Pod of Fame

Jim is joined by baseball podcaster Nick Murawski to break down the HOF candidacy of former Chicago White Sox 1st baseman Paul Konerko. First, they discuss how Konerko was the quintessential White Sox player and why his face must be on White Sox Rushmore (10:30). Next, they discuss Konerko's starring role as a member of the 2005 Chicago White Sox championship team, how he compares favorably to Hall of Famer Tony Pérez, and just how impressive being named to six all-star teams as a 1st basemen was during his era (22:20). Finally, they rank Konerko among the best first basemen of his era (53:45), before making a final call on whether he belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame (64:25).

Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti to break down the HOF candidacy of former MLB first baseman Carlos Delgado. First, they discuss how Delgado was one of the most feared batters in baseball during the 2000s (10:32). Next, they discuss Delgado's 4-home run game against Tampa Bay in 2003, how he compares to Jim Thome, and how his lack of personal accolades impacts his case for Cooperstown (23:20). Finally, they rank Delgado among the best first basemen of his era (49:26), before making a final call on whether he belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame (54:27).

Last Tuesday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred dropped a bomb on the baseball community with his announcement that the lifetime bans of 17 individuals were lifted, effective immediately. With the ban lifted, all 17 are now eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame, but let's be real; Pete Rose and 16 others are now eligible for Cooperstown. Jim covers what happened and walks through the list of all of the individuals impacted. Then, he takes a quick look into the Hall of Fame cases of Shoeless Joe Jackson, Eddie Cicotte, Benny Kauff, and Rose (17:35). Finally, he reviews what the 2028 Classic Baseball Era ballot could look like, which is the first ballot any of these players could potentially land on (36:47).

Jim is joined by Brandon Warne, host of Locked on Twins, to break down the HOF candidacy of former MLB pitcher Johan Santana. First, Brandon and Jim cover the best pitchers in Minnesota Twins history (11:03). Next, they discuss Johan's ridiculous second half of 2004 (13-0, 1.21 ERA), his no-hitter with the New York Mets in 2012, and how his peak actually compares to Sandy Koufax (15:25). Finally, Brandon and Jim debate how big of a deal Johan's low career win total (139) actually is (40:45), before making a final call on whether Johan belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame (49:05).

Jim is joined by NFL Writer for CBS Sports, Bryan DeArdo, to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NFL running back Rickey Watters. First, Jim and Bryan reminisce about 1990s running backs, as they both consider the 1990s to be the Golden Age of the position (8:29). Next, they cover Watters' three touchdown performance in Super Bowl XXIX, how Watters compares to Buffalo Bills legend Thurman Thomas, and where he ranks among the best running backs of the 1990s (18:31). Finally, they discuss Watters' membership in the 90 Touchdown Club (54:05), before making a final call on whether or not Watters deserves a place in the HOF (62:08).

After sitting on his couch all weekend watching almost every minute of the 2025 NFL Draft, Jim provides his top three storylines of the 3-day event, including the Shedeur Sanders debacle (4:59). Then, Jim tries to predict the top 5 players that have the best chance of ending up in Canton one day (29:18).

Jim is joined by NBA sports podcaster Adam Ryan to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA power forward Terry Cummings. First, Jim and Adam cover the top 3 picks of the 1982 NBA Draft (10:01). Next, they discuss the 1985 playoff series where Cummings outscored Michael Jordan, how Cummings compares to James Worthy, and the significance of the 19,000-Point Club (14:10). Finally, Adam and Jim rank Terry among the best power forwards of the 1980s (43:15), before making a final call on whether or not Cummings deserves a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame (47:40).

Jim is joined by sportswriter Neil Paine to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim. First, Jim and Neil cover the the absolutely stacked 1996 NBA Draft Class (8:53). Next, they discuss the 50 points Shareef dropped on Ben Wallace in 2001, his elite scoring ability, and where he ranks among the best forwards of the late 1990s/early 2000s (15:20). Finally, Neil and Jim both draft their all-time teams made up exclusively 1X all-stars (49:40), before making a final call on whether or not Abdur-Rahim deserves a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame (63:01).

In this edition of POF Book Club, Jim welcomes author David Krell to discuss his new new book, “1978: Baseball and America in the Disco Era" First, David and Jim discuss why he landed on 1978 as the year he would cover and what he personally remembers about that year (4:55). Then, they discuss the most memorable baseball moment of 1978 (9:25) and who really should have won the MVP awards that season (13:40). Finally, David and Jim run through the Hall of Fame cases of a few greats from the 1978 season and debate whether they belong in Cooperstown (19:03).

