The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima

Jason Lloyd of The Athletic joins Lima and Lance to explain why the Cavs have no realistic offseason moves left, calling Jonathan Kuminga their best remaining option while cautioning it's the end of July with nothing great on the market. He argues Evan Mobley now faces unfair pressure as the "you could've had Jalen Brown or LeBron instead" comparisons pile up, and that Jaylon Tyson needs a full training camp to find his fit alongside Harden, Mitchell, and Mobley. Lloyd shoots down the idea that keeping Darius Garland would've changed LeBron's decision, calling that framing unfair to the Cavs, and says he doesn't buy any cap-circumvention conspiracy around LeBron's Topps deal. He closes by ripping the Browns' quarterback situation as exhausting "nonsense," saying he has zero interest in watching Deshaun Watson play again and expects Cleveland to draft a quarterback in 2027.

Lima and Lance react to Shams' report linking the Cavs to DeMar DeRozan and Klay Thompson, but Lima argues neither move addresses the real problem exposed in the playoffs: a lack of athletic wings, using OG Anunoby's ability to smother ball-handlers as the example of what Cleveland is missing. They debate whether Jonathan Kuminga is worth chasing despite two teams giving up on him, with Lima insisting his freak athleticism and playoff scoring upside outweigh his shooting limitations. The conversation turns to team-building philosophy, questioning whether Jarrett Allen still fits alongside Evan Mobley and whether the Cavs deserve more credit for how far they got despite a late-season shakeup with James Harden.

Lima and Lance bring in producer John to run through a rapid-fire news roundup, starting with Vita Vea's trade request and whether he'd actually fit alongside Myles Garrett in a stacked L.A. defensive front, with Lance arguing the scheme mismatch makes it less ideal than it looks on paper. They mock Texas A&M's new $562,500 off-site luxury suites and use it to riff on college football's booster-driven arms race, pointing to Indiana's roster of older, well-paid players as the new blueprint for buying a championship. The two dig into the UNC chaos surrounding Bill Belichick, including GM Mike Lombardi's administrative leave over an HR complaint and the program's rocky transition from NFL legend to college also-ran.

Lima and Lance debate whether star athletes ever truly love the city they play in, with Lance arguing the loyalty is real "while they're there" but never runs deeper than that, and Lima recalling a Gary Baxter interview as proof of how hollow the "dog pound" talk really is. They dig into Philadelphia's notoriously brutal fanbase and question whether LeBron's arrival there, and Myles Garrett's in L.A., will get the same manufactured sentimentality Cleveland once got. The two also warn Philly fans not to expect the 26-year-old high-flying LeBron, pointing to his still-impressive dunk numbers but declining defense and scoring at 42.

Lima and Lance preview the Lake Erie Crushers ticket giveaway and debate whether Ken can actually throw a strike before diving into the LeBron and Myles Garrett fallout. Lima argues both stars are all-time Cleveland greats who left or forced their way out, and asks callers whether that soured their willingness to bond with future athletes the way Jose Ramirez's loyalty never will. Lance says aging and years of watching Guardians stars walk have made him a "team guy" over a "player guy," pointing to Joe Thomas as proof that even beloved legends would've been just as happy playing elsewhere

Lima and Lance riff on Deshaun Watson's hype video before Reisland breaks down what he's actually seen from Watson in camp: clean movement, extending plays, and a noticeably different spin on the ball, though he cautions none of it matters until there's live contact. They debate whether Shedeur Sanders "earned" his starts last year given he only played due to a chain of injuries and trades up the depth chart, with Lance grading his rocky, gutsy, inconsistent 2024 tape. Reisland explains Todd Monken's new offense is player-driven rather than system-driven, favoring both quarterbacks' ability to extend plays and get the ball to Judkins and Fannin.

Anthony Lima and Lance Reisland dig into how Reisland will actually cover Browns training camp, with Reisland arguing that stat-line graphics and charted throws mean nothing without practice context, since scripted reps, defensive coverage, and drill type all skew the numbers. They warn against confirmation bias shaping the Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson quarterback battle before pivoting to a Ross Tucker soundbite calling the Browns' young core promising but still unproven at quarterback. Reisland pushes back on "future is bright" framing, insisting Todd Monken's only real focus is winning in Jacksonville, not age, draft capital, or 2027 quarterback prospects.

