Caught In A Pickle: Recent Episodes
Joshua Lewis
Chatting with special guest Adam Painter of the Inglorious Batters podcast about fantasy baseball's affect on analytics, fandom, and how we interact with other fans of the game.
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Looking at baseball's Spring Training. Josh's personal experience in the Cactus League, favorite ballparks, and more.
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Welcome to Thinking Baseball, the new iteration of Caught in a Pickle!
A production of Variety Sports Network.
On today’s episode, we’re talking realignment. Expansion is coming to Major League Baseball, and with it have been some crazy ideas out there about what could happen when it does. Hi Jim Bowden! Where do the expansion teams get placed? What divisions do they join? Do divisions get realigned altogether? What are playoffs going to look like?
Featuring Suzy Fulton from Back That Astros Up and Josh Edwards from 7th Inning Stretch.
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This week it was announced who would be gracing the cover for the video game MLB The Show. There’s always a lot of hype and buildup to this now. Fans guessing or making their picks. Kind of how it used to be for the cover of Sports Illustrated, or a Wheaties box. Well, it was announced that Jazz Chisholm is getting the honor this year and I couldn’t help notice a few things when I saw the cover. I was brought up in the old school world of baseball where the extent of self expression was whether or not you wore batting gloves or if you wore your socks high. Baseball now, influenced by its young superstars and social media revolution, seems to be embracing this new wave of freedom of expression. And, if I’m honest with myself and look at both my new school and old school feelings objectively, I’m kinda here for it.
Friday the 13th came and went this last week and with it superstition took center stage. 13 is unlucky. Don’t open an umbrella inside. Don’t walk under a ladder. Don’t cross paths with a black cat. Whatever it is, superstitions are as old as humanity itself.
Obviously that human psychology shows itself into the game of baseball. Don’t talk to a pitcher when he has a no hitter going. Don’t step on the foul lines. But it seems with the influx of youth into today’s game, these superstitions are starting to lose their power over baseball minds. So, as we always do here, let’s compare notes between old school and new school and see what we can do about some of these baseball superstitions.
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It is verifiable fact that sports are getting more and more specialized. Professional players even have clauses in their contract banning certain activities in their down time. But, with the epidemic of injuries in Major League Baseball, and the increasing burnout of youth baseball players, is playing multiple sports when you’re young really all that bad? Do you really lose any advantage by not specializing sooner?
These questions and more as we talk about Jack of All Trades athletes and how encouraging kids to play multiple sports when you’re young can actually help them individually, and the game of baseball at large.
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On today’s episode we’ll be talking about just how similar baseball is to Christmas. The childlike wonderment, the magic, the mystery, the fun, and the joy. We’ll also touch on stories from our Facebook group and a special performance of a baseball spin on a classic Christmas carol.
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Most baseball people I’ve ever talked to hate soccer/football. Nobody can really tell me why. But it is the most popular sport worldwide, and as MLB is starting to play games in Mexico, London, and Japan, along with the World Baseball Classic in March, baseball is poised to become an international sport on a scale never seen before in the game. So on its way, what can we learn from the sport that has billions of fans all over the world, a cult following for its international tournaments and money being thrown around by teams, owners, and players that would make baseball fans blush.
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Baseball’s offseason is officially underway with our first few trades and signings. Qualifying offers have been made, rejected, and accepted. And the annual discussions, debates, and predictions have begun about salaries and roster construction. And while some teams are throwing money around like Black Friday shoppers at Walmart, some teams seem to play the role of Ebenezer Scrooge as they pinch pennies and insult their fan bases by spending less on their entire team than some teams spend on a single player. Are player salaries out of control? Does there need to be a salary cap? What about a salary floor? Like navigating the Holidays, are there changes that can be made to make this season more enjoyable for everyone?
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Free Agent Predictions on "7th Inning Stretch"
Special guest Manny Gomez joins the show as we reminisce about our favorite parts of the 2022 season. Manny is a member of the BBWAA and hosts one of my favorite baseball podcasts called Baseball Is Not Dead. He definitely leans more new school than I do, but his passion for the game, Latin American players and their stories, and thinking outside of the box style have made him an instant friend in the baseball world. So, I peppered Manny with questions about his view of the season from the field and in the press box as we look back at one of the most fun seasons we’ve seen.
