It’s snowing here in New England, but it’s spring in my mind. Baseball spring training has begun! In podcast #38, host Gene Gumbs bounces around the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues to talk about some of the happenings.and comments made in the pre-season player press conferences, which are always entertaining.

Leading the list is Washington’s Bryce Harper, who has already floated the idea of a $400 million contract when he becomes a free agent in a few years. In this age of Monopoly money, is anyone surprised? And considering what the top pitchers are getting now, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Harper gets 40 mil for 10 years when he becomes a free agent in 2019.

Anyone want to start a pool on how fast the Red Sox start offering Pablo Sandoval to anyone who will take him in exchange for a bag of balls? The Jenny Craig soap opera began right at the start of spring training. After manager John Farrell and others said that they expected Sandoval to show up slimmed down and ready to go, Sandoval appeared looking just like the Michelin Man again, saying that no one in the organization ever asked him to lose weight. First off, I call BS. Second, even if they didn’t, should they have to?

In the same vain, how long do you think it will be before Dan Duquette gets fired in Baltimore. He was a horrible GM in Boston, and proving to be the same in Baltimore. This is the guy who said Roger Clemens was washed up. The same Clemens who went out and won four more Cy Youngs elsewhere. He’s completely botched this off season, leaving the O’s to take the bottom of the barrel of the remaining free agents. Buck Showalter can only overcome so much.

Also in this Spring Training Episode:

* Anyone else notice how slim Barry Bonds looks these days? Hmmmm…

* Jose Bautista won’t take a hometown discount this time

* Rays SP Chris Archer is way too young to be acting like a 10-year veteran

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They haven’t turned the hot stove off yet, but the gas (read: money) supply may be running out. With the majority of the cash being spent on pitching this off season, the market and cash for the remaining MLB free agent position players on the market may be limited. In the first podcast of 2016, host Gene Gumbs looks at the latest MLB moves and the biggest names still left out there.

Free agent outfielders Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton and Dexter Fowler are still sitting out there wondering when they are going to get some love and money. First baseman Chris Davis turned down a lot of money from the Orioles and has yet to get another. (He’d be a great sign in Boston with the impending David Ortiz retirement and Hanley Ramirez experiment at first. Just sayin’.}

There are still a couple of starting pitchers left out there, but only a couple of those would seem to be of the caliber that could make them difference makers. Wei-Yin Chen, late of the Orioles, and Yovani Gallardo, who turned down a qualifying offer from the Texas Rangers, could both step into the #3 slot of a team’s rotation. Gallardo, 29, obviously believes he is worth more than the 15.8 million Texas offered. Chen, 30, is reportedly looking for a five-year deal in the 80 million dollar range.

Other notable arms still on the market are Doug Fister, Mat Latos, Tim Lincecum, Ian Kennedy. Of that list, the one that might command the most is Fister. He had a sub-par 2015, but this is a guy with a career 3.42 ERA and a WHIP of 1.2. He’d make a great middle-of-the-rotation acquisition.

Also in this MLB Free Agent Episode:

* Dodgers have signed a couple of pitchers, but they have big problems

* Gonna be a looooong year in Cincinnati

* San Francisco Giants may be top Hot Stove chefs

It was a near certainty that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred was going to deny Pete Rose the chance to be reinstated in baseball. Podcast #36 and host Gene Gumbs breaks down why this decision, while understandable, has flaws. Major League Baseball needs to clean up its house in regards to the daily gambling of fantasy games on sites like Draft Kings and Fan Duel before it can preach that it wants to keep the specter of wagering away from its sport.

Is it a stretch to think that there are current players participating in fantasy games/leagues on those sites? I don’t think so. Is that not gambling? Is that not betting on baseball, the same thing Pete Rose was banned for? I’d be willing to be the ranch that it’s happening. Those companies aren’t going to divulge who is playing. Even if they did, it’s nothing to have a friend or family member place the bet for you.