Jim is joined by sports reporter for Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin Dennis Krause to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA small forward Marques Johnson. First, Dennis and Jim cover which NBA legend famously had a poster of Johnson in their dorm room, his role in "White Men Can't Jump" and his unusual Milwaukee Bucks jersey situation (5:49). Next, they discuss Johnson's dominant performance in the 1983 NBA playoffs, how he compares to Bernard King, and how many former AP College Basketball Player of the Year recipients ended up having a great NBA career (12:43). Finally, Jim and Dennis rank Johnson among the best NBA small forwards of the 1980s (27:01), before making a final call on whether Johnson belongs in the Basketball Hall of Fame (31:08).

Jim is joined by journalist Graham Womack to break down the HOF candidacy of former MLB pitcher Tommy John. First Graham and Jim cover whether the historical significance of Tommy John surgery should have any impact on John's case for Cooperstown (8:43). Next, they discuss John's great playoff performances throughout his career, how his baseball resume compares favorably to Jim Kaat and somewhat to Nolan Ryan, and where he ranks in MLB history in several key pitching statistics (17:45). Finally, Graham and Jim debate where John ranks among the best pitchers of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s (40:00), before making a final call on whether John belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame (46:55).

It's finally here. Sick days will be used. Office pools with be formed. Money will be lost. The greatest sports event of the year has arrived and if you think we would talk anything besides March Madness this week, you would be sadly mistaken. Pod of Fame's College Basketball Correspondent Shannon Miloch joins the pod for the fifth annual March Madness Preview to talk all things basketball. First, we power rank the four regions by difficulty (7:45), before making our Final Four picks (27:50). Then, Shannon and Jim each name their top four players you should be keeping your eye on in the tournament (43:38)

In this edition of POF Book Club, Jim welcomes author John W. Miller to discuss his new new book, “The Last Manager: How Earl Weaver Tricked, Tormented, and Reinvented Baseball." First, John and Jim discuss the meaning behind the title of the book and why former Baltimore Orioles Manager Earl Weaver can be considered the last manager in MLB history (16:07). Then, they discuss how Earl Weaver is really the origin story of Moneyball, underappreciated components of Weaver's legacy, and how Weaver would fair as a manager in baseball today (18:06). Finally, Jim assists John in building a Mount Rushmore of people named Earl (37:23).

We take a break from sports (kinda) to bring you a travel log episode documenting another Pod of Fame trip outside of the United States. Jim recaps his experience on Little Corn Island, a tiny speck of land 50 miles off the coast of Nicaragua. Jim touches on a variety of topics, including how the hell one gets to the 1.5 square mile island in the Caribbean Sea and what is was like eating, drinking, and living amongst the local population (8:10). Then, Jim builds (and this will make more sense when you listen) Oklahoma City Thunder Rushmore (36:00) and Nicaraguan Baseball Rushmore (39:57).

Jim is joined by friend of the pod David "Wando" Wandolowski to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA center Dwight Howard. First, Jim and Wando cover the ridiculous athleticism of Howard in his early days with the Orlando Magic, as well as why Howard attended prom in their hometown of Naperville, IL (10:52). Next, they discuss the 2009 NBA playoffs, how Howard's career compares to Alonzo Mourning, and the lack of center talent during Howard's era (24:56). Finally, Jim and David debate where Howard ranks among the best centers of the last 35 years (59:25), before making a final call on whether Howard belongs in the Basketball HOF (70:53).

Jim is joined by SiriusXM NBA Radio and Infinity Sports Network Radio Host David Shepard to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA small forward Carmelo Anthony. First, Jim and David cover the impressiveness of Carmelo's diversified basketball portfolio, from his NCAA championship at Syracuse to his four Olympic medals (13:55). Next, David shares a Kobe Bryant/Carmelo Anthony story, Jim discusses how Carmelo compares to Alex English, and David ranks Carmelo among the best small forwards of the 2000s/2010s (19:30). Finally, Jim and David debate the significance of basketball advanced metrics (40:12), before making a final call on whether there is any doubt Carmelo is a 1st ballot Hall of Famer (45:40).

