From the Bleachers is GameSpot and SportsGamer's weekly podcast devoted to sports and sports gaming. Whether talking about the latest news, breaking down sports titles to levels beyond scientific, chatting with the developers behind your favorite games, or simply yelling at each other in the studio, the From the Bleachers crew always brings its A-Game.
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Ahh, the season of giving. This week on FtB, the crew discuss EA giving us more big-head Wii games, Midway giving us TNA Impact! 2, someone giving us a Michael Phelps video game, and Gran Turismo 5 for Xmas... 2009. Aaron returns from sabbatical to explain why "sloppy seconds" aren't bad, Brian's call for a course creator in Tiger is finally heard (just not by EA), and Shanker explains the aerodynamics of his 56mph fastball. As always, Fred breaks down the news from across the sports gaming community, we share your emails and phone calls, and try to finish off 2008 with some correct picks for a change.
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From the Bleachers: 12/01/08
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In this week's episode the FtB crew weigh in on the pseudo "plus 1" game in the BCS, highlight NCAA coaches on the hotseat, and revisit the ongoing saga of NFL players gone brain-dead. Jon Miller once again fills in for the absent Aaron Thomas to reminisce on the year in sports gaming. Shanker stresses the importance of protecting one's bling, Brain accuses the LA Times of bad journalism, and Fred predicts the second coming of... Kobe? Calls, picks, and email... you know the routine.
From the Bleachers: 11/24/08
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This week on FtB the crew explore the validity of EA price cuts in 2009, appraise the value of sports licenses, and shed tears over FOX’s loss of the BCS. With Aaron off shuffleboarding in the Caribbean, GameSpot’s Jon Miller steps in to provide his impressions on Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff, Brian theorizes the motive behind the Baja cover scandal, and Shanker makes the case for why prostitution may be the newest event in the 2012 Olympics. Fred breaks down news from across the sports gaming community including his take on the UFC’s hard-nosed brand of contract negotiation. Your emails, our picks, and Mom’s turkey to get you primed for Thanksgiving. Bon Appetit.
From the Bleachers: 11/17/08
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In this week's episode the FtB team chitchat with ESPN's Erin Andrews, discuss Midway's financial woes, and sound off on EA's accessory-challenged response to Wii Fit. Brian brings the sexy in his cry for Tiger Woods reform, SportsGamer's Daniel Grundei shares his thoughts on NCAA Basketball 09, and Fred explains the difference between Kimbo Slice and Brock Lesnar (there are many correct answers on this one). Oh, and Aaron and Shanker try to publicly discredit one another in a shameful display of bloated egos. All this, your emails, and news from around the sports community. From the Bleachers... putting the "dys" in dysfunctional.
From the Bleachers: 11/10/08
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This week on From the Bleachers the crew discuss the future of sports under an Obama administration, the possibility of Texas Tech in the BCS championship game, and reminisce of the worst sports games ever created. GameSpot’s Jon Miller gives Roy Jones Jr. some career advice, Brian shows that he doesn’t always get picks wrong, and Shanker defends the legitimacy of cock fighting as a sport. Fred shares tips from the community to improve your NHL and Madden skills and your response to our Question of the Week. All this and a new front-runner in our worst celebrity sports rap tournament. You don’t want to miss anything this bad.
From the Bleachers: 11/02/08
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This week on FtB, the crew discusses EA's attempt at the games involving physical exertion, NHL 09's upcomign patch, and Kobe's Risky Business moment. GameSpot's Tim Surette joins the team to share why the World Series sucked this year while Brian expresses his disgust at Mike Singletary's inspirational techniques. Shanker explains why the AI/Billups trade benefits both parties and Aaron explains why Shanker isn't a "real" football fan. Add in Fred's community breakdown, Texas Tech's ascension to college football's elite, and yet another laugh at John Daly's expense and you have one of the busiest episodes of FtB to date.
From the Bleachers: 10/27/08
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In this week's episode the FtB crew discuss the death of yet another arcade basketball franchise, weigh the cost of NCAA Basketball 09's early release, and grill GameSpot UK's Guy Cocker on which soccer titles deliver the biggest bang for the pound. With Aaron out with illness, Shaun McInnis fills in to discuss the pathetic state of football in the Pacific Northwest, Brian voices his displeasure with Mike Singletary's first week on the job, and Shanker and makes pseudo intellectual guesses as to who will be playing in the BCS championship this year. As always, Fred breaks down your response to the Question of the Week and the team desperately tries to break its string of awful picks.
From the Bleachers: 10/20/08
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This week on From the Bleachers the team chats with the producers of EA's upcoming NCAA Basketball 09 title, analyze Obama's impact on sports gaming, and discuss the impending death of Midway's NBA Ballers franchise. With the reviews out of the way, Aaron and Shanker break down the best and worst aspects of the three NBA games on the market along with what they need to do better next year, Fred responds to fans who attended Notre Dame in spirit, and Brian whines about the cheese that is Shanker ball. As always we take a look at your responses to the Question of the Week and leave you with picks you can take to your bookie.
