The Section 1904 Podcast

There have already been 102 matches played at the 2026 World Cup. Only two remain.On this episode, ESPN’s Eric Gomez and I spent almost all of our time talking about one of them - and it wasn’t the third-place game.A quick aside: I think the Bronze Medal Match often gets an unfair rap. For many countries, it’s a meaningful opportunity to end the tournament with a win. But when you’re France or England? Yeah, these are two teams that arrived expecting to lift the trophy and it has to feel a bit embarrassing to drag yourself onto the pitch for this one.. If it were the USMNT or El Tri, though? We’d both happily take it. Alas…Instead, our focus was on Sunday’s Final.We broke down Spain’s 2-0 semifinal win and explained why we pushed back against the idea that it was “boring.” To us, it was a masterclass in Spanish soccer identity. Spain knows exactly who they are, and that’s a standard every nation with World Cup ambitions should aspire to.We also dissected Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England, including Thomas Tuchel’s insane tactical approach. How does Argentina continue to find ways to win on the biggest stage? And after everything we’ve already said over the years, is there anything left to add about Lionel Messi?One of the Final’s most compelling storylines is the connection between Spain and Messi through La Masia, FC Barcelona’s legendary academy. Spain’s squad features seven La Masia graduates, all chasing a World Cup against the academy’s most notable and decorated alum. Will those relationships matter once the match kicks off, or will Spain continue to show the emotional discipline that’s defined its tournament?We also spent some time discussing Mexico’s future under Rafa Márquez, put a bow on the Flo Balogun saga, and talked about one unexpected way this World Cup has helped soccer grow in the United States.Enjoy the Final. It has all the makings of a classic 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

(This is the audio-only podcast version of Thurdays’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)The Padres are hovering around .500 and the Trade Deadline Clock is ticking. On Thursday, we were joined by MLB.Com's AJ Cassavell, who discussed whether postgame manager press conferences actually matter or if they’re simply part of the daily baseball theater. We also touched on the Padres’ biggest trade deadline questions: Buyers or Sellers? Is it more likely Preller trades Ethan Salas or Mason Miller? (Probably neither but roll with us)And with the club fighting to stay relevant at home and in the standings, what’s really at stake over the next few weeks as the deadline approaches? Are we really looking forward to a Padres vs Marlins series? Why does Cassavell think the Padres have a better chance of making the postseason than Fangraphs……or BaseballReference.Com?There’s also some World Cup talk! We discussed the USMNT’s disappointing exit against Belgium and the subsequent criticism of Christian Pulisic. Is the scrutiny actually a sign that soccer has reached a new level in the American sports landscape? If the nation’s best player is being analyzed like an NFL quarterback or NBA superstar, does that mean the sport has finally broken through? We have certainly come a long way since 2014. Also, a look at what actually went wrong for the U.S. and whether the attention surrounding this World Cup represents real growth for soccer in America. We closed with a few thoughts on the quarterfinals, Messi, Salah and how much VAR - and maybe all replay in sports - is ruining the most important moments. 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

(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

(This is the audio-only version of Thursday’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)World Cups are better when the host nation goes on a run. Multiply that by three and we are living in an unprecedented moment of North American soccer joy and prosperity.The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been massive for Canada, Mexico & the United States, with all three host nations advancing to the Round of 16. ESPN’s Eric Gomez is back to describe what it has meant in Mexico City, fans hilariously getting into the "spirit", the generational run to a Quinto Partido and how El Tri has followed Javier Aguirre’s lead to FOUR clean sheet wins in four matches. We also discussed the USMNT’s convincing performances and the growing belief that Mauricio Pochettino’s squad is capable of making a deeper tournament run. Of course, we also covered the Folarin Balogun red card, the use (misuse?) of VAR in that moment and the media reaction to the sending off, which has been widespread.So what’s next? Can Mexico find a way past England at altitude? Does the USMNT have what it takes to knock off Belgium in a rematch from the 2014 World Cup? How depressed will we be when this World Cup is over?Enjoy this World Cup edition of Thursday’s podcast. 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

