Quick show this week. Colbee stops in to defend his position as Masters of Rugby League correspondent. We discussed the cricket schedule for next Summer on Facebook Live.
Colbee and Josh recap the Penrith Waratah Masters presentation night.
Then we discuss the NFL. Both Zac and Josh’s teams are in the hunt for the playoffs. Brendan’s just sacked their coach.
And Josh catches up with some NBA news. Continue reading “Episode 86”
It’s been a looong time since we had published author Erik Nielsen on the show. As a historian, Erik helps the boys discuss cricket history.
And we also welcome back Swainy to talk Rugby around the world. It’s been a few weeks and a couple of Wallabies losses since we spoke to Swainy. And he is more than happy to go on a BS style Ref Rant!
Plus the V8 Supercars wrapped up on the weekend and we talk NFL. Continue reading “Episode 85”
Special thanks to Robbo from Penrith Waratahs Masters for joining us in the sweltering heat to record the show.
We discussed the Australian cricket team rebuild. How the new bats will handle test cricket. And wondered if chatty keepers were the answer. Robbo and Pies reminisce about playing Car Cricket.
Our own version of the Macho Man returned Continue reading “Episode 84”
We recorded Episode 83 last night in the sauna that is the BS Studio. Thankfully we finished in just over 90 minutes. Continue reading “Episode 83”
A big week of sport even if the only Rugby League is the 4 Nations and the only AFL is Jobe Watson returning his Brownlow medal.
We have more than enough sport to talk about and leading the charge is the poor showing by the Australian cricket team for the second straight test against South Africa. There’s been plenty of talk of mass sackings and heads rolling. Rod Marsh has already stepped down. And we discuss the cricket.com.au article naming 11 potential new bats for Australia.
The 4 Nations is down to an Australia vs New Zealand final Continue reading “Episode 82”
It was looking unlikely we’d get a show out this week. But
Swainy got on the phone and recapped a big weekend of Rugby including Ireland’s historic win over the All Blacks in Chicago. Plus Australia put the cleaners through Wales. And Swainy had a big Melbourne Spring Carnival.
Brendan is not impressed Continue reading “Episode 81”
So while Brendan works a second job to make up the money he lost on the Melbourne Cup, Josh and Zac recorded a show. We recap the win of Almandin in the Melbourne Cup. Discuss how all of our selections went. And muse over the futures ofsome of the runners.
Josh is excited to see South Africa’s pace attack this Summer. Especially young Continue reading “Episode 80”
In the 6th chapter of Zac’s NFL Preview, four teams building on strong 2015 performances and some key roster additions this year.
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)
Coach: Gus Bradley (2013, 12-36) With over 26 years coaching experience at different levels, Bradley shot to NFL fame as the defensive co-ordinator of Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” which was one of the most dominant defences of the modern era. Entering his 4th year in Jacksonville there are high expectations.
QB: Blake Bortles (2014) Third year man who had a breakout 2015, needs to work on accuracy and decision making as he makes the progression to bona fide young gun.
Key Rookies. Continue reading “2016 NFL Preview 6/8 Four teams on the up?”
Four sides that performed well last year, did very little in free agency but lost some key players. How will the young guys step up?
Green Bay Packers (10-6)
Coach: Mike McCarthy (2006, 104-55-1) Veteran coach who is one of the best offensive minds in the game.
QB: Aaron Rodgers (2008) Rodgers is currently arguably the best QB in the NFL.
Key Rookies. Continue reading “2016 NFL Preview 5/8 Build From Within”
Zac thinks the writing is on the wall for these four teams in his latest instalment of the NFL Preview.
Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
Coach: Dan Quinn (2015, 8-8) 2nd year coach looking to improve on last years record.
QB: Matt Ryan (2008) Would be wanting to bounce back from a down year last year. Previously was considered a premier QB in the league.
Key Rookies. Continue reading “2016 NFL Preview 4/8 Is The End Near?”
In the latest round of his NFL Preview, Zac examines four teams who could be ready to take a giant leap.
Cleveland Browns (3-13)
Coach: Hue Jackson (2016) Second stint as a head coach. High quality offensive mind so the Browns offense should look much better this year.
QB: Robert Griffin III (2016) Looked like a superstar as a rookie but injuries and destructive coaching have derailed his career. Could be in line for a resurgent 2016 in Cleveland.
Key Rookies Continue reading “2016 NFL Preview 3/8 Great Expectations”
In the second chapter of his NFL Preview, Zac focusses on four teams who have added first time Head Coaches to the mix.
Miami Dolphins (6-10)
Coach: Adam Gase (2016) Gase is a first year head coach who has spent the last three years as John Fox’s offensive co-ordinator (in Denver then Chicago) and at 38 is currently the youngest head coach in the NFL
QB: Ryan Tannehill (2012) It’s time for Tannehill to start to deliver on his promise.
Key Rookies Continue reading “2016 NFL Preview 2/8 A New Sheriff in Town”
In his first instalment of the 2016 NFL preview, Big Zacko highlights four teams with veteran QBs that need to win this season or face imminent rebuilds.
San Diego Chargers (4-12)
Head Coach: Mike McCoy (2013 22-26)
Quarterback: Phillip Rivers (2004) – one of the most prolific passers in the last 10 plus years whose cool head will help what is now a young supporting cast.
Key Draft picks. Continue reading “2016 NFL Preview 1/8 Bounceback or Bust?”
Big Zacko’s NFL Preview
Zac is poring over the 32 NFL teams ins, outs, draft picks, coaching changes and shady equipment guys to deliver our first series of blog posts. While Big Zacko is putting the finishing touches on his rankings, we thought we’d share this video of his favourite WR.
Cheers,
Josh
Welcome to the new Bats & Balls Podcast webpage. From Twitter to Facebook to even the occasional blog this page will have everything Bats and Balls.
A brief history of Bats & Balls Podcast
During a hot Western Sydney Summer Josh Button midway through a cricket game had an idea of doing a Sports Podcast. Josh is a regular on Inebriation Nation (a beer podcast) and wanted his own sports show. Josh asked a few friends and Brendan Smith was the one who answered the call. After finding a name & logo the Bats and Balls Podcast was born.
Wednesday 4th March 2015 was the 1st show of Bats and Balls Podcast. It was the night before the 2015 NRL season and the episode was the NRL Preview. With only 1 poor microphone the boys did episode 1. From this point on the show has only got better and the team has added some new technology which has helped greatly. For a laugh go and listen to Episode 1 then listen to one of the latest episodes and hear the difference for yourself.
The Bats and Balls team love banter so if you are on twitter or facebook feel free to heckle the boys.
Brendan Smith
Bats & Balls Podcast 