Dan Haren and Randy Moss on Capitals' Cup, Belmont Picks, and NBA Finals
The Washington Capitals are Stanley Cup champions, and the world is a different place. PFT recorded this show from a hotel room in Las Vegas, still buzzing from seeing Alex Ovechkin finally hoist the trophy. It was a life-affirming moment for D.C. sports fans, and while Big Cat was happy for his friend, he couldn't help but point out that the novelty might wear off quickly.
The Washington Capitals will win the Stanley Cup again next year
The only reason you're going to feel like it was lame is because the Caps are probably going to win again next year, and you're going to be like, we're used to this, right?
PFT isn't worried about the future because he's convinced the days of D.C. sports heartbreak are officially over.
The Washington Capitals dynasty has already begun
The dynasty has already begun.
The guys also broke down the Vegas side of things, specifically the pre-game entertainment. While the atmosphere was electric, PFT is convinced that the Golden Knights' late-series collapse can be traced back to a specific musical choice that messed with the team's energy.
The Imagine Dragons performance placed a curse on the Vegas Golden Knights
I told you there was a curse, man [the Imagine Dragons curse]. They need to exercise those demons, and I think the only way they can do that is by writing a song with us.
NBA Finals and the Durant Scowl
The NBA Finals are looking like a funeral for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kevin Durant essentially ended the series with a deep three and a snarl that signaled a shift in the league's power structure. PFT is ready to officially hand over the crown, even if it feels a little dirty.
The torch has passed from LeBron James to Kevin Durant as the league's best player
I think Torch goes directly to Kevin Durant. I don't see how you can make the argument that it's LeBron's league anymore.
Big Cat pointed out that while KD is the one hitting the daggers, Steph Curry is the real genius of the operation. By allowing other superstars to join his team, Curry has created a situation where he gets all the rings with none of the blame when things go sideways.
No one in sports has it better than Steph Curry right now
It's actually a perfect, no one has it better in sports than Steph Curry right now. [He invites superstars to his team], Philly will love Joel Embiid more than they will love LeBron. And LeBron will take all the heat if things go south.
As for LeBron's future, the speculation is reaching a fever pitch. PFT has some very specific thoughts on where the King won't be heading, starting with a refusal to believe LeBron would ever move to the same conference as the Warriors dynasty.
I don't see any scenario where LeBron James signs with a team in the Western Conference
I don't see a world where LeBron goes out to the West. Well, you know, Klay and Steph Curry and Draymond are still on that Warriors team.
Dan Haren on Pitching and Kobe
Recurring guest and pitching strategist Dan Haren joined the show to discuss the Diamondbacks' success and the state of modern baseball. The conversation took a turn into the "Stay Woke" territory when Haren confirmed a long-standing theory from Hank about the physical makeup of the baseball itself.
Hank is correct: MLB baseball seams are 9% bigger than in previous years
I saw an article in, I think it was The Athletic, that they tested baseballs. And the biggest difference between baseballs from, I think it was this year or last year, and say 2013 or 14, was the seams were 9% bigger. Hank is right. Hank is actually right.
Haren also shared some incredible stories about his post-retirement life, specifically his interactions with Kobe Bryant at the gym. Despite being an All-Star pitcher, Haren realized very quickly that the Mamba Mentality doesn't include acknowledging other professional athletes if they aren't on Kobe's level.
Kobe Bryant is not the GOAT and he thinks he's too smart
I'm a big Lakers fan, but I don't think Kobe's the GOAT. Kobe bugs the shit out of him. He thinks he's so smart. That's what really bugs me, is he thinks he's really smart.
Belmont Stakes with Randy Moss
With Justify looking to capture the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes, horse racing expert Randy Moss stopped by to give the listeners an edge. While the public is all over the favorite, Moss warned that the grueling schedule of the Triple Crown might finally be catching up to the horse.
Justify may be running low on energy heading into the Belmont Stakes
In the Preakness, he wasn't quite as good as he was in the Kentucky Derby... Energy level might be getting a little bit low. He really needed that wire to come up when it did in the Preakness... How much he's got left in the tank is the big question.
If you're looking to make some actual money on the race, Moss suggested looking at the horses that skipped the Preakness to stay fresh. He highlighted a few names that could spoil the party for Justify and provide a massive payout for anyone brave enough to bet against the favorite.
Hofburg and Vino Rosso are the best horses to bet on to beat Justify
I think the two best horses to be betting on in this Belmont are Hofburg and Vino Rosso... Ten of the last 18 years, the Belmont has been won by horses that ran on Kentucky Derby weekend, skipped the Preakness, and waited for the Belmont to be rested.
For the true degenerates looking for a longshot to fill out their Superfecta, Moss threw out a name that has been dealing with bad luck but has the pedigree to handle the Belmont's distance.
Free Drop Billy is a strong longshot bet to finish in the Belmont Stakes superfecta
There's another horse in there that fits that profile that's probably going to be 20-1. His name is Free Drop Billy... I think he's got a good shot to be part of, let's say, the Superfecta at a big price.
We wrapped up the week with a classic edition of Uhhh Ya Think for Nick Saban's lake-bathing habits and a round of listener roasts that cut deep into the cast's insecurities.
Hopefully, PFT survives the weekend in D.C. without eating too much horse poop.

