When you work with some for 20 years, you build up a good bit of repoire with your partner. But when you have a breakup worthy of a Hollywood Romance drawn out in the tabloids, getting back together for nine minutes just seems a bit odd. Yesterday, Chris Russo brought on Mike Francessa to talk Baseball. Here's the clip if you want to take a listen....

Ahhh just like old times only a bit awkward. And all it took was for the Yankees not to choke, and make it to the ALCS. Maybe they can go 20 minutes if they get to the World Series!

(Thanks to The Mike Francesa for the audio)

The Mariners were actually in the Wild Card race at one point this season, but faded like a falling rock in the fourth quarter of the season. Which is why, Seattle's announcers Dave Niehaus and Mike Blowers decided to have some fun on Sunday. Not only did Blowers pick of Matt Tuiasosopo as player of the game pan out, but he even predicted the at-bat, count, pitch, and location of his first major league homer....

Now that is just unbelievable. The way they're giggling makes you think could be fake, but I think the reaction as the ball goes out gives it credibility. Too funny.

Call Of The Year (My Northwest)

The amount of honesty that Jay Glazer shows on a weekly basis, is refreshing to some, but can get him in trouble from time to time. Earlier this week, Glazer broke the news that Brett Favre was officially heading to Minnesota to sign a deal, and while ESPN credited him with the story, their analysts continued to mock him throughout the day and poo poo the story. Well after his breaking news came to fruition, he went on the Jorge Sedano show, on 790 The Ticket in Miami, and had some more choice words for the "Leader"....

Again, it's refreshing to hear someone who can be serious about his job, but also understand that we're just talking about Sports. ESPN has to be bitter that they spent the whole Summer following Favre around, and when he finally decides to sign with the Vikings, the story is broken by someone else. Burn!

I understand that a lot of the stuff that we post here is very 12 year old humor'esque, and most of the time it's a stretch, but there are some that just speak for themselves. Like this clip of Phillies' announcer, Sarge Matthews, talking about jerking off balls! Via HHR....

Hey....if it comes, it comes. I don't know if I've heard better advice in my life.

Audio: Sarge Mathews on Jerking off the Ball (Hugging Harold Reynolds)

A few weeks ago, I shared a clip of Charley Steiner botching an end of game call. Well over the weekend, Dick Stockton had a call that could quite possibly top the Steiner confusion. Stockton got confused on the final pitch of the game, and called the throw both "ball four" and "strike three". Here's the short, but hilarious, audio....

Too funny. I've thought that Baseball was the perfect Sport for the elder Stockton, because of the pace, but apparently even the slowest game is too much for ole Dicky. Such a shame.

(Thanks to JH for the clip)

On Friday, Chris Russo spent the better part of his show throwing people under the bus, and calling out just about everyone he worked with. Not only that, but he took multiple calls about how he was terrible, and that he couldn't run a national radio show. After the dust settled, Russo seemed to backtrack a bit, but it appears the damage has been done. Here's some of the audio from Fang's Bites via The Chris Russo....

This obviously brings up a few questions, but the main one being....Is Chris Russo the problem or is it the staff, as he says. It also brings up the fact that national sports shows rarely work, and ones on satellite radio, especially so. Both Russo and Francesa have struggled since they broke up, and it might be time to call this "national" experiment a wash.

Charley Steiner is one of my favorite sportscasters of all time, but when calling the end of the Padres-Dodgers game over the holiday weekend, he had a little bit of an issue. Tom Hoffarth, of the LA Daily News, caught Steiner getting confused about the number of the runs scored in the ninth, and the audio has finally been leaked. Here is the hilarious call from Sunday's extra inning Dodgers win....

"Venable scores...and a throw to third base ... OUT AT THIRD BASE ... AND THE DODGERS WIN! Edgar Gonzales, trying to come home, then he stopped short, and then tagged out a third ... AND THAT IS HOW THE DODGERS WIN THE GAME!

Wait a minute, two runs are in. Out at third base was Venable. The Padres in fact HAVE TIED THE SCORE, scoring five in the ninth inning.... My mistake ... In to score was Gonzales ... ALFONZO is out at third base. And we will go to the 10th inning ... UNBELIEVEABLE. ..."- Charley Steiner

Too funny. At least he caught it and apologized for the mistake though. Most people would have tried to make an excuse, but not Steiner. Follow him....FOLLOW HIM TO FREEDOM!

Sorry, Charley, but this isn't what Steiner would like to be his signature call: "Dodgers win! ... errrr... We go to extra innings" (Farther Off The Wall)

It's been well over two weeks since Artie Lange's tirade on "Joe Buck Live", and the story just will not die. Lange went on Michael Irvin's radio show today in what was supposed to be a discussion about the program, but quickly turned into another awkward appearance for the Stern sidekick. Not only did Artie Lange defend himself , but he also challenged Irvin's co-host to a fight at one point, and bragged about book sales following the show. Oh and there was this moment, in which Irvin brough up the news that Lange might be going back on the show. Here is some of the audio via SRI....

