Third String

Delayed Super Bowl Reax, Mookie goes to LA, and the XFL Debuts We talk about Mookie going to the LA Dodgers (and leaving a black eye on the Red Sox front office), whether or not Pat Mahomes deserved the Super Bowl MVP, and the new face of spring football: Oliver Luck's XFL. Email us: 3rdstring@vernacularpodcast.com

The Disastros and the Great Baseball Scandal of 2020 Zac and Pete talk about the growing MLB scandal, including whether or not MLB should vacate the title, Jose Altuve's diminished reputation, and whether or not this is worse than the steroid scandals of the 1990s. Email us: 3rdstring@vernacularpodcast.com

Mr. Rivera Goes to Washington, New Overtime Rules, and Jerry Jones is Weird Zac and Pete talk about the NFL coaching carousel, Jadeveon Clowney's hit on Carson Wentz, Zac's horrible predictions for last weekend, Zac's (hopefully) better predictions for next weekend, and some great ideas for NFL overtime. Email us: 3rdstring@vernacularpodcast.com

The Return: Aaron Rodgers is Average, the BCS was better, and Fantasy Football is the worst Zac and Pete are back with a new episode of 3rd String and a commitment to bring you the best baseball and football content every week. On today's episode we talk about the plan for the revived show, debut our "small ball" and "take shop" segments, and talk about Aaron Rodgers' decline, our fantasy football pain, and some guy named Boston Scott.

In this episode, Peter and guest host Josh (co-host of Vernacular's "The Popped Cast") jump on the horn just an hour removed from celebrating the first World Series win for the Washington Nationals. SPOILER: Joy ahead.What did we miss? Email us: lineup@vernacularpodcast.comSponsor the Vernacular Podcast Network on Patreon! patreon.com/vpn

Pete Visits Colorado, Designing the New XFL, the Washington Nats, and the Ewing Theory In this episode, we return to The Lineup for an in-person pod as Pete visits Colorado and sits down with Zac to talk about everything going on in the sports world. Pete shares with us his excitement about Appalachian State's football program (which is finally having the breakout year he's been watching for), the Washington Nats' trip to the World Series and the Harper version of the Ewing Theory, the NFL's terrible on-field product and how we're going to fix those problems in the new XFL. For starters: the linemen will wear oven mitts and there will be no such thing as holding. What did we miss? Email us: lineup@vernacularpodcast.comSponsor the Vernacular Podcast Network on Patreon! patreon.com/vpn

The Return In a comeback that rivals Michael Jordan's September 2001 exit from retirement to play for the Washington Wizards, Zac and Pete are back at it to talk about the dog days of summer, the extreme futility of New York teams, the Washington Redskins' QB battle, why Eagles Super Bowl predictions make Zac nervous, and MLB trade deadline moves. Email us: thelineup@vernacularpodcast.com

In this episode, we join forces with The Popped Cast's Josh Goldman for a special crossover episode in which we break down the best baseball movies of all time. This episode originally aired on The Popped Cast, which you can find wherever you get your podcasts. Notes from the original podcast are below. In Episode 40, Josh welcomes guests Zac Crippen (the co-founder of the Vernacular Podcast Network, co-host of Vernacular Podcast and co-host of Vernacular’s sports podcast The Line-Up) and Peter Laclede (co-host of Vernacular’s sports podcast The Line-Up), for a very special episode where we rank a selection of 15 baseball movies from worst to first to celebrate the start of the 2019 Major League Baseball season.In no particular order, we ranked Field of Dreams, The Sandlot, The Bad News Bears, A League of Their Own, Bull Durham, Moneyball, The Natural, Fever Pitch, Major League, Rookie of the Year, Little Big League, Angels in the Outfield, For Love of the Game, 42 and The Rookie.We individually ranked each film on a scale of 1-10 in three categories. 1. Overall enjoyment of the film. 2. Overall quality of the film. 3. Baseball accuracy. We then averaged everyone’s score to get a total for each movie out of a possible 30 points. The film with the lowest score would be #15 and the film with the highest score would be #1.The results might surprise you - the top 5 were separated by just 3 and a half points.Email us at thepoppedcast@vernacularpodcast.com!Find out more at https://lineup.pinecast.co

Zac, Pete, and guest co-host Josh Goldman break down the American League for the 2019 season. Among the topics: Are the Red Sox favorites to repeat? Will the Royals be fun to watch as they base steal their way to 60 wins? Is Cleveland confused? Will the Yankees' bullpen be able to carry them? Is the Rays' use of an "opener" a travesty or ingenious? Join the conversation and let us know what you think! Find out more at https://lineup.pinecast.co

