Summary of "Hour 3: CFB Around the Corner!"
Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron
Release Date: August 3, 2025

In this engaging episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron on ESPN Radio, hosts Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf delve into a variety of pressing topics in the sports world, with a particular focus on Major League Baseball (MLB) challenges, the evolving landscape of college football, and an intriguing exploration of cornhole as an emerging sport. Filled with insightful analysis, notable quotes, and lively discussions, this episode provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of current sports narratives.

1. MLB Event at Bristol Motor Speedway: A Missed Opportunity

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the highly anticipated MLB event held at Bristol Motor Speedway, which ultimately did not meet expectations due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Matt Jones expresses his disappointment:
  “I don't feel like [baseball events at such venues] get enough attention on the radio.” ([00:31])

• Aaron Goldhammer provides context on the complexities of organizing large-scale baseball events:
  “This is one of the things that's sort of the intersection of baseball is the one sport where, you know, the weather is problematic and then you have these one-off events that take a lot of planning.” ([01:30])

The hosts reflect on how weather and logistical issues, such as rain delays, can significantly impact the success of such events. Myron shares his firsthand experience, lamenting the rain delay:
"I just felt bad for everyone because they've been working on this thing for a year." ([27:28])

2. MLB Team Standings and Playoff Predictions

Transitioning to current MLB standings, Matt and Aaron discuss the competitiveness of the league and the potential for various teams to reach the World Series.

• Matt Jones notes the increased openness at the top of the standings:
  “It feels like there's 10 teams that are all kind of the same.” ([04:16])

• Aaron Goldhammer agrees, highlighting baseball's unique competitiveness:
  “It's always open. It's always pretty open.” ([05:43])

The conversation touches on specific teams, with Aaron suggesting the Tigers have a better chance to advance, while Matt contemplates the narrowing gap between traditionally strong teams like the Dodgers and other contenders.

3. Bryce Harper vs. Commissioner Manfred: Player-Unions Dynamics

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the altercation between Bryce Harper and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, exploring its implications for player-union relations.

• Aaron Goldhammer minimizes the incident's impact:
  “I don't know that that's really going to be a thing.” ([07:09])

• Matt Jones counters, emphasizing its significance:
  “I think that's a pretty big deal saying get the [blank] out of our clubhouse to the commissioner.” ([08:31])

The hosts discuss differing perspectives within the MLB community, noting that while star players like Harper may have distinct interests, the rank-and-file players might support measures like a salary floor to balance team payroll disparities.

4. MLB Payroll Disparities and Union Negotiations

Delving deeper into the financial aspects of MLB, Matt and Boog analyze the stark differences in payrolls between teams like the Dodgers and the Marlins.

• Boog Shambi explains the root of player concerns:
  “The problem is that what the Dodgers are spending is so much more than what the Marlins are spending.” ([09:38])

• Matt Jones elaborates on the varied interests within the league:
  “I think there's baseball more than any other sport. I think within the union and within the teams, there are very different interests in the way things work.” ([10:20])

This segment underscores the complexities of MLB's financial negotiations and the challenges in aligning the diverse interests of teams and players.

5. College Football: Players to Watch

Shifting gears to college football, Matt and Boog share their excitement about standout players who are poised to make significant impacts in the upcoming season.

• Boog Shambi highlights Arch Manning as a top prospect:
  “He's the Heisman Trophy favorite.” ([15:07])

• Matt Jones adds his enthusiasm for potential breakout stars:
  “If he goes into Columbus and wins, then I'll [support him].” ([16:02])

Boog also mentions Drew Aller from Penn State and Jeremiah Love from Notre Dame, discussing their potential and the narratives that make them intriguing to watch.

6. The Rise of Cornhole as a Sport

In an unexpected yet fascinating turn, the podcast explores cornhole, featuring insights from Ryan McGee of Marty and McGee.

• Myron Medcalf describes the vibrant scene at the Cornhole World Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina:
  “It's basically a Luke Combs contest, a costume contest like literally every, everybody.” ([29:56])

• Boog Shambi questions its legitimacy as a sport:
  “Is Cornhole a sport?” ([31:05])

• Myron Medcalf defends cornhole's athleticism and competitive nature:
  “It is a sport that there are a lot of different people of ages, of varied body types.” ([31:05])

The hosts debate the merits of cornhole, acknowledging its growing popularity and the skill required to excel, while also recognizing its emerging status in the competitive sports arena.

7. WWE SummerSlam Predictions

Wrapping up with a lighter segment, Matt and Boog engage in a playful prediction game for the upcoming WWE SummerSlam event.

• Matt Jones predicts John Cena's victory:
  “Give me Cena winning the street fight tonight.” ([43:22])

• Boog Shambi anticipates strategic storytelling:
  “I think they'll let Cena win just so they can set him up for future pain a couple of weeks from now.” ([43:48])

The banter highlights the hosts' camaraderie and adds an entertaining close to the episode.

Notable Quotes:

• “Sometimes, you take a swing and, and you screw it up.” - Aaron Goldhammer ([01:30])

• “If you give me a salary floor, if you make the Marlins spend 100, then I take limiting what the Dodgers will spend.” - Boog Shambi ([09:38])

• “It's. It's an interesting experiment where you take a world-class facility... and then you bring in an outside group to run the event.” - Myron Medcalf ([26:10])

• “Everyone down at your Munich course thinks they could make the U.S. open. They can't, but you know, they can try.” - Myron Medcalf ([32:12])

Conclusion:

This episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron offers a thorough and dynamic exploration of current sports topics, seamlessly blending deep analysis with lighthearted commentary. From dissecting MLB's logistical challenges and financial dynamics to spotlighting promising college football talents and pondering the legitimacy of cornhole as a sport, the hosts provide listeners with valuable insights and entertaining discussions. Whether you're a baseball aficionado, a football fan, or simply interested in the evolving landscape of sports, this episode delivers a rich and engaging listening experience.