With Authority

A's legend Dave Stewart is about to have his number 34 retired by the Oakland Athletics. Larry Beil caught up with the World Series champion for a nice extended trip down memory lane.

We are bringing back the With Authority Podcast live in Twitter Spaces! One the live streaming return episode, we discuss the A's stadium saga after Howard Terminal clears another hurdle. We also debate whether or not Giants baseball is boring, how much you'd give up for Kevin Durant, and the eternal FLEX SEAL argument continues.

One of the biggest changes in the history of college sports is that athletes are now being allowed to profit from endorsement deals. Cal freshman Mia Mastrov decided this was an opportunity to help others. Leveraging her massive Instagram following and new Name, Image, Likeness funds, she chose to help the less fortunate during Thanksgiving -- providing 100 meals to the Alameda County Food Bank. We had a chance to talk with Mia about her donation and got some Instagram tips... since she has WAAAAAY more followers than us. We also chatted about following in Sabrina Ionescu's footsteps, and her friendship with Stanford standout Cameron Brink. You can follow Mia here: https://www.instagram.com/miamastrov

We always put on wrestling in the office and when Ricochet's music hits, we drop everything to sit back and watch. As a result, when we first started the 'With Authority' podcast, we had WWE Superstar Ricochet featured prominently on our list of dream guests. So with WWE Raw coming to Chase Center on October 11, we reached out and insisted to speak with the future of flight -- our absolute favorite wrestler. We had a crazy schedule that week and Larry wasn't able to make it, so Casey and Ricochet went one on one instead. They covered everything from how young Trevor Mann became Ricochet, what he was thinking as he attempted a double moonsault off a cage, and touched on the upcoming WWE Draft.

San Jose State Spartans defensive end Cade Hall racked up accolades during a difficult 2020 season. Hall was named Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year, became the first SJSU defensive lineman in 8 years to earn All-America honors. We catch up with Hall to discuss the rise of the Spartans under coach Brent Brennan, following in the footsteps of an NFL father and body building mother, and learn what led to the team singing 'Lean on Me' in the locker room.

Welcome back to "The Dance that never ends" as A's President Dave Kaval updates us on the latest Howard Terminal stadium developments. Our last check-in took place right after the Oakland City Council's affirmative vote on the city's proposal. So what's changed since then? What happens if the Alameda County Board of Supervisors doesn't sign on to the project? And how far apart are the A's and Oakland to a full agreement? We attempt to get all the answers.

The Oakland Athletics and the Oakland City Council appear to be headed for a showdown on July 20. Today new documents were released by the city of Oakland detailing a new Howard Terminal term sheet. While it is considered a draft, it shows that the A's and Oakland remain far apart on an agreement. The Oakland City Council is scheduled for a non-binding vote on this term sheet on Tuesday.  Can the city really vote on a term sheet that the A's don't agree with? Can they find a way to bridge the divide between their proposals? Larry Beil and Casey Pratt catch up with A's President Dave Kaval to get some answers.

Where to begin? As we follow every twist and turn of the A's Stadium Saga, we thought we'd bring in a man that has had pretty much every consequential byline along the way -- ABC7 Insider Phil Matier. We discuss and dissect every angle of the Howard Terminal proposal, and take a much needed trip down memory lane. Can the A's and Oakland get this thing done?? This podcast was recorded on 7/13, which is 3 days ahead of the new term sheet being released to the public and exactly one week out from the non-binding vote by the Oakland City Council.

49ers star linebacker Fred Warner joins the With Authority podcast to talk with the guys ahead of the NFL Draft, which airs on ABC 7. The man nicknamed “All-Pro Fred” is a team captain and is entering his 4th season with San Francisco. This past year, Warner earned All-Pro honors and had his best season individually in the NFL. He talks with Larry, Casey and Chris about his own NFL Draft experience (best pick of the Shanahan/Lynch era?), why he chose BYU (not Hawaii) and his hopes for his brother Troy to join him in the NFL. The guys talk about lessons learned during the 2020 season, what it will take to get back to the Super Bowl, the excitement of playing in front of the fans again, and Fred drops some key workout tips to help develop a better core. Ab wheels and 8-packs anyone?