Zac and Pete resume the MLB preview episodes by finishing up rankings in each of the National League divisions. Find out more at https://lineup.pinecast.co

In this episode, Josh Goldman joins us from our sister podcast The Popped Cast to meet Zac for the first time (no, seriously) and to banter about rival NL East allegiances. Josh also encourages Zac on the 13 years of Bryce Harper that lie ahead for Phillies fans, we talk about how Bryce's new contract is long enough to have its own Bar Mitzvah, and we break down the new power rankings in the NL East. Oh, and we tried calling Pete but he didn't pick up. Lame. Pete, consider this our virtual heckling. Find out more at https://lineup.pinecast.co

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) preview some key things to watch in tomorrow's Super Bowl matchup, including:- Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh and the Rams' defensive line vs. the Patriots' offensive line- Julian Edelman on crossing routes- The Patriots' secondary and linebackers dropping back in coverage- McVay's offensive scheming vs. Belichick's defensive masterminding - Romo's big dayWhat'd we miss? Let us know at lineup@vernacularpodcast.com or @TheLineupPod.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) review the 12 playoff teams in the NFL playoff field and review, from "worst to first," what their Super Bowl chances are. What'd we miss? Let us know at lineup@vernacularpodcast.com or @TheLineupPod.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) conduct a draft of the best sports moments of 2018 and then briefly discuss some sports things they hated in the past year. Mentioned in this episode: - Washington Capitals' Stanley Cup- St Nick and the Eagles' Super Bowl- Baker Mayfield transforming the Browns- Shaquem Griffin being drafted- Tiger's first PGA tour victory since 2013- Shohei Ohtani as the first two-way player in decadesand much more!What did we miss? Tell us at lineup@vernacularpodcast.com or @thelineuppod!  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) debut The Lineup with a definitive watchability rankins of all the 2018 NCAA bowl games. Sound off on what we missed! thelineup@vernacularpodcast.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) run through a "Dime a Dozen" segment and give you their picks for a high payoff 12-game parlay of NFL weekend action. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) discuss the glories of October baseball and talk about the Red Sox/Dodgers matchup, dissect the Saquon Barkley draft decision in retrospect, argue about whether or not the NFC East is the worst division in football, and talk about the surprises of the year. (And, Zac adds, the Browns' 2.5 win total is not one of those surprises.)ICYMI: Here is the Peyton Manning video Pete mentioned.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Welcome to the Takes of The Game NBA Season Preview for the 2018-19 season. Taylor and Ishan open with a discussion on Jimmy Butler's practice tirade in Minnesota yesterday before wondering if player empowerment has gone too far. Then, Taylor laments the loss of DeJounte Murray and the implications for the Spurs' already-sad season. The guys give us their individual awards predictions before breaking the league down into various team tiers. Finally, they give us their predictions for the conference finals and eventual champion. Put on your sun screen--the takes are blazing hot! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) discuss the opening salvo of the MLB playoffs, including the Cubs' impressive collapse, the clash of the Titans in Boston and the Bronx, the phenoms on the Braves' roster, and the small-market team who is their favorite to advance to the World Series.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Ishan takes us down memory lane and tells us where his affection for Jimmy Butler began. That leads the guys on a deep dive into Butler's trade demands. They debate who's to blame for the bad blood betwen Butler and The Wolves and talk about where Butler could go from here. Then Taylor and Ishan give the "island" takes on which they find themselves all alone heading into the new NBA season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) run through a "Dime a Dozen" segment and give you their picks for a high payoff 12-game parlay of NFL weekend action.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen), Pete (@Pete_Laclede), and Ishan (@jimmyluandtaj) discuss the NL playoff race, Ohtani the two-way phenom who continues to bat despite a torn UCL, the Athletics' impressive ability to keep finding an edge with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball, and the close race for NL Rookie of the Year.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Taylor and Ishan, in great moods after their football teams swept the weekend, dive into ranking the top five league pass teams based on watchability. They argue intensely about the Atlanta Hawks, give some love to the surprisingly deep Indiana Pacers, discuss why the Lakers could be entertaining (it's not just LeBron) and give their case for AD & Giannis making their teams "must-watch TV." Finally, they drool over the Toronto Raptors.Follow Taylor: @TheTYoungFollow Ishan's NEW handle: @JimmyLuandTaj Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) break down storylines so far from weeks one and two of college football season, including Willie Taggart's performance in Tallahassee, Scott Frost's challenge in Lincoln, and the realignment of the college football landscape over the last two decades. Then they shift to the NFL and debut a new "Dime a Dozen" segment, where they gave you their picks for a high payoff 12-game parlay. Listen more: anchor.fm/3rdstring Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

