Hour 2: All The Whiteys at the Ballpark (feat. The Kid Mero)

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: Hour 2: All The Whiteys at the Ballpark (feat. The Kid Mero)
Release Date: May 8, 2025

---

Introduction

In this episode, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz dive deep into the world of sports, particularly focusing on baseball, while infusing their signature humor and candid commentary. The conversation is enriched by the presence of guest Jeremy Tache, an MLB expert from El Extra Base, who brings valuable insights into Venezuelan baseball talent and the dynamics of current MLB teams.

---

Critique of the Boston Team

The episode opens with Dan expressing his frustration with the Boston team's recent performances:

Dan LeBatard [00:27]: "I have a hard time watching this Boston team play. This is a group that's won a title, and they look shook and they look small and they look uncertain."

This sets the tone for a critical analysis of underperforming teams and players.

---

Knicks Playoff Struggles

Chris Cody shifts the discussion to the New York Knicks' playoff woes, highlighting the team's inability to maintain leads:

Chris Cody [01:17]: "Have you ever blown 220 point leads in the playoffs back to back? Have you ever held onto your timeouts while you watched your team collapse?"

Dan concurs, expressing skepticism about the team's strategies and player performances:

Dan LeBatard [02:03]: "And I need those dues."

---

Trivia Segment: 2007 MLB Run Leaders

A recurring segment, "The Pitch Clock," introduces a trivia game focusing on the top 20 run scorers of the 2007 MLB season. The host and guests engage in a competitive and humorous battle of knowledge, leading to light-hearted banter and playful jabs.

Greg Cody [19:23]: "I'm gonna go Derek Jeter."

The segment showcases the hosts' camaraderie and depth of MLB knowledge, even as they stumble through some answers.

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Discussion on Venezuelan Baseball Players

Guest Jeremy Tache takes center stage to discuss the landscape of Venezuelan talent in Major League Baseball. The conversation is segmented into three key areas: the best Venezuelan player, the most underrated, and an emerging star to watch.

1. Best Venezuelan Player: Ronald Acuña Jr.

   Jeremy Tache [21:38]: "Even though he's not on the field is still Ronald Acuna Jr. When he's healthy and when he's playing, he's one of the best five or three players in the game, arguably."

   Tache praises Acuña's comprehensive skill set, emphasizing his contact, power, speed, and defensive capabilities.

2. Most Underrated Venezuelan Player: Willard Brea

   Jeremy Tache [22:30]: "Right now, for me, Willard Brea is doing fantastic things in right field. Defensively, he might be the best right fielder in the game."

   He highlights Brea's offensive prowess and defensive excellence, noting the lack of widespread recognition.

3. Emerging Star: Moises Ballesteros

   Jeremy Tache [23:02]: "He's in Triple A with the Cubs, with the Iowa Cubs. He's a catcher, big guy. He's hitting .381 in the minors."

   Tache predicts Ballesteros as a future cornerstone for the Marlins, impressed by his minor league performance and potential impact.

---

Performance Spotlight: West Sacramento Athletics

The hosts analyze the surprising performance of the West Sacramento Athletics, who are currently four games over .500. Jeremy Tache assesses the team's sustainability:

Jeremy Tache [24:06]: "I think it's sustainable because they have the talent, but also because of how wide open the AL is for many teams."

He points out the Athletics' strong talent pool and the competitive landscape of the American League as factors contributing to their successful start.

---

Engagement with MLB Expert: Danny Alvarez

The conversation shifts to a promotional segment featuring Jeremy Tache's platform:

Jeremy Tache [21:00]: "Alex Robas is a digital media outlet that I founded in 2018 with my good friend Julio Munoz. Since then, we've been covering Major League Baseball, Caribbean Leagues, World Series, All Star Games, everything related to baseball all around the world."

Tache invites listeners to explore his coverage for comprehensive MLB insights in both English and Spanish.

---

Humorous Interlude: Trivia Game Fumbles

The "Pitch Clock" trivia game hits a comedic low as Greg and Chris struggle with incorrect answers, leading to playful ribbing:

Greg Cody [30:26]: "We have a problem with Sam Morrell, one of the kings of comedy right now because of how Billy used you to offend him yesterday."

The mishaps in the trivia game highlight the light-hearted and entertaining nature of the show, balancing serious analysis with humor.

---

Promotional Segments

Interspersed with the main content are promotional messages for sponsor services:

• GameTime App:

  Dan LeBatard [11:03]: "GameTime takes the guesswork out of buying MLB tickets. Download the GameTime app, create an account and use code DAN for $20 off your first purchase."

• Miller Lite Advertisement:

  Greg Cody [16:03]: "Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin."

These segments are seamlessly integrated, maintaining the show's flow without detracting from the main discussions.

---

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the day's discussions, reiterating the importance of staying informed about baseball dynamics and celebrating mental health awareness:

Dan LeBatard [17:49]: "I'm presently wearing a sweater that says going to therapy is cool. ... Going to therapy, going to a few sessions, a really good thing for anyone. It's mental health awareness month here in May."

