Is the NL West the BEST Division in Baseball?!

Summary

Podcast Summary: PTI Episode - "Is the NL West the BEST Division in Baseball?!"

Release Date: April 3, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon
Description: Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon delve into the nation’s hottest sports topics, engaging in spirited debates and insightful analysis.

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1. The Dominance of the National League West

Timestamp: [01:02] – [04:27]

The episode kicks off with Tony Kornheiser presenting key baseball highlights, including Shohei Ohtani's walk-off home run that extended the Dodgers' record to an impressive 8-0. However, Mike Wilbon shifts the focus to the broader landscape of the National League West (NL West), emphasizing the combined strength of the Dodgers and Padres.

Mike Wilbon highlights:

“The Dodgers and Padres being a combined 15 and [the Giants] right behind them at 5 and 1. ... This could define a summer.” ([02:30])

Tony Kornheiser concurs, detailing the Padres' formidable lineup:

“They lead all of baseball in run differential with 25. They lead all of baseball in ERA with 1.57... They just signed Jackson Merrill to a long-term deal.” ([03:04])

Despite acknowledging the Padres' excellence, Tony maintains that the Dodgers hold a historical edge:

“Do I think they're better than the Dodgers? No. Do I think they're as good as the Dodgers? No, I don't think they're as good as the Dodgers.” ([04:06])

The hosts agree that the NL West is exceptionally competitive, with the Padres challenging the Dodgers' supremacy, making the division arguably the best in baseball.

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2. Kevin Willard's Controversial Move from Maryland to Villanova

Timestamp: [04:41] – [07:59]

The conversation transitions to college basketball, focusing on Kevin Willard's shift from coaching Maryland to Villanova. Mike criticizes Willard's demeanor during the transition, labeling him as having behaved poorly and failing to take responsibility for his actions.

Mike Wilbon states:

“Willard behaved like a jerk. ... Until he owns it, I don't want to hear 'move on.'” ([06:28])

Tony Kornheiser analyzes the motive behind Willard’s move, suggesting it's driven by a desire for more resources:

“He wants to be the basketball coach at a school where basketball is king... It could define a summer.” ([05:17])

Tony further elaborates on the challenges Willard faces at Maryland, questioning why the university hasn't considered letting him go if he behaves unprofessionally:

“I'm not ready to say that if you're a basketball coach at a football school, you're a chump... But I think the Dodgers are possibly historically good, you know, and I'm not ready to say that about the Padres.” ([05:22])

The hosts conclude that while Willard’s quest for better resources at Villanova is understandable, his approach and attitude have marred his reputation.

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3. Alex Ovechkin’s Pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s Record in the NHL

Timestamp: [07:59] – [21:12]

Switching gears to hockey, Tony Kornheiser discusses Alex Ovechkin's chase of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record. The NHL’s commitment is evident as all seven of Ovechkin's remaining games are set to be nationally televised, with specialized coverage focused solely on his pursuit.

Tony Kornheiser expresses enthusiasm mixed with a personal gripe about local broadcasts:

“I think the NHL would be wise to let these guys make the call live. ... I think they should lift that ban, Mike.” ([09:49])

Mike Wilbon supports the NHL’s emphasis on Ovechkin, suggesting the league is prioritizing his record chase effectively:

“It's a priority. If you're gonna take those kinds of resources and make sure we can see him, we can see Ovi. That's all there is.” ([08:46])

The discussion highlights the significance of Ovechkin’s achievement, comparing it to Gretzky’s legacy. Tony nostalgically references Gretzky, while Mike points out the difference in their career statistics, emphasizing that Gretzky's combination of goals and assists places him atop the hockey pantheon despite Ovechkin's impressive goal count.

Mike Wilbon remarks:

“Wayne Gretzky probably could have scored another 150 goals. He just chose not to on his way to 1900 assists...” ([21:12])

The hosts agree that while Ovechkin's pursuit is historic and captivating, Gretzky’s all-around game still sets a higher benchmark in the sport.

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4. The Importance of the Warriors vs. Lakers Game in the NBA Season

Timestamp: [11:57] – [17:51]

Transitioning to basketball, Tony initiates a "Toss Up" segment comparing the significance of the upcoming game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams are vying for better positions in the highly competitive Western Conference standings.