From the Bleachers: 10/13/08
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In this week's episode the FtB crew discuss NBA 2K9's port to the PC, analyze another wild week atop the college football polls, and attempt to crown the worst sports rap in history. GameSpot's Jon Miller joins the team to discredit Indian Olympic glory, Aaron continues his ongoing theme of threatening Bears' personnel, and Shanker provides semantic excuses for his pick last week. Fred scopes out your response to our Question of the Week and the team share their picks in the world of sports.
From the Bleachers: 10/06/08
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This week on From the Bleachers the crew discusses Kimbo's not-so impressive MMA performance, the return of Punch-Out on the Wii, and NFL greats suing EA. With Brian in Tokyo for TGS, Tom Mc Shea joins the team to break down all the NFL action over the weekend. Shanker makes excuses for the Bills loss and Aaron remains speechless on the Cubs' prompt exit from the playoffs. As always, Fred breaks down your response to our Question of the Week and we give you our picks to drop your money on this week.
From the Bleachers: 09/29/08
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This week the crew breaks down a wild week in college football, discuss why the Oklahoma City Thunder uniforms suck, and Shanker shares clips from his trash talking escapades with some of the NBA’s finest. GameSpot’s Justin Calvert joins the team to give his rundown of Baja and sheds new light on the “soccer vs. football” debate. Brian speculates the coming of a pricing war in basketball gaming, a mellow Aaron Thomas shares his impressions on the Bears’ Sunday night victory, and Shanker spells out his expectations from FIFA’s 10-on-10 mode. As always Fred breaks down your response to our Question of the Week and the team give you their sure-thing picks in the world of sports.
From the Bleachers: 09/22/08
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In this week's episode the FtB team share their thoughts on the legacy of Yankee Stadium, analyze the US improbable Ryder Cup win, and go over a busy weekend football schedule. Brian makes the case for a new "We are Idiots" segment, Shanker explains the link between Tom Brady and Michael Vick, and Aaron goes into detail about what he will do to Charles Tillman if he ever meets him. As always, Fred shares your response to our Question of the Week and the crew give you their picks in the world of sports.
From the Bleachers: 09/17/08
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In this week’s show the FtB crew break down what you can expect from EA’s NCAA Basketball 09, share their experiences with NHL 09’s online multiplayer, and NBA 2K9 developers Rob Jones and Erick Boenisch pay a visit to discuss their upcoming basketball sim. Brian shares his disappointment over Konami’s exclusive UEFA license, Aaron describes where DeSean Jackson’s boneheaded play on Monday Night ranks all-time, and Shanker describes what Atari’s Deer Hunter Tournament needs to attract new, slightly disturbed audiences. Fred breaks down your response to our Question of the Week and the team give you their guaranteed Pick-Its for the week.
From the Bleachers: 09/09/08
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In this week's show the crew forecast the fallout from week 1 in the NFL, take a look at some of the new sports games to hit the shelves, and discuss whether penalizing football celebrations has gone too far. GameSpot's Chris Watters joins the team to break down Midway's TNA Impact, Aaron shares his pain with EA's Facebreaker, and Shanker compares EA's and 2K's hockey titles. Fred updates us on his progress at Tiger Woods 09 while Brian describes the worst screw-over in the history of sports. And, as always, we take a look at your responses to our question of the week.
From the Bleachers: 08/20/08
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This week the crew talks to FIFA 09's David Rutter on the new Live Season feature, discuss Usain Bolt's crazy speed, and break down various NFL teams no one cares about. GameSpot's Tom Mc Shea joins the crew this week to gripe about the 49ers, Aaron complains about paying for downloadable updates, and Shanker proposes Olympic events in which he may be able to compete. As always, we take your calls and emails and give you our picks in the world of sports.
From the Bleachers: 08/27/08
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Hey there. You good? We're good too. You look fine today, you know that? You been working out? Yeah, we thought so. The FtB crew's got a lot of sexy sports gaming talk for you today. Oh yeah. For example, tennis. You think tennis is sexy? So do we, especially now that EA Sports has the exclusive Wimbledon license. That is sexy! And hey, how about that upcoming Madden patch? We heard they were going to introduce a sexy new feature into the game: it's called "sexy". Mmmm. If that doesn't float your boat, we've got Aaron talking dirty about Tiger 09, Fred teasing us with reader responses to the question of the week, and Tom Mc Shea being Tom Mc Shexy. Rowr! Plus Brian brings the sexy to EA Sports. All that and your e-mails and phone calls. Sexy ones only!