"Mr. Shark" Patrick Marleau joins Larry, Casey and Chris for the first With Authority podcast of 2021. With the Sharks ready to embark on a 56-game season on Thursday, the guys catch up with the NHL legend in Arizona (temporary home of the Sharks) as they finish up training camp and get ready for the regular season. Marleau talks about the challenges of a long stay in a hotel, how the team is stacking up so far and what it would mean for him to win the Stanley Cup. We also learn about his tricks of the trade with regards to longevity, just what is "grounding" and how can it help? You will find out in this podcast. Also, Patrick shares a hilarious DoorDash story and the guys work through some technology issues which make for some good laughs.

Alyssa Nakken made history this year and her uniform is now on display in Cooperstown at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Having just been named Baseball America's Trailblazer of the Year, the Giants assistant coach joins Larry, Casey and Chris on the latest edition of the With Authority podcast. The first full-time female MLB coach talks about her historic first season with the Giants and what it’s like to be on Gabe Kapler’s staff. She also discusses the Giants approach to analytics and her role in paving the way for women and young girls in sports. Nakken also reveals her friendship with 49ers assistant coach Katie Sowers and the conversations they had during quarantine, as well as memorable moments talking with Angels superstar Mike Trout, the Giants outlook for the future, and her love of surfing.

49ers kicker Robbie Gould joins ABC 7’s Chris Alvarez to talk about his latest charity work and the #RG9KicksForKids campaign. This season, Gould is donating $500 for every field goal he makes to Cal's Angels a pediatric cancer non-profit that grants wishes for kids. Thei goal is to raise $50,000. More information and ways to donate can be found at https://kicks4kids.eventlify.com/donation Chris and Robbie also discusses his love for charity golf, which courses he hopes to play in the future, his experience in two Super Bowl games and what it's like to be mic'd up by NFL Films.

The Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants are rivals on the field during the Battle of the Bay, but they are united behind the scenes in the battle against ALS. A’s right fielder Stephen Piscotty is leading the charge. His mother Gretchen passed away in 2018 after fighting ALS. Led by his father, Michael, the Piscotty family has championed the cause of finding a cure. “My mom frankly suffered for quite a while and it was really hard to watch,” Piscotty said on The With Authority Podcast. “One thing she kind of said is ‘do what you can, so that no one else has to suffer like this.’” https://alscure.net/alsbay/ This weekend during the Bay Bridge Series, the ALS Cure Project is holding a virtual fundraiser. In addition to a massive collection of A’s and Giants memorabilia up for auction, you can also purchase beer, wine, and whisky and then take part in virtual tastings with Piscotty and a host of other guests via Zoom. The events are scheduled around the Bay Bridge Series games this weekend. “We’re trying to carry that torch and do all that we can,” Piscotty said. “Unfortunately, we can’t solve it over night. It’s going to take a lot of hard work and dedication and that’s the reality of it, but we are up for that challenge.” The A’s are in first place in the A.L. West and have a chance to clinch a playoff berth this weekend at home against the Giants. Running a charity and playing baseball during a global pandemic is a lot to handle. You can help out Piscotty, and pick up some beer, wine, whisky or merchandise for a good cause by visiting the ALS Cure Project now. We also talk pandemic baseball and MLB's saliva tests, the postseason bubble, and what it'll take to clinch the AL West in the Bay Bridge Series.

