The Q and A Podcast 074

On today's episode, Anthony and DeQuiency break down the "SummerSlam" card and make some predictions sure to go wrong.

The Q and A Podcast 073

On today's episode, Anthony and DeQuiency come not to praise, but to bury The Simpsons.The guys pick out the episode that jumped the shark and if the show has any chance of making a come-back.

Two Bros Play: Rap Battle

On today's episode, DeQuiency and Daniel break down the Drake/Meek Mill rap beef. The bros also pick the (obvious) winner while wondering if there is anything the (obvious) loser can do to salvage his career. 

The Q and A Podcast 072

On today's episode, Anthony and DeQuiency discuss the MLB trade deadline by breaking down trades and picking the teams that help themselves the most heading into the second half.

The Q and A Podcast 071

It's been a long time, but we are back! On today's podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony talk about Anthony's recent trip to California, Royals' fans stuffing the ballot for the All-Star Game, and the on-going Astros/Cardinals hacking scandal. 

The Q and A Podcast 070

On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony discuss their favorite comic book themed television shows including Daredevil and The Flash. Afterwards, the guys talk about Avengers: Age of Ultron and try to guess the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Quin Talk 01

On today's debut podcast, DeQuiency discuss last night NBA Playoff games. Quin talks about Rajon Rando screwing himself out of millions, the bandwagon fan that is Drake, and why the Clippers' cockiness in Game 1 might cost them the series against the Spurs.

The Q and A Podcast 069

On Thursday's episode of The Q and A Podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony talk about WWE's upcoming Extreme Rules pay-per-view.The guys discuss AJ Lee's retirement, Naomi's lackluster finisher, and explain the concept of a Russian Chain Match.

The Q and A Podcast 068

On Tuesday's episode of The Q and A Podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony discuss the early season surprises and disappointments of the AL West leading Houston Astros.

The Q and A Podcast 067

On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony talk about MLB Opening Day and give you the audience a sneak peak of what it's like to actually work a MLB game.

The Q and A Podcast 066

Welcome to Part 7 of our 2015 MLB Preview Series. On today's podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony discuss all the off-season moves the Astros made and what kind of impact they will have on the season. Afterwards, the guys predict AL/NL award winners, division winners, and pick who's going to win the World Series.

The Q and A Podcast 065

Welcome to Part 6 of our 2015 MLB Preview Series on the AL West. On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony talk about the 3-team race between the Angels, A's, and Mariners and throw in the towel on the Rangers' season.

The Q and A Podcast 064

Welcome to Part 5 of our 2015 MLB Preview Series on the AL Central. On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony discuss the White Sox's additions, the possibility of a Indians title run, and the regression coming for the Royals and Tigers.

The Q and A Podcast 063

Welcome to Part 4 of our 2015 MLB Preview Series on the AL East. On today's podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony discuss the Pablo Sandoval's weight, try to find trade options for the Red Sox and Orioles and bury the Yankees once again.

The Q and A Podcast 062

On today's podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony take a break from MLB and discuss the matches and story lines for WrestleMania 31. 

The Q and A Podcast 061

Welcome to Part 3 of our 2015 MLB Preview featuring the NL West. DeQuiency and Anthony discuss the front office shenanigans of the Diamondbacks, the health and pitching issues of the Rockies and rehash the incredible roster turnover of the Padres. 

The Q and A Podcast 060

Welcome to Part Two of our 2015 MLB Preview Series on the NL Central. On today's podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony argue over  Kris Bryant's service time issues, try to figure out what's going on with the Reds and Brewers and finally marvel at the Spurs-like run of the St. Louis Cardinals. 

The Q and A Podcast 059

It's that time again! Welcome to Part One of  TwoEightyEight's 2015 MLB Preview Podcast, beginning with the NL East. DeQuiency and Anthony talk about Washington's attempt to buy a ring, Matt Harvey's return to excellence, and the misery in Philadelphia. 

Two Bros Play...Basketball Podcast

Welcome to the debut episode of the Two Bros Play podcast. On today's episode, lifelong brothers DeQuiency and Daniel discuss the NBA. The guys run down their MVP list, the playoff races, and pick the two teams that will make it to the Finals.

The Q and A Podcast 058

On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony finally break out their Movie Draft. The question is, which theater would you rather go?

The Q and A Podcast 057

On today's podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony discuss the crazy first week of NFL Free Agency. The guys cover (almost) everything, from insane signings to out of left field trades and even a few retirements. 

The Q and A Podcast 056

On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony discuss the Texans' decision to cut ties with Andre Johnson, what Johnson's future is in the league and what the Texans will do without their long time franchise wide receiver.

