Catch up on all the latest from Tiki and Tierney
Sal vented about the Yankees' latest disheartening loss, attributing it to a lack of accountability and a "soft" management style that prioritizes player feelings over winning. He blasted Aaron Boone for allowing Devin Williams to close, a move he believes was a predictable failure. Sal also took aim at the Mets, whose recent slump and frustrating in-game decisions—like a cautious third-base coach and poor defensive alignments—have mirrored the Yankees' woes. He ties both teams' struggles to a foundational problem of valuing analytics and a "scripted" approach over the aggressive, intelligent baseball needed to win.
Sal tore into both the Yankees and Mets after a night of frustrating losses, a familiar sight for New York baseball fans. While the Yankees' collapse was fueled by a lack of accountability and the predictable failure of their closer, the Mets' loss was chalked up to timid coaching and a crucial defensive error. Despite the potential excitement of Aaron Judge's impending return, Sal was not optimistic, seeing the Yankees' roster construction as a problem and the Mets continuing to make poor decisions on the field. The overall picture, he argued, is one of two teams making the same mistakes and being plagued by a lack of fundamental baseball sense.
Sal expressed his frustration with the Mets' recent performance, stating that their frustrating losses point to a potential collapse.
Sal goes on a fiery rant, connecting the Yankees' ongoing issues with a lack of accountability and poor roster construction. He focuses on the predicament of Aaron Judge's return and its effect on the lineup, particularly the "hot" Giancarlo Stanton who can't play the field. He ties this to a bigger problem of modern managers having their hands tied, culminating in a story about how a skunk had his entire house smelling, leaving him feeling just as helpless as he believes Aaron Boone is.
Sal kicks off the show with a bang, revealing that hip-hop icon Redman is apparently unhappy with his past comments about Giants player Kayvon Thibodeaux. After taking a call from a listener who knows the rapper, Sal doubles down on his belief that Thibodeaux hasn't lived up to his draft expectations, but extends a welcoming invitation for Redman to call in and debate it. The conversation then shifts to the Jets and Giants, with Sal expressing cautious optimism about the Giants' defense and new wide receiver Malik Nabers, while remaining skeptical of the Jets' new regime and quarterback Justin Fields. The segment closes with a fiery "Call of the Day" where a passionate fan rips the Yankees' "scripted" management.
Sal's call of the day features Adam from South Jersey, a self-proclaimed 56-year-old diehard Yankee fan and football coach, who passionately and angrily denounces the Yankees for being "stupid" and "scripted." Adam compares the team's predictable decision-making to a rigid football coach who won't deviate from a pre-written playbook, even when the situation demands a change. His frustration culminates in him turning off the game when Devin Williams came in, knowing exactly how it would end, and later referring to the team as a "bunch of morons" for sticking to a script they wrote themselves.
Sal got a surprise call from a listener who informed him that the legendary rapper, Redman, is not happy with his takes on New York Giants' player Kayvon Thibodeaux. Sal, a self-proclaimed huge fan of Redman, expressed his shock and disappointment, playfully inviting the hip-hop icon to call in and hash it out. He stood by his critique of Thibodeaux, stating he simply hasn't lived up to his draft status, but made it clear he'd love to have a friendly debate with the "Funk Doctor Spock" himself.
Sal recounted a terrifying experience where a skunk's spray infiltrated his entire New Jersey home, leaving him in a state of panic at 2:30 a.m. Believing it was a fire or a gas leak, he called the police, only to have the officer calmly inform him that the culprit was a skunk, a normal occurrence for "living in the woods." Sal, who has been outspoken about his love for his new home in Jersey, felt his affection for the Garden State waver as he realized he now has to contend with snakes, bears, earthquakes, and now, the overwhelming stench of a skunk.
In a heated segment of "Bald-Faced Lie, Bald-Faced Truth," Sal and Hoff squared off over the futures of Aaron Boone and Brian Daboll. Sal passionately declared it a "Bald-Faced Lie" that Boone would outlast Daboll, arguing that while he believes Daboll is a good coach who will be given more time, Boone is a symptom of a larger organizational problem. Sal stated that the Yankees' issues are rooted in a flawed culture and poor roster construction, and that while firing Boone would be a misguided scapegoat move, it is the more likely outcome, leaving him with a shorter leash than Daboll.