On this weeks TOTG, Ishan recaps the WNBA Finals and explains how the WNBA will continue to market themselves, then Taylor and Ishan deep dive on strategy shifts over the last 20 years in the NBA and guess what the next frontiers will be. They ask: what does EuroBall in the NBA look like? What is the future of the big man? Could LeBron become the best 5 in the league? Finally, Taylor snaps about Kawhi Leonard...it was a long time coming.Follow Taylor: @TheTYoungFollow Ishan's NEW handle: @JimmyLuandTaj Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede), true NFC East homers, break down why the Cowboys and Giants are in horrendous trouble: Did you know that 11% of the Giants' roster was added after the end of the preseason? Did you know that 50% of Dallas' offensive line is injured? The guys also identify stories to watch with the Washington Redskins and the [Super Bowl Champion] Philadelphia Eagles. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

In this episode, 3rd String Benchwarmers Zac (@ZacCrippen), Ishan (@shouldakeptJB), and Taylor (@TheTYoung) host a live discussion about all things fantasy football while the 3rd String draft progresses through ten rounds. Hear the reaction to the shocking #2 overall selection, the kicker drafted in the sixth round, the good old days of Shannon Sharpe, and divergent thoughts on draft philosophies.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) preview the NFC/AFC West, breaking down storylines for each team and talking about the "X-Factor." Will the Rams reign supreme? Are the Seahawks in true rebuild? Is Denver back? Hear all of these discussions and more, and let us know what you think.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Taylor Young (@TheTYoung) and Ishan Nath (@shouldakeptJB) discuss Manu Ginobili's retirement from the San Antonio Spurs, his legacy in the NBA, and the greatest Manu moments of all time. Ishan also prognosticates on the WNBA postseason and talks about why fantasy basketball is so great.  Follow Takes of the Game on Twitter Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Taylor Young (@TheTYoung) and Ishan Nath (@shouldakeptJB) return to the microphones this week for a primer on advanced stats for the uninitiated. Want to know all about lineup data, VORP, and more? This is the pod for you. You'll also hear Taylor's hot take on Michael Jordan (he was "good at basketball") and hear Ishan's story about a Luol Deng trade that sent him into the literal fetal position. Follow Takes of the Game on TwitterFor more, check out Bleacher Report's Advanced NBA Stats for Dummies Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) preview the college football season in advance of kickoff weekend, exploring storylines, teams, and personalities to watch in each of the Power 5 conferences. Is this the year for Tom Herman's Texas squad to take a big step forward? What about Justin Fuente's Hokies? are Alabama and Georgia destined for a CFP rematch? (We hope not.) Is James Franklin underrated?Hear all of these and more, and join the conversation on Twitter! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) react to the news of Urban Meyer's three game suspension and discuss whether or not this meets the requirements of justice (hint: it doesn't). Join our Fantasy Football League (it's free!) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) discuss preview the NFC/AFC South this year, talking about each team's storyline and X-factor. Will Sacksonville maintain its elite pass rush? Will Kamara continue his torrid pace to give Drew Brees options? Is this finally the year of the Falcons? Is J.J. Watt back for good? How early do you have to check into a Southwest flight to not get a middle seat?Join our Fantasy Football League (it's free!) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Ishan (@shouldakeptJB) discuss what the Josh Hader ordeal tells us about baseball (read: is baseball too white?), examine whether or not the 2018 Red Sox are the best Red Sox team of all time, and look at the states of the NL divison and wild card races. For further reading: "With a Loud Ovation, Baseball Shows its Whiteness" by Michael PowellJoin our Fantasy Football League (it's free!) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) provide a preview of the AFC and NFC North, predicting division winners and identifying each team's "X-factors" and storylines to watch. Hear Zac's hot take on the dark horse of the AFC North, Pete's wildly optimistic forecast for Hue Jackson and company, and the guys' thoughts on the Packers' uphill climb against the Vikings.  Join our Fantasy Football League (it's free!) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) discuss the Urban Meyer allegations and the future of the NCAA, Jalen Hurts' dissatisfaction at Alabama, Terrell Owens' Hall of Fame celebration, Ray Lewis' and Cristiano Ronaldo's busts, and Lance McCuller's elbow. Links below:Brett McMurphy's original report Jalen Hurts' commentsTerrell Owens HOF CelebrationRay Lewis | Cristiano Ronaldo Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