(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, click here)The Padres have dropped four straight and are guaranteed to finish June with a losing record, marking their second consecutive losing month after going 13-15 in May. So where is this season headed, and how much longer do the Padres have to get things back on track?We caught up with MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell to discuss how the team’s flaccid offense has impacted the starting rotation and taxed the bullpen, whether Fernando Tatis Jr.’s aggressive base running has become a liability, and just how many different ways the local media can ask manager Craig Stammen the same question.After AJ, we welcomed Padres Spanish-language broadcaster and local legend Eduardo Ortega, who was recently honored for 40 years behind the microphone. For four decades, Eduardo has been the soundtrack of Padres baseball on radio and television across Baja, and he shared stories from his incredible career, how it started in Tijuana and why baseball was his broadcasting destiny. (Photo Credit: MLB.Com) 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

(This is the audio-only version of Thursday’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, click here)Thursday was an off day for the Padres but there was still plenty to talk about.The Padres are coming off arguably their best series of the season after sweeping the Braves at Petco Park, punctuated by a surprisingly good start from JP Sears in the finale. MLB.com's AJ Cassavell joins Marty to break it all down. They discuss why it finally feels like Fernando Tatis Jr. is "back" and playing like the star player the Padres need, while also asking whether the starting rotation can hold up with myriad lingering questions. There are also injury updates on Jake Cronenworth, Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove - all discussed in this episode. 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

There have been some unprecedented moments of national pride for fans of the U.S. and Mexican national teams over the past two weeks. The co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are delivering exactly what their supporters hoped for: results.On Wednesday’s podcast, ESPN’s Eric Gomez and former USMNT & current Seattle Sounders winger Paul Arriola discuss the impressive group-stage performances from both the United States and Mexico as they head into the knockout rounds with wind at their backs from the two fanbases.The conversation begins with Mexico’s perfect run through Group A. El Tri won all three matches, finished atop the group, and did not concede a goal. We discussed how Javier Aguirre’s side has embraced the pressure of playing at home and why this may be one of Mexico’s most complete World Cup teams in years. We also talked about “the Mexican Pedri”, Gilberto Mora of Club Tijuana, and how much hype is too much hype for the 17-year old. On the other side of the age & experience spectrum is legendary GK Memo Ochoa. Eric talked about the emotions of watching Ochoa's swansong for El Tri. Great stuff. On the U.S. side, Arriola offers a player’s perspective on Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, which secured first place in Group D with dominant wins over Paraguay and Australia before the final group match. Paul attended the match in Seattle and shared his experience of going as a fan and rooting on the USMNT - a team he represented 50 times. The discussion centers on the team’s growing confidence, the influence of key veterans, and whether this group is positioned to make the deepest World Cup run in a generation.We also talked about how important it’s been for the USMNT to feel the support of the fans, which has been a struggle for the team through the years. We talked about how U.S. Soccer can harness the excitement for future generations via success at the World Cup on and off the pitch. 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

(This is the audio-only version of Tuesday’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, click here)The Padres returned home from their 4-5 road trip to face the Braves & Dodgers, the best two teams in Major League Baseball. You could hear local media twisting themselves into knots coming up with pithy headlines to inflate the significance of the homestead.“Could the Padres make a statement against the league’s best?”“Would the Braves & Dodgers pummel the light-hitting Padres and turn the team into trade deadline sellers?”“IS THE SEASON ON THE BRINK???”With the hyperbolic state of affairs boiling over, Michael King was back to looking like Michael King and Manny Machado hit his second game-winning HR in three games. The Padres offense only had four hits but it was enough to turn the game over to the Padres most consistent strength - the bullpen. Lead preserved. Game one won. On this podcast, we discussed the importance of getting King to return to early season form and Craig Stammen’s postgame comments about Machado hitting the ball better and making an impact.We also talked about the United States Men’s National Team advancing in the World Cup and how they’ve started to turn casuals into believers. How will Mauricio Pochettino use his squad in a “dead rubber” match against Türkiye on Thursday? Is there any money left in the budget for me to catch a match in person after going to NBA Finals? (ICYMI: Eric Gomez and I talked about both the USMNT and Mexico advancing last week. Find that post here, watch it on YouTube here or search for the Section 1904 Podcast in the links above)We also talked some House of the Dragon (mostly spoiler free). What we liked and didn’t like from Season 3, Episode 1. 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

