ESPNRadio.com

  (1:29 PM)

Good afternoon everyone...Scott is here...on time...but he will need a five minute reprieve at some point to tape an interview with Bill Laimbeer.

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:29 PM)

Big day in sports, giddy up!

Matt (Dayton, Ohio)

SVP - Shout out from a fellow Marylander and sports journalist. If the Lakers double-up Howard like the Cavs did, you would think the Magic 3-ball is going to have to eventually go cold. Think we see the same defensive strategy from the Lakers that the Cavs showed doubling up DH with the hot Magic 3-ball?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:31 PM)

What the Lakers have that Cleveland did not, are wings that can deal with Turkoglu and Lewis. They'll throw Odom and Ariza at them, which really wasn't your question...but that's the advantage the Lakers have defensively, is the athleticism at the wing.

Michael (Kentucky)

Hey Scott! Do you think the Braves did Tom Glavine dirty by releasing him a day after he had a decent rehab start in AAA? How do you feel about the trade for McLouth?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:32 PM)

They needed all of what McLouth can give them in the OF. It's one of those "sneaky good" trades. They get an All-Star and a Gold Glover. Glavine is 43, and yes he had a decent start in (single A) ball. But it's glaring proof of the old saying, "business is business", and it always will be.

Jon (MPLS)

What's it going to take for the Twins to sign Mauer to a long term extension? I can't imagine the Twins letting him walk, but there may be a riot if they do. And I don't want anyone demanding he take a hometown discount. If he wants to great, but it shouldn't be expected.

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:33 PM)

Mauer is a unique circumstance. Every cliche about midwestern people that is positive, applies to Joe. I can't see him holding them hostage, and I can't see there being a number too high for the Twins to pay. The guy has to stay in Minnesota, it's that simple.

Bobby (Los Angeles)

SVP I love ur and tirico's show, do you think if the Lakers win the title it will have an affect on what Kobe does this offseason? Will it affect him opting out of his contract?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:35 PM)

Even if Kobe opts out, he'll re-sign with the Lakers. Where's he going? Nowhere.

Drew (Pennsylvania)

Conisdering the Pirates already have a nasty losing streak going...do they have any chance of climbing out the basement soon?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:36 PM)

No. Sorry.

Drew (Pennsylvania)

Soctt- How do you think Chris Bosh can help the Cavaliers? Do you think this deal has a chance?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:37 PM)

There are 100 possibilities between now and then. Yeah, he'd fit great with Lebron, but by that time where will Lebron be?

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Why didn't they just rain that game out in Washington at 7:00 PM? Was it really worth having those poor people wait around in the rain for three hours?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:38 PM)

Because the forecast all day today is rain....they didn't want to lose their chance at history.

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:39 PM)

Pause 3 mins for Bill Laimbeer...

Drew (Pennsylvania)

Scott who will win the Penguins v. Red Wings matchup tonight?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:42 PM)

Barry Melrose says there's nothing like momentum in Hockey. And Pitt would love to believe that they have it, but I personally feel like Detroit is too much. For four months I've been saying no one is beating them in the Spring...and I don't think that Pittsburgh can beat them three times in five games.

Bobby (Los Angeles)

With the return of Manny, are the Dodgers the favorite in the national league??

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:44 PM)

Well they got the best record in baseball, Juan Pierre has been great filling in. Manny may have to fight for his job when he returns (not really). They have the 2nd best ERA in baseball and the best batting average in baseball and have scored the third most runs. So if there's a team better than them, I don't know who it is.

Ashley (SLC)

With Ryen Russillo joining the crew.. is he going to have cut his "salad" to fit in?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:45 PM)

Here's the dirty little secret on Ryen's salad. The lettuce is leaving the back of the bull. But we'll let him be the guy with hair...for now. But eventually, God will take care of it.

Kylie (Austin)

Do you think Brian Westbrook will ever come back full strength?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:46 PM)

Warrior is an overused term in sports. But this guy is a gamer who battles through the bumps and bruises more than anyone. Why couldn't this operation make him better than he was? I'm sure Eagle fans have their fingers crossed because he means as much to that offense as any player means to any offense in the NFL in my opinion.

Nick (Cleveland)

Yo SVP, would you ever consider walking off the set of Sportscenter telecast without shaking whoseever hand it is that you are broadcasting with?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:47 PM)

We normally hug it out. Neil and I made out once, but we were really, really drunk. Are we really that upset about this handshake thing? The Detroit Pistons walked off the floor before a series ended as a team. This is much ado about nothing.

Drew (Pennsylvania)

Who is your front runner for the 09-10 NFL season?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:49 PM)

Until you asked that question, I honestly hadn't thought about it. And as I do, I realize I have absolutely no idea. I think there are so many questions about so many teams. I'm honestly not trying to duck the question, so by default, I'll say Pittsburgh. They know how to win and their defense is filthy.

Matt

So, did Laimbeer throw you to the ground or anything?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:49 PM)

Nah, he's a different dude these days. He was gentle.

Robby (Tampa)

Who is your BACKRUNNER for the upcoming NFL season?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:50 PM)

You realize, you're asking a man who picked the Detroit Lions to make the playoffs last year, right? As I understand it, they didn't win a game. Is that right? 0 wins? Probably better off asking someone else.

MH (Chicago)

Are you a little jealous of Neil's new life partner out in sunny California?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:51 PM)

Brock and Chest will always be cosmic life partners. What I am jealous of, is his new pad in Venice. I just got a look at it, and threw up in my mouth a little bit.

Dewayne (Kentucky)

SVP, I like the Lakers in 6, and Tiger at the upcoming US Open your thoughts.

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:52 PM)

I'll break down the finals in 9 minutes on ESPN Radio. As for the US Open, Bethpage is hard as hell. It's easy to like to Tiger in any major, especially one on a course where he's won before. He's got to drive the ball in the fairway. If he doesn't, he makes it way to hard on himself.

Michael (Madisonville,KY)

what's your thoughts on the Vince Young situation in Tennessee? I have a hard time seeing him beat out Collins for the starting QB spot. I don't think Collins is great, but you have to have a QB who can get the ball downfield with the way the rules are tilted toward the WR and QB in football.

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:53 PM)

I agree. I don't see this as a story. Vince Young was an afterthought last year there and barring injury this year, will likely remain the same.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Thanks for the disturbing image of you and Neil, SVP. Looks like no sleep for me tonight.

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:55 PM)

Really focus in on it. Imagine what that would be like. I don't want to, but I want you to. I want you to.

Robby (Tampa)

SVP, we've seen time and again athletic people get bounced from the pros because they didn't possess anything but raw talent. That said, what is your honest opinion of what Tim Tebow will do/be in the NFL?

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:57 PM)

I have a hard time not believing that he'll be an NFL football player. It's such a cliche at this point to say he's a winner, but he is. A guy like that will find a way to contribute in some capacity to a team. Maybe wildcat formations, maybe H back, something. What will be fascinated, is where will he be drafted?

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Three minutes, SVP. Grab a Diet Coke and get ready for some radio.

Scott Van Pelt

  (1:58 PM)

Done. Ya'll have a good day!

ESPNRadio.com

  (1:58 PM)

Thanks all...Bill Laimbeer, Peter Gammons, and the toughest guest to book of all, Mike Tirico...will join Scott today...go to ESPNRadio.com to listen live!