Just Pod Baby! - A Las Vegas Raiders Podcast

Get ready to unveil MLB 2025 secrets and bold predictions with the ultimate insider scoop! In this explosive interview, Evan Groat sits down with The Athletic's Eno Sarris to unpack the biggest baseball stories just days before Opening Day. 

The Kansas City Chiefs are 4-0 but there are plenty of signs of concern including many injuries to the offense. Longtime radio broadcaster on the Chiefs Radio network, Dan Israel joins the show to discuss Patrick Mahomes early struggles and whether or not the Chiefs will be active at the trade deadline.

The UNLV football team is off to a 3-0 start and this week they received stunning news that their starting QB Matthew Sluka has decided to red shirt the remainder of this season and transfer because of a dispute over an NIL deal gone wrong. AP sportswriter, Mark Anderson joins the show to discuss the latest.

The WNBA wrapped up one of their most successful regular seasons on the back of a talented rookie class led by Caitlin Clark. AP writer, Doug Feinburg joins to show to discuss the start of the playoffs.

Senior MLB writer from The Athletic, Tyler Kepner joins the show to discuss MLB playoff races as the season is in it's final weeks

Mike Sando of The Athletic joins the show to discuss his annual QB Tiers project

Fantasy football expert, Joe Dolan from Fantasypoints.com joins the show to discuss draft strategies, player values, position of depth and how to draft the most well balanced roster possible in 2024.

Outkick.com's Senior NFL writer, Armando Salguero joins the show to discuss NFL coaches on the hot seat entering the 2024 season

Trade deadline winners & losers and divisional races w/ Britt Ghiroli

NFL Staff writer for Sports Illustrated, Matt Verderame joins the show to discuss NFL storylines as training camps kickoff around the league

ESPN senior writer, Adam Rittenberg joins the show to discuss college football's new conference realignment and the expanded 12 team playoff system.

Discussing the top storylines from MLB's first half with USA Today baseball writer, Gabe Lacques

This week on Ball Games & Beyond, host Evan Groat discusses the top prospects in this year's NBA draft with College basketball writer, Cameron Salerno from CBS Sports.

AP National Women's Basketball writer Doug Feinberg joins Ball Games and Beyond to discuss why Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was left off the USA Women's Basketball Olympic Team. He also discusses Caitlin Clark's treatment so far in the WNBA and if the other players are actually jealous of her.

This week on Ball Games & Beyond we discuss the many storylines of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks with guest Justin Termine host of "NBA Today" on SiriusXM's NBA radio channel.

On this week's episode of Ball Games and Beyond former NFL GM, Randy Mueller joins the show to discuss his latest story for the Athletic detailing the NFL's wide receiver market and the rising cost of the position.

SiriusXM host of "At The Races", Steve Byk joins the show to discuss the latest headlines ahead of the 149th Preakness Stakes. Morning line favorite, Muth was scratched from the race on Wednesday after coming down with a fever. Hear Steve's opinion on which horse will benefit the most from the absence of Muth as well as other race related topics.

Director Kristen Lappas joins the show to discuss the debut of "Full Court Press" a new ESPN+ original four part series that chronicles the ongoing journeys of Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso and Kiki Rice.

This week on Ball Games and Beyond, Evan recaps the NFL Draft with Eric Edholm from NFL.com. It was a historic draft which saw a record 23 offensive players selected in round one, including six quarterbacks, the most since the 1983 draft. The Atlanta Falcons made the surprise pick of the draft by selecting Michael Penix 8th overall.

