Sliding Into First Podcast

Join your baseball nerd friends Brent and James as we discuss the early 2016 MLB season, especially our favorite surprise team, the Phillies. We also talk about the National League have's and have-nots. We review the NFL draft and the Eagles trade-up and the latest Bradford drama. Also BRAZIL IS GOING NUTS AND THE OLYMPICS ARE GONNA BE A TRAINWRECK. Hopefully the people's movements save the day. James reviews Pawtucket and talks about corn on the cob.

Brent and James are joined by guest Francisco Ilabaca, representing Los Angeles bringing an Angels fan's perspective, living near the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. He then uses his expertise as an economics phd student to explain to us how PECOTA prediction system works. MATH. He makes the successful connection between nuclear weapons and sabermetrics. Why did PECOTA fall short with the KC Royals prediction? Francisco chose his phd based on the baseball program and why he bemoans the fall of football. Francisco issues a challenge to previous guest Harjit. Twitter: James- @jgeneric Instagram: James- @JGeneric82 Brent- @HotSaucePalmTrees Questions/Comments/Concerns/Hate/Love/Worship: SlidingIntoFirstPodcast@gmail.com Tracklist: Dick Miller's National Pasttime Orchestra: "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit with me" Slightly Stoopid: "Purple Rain (feat. Bob Weir & Angelo Moore)" www.slidingintofirst.podcast.com Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes!

James talks about his research and finding about Mahlon Duckett's, of the Philadelphia Stars, firing as a Phillies usher in 1958. We talk about Vinny Velasquez. Bryce Harper as a half a billion dollar man (Nats, Phils, Yanks?). Brent talks about his trip to Los Angeles as a party animal. James camps at the office. Twitter: James- @jgeneric Instagram: @JGeneric Brent- @HotSaucePalmTrees Questions/Comments/Concerns/Hate/Love/Worship: SlidingIntoFirstPodcast@gmail.com Tracklist: Dick Miller's National Pasttime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit with me" Slightly Stoopid "Bandelero" www.slidingintofirst.podcast.com Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes!

Harjit joins the guys again, from California, for an explanation of his - now - Golden State Warriors-allegiance. Next, the guys delve into a serious topic that has plagued American dinner-table conversation the last decade-plus; should Major League Baseball adopt or get rid of the designated hitter 100-percent? A discussion on the NL West and the 2018 Free Agency-class is had. Twitter: @JGeneric @jgeneric Instagram: @JGeneric @HotSaucePalmTrees Questions/Comments/Concerns/Hate/Love/Worship: SlidingIntoFirstPodcast@gmail.com Tracklist: Dick Miller's National Pasttime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit with me" Manic Focus "Life Goes On (feat. Griz)" www.slidingintofirst.podcast.com Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes!

Mets tap Harvey over deGrom for Opening Day. The lads disagree on who she be starting. Brent trolls James with 311. Is this a sign of things to come? Fantasy baseball season is in the air. Major League Baseball played a game in Cuba. James breaks down the significance and his observations with his historical expertise and humor. Villanova is in the Final Four so AWESOME, right? Twitter: @JGeneric @BWalcoff Instagram: @JGeneric @HotSaucePalmTrees Questions / Comments / Concerns / Hate / Love / Worship: SlidingIntoFirstPodcast@gmail.com Tracklist: Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit with me" 311 "Taiyed" 311 "Sand Dollars (Skins Remix)" 311 "What Was I Thinking" www.slidingintofirst.podomatic.com Check Out James other podcast: "Breaking History" Check Out Brent's other podcast: "TB&P - The Beat & Path Podcast" Please rate, review, and subscribe to us on iTunes!

