Talking NBA, March Madness, JuJu, MLB and 'The Bachelor' With Callie Curry, Tate Frazier, J. Kyle Mann, and Anthony Dabbundo
Mar 25, 2025
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Join Callie Curry, a contributor to The Ringer's Reality TV podcast, as she examines the existential crisis facing 'The Bachelor' franchise and suggests bold changes. Tate Frazier and J. Kyle Mann dive into March Madness, highlighting the transformative effects of NIL deals and thrilling storylines as the tournament unfolds. Meanwhile, Anthony Dabbundo shares his MLB betting predictions, analyzing teams like the Yankees and Braves to forecast the upcoming season's excitement.
The podcast highlights the Boston Red Sox's strategic acquisitions and healthy roster, positioning them as potential contenders in the American League East.
Discussion on 'The Bachelor' franchise reveals its existential crisis due to fundamental issues, prompting ideas for potential fixes to rejuvenate the show.
Analysis of MLB futures emphasizes the unpredictability of teams like the Yankees and Diamondbacks, focusing on injury concerns and the potential for surprise performances.
Deep dives
Boston's Redemption
The Boston Red Sox are showing signs of improvement and potential resurgence this season. After facing challenges in recent years, the team has made strategic acquisitions, including securing second baseman Bregman and bolstering their pitching staff, which is vital for a competitive edge. With a healthy roster, including key players like Rafael Devers and Triston Casas, the Red Sox are building a balanced lineup that combines experienced veterans with young talent. The Red Sox's over/under win total of 86.5 is intriguing, especially as they aim to reclaim their status in a competitive American League East.
Yankees in Decline
The New York Yankees face significant uncertainty heading into the season, with injuries to key players and an overall depth issue. Once seen as a powerhouse, the Yankees have struggled to maintain their competitive edge against division rivals, particularly with their aging roster and lack of standout offensive production. With a projected win total of around 88 wins, the under bet on the Yankees is gaining traction as fans question if they can return to playoff contention. The team's reliance on a few star players could leave them vulnerable to losing momentum in a tough American League landscape.
The Rise of the Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are set to make an unexpected turnaround this season after a rough period. With a focus on developing talent and improving their overall play, the A's have potential to become a surprise contender in the league. The team's ability to rebound last season and score effectively gives them an edge, along with improvements in their pitching staff. Betting on the A's to surpass their win total of 71.5 is a compelling option, as they have the potential to shock fans and analysts alike.
Braves' Continued Dominance
The Atlanta Braves have established themselves as a formidable force in the National League, with a strong chance of making the playoffs again this season. With an offseason focused on strengthening their pitching and improving their overall game, the Braves are well-positioned for success. Betters can find value in wagering on the Braves to secure a playoff spot, given their consistent ability to perform well in a highly competitive division. The addition of key players and focus on defense are significant factors as the Braves aim for another chance at the postseason.
Under-the-Radar D-backs
The Arizona Diamondbacks are the dark horse of the MLB this season, boasting a young and dynamic roster ready to compete. With very good pitching options and a strong offensive core, the Diamondbacks are looking to capitalize on their potential to make a playoff run. Arizona's ability to defy expectations and to showcase talent like Corbin Carroll creates intrigue as they look to exceed their win total projection of 84.5. The D-backs could very well become a surprise contender in a division where they can capitalize on their strengths.
Otani's MVP Potential
Shohei Otani is once again the frontrunner for the MVP award, with odds set at plus 145 ahead of the season. Despite the pressures of potentially not pitching this year, his offensive capability remains unparalleled, allowing him to dominate at the plate. As injuries to other contenders arise, Otani's case becomes even stronger, since he has shown that he can impact games at an elite level consistently. With such significant talent, placing a bet on Otani to win MVP makes sense, especially if he can stay healthy throughout the entire season.
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Callie Curry to discuss some basketball updates about Seth Curry, Doc Rivers, and Stephen Curry (2:34), before discussing 'The Bachelor' franchise approaching an existential crisis, the fundamental problems with the show, potential fixes, and more (23:55). Next, Bill is joined by Tate Frazier and J. Kyle Mann to discuss the state of the NCAA tournament and NIL's rapid impact on college basketball's transfer portal (39:57), before Tate and Kyle give their five favorite storylines heading into the Sweet 16 (01:00:30). Finally, Bill talks with Anthony Dabbundo about his five favorite MLB futures, featuring the Yankees, Red Sox, Braves, Diamondbacks, and more (01:28:33).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Tate Frazier, J. Kyle Mann, Anthony Dabbundo, and Callie Curry
Producers: Kyle Crichton and Chia Hao Tat
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