The Boston Celtics are one of the most storied franchises in sports but they have not won a championship since 2008. After coming short the last two years the Celtics had a dominate 64 win season and are in position for a championship run.  NBA writer for the Boston Globe, Gary Washburn joins the show to answer the question: Is it championship or bust for the Boston Celtics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golf writer & author, Bob Harig from SI.com joins the show to discuss Scottie Scheffler's win at the Masters and chat's about his new book titled "Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The MLBPA and the league are at odds over the root causes of one of the games biggest problems: arm injuries to pitchers.  Over the years there has been a steady rise in the number of Tommy John surgeries being performed on pitchers and since the start of the season, just a couple of weeks ago, there are already a significant number of pitchers who are dealing with season-ending elbow injuries.  Senior writer from The Athletic, Andy McCullough joins the show to give his take on the issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sweet 16 is set but where is the Cinderella story in this years NCAA tournament?  This week on Ball Games and Beyond, host Evan Groat examines whether or not a lack of underdogs in the tournament is a good thing and why has this been the case this year.  Sportswriter from the NY Post, Zack Braziller joins the show to recap the opening weekend of the tournament, preview the Sweet 16, and gives his take on why we have seen a lack of Cinderella's advance in this years tournament.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The bracket is out and the field of 68 has been selected but not without some controversy.  This week on Ball Games and Beyond, host Evan Groat breaks down the biggest tournament snubs and other tournament related topics.  In segment two, college basketball insider Adam Zagoria joins the show to give his thoughts on Big East teams St. John's, Seton Hall and Providence not making the tourney.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Ball Games and Beyond, host Evan Groat talks NFL free agency and the shift we have seen in the running back market from 2023 to 2024.  Several free agent running backs were signed to lucrative contracts on day one of free agency which is a drastic change from past years.  Why the change in Philosophy?  Tune in to hear why.  NFL writer from Yahoo Sports, Frank Schwab joins the show to weigh in on the conversation and discusses Kirk Cousins to the Falcons, why he believes running backs are once again being valued and winners and losers of free agency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Ball Game And Beyond, host Evan Groat discusses LeBron James and his milestone achievement of scoring 40,000 career points as he continues to add to his legacy as one of the all-time greats in NBA history.  NBA insider, Mark Medina joins the show to give his take on James reaching 40k points and if he has finally surpassed Michael Jordan as the greatest of all time.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Ball Games And Beyond, host Evan Groat discusses the topic of court storming in college basketball.  Does the NCAA need to make a change to it's current policy of fans taking the court following an upset win to ensure the safety of players, coaches and officials? We dive into that topic and more with guest Steve Wiseman, Duke men's basketball beat writer for the Raleigh News & Observer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The off season is upon us and there is plenty to discuss.  On this week's episode of Just Pod Baby, host Evan Groat recap's the 2023 season, runs down the list of soon to be free agents and in segment two is joined by Vinny Bonsignore from the Las Vegas Review Journal talk about everything from the search for a new head coach to the plans at quarterback in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Just Pod Baby, Evan discusses the 2023 regular season finale versus the Denver Broncos and why the game matters even though the playoffs are no longer an option. Davante Adams says the Las Vegas locker room is in full support of their interim head coach but would you expect anything else to be said at this point?  In segment two, Evan makes his case for Jim Harbaugh to be the next coach of the Raiders and plays audio from Aaron McMann, Michigan football beat writer for the Ann Arbor News, on why he believes Harbaugh will make the jump to the NFL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Chiefs week and the Raiders playoff pulse is still alive.  Fresh off their dominating win over the Chargers the Raiders look to keep it rolling as they head out on the road to face the Chiefs at Arrowhead stadium.  Will a win over the Chiefs be enough to convince even the biggest Pierce skeptics that he deserves the job?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off the bye week the Raiders are ready to take on the Minnesota Vikings and host Evan Groat is ready to talk about it this week on Just Pod Baby.  The main topic of the show is, what to look for in the final five games of the season.  Mathematically the Raiders season is still alive but getting to the playoffs will require something very special by Las Vegas in the next five games.  In segment two, Matthew Coller who covers the Vikings for PurpleInsider.com joins the show to discuss his new book, "Football Is A Numbers Game" and helps to preview the Vikings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the next five weeks interim head coach, Antonio Pierce will be looking to make a case for himself to become the Raiders next full time head coach.  This week on Just Pod Baby, with Las Vegas on the bye week host Evan Groat assesses Coach Pierce's job over the last four weeks and gives him a grade.  In segment two, the conversation turns to where the Raiders coaching vacancy and if it is an attractive destination.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Raiders improved their record to 5-5 with a 16-12 win over the New York Jets but now they enter a very tough stretch of games starting this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.  Alain Poupart of SI's Fan Nation joins the show in segment two to preview the matchup between the Raiders and Dolphins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Just Pod Baby, host Evan Groat discusses the rejuvenated Raiders following their win over the NY Giants.  Interim head coach, Antonio Pierce has the players buying in and the fan base believing but what does Pierce need to do to have the interim tag removed and become the full time coach of the Raiders next year?  In segment two, Evan previews the week 10 matchup with the Jets with Dan Leberfeld of Jets Confidential.