The most prolific scorer in Major League Soccer history is here! San Jose Earthquakes superstar Chris Wondolowski joins Larry, Casey and Chris for the latest edition of the With Authority podcast. The Danville native talks about his incredible professional soccer career and goes in-depth on his thoughts about returning for the 2021 season. While referencing retirement, Wondo says “the door is closed, but remains unlocked” but we’re pretty sure we pried it open in this conversation. You will learn about life in Orlando’s MLS bubble, why he’s not his daughter’s favorite soccer player, his favorite wine and what car he compares himself too. Plus, Wondo talks about his love for The San Jose Ultras and which sporting venues he still wants to catch a game in as a fan.

The Golden State Warriors have a secret weapon for the NBA Draft Lottery. Meet "Lucky" Larry. The Lacob family adopted this Miniature Pinscher after he was displaced from their Miami-area shelters due to Hurricane Irma. Using Nicole Lacob's charitable relationships, the Warriors helped fly 163 pets across the country to the Bay Area to find new homes. When Joe met the dog that would later be named Larry O'Brien, they were bonded immediately. From the streets of Miami to the lap of luxury, is their a more lucky dog in the world? Larry's lucky streak will be put to the test as the Warriors hope for the number one pick in the NBA Draft. Lacob also discusses his background in epidemiology, and his thoughts on the NBA in the COVID-19 era, why the Warriors are primed for a big bounce-back season, and if they have an idea who they may be targeting in the draft.

The return of Warriors President of Basketball Operations Bob Myers. The Warriors GM becomes the second 2x guest on the pod. With a list of things we weren’t allowed to ask (sort of kidding)… We dive into the Monte Vista and UCLA upbringings of Myers. Did you know they called him Forrest Gump in college? To how being an agent led to him becoming one of the most successful GMs in the NBA. We also find out if the Warriors are ready to “bum rush” the NBA when next season starts. He lets us in a little on his upcoming NBA draft philosophy, tells us about Klay Thompson’s recovery process, and talks about how proud he is to see Warriors players being champions of civil rights. Larry also tries to get to the bottom of one of the funniest photos of Myers. If you love the Warriors, you’ll love this episode.

Missing Baseball? Well, it's almost back... And the “Voice of the Giants” Jon Miller joins the With Authority Podcast to preview the 2020 Major League Baseball season. The Hall of Fame broadcaster and masterful storyteller tells us what it will be like to broadcast without fans and gives us his world famous impressions. Plus -- learn how his Instagram has connected him to his followers and the best pages to visit on IG. Also, Jon takes you behind the scenes of his “Adios Pelota” call and how Buster Posey and Hunter Pence became such "good friends."

What is life like in the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Bubble where the MLS and NBA are set to return to play? San Jose Earthquakes star Tommy Thompson joins Larry, Casey and Chris for our latest “With Authority” podcast to give us an inside look. Tommy and the Quakes were the first MLS team to arrive in Orlando as they prepare for their first games since the shutdown. Thompson joins us from his hotel room and talks about life in the MLS bubble, how the team is living and training, what the safety protocols are like and how he expects his team to play when they take the field. Also, Tommy talks about his social media videos, why he loves teaching the game of soccer and shows off his bilingual skills including trying to say, “With Authority” in Spanish.

Former Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Dan Straily moved to the other side of the planet, and somehow ended up even more famous back home as a result. Straily, legitimately one of the nicest and most genuine ballplayers in the game, joins Larry, Casey and Chris to talk about the latest stop in his baseball career -- starting pitcher for the Lotte Giants of the Korean Baseball Organization. The host of the new Journeyman Podcast gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of daily life in South Korea – including trips to Costco! And how difficult it is to be away from his family for the KBO season. He also describes what it’s like to play under strict COVID-19 guidelines in stadiums with no fans, which may be a glimpse into what MLB will be up against whenever they’re able to return to play. We also learn about how he’s able to access food with a language barrier and why bagels are so key on road trips. Dan, the KBO strikeouts leader, describes how he’s using his newfound KBO fame to achieve his ultimate goal of returning home to pitch big league games in front of his son. Check out his new podcast and subscribe here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journeyman-podcast/id1513817531

