We’re back with a Thursday edition of Around the Horn and it is another busy one for us as there have been a lot of interesting stories on the diamond. This week we’ll get into two more broadcasts, some unsung players that got by us last week, a look ahead to the All-Star Game and the cross section of baseball and popular culture. With all that said, let’s dive in!

First Base

Hard Times on TV: Ahhhhh the White Sox, the team that makes it in here for all the wrong reasons on a regular basis. Last weekend the Pale Hose broke their record setting 14-game losing streak as they took two of four from the Red Sox at home. One might think breaking a streak like that would lead to a good run of play, but you don’t know these White Sox, at least not like their TV crew does. NBC Sports Chicago’s coverage of the Southside is anchored by longtime Sox media personality Chuck Garfien and fan favorite player and world champion manager Ozzie Guillen. The often-outspoken Guillen has been all over the team and its manager Pedro Grifol so far this season, and he is taking his frustrations to new heights as the teams’ awful losses now has him looking to hurt himself. Pray for Ozzie and Chuck and try not to laugh too hard.

Second Base

He Can Call Anything: Let’s go across the pond for the first of two stories about the Mets and Phillies series last weekend in London. While the Philly Phanatic and Mr. Met had plenty of fun around town, TNT sports play by play man Darren Fletcher stole the show with his call of the series ending double play. For a broadcaster who usually calls soccer, Fletcher absolutely nailed it!

Third Base

The Forgotten Man: Last week we talked about unsung players from around the game that warranted more attention, and I realized that two fell through the cracks, but I guess that’s why they call them unsung. So, let’s take the time now to talk about another here as outfielder Teoscar Hernandez has flown under the radar for the Dodgers. Number 37 is hitting .266 with 17 home runs and 50 RBI’s to be the fourth member of a four headed monster featuring Betts, Ohtani, Freeman and himself. We highlighted the big righty in our season preview as a key to the Dodgers success this year and it’s no surprise that the team is 42-26 with him helping to lead the way. I always liked him the most out of the young core players in Toronto and it’s fun to see succeeding elsewhere now!

Home Plate

It’s Never Too Late: Sometimes in this game top prospects don’t quite click right away in the show. Most of them are never able to bounce back and have a career that lasts in the league, but there are a few exceptions. The latest one is Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar, who once upon a time was the crown jewel of the minor leagues and Texas Rangers system. The switch hitter from Curacao has bounced around the majors since his 2012 debut and despite a few bright moments he could not stick anywhere until now. Profar is now in his second stint with the Padres and it’s by far his best yet as he is hitting .324 with ten homers and 45 RBI’s at the age of 31. The switch hitter is a big part of the Padres, who currently hold a playoff spot and will likely represent the team at the mid-summer classic.

Extra Inning

The Ballot Box: The All-Star Game is around the corner so it’s time to go out and vote to ensure the best of the best represent their clubs in Arlington in July. While the Yankees and Dodgers are well represented here, I wanted to be sure I voted for Jurickson Profar and the ever-exciting Bobby Witt Jr., and the lethal Guardians tandem of Naylor and Ramirez on their way to this celebration of the game. I look forward to seeing the Home Run Derby participants list and the fun that will go on at the All-Star Game.

The Walkoff

Before we go it’s time to meet at the cross section of popular culture and sports. This time we go to the world of television to discuss the long running relationship between the Philadelphia Phillies and the groundbreaking sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Rob McElhenny, Sunny’s showrunner and Philadelphia local, plays Mac on the show who has had a long running love affair with Phillies icon Chase Utley. So, this past weekend in London McElhenny got to live out his dream of playing catch with Utley with the help of his wife and co-star Kaitlin Olson and Phillies star Bryce Harper.

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