Sports in the Waiting Room

Chris returns and discusses his experience at this year’s Frozen Finals and starting in production with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. He also makes picks for the first round of the Stanley Cup & NBA playoffs and visits the historic precursors to the Rays’ win streak. This week’s highlights include Jalen Hurts’ record-breaking contract and Damar Hamlin’s courageous decision to return to the playing f...

In anticipation of missing a show week for the EHL’s Frozen Finals in Providence, Chris reveals his bracket through the Elite Eight of the men’s basketball tournament. He also goes through the vast majority of signings to begin the NFL’s free agency window, points out how Bud Grant just got tougher with age, and gives a quick recap of the World Baseball Classic to this point.

Chris breaks down the several last-minute NHL deals that didn’t make it into last week’s show. He examines how the Ritchie brothers & Jonathan Quick deals show hockey is still a business, and why now is actually the perfect time, if any, for a hockey player to get hurt. In the NFL, this week marks franchise tag deadlines, most notably for the Ravens & Giants. Chris discusses how the Giants didn’t...

Chris breaks down a handful of NFL releases and a hectic NHL trade deadline, including the retirement of influential Predators GM David Poile, the Blues & Capitals clearing house, and Patrick Kane’s granted wish. He also discusses a couple of the league’s suspensions, as well as Linus Ullmark’s cherry on top of the Vezina, and the rare company Damian Lillard has joined.

Chris highlights the remarkable lives of Tim McCarver and Red McCombs. He also discusses the week’s NBA news, including Jacque Vaughn’s well-earned extension, and multiple moves before the NHL trade deadline, such as Ryan O’Reilly’s jump to Toronto. Chris also tries to understand the rules that went into the NASCAR overtime victory for Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.

This week, Chris breaks down the surprising improvements and suggestions for what can still be done to make the Pro Bowl Games & NHL All-Star Game better. He also discusses the impact of Bobby Beathard & A.J. Green, evaluates the Chiefs & Eagles by position, highlights LeBron James’ record-setting evening, and focuses on the Nets ending a potentially toxic relationship with Kyrie Irving.

Chris breaks down the conference championship games and Tom Brady’s second retirement, as well as the coaching hires in Carolina, Houston, and Denver. He also discusses several moves involving New York’s NHL & MLB organizations, plus the legacy of Bobby Hull. This episode also encompasses Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open victory and the multiple struggles it took for him to again tie Rafael Nadal...

In the first show of 2023, Chris opens up about the struggles that kept the show away for five weeks, and provides a reminder to have faith in yourself. He also breaks down the most lopsided CFP title game, finds the hope that somehow emerged amidst Damar Hamlin’s injury, and previews the NFL Wild Card round. This episode also highlights who really benefited from the Carlos Correa fiasco, and how...

Chris discusses a thorough week on the hot stove, including the signings of Aaron Judge, Justin Verlander, & Trea Turner. He also talks about the impact of the late Gaylord Perry and why Fred McGriff’s Hall of Fame induction is long overdue. This episode marks the somewhat divisive final CFP rankings & Heisman finalist announcement. Chris breaks down an NFL week featuring Sunday Night Football on...

Chris thanks you, the listener, for the exponential growth the podcast’s Spotify Wrapped has shown this year. Getting down to business, he discusses the final week of college football’s regular season and why some teams should receive more favor when it comes to waiting out USC. He also breaks down the NFL week, including one of the better Thanksgiving slates in recent memory, and notes that 10 ac...

Chris examines the CFP picture entering rivalry weekend and evaluates the NFL picture entering Thanksgiving. He discusses the value of three NHL superstars upon reaching great milestones, as well as the intrinsic value of the Cy Young & MVP winners announced this week, before taking a small page out of Coach Lasso’s playbook.

The early portion of this episode features a discussion regarding the University of Virginia shooting allegedly carried out by a former football player on multiple teammates. Chris tries to convey the healing & communal aspect of sports as a coping mechanism in the wake of tragedy. This episode also breaks down an NFL week featuring multiple late Josh Allen turnovers, a questionable decision by Mi...

Chris appraises the Astros’ rebuilding process from the scandal to their first non-controversial title, but also points out what Major League Baseball did wrong and how things could’ve gone worse. He makes his picks for AL & NL MVP and evaluates early off-season moves. Chris evaluates the legacy of the late punter Ray Guy while recapping an NFL week featuring a statement win in the AFC East. This...

