Steve Gardner on the importance of the first 50 games, whether the Nationals will win in the postseason, the battle in the N.L. West, the starting pitching of the Rockies, Colorado's performance on the road, the biggest concern with the Yankees, the balance and depth of the Astros, the biggest difference with the Astros this season, the performance of the Brewers, whether the Cubs are suffering from a World Series hangover, and why the Twins won't remain in first place.

Johnathan Holifield on the meaning of Inclusive Competitiveness, how demographic trends and innovation can create economic prosperity for all Americans, redesigning the education system, and developing human talent.

Dave Maloney on the rise of the Canadian-based NHL teams, the consistency of the Penguins, why the Predators have a legitimate chance to win the Stanley Cup, and his pick to win the Stanley Cup.

Lang Whitaker on the long layoff between NBA playoff rounds, the anticipation for this matchup, whether Cleveland is better than they were last season, the importance of an NBA head coach, and Cleveland not being good enough defensively to hang with the Warriors.

In this weekly segment, John debunks a bad media take.

John explains how the Celtics disgraced themselves.

John says LeBron belongs in the conversation with Michael Jordan.

Are the Celtics playing with house money?

Mark Cuban admits Mavs 'did everything possible' to tank season.

John Perrotto on the struggles of Andrew McCutchen, the slow start by the Giants, how the Pirates have fallen, players that may be available at the trade deadline, the most underappreciated manager in baseball, and the performance of the Yankees.