Hr1 - Dominic Smith's Revitalization Leads a Surprising Braves Roll
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The episode opens with a deep dive into the Atlanta Braves' surprising early-season success, spotlighting Dominic Smith's unexpected resurgence after signing a minor league deal. Hosts Carl and Mike Bell highlight how Smith, once labeled a 'journeyman' and even a 'bum,' has become a key contributor with four RBIs in a recent game, fueled by mentorship from Hall of Famer Chipper Jones. The conversation underscores the Braves' collective effort, with players like Drake Baldwin, Dansby Swanson, and even underperforming stars like Austin Riley being discussed as part of a larger team-wide adjustment. The Braves lead MLB in batting average and RBIs while boasting the lowest ERA, thanks to a revamped pitching staff and new coaching energy under Walt Weiss and new pitching coach Alex Anthopoulos. The hosts also explore the psychological edge of the team's youth and resilience, contrasting it with the pressure-cooker environment of the Knicks in the NBA playoffs. Later, the focus shifts to the Atlanta Hawks, with Gabe Vincent joining the show to discuss the team’s fearless, young roster and their upcoming playoff series against the Knicks. Vincent praises Quinn Snyder’s leadership and the growth of young players like Jalen Johnson, while acknowledging the challenges of facing a physical, rebound-oriented Knicks squad. The episode closes with a major sports news break: Live Golf may be shutting down due to Saudi investment fund reallocation, with top players like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm potentially returning to the PGA Tour after donating $5 million to charity. The hosts express cautious optimism about the future of golf and the potential for renewed rivalries.
Dominic Smith’s minor league signing has paid off with a career revival, driven by Chipper Jones’ mentorship and a change of scenery.
The Braves are leading MLB in batting average and RBIs while boasting the lowest ERA, thanks to a revamped pitching staff and new coaching philosophy.
Austin Riley’s struggles are a concern, but the team’s depth—led by Smith, Baldwin, and Dubon—has kept them competitive.
The Atlanta Hawks are embracing a fearless, youth-driven identity under Quinn Snyder, with Gabe Vincent calling the team’s chemistry and growth remarkable.
The Knicks’ slow, rebound-heavy style presents a matchup challenge, but the Hawks believe they can disrupt it with pace and transition play.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Rise of Dominic Smith: A Minor League Miracle
“It's just another Alex Anthopoulos diamond in the rough, literally. There it is, Mike, because he's done it again.”
Braves' Collective Success: Beyond the Stars
The hosts analyze the Braves’ team-wide resurgence, spotlighting players like Drake Baldwin, Dansby Swanson, and the unexpected contributions of journeyman players. They discuss how the team’s low ERA and high batting average are results of new coaching energy and strategic lineup changes.
Austin Riley’s Slump and the Pressure of the $200M Contract
“He's the first $200 million Brave we've ever had, believe it or not. So when you put that in context, Mike, and you say, all right, we know you've been injured, but now you're healthy, he's going to have a great season, and it just hasn't started that way.”
The Atlanta Hawks’ Playoff Journey: Youth, Fearlessness, and Gabe Vincent
“This group is fearless. There's an element of not knowing what we don't know that we can use to our advantage.”
The Live Golf Collapse: A $6 Billion Dream Falters
“If you're looking for how this works to come back, they set up and they made the announcement of the PGA earlier this offseason that if you come back, you donate $5 million to a charity here in the U.S.”
“If you're looking for how this works to come back, they set up and they made the announcement of the PGA earlier this offseason that if you come back, you donate $5 million to a charity here in the U.S.”
“This group is fearless. There's an element of not knowing what we don't know that we can use to our advantage.”
“It's just another Alex Anthopoulos diamond in the rough, literally. There it is, Mike, because he's done it again.”
Hosts
Guests
Carl
person
Braves
organization
Mike Bell
person
Atlanta Hawks
organization
Dominic Smith
person
New York Knicks
organization
Austin Riley
person
Live Golf
organization
Chipper Jones
person
Gabe Vincent
person
Jonathan Kuminga needs to 'be a star' for Hawks to make noise in playoffs
Dukes & Bell • 11m • 3/31/2026
Braves lineup strong enough can keep them afloat while pitching gets healthy
Dukes & Bell • 13m • 3/31/2026
Why it's time for Tiger Woods to press pause on golf
Dukes & Bell • 11m • 3/31/2026
Atlanta has officially become the center of the world for soccer
Dukes & Bell • 12m • 3/31/2026
Kirby Smart was is 'authentic self' with viral moment with Amarius Mims
Dukes & Bell • 13m • 3/31/2026
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