Tiki and Tierney

Sal Licata flies solo on Wednesday's show, where he discusses everything from Carlos Mendoza, Jonah Tong, and the Mets' bullpen to Aaron Boone, Aaron Judge, and the Yankees' predetermined lineups. Clem from Surfside joins the show to keep tabs on his wager with BT & Sal. Jerry Recco joins the show for '3 Random Questions,' Mets talk.

Sal Licata is joined by Jerry Recco at the Salt Shack in Long Island to discuss the Mets' playoff chances, answer '3 Random Questions,' and take calls - including one from a listener who says Sal is too fickle about the Mets.

From 'WFAN Daily' (subscribe here): It's about time Yankees fans recognize how valuable Giancarlo Stanton is to this 2025 team! For more from Hoff follow him @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

Sal Licata takes calls about the Mets' pitching, the Yankees' every move feeling predetermined, and discusses how Ben Rice, Jonah Tong, and other key young New York baseball players can impact their teams' seasons.

Sal Licata opens Wednesday's show by discussing the Mets' recent wins over the Phillies, the problems with their bullpen, and airing some grievances with Aaron Boone, Aaron Judge, and Pete Alonso.

Jerry Recco made it from Boomer & Gio to the Salt Shack just in time to join Sal and answer... 3 Random Questions! The two provided plenty of drop-fodder for THE Eddie Scozzare.

Sal Licata hears from a caller that just can't let Daniel Jones go. He called in to tell Sal he'll be coming to collect if Jones succeeds with the Colts.

Clem Pappas of our sponsors at Surfside joins the show to talk Mets vs. Phillies, how the Phillies might just be cursed at CitiField, and keep tabs on the wager he made with BT & Sal.

A caller asks Sal Licata to take a peek into his crystal ball and prognosticate the rest of the New York Mets' season.

Sal thinks that Aaron Boone's lineups feel too predetermined. He doesn't get why Aaron Judge disagreed with Aaron Boone if he wasn't planning on proving him wrong. And he thinks Pete Alonso needs to clean up his arm.

Sal Licata says there are only four bullpen arms the New York Mets can trust in high-leverage situations, creating a 'square of trust' inside of the clubhouse.

Sal Licata opens Wednesday's show with an honest discussion about the Mets' standing in the NL East amidst their series with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Sal Licata takes a call about the Mets' bullpen management and discusses whether or not manager Carlos Mendoza is putting his players in the best positions to succeed.

In this segment, BT dives into the Mets' recent win, crediting the infectious energy of a hot-hitting Mark Vientos for sparking the team. He also breaks down the compelling AL MVP race between Aaron Judge and Seattle's Cal Raleigh, arguing that Raleigh's monster home run numbers as a catcher make a strong case for him. The discussion broadens to include the Yankees' long-term outlook for 2026, the potential engagement of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, and a passionate conversation with actor Nick Turturro about the state of the Yankees.

BT argues that Mark Vientos's recent surge is the key to the Mets' success, highlighting how his on-field energy and clutch hitting have given the team a crucial "different feel." He criticizes the fans who wanted to trade Vientos at the deadline and praises the Mets' front office for holding on to him. BT believes that Vientos, along with the pitching of Cam Schlittler, provides a legitimate reason for optimism and makes the Mets a dangerous team heading into the postseason.

BT opened with a fiery segment, tackling the AL MVP race by arguing that Aaron Judge's award isn't a foregone conclusion, especially with Cal Raleigh's scorching performance. He then turned his attention to the Yankees' 2025 outlook, questioning their long-term roster construction and whether they're setting themselves up for success. Finally, in his "Bald Faced Lie, Bald Faced Truth" segment, BT delivered a blistering set of predictions, asserting that it's a bald-faced truth that the Mets and Yankees will both make the playoffs, but a bald-faced lie that both the Jets and Giants will have at least three wins by Week 6.

While BT was focused on the tight AL MVP race between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, Hoff went on an impassioned rant about a media report discussing Mets manager Carlos Mendoza's job security. Hoff argued that the very premise of the question was "unacceptable" and "clickbait," given that Mendoza took the team to the NLCS last year and has them in a playoff race this season. He believes there's no logical reason to question Mendoza's position and that the media is creating unnecessary drama, contrasting it with the long-term patience the Yankees have shown with their own manager, Aaron Boone.

