The Sports-Casters

Steve interviews Chad Bishop (00:25:34) from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Chad a few weeks into his rookie season as a Atlanta Braves beat-writer and is making his Sports-Casters debut. Chad and discuss a good start for the Braves, the incredible bullpen, and quality starting pitching. Chad also looks at a blazing start for Drake Baldwin, the struggles of Austin Riley, and the consistency of Matt Olson. Chad also talks about Braves Vision, working on a baseball beat, and predicts the Braves win total. First things First kicks us off with the Buffalo Sabres ending their playoff drought, the fallout from Italy failing the make the World Cup and a strong start for the Atlanta Braves. The show ends with One Last Thing about Steve preparing to travel to Florida to visit with his brother, Anthony. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

For the second time in podcast history, this episode doesn't have a guest. Steve returns alone to do the hardest podcast he has ever had to do. Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. What went wrong? Who is to blame? Now what? Steve tries to answer all of these questions, tells us why he's more sad than mad, and explains why he still believes in the blue shirt. There are tons of emotions here. Be gentle. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Mike Vaccaro (00:25:31) the author of a new book about Yankees ownership called, Bosses of the Bronx. Mike is making his debut on the show and talks about writing a book with more modern subjects as opposed to those in his book about the 1912 World Series. Mike and Steve go back and forth about Joe DIMaggio, Aaron Judge, classic Yankee Stadium moments, and David Justice's home run in the 2000 ALCS. Mike also recalls Jeter's flip-play from his spot in the Oakland press box, discusses George Steinbrenner in pop-culture, and debates the Yankee Mount Rushmore. First things First covers Italy's big game against Northern Ireland, the already injured 2026 Braves, and the incredible Buffalo Sabres. The show ends with One Last Thing and bit more on Italy's playoff game (s) and what it will mean to qualify. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Jimmy Traina (00:22:47) from the SI Sports Media Podcast and author of the Traina Thoughts column. Jimmy and Steve talk about booking podcast guests, the crowded sports media space, and the future of podcasts. The guys talk about the Howard Stern Show, podcasts on Netflix, and streaming apps. Also, the origins of Jimmy's weekly segment with Sal Licata, their unique chemistry, and trying to do the segment when Sal isn't there. First things First covers the surging Sabres and their failed attempt to acquire a Price Is Right game, the Braves nightmare spring, and rumors about who is getting the call from the Italian National team for the playoff in three weeks. The show ends with One Last Thing about Paula and Tammy going to Disney World while Steve stays home. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Adrian Dater (00:29:30) the long time Colorado Avalanche beat writer and former co-host of The Lonely End of the Rink podcast. Steve and Adrian go into great detail about the gold medal game between the USA and Canada. Adrian has insight on Nate MacKinnon and his 3-on-3 woes, voting for MVP awards, and the roster construction of USA and Canada. The guys discuss Connor McDavid's legacy, Kenny Albert, and whose stock is up and who is down after the tournament. Adrian ends with the story of how his father's incredible footage of the 1980 miracle ended up in the new Netflix documentary. Steve is joined by Paula for First things First and they start by talking about their Sunday morning together watching Team USA win Olympic gold.. Steve and Paula go over watching the women beat Canada in OT, Quinn Hughes beating Sweden, and Jack Hughes ending the 46 year gold medal drought. After Paula leaves to get ready for dance, Steve talks more about the hockey, Italian football's bad week in the Champions League, and the 2026 Braves already having 2 key injuries. The show ends with One Last Thing about the death of the network sitcom. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Greg Wyshynski (00:22:40) senior NHL writer for ESPN. Greg first appeared on the second ever episode of the podcast and is back on the third episode of our 15th year. Greg and Steve talk about sports media in 2011 and the deep bench at Yahoo! Sports. Greg and Steve analyze the USA roster for the Olympics and talk for a minute about the new documentary on Netflix about the 1980 team. Next, the red hot Buffalo Sabres are debated. Do they have enough to break the playoff drought? Where does Lindy Ruff rank all-time as a Sabres figure? Is the Sabres high shooting percentage a cause for concern? Also, Lane Hutson, Dan Wetzel, and Marek vs. Wyshynski. Steve starts the show with First things First and starts in Italy with an injury to Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Also, Tyler Shough wins a prestigious award, Josh Norris is a problem, and Mike Tirico's big February. The show ends with One Last Thing about Steve's new friend, Tim. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]