The episode concludes with enthusiastic endorsements for upcoming baseball events and a reminder to engage with the show's various segments and sponsors.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan LeBatard [00:27]: "I have a hard time watching this Boston team play. This is a group that's won a title, and they look shook and they look small and they look uncertain."
• Chris Cody [01:17]: "Have you ever blown 220 point leads in the playoffs back to back? Have you ever held onto your timeouts while you watched your team collapse?"
• Jeremy Tache [21:38]: "Even though he's not on the field is still Ronald Acuna Jr. When he's healthy and when he's playing, he's one of the best five or three players in the game, arguably."
• Greg Cody [19:23]: "I'm gonna go Derek Jeter."
• Dan LeBatard [17:49]: "I'm presently wearing a sweater that says going to therapy is cool. ... Going to therapy is cool."

---

Key Takeaways

• Boston Team Analysis: The hosts express concern over the Boston team's declining performance despite past successes.
• New York Knicks' Playoff Performance: Discussion highlights the Knicks' struggles in maintaining leads during playoff games.
• Venezuelan Baseball Talent: Guest Jeremy Tache provides a comprehensive look at top Venezuelan players, emphasizing emerging talents like Moises Ballesteros.
• West Sacramento Athletics' Potential: The team's impressive start is analyzed as a combination of talent and favorable league dynamics.
• Engaging Trivia Segments: Interactive and humorous trivia games add entertainment value, showcasing the hosts' playful side.
• Mental Health Awareness: The show underscores the importance of mental health, aligning with broader societal conversations.

---

This episode of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz" offers a blend of serious sports analysis, expert insights, and engaging humor, making it a must-listen for baseball enthusiasts and fans of dynamic sports commentary alike.

Transcript

[Dan LeBatard]

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[Dan LeBatard]

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[Chris Cody]

Tatum maneuvering. Oh, the ball locked away. Another great defensive play for the Knicks. They've got it. They've won it. New York has gone up two games to none. Have you ever blown 220 point leads in the playoffs back to back? Have you ever held onto your timeouts while you watched your team collapse?

[Dan LeBatard]

No.

[Chris Cody]

Well, I never thought Mazuma's good. And I'm glad I haven't yet because he clearly isn't good.

[Dan LeBatard]

It makes me wonder how they're supposed.

[Chris Cody]

To think Mazoola's good. It's like these people all forget. He just here.

[Dan LeBatard]

And I need those dues.

[Chris Cody]

I wish Fred Stevens would come back.

[Dan LeBatard]

Bravo, Streeter. Oh, my God. Excellent.

[Greg Cody]

Excellent banger.

[Chris Cody]

Miami can only be trolls at this point in life. We can just look at you and bother you. So Boston, I guess from down here we would say, is your coach good and is your star late? We would ask you from Boston. Mero's asking you, and he's got Brunson in his pocket. Like, literally, because he's that small and they've got you on the ropes and are you gonna take jumpers the rest of the way? Tony, please. Mero.

[Ethan]

You guys, I got a question for Mero. Dan, I got a question for Mero because. Okay. And Meron de la casa, have you ever had to do something at a time that you didn't think you would Be doing that thing. Okay. So the other night, yes, I have my baby 4, 4 months old. She's starting to teeth, right? So mommy's like, hey, can you put.

[Dan LeBatard]

Her in bed with us?

[Ethan]

She feels bad. I'm like, okay, I'll put it. The issue is our bed right in the middle where she sleeps. The vent de la cond goes right to her. So every time the AC kicks on, it hits her, she wakes up, she wakes me up, and then we got an issue. So at 3:58 in the morning. So I went down to the garage, down to the stairs, got the light on, started looking for stuff. Took out the step ladder, took out the power drill. And then I got to a point, I'm going to play the music right now because I haven't said this word, but it's going to be a refund idea and it's very Cuban. But I'm going to let you in because you're my brother. I'm going to let you in with something very Cuban. Lo mi genteel back in your life. As I got back up to the room and I looked at the vent, Dan, today's refendadilla, today's word of the day is encoho.

[Dan LeBatard]

Now I was pissed, Dan.

[Ethan]

I was pissed to a level that I could not imagine because as I sat staring at the vent that was a little bit higher than I thought. So I had to take the step ladder and take it back downstairs and then take the ladder at 3:58 in the morning and then start going up. My baby's crying, my wife is mad at me, but I'm like, I'm not doing this anymore. So I took the power drill, change the vent, the direction of the vent at 4:00 in the morning, Dan, the most handy thing I've ever done at that time.

[Chris Cody]

Forgive me though, because. Thank you, el don, el padron. Thank you. I'm not. I'm not quite Latin enough honestly to know the answer to the question I'm about to ask you, which is enco nado. I'm pretty sure whatever the equivalent would be in English. That seems to me a word nobody should be saying on public airwaves.

[Ethan]

Yeah, but this isn't public.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is public. Oh no. Us.

