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Jim Callis Talks Steelers, World Series, Andrew Painter's Return, Arizona Fall League

MLB Pipeline reporter and prospect analyst Jim Callis returns to the Jack Vita Show to discuss a mix of football and baseball on this fine Tuesday. NFL season is in full-swing, the World Series stage is set, and the Arizona Fall League enters its third week of play. Jim is here to break it all down!
First, Jim and Jack chat about their Pittsburgh Steelers. Just days ago, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made a bold decision to bench quarterback Justin Fields in favor of veteran Russell Wilson, despite his team opening the season with a 4-2 record with Fields behind center. The move was met with much criticism, as Wilson was booed Sunday by Pittsburgh fans at Acrisure Stadium. Wilson, however, turned in a successful outing, passing for 264 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, taking just one sack, as the Steelers hung a season-high 37 points in a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets. What do Jack and Jim make of all of this, and what was their reaction to Tomlin's decision? (0:00 - 14:00).
Then, Jim and Jack pivot to baseball. The World Series stage is set, with Aaron Judge's New York Yankees taking on Shohei Ohtani's Los Angeles Dodgers. The matchup should make for one of the most star-studded Fall Classics in recent memory. Jack and Jim recap the ALCS and NLCS, and preview a World Series, featuring two historic franchises, that should certainly deliver in the ratings department (14:00 - 23:50).
Later, Jack and Jim get you caught up on the later from the Arizona Fall League. The AFL is a developmental league for some of baseball's best minor league prospects, which runs for six weeks each fall (23:50 - END).
The biggest headline from this year's AFL season thus far is without a doubt the return of top Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Andrew Painter. Painter tore his UCL in early 2023, needing Tommy John surgery. The hard-throwing righty hadn't pitched in a game since 2022, prior to his start ten days ago in Scottsdale. Painter made his second start last Friday, mixing in more pitches from his pitch arsenal. Jim and Jack discuss Painter's return, his recovery, his timeline and how he's looked thus far. They also highlight other prospects that have impressed through the first third of the AFL season, and discuss why they love the Fall League so much!

Mario Lanza on Where the Seattle Mariners Went Wrong, Why Pitching is So Dominant in 2024

With one week remaining in the 2024 MLB regular season, the Seattle Sports Guy and creator of The Funny 115, Mario Lanza, returns to the Jack Vita Show to discuss the Seattle Mariners' season and the latest trends within the game of baseball. Mario and Jack also take a broader look at the sport, from a national perspective.
Mario is one the most knowledgeable Seattle sports fans on the planet. Each year, Mario leaves us a voice message, providing a detailed outlook for the coming Mariners' season, in our AL West Preview show. And each year, Mario has a generally positive outlook entering the season. He's remained quite patient and rational, even while the M's have just barely missed the postseason two of the last three seasons. It appears Mario's patience has run out, however. Find out why this is one of Mario's least favorite Mariners teams of his lifetime.
Sunday, the Mariners held a four-run lead over the Texas Rangers entering the bottom of the sixth inning. The M's blew a 4-0 lead, falling to the Rangers 6-5, and squandering an opportunity to move up in the American League Wild Card standings. Both teams in front of the M's in the AL Wild Card standings — the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins — lost on Sunday. With six games left, Seattle is two games back of the Royals for the final AL Wild Card spot. The Mariners are still very much alive, but they have their work cut out for them this week.
Three teams from the AL Central sit in front of the Mariners in the Wild Card standings, and all three of them can thank the Chicago White Sox for part of their success this season. Both the Royals and Twins are 12-1 versus the lowly South Siders in 2024, and the Tigers are 9-1, with one series remaining before season's end. Meanwhile, the White Sox (36-120) are on the cusp of putting together the worst regular season record in MLB history. Mario and Jack talk about the 2024 White Sox. Have either of them scene a worse Major League team before?
Later, Mario and Jack discuss how dominant pitching has become in Major League Baseball and the remarkable seasons Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are enjoying. Mario and Jack discuss the state of baseball in 2024, thoughts on the 2024 season, baseball fights, and so much more along the way!
You can follow Mario on Twitter, @MarioJLanza. He hosts two podcasts: Survivor Historians and Staff Picks. He wrote a book on the first three seasons of CBS' hit reality competition show Survivor called "When it was Worth Playing For". You can find all his work at Funny115.com.

2024 AL Central Preview with Dan O'Dowd

In March 2024, Jack taped a 2024 AL Central Preview with MLB Network analyst and former Colorado Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd. Dan and Jack previewed the division, providing projected win totals for the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers. With less than three weeks remaining in the regular season, the division is still up for grabs. The Royals are just 3.5 games back of the Guardians, who lead the division, with the Twins 6 GB and fighting for a Wild Card berth. The AL Central could produce three playoff teams. How are Jack and Dan's predictions looking? Tune in to find out!