Both the United States and Mexico are 2-0 and have already advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. Mexico has clinched Group A and will play its first knockout match in Mexico City. The USMNT, as of this recording, still doesn’t know what it will need to do against Türkiye - or if it will need to do anything at all - to win Group D. A Paraguay win or draw against Türkiye on Friday night would guarantee the Stars and Stripes a first-place finish.But enough about the scenarios.Moments after the United States’ win over Australia, ESPN Mexico City’s Eric Gomez joined the podcast to discuss the first two teams to go 2-0 and punch their tickets to the knockout stage. We talked about Christian Pulisic’s injury, Mauricio Pochettino’s adjustments, and the questions that still remain after two matches. The game against the Socceroos looked much different than the opener against Paraguay, but a win is a win — and the U.S. has started a World Cup with two victories for the first time since 1930.We then turned to El Tri’s victory over South Korea and debated whether Luis Romo’s lone goal was a bigger highlight than Raúl Rangel’s crucial save. Mexico has secured home matches once the knockout stage begins, and Eric explains what that means not only for Mexico City, but for the entire country. We also talked about the incredible scenes in Chula Vista on Thursday night and how Mexican fans flooded the streets of CDMX. 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

(This is the audio-only version of Monday’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, click here)“The Knicks are NBA Champions.” That’s a sentence I’ve never typed before. Is this real life?On Monday’s podcast, we talked about my very last-minute decision to fly to San Antonio for Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Flights, hotel and (gulp) tickets all secured within 24 hours of tipoff. As sports fans know, you’re taking a financial risk to attend games like this but, as I explain, the real risk was in not going and missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And if things hadn’t worked out with the basketball game, we could have visited Ethan Salas. Speaking of baseball….The Padres were also in action this past weekend, taking two-of-three from the Orioles. Since neither Marty nor I prioritized watching the Friars, we skipped over the details and talked more about the El Paso influence on the current 26-man roster, Stammen turning to openers and the latest rumor tossed around by baseball insider Jon Heyman.We were also joined by ESPN’s Eric Gomez in Mexico City for some World Cup talk. First, we recapped Mexico’s 2-0 convincing win over South Africa and explained why El Tri coach Javier Aguirre wanted more from the opening match. We also talked about the emotions from Raul Jimenez’s goal and why that was such a meaningful moment at The Azteca.Then it was time to recap the United States Men’s National Team win over Paraguay and explain why we thought the 4-1 scoreline was more commentary about the USMNT being excellent than La Albirroja being terrible. Opening match analysis can be tricky but what the U.S. showed felt like a statement win. Back on Tuesday with a new podcast here and also a new Friar Territory. Also - sincere thanks to everyone who sent a message via social media or directly to me. I haven’t had a chance to reply to everyone with the quick travel but appreciated everyone who took the time to send a note about the Knicks win. To paraphrase Peter Seidler, the basketball gods shined on that team and now they get to have a parade. 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

(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)We are now hours away from the start of the World Cup. The ironically-named “United Bid” will oversee an unprecedented 48 team tournament played over 39 days. Opening Ceremonies are Thursday in Mexico City and the Final will be July 19th in New Jersey. Getting to the starting block of this World Cup has been a bumpy ride. From the FIFA Peace Prize nonsense to non-stop ticketing issues to international incidents, hydration breaks and unnecessary confusion over water bottles, it hasn’t inspired. For a good recap on all the things that have plagued the run up, I’d recommend this piece from Miguel Delaney of The Independent. I don’t have the energy to create 100 different hyperlinks for this post. However, in this podcast, we focus exclusively on the United States Men’s National Team and Group D. The USMNT will open with Paraguay on Friday, face Australia on June 19th and close with Türkiye on June 25th. An interesting draw.Backheeled.Com’s Joe Lowery is our guest. Joe and the team have done tremendous work covering the stories that matter most to USMNT fans. We talked about the roster, style of play and what to expect from the opponents in Group D. Which positions do we think are deepest and which positions cause concern? Who has the most to gain and what could an actual home field advantage mean in this tournament? And how do we each define “success” for this host nation? All that and much more in today’s conversation. Joe will also be in Los Angeles for the opener and is co-hosting an event on Thursday night. If you are in the area, stop by and support some of our independent media colleagues. If you’re looking for something local, come hang out with San Diego FC and Fox 5 in Mission Beach for every game of the World Cup. We will be at Fit Social on the Pacific Ocean every day of the tournament. Special guests, music, giveaways - it’ll be a party. San Diego knows how to get down for the World Cup. See you there. 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

