In short
This episode of The Rich Eisen Show (guest host Brian Weber) mixes soccer and baseball. Main topic: the U.S. men’s national team’s World Cup match vs Belgium in Seattle, after FIFA suspended and then reversed a red card for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun (called “unprecedented” and “moving the goalpost” by ESPN FC analyst Hercules Gomez).
Key claims
the process lacked transparency; Belgium’s appeal was denied; U.S. fans should feel advantaged because Balogun is back; Belgium is ranked higher and is older/experienced, but the U.S. has younger legs and a home-crowd boost.
Notable examples
Balogun’s dual citizenship and urgency/shot-making impact; Belgium’s appeal denied; Infantino said FIFA decisions are independent despite a reported phone call from President Trump.
Guests
Levi Weaver (MLB writer for The Athletic; writes “The Wind-Up” newsletter; previously covered MLB after starting in music) discusses Dodgers dominance (Andy Pages, Max Muncy resurgence, Andrew Friedman), Padres pitching depth issues, Giants growing pains under Tony Vitello and Buster Posey, and why the NL is outperforming the AL.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOIntroducing Guest Host Brian Weber
0:00 to 0:25
Brian Weber takes the reins as guest host, sharing his background.
“Right now, get up to 15 % off select storage solutions.”
Introducing Guest Host Brian Weber
0:34 to 0:56
Brian Weber takes the reins as guest host, sharing his background.
“It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.”
Introducing Guest Host Brian Weber
1:25 to 2:12
Brian Weber takes the reins as guest host, sharing his background.
“From the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles.”
Previewing the Hour Ahead
2:12 to 2:56
Brian discusses the upcoming segments and topics for the hour.
“Appreciate the feedback on the X platform.”
Soccer Focus: Team USA vs. Belgium
2:56 to 4:48
Discussion centers on the upcoming match between Team USA and Belgium.
“A couple people on social media like it.”
Controversy Around Balogun's Red Card
4:48 to 7:19
Analysis of FIFA's decision regarding Balogun's red card and its implications.
“But first, let's get you some expert analysis beyond my bloviating.”
Analysis of the Men's National Team
7:19 to 8:27
Reflections on the U.S. Men's National Team and their performance history.
“It was the wrong decision and the misuse of VAR.”
The Importance of Balogun's Return
8:27 to 10:46
Discussing the impact of Balogun's return on the team's performance.
“I am pleased that our leading scorer is going to be back on the field tonight.”
FIFA's Influence and Integrity Issues
10:46 to 12:10
Exploring FIFA's role and the integrity of their decisions in soccer.
“playing in the quarterfinals just a second time in the modern era.”
Preparing for the Match: Final Thoughts
12:10 to 14:03
Final reflections on the upcoming match and the U.S. team's prospects.
“I'll be careful because there's always lawyers listening.”
Show all 25 chapters
Kickoff to Soccer Discussion
14:03 to 15:10
Exploring the U.S. soccer team's preparation and expectations.
“because FIFA's always going to come out ahead because that's what they do.”
Transition to Baseball
15:10 to 15:40
Shifting focus from soccer to discuss baseball and the All-Star Game.
“You hear him throughout the MLS season on Apple TV.”
Introduction of Levi Weaver
18:36 to 19:14
Brian Weber welcomes Levi Weaver to discuss current baseball topics.
“This is the Rich Eisen Show, ESPN radio, the ESPN radio app, Sirius XM channel 80 or tune in in 30 minutes.”
Analyzing the Dodgers' Dominance
19:14 to 21:47
A deep dive into the Dodgers' performance and Andrew Friedman's impact.
“What better troika could we have on the July?”
Assessing the Padres' Struggles
21:47 to 24:24
Discussion on the challenges faced by the Padres this season.
“We are focusing on the Diamond with Levi Weaver.”
The Giants' Challenges and Future
24:24 to 27:44
Examining the issues the Giants face under new leadership.
“Talking baseball with Levi Weaver of The Athletic.”
The Balance of Power in MLB
27:44 to 28:00
Exploring the disparity between the National and American Leagues.
“And you mentioned the star power buster, the face of the franchise with those World Series multiple titles.”
Levi Weaver Discusses MLB Parity
28:00 to 30:10
Levi Weaver shares insights on the American League's struggles and team performances.
“And we're rounding the bases with Levi Weaver of The Athletic.”
Trade Deadline Implications
30:10 to 32:10
Levi discusses how team mediocrity will influence their strategies as the trade deadline approaches.
“So with all of that parity or mediocrity in the American League, how do you think that impacts how teams are going to approach the trade deadline as we get closer to the first week of August?”
The Mount Rushmore of Guitarists
32:10 to 33:30
Levi shares his thoughts on underrated guitar players and the legendary names in music.
“Let me be a hack as I say goodbye because I try to actively listen.”
World Wide Webber Segment Begins
37:35 to 39:07
Discussion on the U.S. vs. Belgium soccer match and sports sing-along songs.
“Fast funds terms apply at SoFi.com slash debt play.”
World Wide Webber Segment Begins
39:11 to 42:00
Discussion on the U.S. vs. Belgium soccer match and sports sing-along songs.
“Well, we've got a host with more bandwidth than a data center.”