[Chris Cody]

No, but I'm saying the translation of that would not pass like English muster. Like this is. And it's in.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, you would. It would.

[Chris Cody]

It's. I feel like it's an. An illegal word. Can I ask?

[Dan LeBatard]

No.

[Chris Cody]

As a non Spanish speaker, is it.

[Dan LeBatard]

Is it related to cojones it's absolutely related to. Absolutely 100%.

[Chris Cody]

But you're upset. It means you're upset, right?

[Ethan]

It's like, I'm upset from down here.

[Chris Cody]

Oh. From the.

[Ethan]

Like, from the loins. Like, I'm so mad. Like, the. The angler is coming from such a deep place, Dan.

[Dan LeBatard]

Kind of like it's all the way to like to full in your plums.

[Chris Cody]

Exactly.

[Dan LeBatard]

Right. Now, how do we spell this? We're missing some words in the enunciation.

[Ethan]

Oh, yeah, we're definitely missing words because. Because Cubans skip over certain words and go, ho na do.

[Chris Cody]

But the way that he's saying that, the. Your rage is such that really your ball sack is now, like, making all of you. Yes. It's not just tight. You're. If you were 6:2, the rage is gathering at the center of your ball sack to make you six one. Like Miro said.

[Dan LeBatard]

You know what it does? It raises that seam in your ball sack. All men know you got that seam in your balls. It raises that seam in your ball sack to look like the running on a map of America.

[Chris Cody]

And this is why I didn't think any of this should be on public airwaves. But in the middle of that, you also said something.

[Dan LeBatard]

You know what you get? Isn't it weird that there is a seam down there? Like someone sewed it up.

[Chris Cody]

Was like. Was it one. We evolved from like, one God went there with, like, a needle and thread.

[Dan LeBatard]

And so Joe little worker angels. A golden, golden thread.

[Chris Cody]

Light bluish hue. I thought market. I've got. I've got a different Joanne's copy fabric. I've got a different refined for you. Because Tony also said. Which I also don't think you can say on air. I don't think that's probably not. Okay, well, what are we doing?

[Dan LeBatard]

We were gonna bleep that one.

[Chris Cody]

No, but. Okay, so now you. Yeah. What do you want? You want.

[Ethan]

It's just like saying MFer, you know, is it?

[Chris Cody]

No.

[Dan LeBatard]

What is of your mother. Right?

[Ethan]

Yeah.

[Dan LeBatard]

The PG is like, to hell with this.

[Ethan]

Exact. Exactly.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah.

[Dan LeBatard]

How about pingu. Well, yeah. Hey, you know.

[Ethan]

You know what we do around here. That's why soya casa. That's why soya dome de la casa talking.

[Chris Cody]

Okay, get out of here. That's enough of you. Mero, thank you for being on with us. We appreciate it. Next win, baby.

[Dan LeBatard]

Next win. 202 0. Took two from you. Took two of your cookies soft right out the oven in the fake garden, bro. And snatched two of your cookies right off your tray. Bro. Before they even cooled down. Yes. See you at the Real Garden. Next up, Yankees up. Let's go. Stop playing with me. And we got Malik Neighbors, bro. You know what I'm saying? Giants on the one.

[Chris Cody]

You can't do that. No.

[Dan LeBatard]

No one cares about the Jets.

[Chris Cody]

That was a pathetic.

[Dan LeBatard]

No, let's talk about Miami Sports.

[Chris Cody]

Wait a minute. That was a pathetic dismount by you. And we got Malik Neighbors. Pathetic. Pathetic.

[Dan LeBatard]

That's.

[Chris Cody]

You're three and 14.

[Dan LeBatard]

Let's go.

[Chris Cody]

You also have Russell Wilson.

[Dan LeBatard]

I mean.

[Ethan]

That's right.

[Dan LeBatard]

And James Winston.

[Chris Cody]

17.

[Dan LeBatard]

And Jackson Dart.

[Chris Cody]

7Pm in Brooklyn is the show with. With Carmelo Anthony, who is. All right.

[Dan LeBatard]

And we got victory light. And we got. According to the kid coming down the pipe. God damn it. It's like on a water slide right now, but it's at the top of the.

[Greg Cody]

You know what I'm saying?

[Dan LeBatard]

It's going to come down and splash in a pool. Splash in your face and your eyes. And there's a lot of chlorine in it. So it's going to burn. You know, I mean, according to the kid, like 7pm in Brooklyn, all that. I'm writing a book, you know. I'll be back to talk about it.

[Chris Cody]

I wasn't. Oh, I was not finished with what I was saying. 7, 7pm in Brooklyn is the show with Carmelo. Carmelo Anthony, who he just told you is not as beloved as Jalen Brunson.

[Dan LeBatard]

That is a lie.

[Chris Cody]

No, you. It's not a lie to the whole segment.

[Dan LeBatard]

He's just looking for a sound bite. Mellow. I love you. You're my guy. You know what I'm saying? I'll be there. I'll see you later.

