What Happened to Our Favorite Sports Talk Show?

We've been listening to The Jim Rome Show pretty much every day since 1995. And the fact is that lately it has changed significantly for the worse. Always a polarizing figure, Rome has veered toward a bland, edgeless broadcast that borders on the unlistenable schlock available on pretty much every other sports talk show. The interactivity between host and listener that was originally a hallmark of the Jungle is essentially gone and the host's strong viewpoints have been toned way down.

The one noticeable change is the abrupt departure of long time producer Travis Rodgers. Rodgers, who crafted much of the show's largely scripted content, left the show with conspicuously little fanfare awhile back and the show is clearly the worse for it. Rodgers has recently resurfaced on Twitter, and even more recently with a new blog.

Don't get us wrong, Rome is a unique and formidable talent. His imprint on the sports media landscape is undeniable, but he is perhaps a victim of his own success. Were he lesser known would he be more willing to play fast and loose with his opinions, as well as allow his callers and e-mailers a bit more creative leeway? Whatever the issue for Rome, the bottom line is that his once funny and entertaining show is currently neither.

Remember When Pitchers Used to Pitch the Entire Game?

Add this to the myriad list of things we just don't get. What is the reason for pulling a pitcher who is thoroughly dominating an opponent? We know that your closer is among the best in baseball. And we are also aware that you don't want to burn out your young ace. But what the fuck? Isn't it worth it to leave your stud on the bump (stud on the bump?) for the confidence boost alone?

Clayton Kershaw is clearly coming into his own (coming into his own?) And a complete game shutout victory to end the first three game losing streak of the season may have given Kershaw the swagger of an ace. We know you can't quantify confidence, and we really are nitpicking because let's face it Joe Torre does way dumber stuff in practically every game. We're just saying. Maybe we could consider letting a starter finish a game once in awhile?