Dan On Sports

Dan Lovallo
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Sportscaster Dan Lovallo comments on the latest in sports and the sports media. www.danonsports.com

  1. 1D AGO

    A look at MLB’s western divisions

    Good morning, all! It’s hump day! As promised, I begin my look at MLB’s teams and how they will perform in the 2026 season, which launches three weeks from today. The first video examines the western division clubs in both the American and National Leagues. There is one correction I would like to make. In passing, I stated the Seattle Mariners lost to the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS in seven games. That, of course, was incorrect. The Mariners lost to the Blue Jays in seven, in what was an exciting championship series. Here are some other thoughts on the first Wednesday in March: * The NFL’s deadline to slap a franchise or transition tag on players arrived at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday and the Colts QB Daniel Jones snagged $37.83M for being listed with a transition tag. Jones becomes the first QB to receive a transition tag since Jeff George of the Falcons in 1996. * So what’s the difference between a franchise or transition tag? Glad you asked. Jones can still negotiate a contract with other teams, but the Colts get the chance to match that offer. Had Jones been franchise tagged, any team that wanted to sign him would have to give up two first-round draft picks to the Colts. * Not surprised the Cardinals parted ways with QB Kyle Murray. Could the New York Jets be in Murray’s future? * What is it with these ballplayers? Reports indicate that Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and faces an 80-game suspension. Where are the agents for these players? I know you cannot be with these guys 24/7, but it amazes me how much of this nonsense still happens. * Then there is Jurickson Profar. The Atlanta Braves outfielder is staring at a 162-game suspension for a second PED violation, according to sources. Profar missed 80 games in 2025 for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. * It just didn’t work out for New Britain, CT native Tory Verdi. The University of Pittsburgh fired their women’s basketball coach Tuesday. Verdi had landed the high-profile Pittsburgh job, after turning around the University of Massachusetts women’s hoops program. Verdi was nothing but gracious to me in the two years I broadcast the UMass women’s games. Here’s wishing him nothing but the best. * In case you are wondering, the World Baseball Classic gets underway tomorrow. Here is the schedule: Enjoy! That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. Have a wonderful Wednesday and thank you for being a subscriber! DAN This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danonsports.com/subscribe

    7 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Baseball season will be here before you know it

    Good morning, all! It’s Tuesday already! Spring training is in full swing and in 22 days, another MLB season will be upon us. My baseball preview begins this week, as I explain the video. Here are some other thoughts on the first Tuesday in March: * The World Baseball Classic gets underway this week. Count me among the supporters. The WBC has its critics, fearful that players could be hurt in this high-profile exhibition series and cost their team during the regular season. However, I am a fan of the WBC. Why? Well it brings some meaning to the exhibition season. I am old enough to remember, when even during the Grapefruit League and Cactus League games, teams played for keeps. Now, the regulars play a couple or three innings of an exhibition game and they are out of there. At least with the WBC, even though pitchers are limited to pitch counts, the games have some meaning. So I am a fan, pure and simple, and I cannot wait for the games to start. * I am sensing some movement in labor talks between the WNBA and the players association. The clock is ticking for them to get an agreement. The WNBA mentions Mar. 10 as a cutoff date, before the upcoming season could be impacted. This coming week should tell the story as to whether there will be a lockout or strike. * Has anyone checked out the Miami of Ohio men’s basketball team? Ranked number 19 in the nation, they own a 29-0 record and are 16-0 in the Mid-American Conference. Sportico just posted a graph on how the team’s attendance has grown leaps-and-bounds, as the team’s undefeated streak continues: The RedHawks host Toledo tonight. * All-you-can-eat for $29. That is the promotion the St. Louis Cardinals are running this season in an effort to boost attendance. The Cards are not the first to offer such a deal. The Arizona Diamondbacks are among the clubs that have presented all-you-can-eat promotions. Hey, if I’m a Cardinals fan, with the price of food today, I’m bringing a doggie bag to the park. * The latest AP Women’s College Basketball poll has UConn remaining at number one; unanimously, I might add. The Huskies are 31-0 and have won 47-straight, dating back to last season. Will they repeat as national champions? Nothing is for certain, but you have to like their chances. That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. Thank you for subscribing and have a terrific Tuesday! DAN This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danonsports.com/subscribe