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Baseball, more than any sport, celebrates and honors its records. They are measuring sticks for greatness, goals to aspire to, and for a precious few, earn the honorable distinction of “unbreakable.”
On today’s episode, ARE records made to be broken? Nothing says tradition in baseball like the hallowed record book, and with the season finishing up this weekend, we are looking back at the 2022 season within the context of history. Records and milestones were set which of course opens the lens wider to a conversation about baseball’s record book. In the new era of analytics, numbers are more important than ever. But baseball has always been a sport in which numbers hold much more special significance. So we are going to take a look at new records being set, touch on those famed “unbreakable” records, and chat a bit about how grey Major League Baseball’s record book has become and if there’s a way past it.
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On today’s episode, it’s a special World Series edition of Caught in a Pickle! We’ll take a break from our normal Tradition versus Evolution structure to celebrate the best championship series in sports. But, never fear! There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion, debate, and conversation to be had.
Tonight kicks off the Fall Classic with the dominant Houston Astros facing the streaking Philadelphia Phillies so of course we have to talk about it right?
We’re breaking down the 2022 World Series. We’ll look back at some favorite world series moments, preview the upcoming series, and chat about some storylines and also mention some things that shouldn’t be storylines too.
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Every year we see the merry go round of baseball managers and GMs getting fired and hired. A lot of times it’s a result of just poor performance. But, with what seems to be increasing regularity, it has also been the result of conflicting visions and philosophies. And the divide seems to be between those managing the teams on a daily basis and those more behind the scenes, constructing and preparing the teams. This of course trickles down to the fans where in the midst of the more popular firestorm and debates surrounding analytics taking over baseball, there is a discussion being ignored regarding what is becoming something bordering on tribal warfare. Blue collar vs. white collar. Feelings vs. data. Roster implementation vs. roster construction. These are the topics we’ll be tackling today and asking the question, is there common ground to be had between front offices and on-field personnel?
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Featuring an intro from Jim Mora’s iconic “Playoffs” rant, there’s no doubt this episode of Caught In a Pickle has some big opinions and enthusiasm for the game of baseball!
In today’s episode, our host breaks down this year’s playoff season and what he’d like to see for the future of the game. Should there be divisional realignment? How many teams should be in the playoffs? Do we look at the past for inspiration, or keep our eyes on the future?
Baseball fans have different opinions on these changes to the playoff structure, and Josh touches on the rationale for all sides. He also discusses what these changes mean for the regular season.
Tune in for a quick conversation on the upcoming postseason and how Major League Baseball is following the path of other major sports to give fans a more exciting playoff season!
Topics discussed in this episode:
● Josh explains the current playoff season
● Josh shares his opinion on the changes of this playoff season
● A look at playoff seasons in the past
● Changing the playoff structure in all major sports
● How these changes make the regular season more important
● Josh’s ideal playoff structure
● Josh gives his World Series predictions
Join our private Caught in a Pickle Facebook Group and share your own picks! Plus, you can participate in polls, questions, and discussions. Your insights and thoughts could be featured on the show!
Smells of hot dogs and popcorn, the sound of a hard hit, and cheering fans all fill your senses. The energy of a good baseball game will excite you no matter what ballpark you’re at, but in truth, there’s no place like home for a fun experience.
Kevin Chemidlin, podcast host and lifelong baseball fan, joins our host to talk about the magical experience that is a baseball game. As someone who’s on a mission to see one game in every city in the country, Kevin has (so far) been to 27 cities in ballparks both old and new.
What are the differences in these parks, and do they matter? What ballpark foods and traditions are essential to the baseball experience? Can minor league teams compete for the fan experience?
Tune in for a fun conversation on ballpark traditions, best game experiences, ballpark quirks, what Kevin would change about the game, and MORE!