Tony Kornheiser analyzes:

“If they win, they stay in [their respective] positions... The Warriors may need it more to avoid the play-in.” ([14:19])

Mike Wilbon adds depth by discussing player performances and defensive strategies:

“I want to see how the Lakers and Luka are going to do about teams targeting him on defense already...” ([14:19])

The debate delves into the strategic moves by both teams, particularly focusing on Luka Doncic and Jimmy Butler’s defensive matchups. The hosts emphasize the impact of key player performances on their teams’ playoff prospects.

Anthony Davis vs. Kawhi Leonard Performance:

In the same segment, Tony and Mike evaluate the standout performances from the previous night's games, debating whether Anthony Davis or Kawhi Leonard had a more noteworthy game.

Tony Kornheiser concludes after reviewing stats:

“To me, it's Anthony Davis.” ([15:40])

Mike Wilbon concurs, highlighting Davis's dominant performance:

“Anthony Davis, you're right. I agree.” ([16:28])

They underscore Davis’s impressive stats and his potential influence on the playoffs, while also acknowledging Kawhi Leonard’s consistent excellence.

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5. Additional Highlights and Closings

Timestamp: [17:51] – [23:36]

The hosts briefly touch upon other sports news, including Rafael Devers’ performance slump, Garrett Crochet’s stellar pitching for the Red Sox, and various NBA controversies such as Ja Morant and Buddy Hield’s recent actions.

Tony Kornheiser pays tribute to retired NFL player Brandon Graham:

“Happy 37th Birthday Brandon Graham...” ([19:21])

Mike Wilbon reflects on historical comparisons:

“Wayne Gretzky probably could have scored another 150 goals... scoring in hockey is not just goals and assists.” ([21:12])

The episode concludes with lighter banter and acknowledgments of upcoming sports events, leaving listeners engaged and anticipating the next episode.

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Conclusion

In this episode of PTI, Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon provide a multifaceted analysis of major sports narratives, from baseball's NL West supremacy and college basketball coaching controversies to hockey's historic record pursuits and pivotal NBA matchups. Their insightful discussions, enriched with statistical analysis and personal opinions, offer listeners a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape.

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Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wilbon on NL West:
  “This could define a summer.” ([02:30])

• Tony Kornheiser on Padres vs. Dodgers:
  “Do I think they're better than the Dodgers? No.” ([04:06])

• Mike Wilbon on Kevin Willard:
  “Willard behaved like a jerk.” ([06:28])

• Tony Kornheiser on Ovechkin's Record:
  “I think they should lift that ban, Mike.” ([09:49])

• Mike Wilbon on Ovechkin's Priority:
  “It's a priority.” ([08:46])

• Tony Kornheiser on Anthony Davis:
  “To me, it's Anthony Davis.” ([15:40])

• Mike Wilbon on Davis vs. Leonard:
  “Anthony Davis, you're right. I agree.” ([16:28])

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Disclaimer: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon.

Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon in Los Angeles for tonight's big game between the warriors and Lakers.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm Tony Kornheiser in my home where I'll be asleep before that game tips off. But I will eagerly check the score in the morning and my texts from you overnight.

[Mike Wilbon]

I will check them. I'll be texting, but I got popcorn already. I'm ready to go.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Good.

[Mike Wilbon]

I mean, it's not Garrett's, it's not caramel and cheddar, but I'm ready to go now. Across the.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, go ahead. I can do the show alone. I can imitate your voice. It'll work. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, Alexander Ovechkin scores again. Kevin Willard wants to move on. And a meetup of legends in Los Angeles tonight. Steph Curry, Lebron James and Michael Ray Wilbon. There we go. And we begin today with Shohei Ohtani hitting a walk off home run last night to push the Dodgers record to 8, 0. Coincidentally, it was Ohtani bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium. Wilbomb, would you like to focus on that? Or the fact that the San Diego Padres, in the same division as the Dodgers are off to a 70 start, the best in franchise history.

[Mike Wilbon]

I don't care about bobblehead, not even though I know a lot of people here in Los Angeles right behind me did and do. I don't even care that Ohtani hit the walk off because he'll probably have three or four more. I know it's only his second one in his career. Both of the Dodgers, he'll have three or four more this year at least. It is too early to get involved in individual heroics. What I care about is the National League West, Tony. The Dodgers and Padres being a combined 15 and oh, and the Giants right behind them at 5 and 1. Now, I know you cut your teeth, your baseball teeth on, you know, Dodgers, Giants, before they both move west. You were a little taught, but you remember what that was like. This is the next best thing, Tony. Dodgers and Padres, they've already split the last two playoff meetings. The Dodgers eliminated the Padres in 2024. But in 22 the Padres eliminated the Dodgers both in best of five series. And now you got the Giants with Buster Posey as GM lurking. This is so cool, Tony. It could define a summer. I know it's a little off the i95 path and you'd rather have O's, Yankees and Dodger and O's, Yankees and Red Sox, but I'm here. I like seeing these three teams, particularly Dodgers, Padres.