Sal launched into a fiery monologue about his disdain for golf talk, admitting that hearing others discuss their enjoyment of the sport gives him anxiety. He confessed that as a self-described "blue collar" guy who isn't good at the game, he feels out of place at country clubs and finds the experience embarrassing rather than fun. Sal's rant resonated with listeners who feel similarly, as he passionately declared he'd rather be doing anything else than playing a game he's bad at.
Sal acknowledges the recent frustrating losses for the Mets, but argues they're not in a truly bad spot yet, emphasizing that they are only 1.5 games behind the Phillies as of August 5, 2025. While he notes the positive signs like their comeback against the Guardians and the potential of their bullpen, he warns that their current struggles could quickly turn into a four or five-game deficit if they don't start winning soon. Sal believes the team needs to make a bold move, like bringing up prospects Sproat or McLean, to inject new life into the rotation and prevent them from falling further behind in the division race.
Sal discussed the news of Aaron Judge's return from the injured list, but rather than celebrating, he highlighted the underlying problems it creates for the Yankees. He pointed out the issue of roster construction, specifically how Judge's return as a designated hitter creates a "problem" with Giancarlo Stanton, who is also a full-time DH due to his inability to play the field. Sal also questioned if Judge's throwing arm is truly healed after a short time on the IL, suggesting that the team is rushing him back and creating a new set of logistical and health issues for an already struggling team.
Sal ripped into Mets third base coach, Kevin Scarborough, for his decision to hold Tyrone Taylor at third base in the 9th inning. Despite the ball being ripped down the line and Taylor being a speedy pinch runner, Scarborough played it safe, fearing a potential out at home. Sal argued this "play not to lose" mentality was a critical mistake that took the pressure off the Guardians' defense. He believes that an aggressive call to send Taylor home would have forced Cleveland to make a perfect play, and the Mets' cautious approach ultimately cost them a game they had fought hard to tie.
Sal lit into the Yankees for their latest loss, blaming the team's culture of prioritizing a player's feelings over winning. He was especially incensed by the decision to let Devin Williams close out the game, a move that he believes was made to avoid hurting Williams' feelings after he had already proven to be unreliable. Sal argued that this "soft" approach and lack of accountability are at the heart of the team's ongoing struggles, leading to a frustrating and predictable loss. He insisted that the Yankees' management and coaching staff are afraid to make tough, performance-based decisions, and it's costing them games they should be winning.
From 'WFAN Daily' (subscribe here): Mets and Yankees both lose in extra innings. Follow Pete Hoffman @HoffWFAN To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The New York Yankees and Mets are a mess, and it's all because of a deep-rooted culture of unaccountability. Sal argues that while fans may be focused on a disastrous weekend of losses, the true issue is a long-standing organizational problem. He points to years of management's willingness to coddle players, tolerate "boneheaded mistakes," and fail to hold anyone truly accountable for their performance. This has led to a team that is fundamentally sloppy and accepts mediocrity, a far cry from the winning standard of the past. Sal asserts that this isn't just an Aaron Boone issue—it's a problem that starts at the very top and has been rotting the organization from the inside out for years. This culture, which prioritizes excuses and positive reinforcement over discipline and results, has created a comfortability that has allowed mistakes to fester and young talent to underdevelop.
Sal delivers a fiery monologue, dissecting the Yankees' recent abysmal weekend not as a temporary slump but as a symptom of a much deeper, more pervasive cultural problem. He argues that the team's long-standing issues—from a lack of accountability among players to a front office that coddles talent rather than challenges it—are the root cause of their on-field blunders. Sal points to specific, inexcusable mistakes, like players forgetting the number of outs, as evidence of a systemic failure that has been allowed to fester for years. He contends that the decision to move on from a disciplinarian like Joe Girardi to a "softer" manager in Aaron Boone was a deliberate choice by the organization, a choice that has ultimately undermined the team's ability to correct its flaws. Despite the Yankees' recent success and their potential to still make a playoff run, Sal is adamant that their foundational problems will prevent them from achieving their ultimate goal: a World Series title.