From the Bleachers: 09/03/08
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With college football underway and the NFL just hours away, the FtB crew dives head-first into pigskin talk with a review of NFL Head Coach 09, as well as discussion on this year's fantasy sleepers. Brian's got impressions of Sony's basketball game, NBA 09: The Inside, and the guys wonder if we really need a fifth MLB game from Take Two. Plus we announce the winners of our Football Phone-In contest, read your e-mails, listen to your phone calls, and make more atrocious sports picks.
From the Bleachers: 08/06/08
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In this week's episode the crew review the docket for the upcoming Madden launch, break down NHL 2K9's debut on the Wii, and offer their analysis on what you can expect from Beijing. Brian phones in to offer his thoughts on the brutality of Blitz: The League 2, Shaun and Aaron review USA basketball's international woes, and Shanker raps! As always, Fred goes over the community response to our Question of the Week and the team tries to right the ship with some correct picks for a change.
From the Bleachers: 08/13/08
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You'd think that this week's episode of From the Bleachers would be completely dedicated to Madden NFL 09, BUT YOU'D BE... well, okay you'd be right. In addition to the guys breaking down the year's biggest sports title, we've got hip hop superstar and Madden guru Twista on the phone to talk about his review of the game, his skill with the sticks, and his best trash talking techniques. To prove we can talk about something other than football, Brian spends some time discussing the EA Sports Hockey League in NHL 09, Fred shares his Olympic "fever", and Aaron and Shanker make nearly identical Call-It picks. All that, plus listener e-mails and details on a phone-in contest that will rock your damn world… or at least give you a chance to win a book. YES. READING!
From the Bleachers: 07/30/08
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In this week's episode, the crew share their thoughts on Tim Donaghy's sentencing, the Cotto-Margarito slugfest, and exploding tires at the Brickyard. Brian is on assignment this week so GameSpot's Shaun McInnis attempts to fill in as peacekeeper. Aaron talks FIFA Manager 09, Fred laments the Bears' lack of talent, and Shanker shares is displeasure with the lack of cheese in NCAA Football this year. We check out your response to our Question of the Week and the team shares their "sure thing" picks for the week.
From the Bleachers: 07/23/08
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In this, our marathon post-E3 episode of From The Bleachers, the crew speaks with David Littman about the new features in NHL 09 and what's in store for sports games in the future. The OzSpot's Randolph Ramsay joins the team as they discuss all the biggest hits and misses from E3. Aaron explains why this E3 could be the last, Shanker reveals his most embarrassing sports moment ever, and Brian attempts to defend his abysmal Pick It record. As always, Fred breaks down the community response on our Question of the Week and the crew gives you their "sure thing" picks for the week.
From the Bleachers: 07/09/08
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In this week's episode, the crew discuss the implications of Triple H being a household name, Madden’s ever-evolving soundtrack, and yet another possible return of Brett Favre. Brian predicts the return of Degeneration X to the WWE and Fred shares his analysis of why Rampage Jackson lost his UFC title. Aaron reminisces of great Grand Slam tennis performances of the past while Shanker attempts to explain why women’s sports are doomed to failure. Kyle even joins the team to share his roller coaster experience with NASCAR 09. As always the team goes over all of your responses and again attempt to nail their sure-thing picks of the week.
From the Bleachers: 06/25/08
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This week this crew brings you an extended show covering everything from this year's Dream Team, the need for better sports peripherals, and Maria Sharapova's new on-court attire. Shanker describes his encounter with UFC's Rampage Jackson, Aaron presents his collection of terrible athlete rap, and Brian explains why the new Power Pros will be the best baseball game out there. And, as always, we go through your emails and phone calls.
From the Bleachers: 07/02/08
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Last time, the FtB crew brazenly referred to soccer as "evil." This week, they make up for it with discussions of EA Sports' upcoming FIFA 09 and FIFA Manager 09, as well as a recap of Spain's huge victory over Germany in Euro 2008. With Shanker on injured reserve, Aaron and Brian recall their love for Micro League Baseball, Jon Miller talks about EA's 'All Play' games for the Wii, and Fred discusses the achievements in Madden NFL 09 and notifies listeners about a SportsGamer reader who's put his life for sale on the forums. Any bidders? Plus e-mails, phone calls, and more bad sports picks!
From the Bleachers: 06/18/08
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Kobe (and Shanker's) dreams of NBA glory are shattered, but the rest of the From the Bleachers crew is celebrating with up-to-the-minute discussion of EA Sports' upcoming NBA Live and Tiger Woods games. Meanwhile, Brian professes his love for Ferrari Challenge for the PS3 and his eternal hatred for "Get In the Hole!" guy at PGA Tour events. Fred sends a call to action for the SportsGamer and GameSpot communities and Aaron's got hard proof of Ken Griffey Jr.'s rap "skills". As always we take your phone calls and e-mails and then embarass ourselves with our sports prognostications.