[Chris Cody]

See you later. Me, I always enjoy talking to him. He has an energy that's infectious. What are you guys looking at?

[Dan LeBatard]

Is that David Beckham? What do you mean?

[Chris Cody]

The guy right there.

[Dan LeBatard]

That homeless looking guy over there.

[Chris Cody]

Looks like David Beckham.

[Greg Cody]

No, not him.

[Chris Cody]

No. No.

[Dan LeBatard]

Ethan. Go find out. Close.

[Chris Cody]

Frankie just got into work our security. It's almost time to leave. That's what traffic is in the city. I don't know what to do with this. We've got pitch clock coming up and I call it pitch clock. Even though, and I don't mean any disrespect here, Jeremy, because Stugatz has been very helpful during today's show and we haven't talked nearly enough. How does he feel about the Knicks? But he was helping me. He handed me a note here and it. And it's and it reads throw to pitch count. So Stugots is supporting your baseball show.

[Ethan]

That kind of thing.

[Dan LeBatard]

Pitch clock, pitch count. As long as you support, it's fine. Call me whatever you want.

[Chris Cody]

It's just a reminder. I mean, Tony, I am telling you that Sam Morrell is enraged with you. He's truly enraged. We have a problem with Sam Morrell, one of the kings of comedy right now because of how Billy used you to offend him yesterday. And I'm just worried in general.

[Ethan]

So how do we want to play this, Dan? Do you want me to up the beef with Sam Morrell, or do you want me to throw Billy under the bus for throwing me under said bus? And why does he have the neck brace? We still didn't talk about that, Dan.

[Chris Cody]

I just want to speak up on.

[Dan LeBatard]

Behalf of both Phil and Joe Niekro.

[Chris Cody]

Sam, Earl can't be a king of comedy. That's kind of one of our things.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah.

[Chris Cody]

As a black knuckleballer, as one of the Negroes. Yes. A regular white knuckleballer, like not only white, but the most Caucasian. What I would say is the Negroes are the most Caucasian people to ever play baseball. In fact, put this on the poll at LeBatard show.

[Dan LeBatard]

Cause otherwise I'd go Dale Murphy, unlike Danny Boone.

[Chris Cody]

Wow. Dale Murphy at LeBatarch. Are the Negroes the most white people to ever play baseball?

[Jeremy Tache]

What about the boons?

[Dan LeBatard]

With the boons? What about Whitey Herzog? Catfish hunter?

[Ethan]

Mark McGuire was like pink.

[Chris Cody]

Anyone named Whitey?

[Dan LeBatard]

Really?

[Chris Cody]

Right.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah.

[Chris Cody]

Like any. Yeah. All the whities.

[Greg Cody]

All these baseball names. All these baseball names make me want to go to a baseball game. And if I want to go to a baseball game, the Dodgers were in town this week.

[Dan LeBatard]

Wow.

[Greg Cody]

Great ticket. Game Time is where you go for the best deals. You download the Game Time app, create an account, use code DAN for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Game Time today. Last minute tickets, lowest price guaranteed.

[Ethan]

Guys. By the way, I used Game Time. And I took my family over to the Dodgers game, and I probably saw the walk off hit, by the way, for the Marlins, which I didn't see because the baby started to cry. So we ended up leaving. But. But I saw Tawny home runs, Dan. And I saw the greatest jersey I've ever seen. Dan. I'm putting it on the screen for you right here.

[Dan LeBatard]

How about that one right there, Dan? Oh, oh, that's funny. The Nico Honey is jersey.

[Chris Cody]

We've got to put that. We've got to find a Way in the store to make something like.

[Ethan]

How about the Nico Honey jersey?

[Chris Cody]

Immediate guys immediately make that jersey angel immediately. That is the best jersey I have ever seen. I see Nico Jones.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, so do I.

[Chris Cody]

Please a lot of people. Please, please. No, I mean, I loved your jersey yester I loved your jersey yesterday. Your Carl Weathers authentic Raiders jersey. The uniform he wore. That's the greatest jersey I've ever seen. But I also just saw in. I can't believe this. After 20 years, I just fell in love all over again with my partner because he still got it. I didn't think he still had it, but he's still got it. You guys were fooling around and we were talking about the black knuckleballers and the negroes. And I asked, and I will ask again. The negroes. Just look at them. Put pictures up of them and tell me whether they're right here. The most. No, my bad. The whitest people to ever play baseball. And when I asked that and Stu got, hit me with Whitey Herzog. I did mutter, you may have heard it. It was natural and authentic. You're good.