In 2016, Colin Kaepernick chose to sit during the Nation Anthem as a form of peaceful protest to call out Police Brutality. When Green Beret Nate Boyer, who made it to the NFL as a member of the Seattle Seahawks, was asked to pen an opinion piece about the military perspective of Kaepernick’s decision, he decided to reach out. After meeting together in San Diego, Boyer expressed that taking a knee during the National Anthem would be a more respectful gesture to the military. Kaepernick obliged and Boyer stood next to him as a historic movement began. Through a storm of criticism and debate, the kneeling issue is back in the spotlight. And Boyer, a Bay Area native, is once again thrust upon the national stage to explain what the gesture means, why it isn’t intended to disrespect the military, and why we need to find a solution in order to get everyone to feel proud enough to once again stand during the anthem. The Green Beret sees a lot of change in perspective now, especially after the death of George Floyd. He also brings us up to speed on his organization Merging Vets and Players. We hope you LISTEN and enjoy our conversation.

Cal Football running back Marcel Dancy joins Casey, Chris and Julianne (in for Larry who’s on assignment) to talk about his tremendous efforts off the field. The Oakland native talks about his partnership with Burckhalter Elementary and why he’s been inspired to help families in need during the Covid-19 pandemic. https://www.gofundme.com/f/z3gzk-dancy-fundraiser-burckhalter-elementary-children An All-State Good Works team member, Marcel even met R&B superstar Usher while on a trip in New Orleans. He talks about his unconventional path from Laney College to the exact moment when he found out he would play for Cal. We also learn which position group has the most swag and how the Bears are preparing for the 2020 football season.

Bruce Maxwell's life changed because of one moment, one decision. The former A's catcher took a knee to protest racism and police brutality in 2017, a decision that still impacts him today. In a deep and meaningful, hour-long conversation, Maxwell opens up about his life and the overwhelming criticism and threats that led him down a path of depression, resulting in an arrest that made headlines. "My life changed after that moment to be honest with you," he said on the "With Authority" podcast. He says even now, three years later, he still endures threats and hateful comments for his actions. "The threats and the comments that I was receiving, even to this day, about that day of kneeling during the national anthem, it's disturbing... I never knew somebody could possess so much hatred." But he was doing what he believed was right. "My parents always taught me, 'standing up for what's right might not be easy, but it is the right thing to do," he said. Growing up bi-racial in Alabama, Maxwell details the challenges he faced, and what the tipping point was in his decision to become the first MLB player to take a knee. He also offers his take on why he believes Drew Brees' recent comments about silent protests in the NFL show a lack of understanding of the social issues his teammates face every day, teammates who helped capitulate Brees’ Hall of Fame-level career. "To make that statement on national television, that's a problem," he said. As a member of a family with deep military ties, Maxwell is uniquely qualified to explain why silently protesting during the national anthem doesn't dishonor the flag or the troops. And to "lose his career" over it, he says, is "demoralizing." Now a reigning champion in Mexico's baseball league, he tells us how he's found happier times, while introducing us to his adorable puppy.

Golden State Warriors center Marquese Chriss takes a pizookie break to join us for another "quarantine edition" of the With Authority Podcast. Chriss details how he found joy in his NBA journey by betting on himself. He's also says he can't wait to come back and play NBA basketball even if it's just one game, tells us which teammate would probably be in big trouble playing without a crowd, and why the Last Dance left him thinking Steve Kerr is the real GOAT. Get to know the man that has emerged as the answer at center for the Dubs before they break out next season with a healthy and revamped roster.

As sports are slowly making a return, could soccer be on the way this summer? San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas joins Casey, Chris and Digital Producer Julianne -- filling in for Larry (who’s on assignment). On the pod, the crew talks about a potential return of a Major League Soccer season, what that would look like with testing / safety in mind and the training needed to get back. Casey and Shea bond over dad duties in quarantine, Julianne finds out which is better Tex-Mex or California Mexican food and Chris finds out the unique way Shea proposed to his wife (hint: did he really propose after a ski injury?). All this and much more as Shea and his teammates hope to return to the pitch sooner rather than later.