Topics discussed in this episode:
● Kevin describes his baseball-filled childhood and love for the game
● Kevin on living in Philly as a secret Mets fan
● Stadiums no longer in existence that Kevin wishes he could visit
● The biggest difference between old and new parks
● Josh’s worst baseball game experience at the Old Yankee Stadium
● Different entertainment features at new stadiums
● Kevin shares his tradition of leaving every game with a nice ticket stub
● How Kevin got tours and more perks at most games he’s been to
● Kevin’s favorite baseball game experience and favorite park
● Josh shares his favorite game experience
● Kevin’s favorite ballpark food
● Minor league teams competing with the big league
● Josh and Kevin share their favorite players to watch and players they’d love to see
● What Kevin would change if he were baseball commissioner for a day
● The Year of the Pitcher
● Kevin shares his favorite ballpark quirks
● Why smaller parks can result in more runs and a more exciting game
● How to get a newbie to love the game of baseball
● Josh’s experience going to a World Baseball Classic game
● Ballpark Chasers is Josh’s new favorite Facebook group
Connect with Kevin:
Join our private Caught in a Pickle Facebook Group to get in on the conversation. Participate in polls, questions, and discussions. Your insights and thoughts could be featured on the show!
If you’re headed to a new park to catch a game, be sure to check out the Ballpark Chasers Facebook Group for helpful tips!
To butcher the words of 21st Century philosopher, Jay Z: “If you're having lineup problems, I feel bad for you, son. I’ve got 99 problems, but a pitcher ain't one.”
If you haven’t already guessed from this opener, today on Caught in a Pickle, we’re taking a look at a new and highly controversial decision in Major League Baseball: the universal designated hitter (DH) rule!
Love it or hate it, pitcher hitting is dead. The game is going to look different. But HOW different? Traditionalists argue that the DH eliminates half of the game for one of the players on the field. Evolutionists argue that a universal DH creates more offense and excitement. Which argument is right? Well, we’re going to give you our favorite answer: both.
As we do with every topic on this podcast, we take a deeper look at both sides of the discussion and offer you some much-needed historical context. We explore how the universal DH levels the playing field between the American League and the National League, how this consistency can be seen as good or bad, and the impact that the DH will have on the strategic elements of the game, plus a whole lot more.
If you’re looking for a better understanding of a newer rule that is actually rooted in the very foundations of baseball itself, you won’t want to miss today’s episode!
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Historical background on the DH position
- Quick hits on the argument against the universal DH rule
- American League versus National League: leveling the playing field
- How the universal DH affects strategic aspects of the game
- The argument that the DH only serves the more out-of-shape sluggers
- Viewing the DH position as a way to extend careers
- Comparing pitching in MLB to playing quarterback in the NFL
- Trading entertainment for better offense
- Benefits of keeping the rules consistent between AL and NL
- Share your opinion of the universal DH on our Facebook Group!
Join our Private Caught in a Pickle Facebook Group to get in on the conversation. Participate in polls, questions, and discussions. Your insights and thoughts could be featured on the show!
The Need for Speed. We want things now, we want things quickly, and we want to move on to the next thing. This of course has bled into baseball. We are in a frenetic pace of a smaller world and an age of the internet and social media that shows no signs of slowing down. Because of this, baseball fans are being forced to wrestle with the idea of a sport without a clock. Is the game too slow or boring to grab the next generation? Is this one of those vital areas that baseball needs to “adapt or die?” Or, is it maybe just what the doctor ordered to combat our society’s obsession with the hustle culture? It’s one of baseball’s biggest “problems” that everyone seems to have an opinion on. So, let’s talk about it, and see if we can’t find some middle ground.
On today’s episode, I’m joined by high school baseball coach Jake Haney. We got to have an awesome discussion about his years of experience with younger players. We touch on multiple tradition versus evolution topics like…Where does he land on the tradition and evolution scale? Have baseball players changed from previous generations? Thoughts on the Little League World Series. And if a High School coach was commissioner for a day, how would the game look different? All this and more on Caught in a Pickle.
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One of the hottest topics in baseball it seems has to do with defensive shifts. We’ll take a look how shifts started, how they’ve evolved, and should any changes be made to rules, approaches to hitting, or both. Should shifts be banned? Should professional hitters be able to adjust? Should the art of bunting make a comeback? And what does pie have to do with playing defense?
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Who you are greatly impacts how you see the game of baseball. Your age, where you’re from, your favorite teams and players. Even things like your race, nationality, and economic position can have a huge impact on your views and opinions, affecting some things as granular as our perception of balls and strikes and safe or out. Baseball, and even sport in general, thrives on subjectivity. So, let’s explore this idea a little deeper today on Caught in a Pickle.
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The baseball podcast diving into the tension between tradition and evolution.
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