[Dan LeBatard]

You're still. You're still good. Game Time is the official ticketing partner of the Dan LeBatard show with Stu Gats. And folks, as the baseball season continues to unfold here, there are all sorts of great games happening this week. And this week, I'm thinking specifically the Cubs are in New York this weekend taking on the Mets. I know the Dodgers are playing the Diamondbacks getting into this weekend. There's some really good games. Even the Red Sox against the Kansas City Royals. There's really good games happening throughout the week. And if you want to be able to attend any of these baseball games, which you should, Game Time makes getting tickets even faster and easier. Prices on the gametime app actually go down the closer it gets to first pitch. Game Time takes the guesswork out of buying MLB tickets. You guys know that I want to get out to Pittsburgh and watch a game at that ballpark. I've made it clear on this show several times. And for me, the reason I know I'm going to use the gametime app to do it is because they have the lowest price guarantee. So take the guesswork out of buying tickets with GameTime. Download the GameTime app, create an account and use code DAN for $20 off. Your first purchase terms apply. Again, create an account and redeem code dan for $20 off. Download the Gametime app today. Last minute tickets. Lowest price guaranteed.

[Greg Cody]

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[Dan LeBatard]

I mean, on a cruise ship in my backyard.

[Greg Cody]

At the beach.

[Dan LeBatard]

At the. At the beach is a good one.

[Greg Cody]

What do we always do? We hear that.

[Dan LeBatard]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Greg Cody]

And then what do we do?

[Dan LeBatard]

We toast.

[Greg Cody]

Nice little clink. The clink. Whether it's the can or the bottle, there's something about the clink of the Miller Light.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah. And it's not just how much we love it, it's the whole ritual of it.

[Greg Cody]

You know, the popping the top, the sound of that.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, it's great. Love it. Love it.

[Greg Cody]

From game nights to parties with friends or a special anniversary, celebrating important occasions means more with the coolest people in your life. Cheers to 50 years of Miller Light, the great tasting light beer. For people who Love beer since 1975, now's a perfect time to celebrate legendary stories with friends, family, and a great tasting light beer. It's Miller time. The simple ingredients that malted barley for rich, balanced toffee note flavors and that iconic golden color.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yes, it's. It's one. Everything about it is wonderful. I can't think of anything.

[Greg Cody]

You're smiling. Ever since we started doing this ad read, you have just been smiling the entire time.

[Dan LeBatard]

I'm a Miller Light guy.

[Greg Cody]

That kind of thing.

[Dan LeBatard]

Miller Lite.

[Greg Cody]

Great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

[Chris Cody]

Don LeBatard. Your history with him suggests three years of.

[Dan LeBatard]

Those are the heaters.

[Chris Cody]

Three years of heaters. But this Stu got my partner enlivened by a sports. We're having sex, baby. And Joe Maurer. Yes. Like, this is the best version of him. What Stugats.

[Greg Cody]

Now you are.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah. The. The feels good.

[Jeremy Tache]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats.

[Dan LeBatard]

Welcome to the Pitch Clock. Here's the pitch. A two part baseball segment combining a nostalgic baseball trivia game and an interview with an expert. This is the Pitch Clock. The Pitch Clock is back.

[Greg Cody]

Hi, everyone.

[Dan LeBatard]

We are back. We have our own official bit. There it is. Look at that. It's Chris Cody. Jeremy Tache Taylor. Vipulous Taylor's gonna have our trivia in just a second. I do just want to note I'm presently wearing a sweater that says going to therapy is cool. And while I know that for most of our audience, I am not the barometer for what is cool. Going to therapy is cool. Get yourself some help if you need it. And even if you don't think you do. Going to therapy, going to a few sessions, a really good thing for anyone. It's mental health awareness month here in May. Just wanted to get that out there. Our mental health is about to suffer because we're playing a trivia game. We'll get to our 2025 MLB expert in just a second. But Taylor, what is our trivia game for today?

[Stugatz]

We're going back to three strikes and you're out. Today it's 2007. The list in front of you is top 20 run scored, league leaders. So we'll alternate guesses. Jeremy, you'll be up first.

[Greg Cody]

2007 runs.

[Dan LeBatard]

2007 run scored, scored. Okay. Okay. I'm gonna say Jose Reyes.

[Stugatz]

Jose Reyes is the first met.

[Dan LeBatard]

Chris Cody, you're up.

[Greg Cody]

All right, I'll go with Jimmy Rollins.

[Stugatz]

Jimmy Rollins is second on this list. The first Philly.

[Dan LeBatard]

All right, well, if he's the first Philly, then I want to go ahead and bet that Chase Utley is the second Philly.

[Stugatz]

That is a bet you are going to lose. And that's going to be your first strike.

[Dan LeBatard]

Wow. First strike for Jeremy. No Chase Utley on this list. 2007 is a little early for him, huh? Because I know he's on the 09 championship team, but it might have been a little before he was at the peak of his powers.

[Greg Cody]

I will take Juan Pierre.

[Stugatz]

Juan Pierre not on the list.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah. By that point, 2007's late. I know you're thinking he's one of the Marlins, but I don't think so. He was gone.

[Greg Cody]

I think I know, but what team was he on?