    4 min
  3. FCC wants to hear from sports consumers

    6D AGO

    FCC wants to hear from sports consumers

    Good morning, all and happy Friday! Do you watch sports? If you read this newsletter you do. Are you upset with how sports content is being fragmented onto one app after another? The FCC wants your input. I break it down in the video commentary. Here are some other thoughts on the last Friday in February: * New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, who missed half of last season with aching elbows, acknowledges he is still in pain. He says he has severe pain opening a bag of potato chips. Wrote one person on X: He needs to switch to Pringles! Ouch! * It will be a shocker if the Chicago Bears do not move to Indiana. The Indiana senate approved the state House of Representative plan to help finance a new domed stadium for the Bears in the northwest corner of Indiana. The bill was approved by a 45-4 vote on Thursday with bipartisan support and came just days after the House voted 95-4 to approve financing. Gov. Mike Braun did not waste any time signing the bill into law, while quickly reminding neighboring Illinois residents, “They (the Bears) came to us. We didn’t try to lure them.” The Bears are done in Chicago and somewhere Mayor Richard Daley is rolling over in his grave. * That was some hurting the UConn men’s basketball team put on St. John’s Wednesday night. The final was 72-40. The same two schools are poised to meet in the Big East tournament in a couple of weeks. My hunch is UConn will repeat its performance. Yes, the Red Storm defeated the Huskies at the Garden in their first meeting, but UConn more than made up for it in downtown Hartford. This is a different team than the one, which lost to St. John’s in New York, by evidence of Wednesday night’s dominant performance. * All the media pundits are making a big deal out of NBC’s supposed revamp of “Football Night in America.” Apparently Tony Dungy is among those on the way out. All things change, especially in the broadcast world. When the suits say there will be changes, take it from me, there will be changes, no matter how popular a program may be. * I am old enough to remember any story out of spring training was welcome news this time of year, With today’s technology and the dominance of social media, stories out of spring training are more than one could have ever imagined back in the day. Now the most obscure baseball minutiae is treated like headline news. Spring training games are covered like they are the seventh game of the World Series. All of this is done in an effort to generate clicks. We live in a different world. And on that note, that is going to do it for today’s newsletter. Remember to contact the FCC, if you are so inclined. Here is the link. Have a fantastic Friday! DAN This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danonsports.com/subscribe

    12 min

  4. FEB 23

    A game befitting its status

    Good morning, all! Happy Monday, although for those in the northeast, a good old fashioned blizzard is making it happy for some, unhappy for others! It is not often a game lives up to its billing. That was not the case on Sunday, as the USA men’s hockey team defeated Canada in sudden death, 2-1, to capture Olympic gold. I offer my thoughts in the video. Some other thoughts, crossing my mind on a snowy Monday: * That did not take long. Within minutes of the USA’s hockey victory, MLB had sent out a social media post, showing Jack Hughes at a New York Yankees game in 2019: I’m thinking, that might have been the last time the Yankees defeated the Blue Jays. * Your final medal count for the Winter Olympics: * Good for Jacob Bridgeman to hold on and win the Genesis Invitational. He entered the final round with a six-stroke lead but had to scramble to win by a stroke for his first PGA Tour victory. Only 26 and out of Clemson, Bridgeman could be poised to make a big run. Mark down his name. You have not heard the last of Jacob Bridgeman. That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. Thank you for being a subscriber and enjoy your Monday! DAN This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danonsports.com/subscribe