Patriotic Music for International Competitions
42:00 to 43:34
Discussion on song choices for international sporting events.
“My only thought would be, since this is an international competition, should we go with something a little bit more overtly patriotic, like born in the USA?”
Weddings and Comedians
43:34 to 44:39
Exploring the idea of comedians officiating weddings and personal preferences.
“Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey had their wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday.”
The Great Hot Dog Debate
44:39 to 46:51
A heated discussion on whether a hot dog qualifies as a sandwich.
“Doesn't seem fitting for that kind of event.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Right now, get up to 15 % off select storage solutions. Put heavy-duty HDX totes to good use, protecting what's important to you. The solid, impact-resistant design prevents cracking, and the clear base and sides make items easy to find even when the totes are stacked. Find select shelving and tote storage up to 15 % off at the Home Depot to organize every room in your home, from your garage to your attic. Visit homedepot.com.
0:26Rich Eisen:How doers get more done. This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome, that's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required, compatibility and availability varies 18+. This is the Rich Eisen Show. Hey, everybody. Can't get enough of The Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck.
1:03Rich Eisen:You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to 3 Eastern. Miss the show? We've got a podcast so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part. Our YouTube channel. Subscribe at youtube.com slash richeisenshow and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show. Oh, my God. You guys are my favorites. This is the Rich Eisen Show. The one and only. Rich Eisen. I know what I'm talking about. That's the headline. The Rich Eisen Show. With guest host, Brian Weber. I mean, honestly, he's brilliant. Brian Weber. I've got a long resume. Google me, it saves time. From the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles.
1:46Rich Eisen:And now, sitting in for Rich, it's Brian Weber.
1:55The final hour of the program. Great to have you with us coast to coast. ESPN Radio. ESPN Radio app. Sirius XM Channel 80. And tune in. 844-204-RICH is the phone number. 844-204-7424. Appreciate the feedback on the X platform. Let's keep that going. It is B.W. Weber. Weber with two Bs. 20 minutes, we'll get to the baseball after my lousy clock management skills in the previous hour. I'm calling that audible. And once more, we do appreciate the professionalism and the patience of Brian Mahoney of the Associated Press. Coming up, 20 past the hour, we'll talk MLB with Levi Weaver. He writes the wind-up newsletter for The Athletic in 45 minutes by popular demand.
2:47And I was going to say award-winning, but I want to actually be factual. I don't want to be FIFA-esque. I just want to make things up. A couple people on social media like it. So we're bringing back the World Wide Webber segment. Super producer James Steele might point out a thing or two I've overlooked as we do our best to be expansive and comprehensive, meaning we're heading back to the pitch. Now, I've tried to balance the program with enough MBA. Travis Kelsey thoughts not on the wedding of the century. We'll wait for Rich to come back to his throne to talk about the experience of being there.
3:30He does a great co-sell. Maybe he'd say, what was it like to be at MSG? How do I know? I was there. But according to People Magazine, Pro Football Talk, Rich and his lovely wife, Susie Schuster, who, of course, hosts this show frequently among the football community that gathered to wish Travis and Taylor all the best. That's all been part of the agenda today, with a reminder, if you miss any portion of any program, you can catch up anytime you want on demand with a podcast that will be dropped just after the conclusion of this program. Soccer, understandably, has been the focal point. It was going to be what we concentrated on, irrespective of what happened yesterday, with all of the hype and expectation leading up to Team USA versus Belgium.
4:21Tonight, 8 Eastern in Seattle, with a trip to the quarterfinals on the line. And then everything got even weirder and, for the United States, more interesting, with FIFA allowing our leading scorer. And yes, I'm going to go possessive us when it comes to an American team in international play. For Lauren, Baligan is back. There's an update on Belgium's appeal that we'll get to momentarily. But first, let's get you some expert analysis beyond my bloviating. And you heard it on the outstanding soccer show, ESPN FC. ESPN soccer analyst Hercules Gomez did not mince his words with his reaction to FIFA suspending Balogun's red card, allowing him to play tonight.
5:08There is no appeal process here at this FIFA World Cup. They're not allowed to do this. So take it one step further, Ali. This is moving the goalpost on the players because all you want as a player
5:18Rich Eisen:is if the referee is going to be bad on the field, be bad consistently so that the players can get used to it, so the players can adapt. There is no way to adapt here. Jan mentioned about in his village the rules as you go. This is what it is here. I mean, I'm of the train of thought that it's not a red card in real time, but with what we see, can you reverse it? It's not even the rules to allow it to be reversed. This is unprecedented. This is literally them making the rules up as they go. So I repeat, if you're an American fan, you should feel glorious right now because you get your best goal scorer back.
5:52And he could literally be the X factor to advancing to the next round. If you're anybody but a U.S. men's national team fan, this feels off. It feels like the host nation is gaining in favor here. Well said, and it amplifies the thoughts I've been trying to process in our two hours and change so far together because I have mixed emotions that Hercules articulated, I think, very coherently. Yes, as an American sports fan and as somebody who grew up with that soccer playing generation in the late 1970s, I keep going back to the default position Why are we not better yet? It's been 50 freaking years with the knowledge that 2002 had a historic performance by the U.S.