San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture joins the With Authority podcast for an entertaining conversation about his love for the Buffalo Bills, potentially playing out the rest of this season and his unique choice for his goal song. On the episode, we learn about how many teeth he’s lost, the most painful injury he’s ever suffered in a game and his friendship with former Stanford star and current Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey. Plus, as a Canada native, is he a Bieber or Drake guy? Couture shares a unique story behind how he heard one of Canada’s most famous musicians extra early.

49ers Defensive Lineman Arik Armstead joins the With Authority Podcast to check in with Larry, Casey and Chris. The guys talk about the 2020 49ers schedule, moving forward from the Super Bowl LIV loss and how Arik is doing his part to help the community – including an abundance of charitable activities. Including this one, where you can submit a request for Arik to surprise your virtual classroom! https://49ers.formstack.com/forms/story_time_with_arik_armstead We also learn how Arik plans to reschedule his wedding due to the Covid-19 pandemic, his basketball career at Oregon and the story behind the unique spelling of his name.

Arizona State Football head coach Herm Edwards joins ABC 7’s Chris Alvarez to talk about 49ers first round draft pick and former ASU wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Learn why Coach Edwards says Aiyuk has some qualities that remind him of Jerry Rice and the special bond he shares with 49ers general manager John Lynch. Plus - the Northern California native talks about growing up in Monterey, playing at Cal and his thoughts on what made Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant so successful.

The 8-time NBA champion and head coach of the Golden State Warriors, Steve Kerr, has been home with family, growing a quarantine beard since the stay at home order started. Kerr joins the us to detail his thoughts on the Last Dance, the trait Stephen Curry shares with Michael Jordan, his new podcast with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and comedic venture. He can do everything... right? We found the one thing he is NOT good at.

Get to know San Francisco Giants new GM Scott Harris in an extended conversation. We were excited to have Harris on the show, because outside of his outstanding resume, personal details about him are hard to come by. The son of two doctors, and a Bay Area native, Harris masterfully bobs and weaves through our questions and has a bit of fun in the process. This guy may be super young, but he's the real deal, Giants fans.

Cal Football head coach Justin Wilcox joins ABC 7’s Chris Alvarez to talk about the current state of the Golden Bears during the Covid-19 pandemic. Cal was in the middle of spring football practice when everything was shut down. Coach and Chris talk about the upcoming 2020 season, plus Aaron Rodgers' impact on the program and what he expects from Evan Weaver, Ashtyn Davis and Jaylinn Hawkins at the next level.

Who is the fastest man in the NFL? 49ers tailback Raheem Mostert thinks he is. The former track star at Purdue would not let his NFL dreams die, even after going undrafted and being cut repeatedly. After years of toiling on special teams, Mostert got his big chance and ran wild, an epic 220 yard, 4 TD game in the NFC Championship. Mostert's goals for the upcoming season and beyond (Hall of Fame?), his thoughts about sharing the load in the backfield, and the one thing his contract says he is NOT ALLOWED to do that he desperately misses. All here on the With Authority podcast.

With the NHL shutdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we continue our home quarantine series of With Authority by checking in with Stefan Noesen of the San Jose Sharks. Noesen shows off his collection of doggos, tells us how he's passing the time, and talks about what it took to recover from both an ACL and Achilles injury. The former 1st round pick was finding his stride with the Sharks when the league shutdown, and we can't wait to see him back on the ice.

San Jose State football was in the middle of spring practice when everything was shut down due to the Coronavirus. Sports Anchor Chris Alvarez catches up with San Jose State football head coach Brent Brennan to see how the Spartans are hanging in during the shelter in place. Coach and Chris talk touch on many topics including how spring practice was going, which players to look out for in 2020, Brennan’s contract extension and much more.

