Hour 2: In the Tank? - The Michael Kay Show

Summary

The Michael Kay Show - Episode Summary: "Hour 2: In the Tank?"

Release Date: January 20, 2025
Host: Michael Kay
Co-host: Don La Greca

1. Debating Full-Time NFL Officials

Timestamp: [00:43] – [07:21]

The episode kicks off with Don La Greca engaging in a heated debate about the proposal for full-time officials in the NFL. Drawing comparisons to other major sports leagues, Don critiques the notion that full-time officials would inherently improve officiating quality.

Don La Greca challenges the effectiveness of full-time officials by stating, “It doesn't work in the other sports. These are games that are incredibly hard to officiate... It’s nonsense. Full time job. They’ll be better. You’re full of it." ([00:43]-[05:11])
Zach, a caller from Massachusetts, joins the discussion to defend the idea, arguing, “Any other job, they are the top 1% of their profession.” He emphasizes that full-time officials receive appropriate compensation, which could enhance their performance ([04:19]-[05:43]).
Don rebuts by maintaining skepticism, noting that even elite officials like Leon Wood face constant criticism despite their credentials. He argues, “I just don’t think it makes a difference.” ([06:00]-[07:21])

2. Major League Baseball Insights with Caller Mike

Timestamp: [09:37] – [23:43]

Several callers delve into the intricacies of Major League Baseball, with Mike and Calvin providing in-depth analysis and opinions.

A's Potential Relocation and Financial Strategies

Caller Mike raises concerns about the Oakland Athletics' (A's) financial maneuvers, particularly their recent signings and potential relocation. He notes, “The only reason they have to spend money... is they’re too important to the success of the team.” ([09:52]-[11:13])
Don elaborates on the relocation debate, expressing doubts about the A's remaining in Sacramento due to the inadequate ballpark and extreme summer heat, concluding, “I don’t think they could stay, Mike in Sacramento at that ballpark. It’s too small.” ([11:03]-[11:13])

Vladimir Guerrero and Mets Strategy

Calvin discusses Vladimir Guerrero's potential impact on the Mets, advocating for his acquisition to strengthen the team's lineup. He argues, “If you don’t bring Vlad Guerrero into the Mets... you’re going to have a Soto that’s going to produce...” ([16:34]-[18:09])
Don agrees on Guerrero's fit but warns about the financial implications. He states, “Just give him the money or you’re going to lose him in a trade,” emphasizing the necessity of meeting Guerrero’s contract demands to retain his talent ([18:09]-[23:43]).

3. New York Jets Performance and Future Prospects

Timestamp: [23:43] – [26:50]

Caller Charlie shifts the conversation to the New York Jets, expressing concerns about the team's current performance and future direction.

Charlie shares his personal observation, “I could start to feel it [the team's struggles]... What do you think they need to do to just move the team in at least any type of positive direction at all?” ([23:43]-[24:16])
Don responds by assessing the Jets' roster, highlighting the potential if the right coaching and management are in place. He asserts, “You’ve got to look at it and say, if we bring in the right coach, we could win nine games, 10 games next year.” ([24:16]-[26:50])
He further critiques the previous coaching decisions, pointing out the lack of effective leadership under Jeff Ulbricht, and underscores the importance of strategic coaching to unlock the team's potential ([24:16]-[26:50]).

4. Brief Touchpoints and Closing Remarks

Throughout the episode, interspersed advertisements are strategically placed but are excluded from the main content summary. The episode concludes with Michael Kay and Don La Greca exchanging lighthearted banter, reinforcing the show's ongoing commitment to delivering insightful sports commentary.