[Tony Kornheiser]

This is fine. We can certainly talk about the Padres. The Padres have been a playoff team, as you said. They lost last year 3 to 2 to the Dodgers, the eventual champions. At the moment, if my statistics are correct, they lead all of baseball and run differential with 25. They lead all of baseball and ERA with 1.57. They got Manny Machado, they got Xander Bogarts, they got Fernando Tatis Jr. They got Luis Arise. They just signed the kid, the center fielder, Jackson helped me with his last name, Jackson Merrill. They just signed him to a long term deal. So they are formidable. But. There's always a but. Do I think they're better than the Dodgers? No. Do I think they're as good as the Dodgers? No, I don't think they're as good as the Dodgers. Do I think they're as good as any other team in the National League? Like the Phillies, like the Mets, like the Braves, if they ever get off the schneide. I do. But Mike, I also think that the Dodgers are possibly historically good, you know, and I'm not ready to say that about the Padres. Yeah, I'm not.

[Mike Wilbon]

Oh, Tony. Tony. The Dodgers may be as well. But you know what? Let's see it. The Padres think that they can go toe to toe with the Dodgers because they've done it and eliminated the Dodgers from the playoffs recently. So let's see it. I don't need to guess that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But not the championship. Not the championship team. They didn't eliminate the championship.

[Mike Wilbon]

No, no, no. Didn't win.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Good starters too. They got Dylan Cease. They got Hugh Darvish. They're quality, high quality team. But I'll tell you this, Mike. The Dodgers are 8. 0 and they haven't started hitting yet. Their batting average is in the 2 30s, in the middle of the pack. They haven't started hitting. So it could.

[Mike Wilbon]

It could define a summer. It'd be pretty darn cool. Let's move to Kevin Willard's comments on his contentious move from Merlin to Villanova. Willard said he thinks it's time for everyone who's upset with him to move on. He acknowledges he could have been less abrasive about everything while his team was still in the tournament. But he says he was advocating for more resources. Resources he figures to get at Villanova, as that school won't have to split new revenue sharing with a football team. Tony, do you find Willard's argument persuasive?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Resources is a great word. It means money. It should just say money because that's what resources mean.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes, that's what it is.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I find what he's doing a convenient rationale. He wants to be the basketball coach at a school where basketball is king. That's how it is in the Big East. They do not have consequential football teams in the Big east, you know, and so he was out there playing footsie with Villanova when he should have been coaching his Maryland team with all of his energy because they were paying him. You know me, if I was a columnist still at the Washington Post, I would have written, there's the door. Use it. And I would wonder why the chancellor at the University of Maryland, if that chancellor ever thought about firing this guy with cause. He's been in the Big east before at Seton Hall. He likes the Big East. He likes the spotlight on basketball coaches. I get that. But I'm not ready to say, Mike, I'm not ready to say that if you're a basketball coach at a football school, you're a chump. Our friend Digger Phelps had a pretty good career at a football school, Notre Dame. And right now there are two guys from the sec, which is a football conference, from Auburn and Florida football schools, Bruce Pearl and Todd golden, who've won a lot more games this year than Kevin Willard did, and they seem to have enough resources to get players to stay there.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony. True. Particularly what you said on the back end. First of all, though, Willard behaved like a jerk. And I'd like to use a three letter word instead of that four letter word, but I guess I can't on this fine program. But that's how he behaved. And until he owns it, I don't want to hear move on. People say move on when they don't want to own that they behaved like a loser, okay? And if I was at Maryland, and I know plenty of people at Maryland because I actually live there, who think he behaved like a loser, and he did. Okay? Now, he's right about the resources, Tony. And people are dealing with this in schools. You know, I deal with my own in the Big Ten, where, you know, the Basketball coach is looking at the lion's share of nil of, of money. And they're coming from schools. If this lawsuit is settled in that direction, they're going to lose out to football programs when it comes to the lion's share of whatever resources money goes to that school. So that, that, that's fact. And Digger Phelps didn't have to deal with that. He didn't have to compete in quite that way. So will it. I get it. So just be above board about it. I, I mean, don't sit there and just first lie and then hem and haw and then act like everybody else is at fault because you were a jerk. At best. At best. Tony, like to go to the other one.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I hated the way he left. He left Maryland up the creek. I hope Buzz Williams does a better job than he did. And these sound to me pretty much like hollow rationalizations, but you know, that's my opinion. Let's move to hockey. The NHL is going all in on Alex Ovechkin, who last night pulled within three goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all time record. The league plans to nationally televise all seven of Ovechkin's remaining games this season, either on an ESPN outlet or Turner or on the NHL network. Additionally, there will be an OVI cast concentrating on Ovechkin alone in the games. ESPN and Turner will do. Wayne Gretzky, your friend Mike, is supposed to be at all those games. Gary Bettman too. Wilbourne, has the NHL now made the Ovechkin record chase a sufficient priority?

