Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron Episode: Hour 3: The Rockies are REALLY Bad
Release Date: June 15, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron", hosts Matt Jones and Aaron Goldhammer delve into the current state of various sports, focusing primarily on the NBA Finals, Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies, and other significant sporting events happening that week. The hosts provide in-depth analysis, share personal anecdotes, and engage in lively discussions peppered with humor and insightful commentary.

NBA Finals: Thunder vs. Pacers

Atmosphere and Fan Engagement ([00:31] - [04:32])

The conversation kicks off with Matt Jones highlighting the excitement surrounding the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. He emphasizes the vibrant atmospheres in both arenas despite varying national interest levels.

Matt Jones [00:31]: "You got Casty and Hammer. Like you two are the best buddies."

Aaron Goldhammer reflects on his extensive experience covering the NBA Finals over 21 years, noting the electric crowds in iconic venues and the special fervor among fan bases like Indiana and Oklahoma City, who have long awaited playoff success.

Aaron Goldhammer [01:33]: "These fan bases are two really."

Game Dynamics and Team Adjustments ([02:34] - [04:32])

The hosts analyze pivotal moments in Game Four, particularly Oklahoma City's defensive surge in the fourth quarter that shifted the momentum. Goldhammer praises key players like Shay Gilgeous-Alexander and Lou Dort for their impactful performances.

Aaron Goldhammer [02:47]: "And it was, you know, part of the great part of this series is how close these guys are and you know, in ability and to make that adjustment and grab momentum like that was, you know, impressive for OKC."

Predictions and Series Outlook ([07:46] - [11:42])

Discussing bench strength, Goldhammer leans towards Oklahoma City having a more impactful bench due to their depth and player contributions. However, both teams exhibit remarkable resilience, making future games unpredictable.

Aaron Goldhammer [07:58]: "I’m probably going to go OKC in a series."

Matt Jones expresses fascination with the Finals' unique player profiles, suggesting that the absence of household NBA names adds a refreshing element to the series.

Matt Jones [09:03]: "Part of what makes this weird to me is Shea probably deserves to be in that group now, but people are hesitant to do it."

Final Thoughts on the NBA Finals ([11:26] - [11:42])

As Game Five approaches, Matt hints at the anticipation and importance of the upcoming game, encouraging listeners to tune in for live coverage.

Matt Jones [11:26]: "Tomorrow night for game five of the NBA finals."

Major League Baseball: The Rocky Slump

Current Performance and Historical Context ([15:07] - [21:38])

The hosts shift focus to Major League Baseball, specifically the Colorado Rockies' dismal performance. Matt Jones highlights the Rockies' record of 13 wins and 57 losses, equating it to the historically bad 1899 Cleveland Spiders.

Matt Jones [15:07]: "The Rockies set the record for worst record in history after 70 games. They're what, 12, no, 13 and 57, which is not good. It was once set by the 1899 Cleveland Spiders."

Front Office and Management Issues ([19:37] - [22:32])

Mark Kester critiques the Rockies' front office decisions, attributing the team's struggles to poor management and lack of investment in building a competitive roster. He points out that despite playing in a major market like Denver, the ownership doesn't prioritize creating a winning team, relying instead on consistent attendance.

Mark Kester [19:37]: "Incompetent Front office is where it starts."

Broadcasting Challenges ([14:30] - [22:34])

The discussion touches on the Rockies' broadcasting issues, with games spread across multiple platforms like Roku, Turner, and Apple. This fragmentation confuses older fans, contributing to the team's disengagement.

Mark Kester [15:07]: "The Guardians in Cleveland had a weekend series where the Friday game was on Turner, the Saturday game was on Apple, and the Sunday game was on Roku."

Player Perspectives and Team Morale ([16:18] - [17:56])

Former player Kyle Farmer is quoted expressing resignation about the team's fortunes, emphasizing a "nothing can be done" mindset. The hosts debate this outlook, suggesting that players have the agency to change the team's trajectory through performance.

Kyle Farmer [16:18]: "We don't care. There’s nothing we can do about it."

MLB Trade Analysis and Future Prospects

Trade Insights ([24:47] - [30:38])

The episode features an expert segment with Bobby Marks, an ESPN NBA Front Office Insider, discussing a significant trade involving Desmond Bain being traded from the Grizzlies to the Magic for KCP Cole Anthony and multiple first-round picks. Marks analyzes the aggressiveness of the trade, its implications for both teams, and the broader strategy behind such moves.

Bobby Marks [25:28]: "When you're trading for first-round picks and there's a pick swap in there... it's for all-star level players."

Draft Pick Valuation ([31:27] - [35:35])

Matt and Mark delve into the NBA Draft, evaluating prospects like Walter Clayton and Mark Sears. They discuss the challenges teams face in recognizing and valuing players who may be underdrafted due to factors like size or extensive college experience.

Matt Jones [34:10]: "That's exactly right. So if I'm picking 25th and I know this dude is going to be in my rotation, I don't know why you wouldn't take him."

Betting Picks and Predictions

College World Series ([38:12] - [40:04])

The hosts engage in friendly betting on the upcoming College World Series matchup between Arizona and Louisville, with Matt favoring Arizona despite Louisville being the favorite.

Matt Jones [38:26]: "I would pick Arizona. Do not let the Cards win a game."

U.S. Open Golf ([38:26] - [39:57])

Predictions are made for the U.S. Open Golf final round, with Matt backing Victor Hovland over other contenders like Sam Burns and Adam Scott.

Matt Jones [39:27]: "I'm gonna go with Victor Hovland. The big European has a smooth swing."

MLB Games ([40:39] - [42:57])

Matt and Mark discuss the Cincinnati Reds vs. Detroit Tigers game, highlighting the Reds' poor track record in opening games.

Matt Jones [40:03]: "The Reds have played their last 39 series where they've lost the first game."

Stanley Cup Final ([42:09] - [45:37])

Predictions are also made for the Stanley Cup Final between the Oilers and the Panthers, with both hosts leaning towards Edmonton despite challenges.

Matt Jones [44:43]: "I'm gonna take the Oilers just because I want them to win."

Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter between Matt and Mark, reminiscing about personal interactions and the quirks of sports decision-making. They encourage listeners to tune in for live coverage of Game Five of the NBA Finals and tease upcoming segments on baseball and other sports events.

Matt Jones [37:15]: "Mark, we're in rooting for teams in the same state. If Ellie Dela Cruz walks down the street in Cincinnati, he gets mobbed. If he walks down the street in Cleveland, nobody knows who he is."

Notable Quotes

• Aaron Goldhammer [02:47]: "And it was, you know, part of the great part of this series is how close these guys are and you know, in ability and to make that adjustment and grab momentum like that was, you know, impressive for OKC."

• Mark Kester [15:07]: "The Guardians in Cleveland had a weekend series where the Friday game was on Turner, the Saturday game was on Apple, and the Sunday game was on Roku."

• Bobby Marks [25:28]: "When you're trading for first-round picks and there's a pick swap in there... it's for all-star level players."

• Matt Jones [38:26]: "I would pick Arizona. Do not let the Cards win a game."

Conclusion

In "Hour 3: The Rockies are REALLY Bad," Matt and Myron (Aaron Goldhammer) provide a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape, with a critical eye on the Colorado Rockies' performance and engaging discussions on the NBA Finals, MLB trades, and various betting predictions. Their candid conversations and expert insights offer listeners a deep dive into the intricacies of professional sports, all delivered with a blend of expertise and entertainment.

Note: This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from the podcast episode, structured into clear sections for easy navigation and understanding.