Felger and Mazz - Creating False Naratives one day at a time

Erik Hanson's Hook

Erik Hanson's Hook

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The "JBJ is on steroids (cough-cough)" crap is nauseating. Can't we just enjoy his development? A young player comes up through the minor leagues, struggles, finally has some success, and what does he get? Praise? Indifference at least? No. He gets his accomplishments called into question by the leading talk show in town.

I can ignore most of the stuff they say, and realize they're trolling, but...can't we just be happy for the kid?
 
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GeorgeCostanza

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Was (Not Wasdin) said:
I think right before that they were talking about letting Loui Eriksson walk away, and why it is bad that Sweeney is talking to his agent. He kept saying "why is it so anthema to just let him walk away. It seems to be such anthema to them." I realized he was trying to say "anathema", but had no idea what the word actually was, or how to use it.
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Glad I'm not the only one who caught this and got a good chuckle. The US national anathema is anthema to communists.
 
IpswichSox

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Erik Hanson's Hook said:
The "JBJ is on steroids (cough-cough)" crap is nauseating and borderline unprofessional. Can't we just enjoy his development? A young player comes up through the minor leagues, and after struggling, finally has some success, and what does he get? Praise? Indifference at least? No. He gets his accomplishments called into question by the leading talk show in town. Felger is poison. Anyone who listens to this show is promoting a negative atmosphere for Boston athletes. And spare me the "this is what they do" routine. Name me another market in the country where a 27 game hitting streak would be material for that kind of narrative. I can ignore most of the stuff they say, this seems below the belt.
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I'm out of market, so I only listen via podcasts or (occasionally) live streaming. To me, Felger and Mazz have long since grown tiresome, between the overall glass-half-empty negativity to Mazz' fundamental lack of knowledge about baseball, rudamentary statistics and Sox' prospects. It's like they're trying to be pre-2004 CHB on steroids, and most of the time it's just un-listenable. I don't get why it has the audience it does -- is that what Boston sports fans want or a reflection of the competition at WEEI? Or both? Regardless, if I'm in the car commuting and looking for Sox talk, Felger and Mazz is literally the last thing I turn to among my subscribed podcasts.
 
D

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IpswichSox said:
I'm out of market, so I only listen via podcasts or (occasionally) live streaming. To me, Felger and Mazz have long since grown tiresome, between the overall glass-half-empty negativity to Mazz' fundamental lack of knowledge about baseball, rudamentary statistics and Sox' prospects. It's like they're trying to be pre-2004 CHB on steroids, and most of the time it's just un-listenable. I don't get why it has the audience it does -- is that what Boston sports fans want or a reflection of the competition at WEEI? Or both? Regardless, if I'm in the car commuting and looking for Sox talk, Felger and Mazz is literally the last thing I turn to among my subscribed podcasts.
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The reason you don't get it is because you are not the target demographic. I'm sure you're not a TLC channel watcher either. They are making a tonne of money dedicating themselves to casual people who don't pay close attention, people who hate the local teams, and frankly, idiots. Clearly those people outnumber the "wicked smaht" ones who actually tune in.

I stopped listening years ago and I don't miss it at all. That doesn't mean I'm better than those who do listen, I just have different tastes.
 
rodderick

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Felger and Mazz have done the "cough cough steroids" bit about Pedro, Brady, Ortiz and pretty much every Boston athlete to ever achieve any level of success. To expect better of them at this point is solely the fault of the listener.
 
Vinho Tinto

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rodderick said:
Felger and Mazz have done the "cough cough steroids" bit about Pedro, Brady, Ortiz and pretty much every Boston athlete to ever achieve any level of success. To expect better of them at this point is solely the fault of the listener.
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It's driven by Felger, so their throats are remarkably clear whenever they discuss the NHL. Apparently, that's the one sport you get better from consuming fried chicken and beer.
 
richgedman'sghost

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What hockey player have they accused of steroids? Honestly asking. You said that Felger and Jazz have accused "pretty much every athlete to ever acheive any level of success." Well when was the last time they accused Sydney Crosby of "being juiced"? Now granted there overall does not seem to be the level of interest in steroid use among hockey players but still Felger and Mazz seem to be noticeably silent on the topic. They have not raised the issue of Oveckzin being on steroids despite his huge scoring years.
 
Vinho Tinto

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I wouldn't even rely on scoring. All players not named Phil Kessel look like cross fit champions today in the NHL. The playoffs are two months of carnage. Isn't it just as logical that hockey players need to use some gas as baseball players?
 
burstnbloom

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NDame616 said:
Does anyone listen to The Baseball Reporters? Mazz is exponentially better there.
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Sure except when he says the Red Sox should be fine with letting Bogaerts go in a couple of years if he doesn't hit for more power. This was said when Bogaerts had just 2 home runs but a .450 slg % from SS.
 
John Marzano Olympic Hero

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YTF said:
Today's hot topic is sure to be the streak and how it's Farrell's fault that it's ended.
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Spot on. Last night Massarotti tweeted something to the effect of "JBJ's streak ended because he was moved to the leadoff spot. You don't do that during a streak."