In a fiery segment, BT dismisses the breaking news of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's engagement with a sarcastic and apathetic response, stating he couldn't care less. He quickly pivots back to what truly matters to him—the Yankees' ongoing struggles—and is joined by a frustrated Nick Turturro. Turturro, an actor and lifelong Yankee fan, echoes BT's sentiments, expressing a shared sense of resignation and emotional exhaustion with the team. Their conversation is a cathartic release for both, as they dissect the team's philosophical issues, lack of accountability, and inability to win without a home run, all while the celebrity gossip that captivates the nation fails to move them.

Brendan Tierney is joined by actor and die-hard Yankees fan Nick Turturro, who vents his frustration over the team's ongoing struggles. Turturro, a lifelong fan who remembers the team's lean years, feels the current organization has lost its winning mentality and has become a "Disneyland" where on-field performance is secondary to business and fan consumption. He and BT agree that the team lacks "dogs" and a sense of accountability, and he wishes players and coaches would show more rage and frustration over their poor play.

BT "congratulated" the newly engaged Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in the only way he knows how: by expressing his complete and total apathy for the celebrity couple. He dismissed the news as inconsequential, complaining that their relationship has already received far too much attention and will only get worse now that they're engaged. BT's fiery reaction was a mix of annoyance at the pop culture "takeover" of the NFL and a firm belief that the celebrity couple's future will end in either divorce or a fake relationship.

In a fiery segment, Hoff takes a New York Post headline to task, claiming it's an irresponsible example of clickbait journalism. He argues that the Mets' new manager, Carlos Mendoza, has done a tremendous job with the team, leading them to the NLCS last year and keeping them in the playoff hunt this season. For a media outlet to even question his job security, according to Hoff, is a "dumb question" that shows a lack of respect for the manager and an attempt to create unnecessary drama. He believes that Mendoza has earned the right to at least a third year, regardless of how the rest of the season plays out.

n a fiery segment of "Bald Face Lie, Bald Face Truth," BT was put on the spot by Hoff, offering his unfiltered opinions on several key New York sports topics. He cautiously declared that both the Mets and Yankees will make the playoffs, expressing a newfound optimism in their respective wild card races. However, he was less bullish on Tommy DeVito's future, calling it a "bald faced lie" that the fan-favorite quarterback will suit up for a New York team this season. The most surprising take came with the Jets and Giants, as BT was forced to admit that while he's hopeful for a better season, he couldn't in good conscience predict either team would have more than two and a half wins by Week 6.

BT speculated on the future of the Yankees' roster in 2026, pointing out the major decisions the front office faces regarding key players like Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and promising prospects like Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez. He expressed a preference for retaining Bellinger, citing his elite versatility and overall value, while also raising concerns about what that would mean for the development of younger players. The discussion centered on whether the Yankees will finally break their old habits and build a cohesive, well-balanced team, or continue to make the same old mistakes that have plagued them for years.

BT argued that the American League MVP race is not the foregone conclusion many believe, especially with the surge of Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. While acknowledging Aaron Judge's impressive numbers, BT highlighted that Raleigh has surpassed Judge in home runs and RBIs, and their team records are nearly identical. He stated that the MVP award is not just about who has the best overall stats but who is most valuable to their team, and with Raleigh's incredible offensive production from a premium defensive position, he makes a very compelling case for the award.

BT gushed about Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler's impressive skillset and makeup, asserting that the young pitcher looks like he belongs in the big leagues. He highlighted Schlittler's innate toughness, which he attributes to his upbringing, and his physically imposing, lanky frame. However, the true star of Schlittler's arsenal, according to BT, is his "filthy" curveball, which he compared to some of the best in baseball history. He concluded by saying that with his nasty stuff and presence on the mound, Schlittler could be a game-changer for the Yankees, especially in a potential playoff run.