Notable Quotes

Don La Greca: “It doesn't work in the other sports. These are games that are incredibly hard to officiate... It’s nonsense. Full time job. They’ll be better. You’re full of it.” ([00:43]-[05:11])
Zach: “Any other job, they are the top 1% of their profession. Correct?” ([04:19]-[05:43])
Caller Mike: “If you don't bring Vlad Guerrero into the Mets or Alonzo doesn't re-sign with the Mets, you're going to have a Soto that’s going to produce...” ([16:34]-[18:09])
Don La Greca: “You’ve got to look at it and say, if we bring in the right coach, we could win nine games, 10 games next year.” ([24:16]-[26:50])

Concluding Thoughts

In "Hour 2: In the Tank?", The Michael Kay Show delves deep into contentious topics within NFL officiating and Major League Baseball strategies, while also addressing concerns about the New York Jets' trajectory. Through passionate debates and caller interactions, the show offers listeners a comprehensive look into the current sports landscape, enriched with expert opinions and real-time analyses.

For those interested in the nuances of sports management, officiating standards, and team dynamics, this episode provides valuable insights and stimulates thoughtful discussion.

Transcript

Michael Kay (0:01)

This episode is brought to you by Marvel Studios Captain Brave New World starring Anthony Mackie as Captain America and Harrison Ford as President Ross. Don't miss the explosive return of Captain America as Sam Wilson uncovers a mysterious plot that threatens to destabilize the globe and confront an enemy that has the entire world seeing red. Enter a brave new world in IMAX in 3D on February 14th. This is the Michael K Show podcast. I gotta get more K. Listen live weekdays at 1 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speaker.

Don La Greca (0:43)

Welcome back to the show, everybody. I, I would like to, I would like to take credit for a really smart thing, but I give credit where credit is due. So my producer Ray Dinahan just said in my ear about, you know, the full time officials that the NFL has to have full time officials, they'll be better at their job. Okay, Full stop. MLB umpires, full time officials and people ever complain about them? Ever? Do you ever hear them complain that they get their calls wrong? All the time. Full time, full time NBA officials, no other job. Full time officials, they ever get criticized? Yeah, I think so. All the time. NHL officials, full time. They ever get criticized? Yeah, all the time. So what is the nonsense that we need the NFL to have full time officials? They'll be better. How? How would they be better? It doesn't work in the other sports. These are games that are incredibly hard to officiate. The players are faster than you, the collisions are violent. You're always going to get it wrong at some point. They get it right most of the time, but because of the incredible television angles we have now, we expose every time they get it wrong. All the things that they have to legislate, whether or not a guy slid on time, whether or not they hit him in the head or just below the. It's nonsense. Full time job. They'll be better. You're full of it. You're just looking for something to hang on the rim about to make them better. We'd still criticize them, they'd still make mistakes. I told you how to get rid of one of the problems. Stop with the slide. The slide causes it all the time and every every time. I'm not going to blame the defense. Defense all the time. I'm just not. Every time you blame the defensive guy. Well, he went right at his head. While he's going right at his legs, he's going right at his waist. Picture that. Everything's happening so fast on instant replay. It looks slow. Everything is happening fast in real time. So you're trying to make the tackle the right way. You're tackling somebody at the waist or the chest, and all of a sudden a late slide, that area becomes the head. The quarterbacks weaponize the rules in their favor in order to get more penalties. That's why you take away the slide. Once you cross the line of scrimmage. You know what? You are a football player. You're not a precious jewel. Now, you don't cross the line of scrimmage. You have to protect the quarterback. You just do. They make too much money. They're too important to the success of the team. But if they're going to go and cross the line of scrimmage, then you know what? All the rules are over. All the rules are over. Sorry. Awful. Awful. Happens all the time. And all the time the defensive player gets blamed all the time. Oh, he's headhunting. No, he's not. Now sometimes they are. Not everybody in the world is good, but sometimes they're not. Sometimes it's physically impossible to make the tackle the way you want to make the tackle. If a guy goes into a late slide and then the guys that fake the late slide and, and then they keep going for four or five more yards and you blame the defensive player. No, no, not cool. Let's go to Zach in Massachusetts. Zach.