(This is the audio-only version of Monday’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, click here)The Padres dropped two-of-three to the New York Mets over the weekend. Aside from Freddy Fermin’s surprising power, it was a tough watch. Pitching, hitting, base running…Ramon Laureano is out for the season. You get the point. Will it turn around as Craig Stammen consistently suggests? We talked about that.We also talked about Manny Machado’s memorable media availability on Friday. Turns out, Manny isn't a huge fan of analytics. This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone but his commentary did lead us down a few pathways. What stats are on the Petco Park scoreboard and which ones can we live without? Should Manny be more receptive to modern data to see if something could help his current form? Was this a veiled shot at the Padres R&D / coaching staff? It was probably just Manny being Manny.We also talked the NBA Finals shifting to Madison Square Garden and Donald Trump’s expected appearance at Game 3, which has created a huge headache for fans and everyone else in Midtown Manhattan.Things are moving quickly and we have updated information about World Cup watch parties, so please subscribe here or on MartyTimeTV to get the latest audio and video content emailed directly when it drops. 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

(This is the audio-only version of Wednesday’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, click here)The Padres have lost six of their past seven games but the news on Wednesday was about a roster change. The Padres announced that OF Nick Castellanos had been designated for assignment.Castellanos was a gamble worth taking for AJ Preller. It didn’t work out. It happens. There’s lots of ways to parse through statistics but a player with a -.09 BRWAR and a slash line of 191/221/339 shouldn’t have job security, unless you’re financially anchored to the player. Of the SIX position players posting a negative WAR, he was the worst and most expendable.So now what? On Wednesday’s podcast, we talked about the handful of positive moments Castellanos provided on and off the field and how he might have stuck around longer if the Padres weren’t bottom of the barrel in almost every major offensive category. Fare thee well, Nick. The Padres called up an infielder, Samad Taylor, to replace Castellanos on the roster. Will it matter? Is it fair to rip Jase Bowen for the qualities of his ABs on Tuesday? Eight more years of Manny!?We also talked about the level of anxiety for the lifelong and emotionally scarred Knicks fan on this podcast and what travel plans, if any, are being made to catch a game of this series in-person. Talking baseball - even Padres baseball - was a healthy break from scrolling through Knicks edits on social media. That said, you should definitely watch this. Let’s Go Knicks! 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

(This is the audio-only version of Monday’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, click here)Good news! Fernando Tatis Jr hit his first HR of the season on Saturday.Bad news! It came in a loss in the second game of a series the Padres lost to the Nationals. The Padres have scored the fewest runs in the National League and third fewest in all of Major League Baseball. Since beating LA, the Padres have gone 3-8 and have been bitten by bad hitting, pitching and base running. What gives?Padres TV’s Bob Scanlan joined us on his off day in Philadelphia to talk about the sigh of relief for Fernando - and his teammates - encouraging signs from Jackson Merrill. We also talked about the Padres hitting coaches, how to know if they’re doing a good job, and how players deal with so many competing voices in their heads. Scan, a former Phillies draft pick also talked about the role the organization played in his professional development before he was traded to the Cubs for Mitch Williams. After Scan exited to pursue cheesesteaks, we finished the show talking about the NBA Finals, the insane pricing for tickets and how to possibly manage the next six weeks with the Finals and World Cup less than two weeks away. Possibly related - you can support our work by subscribing to these shows on YouTube or by hitting the button below. 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