And about 1,000 people told him that JBJ has batted in six different spots in the order during the streak. Expect more of this hard-hitting analysis today.
 
RedOctober3829

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burstnbloom said:
Sure except when he says the Red Sox should be fine with letting Bogaerts go in a couple of years if he doesn't hit for more power. This was said when Bogaerts had just 2 home runs but a .450 slg % from SS.
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He switches up his takes depending on the wind direction. Yesterday on F&M he said he'd offer Bogaerts 8 years at $25 million AAV right now to see if he'd say yes.
 
YTF

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John Marzano Olympic Hero said:
Spot on. Last night Massarotti tweeted something to the effect of "JBJ's streak ended because he was moved to the leadoff spot. You don't do that during a streak."

And about 1,000 people told him that JBJ has batted in six different spots in the order during the streak. Expect more of this hard-hitting analysis today.
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During the streak Bradley gets a hit batting 9th, 8th, 7th, 6th and 2nd. Move him to leadoff, the streak's over. SCOREBOARD. Farrell's fault. Stupid, fucking, juvenile, troll douchebaggery that's prefaced with "I'm not saying that it was a bad decision for the team."
 
John Marzano Olympic Hero

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The other thing is JBJ squared up and hit two balls on the fucking screws last night and they were caught on the warning track. It's not like he took a Golden Sombrero or anything. Even if he did, it's baseball and streaks end. That's how it goes.
 
Humphrey

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...some idiot called today and said the problem is that JBJ studies what the pitcher is throwing before he gets up there ...because he was batting first he couldn't do that.
Of course that would only affect his initial at-bat!
 
Byrdbrain

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Which was a 400 foot fly out to the right field wall.
They are really harping on it today but I doubt they even believe it, just doing it to piss off the "baseball guys".
 
NDame616

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See it's funny because Mazz has said he doesn't care for a lot of the stats in baseball like no hitters, hitting for the cycle, etc. I would think a hit streak would be the same. While these 2 are professional trolls, I really thought they would credit Farrell for putting JBJ leadoff, since Betts was out and JBJ has been our best hitter this season...Beattle and Zo had the correct hotspotstake on JBJ "I'm glad Farrell made a decision based on winning the game and not because of a stupid hitting streak"
 
NDame616

NDame616

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I'm sure today will be:

Felger: Wow, Mookie.... (CLEARS THROAT) oh I'm sorry...has been on a tear recently. Must be enjoying Tom Brady's avocado ice cream?
cackling ensues
 
Vinho Tinto

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NDame616 said:
I'm sure today will be:

Felger: Wow, Mookie.... (CLEARS THROAT) oh I'm sorry...has been on a tear recently. Must be enjoying Tom Brady's avocado ice cream?
cackling ensues
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Joe Kelly must have had a falling out with the grocer he was frequenting last August and September.
 
B

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Producer James Stewart throws out a trade proposal of Marchand for Shattenkirk (which he later said he wouldn't do but thought it was interesting):

Felger: No.
Mazz: Yeah, no way.
Felger: Marchand is five years younger. He's in his prime.
Mazz: Yeah, it's the age thing for me too.
Stewart: Shattenkirk is actually a year younger than Marchand.
Felger: Really? I thought he was older.
Mazz: Wow. Me too.

I don't blame Felgie...he just made a mistake, no big deal. But I was watching it on TV and you could tell Mazz has no idea who Kevin Shattenkirk is. If Felger had said, "I wouldn't make that trade because Shattenkirk only has one leg", Mazz would have said, "Yeah, I agree, the one leg thing bothers me too". It's fine that he doesn't know hockey, I just wish he'd stop faking it. It's embarrassing.
 
soxfan121

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BannedbyNYYFans.com said:
Producer James Stewart throws out a trade idea of Marchand for Shattenkirk (which he later said he wouldn't do but thought it was interesting):

Felger: No.
Mazz: Yeah, no way.
Felger: Marchand is five years younger. He's in his prime.
Mazz: Yeah, it's the age thing for me too.
Stewart: Shattenkirk is actually a year younger than Marchand.
Felger: Really? I thought he was older.
Mazz: Wow. Me too.

I don't blame Felgie...he just made a mistake, no big deal. But I was watching it on TV and you could tell Mazz has no idea who Kevin Shattenkirk is. If Felger had said, "I wouldn't make that trade because Shattenkirk only has one leg", Mazz would have said, "Yeah, I agree, the one leg thing bothers me too". It's fine that he doesn't know hockey, I just wish he'd stop faking it. It's embarrassing.
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More or less embarrassing than Zolak saying "he handles the bipolar thing really well" while discussing the contract extension for the Broncos (linebacker) Brandon Marshall?

For my money, there's no one with less knowledge about Boston sports than Christian Fauria. However, he is infinitely more entertaining than Mazz - at least Fauria tells some amusing stories every once and a while.

Mazz should be called as a character witness in that case about whether the parrot can testify in a murder trial.
 
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An actual back and forth from today's opening segment. I rewound the show so I could quote them verbatim.