6:42men's national team. And let me pause here and say men's national team. I am well aware of the brilliance of the women's team. And if you care about my resume, I called high-level college women's soccer for years. So this is no disrespect or overlooking what the women's team has done consistently with their dynastic play and multiple World Cup victories. This is about the men's team. And it feels like the run so far is overdue. And then to get to this position and have a red card that was ridiculous. Even if you don't follow soccer, you have a notion of what a foul is and what a foul is not. right it's like the old definition of pornography not mine just as potter stewart as now we get really into the weeds here but i want to give the line because it's a good one i know it when i see it you know what a hard foul is in any sport yes there was contact made but falligan's physicality did not rise to a red card in fact there was no yellow card given so the red card was a farce It was ridiculous.
7:51It was the wrong decision and the misuse of VAR. Still, the process the FIFA used to arrive at that reversal yesterday was equally flawed, opaque, lacking transparency. Then you throw the added elements of the White House getting involved. I can understand how the rest of the world says this is ridiculous. This is a miscarriage of sporting justice. This is the United States getting an unfair advantage. Two things can be equally true. And that's how I feel about this. I am pleased that our leading scorer is going to be back on the field tonight. Because since I'm back with you tomorrow, it would have been unfortunate if I had to spend the entire show saying, well, hypothetically, how would things have been different if the United States was at full strength?
8:46And they had. Balogun and let's remember and again I'm not getting political that's not my job especially as a film host but if you know about his background he has dual citizenship and for Lauren chose to play for the United States and what a difference maker he's been because just from the eyeball test this team is playing with so much more urgency because of his athletic ability and shot making skills as a premier striker. And they're playing with more confidence in part because of the experience gain by competing for the returning players in the last world cup, which was in the fall in Qatar because FIFA is going to FIFA, but the returning players gain that important time on the field.
9:34So they're playing not only with the muscle memory of knowing what it takes to get through the rugged bracket in the World Cup. But now their confidence has to be sky high based on the results coming up with 10 goals so far. And because Belgium is a big step up in competition. Without question, this is the most talented team that will have faced as of yet. If you care about the FIFA rankings, number nine in the world, United States, 14, 15, the number fluctuates. So there's a disparity there. and it's an experienced team. Belgians have kept this core group together. Downside of that, they're older.
10:17So the United States might have an advantage in terms of the energy that their younger legs can lean on tonight and the crowd because Seattle will be a cauldron, especially when Balagan's name isn't out tonight. So that's all great for the United States. And I'll give you another selfish point of view that I'm leaning on, I'm a fill-in host during what's normally a slow period. I'm back with you tomorrow. I'm back with you on Friday. I have the ability potentially on Friday to talk about the United States playing in the quarterfinals just a second time in the modern era. We're not talking about 1930s and the semifinals anymore.
10:581930, even for me, is a little bit before my time. A monumental opportunity. That quarterfinal match against the winner of Portugal and Spain will be played here in Southern California as I come to you from our Regal studios in L.A. So I want all of these things to happen. And I want soccer to be more relevant because I'm looking for more things to talk about. Yet, I can't turn off my brain or my conscience. And FIFA is going to FIFA. It's just what they do. You get back to words like corrupt, unseemly, lack of integrity. I mentioned there's an update for Belgium's appeal. No surprise, appeal denied.
11:43So while it felt like the ultimate Hail Mary to mixed sports metaphors, that Balogun was going to be prevented from playing tonight, Belgium at least went through the process. But if you're a Belgian fan or if you're just anti-FIFA, as many fair-minded people are, because of their history of not only making things up as they go along, but let's just say not having the best business practices. I'll be careful because there's always lawyers listening. I get it. This feels a little bit gross. But the United States will go with the team that FIFA allows them to play with. It does create a semi-different vibe from an international standpoint.
12:34Nobody watching the game tonight who's an American soccer fan nor attending what's going to be raucous in Seattle is going to cheer less or have less of an emotional connection because they feel like FIFA is run improperly. And if you care about the official word from their president, Gianni Infantino, he's issued a statement acknowledging that he did get a phone call from President Trump and then went on to say, of course, that FIFA makes their decisions on an independent basis. to take you back to Casablanca. Gambling? I'm shocked. I'm shocked. What's he going to say? Yes, there is a direct quid pro quo.
13:16We want the United States to get through to keep the ratings at their historic level. We want soccer to be more front and center in the U.S. to keep the revenue gravy train going in FIFA's direction. Look, I don't want to overwhelm you with boring business details, but if you live in a city like Kansas City or the New York Tri-State area or Southern California, while there's been a massive economic effect positively with travelers from around the world coming here to watch the soccer, spend money, enjoy a holiday, FIFA does better than anybody. They do better than the NFL in terms of hacking up the terms of those contracts.
13:58They put all of the cost burden on the host cities, and they assume none of those liabilities because FIFA's always going to come out ahead because that's what they do. But none of that matters, and we're getting closer and closer to first touch. Yes, it's a kickoff, but I like any chance I get to brush up against soccer. Nomenclature should be absolutely dynamic tonight. And to sum it up, no excuses, no alibis for the United States. Our best team ever assembled with one of the best strikers we've ever had. And we're not even talking much about Christian Pulisic, who's viewed as the most talented player in the history of American soccer.