Last Thursday, Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Sterling Sharpe were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jim breaks down each of their NFL careers (4:26), discusses what the future holds for HOF hopefuls Luke Kuechly and Eli Manning (20:47), and walks you through the impact of the new HOF voting rules (28:15). Finally, Jim takes a look at the stacked list of incoming nominees for 2026, including Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Philip Rivers (34:01).

Rickey Henderson passed away last December just days before his 66th birthday. Henderson, an inner circle Hall of Famer, was one of the most explosive and colorful players to ever play the game of baseball. On this week's podcast, Jim pays tribute to one of the greatest players of the last 50 years and dives into five different topics that highlight the greatness that was Rickey Henderson, including his MVP season with Oakland in 1990 (18:58), his play in the 1989 playoffs (27:14), and naming four Mount Rushmore's Henderson's face graces (37:41).

Last Tuesday, Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner joined already elected Dave Parker and Dick Allen as members of the Baseball HOF Class of 2025. Jim breaks down the ballot results and what the future looks like for HOF hopefuls Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones, and Chase Utley (4:30). Then, Jim gives gives two cents on the five new members of Cooperstown (11:01), before running through some of the new "big" names that will join the 2026 ballot (31:05).

Since Ichiro Suzuki officially retired from the MLB in 2019, we have all known he would selected to Cooperstown as soon as he became eligible. Well, time flies, as Ichiro will officially be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame tomorrow. First, Jim will cover Ichiro's arrival in Seattle as a 27-year old rookie right fielder, how seemingly impossible Ichiro's 262-hit season really was, and why Ichiro was Jim's generations Roberto Clemente (8:40). Then, Jim is joined by a number of guests, including 2X MLB All-Star third baseman Jeff Cirillo (29:08), baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti (39.49), and Baseball Reference's Adam Darowski (51:03), to discuss Ichiro's career and legacy.

Jim is joined by Christopher Price from the Boston Globe to break down the HOF candidacy of former NFL kicker Adam Vinatieri. First, Chris and Jim cover Vinatieri's two clutch kicks in the Snow Bowl against the Oakland Raiders (6:02). Next, they discuss both of Vinatieri's Super Bowl winning kicks, how he compares to the other two full-time kickers in the HOF, and whether Vinatieri is the most famous kicker in NFL history (10:35). Finally, Chris and Jim break down the significance of Vinatieri only being named to three pro bowl teams (24:16), before both stating whether or not they believe he deserves a place in the Football Hall of Fame (28:25).

Jim is joined by St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports columnist and Hall of Fame voter Benjamin Hochman to break down the HOF candidacy of former St. Louis Cardinals centerfielder Curt Flood. First, Benjamin and Jim cover Flood's legacy as a trailblazer in the world of professional sports and workers' rights (11:33). Next, they discuss Flood's role on two Cardinals World Series championship teams, how as a player Flood compares favorably to Hall of Fame center fielder Richie Ashburn, and Flood's relatively high WAR total in just 12 full MLB seasons (17:11). Finally, Benjamin and Jim break down the significance of the fact that only Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, and Brooks Robinson had more hits than Flood in the 1960s (39:18), before both stating whether or not they believe he deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (44:33).

Jim is joined by Jason Romano, Executive Producer at Sports Spectrum, to break down the HOF candidacy of former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. First, Jason and Jim discuss "The Helmet Catch" and whether it was the greatest play in Super Bowl history (12:04). Next, they compare Eli to 3X Super Bowl champ Troy Aikman, where Eli ranks among the best QBs of the 2000s/2010s, and the importance of the eye test (36:21). Finally, Steve and Jim debate whether Eli's career was actually better than Ben Roethlisberger (51:44), before making a final call on whether or not they believe Eli deserves to join his brother Peyton in the Football Hall of Fame (56:40).

Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB center fielder Andruw Jones. First, Not Gaetti and Jim discuss Jones' calling card, his elite defense in center field (9:03). Next, they cover his play in the 1996 World Series, how Jones compares to Ozzie Smith, and where Jones ranks among the best center fielders since 1990 (17:36). Finally, they discuss Cooperstown's sometimes unfair expectations for center fielders (39:29), before making a final call on whether or not Jones deserves a plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame (53:51).

In this edition of POF Book Club, Jim welcomes author Jake Uitti to discuss Micheal "Sugar" Ray Richardson and his new book, “Banned: How I Squandered an All-Star NBA Career Before Finding My Redemption." First, Jake covers what it was like working with Richardson to write this book, why Sugar's all-time starting five includes Bob McAdoo, and which active NBA player reminds him of Sugar (13:11). To wrap up the podcast, Jake and Jim both draft their Steal Swiper Mount Rushmore (32:20).

