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Golf Pro Garrett Powell (The Bachelorette) Talks LIV + PGA Tour Merger, 2023 US Open, Netflix’s ’Full Swing’

Senior golf correspondent (and former Bachelorette contestant) Garrett Powell returns to the Jack Vita Show to break down the recent merger between the LIV Tour and the PGA Tour, preview the 2023 US Open, and talk golf.
 
Garrett appeared on Hannah Brown's season of The Bachelorette, The Bachelorette Season 15, in 2019. He is a golf pro based in Birmingham, Alabama that first appeared on the Jack Vita Show two years ago. We check in with Garrett for the first time in over a year, as he makes his seventh appearance on the Jack Vita Show.
 
Last week, the PGA Tour announced its merger with the LIV Tour, a decision that sent shockwaves throughout the sport of golf. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan spent the last two years reminding golf fans of the LIV Tour's controversial ties to Saudi Arabia. It is a Saudi-backed Tour. So, what changed? How and why did Monahan arrive at the decision to merge the LIV Tour with the PGA Tour, and what does this mean for the future of professional golf? Garrett breaks it all down and shares his take.
 
The 2023 US Open (for golf) begins Thursday at the Los Angeles Country Club. Garrett previews the US Open, and shares his winner pick. Along the way, he and Jack discuss golf equipment, the importance of getting fitted clubs, Netflix's new golf series 'Full Swing' and its brilliant marketing strategy for the sport of golf, the growth of golf in recent years, and much more!
 
You can follow Garrett on Instagram (@rgarrettp) and visit Pebblehurst.com for fittings and lessons.

How Baseball Writer Manny Randhawa Went from Atheist to Born-Again Christian

MLB.com writer Manny Randhawa recently visited the Jack Vita Show to discuss a plethora of topics, including the Colorado Rockies' lingering struggles, Kris Bryant's performance in the second year of his seven-year contract with the team, and the surging Arizona Diamondbacks, who now have a 3.5-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.
 
Among topics discussed was Manny's incredible faith story. Manny grew up with an abusive father that is a malignant narcissist. From a young age, he was taught by his father that there is no God. Manny grew up an atheist, despite attending church and a Christian school. His parents placed him in a Christian school, believing that it would keep him from being involved with the wrong crowd and getting into trouble.
 
Manny says that he has had two heart surgeries: the first, a physical one when he was a young child. The second was a spiritual one, where God replaced Manny's heart of stone and gave him a heart of flesh.
 
In this episode of the Jack Vita Show, we focus solely on Manny's incredible testimony and faith story. How does one go from being an atheist to a born-again Christian? Logically, how does one go from believing there is no God to not only believing in God, but dedicating his life to serving Jesus Christ? Manny shares his amazing story with Jack, as they discuss faith, apologetics, what attracts people to atheism, and much more along the way. It's an episode you won't want to miss!
 
Follow Manny on Twitter (@MannyOnMLB) and buy his book, The Blake Street Bombers, on Amazon. The Blake Street Bombers chronicles the Colorado Rockies' lineups of the mid 1990s, which featured sluggers Dante Bichette, Ellis Burks, Vinny Castilla, Andres Galarraga and Larry Walker.

Best MLB Draft Prospects to Watch in the 2023 College World Series, Latest Top 100 with Jim Callis

Senior writer for MLB Pipeline and MLB.com Jim Callis visits the Jack Vita Show, just in time for the Sweet 16 stage of the 2023 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament.
 
Since 1988, Jim has covered college baseball and minor league prospects. He has become the go-to guy as it relates to MLB Draft and prospect analysis. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, he began working for Baseball America, where he eventually became the executive editor. Jim also worked for STATS, Inc., and in 2013, he joined MLB.com. In addition to working for MLB.com, Jim also contributes to MLB Network and Marquee Sports Network's Road to Wrigley show. Jim has served as color commentator on college baseball games that have aired on MLB Network. Next month, he will be an on-air analyst for MLB Network's presentation of the 2023 MLB Draft. Jim discusses his career and shares wisdom for young people that want to break into the sports media industry (0:00 - 18:55).
 
Jack and Jim discuss the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, and Jim weighs in on who the top players to watch for the remainder of the Tournament will be. Plus, who would Jim take with the no. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft: LSU outfielder Dylan Crews, LSU pitcher Paul Skenes, Tennessee pitcher Chase Dollander, or someone else? Which pitcher in this draft class does Jim think might be the greatest pitching prospect of all-time (18:55 - 39:30)?
 
With the MLB Draft Combine coming up soon, Jim shares his thoughts on the new combine. What kind of impact does it have on the Draft? Can it help players move up, or hurt them? What benefits do the Combine provide to players and teams alike? Then, Jim weighs in on the new MLB Draft Lottery (39:30 - 53:05).
 
Lastly, Jim and the rest of his team at MLB Pipeline recently completed their updated Top 100 MLB prospects rankings, pertaining to minor league players. Jim talks the updated rankings, and which prospects have impressed him and disappointed him the most in recent years (53:05 - END).
 