Anthony Lima and fill-in Lance Reisland open the show reacting to LeBron James signing with Philadelphia, with Lima vowing to boo him for chasing a ring at Cleveland's expense. The two also trade jabs about morning energy levels and Lima's ongoing frustration with his struggling lawn and a lack of rain. The bulk of the segment centers on a Dan Le Batard rant alleging LeBron may have picked Philadelphia partly over a lucrative Topps/Fanatics deal tied to owner Michael Rubin, with talk of potential cap circumvention. Lance pushes back that he's emotionally checked out this time around, citing LeBron's age and history of leaving, while Lima insists true Cleveland fans should still care.

The fallout and reaction to Cavs legend LeBron James choosing to signing with the Philadelphia 76ers continued for the hosts of 92.3 The Fan on Monday. The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima explores who is to blame for this disappointment. Baskin & Phelps wonder whether it was Philly all along for LeBron, and the guys from The Afternoon Drive ask whether Cavs fans are beginning to turn on LeBron after he snubbed them for a third time in his career.

Anthony Lima and Daryl Ruiter analyze the fallout of LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers and how Koby Altman should pivot the Cleveland Cavaliers roster. They also discuss the Cleveland Guardians' recent slide and the budding drama surrounding Jerry Jeudy and the Cleveland Browns' quarterback room. 05:43 - LeBron Joins Philadelphia 11:54 - Decision Logic Breakdown 24:07 - Harden Trade Defense 37:09 - Jonathan Kuminga Rumors 46:22 - NBA Cup Pool Play 58:23 - Danny Cunningham Interview 01:16:02 - Guardians Losing Streak 01:22:12 - Paul Hoynes Honored 01:24:20 - Jerry Jeudy Drama 01:34:34 - TikTok Video Investigation 01:45:32 - Shedeur Sanders Branding 01:59:31 - Cavs Myth-Busting Segment 02:11:18 - Philadelphia Fan Misery 02:15:03 - Dan Gilbert Letter Impact 02:25:51 - Todd Monken Coaching Intensity 02:40:55 - Cavs 2024 Reunion Photo

Anthony Lima and Daryl Ruiter analyze the news of LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers and what it means for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They discuss the influence of agent Rich Paul on the NBA landscape and debunk various myths surrounding the superstar's free agency process. The conversation also explores potential roster upgrades for Cleveland, specifically regarding Jonathan Kuminga. 02:58 - Mario Hezonja Joins Cavaliers 06:00 - LeBron James Joins Sixers 10:10 - Rich Paul Reporting Contradictions 16:40 - LeBron's Next Career Purpose 21:30 - Rich Paul's Agency Power 27:35 - Misreading Free Agency Clues 32:00 - Anthony Lima Booing LeBron 39:10 - Jonathan Kuminga Trade Intel

Anthony Lima and Daryl process the fallout of LeBron James choosing the Philadelphia 76ers over a Cleveland homecoming. They analyze the impact of Kobe Altman's decisions, interview Danny Cunningham on potential roster moves, and discuss the mounting pressure on Evan Mobley. 01:50 - Jonathan Kuminga Rumors 05:24 - Blaming Kobe Altman 08:43 - Evan Mobley's Development 15:30 - Danny Cunningham Interview 21:40 - Potential Trade Targets 26:37 - Mobley's Max Pressure 34:10 - Guardians' Losing Streak 39:48 - Paul Hoynes Recognition 42:23 - Jerry Jeudy Statement

Lima and Daryl Ruiter examine the social media controversy surrounding Jerry Jeudy and his cryptic TikTok videos. They dissect a viral Shedeur Sanders street interview while debating the impact of celebrity personas in the NFL. The segment concludes with a deep dive into LeBron James' legacy and why he ultimately bypassed a Cleveland return. 02:18 - Banana Ball At Wrigley 06:42 - Jerry Jeudy TikTok Drama 13:15 - Browns Training Camp Outlook 21:53 - Shedeur Sanders Viral Interview 33:11 - LeBron Cavs Myth Busting 38:01 - Evaluating The Harden Trade 43:30 - LeBron Legacy Debate