[Dan LeBatard]

I don't know. By 2007, is he a Cub? Maybe. I'm gonna go ahead. So those Marlins are coming to me, obviously, like, the Yankees are sitting there feeling like a relatively obvious one. I can't believe I didn't say I'm gonna go ahead. I'm gonna. I'm gonna do. There are four Detroit Tigers on this list, so. Oh, but by this point. Is he there? Oh, yeah. Is this year one? I'm doing it. Miguel Cabrera.

[Stugatz]

Miguel Cabrera not on the list.

[Greg Cody]

Jeremy's got two strikes.

[Dan LeBatard]

Oh, what a dumb guy. What a dumb guy. I am very excited about our guest for our 2025 MLB expertise. Danny Alvarez is here. I couldn't be more excited about it to have you with us here in our studio in Miami, ready to talk about all things baseball. But, Danny, you cover the Marlins. I do, but you do much more beyond that. You're wearing the hoodie for El Extra Basse. So do me a favor. Tell the people in like 20 seconds or so, within a pitch clock, about El Extra base. Yeah.

[Jeremy Tache]

So Alex Robas is a digital media outlet that I founded in 2018 with my good friend Julio Munoz. And since then, we've been covering Major League Baseball, Caribbean Leagues, World Series, All Star Games, everything related with baseball all around the world. And that's what we've been doing since 2018.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, that's exactly what you've been doing. It. You do it in English and in Spanish. The coverage is unbelievable. For those of you who want to go find it, go find it. But, Danny, you are Venezuelan yourself. And so I wanted to focus on some Venezuelan ballplayers with you. And here's how I want to do it. No one knows Venezuelan baseball better than you. I want to hear your take on the best Venezuelan baseball player, the most underrated Venezuelan baseball player, and give us a guy to watch that maybe people aren't talking about yet. That is going to be the next up and coming Venezuelan star, The best.

[Jeremy Tache]

One right now, even though he's not on the field is still Ronald Acuna Jr. When he's healthy and when he's playing, he's one of the best five or three players in the game, arguably. Right. I mean, we saw the 4070 season that he had two years ago, and what he's been able to do when he's healthy. Obviously, there are many ifs related to his health, but I have no doubt in my mind that in terms of raw talent, he might be not only the best right now, but arguably of all time.

[Dan LeBatard]

Wow. Wow. All right, so you're.

[Jeremy Tache]

You're putting him right because you have everything there with him, right? Contact, power, speed, a good arm. His defense is the only question mark. But, I mean, even then, he has flashes defensively. Exactly. So I don't think we have seen a base, a Venezuelan baseball player, being so complete like Ronald.

[Dan LeBatard]

Okay, so who's most underrated right now?

[Jeremy Tache]

Right now, for me. Will you tell me why? Because Wheeler is doing fantastic things in. In right field. Defensively, he might be the best right filler in the game. He has seven home runs already. He's put in an unreal offensive season. But also he's. I mean, defensively, he's up there with the best in the game, and I feel like nobody's talking about him, right?

[Dan LeBatard]

He's playing unbelievable baseball.

[Jeremy Tache]

And so, yeah, I think nobody's talking about Willard Brea right now, and I love seeing him play.

[Dan LeBatard]

Who is the next Venezuelan superstar that we're not talking about yet?

[Jeremy Tache]

Moises Ballesteros.

[Dan LeBatard]

Okay. I have not even heard of him. So tell me where he is. What's going on.

[Jeremy Tache]

He's. He's in Triple A with the Cubs. With the Iowa cops. He's a catcher, big guy. He's hitting.381 in the minors.

[Dan LeBatard]

Okay.

[Greg Cody]

All right.

[Jeremy Tache]

So that's a good start, but he's just gonna be so good in the future.

[Dan LeBatard]

Good news for Cubs. That's good news for Cubs fans. Including Ethan would like. Yeah, he'll be happy about that. But including Ethan, that's good news for them because their. Their lineup is already pretty sweet. Let's get to our second question here. You're obviously here in Miami, the. The not Oakland Athletics came to town. The West Sacramento Athletics of future Vegas came to town. It's very strange, but they were here, and they're really one of the surprise stories in Major League Baseball right now. At the time of this recording, they're four games over.500. You got to see them up close and personal. Do you believe that. That this hot start is Sustainable. Like, are we going to be talking about them as a potential wild card team down the stretch?

[Jeremy Tache]

I. I think we can because they have the talent. The only question for me is the pitching depth in the right. In the rotation. But yeah, I think it's sustainable. I mean, because they have the talent, but also because I don't see a clear great team in the al.

[Dan LeBatard]

The reality is, is the depth of the strength in the National League right now is far superior in their division alone. The AL west is a pretty weak division at least through a month of the season, and so it gives them that much more of an opportunity to be around.

[Jeremy Tache]

Absolutely. There's a legit chance that they might be competing for the. For a wild guard wildcard spot by the end of September. Like, I wouldn't be surprised. I think it's sustainable because of the talent that they have, but also because of how. How wide open the AL is for. For many teams.

[Greg Cody]

I'm gonna go Derek Jeter.

[Dan LeBatard]

Why did I do that? Where's Derek Jeter's number one?