You can follow Jim on Twitter (@JimCallisMLB), check out his work at MLB Pipeline, and catch him on Marquee Sports Network's Road to Wrigley, along with Elise Menaker and Lance Brozdowski.

MLB.com Writer Manny Randhawa Talks Colorado Rockies, Kris Bryant, Faith Journey from Atheist to Born Again Christian

MLB.com reporter Manny Randhawa visits the Jack Vita Show for a lively discussion about the Colorado Rockies, the latest news from around Major League Baseball, and his Christian faith.
 
Manny has written for MLB.com as a national baseball writer and Colorado Rockies beat reporter since 2016. In his first visit to the Jack Vita Show, he weighs in on the Rockies' 2023 season and general direction. What exactly is the Rockies' plan, and where are they going? Why have they found themselves in last place in the National League West, just a few years removed from possessing a strong infield nucleus of Nolan Arenado, DJ LeMahieu and Trevor Story?
 
Just over a year ago, the Rockies signed former National League MVP and four-time All-Star Kris Bryant to a seven-year, $182 million contract. Through his first 50 games in his second season with his new team, Bryant is slashing .263/.346/.719 with five home runs and 17 RBI. It's early, but Bryant hasn't played up to what many expected him to, especially with Coors Field as his home park. Manny weighs in on the Bryant signing, his contract and early struggles. Plus, shortstop Dansby Swanson signed virtually the same seven-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, that Bryant signed with the Rockies. If you were the Cubs, which contract would you rather have? Jack poses this question.
 
Manny and Jack take a close look at the National League West, which the Arizona Diamondbacks now lead, as they are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Can the D-Backs win the division? Back in 2018, the Diamondbacks and Rockies were both competing for an NL West division title in the final month of the season. Five years later, one team finds itself in first place, while the other is in last place. Manny and Jack break down the division and discuss the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres as well (0:00 - 1:03:00).
 
Later on, Manny opens up about his faith journey, in which he transformed from an atheist to a born again Christian. What led Manny on his path to Jesus Christ, and how has his life changed in the time since he first became a Christian? He also discusses growing up with an abusive father, undergoing heart surgery, and much more (1:03:00 - END)!
 
Follow Manny on Twitter (@MannyOnMLB) and buy his book, The Blake Street Bombers, on Amazon. The Blake Street Bombers chronicles the Colorado Rockies' lineups of the mid 1990s, which featured sluggers Dante Bichette, Ellis Burks, Vinny Castilla, Andres Galarraga and Larry Walker.

Will the Angels Trade Shohei Ohtani? Could Angels Re-Sign Him?... How to Stop Tanking in Pro Sports

Rhett Bollinger has covered the Los Angeles Angels on MLB.com since 2019. This week, he joins us on the Jack Vita Show to discuss the latest news and stories from around Major League Baseball.
 
Perhaps the best story of the week is the rapid emergence of Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak. In 2016, the Philadelphia Phillies made Moniak the no. 1 overall pick in the MLB Amateur Draft. Moniak made his Major League debut in 2020, appearing in eight games in the COVID-shortened season. He played in 21 games in 2021. Over 29 games between 2020 and 2021, Moniak struggled to find success, slashing just .128/.241/.432 with one home run and three RBI in 55 plate appearances. Moniak spent the majority of the 2022 season in the minors, and at the trade deadline, the Phillies gave up on their former top prospect, sending him to the Angels in a swap for starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard. Moniak impressed in the Cactus League this spring. Had the Angels not signed veteran outfielder Brett Phillips to a Major League deal, Moniak may have cracked the club's Opening Day roster. Moniak was recently called up to the Angels' big league team. Through his first ten games, Moniak is slashing a remarkable .419/.438/1.373 with four home runs and seven RBI. Phillips was recently designated for assignment, and it appears Moniak is here to stay in the big leagues, at least for the time being. Rhett and Jack discuss Moniak's hot start, and Jack shares a Moniak story from spring training.
 
The Angels are off to a strong 28-23 start. The club hasn't posted a winning season since 2015, and hasn't made a postseason appearance since 2015. Rhett and Jack talk about why this year feels different, though. Is this the Angels' best team since winning the American League West in 2014? They also discuss the impact of manager Phil Nevin, and why he appears to be a better fit to manage this Angels team than Joe Maddon.
 
Shohei Ohtani is in the final year of his contract with the Angels. Is there a realistic possibility that he could get traded before this summer's trade deadline? Where will Ohtani sign when he hits the open market? Do the Angels have a good chance of keeping the 2021 American League MVP? Rhett weighs in.
 
Later, Jack shares his idea to stop tanking in professional sports. Plus, what if MLB split its league into two leagues and started using relegation? All this, and much more, in the latest episode of the Jack Vita Show!
 
Prior to covering the Angels, Rhett was MLB.com's Minnesota Twins beat reporter from 2011 through 2018. He attended USC, and in this episode, he shares his best Will Ferrell story.
 
You can follow Rhett (@RhettBollinger) on Twitter and check out his work at MLB.com.

Seattle Mariners’ Play-By-Play Broadcaster Dave Sims Talks Mariners, Astros, AL West, Mob Movies

Longtime play-by-play broadcaster Dave Sims visits the Jack Vita Show for the first time!
 