  

The Q and A Podcast 055

On today's episode DeQuiency and Anthony break out the Curtis Blow and start talking a little basketball. The guys discuss Derrick Rose's latest injury, KG's return to Minnesota, grade Dallas' trade for Rajon Rondo, and why LeBron James really doesn't have a shot at the MVP.

If I Ruled The (Baseball) World

Courtesy of USAToday.com

Meet Robert Manfred, the new commissioner of baseball. If you're like me, you know nothing about him except that he doesn't like shifts. Or maybe he does. Who knows. What I do know is that having a new boss in charge gets me to thinking: If I was commissioner, what moves would I make?

Free Pete Rose: It's time. Rose has been banished for 25 years and counting for gambling on baseball. He's apologized for his mistakes and let's not forget he always bet on the Reds. That's the kind of manager I would love for my. favorite team. A guy willing to lay his own money on his team to win. Also, Rose is 73 years old; I would prefer that he makes it into the Hall of Fame while his still alive.

Talk to Arte Moreno: "Look you can either be the Los Angeles Angels or the Anaheim Angels-hell I'll even accept California Angels-but for the love of God, this Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim crap has to end!"

Instant Replay: The current system is a joke. First, I would expand replay to include any play except for balls and strike. It's 2015 and we have cameras in every ballpark covering every angle. There is no reason for a team to lose a game because of a trapped catch or a umpire blowing a call at first. Secondly, let's speed up the process. Instead of having the crew chief come off the field and meeting up with a odd little man with the headphones in his satchel, we will add a fifth ump to the crew. One that just sits in the control room in the bowels of the stadium and watches the game on 5-6 televisions. If either team wants to challenge a play on the field, the crew chief and the replay ump can radio back and forth, get the call right faster, and continue on with our lives.  

Fix the Designated Hitter: Some baseball purists detest the designated hitter because it takes away from the strategy of the game and eliminates the double-switch. Other viewers enjoy the boon in offense that comes from the position. Personally, I would be fine with either; I just think it's ridiculous that a professional sports league has different rules for its divisions. Imagine if the NBA rules dictated that the Eastern Conference games were played without a three-point line. Or if the AFC played with smaller, lighter footballs than the NFC so it was easier to catch and harder to fumble. Wait....

Since there is no way the MLB players union will ever approve of the abolishment of a very lucrative monetary position, I would introduce the designated hitter to the National League.

Introduce the 3B Rule: This one is extremely personal as last year I was forced to watch game after game of Bo Porter switching relievers like he was speed dating. My rule would mandate that relief pitchers have to pitch to at least 3 batters before being able to be pulled. Honestly, if you can't handle pitching to 3 straight hitters, you probably shouldn't be in the majors.

Jersey Advertisements: Before you throw your phone across the room, let me explain. The ads would be small, on the sleeves or on the pant leg. Sponsors would pay big bucks in order to have a visible endorsement for the entire game And when companies pay for full-time advertisement, they no longer have a need to pay for commercial ads. Fewer commercials means less wasted time in between innings which also mean we just sped up the game.

All-Star Week: I'm not just changing the game, I'm changing the entire event. First off, we're expanding from three days to five and taking over from Tuesday to Saturday (using Monday and Sunday as travel days).

Day 1: ???
Day 2: Celebrity Game and Future Game
Day 3: ???
Day 4: Home Run Derby
Day 5: All-Star Game

On day 1, we're ripping a page from the NBA and introducing the Gatorade All-American Game, where MLB will invite the top college players from around the nation to compete in a round-robin tournament. Not only will the game be a perfect scouting opportunity, the tournament will be a great showcase of the future wave of talent.

Day 3 involves my favorite idea of all: the MLB Skills Competition. Who's the fastest from home to first? Which pitcher is the most accurate? Who is the best outfielder at robbing home runs at the wall? Which right fielder has the strongest and most accurate cannon to third base? Winners will get bragging rights and a sweet championship belt which they have to defend the next year. Lose and you have to hand your belt over to the new champ. Hopefully sobbing uncontrollably.

Well those were my plays to change up the game. Do you have any more ideas? Well leave them in the comments section below and together we can make baseball better.

The Q and A Podcast 054

Hope you took the time to freshen up your drinks because the drunks are back. First DeQuiency and Anthony try to gamble on the Oscars, then the guys try to pick out comics for Anthony's pull box at Bedrock Comics. Finally, the boys talk a little fantasy baseball attempt to make a trade on the podcast.

The Q and A Podcast 053

On today's podcast, we're bottle popping. DeQuiency and Anthony start off with the upcoming Mayweather/Pacquiao match and what happened to make boxing a dying sport. Afterwards, after weeks of promises, the guys finally talk about NBA Trade Deadline, name their top 5 players right now, and DeQuiency rants about Kevin Durant.

