This week we’re not in studio, instead recording on Skype, which is about as reliable as Manny Machado’s knees – BUT, we battle through.

Leading Off

Remember, you can text in during the show, Tuesdays from 8-9 at 410-449-0751.

Is Dan Duquette staying in Baltimore? Apparently. For now. FanFest should be fun this weekend, with Dan and Buck on stage in front of fans and media.

Do we not give Dan enough credit for the Birds’ turnaround? Matt gives him more credit for the guys he decides NOT to sign than for those he does sign.

#DeflateGate

Of course we have to talk about this. Why does everyone say “balls,” instead of “footballs,” setting everyone up for snickering?

Naturally, we are enjoying people calling the Patriots cheaters, and Tom Brady blatantly lying to everybody.

Debate Club

Rob Manfred is now the head of Major League Baseball and his first letter to fans he suggests perhaps banning the defensive shift.

Debate Time!

Matt takes the position that this is a great idea, while Josh takes the opposite position. Bert listens to both arguments, then figures out his own opinion five minutes after the discussion ends.

[cardoza_wp_poll id=51]

Ball Bag

How would we “improve” baseball?

Are (some) baseball fans smug? If so, why? What makes baseball beautiful and better than other sports?

We decide Camden Yards is the George Clooney of Ballparks.

The Travis Snider trade was made official while we were recording the podcast, so we cover that briefly.