-old rookie for the then Florida Marlins

playing in game seven of the NLCS against the Cubs. He was facing Kerry Wood And the count was one ball Two strikes and two men on the basis He ropes a line drive Just over the head of Juan Pierre who's on third base But five The next pitch

He gets a fastball down and in And sends it over the fence to deep lefts and the field Given the mallas a three-run home run That would catapult them to the World Series Which in fact they ended up winning over the Yankees and six So fast forward to December 2007 The mallis traded Miggie to the Detroit Tigers Now in Detroit, that's what Miggy really started to get jiggied.

He would go on to win four batting titles, two home run titles, two MVP awards, back to back, and in my mind, the most impressive feat of all, the Triple Crown. Just like the late great Denny Green said, crown is you know what. As of right now, the 11-time All-Stars in his 19th season, and the next check on the bucket list is Mr. 3,000 like my guy, Bernie Mac, rest in peace. McGee's currently 43 his shot at that mark and under contract for the next season. In theory, he could become just the seventh player

to accomplish such feat. But all that's for a later date. Right now, I believe in taking a moment and letting the greatness of a 20-year-old kid from Venezuela sink in and appreciate what he's become. Cherish the moments we have to still watch him because players like Miggy don't come along too often.

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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 rear. Oh, but the diaper bag wasn't closed. Dipers 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 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 Netsa and the right seat. ad council. 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 through 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. Now bring in the closer.

Track one, track two, right three. Here's why MLB is better than the NFL or NBA, and it isn't even close. Baseball has some unbelievable roots. I know people question, you know,

whether it's the national pastime, but I got a story for you. Are you ready for this? Baseball was played among the Egypt's pyramids in 1889. You hear me? Yeah, I mean, it sounds crazy, but it did happen. I mean, baseball has been played everywhere, if you want to be honest,

an aircraft carrier, midnight sun game in Alaska, and then we just saw, you know, in Iowa on the cornfield. But yes, it is true. Are you ready for this? On this date, February 9th, in 1880, The Chicago White Stockings, yes, that's what they were called back then, played against the team of National League All-Stars at the Great Pyramids in Ginza, Egypt, a place that I have visited and is unbelievable.

And they played there a part of a tour all over the world presenting baseball. Can you imagine baseball 1889? It doesn't even seem real. but the love of baseball and baseball's travels. I mean, the stories, I just don't think other sports can say that, and that's what makes baseball special. 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. Thunderstruck, adjective,

shocked and amazed by the power of Carnival Fun. It's what happens when you ride Bolt, the world's first sea coaster. When you island hop till you drop. Thunderstruck! When you book four massages back to back, back to back. Get Thunderstruck starting at 289. Carnival. Shoes fun.

Cruiser in U.S. dollars per person double occupancy, taxes fees, import expense, additional restrictions apply. Full details on carnival.com, ships, Red Street, Bahamas, Panama. 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 I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. 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 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 podcast. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what I'm saying. 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, unfills 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 Cliford Show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get you. 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.