James and Brenton are back for Season 2 of the Sliding Into First podcast. The guys catch up on their travels around the country the last three months. SPORTS! The guys briefly touch on the last three months in baseball, talk March Madness for a bit, and revisit the firing of Chip Kelly. Subscribe to the other podcast James is involved in!--> Breaking History Twitter: @JGeneric @BWalcoff Instragram: @JGeneric @HotSaucePalmTrees Questions / Comments / Concerns / Hate: SlidingIntoFirstPodcast@gmail.com Tracklist: Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit with me" www.slidingintofirst.podomatic.com

Close to a billion dollars have been spent, so far, this offseason. James and Brent break down the notable contracts, trades, and MLB rumors. Jahlil Okafor - a chink in "the process" or just a young, rich idiot? Does Jerry Colangelo's hiring neuter San Hinkie? The Eagles lost to Detroit and beat New England. Obligatory opinions on the DeMarco Murray drama. Plus, the guys talk movies, including Rocky and Star Wars. Tracklist: Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit with Me" Don Carlos "Never Gonna Give Up" Twitter: @JGeneric @BWalcoff Instagram: @JGeneric @HotSaucePalmTrees Questions/Comments/Concerns: SlidingIntoFirstPodcast@gmail.com Rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes!

James and Brent preview the week 11 matchup of the Eagles vs Buccaneers and then get back together to record immediately after the game. What did they get right and wrong? Are the Eagles doomed under Chip Kelly's guidance? Baseball conversation picks up at the 37:00-mark. James trolls Brent in predictable-fashion. Tracklist: Badfish "Temple of Wu Dub" Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit With Me" Stick Figure "Is This Love" Twitter: @JGeneric @BWalcoff Instagram: @JGeneric @HotSaucePalmTrees Questions / Comments / Concerns: SlidingIntoFirstPodcast@gmail.com Rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes!

The first off-season podcast (better late than never)! James and Brent discuss two-week-old hot stove action, including some trades, Zack Greinke predictions, and Ken Giles trade rumors. Hall of Fame nominations were announced - which first-timers would you vote in? James has pretty much given up on the NFL. Plus, a breakdown of the drama at the University of Missouri, paid patriotism, and daily fantasy play. Tracklist: Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit With Me" The Motet "Nemesis" Twitter: @JGeneric @BWalcoff Instagram: @JGeneric @HotSaucePalmTrees Questions / Comments / Concerns: SlidingIntoFirstPodcast@gmail.com Rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes!

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES ARE HORRIBLE BEASTS. James and Brent recap games 3 – 5 of the World Series. Would the Mets have played better if DeGrom pitched Game 1? Did Cespedes pull a Jay Cutler? Are all baseball players in it for the love of the game? Is it ok to root for a division rival in the World Series? The guys also discuss some interesting TV shows in preparation for the winter. Tracklist: Dick Miller’s National Pastime Orchestra “If You Can’t Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can’t Make a Hit With Me” Terry Rocap, Joe Sherwood, and Randy Childress “Here Come the Sixers” Twitter: James: @jgeneric Brent: @bwalcoff Questions/Comments/Concerns – SlidingIntoFirstPodcast@gmail.com Rate, review, and subscribe to us on iTunes!

Listen to us talk about baseball, the first two games of the WHIRRRRRRRLD Series. A quick episode, we break it down how the Royals beat the Mets in the opening games. We jinxed the Cubs and Blue Jays. Can the Metropolitans come back, or do the Monarchs have this in the bag? Royals disciplined bats vs the young Mets rotation. James reminds Brent about DeGram vs Harvey. A rookie debut in the WS? Tracklist: Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit With Me" The Game "Celebration (remix) (feat. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony) Twitter: James: @jgeneric Brenton: @bwalcoff Questions/comments/concerns slidingintofirstpodcast@gmail.com Rate, review, and subscribe to us on iTunes!

James and Brent talking about baseball! Also we open with a review of All Dogs Go To Heaven for some reason. A special behind the scenes banter! Then we do some of our World Series 2008 memories on the eve of the 2015 World Series between the Mets and Royals! We then break down all things Mets v Royals. Daniel Murphy! Pitching! Rooting Rules! Rumblin' Royals! We disagree about Harvey vs deGrom and argue about that stuffs. Also, why is baseball being played in November? Tracklist Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit With Me" Janelle Phillips "Lifted (feat. Trevor Hall)" Mishka "More Greens (feat. Horseman)" Yellow Dubermine "Octopus's Garden" Twitter: James: @jgeneric Brenton: @bwalcoff Questions/comments/concerns slidingintofirstpodcast@gmail.com Rate, review, and subscribe to us on iTunes!