BT unleashed a furious rant on Mets fans who are now praising Mark Vientos, pointing out that many of them, including a caller who tried to call him out, were the same people who wanted him traded at the deadline. BT passionately defended his own position, arguing that he's always been consistent in his belief in Vientos' potential, even while acknowledging his struggles earlier in the season. He slammed the fanbase for its short-term memory and for being quick to abandon players when they're not performing, only to embrace them once their fortunes change.

BT believes that Mark Vientos is the missing spark the Mets have needed all season. He notes that while other stars like Juan Soto and Pete Alonso are consistent performers, Vientos brings a different, more infectious energy to the dugout. BT argues that Vientos's fiery play and undeniable swagger are what the team feeds off of, and his recent hot streak is no coincidence. This emotional and energetic jolt, coupled with his clutch hitting in last year's postseason, gives the Mets a real chance to turn a corner and make some noise this season.

From 'WFAN Daily' (subscribe here): Yankees stop the bleeding against the Red Sox as Carlos Rodon shuts down the Boston offense. Mets, however, had a real chance to win three games in a row, and decided to blow it, again! 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

In a multifaceted rant, BT unloaded on the Yankees for their lack of "heart" and "soul," arguing that their indifferent play is turning fan frustration into dangerous apathy. He juxtaposed their struggles with the Jets' newfound accountability under new leadership and the Mets' encouraging weekend against the Braves, highlighting the stark difference in team culture. The segment was also punctuated by a fiery debate with Hoff about the Mets' performance, a fiery critique of the Cleveland Browns, and a self-deprecating yet hilarious anecdote about a wiffle ball game with Hoff's seven-year-old son, demonstrating the full range of BT's passionate, no-holds-barred commentary.

BT erupted in frustration over the Yankees' lackluster play, calling the team "poodles" and arguing that they lack the heart and grit of past championship squads. He dismissed their most recent win as a one-off powered by home runs, calling the team's reliance on the long ball a "stale" and "predictable" script. BT expressed his exasperation with the team's ongoing struggles, which have resulted in three consecutive sub-.500 months. While he acknowledged the benching of Anthony Volpe as a step in the right direction, he emphasized that it's just one minor change and doesn't address the deep-rooted issues of a roster filled with "transient" players and a team culture that lacks accountability.

BT opened up 11am hour by expressing some optimism for the Mets after their good weekend against the Braves, noting how young players like Vientos and Baty are finally stepping up. He then pivoted to his own personal disaster—his fantasy football team, which he's already given up on after a "D+" grade from his friend who drafted for him. Finally, he launched a fiery critique of the Cleveland Browns, accusing them of "sabotaging" rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders during a preseason game to avoid public pressure, calling them "the worst franchise in all of sports."

In a passionate monologue, BT eviscerated the Yankees, not for their on-field mistakes, but for what he sees as a deep-seated lack of "heart," "soul," and "grit." He argues that the team's struggles go beyond bad baseball and are rooted in an unacceptable indifference to losing. BT believes this has led the fanbase from anger to a more dangerous state of apathy. The segment then transitions to a more optimistic tone as former Jet Nick Mangold calls in to talk about the Jets, providing a stark contrast to the Yankees' woes and discussing the new leadership under Aaron Glenn, which he believes is focused on restoring accountability and a winning culture.

Hoff expressed his frustration with the Mets' latest loss to the Braves, calling out the bullpen and Carlos Mendoza's in-game management. BT then shifted his focus to the Yankees, arguing that Anthony Volpe has not earned the right to be told he's playing every day, and that the team's willingness to give him that assurance is indicative of a larger organizational problem. The segment also featured a humorous moment where BT revealed he crushed a wiffle ball off of Hoff's seven-year-old son, much to Hoff's dismay, and took a call from a listener who canceled their subscription to the MLB app out of frustration with the Yankees' "mediocrity."

BT's "Call of the Day" highlighted a major issue with the current Yankees roster: a complete lack of chemistry and shared identity. The caller likened the team to a "pickup team," a transient group of players who are more focused on their individual stats and future contracts than on building a winning culture. BT agreed with the caller's assessment, suggesting that the constant turnover and wholesale changes at the trade deadline have resulted in a team that is just a collection of mercenaries, lacking the passion and emotional investment that once defined the Yankees. He believes this is a fundamental flaw that will continue to hold the team back from achieving its ultimate goal of a championship.

