Fading Friars

(This is the audio-only version of Tuedays’s MartyTimeTV / Section 1904 joint venture. You can find and subscribe to this podcast on Apple and Spotify and right here on Substack by clicking the button below. To watch this episode on YouTube, click here) Minutes after Lionel Messi’s latest reminder to the soccer world that he’s the greatest of all time, we started this podcast. One of us tried to keep the convo centered on the World Cup to discuss why this tournament has been such a success - even after the USMNT and El Tri losses - and how Messi continues to captivate the sport, even at this stage of his legendary career. The other wanted to talk about the Padres latest reminder that they have hit the skids and don’t seem capable of pulling themselves out of this tailspin. While the World Cup has been must-see television, the Padres have become almost unwatchable. After a lifeless 8-0 loss, San Diego has continued its slide in the standings, raising even more questions about a team that looks flat, uninspired and searching for answers. We also talked the extended leadership vacuum within the organization, whether the absence of a clear ownership voice has become a bigger issue than many realized, and whether Craig Stammen’s demeanor is a positive or negative. Bad stretch, or are the Padres revealing exactly who they are? Plus, is there still reason to believe this team can turn things around before it’s too late, or has the season reached a tipping point? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dsmithshow.substack.com