From the Bleachers: 06/11/08
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An extended From The Bleachers crew discuss what to expect from NHL 09, Griffey's milestone homer, and who is the most annoying personality in sports talk radio. SportsGamer's Kyle and Daniel share their first impressions of Madden, Shanker tries to explain why the Lakers find themselves in a 2-0 hole in the NBA Finals, and Aaron explains what makes Prizefighter different from the Fight Night series. As always, we answer a ton of user questions and make our sure-thing picks in the world of sports.
From the Bleachers: 06/04/08
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It's Aussie Rules Podcasting on this week's From the Bleachers! Aaron recounts his vacation Down Under, the guys talk about the strange sport of netball with GameSpot AU's Randolph Ramsay, and then eat vegemite on the air. Helpful Hint: Vegemite does not taste good. After that, it's discussion about about Tecmo Bowl, Activision's new Baja 1000 game, Codemasters doing Formula One, and lots and lots of talk on Madden NFL 09. As always, we take your e-mails and phone calls, talk some real sports, and run through all our bad picks from the previous week. It's a marathon episode of From the Bleachers that's hotter than a bunch of sheilas on the beach!
From the Bleachers: 05/28/08
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This week the crew discusses Sony’s new metallic blue PSP bundle, Shaun White’s new snowboarding game, and how video games have killed the Olympics. With Aaron and Fred missing in action this week, GameSpot’s Jon Miller assumes the role of harassing Shanker. Brian discusses his hands-on with Madden 09 and his woes with UEFA Euro 2008’s Captain Your Country mode. Jon shares his love of EA’s NCAA Football franchise and the San Antonio Spurs while Shanker suggests new events that could put the Olympics back on the radar. As always, we go over listener emails/phone calls and make our sure-thing picks in the world of sports.
From the Bleachers: 05/21/08
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This week the crew discusses Nintendo's Wii Fit marketing mishap, EA's exit from the console baseball market, and NHL 2K9's new cover athlete. Shanker breaks down his first look at Facebreaker and sounds off on his uncanny pick streak. Aaron shares his disdain for Cedric Benson, belligerent drunks and at sporting events, and Shanker. Brian admits to having no skill in football games and Fred explains why a Spurs-Celtics Finals is on the way while bashing Lakers' fans. And, as always, we answer your e-mails and phone calls.
From the Bleachers: 05/14/08
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On this week's show Brian returns from Vancouver with loads of info on Fight Night Round 4, Tiger Woods 09, and Madden 09. Shanker takes a few minutes off from his busy schedule of vacationing to share his thoughts on Tony Hawk's sabbatical and also offers insight into his crumbling relationship with Michelle from GTA IV. Aaron's wearing a new SportsGamer hat (listen to find out how you can get your own) and Fred thinks the world needs to get over Spygate. And as always, we answer your e-mails and phone calls.
From the Bleachers: 05/07/08
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Shanker and Brian are trekking through the Great White North to visit EA Sports, so Aaron Thomas takes up hosting duties while TV.com's Tim Surette joins him in the studio, along with Fred (via Skype) from his massive mansion somewhere on the East Coast. This week, the guys talk about what Hank Haney will teach you in Tiger Woods 09, the return of Tecmo Bowl, and the new EA Freestyle label. Also Cedric Benson gets arrested on the high seas and Brian makes his worst Call-It pick ever!
From the Bleachers: 04/30/08
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Shanker and Fred were the first of the FtB crew to correctly make a real sports prediction and, this week, Shanker gets his reward. Also, Shanker gives his enlightened views on Grand Theft Auto IV, the guys talk about Brett Favre on the cover Madden NFL 09, and hear from EA Sports producers on Madden and NCAA Football 09. You will listen now!
From the Bleachers: 04/23/08
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On this week's show the guys chat about Blitz: The League II, TNA iMPACT! and the soundtrack for NASCAR 09. Also, how the hell old IS Miguel Tejada? Finally, we've got Josh the Crazy Bears Fans on the city of Buffalo and the Ottawa Senators. You don't want to miss it, son!
From the Bleachers: 04/16/08
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Well, it looks like everyone survived the first episode of From the Bleachers so we've decided to push our luck again and release a second one. What fantastic stuff could we possibly cram into this episode? The big highlight is an in-depth interview with Josh Looman, the lead designer of the upcoming NFL Head Coach. He gives great insight on how you'll scout and draft players, run practices, design plays, coach during games, and much more. If you're a football fan you don't want to miss this interview.
From the Bleachers: 04/09/08
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GameSpot and SportsGamer editors discuss Madden's next cover athlete, Shanker's bizarre obsession with Kobe Bryant, the release date for Gran Turismo Mobile, Aaron's crazy Chicago Bears-loving brother, Jose Canseco's career as an author, Brian's anticipation of THQ's Baja, Mike Vick's prison football career and much, much more...
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