While the idea doesn’t actually bother me all that much, it does bother me to think that Major League Baseball is in bed with these companies. Hell, their hosts on the MLB Network’s morning show picked guys for a Draft Kings fantasy lineup every morning! Are you kidding me? You can’t ban a guy for gambling on baseball but then accept advertising money from these companies and have your employees engaged in promoting them!

As to the Hall of Fame? That’s another issue. There’s quite a rant on that in the podcast. Enjoy.

Also in this Episode:

* A look at the pans still cooking on the hot stove

* Jason Heyward signs with the Cubs

* With the addition of Cueto, the Giant’s rotation is scary good.

* Mets still need a bat, but Neil Walker makes them better

* My pick for team of the week

I appreciate you listening and following me every week. You can listen to the latest podcast here, or subscribe to it on iTunes to have it automatically downloaded to your iOS devices.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions here or at [email protected]. Please let me know what you think!

The monopoly-money carousel turned a little faster this week when David Price (31 million/year) and Zack Greinke (34 million/year) signed new MLB free agent contracts. Add to that a flurry of trades, and the recent general manager meetings in Nashville have been the busiest in years. In his latest podcast, Sports Microscope host Gene Gumbs breaks down all the recent activity.

Heck, compared to the numbers that Price and Greinke got, the 16 million a year for John Lackey seems like chump change. Johnny Cueto recently turned down 20 million a year from Arizona. As one of the last big free agent pitchers yet to sign, some desperate team is liable to step up and offer him 25 million. It’s down right ridiculous.

To be sure, the Price signing, and the other moves they Red Sox made, moves Boston right to the top of the class in the American League – at least on paper. Ask the San Diego Padres how their paper championship worked out last year. In addition to Price, the Red Sox got one of the best closers in the game in 27-year-old Craig Kimbrel, and then traded Wade Miley to get another great bullpen arm in Carson Smith, as well as Roenis Elias. Hell, the trade of Miley alone is addition by subtraction!

Likewise, the signing of Greinke, and then the trade for Shelby Miller with the Atlanta Braves, puts the Arizona Diamondbacks in the mix for the NL West title. They still probably need to add a bat or two, but a rotation that starts with Greinke, Miller, and a healthy Patrick Corbin ain’t bad.

Also in this MLB Free Agent Episode:

* Are the Chicago Cubs overvaluing Ben Zobrist?

* Jon Jay headed to San Die...

With the signing of Jordan Zimmermann, the Detroit Tigers have put themselves in position to challenge the Kansas City Royals in 2016. Podcast host Gene Gumbs ponders how the $110 million Zimmermann signed for will effect what Johnny Cueto, David Price, and Zack Greinke will command.

It’s all monopoly money to us Average Joes, but the combined contracts for those four players may approach the total budget of small countries! There’s talk of Price wanting over $200 million after posting an 18-5 record and 2.45 ERA. So what should Greinke and his 19-3, 1.66 get? 250 million? It boggles the mind.

And speaking of money, am I the only one who said the following when hearing that the Royals each got a $370,000 bonus for winning the World Series: “Is that all?” I know it sounds silly, but that’s pocket change for a lot of these guys, outside of the young players making close to the Major League minimum.

To be fair, the Royals are one of those teams that have many people with “lower” salaries where that makes a difference. With the exception of the $12 million being paid to Alex Gordon, and the $10 million for Cueto, a dozen of the Royals make less the two million. Heck, Chris Young made “only” 675k. That’s a heck of bonus for him!

Also in this episode:

* Why Pete Rose and Barry Bonds do (and don’t) belong in the HOF

* Red Sox sign Chris Young – what’s next?

* Thoughts on the NASCAR Championship

* Cleveland Browns circus continues

* My pick for team of the week

Once again, thanks for listening every week. You can listen to the latest podcast here, or subscribe to it on iTunes to have it automatically downloaded to your iOS devices. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

David Ortiz announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 2016 season, this week. In this week’s podcast, Gene Gumbs wonders if that doesn’t improve Boston’s chance of luring free agent pitcher David Price to the team. It is no secret that Price and Ortiz have had some words in the past (mostly through the media), but getting them to bury the hatchet might be a little easier if Price knows Ortiz will be gone after a year, leaving him as one of the team’s leaders. Just a thought.

