Today’s word of the day is ‘wake up!’ as in the dream happened the dream is over as in the World Baseball Classic as in Shohei Ohtani vs Mike Trout as in what is next for baseball? What can MLB do to keep the momentum going? Japan won. USA lost. Baseball fans won. The haters lost. (14:50) Where were the US star pitchers? Scherzer? deGrom? Verlander? Burnes? Well, Rob Manfred wants them there. He held court and gave some quotes on the WBC and the new rules. (28:40) Review: Black Panther - Wakanda...
Mar 22, 2023•51 min
Today’s word of the day is ‘incredible’ as in amazing as in perfect as in a dream scenario for MLB has happened. Japan vs USA. Trout vs Ohtani. It’s happening in the World Baseball Classic. Let’s discuss what this WBC has meant to everyone involved. Stars were made. Social media was in a frenzy. It was a perfect night. (15:55) A catcher in the bullpen for the Cuban team in the WBC has defected. Ivan Gonzalez was able to sneak out of the hotel and didn’t show up for the team’s flight home. We spo...
Mar 21, 2023•52 min
Today’s word of the day is ‘vamos’ as in let’s go as in baseball is here as in another injury at the WBC as in Jose Altuve is out for at least 2 months after breaking his thumb on a hit by pitch. Awful. Horrible. Just unlucky. What are the Astros saying and doing? (11:55) We need to talk about Cuba playing in Miami and why it was so important. (24:55) Angels owner Arte Moreno spoke with the media for the first time in three years. What did he have to say? Payroll. Ohtani. Losing. (36:55) Review:...
Mar 20, 2023•51 min
Today’s word of the day is ‘imminent’ as in right now as in really soon as in the Washington Commanders sale could be here! What is Danny Boy and Tanya Snyder up to? Moving boxes. Packing tape. Saying their goodbyes. Who is buying the team? Where are the leaks!? (14:00) Michael Jordan is looking to sell the Charlotte Hornets. He bought the team in 2010 for $275M and is about to make a cool billion on that investment. (24:40) Review: Brian and Charles. (28:55) Edwin Diaz is out for the rest of th...
Mar 17, 2023•52 min
Today’s word of the day is ‘agony’ as in Edwin Diaz as in Alexis Diaz as in Francisco Lindor as in Team Puerto Rico as in the WBC as in the New York Mets as in Steve Cohen as in MLB. What a nightmare. Diaz strikes out the side to send Puerto Rico to the next round of the WBC and the Dominican Republic home… and gets hurt celebrating. Oh my… (28:40) Review: The Pez Outlaw. (30:45) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Ja Morant situation and what has transpired. He is back afte...
Mar 16, 2023•51 min
Today’s word of the day is ‘presumptuous’ as in Aaron Rodgers is having Decision 2.0 as in the New York Jets got a list of targets from Rodgers as in Aaron Rodgers wants to play GM like LeBron James. Why are teams letting this happen? Just make up your mind already. Get it done and move on. (11:45) What is the future of the NBA? Load management is out of control. MVP voting is out of control. The new CBA is coming up. TV Deals. Some players aren’t happy. Damian Lillard doesn’t like it. (22:00) R...
Mar 15, 2023•51 min
Today’s word of the day is ‘rolling the dice’ as in taking a chance as in gambling as in Max Scherzer spoke about the World Baseball Classic and why he’s not participating. A mid-season tournament, maybe? But, he spoke on getting ready for the season and not being there yet. Is it wrong to prioritize the MLB season over the WBC? Brandon Nimmo felt similar to Scherzer. Team USA has the bats, but none of the 15 Americans to receiver Cy Young votes are on the squad. And what about the pitching limi...
Mar 14, 2023•52 min
Today’s word of the day is ‘da bears’ as in the Chicago Bears and in the Carolina Panthers as in David Tepper has mortgaged his team’s future for the number 1 overall pick. Tepper wants to be the man. He wants to be the story. Was it too much? Are the Bears all in on Justin Fields now? (9:50) Dolphins have picked up the 5th year option for Tua. He missed a lot of time because of head injuries last year. What happens next? Tua gets a big extension or Tua not a Dolphin in 2 years? (14:55) So You W...
Mar 13, 2023•51 min
Today’s word of the day is ’forearm strain’ as in pitching as in baseball as in MLB as in Spring Training as in the lockout ended a year ago today as in the New York Yankees are in trouble before the season. Carlos Rodon. $162M. Forearm strain. Injured List. DAMN! (16:45) The Arizona Cardinals have a problem. It used to be Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray. Now players are fighting in the media and social media about Kyler Murray. Oh boy. (28:00) Review: Oscar Predictions (36:55) Patrick Ewing ha...
Mar 10, 2023•51 min
Today’s word of the day is ’scripted’ as in the WWE as in professional wrestling as in SORRY TO BREAK IT TO YOU as in the WWE is looking into getting into the gambling business. What? How? Really? No Way. (16:40) Calvin Ridley is back in the NFL. The receiver was suspended for a year and traded to the Jaguars. He was suspended for gambling on the NFL. He released a story in the Players’ Tribune that was eye-opening. (27:50) Update on Ja Morant! He’ll be out for at least four more games the Grizz...
