The Ben Maller Show
The Ben Maller Show

Apr 29, 2026 · 52 min

Maller targets MLB micromanagement and Mets job pressure

Hour 3 - Don't Call Me

The hour connects volatile team decisions with a broader argument for stability and recognizable voices in sports.

3 key takeaways
  1. 1Brandon Aiyuk’s reported silence toward the 49ers and trade suitors could push San Francisco toward releasing him.
  2. 2Maller predicts Carlos Mendoza’s Mets tenure is nearing its end as New York continues to struggle.
  3. 3MLB’s decision to limit Guardians broadcasters prompts a defense of durable, familiar local voices.

Don't miss

Maller reveals that Mike Brown’s answer to avoiding social-media and sports-radio noise is watching HGTV, especially House Hunters International.

The brief

Brandon Aiyuk’s reported refusal to answer the 49ers or interested trade teams becomes the hour’s first pressure point, with Maller arguing the standoff could end in his release.

The focus shifts to the New York Mets, where Maller predicts Carlos Mendoza could receive a pink slip before the season ends as the club continues to struggle.

Maller objects to MLB requiring Guardians broadcasters Matt Underwood and Rick Manning to take games off, defending familiar local voices through a comparison with Chick Hearn.

The hour’s lighter stretch includes the Mallard riddle’s HGTV answer, meet-and-greet and birthday calls, and a Too Much or Not Enough win for a Pennsylvania delivery driver.

Queen of Hearts closes the hour with relationship questions ranging from gifts and massages to bird watching, costumes, horse names, and an unpleasant shampoo scent.

Weekly email

State of the Pod, every Monday

The week's most-discussed names and stories from podcasts, with the moments behind them. Free, five minutes, unsubscribe in one click.

Listen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.