When he does retire, Ortiz will be one of the few who leave with some gas still left in the tank. Though many have been trying to bury him for years, Ortiz continues to amaze. Five years after his retirement, he should become the first player who played primarily as a designated hitter to be elected to the baseball Hall of Fame.

Look at these numbers:

* 9 times over 100 RBI (one year with 96)

* 9 times over 30 homers

* .284 career batting average

* .925 career OPS

* 503 career homers (27th all-time)

* 1,641 RBI (30th all-time)

* 584 double (18th all-time)

All this from a guy who was once included as the player to be named later by the Seattle Mariners, and later released by the Minnesota Twins in 2002. And I don’t want to hear about PEDs. He has never failed a drug test. Well, there supposedly was one – but no one in MLB will tell him what he supposedly tested positive for. The rumors are simply petty and jealous comments by cowards on social media and the press. Prove it and I may change my tune, but I do not believe that proof exists.

And Ortiz may be even more beloved in Boston than Carl Yastrzemski, Carlton Fisk, or Pedro Martinez – especially after informing everyone after the Boston Marathon bombing, “This is our f**king city.”

Maybe he’ll run for mayor. He just might win.

Also in this episode:

* A look at the MLB awards

* The assault on fantasy sports continues

* Craig Kimbrel heading to the Red Sox

* Olivia Munn the scourge of Green Bay?

* NHL all-star game format is the dumbest thing ever

* My pick for team of the week

Once again, thanks for listening every week. You can listen to the latest podcast here, or subscribe to it on iTunes to have it automatically downloaded to your iOS devices. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

In episode 32 of the podcast, host Gene Gumbs asks if online fantasy sports should be considered illegal gambling? In a word – yep.If a state does not have legalized gambling (like Nevada and NJ), I believe companies like Draft Kings and Fan Duel can absolutely be viewed that way.

In the wake of the New York State attorney general putting the brakes on the operations of the two companies in his state, you can count on my other states – and possibly the federal government – to get involved in this hot-button issue.

Here’s the deal… these companies lure people in with a “free” offer, but at the end of the day, if you want to continue to participate you have to fork over your money. They will try to tell you that it’s a game of skill, but unless you’re actually the one hitting/throwing/catching the ball, it’s complete luck. You have to be lucky enough to have the players you picked have a good day. That is no different than going to the craps table and hoping the dice roll your way.

Don’t get me wrong – there is a place for fantasy sports. It should be something done for fun online for free (as Yahoo and others have done for years), or in the privacy of your home with a group of friends over the course of the season.

For years, a group of friends and I put up 26 bucks a season for a Rotisserie Baseball team that we drafted. At the end of the year the winner got 75 percent of the till; second and third split the rest. My cousin and some friends run a free Yahoo NFL Pick ‘Em pool every year. The side bet is that the winner gets a case or bottle of his choice. That is what fantasy sports should be.

Daily fantasy sports is nothing more than an online slot machine for big corporations to take your money. They advertise that they give away millions a day and that you can win “big.” You have a better chance of being named the next pope. Just sayin’.

Also in this episode:

* The recent incident in Missouri is an example of the polarizing of America

* Scott Boras still doesn’t know when to shut up

* Aaron Hicks headed for New York

* The success of the Pirates and Twins in winning the bidding for Korean stars a good thing.

* Jake Arrieta of Zack Greinke for NL Cy Young?

* Remembering our veterans, as well as the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald

* My pick for team of the week

You can listen to the latest episode here or subscribe to it on iTunes to have it automatically downloaded to your iOS devices. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Enjoy, and thanks for continuing to listen every week!