14:44Clearly the right coach in Mauricio Pochettino. And a goalie in Matt Fries, who's come up with a couple shutouts, only allowing one goal in three games. He's going to have to be at his best against a very skilled, offensively veteran Belgian team. Can't wait to be back with you tomorrow, and we'll give you our takeaways, and we'll get expert analysis in the first hour of the show when we're joined by Danny Higginbottom. You've heard him call World Cup games on Fox. You hear him throughout the MLS season on Apple TV. He played in the Premier League and MLS competition. I'm Brian Weber. I feel like I'm running around in a kit.
15:22Remember, it's not a soccer uniform. It is a kit. It's all about set pieces here on the Rich Eisen Show. So you can let me know your thoughts on the X platform. That is B.W. Weber, Weber with two Bs. Up next, coming off the long Independence Day holiday weekend, I have to talk some baseball. And even if you don't pay that close attention to the Diamond anymore, this should be pretty stark to you. Why is the National League so much better than the scuffling AL this year? We will explore that when we check in with Levi Weaver. He writes the wind-up newsletter for The Athletic. A lot more to get done on a jam-packed Monday.
16:00Thank you for spending time with us. I'm Brian Weber, in for Rich, on The Rich Eisen Show.
16:13Rich Eisen here.
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16:49Rich Eisen:Future stars who are already turning heads at age 14. because Next doesn't wait for an invitation, and neither do we. Hyundai has always moved the future within reach. We did it when we made advanced safety standard on every vehicle and engineered EVs with ultra-fast charging capability. Because the future isn't some far-off concept. It's already here. Next starts now. Hyundai, an official partner of FIFA. Rich Eisen here for gusto. On my shows, we talk a lot about what happens in the spotlight, the games, the highlights, and the moments that get replayed and debated. But in any successful operation, what happens behind the scenes matters just as much.
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18:19Rich Eisen:That's three months of free payroll at gusto.com slash rich. One more time, gusto.com slash rich.
18:35The Rich Eisen Show podcast. My name is Brian Weber. This is the Rich Eisen Show, ESPN radio, the ESPN radio app, Sirius XM channel 80 or tune in in 30 minutes. We wrap it up with gusto and style points as we log on to the World Wide Webber. First, coming off the long holiday weekend on July 4th as we get set for the All-Star Game in Philadelphia eight days from today. Got to talk some baseball. Always a pleasure to check in with Levi Weaver. He writes the wind-up newsletter for the athletic. I am an athletic subscriber. I recommend that you explore that as well for excellent content. Levi, I appreciate you taking the time.
19:16How are you?
19:17Rich Eisen:Oh, man, I'm the style and gusto guy. This is great. Style, gusto, and the windup. What better troika could we have on the July? I don't even know what it is. Saturday was July 4th. So, hey, I'm here in Southern California. I get to watch the Dodgers play every day. Feels like they win every day. But context matters. And I know this could fuel a larger conversation about deferred money and the labor war that's coming up. But, Levi, they haven't had Edwin Diaz for the majority of the year, and the whole point of getting him was the bolster of the bullpen that was their biggest issue last year. As you know, no Blake Snell, no Tyler Glassnow in the rotation.
19:59Kyle Tucker hasn't done much despite all the money the Dodgers gave him in the offseason. Are you surprised at all they've been this dominant?
20:09Rich Eisen:You know, I probably shouldn't be surprised at all when the Dodgers do good things. I mean, you're right. They've missed a lot of production from guys they expected to produce, and on a normal team, that would be devastating. But at the same time, you've got Andy Pajas breaking out this year. He's been worth, I've got my numbers up here, 4.1 wins by replacement. He's been their best position player so far this year, and Max Muncy's having a resurgence, and they've just, the depth there is crazy. And, you know, you're not wrong that they spend more than just about anybody. But the thing about the Dodgers that is, that I think gets underrepresented is that Andrew Friedman is doing a phenomenal job there.
20:58Rich Eisen:I mean, he did such a great job with the Rays and it doesn't always work. You know, look at the sort of the Wario version of the Dodgers right now is the Mets. They brought in David Stearns, who did good work in Milwaukee and thought that they were going to be the East Coast Dodgers. They spend more money than anybody, not the Dodgers, and they stink this year. So it's not just the money. The Dodgers have also done a really good job of player development. Look at Justin Robleski. He should be an all-star this year. So Dalton Rushing has been very good this year, despite all the controversies in that one really horrible game as he takes his lumps and learns how to be a big league catcher.
21:37Rich Eisen:They're really, really good, and it's not just the spending. So, no, I'm not that surprised that they've been this dominant because they just do everything well. We are focusing on the Diamond with Levi Weaver. Check out his great work. It's the wind-up newsletter, all part of The Athletic. And I'm glad you made that point about not just resource allocation and throwing money at problems, but the people making the decisions because Andrew Friedman has demonstrated in the past he could win with a lot less in Tampa, and now you see what he's doing with the Dodgers, and let's just connect that to the team they took three of four games from, and the Padres finally snapped that eight-game losing streak with the win last night.
22:20But, Levi, as you know, San Diego, quote-unquote a small market, has a big payroll. So we know about Manny Machado having just a miserable year at the plate. What else has slowed this team down?