BT and Hoff dissected the Mets' frustrating weekend in Atlanta, with Hoff expressing deep dissatisfaction despite the team winning two out of three games. His anger stemmed from the feeling that the Mets squandered a chance to sweep the series and make a definitive statement. Hoff criticized the bullpen, specifically mentioning the struggles of Ryan Helsley and Reed Garrett, and slammed manager Carlos Mendoza for a lack of "feel" in key moments. He argued that the team's lingering issues with pitching and Pete Alonso's inconsistent play are signs of a flawed roster that will ultimately prevent them from making a deep postseason run.

BT and former Jets great Nick Mangold agreed on the major issue plaguing the team: a fundamental lack of leadership and accountability. Mangold explained that the constant player turnover and absence of long-tenured veterans has prevented the team from building a winning culture. He praised new coach Aaron Glenn for emphasizing that the players themselves must drive the team's success, a stark contrast to previous regimes. BT echoed the sentiment, highlighting the team's chronic penalty problem as a clear symptom of their lack of attention to detail and discipline.

BT erupted in frustration over the Cleveland Browns' handling of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He detailed how the team, with their historically inept track record, refused to let the promising young signal-caller finish a two-minute drill in a preseason game. Instead, they inexplicably put in Tyler Huntley, a player they subsequently cut the very next day. To BT, this was not a simple coaching decision but a cowardly act driven by a fear of public sentiment. He argued that the Browns were so worried about Sanders performing well and generating fan pressure for him to start that they chose to stunt his development, proving once again they are the worst-run franchise in sports.

In a moment of candid frustration, BT confessed his annual fantasy football league draft resulted in another team he's sure to abandon. He explained he had to rely on a friend to draft for him due to a social conflict, and the result was a disastrous "D+" rated team that he predicts will fail within weeks. BT admitted to the familiar cycle of making one or two futile waiver wire moves before ultimately giving up on the team, likening his predictable failure to the Yankees' own disappointing and predictable season.

BT opened his show by recapping the Mets' mixed weekend in Atlanta, acknowledging the team's "house of horrors" but praising their overall performance. He highlighted the promise shown by young players like Mark Vientos and Brett Baty, and the strong start from rookie pitcher Brandon McLean. While frustrated by the bullpen's collapse in the final game that cost them a sweep, BT argued that the Mets still have more to be optimistic about than the Yankees. He stressed that the team's playoff hopes now hinge on the performance of their next two starters, Senga and Manaea, who need to "step up" and stabilize the rotation.

BT opened his show with a fiery monologue about the death of Yankee tradition, a topic that resonated deeply with his callers. Referencing John's call and the famous "If George were still here..." line, BT argued that while he normally avoids this trope, in this case, it's undeniably true that the team's winning spirit and accountability have been replaced by a "soulless" reliance on analytics and a fear of making waves. He lambasted the current ownership and front office for running the team into the ground, stating they've lost sight of the core values that once made the Yankees the most feared and respected franchise in all of sports.

BT tore into the Yankees for finally benching Anthony Volpe, calling it a long-overdue move that highlights the team's season-long mismanagement. He argued that the decision, while correct, is "too little, too late" and a reflection of the team's overall lack of leadership and accountability. According to BT, the Yankees' willingness to give Volpe "too much rope" and their failure to make timely, performance-based changes are symptomatic of a deeper, more chronic problem. He lamented that the team is essentially playing out a predictable, boring script that has sucked the life out of the fanbase.

BT ripped into the Yankees for their abysmal series against the Boston Red Sox, arguing that the team has no heart, grit, or toughness. He proclaimed that the days of opponents fearing the Yankees are long gone, replaced by a "Bronx Country Club" mentality. BT expressed his frustration with the team's reliance on home runs and their overall lack of competitive spirit, pointing out that players show no outward emotion or frustration after losses. He concluded by saying the Yankees have become a predictable, uninspired, and lifeless team that has drained him of his passion.