In this week’s podcast, prior to lighting up the baseball hot stove, host Gene Gumbs puts a bow on the World Series and breaks down the decisions made in the dugouts and on the field in game five. In addition, the broadcast includes talk of the Fox coverage and the outlook for the two teams as they head into 2016.

It also talks about the beginning of the dark days – no baseball until March. God forbid the MLB Network actually show some live winter league baseball from somewhere in South or Central America! They’ll be too busy showing Mr. Baseball reruns with Tom Selleck for the 927th time.

The good news is that I’ve laid in a bunch of wood for the baseball hot stove! There’s quite a crop of free agents heading to the market this year, and the conjecture and rumors are always good to chew on. The list of pitchers is led by Johnny Cueto, Jordan Zimmerman, and David Price. The hitter brigade includes Chris Davis, Alex Gordon, and Yoenis Cespedes.

Here’s hoping the Red Sox are able to land a starting arm or two…

Also in this episode:

* NASCAR must suspend Matt Kenseth for his despicable behavior on Sunday.

* Fox Sports coverage of World Series less than stellar.

* The Nationals hire Bud Black as manager – until they don’t.

* Which unbeaten NFL team has the best chance to stay that way?

* My pick for team of the week

You can listen to the latest episode here or subscribe to it on iTunes to have it automatically downloaded to your iOS devices. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Enjoy, and thanks for continuing to listen every week!

Many coaches in many different sports will tell you that defense wins championships. That adage was on full display in game one of the World Series this week. In podcast #30, host Gene Gumbs breaks down each of the gaffes and great plays that made a difference in the Royals’ 5-4 win in 14 innings on Tuesday.

The defense was just one of the story lines in the World Series classic. There was the news that Edinson Volquez‘s father passed away that morning and, at the request of Volquez’s wife, the team kept the news from him until after his start. Then there was the outstanding relief efforts put in by Jon Niese of the Mets and Chris Young of the Royals.

Game two is tonight and features the battle of the hair – Jacob deGrom for the Mets and Johnny Cueto for the Royals. And by the way, are we that desperate for news that we need an announcement that deGrom is going to cut his hair after the season? New flash – I am going to trim my fingernails this weekend.

Sheesh.

Also in this episode:

* Is anyone else sick of the NFL playing London?

* If true, Lenny Dykstra‘s latest disclosure may make him the worst person in sports – ever.

* Time for the San Diego Chargers to pull the plug on Mike McCoy and the GM.

* MLB in danger of having no black managers for first time since 1987.

* My pick for team of the week

You can listen to the latest episode here or subscribe to it on iTunes to have it automatically downloaded to your iOS devices. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Enjoy, and thanks for continuing to listen every week!

With both of the baseball series on the brink of completion, it’s become obvious that the Kansas City Royals bullpen has been the difference in the ALCS. It may also be the thing that carries the Royals to a World Series championship. Podcast host Gene Gumbs takes a look at the numbers that have stymied playoff opponents.

While the KC bullpen has been excellent, Toronto’s has been atrocious. The Blue Jay bullpen has allowed 25 base runners and 16 earned runs in 14 innings!

The pitching of the New York Mets has been the difference in their series with the Cubs. Met pitchers have held Chicago to a paltry .158 batting average in the first three games. The combined trio if Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, and Anthony Rizzo have comined to go 6-32 (.187).

Oh, and can somebody please check to see what Daniel Murphy is putting in his corn flakes? Sheesh!

Also in this episode:

* Joey Logano was justified in spinning Matt Kenseth

* The San Diego Padres are turning Petco into a golf course for three days

* Don Mattingly being treated unfairly in Los Angeles

* Tiger’s pitcher Daniel Norris‘s courageous (or silly) decision

* Don’t put Peyton Manning out to pasture just yet

* Mariotta or Winston? Who’s better right now.

* My pick for team of the week

You can listen to the latest episode here or subscribe to it on iTunes to have it automatically downloaded to your iOS devices. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Enjoy, and thanks for continuing to listen every week!