Mar 09, 2023•49 min
Today’s word of the day is ’you’re it’ as in tag you’re it as in the franchise tag as in Lamar Jackson was tagged. What does that mean? People are screaming about collusion! Is the NFL colluding against Lamar? What did the Ravens do? Why don’t other teams want him? (20:40) Daniel Jones is getting big money from the Giants. We say that because he could be playing on a 5th year deal! But alas, he is making big money. (24:50) Aaron Rodgers is meeting with the New York Jets. Why? Why are the Jets do...
Mar 08, 2023•49 min
Today’s word of the day is ’WBC’ as in World Baseball Classic as in the World Cup of Baseball as in Dominican Republic as in Team USA as in Japan! Let’s talk about what this tournament is and what it means to Major League Baseball. (10:55) What are the Jets doing at QB? Is Aaron Rodgers the guy? Is Derek Carr the guy? Is Geno Smith the guy? What are the Jets going to do!? (23:10) Review: A Man Called Otto (26:55) What is the latest on Ja Morant? It looks like the Denver Police Department are now...
Mar 07, 2023•50 min
Today's word of the day is 'Vegas Baby' as in my reflections on a weekend in Vegas. Is the city over saturated with professional sports? Ja Morant has been suspended for two games after he was seen on Instagram live with a gun. How much trouble is he in? Baltimore Ravens Receiver Rashod Bateman called out his GM for his comments on a disappointing track record at the WR position. Today's review is Women Talking written band directed by Sarah Polley. We have an update on MLB rules... or do we.......
Mar 06, 2023•49 min
Today's word of the day is 'Fifty Five' as in . We have a #Waittosee... Do you think Deshaun Waston will restructure his deal to help the brown? Next up we have a quick correction before reviewing the movie Virunga. The MLB wants to cut Minor league players off Florida's minimum wage, what type of impact would this have on the minor leagues? David Also reacts to a few injuries and how they could impact their teams. As always we close the show with a pick of the day. Learn more about your ad choi...
Mar 01, 2023•49 min
Today’s word of the day is ’indefinitely’ as in LeBron James is out with a foot injury. Oh boy. The Los Angeles Lakers traded for six new players at the deadline. The Los Angeles Lakers felt like a new team. The Los Angeles Lakers now are outside the play-in tournament with no LeBron James. (14:10) The NFL Draft Season rumors are back! What are the Bears doing with the top pick? Keeping it! Trading it! Trading Justin Fields! ANYTHING! (24:40) Review: The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker. (28:35) MLB ...
Feb 28, 2023•51 min
Today’s word of the day is ’65’ as in 65M as in Manny Machado got paid $65M more than what the Padres originally offered him a few weeks ago. This deal now becomes a 14-year, $470M deal. Can you believe it? This is what happens when teams put opt-outs in! What does this mean fore the Padres and its spending spree? (14:50) Is there going to be a salary cap in MLB? Is this possibly going to happen? Would the Player’s Union allow it? (27:20) Review: Drive to Survive. (30:20) The new MLB pitch clock...
Feb 27, 2023•48 min
Today’s word of the day is ’darkness’ as in Aaron Rodgers has returned from his Darkness Retreat so we have an NPDS dark retreat as well. Where is he going to go? Back to Green Bay? To the Jets? To retire? What about Lamar Jackson and the Ravens? Are they close to a deal? (13:45) Eric Bieniemy has left Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. He was introduced as the Washington Commanders offensive coordinator. Is this fair? A lateral move? (23:50) Review: The Whale. (27:50) Jayson Stark released an artic...
Feb 24, 2023•49 min
Today’s word of the day is ’escape club’ as in Wild, Wild West as in the Western Conference as in the NBA is back tonight and the Western Conference has so many storylines to focus on. Let’s start things off with LeBron James and the Lakers. He says these final 20+ game are the most important games of his career. Kevin Durant is on the Suns. Remember that? Kyrie is on the Dallas Mavericks. Remember that? Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors dynasty could be over? Right? Has to end at some p...
Feb 23, 2023•48 min
Today’s word of the day is ’nuts’ as in owners are talking as in it all seems nuts as in MLB Spring Training is the time of year when you hear from all the owners so let’s alll hear what they have to say. Peter Seidler is the owner of the San Diego Padres. He’s got a stacked team right now. He’s spending big money. What did he have to say? (11:45) Bruce Sherman met the media and wants you to know that the Marlins want to win and are not for sale. Where have you heard that before? (17:55) Arizona...
Feb 22, 2023•49 min
Today’s word of the day is ’position’ as in Steve Cohen is in position as in 3-5 year plan is here as in MLB and its Economic Reform Committee has been started. What does all of this mean? Do the other owners dislike Steve Cohen? Is the spending going to continue forever? (12:30) Let’s move to the Bronx and talk about the New York Yankees. Is Gerrit Cole going to give up 33 homers again? Is Carlos Rodon going to be the secondary star they’ve needed? What about Aaron Judge and 9/$360M deal? Can t...