Felger is reading an Alex Speier article about the Sox starting staff.

Felger: In a league where the average starter has a 4.44 ERA, Rick Porcello has a 3.81 mark. Ha...you need to translate this, his FIP...(Felger then spells out "F-I-P" and looks up at Mazz quizzically)
Mazz: (Shakes his head) No idea

Felger: What the Eff I Pee is that?!
Mazz: Something innings pitched.
Jim Murray: I don't know what that is either

Felger: (after calling Speier a nerd) You've got to translate that for me.
Mazz: (chuckling): I don't know what FIP is. I'm googling it now (you can see him using his keyboard).

Murray: Apparently it's Fielding Independent Pitching
Mazz: Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. I knew that. Yeah.

I know guys like Mazz don't like advanced stats, but how is it possible he had no idea what FIP is? He's beyond lazy at this point.

And before someone ask me if I'm shocked by this, yes, I am. In 2016 it almost seems difficult for a professional sports writer (who hosts a daily show called "The Baseball Reporters") not to know what FIP means. He acted as if he's never heard of it before. If he doesn't want to buy into the stat or use it, that's one thing. But to be totally unaware of it? Jesus...
 
CantKeepmedown

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Mazz thinks Red Sox fans suck. Why? Because they are just happy (for the team to be where they are) and fail to see the flaws in this team.

Felger: "If this was the Patriots, and they showed as many flaws as this Red Sox team did, we would be talking non stop about this for weeks."
 
steveluck7

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The funny thing about Felger and advanced stats is that I could see him talking himself into something like FIP when trying to discount a pitcher without even realizing it. "Yeah, so and so has good numbers but it seems like his defense is constantly bailing him out, you know? If this guy doesn't rob that home run, and that one doesn't get that ball up the middle, his numbers look way worse. I'd like to know what he looks like with an average defense"
 
tims4wins

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steveluck7 said:
The funny thing about Felger and advanced stats is that I could see him talking himself into something like FIP when trying to discount a pitcher without even realizing it. "Yeah, so and so has good numbers but it seems like his defense is constantly bailing him out, you know? If this guy doesn't rob that home run, and that one doesn't get that ball up the middle, his numbers look way worse. I'd like to know what he looks like with an average defense"
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Right, he could even use it to try to make a point on Porcello - "sure he has a 3.81 ERA, which is decent, but his FIP is a third of a run higher, the guy just isn't that good"
 
mcpickl

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steveluck7 said:
The funny thing about Felger and advanced stats is that I could see him talking himself into something like FIP when trying to discount a pitcher without even realizing it. "Yeah, so and so has good numbers but it seems like his defense is constantly bailing him out, you know? If this guy doesn't rob that home run, and that one doesn't get that ball up the middle, his numbers look way worse. I'd like to know what he looks like with an average defense"
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Felger only thinks defense exists in football. Never figures into his, cough, "analysis" of baseball, basketball or hockey players.

Apparently, the defense has to be played by completely different guys than those that play offense to exist in Felger world.
 
double4life

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I do miss Dickerson when he was paired with Felger on the original Sports Tonight shows. He wasn't afraid to challenge Felder on his bs.
 
NortheasternPJ

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Dickerson is a breath of fresh air on Felger and Mazz. He'd probably bow to Felger in times, but he seems to actually know what he's talking about and has an opinion as opposed to Mazz's "I was watching the game at a bar last night with no sound" hot takez

I've never listened to Dickerson so I don't know if he's great or terrible in general but today is working.
 
NDame616

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Loved Dickerson in what I listened to today (probably an hour total spread out throughout the show). I really haven't heard him before, but I liked what he brought
 
gmogmo

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I'm out of town, curious how Felger & Mazz played the Celtics run at Durant/interview with Wyc? Mocking the "green teamers" or giving them some credit?
 
TheRooster

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Felger was somewhat sane and balanced yesterday. Said the combo of signing Horford and being a finalist for Durant moved the needle a bit and should help in the future. Quickly remembered his real calling and belittled bringing Olynyk to the Hamptons meeting. Mazz was his usual moronic self but I've almost perfected my filter so what he said didn't sink in.
 
the1andonly3003

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TheRooster said:
Felger was somewhat sane and balanced yesterday. Said the combo of signing Horford and being a finalist for Durant moved the needle a bit and should help in the future. Quickly remembered his real calling and belittled bringing Olynyk to the Hamptons meeting. Mazz was his usual moronic self but I've almost perfected my filter so what he said didn't sink in.
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only a matter of time before they start knocking on Horford's contract...I say they turn on Horford at Thanksgiving.
 
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the1andonly3003 said:
only a matter of time before they start knocking on Horford's contract...I say they turn on Horford at Thanksgiving.
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Should've taken the under on that. I think it was Felger this afternoon saying Horford's not a max contract guy before he gave the Celtics a C minus for their offseason grade.
 
Buffalo Head

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Mazz is down on Pomeranz primarily because of his career win-loss record.

They also spent a couple minutes actually wondering if Espinoza was a Theo signing. Unless we're signing 13-year-olds, morons.
 
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