Sal is not mincing words, slamming the Mets' inconsistent offense as the team's most significant hurdle to a successful postseason run. He argues that while many point to the starting rotation as the primary issue, the real problem lies with the team's core hitters—specifically Alonso, Lindor, and Nimmo. According to Sal, these players must perform consistently in high-stakes situations, or the Mets have no chance of advancing in the playoffs. He points to the team's struggles with runners in scoring position as a damning symptom of a deeper, more fundamental flaw in their offensive approach, a flaw that he believes must be fixed if they have any hope of winning it all.
Cashman's stunning admission that the Yankees have no viable alternative to a struggling Anthony Volpe at shortstop is a damning indictment of the organization's player development and accountability, a systemic issue that goes far beyond Aaron Boone. The fact that the general manager believes Volpe's poor performance is acceptable because "what's the alternative?" is a complete abdication of his responsibility to build a winning team. This mindset not only hurts the Yankees' chances of winning now but also jeopardizes Volpe's long-term development, as the young shortstop is given a pass to make mistakes without consequence. This lack of accountability starts at the top, and until the Yankees find a better alternative to Cashman's flawed philosophy, the team will continue to underachieve.
"The Giants and Giants" call, a legendary prank from Dan in Warwick to Mike Francesa, has resurfaced and gone viral a decade later. The original call, in which Dan playfully suggested the New York Giants and San Francisco Giants were somehow related, was recently honored by the New York Giants in a comedic video that united players from both franchises. In an interview with Sal Licata, Dan himself confirmed the original call was a prank. Yet, his response during the conversation—an apparent disinterest in his newfound internet fame—left many, including Sal, questioning whether the original call was a genuine moment of confusion rather than a prank.
This call of the day was a wild ride, starting with a passionate Yankees fan from Georgia who's so fed up he's having the sheriff called on him for his loud, expletive-filled rants. He insists that if George Steinbrenner were alive, Brian Cashman would be long gone. Then, the conversation takes a surprising turn, questioning a famous prank call from a decade ago, and whether it was even a prank at all. Sal and the callers dissect the evidence, including the caller's reclusive nature and lack of social media presence. Finally, the show circles back to the Yankees' struggles, with a caller drawing a wild comparison between his binge drinking of Surfside and the team's ability to clean up their mess. The question is posed: Will the Yankees finally make changes if they miss the playoffs, or will they continue to operate business as usual, keeping the fanbase on a fiery leash?
The phone call from Dan and Warwick, the man behind a now-viral 10-year-old prank, left Sal questioning everything he thought he knew. Initially convinced the original call was a brilliant prank, Sal's belief was shattered by Dan's complete disinterest. Dan was on air, but not really there, preoccupied and unaware of his newfound fame. He didn't even see the video that sparked it all. Sal now wonders if the prank was actually a serious, genuine question and if Dan's bizarre, uninterested demeanor was in itself, a different kind of prank—one played on Sal and the listeners 10 years later.
Sal passionately confronts Dan from Warwick, the notorious prank caller from a decade ago, about the viral fame of his infamous "Giants and Giants" call. Dan, however, appears completely unfazed and uninterested in the commotion, telling Sal he has to leave. Sal expresses disbelief that the man behind one of the most famous prank calls in the station's history is so nonchalant about his newfound social media fame. The fiery exchange is short-lived as Dan's disinterest brings the conversation to an abrupt halt, leaving Sal to play the original prank call for his audience.
Sal's passionate, no-holds-barred reaction to SummerSlam night one at MetLife Stadium was a verbal smackdown. He celebrated the electric atmosphere and the incredible showmanship, gushing over the emotional tribute to Hulk Hogan and the jaw-dropping Seth Rollins finish. However, he didn't hold back on his disdain for certain wrestlers like CM Punk and Gunther, whom he described as "sloppy." He also hilariously recounted a run-in with a rude heckler and an encounter with comedian Drewski, playfully ripping on his choice of a Phillies jersey in enemy territory. Ultimately, Sal proclaimed night one the superior event, solidifying his fiery take on the weekend's wrestling spectacle.