Jim is joined by Boston Globe sports columnist and Hall of Fame voter Chad Finn to break down the HOF candidacy of former Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. First, Chad and Jim cover Pedroia's playing style and violent swing (9:20). Next, they discuss Pedroia's performance in the 2008 ALCS, how he compares to HOF second baseman Bobby Doerr, and where he ranks among the best second basemen since 2000 (13:35). Finally, Chad and Jim discuss whether Pedroia's peak was great enough to overcome his weaker counting stats (37:00), if he was better than Nomar Garciaparra (44:01), and whether he deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (46:12).

Jim is joined by former producer for ESPN's Baseball Tonight and the creator of the website "Cooperstown Cred", Chris Bodig, to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB starting pitcher Luis Tiant. First, Chris and Jim cover Tiant's famous windup and where it ranks among the greatest windups we have seen on a pitching mound (6:55). Next, they discuss Tiant's legendary performance in the 1975 World Series, his largely forgotten dominant 1968 season with the Cleveland Indians, and why Tiant reminds us both of a lot of Juan Marichal (12:02). Finally, Jim and Chris rank Tiant among the best pitchers of the 1960s/1970s (33:05), before both stating whether or not they believe he deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (43:22).

Jim is joined by Sports Reference's Executive Design Director Adam Darowski to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB third baseman Ken Boyer. First, Adam and Jim cover how Boyer is the most forgotten man from the greatest era of baseball (7:12) . Next, they discuss the 1964 World Series, how Boyer compares to Ron Santo, and how Boyer was on 3B Mount Rushmore when when he retired in 1969 (19:05). Finally, Adam and Jim walk through the best third baseman that came right after Boyer left baseball and where he ranks among them (51:10), before they both state whether or not they believe Boyer deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (59:45).

Jim is joined by USA TODAY Sports reporter and Hall of Fame voter Steve Gardner to break down the HOF candidacy of former Seattle Mariners pitcher Félix Hernández. First, Steve and Jim cover Hernández's immense popularity in Seattle and the unfortunate fact that he never pitched in the postseason (8:20). Next, they discuss Hernández's perfect game in 2012, pitchers with under 169 wins enshrined in Cooperstown, and how long does a peak have to last to make up for low counting statistics (12:10). Finally, Steve and Jim rank the best pitchers in the MLB since 2005 (38:19), before making a final call on whether or not they believe King Felix deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (45:53).

Jim is joined by Atlanta Braves reporter for 92.9 The Game and host of From the Diamond, Grant McAuley, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB catcher Brian McCann. First, Grant and Jim cover why McCann is not brought up in the same conversations with catching peers Buster Posey and Joe Mauer despite winning more silver sluggers and making the same/more number of all-star game appearances than both (8:40). Next, they discuss McCann's big postseason home runs during his rookie season, his all-star game MVP that did not result in a new car, and how he compares to Hall of Fame catcher Gary Cater (13:55). Finally, they debate the importance of framing and what to make of framing advanced metrics that highly favor McCann (28:15), before making a final call on whether or not McCann deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (37:10).

Jim is joined by Baseball HOF voter David Brown to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB utilityman Ben Zobrist. First, Dave and Jim cover Zobrist's ridiculous versatility on a baseball diamond, both in the field and at the plate (9:40). Next, they discuss Zobrist's performance in the 2016 World Series, what he has in common with Jackie Robinson, and where he ranks among the best second basemen since 2000 (13:07). Finally, they debate whether Zobrist's peak can make up for his low counting numbers (35:45), before making a final call on whether or not Zobrist deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (41:23).

Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB pitcher Orel Hershiser. First, NotGaetti and Jim cover Hershiser's ridiculous 1988 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and whether it may just be the best first start to finish season in MLB history (8:09). Next, they discuss Hershiser's 59-inning scoreless streak, how he compares to HOFer Catfish Hunter, and where Hershiser ranks among the best pitchers of the 1980s (17:51). Finally, they debate how long a dominant peak has to last to overcome lackluster counting stats (48:40), before making a final call on whether or not Hershiser deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (55:27).

The 2024-2025 NBA season begins on Tuesday and it is never too early to begin thinking about which player's have the most on the line this season when it comes to legacy building and adding to their HOF resumes. Jim takes a closer look at five current players (Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, Bradley Beal, Jrue Holiday, De'Aaron Fox) that still have a bit of work to do if they want to end up in the Basketball HOF.