Listen to James and Brent talk about the Dodgers' Chase Utley's hard slide against the Mets' Ruben Tejada. We talk about the Cubs run at changing history. Then onto the fall of the Astros against the vaunted Royals. And finally, the ultra weird riotous 7th inning of the Jays v Rangers Game 5 ALDS. Was the fan reaction so overblown? A look back at Atlanta, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh fan reactions and officials responses. Plus we rage about DraftKings scandal. Oh, and more 7th Inning Toronto Mess! Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit With Me" Joe Conklin "New York, You Suck" Zhu "Hold Up, Wait a Minute (feat. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony & Trombone Shorty)" Twitter: James: @jgeneric Brenton: @bwalcoff Questions/comments/concerns slidingintofirstpodcast@gmail.com Rate, review, and subscribe to us on iTunes!

Join another amazing episode of Brent and James balooging about baseball. We talk about the ins and outs of the Wild Card Game as a concept, the review of Stros over Yanks, and Cubbies over Buccos. We give our predictions for the Divisional Series Rounds. Some chatter about President-GM relationships. We do our predictions for the annual MLB awards. We talk about Hanley Ramirez, Jonathan Papelbon, the Eephus pitch (and podcast), and the future of football after the Kevin Kolb concussion article. Life updates: New Orleans trip by Brent, James busy as hell with grad school. Columbus Day changed to Sacco & Vanzetti Day. The Eephus Podcast http://eephuspodcast.com/ Kevin Kolb Battles the Storms, Outside and In http://mmqb.si.com/2014/10/23/kevin-kolb-concussions-mexico-hurricane Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit With Me" Miles Davis "On Green Dolphin Street" Scooter "J'adore Hardcore" AKMusique "707 Ocean Drive" Twitter: James: @jgeneric Brenton: @bwalcoff Questions/comments/concerns slidingintofirstpodcast@gmail.com Rate, review, and subscribe to us on iTunes!

Join Brenton and James for more baseball banter. We talk about Brenton's boycott of direct money to the Phillies over the Mackanin rehire, the Harper-Papelbon Royal Dugout Rumble, and we preview the MLB playoffs. We like the Cubbies over the Royals or Blue Jays. Also chat some footballs. What's the deal with Sam Bradford? Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit With Me" Air "Ce Matin-La" Bonobo "We Could Forever" The Congos "Fisherman" Twitter: James: @jgeneric Brenton: @bwalcoff Questions/comments/concerns slidingintofirstpodcast@gmail.com Rate, review, and subscribe to us on iTunes!

Slighted dated episode, but still relevant, since we're hitting up the AL West! Brent threatens to withdraw all his money from the Phillies directly if they re-hire Pete Mackanin (which happened later that day.) AL West Crown comes down to a terrible texas tumble, with the Texas (Dallas) Rangers vs the Houston Astros. Astros are a young team being overtaken by a team of veterans in the Rangers. Metaphor for Texas of old gruff marlboro men vs space age rockets? Angels of Anaheim (Los Angeles, too) with men of Trout, Trout, Trout. Seattle still has a baseball team or has Robinson Cano sunk the entire city? Oakland Athletics has sunk to the bottom of the Coco Crisp cereal bowl. Billy Beane, overrated? And some other topics like Matt Harvey, NFL, hot topics (Sabermetrics as management philosophy? Vin Scully, Rube Waddell), Brent likes the Jets over the Eagles. Draft Kings, not sponsoring us, so we debate the merits of how annoying they are vs gambling joy. Twitter: James: @jgeneric Brenton: @bwalcoff Questions/comments/concerns slidingintofirstpodcast@gmail.com Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit With Me" Mad Professor & Prince Fatty "Devil Dub (feat. Winston Francis)" Robert Palmer "Every Kinda People" Big Grams "Fell in the Sun"