Sal Licata didn't hold back in his fiery reaction to Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman's comments about Anthony Volpe. Sal honed in on Cashman's statement that there were "no alternatives" to Volpe at shortstop, calling the response "absurd" and a prime example of the lack of accountability plaguing the entire Yankees organization. He passionately argued that Cashman's job is to find a solution, and by not doing so, the Yankees are not only hurting the team now but also ruining Volpe's long-term development. For Sal, it's a symptom of a much larger, top-down issue where mistakes are tolerated and players aren't held to a high enough standard
Mike Francesa, the legendary sports talk host, has finally joined the 21st century by starring in a promo for Eli Manning's show. The skit, a brilliant ten-year anniversary homage to a notorious fan call, features Francesa walking in on a dinner party of two football Giants and two baseball Giants. Sal reacts with a mix of disbelief and praise, applauding the New York Giants' social media team for their creativity and, most surprisingly, Francesa for his comedic timing and willingness to play along. He notes that the video is a rare moment of brilliance on social media and a perfect way to kick off the football season.
Sal goes deep on the underlying issues plaguing the New York Yankees, arguing that the team's struggles go far beyond just recent losses. He believes that while the team might still make the playoffs, a lack of accountability and a toxic culture are the real reasons they consistently fall short of expectations. According to Sal, this issue is a top-down problem stemming from the front office, and it is a fundamental flaw that has persisted for years, regardless of which players are on the roster. It is a problem that cannot be fixed by simply adding a new player or two but requires a complete overhaul of the organization's mindset.
Sal takes aim at a deeply-rooted cultural issue within the Yankees organization, arguing that a lack of accountability from the top down has led to an atmosphere of complacency. He uses Jazz Chisholm's base-running mistake—getting doubled off on a routine pop-up—as a prime example of a player not being held responsible for his errors. Sal argues that when managers like Aaron Boone constantly praise players regardless of performance, it creates a sense of comfort that prevents them from truly pushing themselves and taking ownership of their mistakes. This "coddling," as Sal calls it, is a stark contrast to organizations with a stricter accountability model, and he believes it's the core reason the Yankees consistently fall short of their championship goals.
The Yankees' biggest problem isn't their recent losing streak or a few bad plays, but a deep-seated culture of complacency and a lack of accountability that has been festering for years. Sal argues that this is by design, stemming from the front office's decision to move on from a disciplinarian manager like Joe Girardi in favor of a more "player-friendly" approach with Aaron Boone. He points to repeated on-field blunders, from Austin Wells walking off a base to Jazz Chisholm getting doubled off, as evidence of a team that doesn't face repercussions for its mistakes. Sal believes this systemic issue, where players are coddled and managers are protected, is a direct result of a front office that doesn't feel pressure to win it all, creating a chain reaction of low expectations and sloppy play that permeates the entire organization.
From 'WFAN Daily' (subscribe here): It was another wasted weekend for the both the Mets and ESPECIALLY the Yankees... but at least their was a great distraction at Metlife as WWE Summer Slam took over! For More follow @HoffWFAN To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Boomer & Gio, Evan & Tiki are live from Giants training camp. Hear their conversations with Russell Wilson, Joe Schoen, Brian Daboll, Malik Nabers, Jaxson Dart, and Abdul Carter.
Boomer believes there's a different feeling at Giants camp this year. Plus, Jameis Winston joins Boomer & Gio live from training camp; Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata wonder how the Giants will handle their crowded QB room; BT & Sal react to a Malik Nabers injury scare and the fragility of training camp; Evan & Tiki talk with first-round pick Jaxson Dart and give us their first impressions of Giants training camp.
Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata react to the Yankees trade deadline and give their grades. Plus, Boomer Esiason on why he felt Brian Cashman did a good job; BT & Sal argue over the Yankees' valuation of their prospects; Sal gives his thoughts on Ryan McMahon; Evan and Tiki react live to the trades of Camilo Doval and David Bednar.
This week's Yankees highlights include Boomer calling on the Yankees to bench Anthony Volpe to give him a rest, while BT and Sal get into a heated debate over how to handle the young shortstop after Sal called for the Yanks to send him down. Plus, BT and Sal wonder what the expectations are for Jasson Dominguez moving forward, while Evan and Tiki wonder if Aaron Boone is growing frustrated with Volpe's defense.
This week's Mets highlights include trade deadline reactions from all three shows, with Boomer and Gio praising the team's bullpen additions, Evan and Tiki trying to keep up with the craziness on deadline day, and why Sal was underwhelmed with the Mets' moves.