    4 min

  5. FEB 22

    Remembering Bill Mazeroski

    Good morning, all! Happy Sunday! As the eastern seaboard of the USA hunkers down for a winter storm, that could be “historical” in its impact, I remember Bill Mazeroski in today’s commentary. The Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame second baseman died on Friday at the age of 89. Here are some other thoughts on the last Sunday in February: * Just think, in four months it will be summer and you won’t be worrying about a blizzard. Your biggest concern will be why your favorite baseball team cannot protect a lead, entering the ninth inning. * Speaking of that storm, meteorologist Brad Field does a deep dive into what is unfolding in the latest Brad Field Weather podcast, which I have the privilege of co-hosting: * Did Arte Moreno, the owner of the Los Angeles Angels, say the quiet part out loud? In an interview late last week, Moreno said the fans were more concerned about having a good experience at the ballpark, when watching the Angels play at home, than whether the Angels won. He wondered aloud whether plunking down $20M for a player would make a difference on the roster. Read between the lines and you get the idea Moreno will be among the owners pushing for a salary cap. * Write down another MLB pitcher sidelined with an injury. The Twins scratched Joe Ryan from his exhibition game start with a back injury on Saturday. The move also places in question whether he can play in the WBC. * Is this a sign to come for the New York Yankees in 2026? Portions of George M. Streinbrenner Field had to be cordoned off for Saturday’s game between the Yankees and the Tigers thanks to a sewage leak. The leak even infiltrated the Yankees clubhouse. “It’s not great. It’s all over the place,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. Imagine! Just imagine! What would have happened if this occurred and George Steinbrenner was still around? * Might be a good idea if Jazz stays healthy for an entire season and puts up some numbers, before talking about a $35M per year contract. Just sayin.’ * Expect plenty of football news this week, as the combine gets underway in Indianapolis. * Big win for the UConn men’s basketball team over Villanova Saturday. The Huskies won, 73-63. That sets up the huge Big East rematch against St. John’s in downtown Hartford on Wednesday. That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. As always, thank you for subscribing and for those in the line of the storm, stay safe. This has all the earmarks of being a doozy. DAN This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danonsports.com/subscribe

    4 min
  6. Meyer is no pushover

    FEB 21

    Meyer is no pushover

    Good morning, all! I hope your weekend is off to a terrific start! The MLBPA now has a new executive director, following the ouster of Tony Clark. As I explain in the video and podcast, however, anyone who thinks Bruce Meyer is a pushover is in for a rude awakening. Here are some other thoughts on the second-to-last Saturday in February: * Turns out the Daytona 500 on Sunday was the highest rated on FOX since 2023. The race garnered a 3.8 rating, averaging 7.49M viewers. Tyler Reddick won the race and the audience peaked at 9.15M in the 5:15 PM quarter-hour. * Set your clocks. Sunday morning 8 ET, it will be the USA vs. Canada for the gold in the Olympics hockey final. Must see TV. * Several stories indicate that Travis Kelce, a free agent, will return to the Chiefs for a 14th year next season. * That UConn-Villanova men’s college basketball game this afternoon at 5:30 ought to be a doozy. Just sayin.’ * The NY Post is reporting MLB owners have set aside $2B in their war chest in preparation for a work stoppage, when the current agreement with MLBPA expires on Dec. 1. * Scottie Scheffler needed to drain a 7-foot putt to make the cut at the Genesis Invitational on Friday and he did to keep his streak alive. Scheffler has not missed a cut in 3 1/2 years. * 48-year-old Floyd Mayweather says he is coming out of retirement to box. Mayweather, who owns a 50-0 record, will return as a professional after fighting Mike Tyson in an exhibition bout this spring. There are rumors Mayweather is making a comeback to help offset financial troubles. That is going to do it for this morning’s newsletter. Thank you so much for being a subscriber and have a satisfying Saturday! DAN This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danonsports.com/subscribe