Join Brent and James as we chatter about baseball. This week is AL Central roundup! The Angry Angry Royals, the resurgent Twins, the curious Cleveland "C's", the disappointing White Sox, and the unlucky Tigers. Cespedes vs Harper!!! We talk about the Papelbon the devil himself and the Reading Fightin' Phils. We talk about the NF of L and the team of our dreams (nightmares?), the Philadelphia Eagles, who didn't drink their smoothies before playing the Falcons. Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit With Me" Mura Masa "Firefly (feat. Nao)" Prince Fatty "Ali Baba (feat. Winston Francis)" Badly Drawn Boy "The Further I Slide" Twitter: James: @jgeneric Brenton: @bwalcoff Questions/comments/concerns slidingintofirstpodcast@gmail.com

Brenton and James talk this week about Bryce Harper ripping the DC fan base, before going to reviewing the AL East teams' seasons. The season boils down to a battle between the hot ripping and rolling Toronto Blue Jays and the suddenly resurgent New York Yankees with the walkoff helmet nabbing A-Rod. Tampa Bay Rays to Montreal or San Juan? Baltimore Orioles with a few question marks after a disappointing season, for our AL team. The Red Sox in the trash but geared to jump right back in with rising and stacked positional players. NFL Preview Prediction Jam Fest! Who is serious? Who is jerking around even the concept of predictions? We also talk about some things in the news, like the Washington Dumpster Fire, the LA Stadium debacle with the St. Louis Rams, Niners turnover, and the coming Brady-Belicheck Rage Fest. Alex Rodriguez's Walkoff Helmet Collecting: http://www.pinstripealley.com/2013/8/13/4616636/alex-rodriguez-walk-off-home-runs-hitter-helmet-chase-gifs Haymarket Martyrs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haymarket_affair Tracklist: Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit With Me" Santigold "GO! (feat. Karen O)" Poolside "Why You Wanna" See-I "Soul Hit Man" Twitter: James: @jgeneric Brenton: @bwalcoff Questions/comments/concerns slidingintofirstpodcast@gmail.com

Some life updates from Brent and James and talking about getting people to pay up in fantasy sports before talking about the new generation of baseball players. We get into the NL West review: Dodgers have purchased the NL West Title, the Giants are near done after a good try, Diamondbacks have an insane owner, Rockies are scrapping the barrel, Padres falling flat on their face. We talk about Curt Schilling continuing to let everyone know he is a fool. We touch on the new football season and the new Concussion movie. Track list: Dick Miller's National Pastime Orchestra "If You Can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit With Me" 311 "Strong All Along (Demo w/vox)" Incubus "Idiot Box" King Charles "Mississippi Isabel" Twitter: James: @jgeneric Brenton: @bwalcoff Questions/comments/concerns slidingintofirstpodcast@gmail.com

We talk about MLB brawls, falls guys, Larry Bowa throwback before we get to the NL Central race. We breakdown the Cardinals, Pirates, and Cubs as they race to the playoffs. Cardinals as the unlikeable goody-two-shoes who dominate all and make everyone jealous. Pirates as the dirty upstart underdogs while being outshined by the big boys. Cubs as the young turks looking to shock the world. We talk about lame-duck Matt Williams in DC. Chatting about the one-game playoff series. Brent talks about planning another roadtrip. James talks about going to the Lowell Spinners, short-season affiliate of the Red Sox. Tracklist National Pass Time Orchesta "If You can't Make a Hit in a Ballgame, You Can't Make a Hit with Me" Slightly Stoopid "2 AM (feat. Stick Figure) (Dub Remix)" Twitter: James: @jgeneric Brenton: @bwalcoff Questions/comments/concerns slidingintofirstpodcast@gmail.com