(This is the audio-only version of Thursday’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, click here)Thursday is an off day for the San Diego Padres, which feels like a good thing for everyone involved. The media are running out of new and creative ways to describe the offensive futility. Fans are frustrated. Players are searching for answers. After Wednesday’s loss to Philadelphia, Marty covered the Padres clubhouse and asked Manny Machado about the team’s hitting coaches and got an interesting answer about where blame lies. We also talked about Machado’s recent media sessions overall and how the tone sounds different from the clubhouse tone setter: The Pads will play next in Washington D.C. and then in Philadelphia. If more Padres coverage is what you desire, please find the latest episodes of Friar Territory here.After the baseball talk, we welcomed in our friend, Eric Gomez from ESPN in Mexico City, to talk about the United States Men’s National Team roster reveal, including Mauricio Pocettino’s decision to email the rejects. Is this a big deal or just par for the course with U.S. Soccer these days?Eric also provided great insight on Alejandro Zendejas, offering high praise for the Club America winger and the potential for a World Cup breakout. We also talked about whether success for the U.S. is directly linked to Christian Pulisic and if Pochettino would be wise to have a backup plan in case Pulisic can’t shake his recent form (Pulisic hasn’t yet scored a goal in 2026).We ended the convo talking about the upcoming Mexican National Team announcement on June 1st, including any potential for a surprise following El Tri’s 2-0 win over Ghana last week. Will Club Tijuana’s Gilberto Mora have fellow Xolos teammates along for the ride? Is there a player who Eric thinks should make it who seems to be on the outside looking in? The World Cup starts two weeks from Friday.Thanks for being here! Subscribe for free to receive new posts, podcasts and videos - sent directly to your inbox. 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

(This is the audio-only version of Tuesday’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, click here)Thanks for being here! Subscribe for free to support our work and receive new posts delivered directly to your inbox.The Padres took a series from the A’s but then lost the opener to the Phillies on Monday. The offense is dreadful. Or is it unlucky? We are one third of the way through the 2026 season and asking the same questions about the same people - so what more can be said about this Padres team? We offer a few thoughts about lineups, hitting coaches and the role underlying statistics play in thinking things are better or worse than they actually are. After Padres talk, there was time to talk about the Knicks making it to the NBA Finals and Monday’s United States Mens National Team roster reveal, which actually leaked over the weekend. Gio Reyna and Sebastian Berhalter in the squad together? Ok then.The Cavs coach, Kenny Atkinson, said his team “analytically” won two of the first three games of the Eastern Conference playoffs, despite being down 0-3 and eventually swept. Why would anyone say that and what does that have to do with the 2023 Padres? Full circle convo. 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

Looking for a World Cup themed podcast, just three weeks from the opening match between Mexico and South Africa? We got you. Today, our friend Eric Gomez stopped by the show to talk about some top storylines as we inch closer to “United 2026”. Before diving into National Teams and their unique roster reveals (here’s France's), we discussed the Liga MX Clausura Final between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM - two clubs from the Mexican capital, both led by Mexican managers, which hasn’t happened since 2013. (If you’re a San Diego FC fan, you might remember the Azul y Chrome eliminating Pumas from the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier this year.) Speaking of managers, we marveled at the recent successes of Basque-born coaches in Europe and what - if anything - is next for Pep Guardiola after he walks away from Manchester City this weekend.We then talked about the different roster reveals and how the World Cup will be the final one for legends like Neymar, Messi, CR7 and James Rodriguez. Is it even possible to NOT feel happy for Neymar after seeing his reaction to getting called in? Finally, is there a country that hasn’t previously won the World Cup who might be a first time winner in 2026? We agree on a few. Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. 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