22:32Rich Eisen:Well, it hasn't just been Machado. I mean, a lot of their stars have been underproducing. You look at, you know, not that Jake Cronenworth should be a star, but he should be a regular, and his OPS is in the low fives. Xander Bogarts has been just okay. You know, Ramon Laureano hasn't really worked out. He's on the injured list. It's been kind of hit and miss with their offense, but really it's the lack of starting pitching depth that has hurt them. I mean, Michael King has been very good, but Walker Buehler hasn't been great. I'm looking through this list here, Griffin Canning, ERA of nearly seven.
23:09Rich Eisen:German Marquez is pitching for the Padres, which I think probably says a lot. Three of the five guys they have listed as their rotation have negative wins above replacement. So if they, and never underestimate A.J. Preller's ability to go do things at the deadline. Will he go get some starting pitching? I would assume so. but that Padres window seems to be closing a little bit. I mean Machado's getting up there in years. Bogarts is getting up there in years. You know, Jackson Merrill's 23. That's great, but it's looking like a closing window for them. And then one of the things that I think really hurt them early was Fernando Tatis was hitting the ball hard, but none of them were going over the fence.
23:52Rich Eisen:And he's righted that ship a little bit lately. He's up to five home runs. I think all of them within the last three or four weeks. but you know when you when you get a guy that is on an offense that's struggling and he's hitting the ball hard and the results just aren't there that's so deflating for a team so I'll never count the Padres out until at least after the trade deadline and I see what Preller does but yeah it's not looking great there right now and I think pitching has really been you know in addition to some star players not playing like star players I think the pitching has been the biggest bugaboo for them.
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24:25Talking baseball with Levi Weaver of The Athletic. He's our guest on The Rich Eisen Show. Can I make the presumption that you're willing to write off the Giants, who have been abysmal this year? And as we take a look at the overall situation, Levi, how much of that do you want to pin on Tony Vitello making the historic jump from college baseball where he had a ton of success at Tennessee, going to the bigs with no major league experience? or is it perhaps more reflection of the man who hired him and Buster Posey putting together a flawed roster?
24:59Rich Eisen:Yeah, I mean, probably a little of both. I think when you hire somebody like Vitello, you kind of have to expect that there are going to be some bumps in the first year. And that's just, you know, the big leagues are, I mean, shoot, before I was a baseball writer, I was a musician and I had the good fortune to kind of just jump straight into covering the Texas Rangers. And even in the press box, year one, you're learning a lot. You're making big mistakes and learning from those mistakes and learning how the game works. There is a rhythm and a pace to it, and it takes some time. And so I think the Giants had to know that, bringing in Vitello.
25:36Rich Eisen:I was very interested in how that was going to go. So far, the results have clearly not been great. But I think one of the things that we've sort of started to see as a recurring pattern is the communication that it takes to run a big league team successfully just hasn't quite been there. You know, just almost every time there's some controversy, it's communication, whether that's Louisa Rice. I mean, not Louisa Rice, I'm sorry. Rafael Devers. Rafael Devers, yeah, not wanting to come off of first base because they were going to pinch run for him, and he didn't think that that was, he didn't realize that was coming.
26:14Rich Eisen:Who was the pitcher about a week ago that didn't realize he was only on an 85 pitch? Was it Landon Roop or Tyler Maley? I think it was Maley. Didn't realize he was on an 85 pitch limit. And he said, you know, I would have pitched that last batter a little differently if I'd known it was my last batter. To even, you know, the Pride Night cap controversy in which the commissioner of baseball said, hey, the Giants didn't communicate accurately to their players what was required and what wasn't. And that does come down to Posey. I really thought that his inability or unwillingness to answer questions in the aftermath of that was not a great look.
26:54Rich Eisen:I know you want to be president of baseball operations and just handle things like roster moves and player development. But that role, you are a forward-facing role, especially if you are Buster Posey. They didn't just pluck their GM out of obscurity. He's a known entity. The community is looking to him to be the voice of the franchise, and it just hasn't happened. Will the Giants be okay? Not this year. I think they should sell this year and restock for the future. But is the duo of Posey and Vitello doomed? I don't think so yet. I think this is growing pains. You know, Posey hasn't been a GM before either.
27:35Rich Eisen:So you can't really expect that that combo is just going to come together and be Superman in year one. And I think we're just seeing those growing pains on all fronts. And you mentioned the star power buster, the face of the franchise with those World Series multiple titles. It's not like they hired Kurt Manwaring from back in the day. He had a lot of goodwill in the Bay Area, and a lot of it seems to be marginalized. Now, I'm Brian Weber, guest hosting for Rich. This is the Rich Eisen Show. And we're rounding the bases with Levi Weaver of The Athletic. Levi, I realize, and it's cliché, but clichés exist because there's some truth.
28:09Baseball is the most random sport of them all because you have 162 opportunities. So flip that coin. But when you look at the balance of power across MLB, why do you think the National League is so much better than the scuffling American League this year?
28:24Rich Eisen:Man, I really do think that is just one of those random things. You know, teams go through cycles of, you know, growth into being a good team and then tear down into being a rebuild team. And I just think we're seeing a lot of American League teams hit that, like, having a bad year at the same time. And you could go into each individual team, and there are some different reasons for each. You know, the Tigers have had a ton of injuries this year, and they should have been better, and they're not. You know, the Rangers have failed to really address their offense. And, oh, hey, by the way, they're in a playoff spot, even though they're a 500 team.