[Stugatz]

Oh, no. Derek Jeter's not on the list.

[Dan LeBatard]

No way.

[Greg Cody]

What are we doing here?

[Dan LeBatard]

What is this game?

[Stugatz]

Derek Jeter from. From memory. He's one of the first names off this list, though.

[Dan LeBatard]

All right, well, now I'm feeling insane. Okay, The Seattle Mariner. Ichiro Suzuki.

[Stugatz]

Ichiro is on the list.

[Dan LeBatard]

Thank God. All right, good luck, Chris.

[Greg Cody]

I'm gonna go with my old Faithful. I feel like this guy in this era of time has done well for me in these games. Todd, help.

[Stugatz]

That's a third strike.

[Dan LeBatard]

Wow. Good Lord. Do we want to extend it to a four pitch? Like did we. Can we say we. We each fouled one off. Can we make this four strikes just so that this is.

[Stugatz]

The catcher dropped Chris's third strike.

[Greg Cody]

Oh, he did good.

[Dan LeBatard]

Catcher dropped it. Okay. But let's just make it abundantly clear I'm also gonna get a drop third strike if it happens.

[Greg Cody]

See how long until we get there.

[Dan LeBatard]

Okay. All right.

[Greg Cody]

I'm sorry.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is crazy.

[Greg Cody]

Like, we're failing Taylor here.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah. All right, so is one of the. One of the Marlins is Hanley Ramirez.

[Stugatz]

Hanley is third on this list.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yes.

[Greg Cody]

Okay, the Met that's crossed off here.

[Dan LeBatard]

I said Jose Reyes. I mean, there's a Met. There's a Met that comes to mind.

[Greg Cody]

David Wright.

[Stugatz]

David wright is correct. 12th on this list.

[Dan LeBatard]

Huge. All right, let's keep looking at these lists. I can't believe that there. There are two Yankees, there are four Tigers. The four Tigers is very Confusing. There's only one name that's coming to mind is a Tiger from that era. And it's random.

[Greg Cody]

The most random tiger name.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah.

[Greg Cody]

Popping in my head.

[Dan LeBatard]

Then I'm gonna go ahead and guess that the. The Boston Red Sox is Dustin Pedroia.

[Stugatz]

It's not Dustin Pedro.

[Dan LeBatard]

Who? It is. Yeah.

[Greg Cody]

Am I really about to say this name? I'm about to.

[Dan LeBatard]

I can't believe it. This is 2007. We should be. This should be the prime for both of us.

[Greg Cody]

I know it is. This is a tough one for me.

[Dan LeBatard]

I've got. I've got. I've got a couple names that are.

[Greg Cody]

Coming to mind, but they're gonna be wrong.

[Stugatz]

And with four Tigers, it's basically just name somebody.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, name the Tigers. And it's like. But I thought I did. I thought I did name a Tiger. There are two other Tigers that I can think of, but they're. They're random. It started last week. We. We started highlighting the concept that this is similar to SNL in the late aughts. Ah, golden era in Major League Baseball. Shout out to Quaid army on the Lily island podcast. I'm just gonna do that right there. But I want to stick with your NL expertise as we try to highlight stars here. I'm gonna have you pick between two guys who have had great starts their season. So there's Pete Alonso, who has had just a ridiculous start. I believe he leads the National League in ops. At the time of this conversation, he's been insane. After kind of a weird contract off season, he's back with the Mets doing that. Then there's the Nationals, James Wood, and he has really proven that he is going to be a major bat in this league. A young guy. Which one of those two stars do you want to highlight here?

[Jeremy Tache]

I think I want to highlight Pete because he, as you mentioned, he had such an exhausting off season with the contract negotiations, and he always wanted to go back to New York. New York wanted to get him back, but obviously what Scott Boras was looking for, he was just not going to get it, especially after the type of season that he had. But what impresses me the most about Pete is that when we think about sluggers in today's game, we think about chasing and striking out a lot. He has more walks than strikeouts right now, and he's making contact like Luis Arias. And when you have that type of contact with that power, you become one of the biggest stars in the game. So he's the closest thing that we're seeing to Aaron Judge in Basel, it's Pete Alonso right now. So that's why I want to highlight.

[Dan LeBatard]

That this, this question comes courtesy of Ethan. We gave Taylor an opportunity to ask one a couple of weeks ago. He, as a Marlins fan, wants to know, through your expertise, your opinion, is there anyone on the roster right now that you look at that you see as a legitimate piece of their future core as this build continues?

[Jeremy Tache]

Kyle's Towers is. I think he's the number one guy right now.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yep.

[Jeremy Tache]

Because as we mentioned with Pete, the quality of the at bats that he's taking, it's what tells me more even. I mean, you can take away the grand slam or the homers, whatever the at bats that he's taking, I think he's. It's off the charts and. And it's well above average. So I think Stowers right now is. Is that guy. And I would say obviously Max Meyer on the pitching side, I think he. He turned a corner. The type of off season he had with this new coaching staff, new pitching director, the amount of information that he got and that he was able to work with in the off season was crucial for him. I see him more excited about pitching and go out and competing. You can definitely see that. And he's been able to find the right adjustments after struggling.