(This is the audio-only version of Tuesday’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, click here)Michael King was brilliant. Mason Miller got the job done. The Padres defeated the Dodgers 1-0 on Monday night.While one of us was watching Victor Wembanyama doing his best Steph Curry impression, the other two were focussed on a memorable pitching duel at Petco Park. We discussed the start from King, Miller’s unique save, the backstory of Rodolfo Durán and other details from the first game of the regular season between the NL West rivals. AJ also had thoughts Lucas Giolito’s first start as a Padre and if optimism for the offense is fading.Predictably, there were a few detours in this conversation to discuss coffee, San Diego FC dropping more points late and if anyone still scores baseball games. 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

San Diego FC snapped its 10-match winless streak on Wednesday night against Austin FC and bossed the match from start to finish. We saw one of the most dominating performances of the season, in which every player in the starting XI contributed to the win and to the team’s first clean sheet since March 7th against Sporting KC.There were some interesting moments from Wednesday’s win and some random player notes which are discussed in this episode. What does Marcus Ingvartsen’s 9th goal of 2026 mean in context of the Club’s history? How significant were the goal contributions from David Vazquez and Pedro Soma? A rotated backline for SDFC produced a clean sheet for the 4th time this season. Causation or correlation? Also in this episode, a preview of Saturday’s match against FC Cincinnati — the first ever meeting between the two sides. (Random note - SDFC is 11-5-5 when facing MLS teams for the first time) Our guest is FCC play-by-play man Tommy Gelehrter, who has been calling games for the Orange and Blue since their USL days at Nippert Stadium. Tommy has great insight on the club, its history and what type of form the team is in for Saturday’s East vs West showdown. Both sides are 4-5-4 heading into the penultimate matchday before the World Cup break. SDFC and FCC are amongst the highest scoring teams in MLS with 25 and 27 goals, respectively. FC Cincinnati, though, has allowed 32 goals in 13 games - third highest in Major League Soccer.There’s also the subplot of former teammates Anders Dreyer and FCC’s Evander, who are opponents on the pitch for the first time. The pair played together from 2020-2023 at Midtjylland in Denmark, combining for 58 goals and 43 assists (per FBRef.Com). Not betting on the scoreless draw in this one. Injury report::You can listen to the match on San Diego Sports 760, the IHeartRadio App or on AppleTV by locating the “Home Radio” option in the lower righthand corner of your screen. I’ll be on the call with Adrian Garcia Marquez, pregame coverage at 6PM. If you’re going to the match, don’t forget it’s Anders Dreyer Bobblehead Night for the first 20,000 through the gates. 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

(This is the audio-only version of Monday’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, click here)The Padres were off on Monday but we were talking about the series split with the Cardinals and the many subplots from the 2-2 homestead.San Diego and Los Angeles are tied atop the NL West but with wildly different looking run differentials. We talked about how the Padres are defying their pythagorean number and how sustainable this winning percentage is in the future.There were also subplots! Lots of subplots:-Did Fernando Tatis Jr jog after a ball that got through him on Friday? Were people booing him?-Should Don Orsillo have been more of a homer with his HR call on Saturday?-Did Marty throw her media brethren under the bus by posting this exchange with Nick Castellanos?We chatted about all that and more, including Castellanos’s AB against St. Louis, his new role and how he gave us the meme of the season. 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

(This is the audio-only version of Tuesday’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, click here)Do you rememebr where you were when this happened?It May 7th, 2016 - 10 years ago Thursday - Bartolo Colon hit his first Major League HR off Padres pitcher James Shields. It was a moment that literally changed the Padres forever. Marty and I discussed that moment and how the dominoes fell into place, which resulted in Fernando Tatis Jr and some other guys being traded to the Padres for Shields. We also remembered Ron Fowler’s radio lambasting of Shields and how that outburst may have cost the team millions in the trade.We also talked about Golden State Warriors Governor Joe Lacob, who told Sportico about the process of bidding on the Padres and how he was prepared for there to be ZERO baseball played in 2027. Yikes. Lacob also talked the $3.9 billion sale (valuation) and why it was a good investment, despite some thinking it was an “overpay”.Finally, I had the chance to visit the Tijuana Toros on Tuesday night. They signed an infielder you might remember.Yup, that’s longtime MLB infielder, World Series champion, and notorious “Padres killer” Justin Turner, who’s still playing at 41 years old - just a stone’s throw south of the border.I had the chance to go 1-on-1 with Turner about his decision to join the Toros, the peak Padres-Dodgers rivalry, and it all ended with a great story about Hall of Fame announcer John Sterling, who passed away earlier this week.Be on the lookout for out next Friar Territory, when we’ll talk to Padres 1B Ty France. 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