28:59Rich Eisen:Welcome to the American League. The American League is so bad. Yeah. You know, the Red Sox, their pitching staff should have been amazing, but they kind of knew that they had some roster deficiencies at the beginning of the season, and those have played out to be such. So it's just every team kind of has their own different reason for why they're not so great. But when you look at the American League, it looks like, you know, the Yankees and the Rays with the possibility of a, you know, upstart White Sox team taking advantage of a weak American League. But there really aren't any good teams. I just finished, you know, voting for the for our weekly power rankings.
29:34Rich Eisen:And I think my top five or six teams were National League teams before I even got to the Yankees and Rays. So, yeah, I do think it's random in that they all seem to be collected in the American League, even though it may not be quite so random when you start to dig down and look at each team's individual process. But the fact that two years ago, the White Sox had 121 losses. We don't have to talk about the expansion 1962 Mets anymore. And here we are now as we get deeper into the season, still in first place in the American League Central, which is just wild. Let me get you out of here on this.
30:12So with all of that parity or mediocrity in the American League, how do you think that impacts how teams are going to approach the trade deadline as we get closer to the first week of August?
30:22Rich Eisen:Boy, I really think that it's going to be a lot of very last-minute flurry because I think there are teams that still look and go, hey, we've got almost a month to turn this around. One little six - or seven-game winning streak, and all of a sudden we're a playoff team. So, you know, if you are the – I live in Dallas, so I'll use the Rangers as another example. They're at 500. They're not a good team. They will not win the World Series. It would be shocking. And they've got good pitching. So who knows once they get in the playoffs, if they do get in the playoffs, but they're not good. But should they sell right now?
30:56Rich Eisen:Probably not, especially with a GM. You know, Chris Young is very competitive. He never really wants to sell. He wants to compete. So it doesn't make sense for them to punt just yet while they're in a playoff position. There are some clear buyers, clearly, you know, the Yankees and Rays and White Sox and probably the Mariners as well could use some some boost to their offense. But when you look at the list of sellers, I mean, even the Tigers, the Tigers have the worst record, their third worst record in the American league. They're only five games out. Derek Scoogle's healthy again. You never know, right?
31:26Rich Eisen:So I think it'll be a lot of last minute decision making and, you know, teams that wait till the very last second to finally give a deep sigh and go, okay, fine, we'll sell. I mean, you know, you talk about names that are GMs that are the Kurt Mann wearing type. I think Chris Getz has done a really good job with the White Sox. And while we're talking about under named players that are in the GM role now, that White Sox team has been so exciting to watch. And I really would love to see them sneak into the playoffs or win the division and see what they can do in October. Feel good story and a reminder that you never know what you're going to see, Levi, as I'm sure you learned when you started covering Major League Baseball.
32:06All the old timers tell you, you never know what you're going to see when you come out to the ballpark. Let me be a hack as I say goodbye because I try to actively listen. You mentioned your background in music, so let's wrap this up with gusto. Give me your Mount Rushmore of the greatest guitar players of all time.
32:22Rich Eisen:Oh, my gosh. Greatest guitar players of all time. That's a huge mountain, buddy. That's a really big mountain. You can go Everest, pal. We've got five minutes left in this segment. The floor is yours. Yeah, all right. You know, I'll give you one that I think is underrated. How about that? Okay. I was re-listening to Jason Isbell's discography recently, and remembered a few years ago I saw him live. And when you listen to Jason Isbell's records, he does not strike you as being a guy who rips on the guitar. That dude rips on the guitar. I think he's slept on as a guitar player. So is he on the Mount Rushmore of guitar players?
32:56Rich Eisen:Probably not, but he's front of mind right now because of that listening recently. I think if you're looking for a good guitarist, go see a Jason Isbell show. All right, you went off the board. I was going to go all-time greats because I'm Captain Obvious like Jimi Hendrix or Eddie Van Halen, but thank you for mixing it up. After all, that's why you have the time and the insight to come up with the windup. Well, thank you. Thank you, Levi. I appreciate you taking the time. Anytime. Levi Weaver has become a regular when I'm lucky enough to sit in for Rich during the summer vacation period. And I do recommend, and of course, this is not in any way conditional, but because quality journalism in sports, that's not a contradiction.
33:41It's not jumbo shrimp. Military intelligence. Sports journalism exists. It's important, but you've got to support it. So consider subscribing to The Athletic, and you can check out Levi and the rest of their team's outstanding work. I'm Brian Weber. You don't have to subscribe to anything to enjoy my work, but you get what you pay for after all. Jot down the phone number for tomorrow. Win or lose, I expect reaction and fallout from the United States It's matching up with Belgium in Seattle, 844-204-7424. Or you can continue to pepper me with your thoughts, and they're all appreciated, good or bad, positive or negative.
34:21I just want some attention. That's why I got into broadcasting, after all. My handle on the X platform is BWWeber, Weber with two Bs. And just to amplify what Levi was talking about, if you are the Tigers, while the standings, in the wild card especially, but it's a muddled mess in the American League Central, as exemplified by Chicago. I'm going to say this one more time. Two years ago, the White Sox lost 121 games. The worst team in Major League Baseball history. That's a pretty big sample size. They're in first place in that division now, and it's not an aberration because we're in July. What do the Tigers do with Scooble?