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After going 9-16 in 25 games together the Josh McDaniels & Dave Ziegler era in Las Vegas is officially over.  Following a second consecutive embarrassing defeat on Monday Night football to the Detroit Lions, Mark Davis had seen enough of the Patriot Way and made the announcement that he was relieving his head coach and general manager of their duties.  Host, Evan Groat discusses the many changes that were made this week in this week's episode of Just Pod Baby.  Logan Reever, sports anchor from 8 News Now in Las Vegas joins the show in segment two.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trade deadline is quickly approaching and Hunter Renfrow is rumored to be potentially on the move.  With the Raiders season seemingly in a downward spiral should they be looking to buy or sell? Bleacher Report columnist and good friend of the show, Moe Moton joins host Evan Groat to give his thoughts on what the Raiders plans should be at the trade deadline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussing the Raiders 30-12 defeat to the Chicago Bears with former Raiders right tackle and now color commentator for Compass Media, Lincoln Kennedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Raiders are set to take on the New England Patriots in week six, a matchup that reunites Josh McDaniels with his old boss Bill Belichick.  This week on Just Pod Baby, Evan raises the question: Is the Patriot way a myth?  Hear Evan's take on this and how it relates to what we are seeing unfold in Las Vegas under Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels.  In segment two, staff writer for Patriots.com, Evan Lazar joins the show to preview Sunday's game between the Raiders and Patriots.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Just Pod Baby, Evan discusses why he believes trading Davante Adams is something that the Raiders should consider if the losing continues ahead of the trade deadline.  Mike Spofford from Packers.com joins the show in segment two and previews the Raiders-Packers Week 5 matchup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Just Pod Baby, Evan discusses Josh McDaniels decision to kick a field goal on 4th and 4 versus the Steelers and why it was the wrong choice.  Is the seat of Josh McDaniels getting warmer and will he make it through the season as the Raiders head coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Just Pod Baby, host Evan Groat recaps the Raiders embarrassing loss to the Bills and details the teams struggles on offense and defense.  In segment two, Steelers reporter, Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joins the show to preview the Raiders-Steelers primetime matchup.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Just Pod Baby, Evan recaps the Raiders Week one win versus the Broncos and gives his thoughts on the performance of Tyree Wilson and why he believes Wilson is the ultimate boom or bust player.  In segment two, Bills reporter, Ryan O'Halloran from the Buffalo News joins the show to preview the Raiders-Bills matchup.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Just Pod Baby, host Evan Groat discusses the fallout from the Chandler Jones situation and what it means for youngsters like Tyree Wilson and Malcolm Koonce.  Other topics on the show this week include, Josh Jacobs and how much of a workload he will receive after missing all of training camp.  Case Keefer from the Las Vegas Sun joins the show in segment two to preview this weeks matchup versus the Denver Broncos.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Raiders were victorious again in their second preseason contest with a 34-17 win over the Los Angeles Rams.  This week on Just Pod Baby, hear Evan's thoughts on the debut of Jimmy Garoppolo, the legend of Aidan O'Connell that continues to grow, and two other players who helped their case to make the roster.  Other discussion this week includes what position battles remain in the final preseason game and weeks of camp.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just Pod Baby recaps the Raiders preseason week one win over the 49ers.  Hear host, Evan Groat, give his thoughts on the game including the performances by the defense, Aidan O'Connell and Zamir White.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Raiders wrapped up two days of joint practices with the 49ers ahead of Sunday's preseason game and the major storyline continues to be the Raiders defense and their ability to create turnovers.  While the reports have been mostly positive with the are you buying the hype surrounding the Raiders defense?  In segment two, sports reporter from News 8 Now in Las Vegas, Logan Reever joins the show to give his thoughts on what he has observed at training camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just Pod Baby is back with the first new episode since the start of training camp 2023.  It's a season of change and transition for the Raiders with several new faces on the roster as year two of the Josh McDaniels era begins.  On this episode, host Evan Groat discusses the news and headlines from the first few days of camp and is joined in segment two by guest MarioTovar, founder of the Raider Ramble.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Just Pod Baby, host Evan Groat focuses on the contract stalemate between the Raiders and Josh Jacobs.  The two sides have until Monday, July 17th to work out a long term deal. In segment two, reporter and editor at the Raider Ramble, Alex Monfreda joins the show to discuss why he believes the Raiders mishandled the entire situation with Jacobs as well as other training camp headlines.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Just Pod Baby, host Evan Groat discusses the contract situation with Josh Jacobs as he still has yet to sign his franchise tag.  Evan examines the possibility of a training camp holdout by Jacobs and what should the Raiders plan B at running back be if Jacobs misses games to start the season.  In segment two, the behind enemy lines tour continues with Tyler Schoon, host of the Guilty As Charged podcast, covering the Los Angles Chargers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Just Pod Baby, host Evan Groat discusses his biggest takeaways from the past offseason and what it means for the 2023 season.  Also this week Just Pod Baby goes behind enemy lines and welcomes in Chiefs beat writer, Jesse Newell, from the KC Star to give an update on the Chiefs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Raiders wrapped up their mandatory three day mini camp this week and on this new episode of Just Pod Baby, host Evan Groat discusses the headlines from camp including Divine Deablo's new role on defense.  Other topics on this episode include the latest with Josh Jacobs contract situation, an update with Jimmy G's timetable to return, and why Evan refuses to drink the Aidan O'Connell kool-aid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.