The Section 1904 Podcast

(This is the audio-only podcast 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 on YouTube, click here)The Padres have called up 20-year-old catcher Ethan Salas, and the timing couldn’t be more interesting. Salas joins the Padres in Cincinnati as the club begins its stretch run, with the Pads battling on the daily for a playoff spot while managing fatigue and injuries. AJ Cassavell of MLB.com joins us from Cincinnati (or Kentucky) to analyze AJ Preller’s decision. Is this the right time to put a young catcher in the middle of a playoff race? What are the risks of exposing Salas to the big leagues now, and how does AJ expect him to be used? Salas gives the Padres another left-handed bat at a time when they don’t have Gavin Sheets and have lost Luis Rengifo for the season. Salas could be a potential pinch-hitting weapon and the positional flexibility allows Crain Stammen to use Campusano at DH. But what about the catching? Salas has played 24 games in AAA El Paso, with only 17 appearances behind the plate. Is he ready for the world of PitchCom and ABS (modern technology that isn’t used in Double A)? We are about to find out. Should we believe his numbers in the PCL or San Antonio? Marty was also generous enough to save :60 seconds for some thoughts on Luca Bombino's farewell video to the City of San Diego. Bombino’s transfer became official on Tuesday and he was already in the matchday squad for Stoke City. Fare thee well to a class act and good luck on the next chapter, Luca. 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 Friday’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)After dropping two games to the lowly Mets, the Padres return home for a homestand against the Twins & Pirates. Many are saying this is the biggest homestead of the season. Ok, nobody is actually saying that but the Padres are hosting two teams that are under .500 and do have a 40-24 records against such teams. Take care of business.One of the lingering questions surrounding the team is happening in AAA: Is it time to bring up phenom Ethan Salas? The Padres’ top prospect has made an impressive transition to El Paso, raising the question of whether a September call-up could give San Diego another weapon for the stretch run and perhaps a preview of what’s to come in 2027. But does this idea make any sense? Also, with the Padres set to introduce their new ownership group at Monday’s press conference, we welcomed The Athletic’s Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey for some firsthand perspective on José E. Feliciano, Clearlake Capital and what San Diego might expect from its new ownership group. MLB owners have approved the $3.9 billion sale, with Feliciano and Kwanza Jones leading the new group and - as Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported - Feliciano’s partner at Clearlake, Behdad Eghbali, will be part of the new group.Liam gives us the backstory on Feliciano and Clearlake, and explains the complicated ownership dynamic at Chelsea - where Clearlake is the majority stakeholder and current Dodgers owners Mark Walter and Todd Boehly are part of the same ownership group. Walter has, uh, been in the news recently. We also get Liam’s perspective on how Chelsea’s ownership has been perceived in London, the tensions that have developed inside the club and what could ultimately happen with Walter amid reports that he and Boehly are discussing a sale of their Chelsea stakes to Clearlake. 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 Friday’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 hereBack when we had a radio show, Scott Lewis from Voice of San Diego was a regular guest whenever we needed a real news person to explain the intersection of sports and politics, whether it was “the battle for Mission Valley” or trying to understand CEQA and why it was standing in the way of a new arena in the Midway area. Scott was always there for us.During the pandemic, Scott joined us every week as we all tried to figure out how to function with COVID hanging over everything. It made perfect sense, since Scott and his team at Voice of San Diego were following all of the local and national press conferences, and we always enjoyed having him on. It was educational. Somewhere along the way, a listener dubbed the segment “The Liberal Circle Jerk,” and the name sarcastically stuck. (Forgive me for not remembering exactly why, although I always found it hilarious that the basic things we were discussing somehow earned the “liberal” label. But… que sera, sera.)On this episode, Scott joins us to talk about the Padres sale and what new ownership is facing with its Petco Park deal, along with its other interactions with the city of San Diego. Scott also explains the one thing he’d like to see happen before the old guard fully vacates, and how a Voice of San Diego investigation into fraud at the ballpark left San Diego softball leagues dreaming of a $3.5 million payday.Of course, we also talked about evil palm trees, parking at Balboa Park, and whether we should be terrified about El Niño this fall and winter. 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 Friday’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 keep winning. This team went on a run before the MLB Trade Deadline and has kept the throttle open, sweeping the best team in baseball before a well deserved off-day and trip to Cleveland. We talked about the sweep, improved pitching and Robbie Ray’s remarkable hair. All the important analysis you were looking for. How has this happened and do we dare dream of how far this club might go? Is it crazy to think the Padres can overtake the Cubs for the top wildcard spot or - gasp - even challenge the Dodgers for the NL West? We also discussed the interestingly timed story about hitting coach Steven Souza Jr from the Union Tribune's Kevin Acee. The AceMan gave us plenty to digest, from the “blind leading the blind” to tepid endorsements and, most importantly, does it even matter who gets credit for the Padres offensive turnaround?We also set the stage for a rather massive matchup between San Diego FC and LAFC (you can listen to the call at 7pm on 760am or the IHeartRadio app) and what to expect from SDFC’s new Designated Player Elias Achouri, who will debut at BMO Stadium.There’s also some House of the Dragon chatter WITH SPOILERS. One of us seemed to enjoy the series finale more than the other. 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 Friday’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 returned home to face the Astros after splitting their series in Arizona but the mysterious case of Nick Pivetta has us asking plenty of questions. What was the deal with his bizarre exit from a rehab start in Lake Elsinore? Does it feel like he and the organization see eye-to-eye on his situation, especially when considering the unique language in his contract pertaining to a sustained stint on the Injured List?(Update: Nick Pivetta spoke to the media on Friday. You can watch his entire session below)Then we welcomed in ESPN’s Eric Gomez from Mexico City to talk Leagues Cup and whether this tournament feels more important for Liga MX or MLS clubs. We also react to the news that Hirving Lozano has been loaned to the LA Galaxy for the remainder of the season. What do we make of a move, sending the highest paid and most popular player to your closest geographic rival and a team you are right behind in the standings? San Diego FC will play the Galaxy twice before the end of the season, including an August 29th matchup at Snapdragon Stadium. How will fans react when (if?) Chucky plays against SDFC and what - if anything - will the Club do to acknowledge him in his return? Where does this leave Lozano in the eyes of fans in the United States and Mexico? We discuss.Padres, Pivetta, Leagues Cup and Chucky - plenty to get into on 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