Feb 21, 2023•50 min
Today’s word of the day is ’Spring microphone’ as in Spring Training is here as in MLB owners are back and they cannot wait to talk! What are we referring to? The Red Sox. The Phillies. The Orioles. The Padres. These owners couldn’t wait to talk about money! Let’s start with the Philadelphia Phillies. What did John Middleton have to say? He talked money… this will be a common theme! (7:00) What did Red Sox owner John Henry have to say? Are Red Sox fans going to be happy about this? (17:00) Of co...
Feb 20, 2023•49 min
It's time for another Samson Sit-Down! Evan Drellich - Senior Writer, The Athletic. Author of "Winning Fixes Everything” joins the show! Evan broke the story about the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal. So let’s get into it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 18, 2023•51 min
Today’s word of the day is ’feelings’ as in getting the feeling back again as in Corbin Burnes said he had his feelings hurt by the Brewers. Why was that? What happened in the arbitration room that Burnes is mad about? What gets said? (14:10) What is going on in Houston? Are the Astros changing their philosophy? Since when do the Astros keep players? (18:35) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about split squads and spring training and all the fun that goes into the games no player ca...
Feb 17, 2023•49 min
Today’s word of the day is ’injuries and distractions’ as in those were the 2 rules we said yesterday to avoid in Spring Training. And guess what? Yesterday, that’s all it was. Let’s start with Jacob deGrom… you’re not going to believe it. (7:10) Stephen Strasburg had another setback. Oh boy. (8:10) The Boston Red Sox are in a tough spot. Trevor Story said he’s likely out the season. Chris Sale is supposed to be coming back. (14:35) The Los Angeles Angels will do everything in their power to kee...
Feb 16, 2023•51 min
Today’s word of the day is ’overhaul’ as in change as in drastically change as in the NBA is at war with itself. Load management has been plague. Stars sitting out of big TV games. Stars resting. Now the NBA and NBPA will discuss tying awards to games played. Will that change anything? Do players care? Will teams use this against players? (17:10) Zion Williamson is still out hurt… again. What are the Pelicans going to do? He just signed a huge deal and he’s still been a liability. (21:35) MLB co...
Feb 15, 2023•48 min
Today’s word of the day is ’Ted Lerner’ as in the principal owner of the Washington Nationals. Ted Lerner died yesterday at the age of 97. Let me take a few minutes to speak on Ted, our friendship, and his life. (6:40) MLB made rule changes because of covid and they’re here to stay. You hate the ghost runner? TOO BAD! There will now be a runner on 2nd in extra innings for good. (20:35) The World Baseball Classic is almost here and every front office is scared. Nestor Cortes has a hamstring issue...
Feb 14, 2023•50 min
Today’s word of the day is ’champions’ as in the Kansas City Chiefs are the Super Bowl champions! Let’s break down some of the biggest storylines from the day, starting with: don’t do something for the first time during the Super Bowl! Pizza and grass. That’s not what you think. Burnt pizza. Golf grass. (14:40) Let’s talk about THAT flag. Was it a penalty? (22:20) How did Patrick Mahomes walk in the 2nd half? He is greatness. He couldn’t feel his foot. (24:00) Time to rank the Super Bowl commerc...
Feb 13, 2023•49 min
Today’s word of the day is ’Super Bowl’ as in the Super Bowl is here as in Chiefs as in Eagles as in Mahomes as in Hurts as in FOOTBALL! But what is happening before the game? It’s only Friday! How are teams preparing for this? How do you keep players out of trouble? What if a player is sick? (11:50) Steve Cohen is paying $1M for a Super Bowl ad. Is this going to work for the Mets? (20:30) Can the Los Angeles Angels afford to pay or lose Shohei Ohtani? Arte Moreno was going to sell the team and ...
Feb 10, 2023•49 min
Today’s word of the day is ’the sun’ as in Phoenix is the center of the universe as in Kevin Durant to the Suns as in the Super Bowl as in the Waste Management tourney as in the Suns got a new owner. Holy moly. Let’s break down this trade for KD. The Brooklyn Nets have hit the full reset button. See ya KD, see ya Kyrie! (17:30) Draymond Green had some comments about Joe Tsai and the Kyrie Irving trade. He called Joe Tsai ‘billionaire petty’. How true is this? (23:20) Russell Westbrook has been t...
Feb 09, 2023•48 min
Today’s word of the day is ’King James’ as in LeBron James has passed Kareem as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. I cannot believe it. Didn’t think it would ever happen. 1st in points. 4th in assists. Wow. Is he the GOAT? (20:45) Kyrie Irving had some things to say about the Brooklyn Nets and his time there now that he’s a member of the Dallas Mavericks. Why is he always thinking he’s never at fault? Said he felt disrespected in Brooklyn. Said he was a great teammate. Said he was selfless. GMAB...
Feb 08, 2023•49 min