Why Washington Nationals Phenom Dj Herz was "Surprised and Confused" When Chicago Cubs Traded Him

Hot off an impressive showing in the Arizona Fall League, Washington Nationals pitching prospect Dj Herz visits the Jack Vita Show for a lively conversation about life in the minor leagues, his time in the Arizona Fall League, how he felt when he got traded by the Chicago Cubs, his love for fishing, his Christian faith, and much more!
The Cubs selected Herz out of Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina in the eighth round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Herz wasted no time, finding immediate success while pitching in the Cubs' farm system. In his first full professional season, Herz posted a 3.31 ERA across 20 starts between High-A South Bend and Low-A Myrtle Beach. He was named the Cubs' Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
Herz spent the 2023 season pitching at Double-A Tennessee. In the late summer, he was anticipating a promotion to Triple-A Iowa. When his phone rang on the day of the trade deadline, he had just awoken from a nap, and he thought his time had come. He was blindsided when he was informed that he had been traded along with shortstop prospect Kevin Made to the Washington Nationals, in exchange for third baseman Jeimer Candelario.
Herz pitched the remainder of the season for the Nationals' Double-A affiliate, Harrisburg, where he logged a 2.55 ERA over eight starts. Upon the conclusion of the minor league season, Herz received the opportunity to pitch in the Arizona Fall League for the Scottsdale Scorpions. Herz made five starts in the AFL, posting a 3.71 ERA while competing amongst some of baseball's best prospects. He was named a Fall Star, appearing in the Arizona Fall Stars Game.
Herz just turned 23 and is set to report to spring training in a matter of weeks. He hopes that 2024 is the year that he makes his big league debut. He is the no. 16 prospect in the Nationals' farm system, per MLB Pipeline.
Herz chats with Jack about his time pitching in the Fall League and living in Arizona. How did he enjoy the AFL and playing with and against prospects from other teams? Who did he become close with?
Herz reflects on his time in the Cubs organization. He discusses which prospects in the Cubs' farm system he was most impressed by, and which ones he has the highest hopes for, when they enter the big leagues.
Herz is a close friend of Jackson Ferris. Ferris was also a top pitching prospect in the Cubs' farm system, who recently was surprisingly traded. Herz discusses what wisdom and advice he shared with Ferris, after Ferris was dealt two weeks ago along with Zyhir Hope to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Michael Busch and Yency Almonte. Herz tells the story of when he got traded and how he reacted. Does he have a chip on his shoulder?
Herz talks about the minor league life, and what it's like competing with teammates for promotions, as each player tries to reach the next level.
Herz discusses life off-the-field, his love for fishing and golf, his puppies, CBS' Survivor and MTV's The Challenge. He also talks about his Christian faith and what role God plays in his life. Herz talks some NFL playoff football, and looks ahead to the coming year, which he hopes is the first of a long Major League career.
You can follow Dj on Twitter (@DavidjohnHerz) and Instagram (@dj_herz).

How Cirie Fields Helped Jordan Fowler Win Deal or No Deal Island | DONDI Winner Exit Interview

In our final exit interview for Deal or No Deal Island Season 1, DONDI winner Jordan Fowler visits the Jack Vita Show for the first time!
Jordan played a masterful, under-the-radar game that had her reach the Final Four without ever having to face the banker, with her name hardly ever coming up by her competitors as a potential target. While two clear factions formed (the "Rob Mob" and the "Night Owls"), Jordan played the middle, maintaining strong relationships with both parties and never finding herself in the crosshairs of either group. Jordan explains how she looked to Survivor great and The Traitors winner Cirie Fields for inspiration.
Jordan completed the Final Four excursion first, securing her spot in the Final Two. Jordan defeated Amy McCoy in the final excursion, making her the first winner in the history of Deal or No Deal Island. Jordan became the banker's final opponent, allowing her to play the banker at the final temple. Jordan accepted a deal for $1.23 million, a cash prize that will certainly change her life. Jordan and her husband had struggled to conceive and start their family. Through IVF treatment, Jordan is now pregnant, excited to start the next chapter of her life as a mother.
Jordan takes us through her time on Deal or No Deal Island. Despite being the show's winner, she received very little screentime, particularly in the first half of the season. Jordan explains what she was doing and saying in the early days of DONDI, providing a detailed look to what did not make the air. Was Jordan surprised at how the show kept her win hidden for as long as it did? How did Jordan feel about playing against Survivor legend Boston Rob Mariano? Who would Jordan have taken out, had she played and beaten the banker early in the season? How much reality competition television had Jordan watched before appearing on DONDI? And who from the cast did Jordan enter the show having mutual friends with? All this, and so much more, in an exciting episode with the first ever winner of Deal or No Deal Island!
You can follow Jordan on Twitter (@itsmejofo) and Instagram (@itsmejofo).