The Q and A Podcast 052

On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony discuss the worst named Pay-Per-View ever, WWE's Fastlane. The guys break down each match (there's only 5 so not that impressive), DeQuiency rants about the way management treats the Divas, and why not having Sting/Undertaker face off at WrestleMania is a great thing. 

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The Q and A Podcast 051

On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony do a little Grammy talk which is surprising since neither really watched it. After all that, the guys talk about James Shields signing with the Padres and if the off-season moves will make the team one of the best in the National League.

The Q and A Podcast 050

On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony celebrate their 50th podcast. The guys talk a little Super Bowl and wrestling, then give the fans a behind-the-scene look at their influences and writing process.

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The Q and A Podcast 049

On tonight's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony gear up for the Super Bowl. The guys start by discussing the controversies surrounding the game, then talk about the game itself by picking more ridiculous wagers and finally pick the winner and Super Bowl MVP.

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The Q and A Podcast 048

On today's podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony reminisce over the 2014-15 NFL season. The guys go over their win total over/unders, award winner predictions, disappointing teams and much more.

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The Q and A Podcast 047

On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony discuss the the first WWE pay-per-view of the new year, the Royal Rumble. A little good but a lot of bad.

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The Q and A Podcast 046

On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony are all about the WWE's Royal Rumble as they pick out winners, dark horse challengers, and try to guess a few surprise participants. Also they complain about Monday Night Raw again. Shocker.

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The Q and A Podcast 045

On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony talk all things Astros including the Dexter Fowler trade and the signing of Colby Rasmus. Afterwards, the boys jump into the biggest signing of the off-season: Max Scherzer to the Nationals.

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Wheeling and Dealing: Astros trade Fowler

Courtesy of CBSSports.com

Houston Astros continue making moves
On Monday morning, the Houston Astros announced the trade of center fielder Dexter Fowler to the Chicago Cubs. In exchange, the Astros receive third baseman Luis Valbuena and starting pitcher Dan Straily.

One and done for Fowler

With an outfield group that has since increased over the off-season (see: Quick hit: Evan Gattis trade) and a near certain free-agent exodus following the 2015 season, Fowler quickly became an expendable trade piece. Fowler, who was acquired prior to the 2014 season in trade with the Colorado Rockies, never lived up to the light-to-moderate power or penchant to rack up triples as he had in years prior, due to a back injury that cost him over a month of playing time. His less than stellar defense also made it easier for the club to part ways, as they have Jake Marisnick and George Springer (originally drafted as a CF) who can manage center field. Finally, it was reported that he was seeking $10 million dollars in arbitration, which would have been a questionable increase given his sub-par 2014 season, potential for injury, and defensive miscues. Although the rest of the outfielders do not collectively scream out Gold Glove group, the remaining salaries among this group do not come close to Fowler's impending 2015 salary, much less his 2014 salary either, and money certainly talked in this deal.

A look at the newest Astros
This offseason, the Astros set out to make improvements to nearly every area of the roster. We have seen improvements to the bullpen, at the shortstop position, and in the power department. With this trade, the Astros add depth at third base in Valbuena, and bring in another starting pitcher in Straily.

Valbuena can play both third base and second base. With second base locked up by a certain 5'5 hitting machine, it is clear that Valbuena will continue to see the majority of his playing time at third base. The acquisition of Valbuena also shows that the Astros are nearing a breaking point with current third baseman Matt Dominguez (a guy whom I have supported on at least one episode of the Q&A podcast), who has frustrated everyone with two seasons of inconsistency at the plate and below average defense. Last season Valbuena matched Dominguez in homeruns in fewer games played. He also produced higher totals in doubles, walks, batting average, OPS, and OPS+ over Dominguez. Defensively, Valbuena was only marginally better than Dominguez based on errors committed, though Valbuena's nine errors were committed in nearly 100 fewer chances at third base (my loyalty to Dominguez at third base apparently knows no bounds...must remain impartial). Clearly, Luis Valbuena will be brought in to compete with Dominguez for the starting job at third base while the team allows Colin Moran to continue to develop in the minors.

Straily is a 25 year old starting pitcher who has pitched only one full season (2013 Oakland Athletics). The right-handed starter was traded from Oakland to Chicago last season as a part of the Jeff Samardzija deal. As a member of the Oakland Athletics Straily fared well inside Minute Maid Park. Though he only has two career starts inside the ol' Juice Box, Straily has 18 strikeouts and 5 earned runs allowed in a total of 13 innings. While that is a very small sample compared to the rest of career outside of Minute Maid Park, Straily has shown some strikeout potential at his new home ballpark. However, being shipped to and from the minor leagues is something that he has had to deal with over the past two years, so he has yet to string along consecutive successful seasons. Hopefully he will get a chance to somewhere to pitch a full season and let the strikeouts pile up.