[Mike Wilbon]

It's a priority. It's a priority. If you're gonna take those kinds of resources and make sure we can see him, we can see ovi. That's all there is. Is the league making him available to as many people as is reasonable. And the answer is yeah. So I, you know, that's right to me, I, I think this is very cool. Like, I'm not sure where I will be with the NBA playoffs going on when ov, you know, ends this. And I think by the way, could end it. Look, Tony, it'd be sort of cool if OV ended this against Pittsburgh in the final game of the season. Scores a game winner, gives the Capitals the best record in hockey. That would be a cool story. But the Blackhawks, who are the next opponent, they're so bad the next to worst defense in the league goes against. He could just get a hat trick against the Blackhawks and end all the suspense and all this need for following him around the league. The rest of the way. He could do that against the Blackhawks. He could.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You must have been looking at my notes, because what I have said is the perfect ending is whenever it comes, if he gets a hat trick, because it would be such a fantastic way to break the record with three goals in the same game. Look, I think I'm glad the NHL is doing this. I'm glad that they are trying to attract a national audience. I'm glad they're going to put all his games all across the country. I think he's earned that. I think it's a record. I think it's the Babe Ruth record of their league. I do. But I have a personal sort of a beef here, and that is that three of the seven games, three of the seven games are not going to be broadcast television broadcasts locally here where I am sitting in Washington, D.C. where people know him best. And this is the broadcast, as you know, with Joe Ben and Craig Lock. You know, I mean, they've done it for 25 years. They called almost every single goal he's ever, ever made. And it would have no effect on the national broadcast. But I think that the NHL would be wise to. To let these guys make the call live. They're going to be calling the game anyway, but on archival. For archival reasons. So it's going to be for historic purposes, but not current purposes. I think they should lift that ban, Mike. I think they should let people who love them, love Ben and Odie and Lachlan, you know, just watch the game, watch it locally.

[Mike Wilbon]

Dude, there should be no ban. There are plenty of instances with baseball, but more often with the NBA where you can get the local broadcast and whatever Turner and ESPN are showing. I know. Cause I may go to it. If it's the Bulls, God knows they haven't needed to be on national TV for a while. And I want to hear my man Stacy King. I can go to Chicago Stream. You're saying that's not going to be available in live time?

[Tony Kornheiser]

As I understand this, as I understand this, in three of the games, it's not going to be available in live time. And I wish it would be. You know, Mike, sometimes you don't see the forest for the trees. The NHL should just step back and say, let them do it. It's okay. Let them do local as well. Let's take a break. But coming up, do the warriors or the Lakers need tonight's game more?

[Mike Wilbon]

And did Anthony Davis or Kawhi Leonard Flashback have the more noteworthy performance last night?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Maybe I'm wrong With this, I don't think I'm wrong. I tried to check it three different times. No, you know, no.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'd like to. If I was, you know, if it was local for me. It's not really local for me.

[Tony Kornheiser]

If you're in dc, you want to see your branches.

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[Mike Wilbon]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

At participating McDonald's for a limited time.

[Mike Wilbon]

A Minecraft movie only in theaters.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's time for toss up. Two men enter, one man leaves, finishes the show, then putters around without purpose. Since it's one in five, Nationals have an off night. They stink. What's first? Toss up. Which team needs tonight's game more, the warriors or the Lakers? Well, they both need it. I mean, the Lakers are currently in third place in the West. If they win, they stay in third. If they lose, they sort of endanger themselves of falling down to Denver fourth. The warriors are in fifth place. So if they win, they stay in fifth. And if they lose, then they get closer to that group, the group of three teams. Right, Mike, Minnesota, the Clippers and the Grizzlies, who all seem to be tied for 6, 7 and 8. So if the warriors lose, they get closer to the play in. In that regard, I think the warriors may need it more to avoid the play in. On the other hand, the Lakers, the rest of their schedule has been judged to be the third toughest schedule in the NBA and includes two games with Oklahoma City, a Houston game, a Dallas game. So maybe they need it more. My answer is I don't know. I'm not that smart.