(This is the audio-only podcast 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 on YouTube, click (here)Will the Padres pummell the weakling Rockies and Giants like they did the Marlins or are they destined to step on a rake like they did against the Royals? That question will be answered this week at Petco Park as we close in on the end of “buy or sell?” season. MLB.Com’s AJ Cassavell joins us to talk about San Diego's biggest trade deadline questions, including whether A.J. Preller should push his chips in, stand pat, or make a more creative move to address the roster's biggest needs. Are the Padres built to survive 162 games or are they actually better built for a short series in October? We explore the idea that while the Padres have annoyingly struggled with consistency during the regular season, adding a starting pitcher to pair with Michael King plus this bullpen could make them a far more dangerous team in a short postseason series than their regular season record might suggest. Plus, a look at the trade market, realistic deadline targets and who deserves the credit for the Padres turnaround on offense.. 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

I’ve had countless conversations with my buddy, Nate Abaurrea, through the years. Whether these conversations are enjoyed in Tijuana with tequila or via text, someone will likely suggest at the end of them that it “should have been a podcast”. So that’s what we did on Monday. Nate and I reflected on the 2026 World Cup and how we balance the joy produced by the tournament with the uncomfortable reality of the political fuckery surrounding it. We discussed how the matches, atmosphere and shared fan experiences can still be thrilling even while acknowledging the bigger issues off the field. “Yo Fumando Porro y Tomando Vinoooo” will last forever as will the memories provided by Leo Messi, Erling Haaland, Vozinha's saves and countless others. The episode included our favorite moments from the tournament, the performances and scenes that made this World Cup memorable, and why we didn’t jump on the “everyone hates Argentina / the World Cup is rigged” narrative. It was a conversation about loving the game while still being honest about everything around it. The duality of being a sports fan in 2026.We also talked about the Final and the predictable reaction to it, what takeaways there were from the overall experience with special shoutouts to Gilberto Mora of Club Tijuana and Lamine Yamal. 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 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 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

(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