Jim is joined by sportswriter Neil Paine to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA point guard Deron Williams. First, Jim and Neil cover the Deron Williams vs. Chris Paul debate that actually was a debate in the late 2000s. Next, they Deron's incredible performance in the 2007 Western Conference Finals, his play at the University of Illinois, and how he ranks among the best point guards of his era. Finally, they debate why Derrick Rose is considered to have a much better case for the HOF than Deron despite Rose having less of a career than Deron, before making a final call on whether or not Williams deserves a place in the Basketball HOF.

Jim welcomes senior staff writer at The Ringer and New York Times best-selling author Mirin Fader to discuss her new book, “Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon." Mirin and Jim cover how Hakeem inspired generations of Muslim people around the world (13:02), Hakeem's quadruple-double in 1990 (23:06), who belongs on Center Mount Rushmore (28:02), the explosion of international basketball talent (31:32), and much more.

On Monday, Dikembe Mutombo and Pete Rose both passed away. The Basketball Hall of Famer and MLB Hit King could not have been more different in every way one can be different, but both were giants that both have left legacies that will stand the test of time. Jim first covers Mutombo's career on and off the court (3:37), before tackling Pete Rose's ridiculous career numbers (18:39). Jim then replays a conversation he had with New York Times bestselling author Keith O'Brien earlier this year on Pete Rose's life (30:13),

Jim is joined by Dalton Feely from Jomboy Media to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB left fielder Luis Gonzalez. First, Jim and Dalton cover Gonzalez's World Series-winning single off Mariano Rivera (7:10). Next, they discuss Gonzalez's 57 home run, 419 total base season in 2001, how he compares to HOFer Jim Rice, and where Gonzalez ranks among the best left fielders from the 1990s/2000s (10:55). Finally, Jim and Dalton discuss the lack of evidence connecting Gonzalez to PEDs (33:34), before making a final call on whether or not Gonzalez deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (42:15)

On this edition of Pod of Fame Travel Log, Jim discusses his recent trip to England to attend his cousin's wedding. He saw a lot, ate a lot, and learned a lot. Jim covers a variety of topics, including the major differences between British and American weddings, attending his first Premier League match, delicious English beers with low ABV, the best Indian meal of his life, visiting the Tower of London, the best food he ate at Borough Market, and much more.

Jim is joined by author and sports historian, Clayton Trutor, to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA power forward Buck Williams. First, Clayton and Jim discuss Buck bending the rim in the 1990 NBA Finals and the most overshadowed NBA players of the 1980s (5:34). Next, they cover the best offensive rebounders in NBA history, how well Buck stacks up against Nate Thurmond, and whether Win Shares as a statistic should be used to measure a player's greatness (19:30). Finally, Clayton and Jim rank Buck among the best power forwards of the 1980s (33:10), before making a final call on whether or not Buck belongs in the Basketball HOF (40:29).

Our first NFL Sunday is now behind us and my god, did it feel good for football to be back. First, Jim provides some quick observations from Week 1 (4:05). Then, Jim takes a look at five current players HOF cases and covers what he needs to see from them this season in order to help them inch closer to the goal line we call Canton. Jim discusses Derrick Henry (11:15), Stefon Diggs (18:50), Matthew Stafford (24:45), Khalil Mack (30:42), and C.J. Mosley (35:17).

Jim welcomes New York Times bestselling author Ian O'Connor to discuss his new book, “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers." Jim and Ian cover a number of topics, including where Rodgers ranks among the best QBs in NFL history, the biggest misconception about Rodgers by the general public, who the greatest Green Bay Packer QB in franchise history is, what Rodgers will most likely do after retirement, and what winning a Super Bowl with the New York Jets would do for his legacy.

Jim is joined by Pittsburgh-based sports journalist Mike Asti to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB catcher Jason Kendall. First, Jim and Mike cover how Kendall's first five years with the Pittsburgh Pirates is comparable to Buster Posey and Joe Mauer's first five years in the MLB (13:04). Next, they discuss Kendall's 112 run season in 2000, how he compares favorably to several pre-WWII HOF catchers, and how he ranks among the best catchers from 1990-2010 (29:01). Finally, they break down just how historic Kendall's games caught numbers are compared to every other catcher to ever set up behind the plate (53:10), before making a final call on whether or not Kendall deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (61:25).