[Mike Wilbon]

By the way, I wasn't even ready yet because I'm still eating my popcorn. I'm ready for the night. You know, Draymond Green was here yesterday visiting. He said, get some popcorn. I I following instructions, I got some popcorn. I'll try to stop eating for a second. You outline this perfectly by standing. The warriors need the game more because they don't want to fall into play in land. And they're two games closer to play in land than the Lakers at this moment. But Tony, what I want to see isn't. Yeah, I know we get to that. That's the final, that's the bottom line. But I want to see who maybe got the bigger bump in the during the season deal. Getting Luca or getting Jimmy Butler. And I believe Jimmy Butler is going to be all over Luca tonight, guarding him. I don't really think Draymond Green is going to be assigned. I don't think Steve Kerr is just going to put Draymond Green on LeBron. I don't think we're going to see as much of that. But I mean the whole Luka, Jimmy Butler, they look, Jimmy Butler is a two way star when you get to the end of the season. Luka is one of the bright offensive lights in the history of the league. But going both ways, two ways, the other end of the court, not all that interested. And teams are targeting Luka on defense already. The Chicago Bulls did it successfully twice in a week. So I want to see how that unfolds and what the Lakers and Luka are going to do about it. Lots of intrigue in that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

What's next? Toss up more noteworthy performance last night. Anthony Davis or Kawhi Leonard? All right, so both teams won, right? Dallas beat Atlanta and the Clippers beat New Orleans. Anthony Davis, I'm going on my notes, had 34 points, shot 14 of 23, had 15 rebounds and five blocks in 30 minutes of play. Kawhi Leonard had 28 points on 11 of 18, had three rebounds, two steals and 38 minutes of play. Kawhi had a really good game. Anthony Davis had a significantly better game. I mean, I don't know that you can make any case for Kawhi Leonard because both teams won. And you've got to go to the stats at that point. It doesn't really matter in the long term because they both get hurt all the time and they'll get hurt in the playoffs. But to me it's Anthony Davis.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, it's Anthony Davis, Tony. But look, Kawhi Leonard has been the best player twice on a championship team two different championship teams and he's been the best player on a team that went to the finals three times. So if Kawhi Leonard is going to be Kawhi Leonard, and we don't know that, but if he, if he's been dragging that leg around for five years, plus if he can beat Kawhi Leonard, Even in the postseason alone. Watch out whoever you play. Kawhi Leonard again, he's been the best player on two different championships.

[Tony Kornheiser]

What about last night? But last night it was Anthony Davis.

[Mike Wilbon]

Anthony Davis. Anthony Davis. You're right. I agree.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Thank you.

[Mike Wilbon]

Anthony Davis. Tony, here's what's so more important about his performance to me. Anthony Davis could have shut it down. I mean, I'm sure people wanted to shut him down once. Once. That team was just so depressed and it didn't look like they could do anything. And Kyrie goes out, you can shut AD down. And he said, no, no, no. This team traded for me. This city needs this. I'm going to get out there. Anthony Davis played with noticeable fire last night. I'm going to tell you this, Tony, and this goes to back up something you said, although I know you were betting on Dallas with Kyrie and they don't have that. If Anthony Davis is out there the playoffs with the rest of the Dallas ensemble that still exists, they're going to be a problem for somebody in the first round. They will be gets hurt.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's it. Let's take one last break. Still to come, Rafael Devers breaks his.

[Mike Wilbon]

Brutal slump and the NBA decides whether it's going to punish Ja and Buddy Heald for all that dueling finger gun action the other night.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You know, my being a problem for somebody in the first round isn't that big a deal because there's four rounds.

[D]

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[E]

I was never really a runner. The way I see running is a gift. Especially when you have stage four cancer. I'm Ann. I'm running the Boston Marathon presented by bank of America. I run for Dana Farber Cancer Institute to give people like me a chance to thrive in life even with cancer.

