Phillies Playoff Hopes, College Sports Reform, and the Price of Fandom

This week on The Heart of Sports, we examine whether the Phillies’ trade-deadline moves truly make them a World Series contender—or leave too many questions in the rotation, bullpen, lineup, and defense. We also break down the latest congressional effort to reshape college sports, including revenue sharing, transfer restrictions, conference expansion, and the continuing complications of NIL.

Plus, the changing value of NFL running backs, football’s concussion crisis, the Yankees’ prediction-mar

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Phillies Playoff Hopes, College Sports Reform, and the Price of Fandom

499

Aug. 7, 2026

Phillies Playoff Hopes, College Sports Reform, and the Price of Fandom

This week on The Heart of Sports, we examine whether the Phillies’ trade-deadline moves truly make them a World Series contender—or leave too many questions in the rotation, bullpen, lineup, and defense. We also break down the latest congressional effort to reshape college sports, including revenue sharing, transfer restrictions, conference expansion, and the continuing complications of NIL. Plus, the changing value of NFL running backs, football’s concussion crisis, the Yankees’ prediction-mar

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Phillies in Freefall, Sixers Go All-In & College Sports Cashes In

498

July 31, 2026

Phillies in Freefall, Sixers Go All-In & College Sports Cashes In

The Phillies are spiraling, the trade deadline is approaching and Jason and Jeff wonder whether Dave Dombrowski can actually fix a roster with too many holes and too few prospects. They also debate Bryce Harper’s public frustration and whether the Phillies’ championship window has already closed. Then, the Sixers pull everyone back in. Jason and Jeff break down a star-studded lineup featuring LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown, the challenge of making all the pieces fit an

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World Cup Wrap, All-Star Return & Michigan Trouble

497

July 17, 2026

World Cup Wrap, All-Star Return & Michigan Trouble

Join us this week as we delve into the latest in sports, including World Cup highlights with the Final this weekend, baseball insights with Jeff's experience at the HR Derby and the Futures Game, and the state of Michigan athletics, all from Vancouver and beyond as Jeff travels for work.

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MLB Futures With Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline

496

July 10, 2026

MLB Futures With Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline

This week on The Heart of Sports, we welcome MLB Pipeline senior writer Jonathan Mayo for an inside look at the MLB Futures Game, baseball's top prospects, and what fans should watch as tomorrow's stars take center stage. Jonathan shares his thoughts on Phillies prospects Gage Wood and Wen-Hui Pan, Andrew Painter and Aidan Miller, the evolving MLB Draft, and what separates future superstars from everyone else. Jason and Jeff also break down All-Star Weekend in Philadelphia, debate Zach Wheeler's

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