35:01Understanding he's in his walk year. Scott Boris is his agent. It's already gotten contentious. They had to go to arbitration and lose that record-setting finding against in a contentious way with their ace. They could have paid them if they wanted to. They don't have the wherewithal, and they don't have the money necessarily. Now, it's the spending power and the ability to spend. Yes, the Tigers have deep enough pockets if they want to break the bank, but that gets us to where we're going with the impending labor war, but I'm trying to stay upbeat. There's so much good stuff going on in sports right now.
35:38But if the Tigers are still hanging around, how do they balance making a push for the playoffs by keeping the best pitcher in the American League over the last five years, two-time Cy Young Award winner, versus flipping him for multiple assets, albeit in a rental situation, understanding in all likelihood he's not going to be pitching for your team next year. Just another important layer to track. And I know a lot of you don't follow baseball the way you used to, but we're in that fallow period before the NFL returns and the World Cup will be winding down. Even casual fans still watch the All-Star game.
36:19The numbers say it's going to be a great scene in Philadelphia as some of the angriest fans slash most passionate. I don't want my New York bias to come out, but you know the energy will be there in Philadelphia, especially when guys like Schwarber and Harper get in the box next Tuesday for the Midsummer Classic. I'm Brian Weber, sitting in for Rich, home stretch on this Monday edition of the program. Coming up, the goal is to be comprehensive, but there's a chance something important wasn't on my radar screen. We'll find out if that's a reality when we log on to the World Wide Webber. Stay with us.
36:57The best hopefully is yet to come as we continue on a Monday installment of The Rich Eisen Show.
37:07Rich Eisen:Rich Eisen here with some advice. If high interest credit card debt is grinding you down, it might be time to call an audible with a SoFi personal loan. It consolidates your debt into one low monthly payment with no fees required. And with as soon as the same day funding, you can make the right play fast. Call an audible on your debt today at SoFi.com slash debt play. Loans originated by SoFi Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891. Fast funds terms apply at SoFi.com slash debt play. Need parts fast? O 'Reilly Auto Parts as fast. Need them now? We've got now. No matter what you need, we have thousands of professional parts people doing their part to make sure you have it.
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38:16The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast. It's the Rich Eisen Show. I'm Brian Weber. Always an honor to sit in for Rich and the guys, and I'm equally pleased with the news that we'll do it again tomorrow with all the fallout and analysis of the highly anticipated soccer match tonight in Seattle between United States and Belgium. We have just enough time coming up to fire up the Commodore 64 for the World Wide Webber. A reminder, a SoFi personal loan is here to help you achieve something once thought impossible. Overcoming high interest credit card debt. Walk the tightrope of your finances with one low fixed rate monthly payment.
38:58No fees required. And as soon as the same day funding, that's right, pull off your own debt defying stunt with a SoFi personal loan. Visit SoFi.com slash trick to learn more. Loans originated by SoFiBank N.A., member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply.
39:20NMLS 696891.
39:24Rich Eisen:Who needs artificial intelligence? Well, we've got a host with more bandwidth than a data center. It's time to log on to... WWB. The World Wide Webber. And for that, we say hello to super producer James Steele. James, were you ever a DJ? Were you ever on the wheels of Steele with Jay Steele? I was not, no. I can't say that I was. Thank you for killing the bit. Just play along. Hey, where do you want to start? Yeah, I was. Yeah, thank you for noticing. I'm a lonely man breaking down every team in the NBA. I'm just looking for a little support. Where do you want to start? Yeah, I mean, we've been talking about soccer a bunch today.
40:05Rich Eisen:And you've been talking about how your experience with soccer goes back to the 70s. So how do you see tonight's match between the U.S. and Belgium playing out tonight in Seattle? This is my stone cold lock. Now, I can't pick against Team USA. And I'm not trying to stake out the moral high ground. Anybody has the moral high ground over FIFA. The nicest guy in prison has more integrity than FIFA. I just have mixed emotions about how they arrived at the proper decision to pause that red card. Remember, it wasn't overturned. Doesn't matter semantically. It's a one-year probation for Baligan. But with the United States leading scorer back on the field, the emotional boost of that, plus guys like Pepe who got more playing time at practice and the Seattle advantage, I think it's tight.
40:58I think it's low scoring. United States 2, Belgium 1, and we advance to the quarterfinals for just a second time since 2002 in the modern era. And I'm really praying to the content gods that that happens because that hands me a show when I'm back on Friday. Quarterfinals, USA versus winner of Portugal and Spain. That's coming up. What's next?
41:23Rich Eisen:Yeah, up next, let's stick with soccer. The U.S. fans have been singing Country Roads after their last three World Cup matches, wins, played by the U.S. men's national team. Where do you slot John Denver's classic among the best postgame sing-along songs in sports? Okay, that is an interesting way to frame it. Now, since we mentioned my soccer expertise goes back to the early to mid-1970s. Now, I'm not 90, but I'm in my mid-50s. So I should stop saying this because I'm never going to get hired for any job now in any form of media. But you're right in my wheelhouse. We're talking John Denver. I am fully engaged.