Amy McCoy Would Have Won $13 Million on Deal or No Deal Island | DONDI Finale Exit Interview

As part of our Deal or No Deal Island coverage, each member of the Final Four is visiting the Jack Vita Show for their exit interview! Today, Jack is joined by runner-up Amy McCoy!
Amy took a commanding lead in the Final Four excursion, becoming the first contestant to complete the puzzle. Amy got a head start in the maze, which prompted Boston Rob Mariano to sneak a peak at her puzzle, resulting in a time penalty for the Survivor icon. Amy relives the moment that paused the game. How long was the stoppage, and did it disadvantage her as she was already in the maze? Amy shares her thoughts on Rob's time penalty.
Despite getting lost in the maze, Amy was able to emerge from the maze before Rob, putting an end to Rob's time on the Banker's Island. Stephanie's case contained the lowest amount, placing her in third, advancing Amy and Jordan to the final two. Jordan bested Amy in a final excursion that last just a few minutes, eliminating Amy from contention. Amy shares her thoughts on the final excursion. Was she expecting something a bit more epic, that may have tested other skills?
Amy reflects on the season. She discusses her edit, the Night Owls alliance, why she picked Rob to face the banker earlier in the season, how the game would have played out differently had Rob lost, and so much more! Amy also discusses which women from reality television she has drawn inspiration from, and what she takes away from this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
You can follow Amy on Twitter (@OKCAmy_McCoy) and Instagram (@okcamy_mccoy).

How Stephanie Mitchell DUPED Boston Rob | Deal or No Deal Island Finale Exit Interview

As part of Deal or No Deal Island finale week, the Jack Vita Show is bringing you exit interviews with each of the show's Final Four contestants! Days after we spoke with Survivor great Boston Rob Mariano, we check in with his DONDI arch nemesis, Stephanie Mitchell!
Stephanie last visited the Jack Vita Show on Deal or No Deal Island Insiders, upon the conclusion of the show's seventh episode. Now, she joins Jack for a full hour, for a special, longform exit interview! Stephanie holds little back, now that she is able to speak freely about her time on DONDI, without fear of spoiling any future events.
Stephanie played hard all season long, reaching the final 3. She was the second contestant to emerge from the maze in the Final Four excursion, but was eliminated when she opened her case and discovered that it held the lowest total among the the three remaining competitors, ending her time on the Banker's Island. How did Stephanie feel about having her entire game left to chance? What did Stephanie think of the finale, and the final challenge that followed the Final Four excursion? And how did Stephanie feel about Rob's time penalty in the excursion? Stephanie shares her take on everything from the finale.
Stephanie gives an inside look to her experience on the Banker's Island, diving deep into her gameplay over the course of the season. She shares a story about how she and the Night Owls were able to fool Rob and use his "buddy system" strategy against him. Stephanie discusses her love for reality competition shows, how she was nearly cast for Big Brother 24, her thoughts on her DONDI edit, and so much more!
You can follow Stephanie on Twitter (@doctor_midwife), Instagram (@doctor_midwife) and TikTok (@doctor_midwife).

Deal or No Deal Island Finale S1 E12 "Can You Beat the Banker?" Recap with Survivor's Brooke Struck

All season long, Survivor: Guatemala contestant Brooke Struck and Jack Vita have been breaking down each week's episode of NBC's Deal or No Deal Island on the Jack Vita Show, and this week is no different!
Season 1 of Deal or No Deal Island has reached its conclusion, and Jordan Fowler is the show's first winner! Jordan defeated the banker and took home a $1.23 million check.
Boston Rob was eliminated from contention after he was the last one to emerge from the maze. Stephanie Mitchell was eliminated moments later when it was revealed that her case had the lowest total, placing her in third place. This left Jordan and Amy McCoy as the show's final 2! In a matter of minutes, Jordan defeated Amy in the final excursion, making her the banker's ultimate opponent. It is soon after revealed that Howie Mandel is the banker! Howie plays the role of antagonist at the temple, but in the end, Jordan wins a life-changing sum of money that she hopes will help her start her family and the next chapter of her life with her husband. Jordan is also met by the other 13 members of the cast who were eliminated, who watch and cheer her on as she plays Deal or No Deal. In the end, the cast celebrates Jordan's win.
Brooke and Jack share their thoughts on the finale, Rob's exit, Stephanie's gameplay, the final challenge, Amy, Jordan and so much more! You will NOT want to miss our finale coverage!