On today’s podcast, Jim is joined by hall of fame voter and Lions beat writer for the Detroit Free Press Dave Birkett to breakdown the hall of fame candidacy of former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin "Megatron" Johnson.  Jim and Dave first discuss the combination of speed, size, and athleticism that made Johnson a nightmare for opposing defensive backs (3:12). Next, they cover his record-breaking 2012 NFL season, Randy Moss, Barry Sanders, what Dave uses as a measuring stick for HOF wideouts, and how Johnson compares to fellow HOF WR finalists Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne (6:22). Finally, they discuss their thoughts on Johnson getting into the HOF this year or ever for that matter (26:37), before ranking the top wide receivers of the 21st century (29:26).

On today’s podcast, Jim is joined by journalist Graham Womack to breakdown the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB pitcher Tim Hudson. Jim and Graham first discuss the book he is writing on the baseball hall of fame (4:31). Then, they rank the pitchers on this year's ballot, discuss what is the value of a "win" today, and talk about other great pitchers not in the hall of fame today (25:36). Finally, they make a final verdict on whether or not Hudson deserves to end up in Cooperstown (39:44).

On today’s podcast, Jim is joined by Shane Swiderek to breakdown the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA point guard Sam Cassell. Jim and Shane first discuss how Sam Cassell was one of the most underrated playoff performers in NBA history (8:24). Then, they breakdown Cassell's 2004 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, discuss the origins of the "Sam Cassell dance", and talk similarities between Cassell and Steve Nash (11:59). Finally, they run through a list of the best point guards of the 1990s/2000s, including Steve Francis, Baron Davis, and Stephon Marbury (29:38), before making a final verdict on whether or not Cassell deserves a place in the basketball hall of fame (54:10).

On today’s podcast, Jim is joined by Neil Paine, senior writer for FiveThirtyEight, to breakdown the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB slugger Gary Sheffield.  Jim and Neil first discuss Sheffield's famous batting stance and which MLB franchise they associate him with the most (4:10). Then, they cover the 1997 World Series, Chipper Jones, Mel Ott, the Polo Grounds, and just how dominant of an offensive player Sheffield was (16:33). Finally, both provide their stance on steroids and the hall of fame (52:43), before revealing whether or not they would vote Sheffield into Cooperstown (59:07). 

On today's podcast, Jim is joined by USA TODAY Sports reporter and Baseball Hall of Fame voter Steve Gardner to breakdown down the resume of former MLB pitcher Curt Schilling.  First, Steve talks to us about how it felt to receive his first ballot in the mail this November and how his ballot is coming along (2:59). Next, Steve and Jim cover the infamous bloody sock game, the 2001 World Series, John Smoltz, Roy Halladay, Mike Mussina, and Schilling's incredible strikeout to walk ratio (12:03). They then rank Schilling among the best pitchers of his era and discuss how Schilling has sabotaged his own candidacy with his hateful behavior since retiring (28:29). Finally, Steve reveals if he is voting for Schilling this year and discusses whether or not he believes he will ever get into Cooperstown (43:03). 

Kyle Schwarber was released by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. This is my love letter to him in podcast form. 

In Part 2 of our NBA Draft Special, Jim makes way too early predictions on what newly drafted players have the best chance of having a HOF career (9:56). Then, Jim provides an update on the HOF chances of two current athletes who have been in the news lately for completely unrelated reasons (44:21).