I think we all know that Lange is going to be on the second show, black-listed from HBO or not, and that Buck will be making the right move by doing so. In its first airing, JBL almost tripled the ratings of the final "Costas Now" show, and a return visit from Lange would certainly improve on that. Who cares if Joe Buck is uncomfortable? HBO is in the business of making money, and that's how they're going to get people to tune in.

Artie Lange Talks To Michael Irvin About His Appearance on Joe Buck Live (Sports Radio Interviews)

This isn't really groundbreaking news, but for those of you looking for a Stephen A. Smith fix, he's got a podcast on his personal website now. The best part about it? It's like ESPN's version of S.A.S., times ten. He's as boisterous as ever, and he would like to yell at you about Brett Lorenzo Favre!

Oh how I miss you so, S.A.S.!

Audio Podcast: NBA Finals Game 3 Analysis & More (Stephen A.)

There have been a ton of things for Charles Barkley to apologize for, and he acknowledges that, but apparently calling his producer a "pu**y" on live television isn't one of them. Barkley talked about the incident on the Dan Patrick show today, and here's what he had to say....

I mean, he does kind of have a point. I've always been amused by people who get upset by cursing, and the said transgression did take place at about 1am. I thought he should have apologized for being unprofessional, and demeaning a co-worker, but apparently I'm wrong about that.

Charles Barkley won't apologize for cursing; rips Twitter (Dan Patrick)

I am overjoyed to point everyone to a new website completely devoted to the wonders of Yankee announcer, John Sterling, as well as share this video of a recent Sterling call. Most know about Sterling's catchphrase when Alex Rodriguez hits a homer ("It's an A-Bomb, From A-Rod!"), but apparently Sterling himself forgets when he should and shouldn't use it....

That's just wrong on so many levels. Heck, he should have just turned it into "an H-Bomb from Hideki", and gone completely of the politically correct plank. Too funny.

Oops: John calls an A-bomb... from Hideki (IT IS HIGH, IT IS FAR, IT IS... caught)

Earlier this week, news broke that Jon Gruden had sort of given the NFL Network the run around during contract discussions, and today Rich Eisen made completely clear that was the case. Eisen went on the Dan Patrick Show, and had the following to say about Chucky....

Obviously handshake deals mean nothing in Sports, especially when you take into account that ESPN's monetary impact. I certainly hope Gruden will be good, but I think he would have benefited from staying at the NFL Network. Not just for practice, but because I still believe he's going to coach again soon, and ESPN will be left out in the cold.

Rich Eisen says NFL Network was expecting Jon Gruden (SI)

Skip Bayless isn't someone to shy away from controversy, but for the first time in awhile, the ESPN talking was taking to task for one of his ridiculous comments. ESPN 950's, Mike Missanelli, took umbrage with a recent statement Bayless made about Philly fans, and even caused Skip Bayless to hang up on him. Here is the hilarious audio....

To be honest with you, I've been to every stadium in the NFC East except Dallas, and Philly was actually the tamest of the three. Obviously everyone has their own experiences, but there are really drunk people everywhere. Missanelli is right about the way that the media portrays Philly has gotten old, and he was right to call Bayless out.

Oh and "GOOGLE ME!" is my phrase of the day.

ESPN's Skip Bayless (ESPN 950)

I thought about a title that highlighted the more exciting parts of the Roger Clemens interview today on Mike & Mike, but alas....there was nothing exciting about it. The only exciting part came in the first thirty seconds of the conversation when Roger was interrupted by his kids. Here's that, some audio and some quotes if you care....

"That’s exactly right. He’s never injected me with HGH or steroids. You know guys, let me just add to it. Common sense…our family has a history of heart conditions. My brother had a heart attack in his late 40’s, my step-dad died of a heart attack. I mean it would be suicidal for me to think about even taking any of these dangerous drugs. It goes against what I talk about to kids (when I have a chance to talk to kids) of all ages about it. It’s really disheartening. I don’t want to say I have to put my guard up more around people because I’m not that type of person…I’m an outgoing person.”

"I appreciate the time I have to come on and talk about this book and tell you my feelings about it. I think I’ve taken some criticism by not coming out at times, that’s another reason why it’s great having Gene aboard because I’ve always wanted to talk about it and tell people my feelings and my stance on it.”

I don't know why I thought that was going to be anything exciting. Clemens is the worst interview subject ever, but at least Mike and Mike asked the tough questions, which is something you can't often say about them. Too bad Roger didn't want to answer any of them.