Been a dramatic day for the Champions League on two different continents. (Yes, it’s called Champions Cup in Concacaf but these are details we can push aside)Eric Gomez from ESPN joined me immediately after the final whistle in Munich and we touched on the UEFA matchup between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, including thoughts on Atletico Madrid crashing out in the semifinal. Has the Diego Simeone Show run its course?We then turned to Wednesday night’s Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal in Toluca. Been a whirlwind of contradictory news out of Mexico about which potential Mexican National Team players would be available against LAFC. First, Alexis Vega and Jesus Gallardo would be allowed to play.But then, things changed. The Club confirmed that the two key players would leave the team and report for National Team camp. What is happening and why is this happening now? Eric has the scoop. We ended the conversation talking about the Fox TV commercial currently circulating, in which the United States Men’s National Team wins the World Cup. What would the reaction actually be if that were to happen? Would it be anything close to scenes we’ve seen in other countries?Hypotheticals on hypotheticals. 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

(This is the audio-only version of Tuesday’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, click here.)Pretty impressive to scroll through Padres Twitter / Blue Sky / Threads etc and see so many solutions to Fernando Tatis Jr’s hitting woes. I’m hooked.“It’s his lower body!'““He’s hurt!”“His swing load is wrong!”“He’s wearing the wrong gloves!”On and on it goes and - honestly - since he doesn’t seem to know how to fix things and his coaches haven’t yet figured out a solution, why not peruse social media for ideas at this point?In this podcast, Marty and AJ Cassavell ask if Fernando should be more like Luis Capusano and just “stop giving a fuck”. We are reaching Bull Durham levels of analysis. After Padres talk (including Luis Arraez’s impressive 2B defense), we talked some NBA Playoffs, UEFA Champions League with a dash of Game Of Thrones sprinkled in. Enjoy Tuesday’s MartyTimeTV & Section 1904 collab. 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

Had the chance to go 1-on-1 with SDFC Head Coach Mikey Varas about the team taking a “step in the right direction” against Portland, how he evaluates Duran Ferree’s decision away from goal and how the club will attempt to fill Jeppe Tverskov’s rather large boots.We also talked about SDFC’s need to be more aggressive in attack while balancing patience & buildup play. Sounds like LAFC will field a heavily rotated team this week, though Head Coach Marc Dos Santos suggested Denis Bouanga will see minutes at Snapdragon Stadium.This interview will air during the SDFC Kickoff Show on San Diego Sports 760 and the IHeartRadio App, starting at 6pm. Adrian Garcia Marquez and I will have the call at 6:30 and, as always, you can listen on AM 760, the app or on AppleTV by locating the “Home Radio” icon. (See below) 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

Baseball is a very confusing sport.Fernando Tatis Jr has a .295 slugging percentage, which is bad, but he’s hitting the ball harder than anyone in the sport, which is good. Are we supposed to think he’s off to a bad start or an unlucky one?There are also confusing rules. On Monday night, a ground ball in the 9th inning appeared to be clearly foul. The umpires ruled it fair. Online arguing - pardon the redundancy - ensued. Regardless, Mason Miller’s streak ended against the Cubs.So what’s the deal? The Official MLB Rule Book suggests that was a foul ball. But wait! Apparently there’s something called the “Umpire Interpretation Manual”, which I had never heard of until today. There's precedent for that being a fair ball. Similarly seemingly obvious calls have led to online discussion in previous seasons. So…WTF?Thankfully, AJ Cassavell from MLB.Com is here to set us straight, despite feeling exhausted by the subject. We also talked about Mexico City, Manny Machado and what to make of Tatis’s ridiculously high exit velocity and ridiculously low launch angle. Per usual, AJ delivers. 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