Lima and Daryl examine LeBron James' decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers and why the fit might turn into a disaster for the veteran superstar. They also preview Browns training camp in Berea, focusing on new offensive coordinator Todd Monken's intense coaching style. Finally, they discuss the Cavaliers' roster construction challenges under the new CBA and recent social media posts from current players. 02:10 - LeBron's Philadelphia Move 05:54 - LeBron's Knicks Plan A 09:14 - Cleveland's Post-LeBron Future 16:08 - Browns Training Camp Preview 19:25 - Todd Monken's Coaching Style 24:55 - Cavs' Offseason Trade Rumors 34:31 - Mocking Cavs Reunion Photos 39:45 - Comparing Altman and Gansey

Lima and Daryl Ruiter poke fun at a golf and wine country reunion photo of the 2024-25 Cavs playoff team, including Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Tristan Thompson, joking about who got snubbed from the invite list like Ty Jerome and Jalen Tyson. They argue fans got spoiled by how easy LeBron made deep playoff runs look from 2014 to 2018, which is why last year's seven-game grinds through the postseason felt unsatisfying by comparison. A caller named Brad puts the blame squarely on Koby Altman for being "outdueled" by his former assistant Mike Gansey in Philadelphia, sparking a debate about whether Dan Gilbert was truly upset on Friday given the business impact of frozen season tickets.

Lima and Daryl Ruiter pivot from previewing Todd Monken's blunt, no-filter coaching style in Browns training camp to breaking down why the Cavs' offseason has stalled, explaining that the new CBA's second apron makes signing Jonathan Kuminga to the money he wants nearly impossible without a sign-and-trade. They debate whether trading away Max Strus, whom Lima compares to a young Matthew Dellavedova and Anderson Varejao, is worth it to get a needed athletic upgrade, while acknowledging the roster desperately lacks explosiveness and defensive versatility. The two also work through their complicated feelings on Donovan Mitchell's max contract, agreeing he's a needed scorer but not a true number one, and lean on the idea that 41-year-old LeBron and 37-year-old James Harden wouldn't have solved the team's youth and athleticism problem anyway.

Lima and Daryl Ruiter argue that LeBron James already settled his debt to Cleveland by winning the 2016 championship, meaning his choice to sign with Philadelphia over the Cavs requires no further explanation or resentment toward him personally. They admit to fully "hate watching" LeBron going forward now that he's an Eastern Conference rival, while pushing back on the idea that Philadelphia fans, known for their misery, will actually make him happier than staying home would have. A caller ties the decision back to LeBron's 2010 Decision letter and his complicated relationship with Dan Gilbert, which the hosts largely dismiss as ancient history settled by the 2016 title.

Lima runs through a rapid-fire myth-busting list aimed at LeBron and Cavs narratives circulating over the weekend, shooting down claims that the Darius Garland trade or the James Harden pairing pushed LeBron away, and arguing the numbers actually favor the Cavs' roster moves. He pushes back hard on the idea Philadelphia's starting five is unbeatable given Joel Embiid's health, and dismisses the notion the Cavs "stink" by citing national analysts who still view them as conference finals contenders. Daryl Ruiter remains skeptical throughout, particularly on Donovan Mitchell's status compared to Tyrese Maxey, while the two debate whether a LeBron championship in Philadelphia would actually boost his GOAT case.

Lima and Daryl Ruiter react to a viral street-style interview of Shedeur Sanders showing off his jewelry and fashion, with Ruiter arguing he's premature calling himself "legendary" before accomplishing much in the NFL, sparking pushback from a caller named Maurice defending the young quarterback. The crew also riffs on Mario Hezonja officially joining the Cavs, jokes about frozen ticket prices thawing the moment LeBron chose Philadelphia, and needles each other over Croatian heritage and Daryl's weekend home painting project.

Producer John Colavita plays private eye for the crew, digging into a viral edited TikTok clip where Jerry Jeudy appears to flash a "four," seemingly signaling support for Deshaun Watson in the Browns quarterback competition. Daryl Ruiter and Lima debate whether Jeudy actually meant it or was chasing attention, pointing to his rocky 2025 season and sideline friction with Shedeur Sanders as reasons the Browns should have never traded for him in the first place. The segment opens with lighter banter about Banana Ball at Wrigley Field and the crew razzing each other about aging out of Gen Z slang before shifting into training camp optimism. They close by teasing more quarterback competition fallout and a return to LeBron/Cavs discussion later in the show.