Much Ado About Nothing, Clemens Speaks Without Saying Anything (Sports Radio Interviews)

Chris Mortensen has stated that he has not spoken to Favre himself, or his agent since last week, but that isn't stopping the ESPN reporter from shooting down a report from one of his co-workers. Trent Dilfer said the other day that Favre texted him with an unequivocal "NO", when asked about his return to the NFL. But according to Mort, his buddy Favre was responding to something else.

Mortensen was on Mike & Mike this morning, and when the subject of Favre and Dilfer came up, he stated that he believed Brett to be answering the question of whether he had hired a personal trainer. Here's the audio....

While Mortensen could certainly be right (and lord knows Greenberg is, about everyone being sick of this), but completely disregarding a colleague's report about the situation is pretty messed up. It's not like that is a first for Mort though.

Mort Tries To Explain Favre's Text Message To Dilfer (Pro Football Talk)

Let's be honest here before getting into the post. Nobody thought the Hawks were going to make it past the Heat, and some of the games were downright unwatchable. So when Jon Barry says that the series might be the "worst seven game series ever", it's not that much of a stretch. Hawks' Coach Mike Woodson, seems to disagree though, and even brings in Barry's playing career as a way of making his point. Via Sports Radio Interviews....

“Man, I could care less about what Jon Barry is saying. That’s what he’s doing what he’s doing and we’re doing what we’re doing. What he says don’t amount to nothing. Again, I don’t even know why I’ve wasted my words on Jon Barry. My focus right now is with my team and trying to get ready for Cleveland. I’m trying to figure out what has he done in the league, really. That’s just how I look at. I’m moving on.”

Well that's one way to take criticism, I guess. I mean, the guy did have 12 points in 3 minutes, during a Playoff game. But when you played for eight teams in your fourteen year career, you're going to get the criticism. Even if one of those teams was the Hawks.

Mike Woodson Slams Jon Barry And His Comments On The Hawks (Sports Radio Interviews)

Right Field Bleachers, did Yeoman's work in getting hilarious audio from last night's Brewers' game, in which announcer Bob Uecker goes off on blogging and twittering for a good two minutes. Oh and he adds in that he drinks Miller Lite for breakfast....

Now that's funny....I don't care who you are. I'm with Ueck as far as Twitter goes. Actually, that and the beer for breakfast thing as well.

Uecker on Twitter (Right Field Bleachers)

It's a somber, yet hopeful day, at the "Leader". Stephen A. Smith is gracing ESPN's airwaves for the last time today, and has been oddly appearing across all of the network's platforms. He first appeared on First Take to talk about the NBA Playoffs, then went over to Shrutebag's radio show, and left without a goodbye on both shows. Here's some video and audio of the gloomy appearances....

Good lord that's depressing. One of the last moments on a network, and they're talking about meatball marinara subs from Subway! I mean, we're talking about a guy who once had a TV show, a radio show, a newspaper column and had a huge NBA analyst role on ESPN. Now he's out there looking for work. Even if you don't like the guy's schtick, you still have to feel just a little bit bad for him.

Tony Dungy is still planning on talking with Mike Vick soon, and today he went on the Dan Patrick Show, to explain why he's doing so and that he believes the former NFL QB is remorseful. He even went so far as to compare him to players that have actually murdered someone, and are still in the league....

Dungy is going to visit with Michael Vick before he leaves jail. Dungy says he heard Vick has found God and wants to talk to him about that and other things. Dungy said he's given other players second chances and it's worked out well. He pointed to kicker Mike Vanderjagt.

Dungy said that someone should give Vick a second chance because "it's the right thing to do." Dan and Tony pointed out that there are players in the NFL who have killed people and are still playing.

While he's certainly right about the current state of the NFL, everyone even said it at the time, that killing dogs is/was worse than killing a human. While, I may not necessarily agree with that stance, I can definitely understand that point of view. I still believe he deserves a second chance, but only if he truly understands what he did was wrong.

The big meet and greet is set for May 5th, and I'll keep you posted.

Tony Dungy comments on Favre, plans to meet with Vick (Sports Illustrated)

It's rare that I go with straight audio on the site, but this clip is so hilarious that I had to share it. Larry Brown Sports came across the audio from last night's Heat-Hawks game, and you just have to listen to Hawks' announcer, Steve Holman go off on Dwyane Wade.

My personal favorite was obviously the, “You can’t foul me when I go to the basket, I’m Dwyane Wade. I do commercials," one. However, using the word thuggery in a sentence is always a plus as well. Too funny.

Hawks Announcer Makes Fun of Dwyane Wade, Goes Berserk on Miami Heat (Larry Brown Sports)