Pardon My Take – Episode Summary
Released Date: July 2, 2025
Episode Title: Diamondbacks Zac Gallen & Merrill Kelly, Joey Chestnut, NBA Free Agency, Hot Seat/Cool Throne Plus Our Annual Dingers Only Fantasy Draft
NBA Free Agency: A Dud Season
The episode kicks off with the hosts, Big Cat and PFT Commenter, diving into the current NBA free agency landscape. Both express disappointment over the lackluster moves and the absence of dramatic team reshuffles that typically characterize the offseason.
Big Cat remarks at [03:50] MM:SS, “NBA free agency has started and it's a dud,” highlighting the general sentiment of underwhelming trades and signings this year.
PFT Commenter adds humorously at [04:11], “If they go into prison...,” referring to the convoluted salary cap restrictions popularly termed the “second apron.”
The discussion deepens as they dissect the impact of CJ McCollum on the league’s parity, debating whether his strategies have fostered a more balanced competition by preventing the formation of super teams. They also humorously criticize NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's terminology, calling for more relatable language in salary cap discussions.
Dingers Only Fantasy Draft: Home Run Havoc
Transitioning seamlessly, the hosts introduce their annual "Dingers Only" fantasy draft, a unique MLB-focused league where the sole statistic is home runs. This segment is filled with lively banter as participants draft their teams, emphasizing strategic picks to maximize HR totals.
Notable Draft Picks:
- Brandon initiates the draft by selecting Shohei Ohtani at DH, acknowledging his dual-threat capabilities.
- Merrill Kelly surprises the league by drafting Ryan Pascantino, capitalizing on his potential despite limited home run data ([138:16]).
- Zach Gallen opts for Jose Altuve, though slight confusion arises over his current position and team status.
Throughout the draft, participants exchange playful jabs and strategize over which players to prioritize, balancing up-and-coming stars with seasoned hitters. The competitive spirit is palpable as they anticipate a slugfest-filled season.
Big Cat quips at [152:10], “Eugenio Suarez. That’s my pick,” showcasing his trust in players' power-hitting prowess despite positioning challenges.
Interviews with Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen & Merrill Kelly
Midway through the episode, listeners are treated to an insightful interview with Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. The conversation delves into their season performances, pitching strategies, and camaraderie within the team.
Zac Gallen discusses his approach to facing formidable hitters, emphasizing adaptability and mental toughness. At [084:16], he shares, “I try to throw it right down the middle and want them to hit it,” illustrating his pitching philosophy during high-stakes moments.
Merrill Kelly reflects on his time abroad pitching in Korea, comparing it to MLB experiences and highlighting the differences in player dynamics and game intensity. At [106:20], he notes, “Once I got a couple games after that under my belt, then the confidence started coming back,” underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptation.
The interview provides fans with a deeper understanding of the pitchers’ mindsets, challenges, and aspirations, fostering a stronger connection between players and listeners.
Joey Chestnut: The King Returns
A special highlight of the episode is the exclusive interview with Joey Chestnut, the legendary competitive eater, as he prepares for his return to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Sponsored by Netflix, this segment explores Chestnut’s training regimen, mental strategies, and his unwavering dedication to breaking records.
Joey Chestnut candidly shares at [121:30], “Sometimes you're on the wrong side...,” reflecting on his previous year’s experiences and the motivation to come back stronger. He elaborates on his preparation techniques, including his “cleanse” routines and the importance of maintaining peak physical condition.
The hosts engage Chestnut with engaging questions about his favorite competitions, setbacks, and the science behind competitive eating. At [124:50], Chestnut reveals, “Every fifth or sixth day I'm doing practices,” highlighting his disciplined approach to the sport.
Chestnut’s infectious enthusiasm and determination resonate throughout the conversation, inspiring listeners to appreciate the athleticism and dedication required in competitive eating.
Hot Seat/Cool Throne: Player Patter and Shenanigans
The episode features the recurring Hot Seat/Cool Throne segment, where guests discuss current sports topics with a humorous twist. In this instance, PFT Commenter zones in on Malik Beasley, who is under investigation for gambling on games.
Jerry details Beasley’s alleged activities at [37:14], “It's called gambling on games,” emphasizing the seriousness of the issue while maintaining the show’s signature comedic tone.
The hosts navigate sensitive topics with a blend of humor and critical analysis, ensuring engaging content without crossing into inappropriately serious territory.
Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Home Run Extravaganza
As the episode nears its end, the hosts recap the fantasy draft picks, express excitement for the upcoming baseball season, and tease future interviews and segments. They reinforce the camaraderie among participants and their commitment to making the "Dingers Only" league an entertaining and competitive venture.
Big Cat humorously concludes at [205:57], “All right, we did pretty good. Yeah, I think that was a good draft, boys,” encapsulating the episode’s spirited and lighthearted atmosphere.
Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the season’s progression, the performance of their drafted players, and subsequent episodes filled with sports commentary, interviews, and the ever-popular fantasy drafts.
Notable Quotes:
- Big Cat [03:50]: “NBA free agency has started and it's a dud.”
- Zac Gallen [084:16]: “I try to throw it right down the middle and want them to hit it.”
- Joey Chestnut [121:30]: “Sometimes you're on the wrong side...”
- Big Cat [152:10]: “Eugenio Suarez. That’s my pick.”
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the "Pardon My Take" episode, highlighting key discussions, interactive segments, and engaging interviews while maintaining a cohesive and informative narrative for both regular listeners and newcomers.