[Mike Wilbon]

Join bank of America and helping Anne's cause. Give if you can@b of a.com supportann what would you like the power to do references to charitable organizations is not an endorsement by bank of America Corporation Copyright 2025 Happy Time People.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy 37th Birthday Brandon Graham. Graham just retired after playing 206 regular season games at defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles more games than any Eagle ever. Graham was with the Eagles his entire 15 year career after they drafted him 13th overall out of Michigan in 2010. Graham started 106 games in Philadelphia and made the Pro bowl in 2020. He was on the Eagles winning Super bowl team in 2018 and had a famous strip sack of Tom Brady late in that game. This past season, Graham tore his triceps in week 12 but came back to played 13 snaps in the super bowl where the Eagles demolished the Chiefs. Graham re tore his triceps in that game, called it a career.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony, if you had asked me this question late last season, I would have told you the guy with the record had to be Harold Carmichael. Now played 13 seasons, I believe with the Eagles and he had some 14 game seasons in there wasn't playing, you know, 16 and 17 the whole while. So I still think it's comparable. But cheers to Mr. Graham.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy anniversary, Mario Lemieux. On this day 37 years ago, Lemieux won the NHL scoring title, thwarting Wayne Gretzky's bid to win his ninth straight. Lemieux had 70 goals and 98 assists for Pittsburgh. Gretzky had 40 goals and 109 assists for Edmonton, finishing second. Lemieux again won the scoring title the next year with 85 goals and 114 assists. Then Gretzky came back to win the next two scoring titles and Lemieux came right back at him and won the following two before Gretzky won the year after that. So that's either Gretzky or Lemieux winning scoring titles over 15 straight seasons. And we bring this up because back then it would have seemed unthinkable anyone would pay us Gretzky in goals and Alex Ovechkin is perched to do so.

[Mike Wilbon]

As cool as this OV thing is with the goal score, you gotta remember Wayne Gretzky probably could have scored another 150 goals. He just chose not to on his way to 1900 assists, which is nearly three times as many assists as Ovechkin, as great as Ovechkin is. So scoring in hockey is not just goals, boys and girls. It's goals and assists. And that's where Gretzky just bubbles up to the top again. Sorry, Bob Ryan.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy trails to hitlessness for Rafael Devers. The Red Sox DH started the season over 21 with 15 strikeouts. In the fifth inning of last night's win over the Orioles, he hit an RBI double to right that put Boston up three nothing. Devers looked relieved as he stood on second base and he followed it up with a single in the eighth and another one this afternoon. Also of note for the Red Sox last night, starting pitcher Garrett Crochet through eight innings for the first time in his career, just days after agreeing to a six year, 170 million dollar extension and said crochet quote, I can't think of the last time I played baseball for pride. To have this security and feel like I'm playing to truly just win ball games takes a lot of the riff raff out of it, unquote.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm glad that he was out there for as many innings as he was. Tony, maybe we're going in a new direction with that trending big finish quickly.

[Tony Kornheiser]

The NBA will not punish John Morant and Buddy Hield for their finger gun gestures at each other Tuesday night. Your thoughts?

[Mike Wilbon]

Ja doesn't learn Buddy Heald's not been in any trouble, but Ja doesn't learn the Patriots traded quarterback Joe Milton in a seventh to the Cowboys for a fifth. Your analysis?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't know what that means. Too deep in the weeds for me. 7th and 5th. The heat beat the Celtics in Boston last night. You're surprised?

[Mike Wilbon]

No. Boston. The Celtics are sort of disinterested in playing at home. They're down a record pace on the road. And the Heat have also won six straight. So, no, not a surprise. The US will reportedly land the Women's World cup in 2031. Is that a big deal?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, we often win it and it's a great television rating number. Last one. The Sixers will reportedly shut down. Tyrese Maxey finger tendon issue. Your reaction to that? They got nobody.

[Mike Wilbon]

Soup to nuts. It's been a disaster for the Sixers. That was their opening night. It just continues.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They want to lose every game. We're out of time. Try to do better the next time. And I'm Tony Kornheiser.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads.

[E]

Hey, I'm Brad Milke. You may know me as the host of ABC Audio's daily news podcast. Start here. But I'd like to add aspiring true crime expert to my resume. And here's how I'm gonna make it happen. Every week I'm going to unpack the biggest true crime story that everyone is talking about. ABC's got some unique access here. So I'll talk to the reporters and producers who have followed these cases for months, sometimes years. We'll bring you the latest developments and the larger context on the true crime stories you've been hearing about. Follow the crime scene for special access to the people who know these stories best.