Covid-19 has hit Santa Clara County extremely hard, Sports Anchor Chris Alvarez catches up with Stanford Football head coach David Shaw to check in on the Cardinal Football program. Chris and Coach talk about how Stanford is navigating the shelter in place orders, Stanford’s top NFL Draft prospects, how the 2020 Stanford Football team looked in Spring, the importance of family time and what he’s watching on Disney+.

We chase down the energetic Eric Byrnes for an epic discussion that includes a home tour, a treadmill talk, and a look at what the MLB player-turned Iron Man is up to while in home quarantine. Byrnes recaps the time he tackled a rogue fan on the field, and stopped a home intruder with a single punch. Hear what Byrnes thinks it will take to get baseball back, and what sacrifices need to be made to start the season. And you won't believe the ridiculous number of miles he's run during home quarantine. Check out Eric Byrnes' movie for the Let Them Play Foundation here: https://www.letthemplayfoundation.org/

Sabrina Ionescu is the best women's player in college basketball and she hails from right here in Walnut Creek. The former Miramonte High School star went on to have a record-setting career at Oregon and now is on the doorstep of potentially being the first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft. Not only is she a one-of-a-kind talent she's also a one-of-a-kind person. She was one of the few people to take the stage and speak at Kobe Bryant’s Memorial service in February and still had to play a game that night. As her rise to basketball stardom has grown, some of basketball’s greatest have taken notice and befriended her.

Former Cal Linebacker Evan Weaver becomes the first ever guest to appear on With Authority at least twice! Weaver who led the nation in tackles in 2019, joins Larry Beil and Chris Alvarez to talk about his NFL Combine experience (why he stared at a wall for more than 2 minutes), how he’s prepping for the NFL Draft during Coronavirus, why he built a 6 hole backyard putting green and so much more.

San Francisco Giants Manager Gabe Kapler joins us from his home, as we all remain in self-isolation during the Covid-19 outbreak. We play a little game of With Authority Jeopardy, covering many topics with the Giants skipper. Kapler breaks down nutrition, how he's keeping his MLB manager mind sharp at home, being on the wrong end of perfect games, and even breaks down Tiger King a little for us. This turned into an absolutely fascinating and fun conversation with a guy that just might be the Most Interesting Man In The World.

San Jose Sharks star Evander Kane is on ice right now, just not the kind he prefers. Kane is enduring life in quarantine. He joins us to offer his extensive thoughts on Netflix’s The Tiger King (did Carole feed her husband to the cats?!?), PLUS the kitchen mishap that almost sent Kane to the hospital a few minutes before we taped. We cover everything from staying in shape during the downtime and potentially playing in front of empty arenas, to Kane’s need to be a neat freak even before Covid-19 had everyone running for disinfectant wipes. And find out which member of the Sharks organization stops by for a surprise visit via Zoom-bomb.

Chris Alvarez talks with Cal Football quarterback Chase Garbers. Chris and Chase discuss the sudden suspension of spring football due to Coronavirus and how the team looked during spring practice up until that point. Chris finds out if life has changed much since Chase's Big Game performance and asks what hobbies he’s taking up in the absence of normal life.

Chris Alvarez catches up with Saint Mary’s basketball star Jordan Ford. The senior opens up about the season ending abruptly, his relationship with Stephen Curry and how he’s preparing for the NBA Draft during quarantine. Jordan also details how he's working on his NBA2K game.

Daniel Cormier may be the most accomplished fighter in MMA history. He is as good on the mic as he is in the Octagon. We FINALLY caught up with DC for a deep -- and somehow (at times) hilarious -- conversation covering everything from Daddy Day Care during self-isolation, profound loss and CoronaVirus fears, to his final UFC fight, video games with his Gilroy High Wrestling Team, and even WWE. This was an all-timer. Seriously

The last year of Eric Paschall's life has been crazy. Drafted by the Warriors, he emerged as a rookie standout, appeared in the NBA's Rising Stars Game -- scoring 23 points, and is now stuck in his home in San Francisco wondering when the season will resume. We caught up with the Warriors forward in between games of Call of Duty, NBA2K, and perfecting his chef game. Hear what life is like for an NBA player in the uncertain times of home quarantine and self isolation.