Lima and Daryl Ruiter break down the Guardians' five-game losing streak, including a heartbreaking Parker Messick outing and a brutal series loss to Tampa Bay that dropped them two and a half games back in the AL East. They react with disbelief to news that second-round pick Logan Schmidt turned down signing with the organization, calling it a bizarre career decision given Cleveland's strong pitching development track record. On a lighter note, they celebrate Paul Hoynes being honored with the Baseball Writers' Career Excellence Award in Cooperstown, reminiscing about his old "hot call" bit in the press box.

Danny Cunningham joins the show and argues the Cavs share real blame for LeBron picking Philadelphia, since Cleveland never matched Miami's Giannis addition or Philly's Jalen Brown deal before he decided. He pushes back on some of the reported "reasons" leaking from LeBron's camp, especially the idea that Donovan Mitchell staying was a dealbreaker, calling that unbelievable given Mitchell's production. Cunningham also breaks down realistic paths forward for Koby Altman, including a potential Denver salary-dump trade for Cam Johnson and a renewed look at Jonathan Kuminga, while stressing the real pressure now falls on Evan Mobley to justify the front office's faith in him.

After a lighthearted debate ranking cups, from the NBA Cup to protective athletic cups, Lima and Daryl Ruiter open the phone lines and take calls squarely blaming Koby Altman's front office decisions rather than LeBron himself. One caller argues LeBron was always chasing Michael Jordan's legacy rather than a title, meaning only a historic championship drought like Philadelphia's 43 years could lure him, not Cleveland's 2016 win. The hosts add their own detail, recalling a golf outing weeks earlier where someone close to Mike Gansey insisted the Philly rumors were dead, even as the deal was quietly coming together.

Lima explains the seemingly contradictory stance that he doesn't blame LeBron for leaving but will boo him anyway, since LeBron is now trying to win a championship at the Cavs' expense in the same conference. He and Daryl Ruiter also air frustration over people in LeBron's camp allegedly toying with fans and manipulating prediction markets during the speculation. The conversation pivots into Cavs roster talk, with Ruiter making a strong case for pursuing Jonathan Kuminga as a needed athletic upgrade over Dean Wade, while crediting James Harden for delaying his extension to give Koby Altman cap flexibility.

Lima and Daryl Ruiter admit the "whiteboard" LeBron speculation was largely theater, joking that Rich Paul essentially controlled NBA business for four weeks by keeping the league on hold. They argue LeBron was likely never coming back to Cleveland, framing his decision to sign with Philadelphia as him chasing the "hero" narrative since Miami, Golden State, and New York were all off the table for that storyline. Ruiter also defends Kenny Atkinson's Darius Garland-for-James Harden trade against criticism, insisting it made the roster better regardless of the LeBron outcome. They tease Lima's plan to boo LeBron on his Cleveland return and set up calls from fans still processing the news.

Anthony Lima and Daryl Ruiter process the fallout after LeBron James signed with Philadelphia instead of returning to Cleveland, with Lima admitting he's genuinely devastated despite knowing LeBron owed the Cavs nothing. They needle each other over Ruiter's confidently wrong "we're getting LeBron" predictions all offseason, joking about erasing the Rich Paul whiteboard and calling Mike Gansey the offseason's real winner for landing him in Philly. Ruiter argues LeBron is the one to blame, not Rich Paul or the front office, framing it as LeBron chasing a new "purpose" after already conquering Cleveland, Miami, and LA.

Featuring Mary Kay Cabot, Zack Meisel, and Albert Breer.

The hosts on 92.3 The Fan preview the upcoming Cleveland Browns training camp and the fierce quarterback battle between veteran Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders. They debate how head coach Todd Monken will handle the decision and examine how fans might react depending on who gets the Week 1 nod.

The hosts on 92.3 The Fan analyze how the Cleveland Guardians managed to stay afloat at .500 despite injuries to key stars like José Ramírez, while debating whether Steven Kwan's recent hot streak makes him a trade deadline target or an indispensable asset. Plus, they weigh in on the team's trade deadline strategy, first-base production struggles between Kyle Manzardo and Rhys Hoskins, and what it will take for Cleveland to win the AL Central.

