(This is the audio only version of our conversation with Matt Vasgersian. For the full YouTube version, click here.)

Matt Vasgersian joined us from his Miami hotel, getting set for the World Baseball Classic semifinal between Venezuela and Italy (we were briefly interrupted by room service, delivering a roll of toilet paper and some tissues to the room…shrug emoji).

We talked about Team USA’s win against the Dominican Republic and a bit of redemption for Matt’s MLB Network colleague Mark DeRosa, the manager of Team USA. Matt shared some of the backstory from earlier in the tournament when criticism surfaced suggesting DeRosa didn’t fully grasp Team USA’s situation heading into their game against Team Italy.

Matt offered a few thoughts on the Padres, why he believes they're again a playoff team and what concerns he has as we inch closer to Opening Day. You can also catch Matt on Netflix on March 25th and NBC / Peacock this upcoming season. He’ll be on the call for Netflix’s first MLB broadcast between the Yankees and Giants.

Marty and Darren then wrapped up with a few updates about the MartyTimeTV / Section 1904 collaboration moving forward, a look at the NCAA Tournament, and San Diego FC dropping points against FC Dallas over the weekend.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dsmithshow.substack.com