    11 min
  7. MLBPA thrown a curveball

    FEB 18

    MLBPA thrown a curveball

    Good morning, all! It’s hump day!!!!! Well not many people saw that coming, did they? Tony Clark, the executive director of the MLBPA, stepped down from that post on Tuesday. I address the issue in the commentary. Since I recorded the piece, there have been further developments. Reports are Clark left his post because of an “inappropriate relationship” with his sister-in-law, who works for the association. The Athletic is reporting the association’s eight-player executive subcommittee asked for Clark’s resignation, after an “internal inquiry” uncovered the relationship. Adding to the intrigue, the MLBPA executive board met late Tuesday afternoon and did not select an interim successor. It was believed deputy executive director Bruce Meyer would be a lock to land the job, even if an interim tag was attached, but the players decided not to “rush” into a decision. Spring training is only eight days old and already the 2026 baseball season is off to an intriguing start. Here are some other thoughts on a Wednesday in February: * What is going on here? You have got owners and executives of NBA teams saying they have no problem with their teams not putting forth their best to win games so they can get a better draft choice? Disgusting isn’t a strong enough word to describe such comments. Yet Mark Cuban, who owns a minority stake in the Dallas Mavericks, wrote in a social media post that the “NBA should embrace tanking.” Then you have the president of the Indiana Pacers basketball operations, Kevin Pritchard, boasting about a poll showing Pacers fans want their team to tank to get a better draft choice. Give me a break. I don’t care how solid the television ratings were for the NBA All-Star game (I was not among those who watched), any league that has owners and executives defending a team doing its best not to win games is twisted! Period! * Another day, another pitcher out with a UCL. Minnesota Twins all-star pitcher Pablo Lopez will miss the season because of a partially torn UCL. * R.I.P. Doug Moe. When professional basketball was played with integrity, Moe was the coach of the Denver Nuggets of the ABA and later made the transition to the NBA. His rumpled look on the sideline belied a fierce competitor. I will guarantee you he never tanked. Moe also coached the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers. Moe died Tuesday, following a long bout with cancer. He was 87. * The window has opened for NFL teams to tag franchise players. The window closes at 4 p.m. ET March 3. There are three tags teams can use: Non-exclusive franchise tag, exclusive franchise tag and transition tag. Look for more players to be tagged as we get closer to the deadline. That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. Thank you for being a subscriber and have a wonderful Wednesday! DAN This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danonsports.com/subscribe

    6 min

  8. FEB 17

    No more strikes in the strike zone

    Good morning, all! Happy Tuesday! MLB adopts the Automated Ball & Strike system (ABS), beginning this season, and it will impact how you watch a baseball game. I break it down in the commentary (above). Here are some other thoughts on a Tuesday in February: * All day long, the New York Yankees were promoting the fact manager Aaron Boone and captain Aaron Judge would appear at a news conference, following the Yankees practice and you could follow it all on the Yankees YES (Gotham Sports) app. Perhaps they wish they hadn’t made such a big deal, because Judge’s comments certainly stirred up a hornet’s nest. When Judge was asked about the Yankees off season, he did not hold back: * With the labor situation between the WNBA and its players association at a standstill, former UConn WBB star Breanna Stewart has signed a deal to play in Turkey. The two-time WNBA MVP intends to play in the league in April. The WNBA is slated to begin its season on May 8; that is if they can strike a deal with the players association. * The New York Mets have signed Mike Tauchman to a minor league deal. Tauchman came up through the Colorado Rockies system and played for the New Britain Rock Cats in 2015. I can say, having watched him while broadcasting Rock Cats games, he was the hardest working player I have ever seen. He was always working to get better, always willing to take advice. Yankees fans may recall that Tauchman played for them with considerable success. He is a positive addition to any team. * The empty seats at the UConn men’s basketball game against Georgetown at Gampel Pavillion on Saturday certainly caught the attention of UConn coach Dan Hurley: We’ve given our fans two national championships out of the last three years. We’re 24-2. We’ve been ranked at the top of the rankings the whole year. We’re the basketball capital of the world. There shouldn’t be criticisms of the crowds at our games. -Dan Hurley * By “criticisms,” Hurley was alluding to a comment made by Georgetown coach Ed Cooley, during the postgame handshakes, when Cooley mentioned to Hurley how he was surprised at the number of empty seats. There were just a lot of empty seats. The section behind our basket was empty. It should be a madhouse when we play. We need our fans in the games from the tip, when we’re playing defense, to get loud and obviously when we score or hit a three or dunk the ball it’s pretty easy…Fans can criticize me all you want. I’ve got some f—-ing equity.” Dan Hurley * It will be interesting to see how big the crowd at PeoplesBank Arena will be for the Feb. 25 rematch between UConn and St. John’s. The first matchup, won by the Red Storm, 68-62, was a sellout at Madison Square Garden. I am predicting the game will be a sellout too. If you are a UConn fan and have passion, the sight of St. John’s coach Rick Pitino walking off the MSG floor with a wide smile, right fist pumping in the air, should be enough inspiration to put fannies in the seats in downtown Hartford. That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. Thank you for subscribing and have a terrific Tuesday! DAN This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danonsports.com/subscribe

    5 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Sportscaster Dan Lovallo comments on the latest in sports and the sports media. www.danonsports.com

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Lovallo
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    252
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dan Lovallo
  • Show Website
    Dan On Sports