The NBA has decided to suspend the 2020 season due to CoronaVirus concerns after Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert tests positive. Already on the verge of playing in empty arenas, we try to wrap our heads around Covid-19's impact on the NBA and the entire sports landscape. Larry and Casey are joined by sports anchor Chris Alvarez to discuss where we are and where we could be headed in this rapidly developing situation.

We caught up with A's legend Dennis Eckersley for an extended conversation in a GAZEBO as we count down to baseball season. The 1992 Cy Young and MVP on the pressure of being a closer and overcoming failure on the biggest stage. PLUS we go rapid-fire quizzing Eck on definitions from the "Eck-tionary" (the difference between hard cheese and educated cheese), stealing signs, the outlook for the 2020 A's and Eck's personal GLOATING ROOM. Believe us, the Gloating Room = life goals.

What do Rob Manfred, Aubrey Huff and Mike Bloomberg have in common? They all made it into this week's edition of the podcast. Can the commissioner of baseball do anything right after the Astros sign-stealing scandal? His own star players don't think so. We've compiled their comments. Expectations for the A's in 2020? Way beyond the 89.5 wins oddsmakers expect! PLUS - We have a fun interview with A's Starting Pitcher Sean Manaea. Stephen Curry is nearing a return. Some say it would be smart for him to sit out the season. But we'll go over the reasons why it's smart for Curry to return. And why you need to know the name OBI TOPPIN.

This week's special guests: Tua Tagovailoa and his father, Galu (@ 23 minute mark). Larry and Casey return from Super Bowl week and dive right into a potential new MLB Meatball Madness Bet. Will the Oakland Athletics win more games than the San Francisco Giants will lose? Oddsmakers have the A's projected to win 89.5 games, while the Giants are projected to lose 92. Hmmmm. Or has Larry earned his lesson after eating 24 inches of Meatball Sub with Joey Chestnut after losing last year's bet? The Golden State Warriors admit that D'Angelo Russell wasn't a great fit. After trading him to Minnesota, Wiggins may deliver much more than they bargained for. And as a result of a week in Miami, Larry connects with the Tagovailoa family, and Casey's daughter finds a way to cheer up 49ers coach Katie Sowers with a cute drawing after the tough Super Bowl loss.

Oakland A's shortstop Marcus Semien joins us for a candid and fun conversation with a surprise guest at the end! Semien opens up about the balance between family and baseball, his upcoming free agency, and the Houston Astros cheating scandal. Semien, a big 49ers fan, also makes his official prediction for the Super Bowl.

Cue the Sweet Georgia Brown, the Harlem Globetrotters are in the house. After destroying the Globies on our office mini-hoop last year, we thought it would be fun to just sit down and talk this time around. Globetrotters Zeus McClurkin and Scooter Christensen join us for a hilarious conversation fresh off an insane trick shot from the rafters at Chase Center. You usually see the Globies and their unreal feats, but they also live crazy interesting lives traveling the World and putting smiles on people's faces. It's fun to dive into a long-form conversation with them. Hopefully you enjoy.

The San Francisco 49ers are about to host their first every playoff game at Levi's Stadium. We whip around each position group and make our official picks. And Casey has an under-reported angle that could be the key to the 49ers surprising success this season.

It will be weird seeing Madison Bumgarner take the mound at Oracle Park in a Diamondbacks uniform. Did Farhan Zaidi and the Giants make the right call and was it even their call to make? Plus the Raiders say goodbye and stay on brand til the bitter end. And are the 49ers in trouble or right where they want to be with 2-games left?