BT and Sal went head-to-head on the Yankees and Mets' trade deadlines, with both agreeing that the teams improved but clashing on whether they did enough. Sal argues that while the teams filled critical needs—bullpen arms for both, a third baseman for the Yankees, and a center fielder for the Mets—they only did the "bare minimum." He believes the front offices, particularly Brian Cashman and David Stearns, were reluctant to give up top prospects for a "knockout punch" player like Steven Kwan or Luis Robert, preventing the teams from reaching an A+ grade. BT, however, is more satisfied, noting the immense value of acquiring multiple "nasty" bullpen arms for both teams without sacrificing their farm systems. He feels these moves give both the Yankees and Mets a legitimate chance to compete for a World Series, and he believes the reluctance to trade a prospect like Spencer Jones for a pitcher with a 6.50 ERA (referencing a hypothetical trade for Sandy Alcantara) was a smart move. The conversation also touched on Michael Cole's visit to the studio to promote SummerSlam, revealing his passion as a lifelong Mets fan and his insights into the business of wrestling.
BT and Sal delivered a heated analysis of the Mets and Yankees trade deadlines, with BT arguing that both teams "crushed it" by addressing their biggest needs without giving up top prospects. He believes the bullpen reinforcements for both clubs were massive upgrades that saved their seasons. Sal, however, countered that while the moves were "fine" and earned a solid "A," they ultimately amounted to the "bare minimum." He believes neither team went over the top to land a true game-changing player like Luis Robert or Sandy Alcantara, citing a reluctance to part with their top prospects as the reason they didn't get that "knockout punch" and earn an "A+."
In a heated exchange, BT and Sal ignite a fiery debate over the Yankees' recent trade deadline decisions, particularly the decision not to pursue Cleveland Guardians star Steven Kwan. While BT argues for patience with the team's young prospects like Anthony Volpe, Sal passionately insists that the Yankees' front office, led by Brian Cashman, has a history of mismanaging top-end talent and should have traded a player like Jason Dominguez to acquire a proven, championship-level player like Kwan. The discussion also touches on the Mets' deadline moves and concludes with a lively interview with WWE's Michael Cole, who, as a die-hard Mets fan, offers his own fiery take on the team's chances.
Both the Yankees and Mets made significant moves at the trade deadline, earning high praise for their aggressive approach. The two teams addressed critical weaknesses, with a particular focus on bolstering their bullpens. The Yankees acquired players like McMahon, an elite-fielding third baseman with power, while the Mets brought in Cedric Mullins, a veteran center fielder with a well-rounded game. Despite some debate over whether either team landed the "knockout punch" trade that would make them a World Series favorite, the consensus is that both clubs are now better positioned to compete for a championship. The Mets, in particular, are seen as finally having a deep and talented roster that can sustain success, a far cry from the lean years of the past.
Sal and BT, joined by a caller from Garden City, debate the Yankees' recent bullpen acquisitions. While Sal criticizes the Mets for acquiring rental players with no long-term control, BT defends the Yankees' strategy, arguing that securing pitchers with multi-year control provides a crucial safeguard for the team's future. The conversation intensifies as they discuss the unpredictability of relief pitchers and the importance of having multiple options to navigate the volatile nature of the bullpen. The hosts contrast the Yankees' approach of prioritizing "strength in numbers" with the Mets' focus on immediate impact, ultimately highlighting the fundamental differences in their respective trade deadline strategies.
On this episode of She's Got Next with Jordan Robinson, Jordan is joined by Athlete's Unlimited Softball League Champion, Sydney Romero. She talks about the journey to the inaugural AUSL Championship and when she finally plans on resting. Jordan then goes in depth into the social media side of Women's Sports and how that is helping to grow the game in her "Let's Get Down To Business" segment.
Brandon and Sal dive into the "call of the day" from a listener named Dylan, who questions whether Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is the biggest bust among New York prospects. Sal pushes back, pointing out that circumstances like injuries have played a role and that Alvarez has shown promise. The hosts then pivot to the recent trade deadline, debating whether the Mets and Yankees did enough, and what the future holds for young prospects like Alvarez, Volpe, and Mauricio, whose performance will ultimately determine their teams' success. The show wraps up with a caller raising concerns about a potential gambling scandal in Cleveland and how it could relate to players like Steven Kwan, prompting a brief discussion on MLB's handling of such cases.