This week, we examine the reasons the favored Astros & Yankees advanced, while the Padres & Phillies made it from the Wild Card Round. Chris also highlights the playing career of the late Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter, and examines an NFL week six featuring upsets by the Bills (sort of), Steelers, and both East Rutherford teams. He also discusses the top 10 wins for Tennessee & Michigan and ban...

This week’s biggest topic is the transition to the MLB’s Division Series, including a blown lead by the Mariners and a surprising run for the Phillies. Chris breaks down the NFL week, featuring a pair of questionable roughing the passer calls and a Giant upset of the Packers in London. He also discusses the final days of the NHL offseason, unfortunately marked by serious accusations against Ian Co...

Chris previews the Wild Card Series and captures the impact of Aaron Judge’s record-breaking moment on baseball and American culture. He recaps the NFL week, including the Tagovailoa diagnosis, and reflects on the senseless deaths in the Indonesian soccer riot.

Chris commemorates the career of Roger Federer, Adam Wainwright & Yadier Molina’s record-breaking partnership, and a historic celebration of Roberto Clemente around Major League Baseball. He also discusses Sandy Alderson’s importance to the Mets, several clinching scenarios, and Aaron Judge’s historic 60th homer of the season. This week marks the passing of Maury Wills, one of the all-time base st...

Chris goes over a wild week three in college football and week one in the NFL, as well as the new MLB rules debuting next season. He also questions the possibly lenient punishment of Suns & Mercury owner Robert Sarver, outlines the new Basketball Hall of Fame class, and examines much more.

Starting with the retirement of Serena Williams and closing with that of Sue Bird, this week’s show also features Rafael Nadal’s quick exit, the CFP expansion, and the Donovan Mitchell deal. Chris breaks down Franco Harris becoming the first Steelers offensive player to have his number retired, as well as how underrated Emmanuel Sanders was. He discusses multiple NFL & MLB injuries, how the Bills...

For the unofficial end of Summer 2022, Chris discusses the Eagles’ moves on both sides of the passing game, the Cowboys’ depth at left tackle, and the Bills’ handling of the Matt Araiza allegations. Amongst notable cuts, Chris also highlights the positive off-field change Josh Gordon has made. This week also marks the first Mets Old Timers’ Day in 28 years and the surprise number retirement within...

This week marks the signings of Nazem Kadri & Paul Stastny. Chris celebrates the multi-faceted life of Len Dawson, and chastises the lack of punishment and accountability for and by DeShaun Watson. He also recaps the slew of defensive injuries in the NFL, notes the impact Shaquim Griffin plans to have after his playing career, and discusses the impact of Paul O’Neill on the most recent Yankee dyna...

Chris breaks down the NBA’s decision to retire Bill Russell’s number league-wide and how it coincides with the league opting not to play on Election Day. This episode also discusses Fernando Tatis, Jr’s suspension, the Texas Rangers organizational shakeup, and a Field of Dreams Game with both the second best father-son catch and among the worst CGI. Chris reminds that internet doctors were wrong a...

Chris honors the memory of Bill Russell & Vin Scully, including Russell’s civil rights activism and will to win, and Scully’s impact on Chris’ college application process. This week’s episode also includes discussion regarding the MLB trade deadline, the Stephen Ross & DeShaun Watson rulings, and Paige Bueckers’ season-ending injury.

Chris breaks down the Home Run Derby and MLB All-Star Game, as well as some of the major draft picks and the Seattle Mariners’ ride into the mid-summer classic. He also breaks down another week of NHL free agency and inadvertently gives Ohio free advertising while discussing Johnny Gaudreau’s signing with the Blue Jackets. This week’s topics also include Cameron Smith’s Open win and DeAndre Ayton’...

Chris praises Baker Mayfield’s poise throughout the drama with the Browns, and highlights another historic hiring by the Raiders. He also makes the term “deep dive” an understatement when delving into the beginning of the NHL’s free agency period. Chris discusses the firing of Blue Jay manager Charlie Montoyo, the Mets’ number retirement of Keith Hernandez and its impact, and the Wimbledon champio...