[Dan LeBatard]

It is exciting to know that there are a couple of guys there. You can go for a couple of blonde guys. How about that? Here in Miami you can go kind of random. Yeah. I mean, obviously Augustine Ramirez is. Is a guy that we're all very aware of. Especially. I mean, I shouted him out the pitch clock last week, but his power is insane. Everybody go follow Alex Trabase on X, on Twitter, on Instagram, everywhere else. Follow Danny himself. But we're gonna go ahead and get back to one of the worst trivia games Chris and I have ever played.

[Greg Cody]

Tiger Brandon in.

[Stugatz]

It's not Brandon. That's gonna be the rare four.

[Dan LeBatard]

The rare fourth strike. The umpire missed the called strike on. On strike three. This is the rare fourth strike on Chris Cody. Okay, so I'm gonna try to name some of these guys.

[Greg Cody]

Did we both lose? Like, why?

[Dan LeBatard]

No, I win.

[Greg Cody]

What's this? By whatever.

[Dan LeBatard]

I won. It's over. I mean, come on. I dominated. Stupid dominant performance by me was Billy Hamilton the Red. No way. No. I'm gonna guess that Magle or Jones is one of those Tigers.

[Stugatz]

The second Tiger is ninth on the list.

[Dan LeBatard]

Is there a world where Victor Martinez is one of those Tigers?

[Stugatz]

Victor Martinez was not.

[Dan LeBatard]

Is Jacoby Ellsbury The Red Sox.

[Stugatz]

Jacoby Ellsberry is not the Red.

[Dan LeBatard]

So then who's the Red Sox?

[Greg Cody]

I was convinced it can't be.

[Stugatz]

Is it really not Manny?

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah.

[Greg Cody]

Johnny Damon.

[Stugatz]

Not Johnny Damon. The full list. Number one league leader that year and run scored a rod. And the next Yankees. Bobby Abreu. The first Tiger. Curtis Granderson. The Rocky. Matt Holiday.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah.

[Stugatz]

Cleveland. Grady Sizemore. Tiger. Maglio Ordonez. The Red Sox. Big Poppy. David Ortiz.

[Dan LeBatard]

I just didn't expect him to score so many runs. Yeah, I mean, beyond the base is enough to score that many runs. Gabe knew it.

[Greg Cody]

Thanks for telling me.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, Gabe's celebrating in the other room.

[Greg Cody]

Thanks for nothing. Jerk.

[Stugatz]

Blue Jay was Alex Rio. The other Marlin.

[Dan LeBatard]

Dan Ugla.

[Stugatz]

And Ugla.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah. What's Dan? Ugly.

[Greg Cody]

Alex Rios. Makes me happy.

[Dan LeBatard]

Alex Rios. I. I was gonna guess Vernon Wells, so I'm glad I didn't, but. Yeah.

[Stugatz]

And then the last part of the list. The Brewer Fielder.

[Dan LeBatard]

Prince Fielder.

[Stugatz]

The Brave. Chipper Jones. The Red. Brandon Phillips.

[Greg Cody]

Oh, thought of that.

[Stugatz]

The Tigers back to back. Gary Sheffield makes his way over to Detroit.

[Dan LeBatard]

Dude.

[Stugatz]

Placido Polanco.

[Dan LeBatard]

The other Tiger, Placido Polanco's.

[Greg Cody]

I thought about saying Omar Infante.

[Dan LeBatard]

And then that final. That final Philly we said was who?

[Stugatz]

Aaron Rowan.

[Dan LeBatard]

Glad we got that one in here.

[Greg Cody]

That's how I feel.

[Dan LeBatard]

That's the name everybody remembers. Chris Cody, lost in the way that Aaron Rowan just broke his face. Game Time is the official ticketing partner of the Dan LeBatard show with Stu Gotz. And folks, as the baseball season continues to unfold here, there are also sorts of great games happening this week and this weekend. I'm thinking specifically the Cubs are in New York this weekend taking on the Mets. I know the Dodgers are playing the Diamondbacks getting into this weekend. There's some really good games. Even the Red Sox against the Kansas City Royals. There's really good games happening throughout the week. And if you want to be able to attend any of these baseball games, which you should. Game time makes getting tickets even faster and easier. Prices on the gametime app actually go down the closer it gets to first pitch. Gametime takes the guesswork out of buying MLB tickets. You guys know that I want to get out to Pittsburgh and watch a game at that ballpark. I've made it clear on this show several times. And for me, the reason I know I'm going to use the gametime app to do it is because they have the lowest price guarantee. So take the guesswork out of buying tickets with GameTime. Download the GameTime app, create an account and use code DAN for $20 off your first purchase terms apply. Again, create an account and redeem code dan for $20 off. Download the Gametime app today. Last minute tickets, lowest price guaranteed.