Since 2007, Dave has served as the Seattle Mariners' lead television play-by-play broadcaster, while also calling some of the team's games on the radio. He contributes to MLB Network as an analyst, and cohosts the Sirius XM radio program Basketball and Beyond with Coach K. Dave has called NFL, college football, NBA and college basketball games, while hosting various studio shows and radio shows, throughout the years.
 
In this episode of the Jack Vita Show, Dave and Jack have a conversation about the Mariners' slow start to the season. Should fans be concerned about reigning American League Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez (slashing just .211/.278/.664 through 41 games)? How good can the Mariners be if Julio and Jarred Kelenic can play at peak performance at the same time? Has George Kirby overtaken Luis Castillo and become the team's ace? With the Houston Astros also off to a relatively slow start, is the American League West division in play for the Mariners this season? What is Dave's read on the Astros, Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers?
 
Dave tells fun stories about his career in sports. Which athlete was he the most star-struck by? And which current major league players will make great broadcasters, upon the conclusion of their playing careers?
 
Dave grew up in Philadelphia around Italians, a fan of Italian food and mob movies. What is Dave's all-time favorite mob movie? All this, and plenty more, in the latest episode of the Jack Vita Show!

Survivor’s Danni Boatwright Talks Youth Sports, Baseball and the Transfer Portal

'Survivor: Guatemala' winner Danni Boatwright returns to the Jack Vita Show, two weeks removed from her first appearance.
Last time, Danni answered questions about her time on Survivor: Guatemala and Survivor: Winners at War, discussing her time on reality television and her sports media and hosting career. This time around, Danni and Jack talk sports!
First things first, Danni has some stories from the weekend, as does Jack. Danni had an eventful weekend at her son's youth baseball tournament, including a confrontation with an opposing coach. Jack enjoyed watching friend of the show and Houston Astros starting pitcher JP France pick up his first career victory in his second Major League start, Friday night in Chicago. Danni and Jack exchange stories from the weekend (0:00 - 25:50).
Then, Danni and Jack talk Ben Zobrist, position players pitching, an uptick in injuries to pitchers this season, the NFL Draft, the Draft combine, favorite baseball players, best baseball movies, the Kansas Jayhawks' latest get from the transfer portal, and much more (25:50 - END)!

Orestes Destrade Talks Rays, Willson Contreras, Astros’ Pitching Injuries, World Baseball Classic

Jack welcomes back MLB analyst and former Major League first baseman Orestes Destrade and Survivor: South Pacific second runner-up and college baseball player Albert Destrade to the show, to discuss the week's baseball news.
 
It is Orestes' first appearance on the Jack Vita Show since October 2021. Orestes played four Major League seasons for the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Florida Marlins. As a member of the Marlins' inaugural team in 1993, Orestes led the Marlins in home runs (20) and RBI (87). He held the single-season franchise records for both categories, before Gary Sheffield broke his home run record in 1994 and Jeff Conine broke his RBI record in 1995. Orestes also played five seasons in Japan, where he led the Pacific League in home runs three times and RBI twice. In 1990, he was the MVP of the Japan Series.
 
Since retiring from playing, Orestes has established himself as one of baseball's top broadcasters and analysts. From 2006 through 2009, Orestes worked at ESPN, appearing on Baseball Tonight and providing color commentary for the Little League World Series and World Baseball Classic.
 
17 years after the first ever World Baseball Classic, the 2023 WBC was a smashing success. O weighs in on his thoughts after being on the field for the championship game in March. Is there a way that the WBC can be improved upon in the future? Jack has some suggestions (0:00 - 18:00).
 
O has a working theory as to why the Rays are off to their best start in franchise history. Is he on to (18:00 - 31:25). April 2023 saw an uptick in home runs over April of last year. Where are all these home runs coming from, and what are Albert, Orestes and Jack's thoughts on the sport's new rules thus far (31:25 - 42:05)?
 
The Houston Astros have a losing record on May 9 for the first time since 2016, the last year the club missed the postseason. Starting pitchers Jose Urquidy and Luis Garcia each sustained injuries on back-to-back days. Garcia will require Tommy John surgery and Urquidy could be out for a while too. In place of both pitchers, the Astros recalled Brandon Bielak and friend of the show, JP France! France made his Major League debut Saturday, throwing five scoreless innings in a loss to the Seattle Mariners. Given their slow start and injuries, should Astros fans be concerned about their club? Could the Chicago White Sox be major sellers at the trade deadline?
 
Months after signing him to a five-year contract, the St. Louis Cardinals will no longer be playing Willson Contreras at catcher for the time being. He will instead be DH-ing and playing the outfield. The Cardinals also enter Wednesday in last place in the National League Central. Orestes, Albert and Jack break it all down.
 
With the Astros off to a cold start, is the American League West up for grabs? O is a big time believer in the Texas Rangers. All this and much more, on the latest edition of the Jack Vita Show (42:05 - END)!
 
Follow Albert on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to his podcast, It's Not Polite to Ask with Albert Destrade. Tune in to hear Orestes' weekly radio program, the O Zone!