Jim welcomes author Kyle Bandujo to discuss his new book, “Movies with Balls: The Greatest Sports Films of All Time, Analyzed And Illustrated." Jim and Kyle cover a number of topics, including which fictional sports movie moment we would most like to have attended in person, which sports movies belong on Sports Movie Mount Rushmore, how the hell Ryan Gosling's character in Remember the Titans was such a defensive liability following a junior season in which he won five player of the week awards, and much more.

Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Mark Shirk to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB left fielder Charlie Keller. First, Mark and Jim discuss why Keller is one of the more unsung New York Yankees in franchise history (9:40). Next, they cover Keller's performance in the 1939 and 1941 World Series and how Keller compares to the few Hall of Famers who played less than 1500 career games (25:20). Finally, Mark and Jim debate why Charlie Keller never received much love in the AL MVP vote during his career (49:05), before they both state whether or not they believe Keller deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (58:15)

Jim is joined by Adam Darowski, Director of Design and Product Management at Sports Reference, to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB player Julio Franco. First, Jim and Adam discuss Franco's age 45 season with the Atlanta Braves in 2004 and his unforgettable batting stance (10:30). Next, they cover the 1990 All-Star Game, Minnie Miñoso, and Julio's membership in the Pro Baseball 4,000 Hit Club (16:26). Finally, Adam and Jim attempt to properly rank Franco among the best 2B/SS from 1980-2007 (50:45), before they both state whether or not they believe Franco deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (59:55)

Jim is joined by NFL Writer for CBS Sports, Bryan DeArdo, to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NFL running back Eddie George. First, Jim and Bryan discuss George's role as a workhorse running back and where he ranks among the best RBs in Oilers/Titans history (7:15). Next, they discuss George's all-time performance in the 1999 NFL Playoffs, how George compares to Hall of Fame power backs John Riggins, and Larry Csonka, and the 10,000 Rushing Yards Club (15:55). Finally, they deep dive the overlooked statistic of carries and why we should care about 300+ carry seasons (42:30), before making a final call on whether or not George deserves a place in the HOF (49:20).

Jim is joined by Joe Mullinax from the daily Memphis Grizzlies podcast Locked On Grizzlies to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA center Marc Gasol. First, Jim and Joe cover Gasol's career in Memphis and how he had few, if any, weaknesses on the basketball court (10:03). Next, they discuss Gasol's top playoff performances of his career, how he compares favorably to Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning, and how he ranks among the best centers of his era (20:13). Finally, they talk through Gasol's less than stellar career point and rebound totals (45:02), before making a final call on whether or not Gasol deserves a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame (51:15).

Jim is joined by baseball twitter personality Not Gaetti (NG) to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB outfielder Joe Carter. First, Jim and NG cover the significance of Carter's ten 100+ RBI seasons and why the RBI should not be completely written off as a statistic of note (6:58). Next, they discuss Carter's 1993 World Series clinching home run (way for us to bury the lead), build World Series Moment Rushmore, and compare Joe Carter to a certain HOF pitcher (22:08). Finally, they compare Carter to the best outfielders from the 1980s/1990s (43:24), before making a final call on whether or not Carter deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (64:52).

Jim is buying Cleveland Guardians Steven Kwan's HOF stock, as the AL batting leader (.361 BA) is set to start in left field for the American League in next week's all-star game. Meanwhile, Jim is selling off Blake Snell's HOF stock, as the 2X Cy Young award winner has only managed to pitch 28.2 innings through seven starts while maintaining a 7.85 ERA.

Jim is joined by Justin Havens from the Baseball is Dead podcast break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB left fielder Albert Belle. First, Jim and Justin cover Cleveland baseball in the 1990s and Belle's role as the cleanup hitter for their juggernaut offense (7:05). Next, they break down Belle's historic 50 home run, 52 double 1995 season, how Belle compares favorably to HOFer Ralph Kiner, and where Belle ranks among the best left fielders of the 1990s (15:55). Finally, they discuss how much Belle's volatile personality and off-field behavior impacts his HOF candidacy (39:31), before making a final call on whether or not Belle deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (43:03).

Jim runs through his yearly exercise of trying to predict the five players from the NBA Draft who have the best odds of ending up in the Basketball HOF based on their NBA potential and team fit (3:02). Then, Jim welcomes POF's College Basketball Insider Shannon Miloch to talk through the new two-day draft format, top players from the draft, and draft day gossip (28:48).