Baskin & Phelps and The Afternoon Drive react to Friday's breaking news: LeBron James has signed a two-year, $8 million contract to join the Philadelphia 76ers. For a third time in his illustrious career, LeBron has chosen greener pastures over his home-state Cavs. Are you bothered by this decision, and is it an indictment of Koby Altman or simple pragmatism? Plus, thoughts from Joe Vardon on why LeBron chose the Sixers, and Anthony Lima reveals he is 'devastated' on The Afternoon Drive.

This past week Ken and Anthony unpack the Cleveland Browns' quarterback debate, discussing whether a healthy Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders gives the team the best chance to win. The guys also dissect the quarterback room and Mary Kay Cabot's insights into whether better play under center could have prevented the blockbuster Myles Garrett trade to the Los Angeles Rams. Plus, more on the 2026 World Cup, crazy conspiracy theories triggered by the Miami Heat, and whether college football has lost its soul.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down their 2026 NFL quarterback tiers, placing Deshaun Watson in the journeyman category while debating Shedeur Sanders' potential future with the team. They also discuss blockbuster trade hypotheticals for the Cavaliers and evaluate Steven Kwan's resurgence for the Guardians. The discussion covers the media circus surrounding LeBron James' free agency and recent NCAA eligibility rulings. 02:03 - Guardians Frustrating Extra Inning Loss 06:10 - Baseball Small Ball Analytics Debate 10:24 - LeBron James Decision Speculation 15:45 - NBA News Dominating Football 21:43 - Blockbuster Cavs Trade Hypotheticals 27:33 - Donovan Mitchell Window Evaluation 32:55 - Gavin Williams Immaculate Inning Recap 37:13 - Miles Garrett's Home For Sale 44:21 - Ken Carman's 2026 QB Tiers 54:48 - Baker Mayfield And Deshaun Watson 01:01:13 - Shedeur Sanders Browns Starting Job 01:09:19 - Matt Derry On Guardians Deadline 01:19:04 - Steven Kwan Resurgence Evaluation 01:29:28 - Brady Quinn On Todd Monken 01:42:01 - Reuniting LeBron With Kyrie Irving 01:50:31 - LeBron's Potential NBA Retirement 01:55:02 - Travel Story With Detroit Strangers 02:12:41 - Shedeur Sanders Workout Video Debate 02:27:03 - NCAA Eligibility Rulings Controversy

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze a frustrating Guardians loss and debate whether manager Steven Vogt or the lineup deserves the blame. They react to Brian Windhorst's insights on LeBron James' future and evaluate a hypothetical blockbuster trade involving Jarrett Allen and Anthony Davis. The conversation also covers Gavin Williams' immaculate inning and Myles Garrett's recent home listing. 02:45 - Debating the Guardians Loss 06:30 - Bunting and Analytics Debate 10:47 - Brian Windhorst on LeBron 14:50 - Exhausted by LeBron Watch 22:11 - Anthony Davis Trade Scenario 27:00 - Jarrett Allen Versus AD 34:45 - Gavin Williams Immaculate Inning 38:24 - Myles Garrett Selling House

Ken Carman reveals his Kirk Cousins-themed 2026 quarterback tiers, placing only Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen in the elite category while questioning Joe Burrow's durability. They debate whether Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson should lead the offense and analyze Bo Nix's potential under Sean Payton. Later, Matt Derry joins to discuss the Cleveland Guardians' trade deadline needs and Jared Goff's status in Detroit. 01:50 - Ken's 2026 QB Tiers 06:10 - Journeymen and Placeholder QBs 11:10 - CJ Stroud and Mayfield 16:20 - Burrow Availability Issues 22:40 - Shedeur Sanders Starter Debate 27:45 - Matt Derry Guardians Analysis 36:50 - Steven Kwan Resurgence

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze Shedeur Sanders' potential fit in Todd Monken's offense and whether he or Deshaun Watson is the better long-term choice. They debate the feasibility of LeBron James returning to the Cavaliers and potentially recruiting stars like Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving. The conversation also covers a wild travel story involving a rental car ride from Detroit and recent NCAA eligibility decisions. 02:14 - Steven Kwan and Shedeur Sanders 07:05 - Shedeur Sanders and Todd Monken 10:53 - Adapting Systems to Players 14:00 - NCAA Eligibility and Personal History 19:12 - Chasing LeBron and Star Teammates 25:49 - LeBron James Decision Speculation 34:55 - Hitching Rides with Strangers