42:03My only thought would be, since this is an international competition, should we go with something a little bit more overtly patriotic, like born in the USA? I know Bruce is selective about who gets to play that, but he wouldn't by, I hope, any stretch of the imagination be anti-Team USA. say. I will take you to Rocky 4. Queue up Living in America. We had that during the program. Mikey C always does a great job, and we didn't even map that one out. That was serendipity. Give me a little James Brown. Finally, if I have to connect the two songs that are mainstream, and you hear them all the time because they play 162 games in baseball, give me any Giant Victory, which are rare, as we just discussed with Levi Weaver.
42:47I'm wary of talking about the team in the Bay Area. They play I Left My Heart in San San Francisco, the great Tony Bennett serenading things in the city by the bay. James, I have listened to you on and off the air. I'm aware that you grew up in the Pittsburgh area. Can you clarify something with country roads? Is the great John Denver talking about the state of West Virginia or the western part of Virginia?
43:13Rich Eisen:I always thought that it was West Virginia, but that's a great question. I'm not 100 % sure. I always took it as West Virginia. All the people that I know from West Virginia, I believe, take it as he's talking about West Virginia. Just throwing it out there. It could be a new segment. Stump the Steel. As I rip off Stump the Schwab, we got to pick up the pace. What's next? Would not be hard to stump this guy. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey had their wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday. Possibly the second most, the biggest wedding of all time at Madison Square Garden. Macho Man and Miss Elizabeth got married there at SummerSlam in 1991.
43:51Rich Eisen:I don't know if you know that. But anyway, Rich Eisen and his wife, Susie, attended. Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony. Should you ever decide to tie the knot, which comedian would you want to handle your wedding? Oh, that is good. Yeah, and of course, I had no recollection that Macho Man and the lovely Miss Elizabeth had their nuptials at Madison Cordeaux because they did not pay any attention to wrestling in the 1990s. Well, I am a confirmed bachelor in my mid-50s, as we said in the 70s. I'm like Charles Nelson Reilly on Match Game back in the day. If I'm going comedian, I want somebody funny but not over the top so I can make the MSG connection, since all my references are decades old.
44:35Certainly not Andrew Dice Clay, although he once sold out MSG. Doesn't seem fitting for that kind of event. I love Chris Rock. I don't think I want that big of a personality. I have an ego for no reason. So I want somebody that's going to fit the moment, not outshine me, especially when it comes to volume because I'm the loudest man alive. How about this? If he were going to do it because we're just doing hypothetical audio here, Jerry Seinfeld because I think he would also have the combination of star power being understated and observational. And of course, I'll give you the worst Jerry of all time.
45:16Something like, why does it have to be called a groom? Is a groom and a horse? I don't know. We've got time for one more, thankfully, as I'm destroying this bit. What's left on your list? Yeah, that wasn't good. That was atrocious. Thank you.
45:31Rich Eisen:That was not good. July 4th featured another win for Joey Chestnut, the goat, at Nathan's Hot Dogging Contest in Coney Island. And in your opinion, what is worse, people who insist that a hot dog is a sandwich or folks who put ketchup on their hot dogs? Now, you're with me. The folks who claim soccer, soccer, soccer nation that we are now, if you're having a watch party tonight and somebody comes up to you and says, hey, I want a hot dog. And on that sandwich, well, you agree with me. A hot dog is not a sandwich. Correct. By definition, a sandwich has two separate pieces of bread. I don't think that I'm with you on that one Whoa I believe a hot dog is a sandwich I liked it better when you were a yes man Now after a couple of shows together It's the back and forth dynamic Okay I'll just say while you're googling Is it West Virginia or the western portion of Virginia From Country Roads I'm just going to tell you because I have no life I looked up the definition of a sandwich Two distinct pieces of bread This is not is the dress black or blue back in the day but will agree to disagree.
46:38Clearly, I'm not going down that road. I have a strong opinion, shocking, that I'd have a strong feeling about anything. Ketchup on a hot dog is a crime against humanity. If you're in a jam with condiments and ketchup is the only thing available, just go naked, go raw dog, and have nothing on it. James, I would thank you, but you'll probably contradict me one more time before the show ends. and now my ego is a little bit battered. I want to thank our A-Team, the production crew in Bristol, James Steele, who does a good job of reminding me, I don't know everything, and Mikey Steele, pushing the right buttons as well.
47:18Thanks to our guest, Brian Mahoney, talking NBA from the Associated Press, and a good baseball conversation with Levi Weaver of The Athletic. Thanks, as always, to Mr. Eisen for allowing me to keep the chair warm. My name is Brian Weber. We're back tomorrow with the key takeaways of the United States versus Belgium right here on the Rich Eisen Show.
47:40Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show podcast. MLB.tv on ESPN is your home for every out-of-market game, live or on demand. Catch your favorite teams and players, plus MLB Network and ESPN app features like Multiview, syncing your stats, key plays, bets, and fantasy all in one place. Sign up now for MLB.tv in the ESPN app. Separate subscriptions required, blackouts, and other terms apply. Visit stream.espn.com slash MLB TV for more information.
From the publisher
We continue to get you ready for tonight's World Cup matchup between the US and Belgium. Plus we talk some baseball with Levi Weaver from The Athletic, and we fire up the World Wide Webber.
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