And we're back! After taking their own All-Star break, Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) return to the show to break down all of the MLB trade deadline action. What team emerged as the winner? Who is the deadline loser? Why didn't the Nationals trade Harper? The guys also banter about who has worse weather in the summer (Zac in Austin or Pete in Vegas), MLB teams that are too easy to hate, the perpetual dysfunction of the Dallas Cowboys, and what surprise dark horse NFL teams could go all the way to the Super Bowl.  Show links:Mookie Betts mic'd up / Matt Kemp mic'd upRosterResource Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

In this special National Ice Cream Day/Home Run Derby edition episode, Zac and Pete draft their Home Run Derby teams and discuss their favorite ice cream flavors after Pete ate his own weight in ice cream at a Vegas ice cream festival (Zac routinely eats his own weight in ice cream, so he is also qualified to discuss these matters.)  And a draft spoiler alert: Pete is a Bryce Harper homer (typical) but Zac beats him to the punch.  We're also building a Facebook Group! Join here.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

In this episode, Zac and Pete banter about World Cup Soccer, Kirk Cousins, and D.C. sports, and debate the snubs of the All-Star Game. You can find the full All-Star Game rosters here.  We're also building a Facebook Group! Join here.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen), Pete (@Pete_Laclede), and Ishan (@shouldakeptJB) answer a listener question about unwritten rules in baseball, banter about Dexter Fowler's rocky tenure in St. Louis, conduct a midseason evaluation of the MLB playoff race, anoint a new anti-three true outcome king, and make completely ignorant and uninformed World Cup predictions. Send us questions and comments! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) talk about the best baseball movies of all time, summer in Vegas and Austin, the designated hitter coming to the NL, Zac's terrible DH idea, pace of play changes, and round two of Pete's journey on the Lane Kiffin Hype Train. Don't miss out on The Popped Cast, the new pop culture podcast from Vernacular! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) talk about the MLB season so far, including the resurgent Astros, the slumping Bryce Harper, and Clayton Kershaw's attempt to return from a back injury. Then Zac brings Taylor (@theTYoung) on to talk about the latest Kawhi Leonard reports and the impact on the NBA's future.Don't miss out on The Popped Cast, the new pop culture podcast from Vernacular! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

In part two of this special Father's Day episode, Zac (@ZacCrippen), Pete Laclede (@Pete_Laclede), and Josh Goldman (@GoldmanStandard) talk about the defining biography of Tiger Woods and the lessons that fathers everywhere can draw from it. Also be sure to check out Zac's longform piece on Tiger Woods, Golfing in the Dark. Don't miss the Vernacular Podcast Network's newest show, The Popped Cast, launching later this month! Josh and Maureen Goldman host this pop culture addition to the Vernacular lexicon. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

In part one of this special Father's Day episode, Zac (@ZacCrippen), Pete Laclede (@Pete_Laclede), and Josh Goldman (@GoldmanStandard) talk about the defining biography of Tiger Woods and the lessons that fathers everywhere can draw from it. Also be sure to check out Zac's longform piece on Tiger Woods, Golfing in the Dark. Don't miss the Vernacular Podcast Network's newest show, The Popped Cast, launching later this month! Josh and Maureen Goldman host this pop culture addition to the Vernacular lexicon. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

Zac (@ZacCrippen), Ishan (@shouldakeptJB), and Taylor (@theTYoung) discuss J.R. Smith's Finals-defining gaffe, LeBron's hand injury and his 2018 destination, Ishan's solution to tanking, and the Eastern Conference team with the best chance to upset the Warriors in the 2018-2019 season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

It's the final installment of the Roadtrip Diaries! As Pete's roadtrip winds down and he descends into the Nevada desert, Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) discuss the Washington Capitals' historic win over the Las Vegas Golden Knights (Pete's hometown team vs his new town team) and the New York Mets' injury woes. We're back next week with better sound quality for more of your favorite sports talk! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

It's the Roadtrip Diaries Micropod Part 3! As Pete's roadtrip continues, this time from an undisclosed location in Yellowstone National Park en route to Salt Lake City, Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) talk about bison burgers, mosquitoes, Bryan Colangelo's burner accounts, LeBron in the finals, Terrell Owens turning down the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and Julian Edelman's looming suspension. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support

It's the Roadtrip Diaries Micropod Part 2! As Pete's roadtrip continues, this time from Billings, MT to an undisclosed location in Yellowstone National Park, Zac (@ZacCrippen) and Pete (@Pete_Laclede) talk about spelunking, NCAA scandals, the Eagles getting disinvited from the White House, Oliver Luck's move to the XFL, and Bryce Harper's disappearing act. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lineup/support