Anthony Lima and Ken Carman react to Adam Schefter mocking Shedeur Sanders for lifting thirty-pound weights during a workout. They also break down recent NFL quarterback tiers, placing Baker Mayfield on the "bubble," and discuss the absurdity of NCAA regulations regarding Cole Hutson's return to Texas. 01:08 - NFL Quarterback Tier Rankings 06:40 - Shedeur Sanders Workout Drama 18:13 - Ken's Childhood Memories 20:34 - Cole Hutson NCAA Case

Ken and Anthony dig into the bizarre case of Cole Hudson, a player who spent time in Browns and Cowboys rookie camps and got a court-ordered path back to play for Texas, using it to blast the current state of college eligibility rules. Both hosts argue the NCAA's chaos around NIL, transfer rules, and eligibility has effectively made fans and universities crave real regulation, floating ideas like binding multi-year agreements between players and schools and mandatory progress toward a degree. They debate whether college football is now just a professional minor league in disguise, pointing to stars like Jeremiah Smith as evidence some players are effectively one-man free agents.

Ken and Anthony revisit the backlash to Ken's QB tiers, with Baker Mayfield fans upset he landed in the bubble tier and Shedeur Sanders fans still accusing the show of trolling him despite Ken defending his tier five placement as fair. The conversation shifts to ESPN mocking a video of Shedeur lifting 30-pound dumbbells during rehab, with Anthony genuinely defending him, arguing quarterbacks come in different builds and that Shedeur shouldn't be judged for a lighter workout meant to protect his throwing shoulder. A caller named Dan backs Anthony up, saying he doesn't care what Shedeur does off the field as long as he can play when it counts.

Ken tells the story of a friend who got stranded in Detroit and rode three hours to Cleveland in a rental car with two women he'd just met on a delayed connecting flight, sparking a debate over whether that's a smart move or a reckless one. Ken argues it's an easy call if it saves a day of travel and money on a hotel, while Anthony pushes back that riding with strangers feels riskier than Ken lets on, even sharing his own story of choosing to wait out a flight delay in Seattle for four days rather than rush home. The two also riff on whether it's easier to talk politics with strangers than with people you know, with Anthony arguing baggage-free conversations are less fraught, before spiraling into a bit about using big vocabulary words to sound smart.

Ken and Anthony open with a lighthearted riff on Ken's rejected Ohio State law school application before pivoting to defend Ken's stance that Cleveland should be willing to trade for Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving if it helps land LeBron James, pushing back on critics who called the idea reckless. They argue LeBron has historically brought out the best in complicated teammates like Kyrie, J.R. Smith, and Matthew Dellavedova, and that a team desperate enough to want LeBron shouldn't suddenly balk at bold roster moves. The hosts also debate whether LeBron has already made his decision, siding with reporters like Brian Windhorst and Jason Lloyd who say even insiders don't know, while dismissing retirement or an Aaron Donald-style delayed decision as unlikely outcomes.

Ken and Anthony revisit their QB tiers bit, placing Jackson Dart alongside Shedeur Sanders in the unproven rookie category while pushing back on accusations that Ken is trolling Shedeur's fanbase by grouping him with unestablished names. They play cuts of Brady Quinn on Afternoon Drive arguing Watson is a better scheme fit for Todd Monken's offense than he was for Kevin Stefanski's, and that financial investment and experience make Watson the likely Week 1 starter, though Quinn leaves the door open for Shedeur if things go sideways. The hosts riff on the history of teams trying to fit a system to a player versus a player to a system, citing Tom Landry's two-quarterback experiment and Pat Shurmur's West Coast scheme as cautionary tales, and conclude Monken bears real responsibility for putting either quarterback in position to succeed.

Matt Dery joins Ken and Anthony to push back on the running bit that Angel Martinez and Jose Ramirez returning count as the Guardians' trade deadline moves, arguing the team genuinely needs another bat given Kyle Manzardo and Rhys Hoskins' inconsistency at first base and Gabriel Arias' shaky production. He credits the club for staying at 54-50 despite losing three of its best hitters for stretches, but calls Wednesday's 0-for-17 with runners in scoring position performance a symbol of a season full of near-misses, including the sloppy loss that wasted Gavin Williams' gem. Dery also notes Steven Kwan looks like himself again at the plate over the last few weeks and floats sending Manzardo down to Columbus to reset.