Hour 2: Buster Olney
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In this episode of The Michael K Show, host Michael Kay welcomes ESPN's Buster Olney for a deep dive into the early season baseball landscape. Olney shares his optimism about the Mets, particularly praising Juan Soto’s newfound comfort and calm after a rough 2024, while also analyzing the team’s roster challenges and the impact of young talent like Connor Griffin, whose promotion was delayed for strategic service time and contract negotiation reasons. The conversation shifts to broader league trends, including the looming possibility of a salary cap and the potential for a 'binger' of pre-lockout signings, with Olney confirming that owners are united in pushing for a cap. He also defends the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, arguing it enhances umpire accuracy and game flow, though he firmly opposes full automation of ball-strike calls, citing the irreplaceable role of catchers. Olney praises the Yankees’ depth and development, especially Cam Slittler’s breakout performance, and defends the current 26-man roster size against calls for expansion. The episode closes with a critical look at the NBA, where Kay expresses frustration with the Knicks’ hollow win over the tanking Grizzlies and condemns the widespread practice of tanking, advocating for a radical draft reform that would eliminate incentives to lose. The show ends with a call to action for listeners to engage with the podcast and upcoming NFL Draft coverage.
Juan Soto appears to have fully settled into the Mets' lineup, showing calm and confidence that bodes well for a breakout season.
The Pirates delayed Connor Griffin’s promotion to manipulate service time, but a long-term deal is expected before his debut.
Owners are unified in pushing for a salary cap, leading to a potential 'binger' of pre-lockout signings to grandfather in high-value contracts.
The ABS system is improving game accuracy and reducing player/manager complaints, though full automation of ball-strike calls remains unlikely.
The Yankees’ pitching development is thriving, with young arms like Cam Slittler emerging as top-tier talent, suggesting a strong farm system.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
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Buster Olney on the Mets & Soto's Transformation
“He just seems so comfortable. And, I mean, he's one of the greatest hitters we've ever seen. And so for the Mets, it's a great sign that he's moved forward.”
Connor Griffin’s Delayed Promotion & Service Time Strategy
“If service time was in the back of your mind of manipulating it, once he signs the eight-year contract that kind of goes out the window.”
Pre-Lockout Signing Binge & the Salary Cap Debate
“The perception of agents is there are teams saying, you know what? Let's get these deals done. Let's get these players under contract.”
The Impact and Future of Automated Ball-Strike (ABS)
“I think there's no momentum for it, and I think there's an understanding within the sport that if you do that full ABS, you're going to completely gut what has been the most important position on the field at catcher.”
“A third of the teams in the league are losing on purpose. That's an embarrassment to the entire structure of the league.”
“I think there's no momentum for it, and I think there's an understanding within the sport that if you do that full ABS, you're going to completely gut what has been the most important position on the field at catcher.”
“He just seems so comfortable. And, I mean, he's one of the greatest hitters we've ever seen. And so for the Mets, it's a great sign that he's moved forward.”
Host
Guest
Michael Kay
person
Buster Olney
person
New York Yankees
other
New York Mets
other
Juan Soto
person
ABS Challenges
other
Connor Griffin
person
ESPN
brand
Cam Slittler
person
Pirates
other
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