Final Take
The Astros set out improve multiple spots on the roster this offseason. We have seen improvements to the bullpen, at shortstop, and in the power department. The remaining targets for the team were adding depth at third base and adding another starting pitcher. While this is by no means a sexy move, the Astros accomplished both tasks with this deal. Valbuena and Straily should make decent additions to the roster, though not enough to hang your hats onto a playoff run. Plus we saved roughly five million dollars, so there's that.          

The Q and A Podcast 044

On today's episode, the guys discuss the weekend's NFC and AFC title games and pick winners (Upset alert!). After that, Anthony takes some time to say how he really feels about the Evan Gattis trade.

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Quick Hit: Evan Gattis Trade

Courtesy of USAToday.com 

So what happened?
On Wednesday, the Houston Astros traded pitchers Mike Foltynewicz and Andrew Thurman, plus 3B Rio Ruiz to the Atlanta Braves for C/OF Evan Gattis and righty James Hoyt.

Awww I like Folty!
Join the club. Of all the pieces heading to the ALT, Foltynewicz, 23, is by far the biggest name. He has one of the best fastballs in the game, functional breaking pitches, and a decent change-up, just doesn't have the command to control them. Which isn't a surprise because if he did, he would still be an Astro and borderline untouchable. Folty's only 23, so there is a chance he'll refine his command and be a number 2 or 3 starter; there is also a chance he makes it as a dominant reliever a la Craig Kimbrel.

And Ruiz?

At 20, Ruiz has developed into a patient hitter, ranking among the top 10 percent in walk rate in the minors. but he does have a few flaws. First, he's a below average defender at third thanks to sloppy footwork and lack of speed. Secondly, Ruiz seems to only have, at best, average power. He spent the last 2 years hitting in two of the best hitting parks in the minors and hit 23 home runs. Total. If Ruiz is lucky, he'll finds some pop down the road and becomes the next Matt Carpenter. At worse, he never fills out, movers to first base, and becomes James Loney.

What about Thurman?
Both Thurman and James Hoyt are in the same boat: prospect lottery tickets most likely to be bullpen fodder. Let's move on before this post hits 1,000 words.

So let's talk about Gattis...

Sure. In two years in the majors, Gattis has shown big-time pop, bad on-base skills and even worse defense. He's best suited as a DH/IB but he is block at both positions by a freshly paid Carter and a still maturing Singleton, so mostly likely he will be lumbering out in left field misplaying fly balls. Sigh. Gattis' best position is at the plate and with the Crawford Boxes in his sites, 30+ home runs should be a given. Also, health is a question mark; Gattis has yet to play more than 110 games in a season due to back and knee injuries.

So here's the real question- Who is more likely to drive you insane in mid-July: Evan Gattis or Chris Carter?
Gattis by far. At least Carter will walk; Gattis seems to just strike out until he lucks into homers.

So do you like the trade?
This trade reminds me of a break-up in the sense that I can understand it even if I don't like it. Power is at a premium in this non-PED era, so it makes sense that teams have to play a little more to get it.

I've noticed that other Astros' fans have been ripping this trade, but can we please take off the rose-colored prospect glasses?  Thurman might make it as a fourth or fifth starter with his skill set. Ruiz became expendable the minute the Astros traded for Colin Moran last year. The real loss is Foltynewicz, who has the pitches to be a front-line starter, but his command might keep him as bullpen arm. And if that's the case, I would rather have a position player that affects 150+ games than a reliever who may get into 70. Understand that I am not 100% in favor of this trade; I just want to give it 50 games before I grade it to a failure.

Last thought: If I were to guess, I would say that this trade is just the beginning. With Gattis on board, I sincerely hope Dexter Fowler and/or Jason Castro are renting this season. 

The Q and A Podcast 043

On today's podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony talk about their growing disappointment in the WWE, "Macho Man" Randy Savage's induction into the Hall of Fame, and what their gimmicks would be if they were professional wrestlers. After all the wrasslin' talk, the guys nerd out and discuss the latest Avengers 2 trailer and their favorite comics.

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The Q and A Podcast 042

 On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony wrap up the NFL games from last week's Wild Card slate. Afterwards, the guys discuss this weekend's games and pick winners and one of our hosts goes off the board with his picks.

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The Q and A Podcast 041

On today's episode, it's all about the Baseball Hall of Fame results. Anthony and DeQuiency discuss the new inductees, their best guess for future candidates, and hand out their own HOF ballets. Also we have multiple rants from DeQuiency for your enjoyment.

Afterwards, the guys take some time to reflect on the life and career of the late Stuart Scott.

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The Q and A Podcast 040

On today's podcast, Anthony and DeQuiency get ready for the Wild Card Weekend by discussing the 4 NFL games and pick winners. Afterwards, the guys talk about the disappointment of their fantasy football teams.

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